Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 47 of 56)

: In December, 1853, while still a resident of the mother country, Mr. Austin joined the Odd Fellows lodge, but has never affiliated with the organization since coming to the United States. Mrs. Austin is a member of the Congregational church, but his religious views do not conform to those of any creed, although he contributes toward the support of the churches and various charitable organizations. In politics he is a democrat in national issues, but casts an independent ballot at local elections. He served for two years as mayor of Abing-, don and for an equal period as county supervisor, while for three years he was on the local school board, refusing to serve for a longer period. He also acted as alderman for a year. Mr. Austin has always been a wide reader of both philosophy and history and is one of the well informed men of his community. He has ever been noted for his remarkable memory, and is generally regarded as having a more vivid recollection and better knowledge of Abingdon's early history than any other living citizen. It is customary for those in doubt about any fact of early local history to refer the enquirer to "Tom" Austin, feeling confident that the desired information can be obtained there. During the long period of his residence in the United States, Mr. Austin has never had occasion to regret transferring his allegiance to the younger country, having here met with a fair degree of success. . .. ; -.,

William B. Main, deceased, a resident of the town of Abingdon for more than three decades, who for a number of years was prominently identified with its business interests as a leading hardware merchant, has lived retired from.; 1896 up to the time of his death, in January, 1912. His birth occurred on Snowdon Hill. Otsego county. New York, on the 7th of December, 1835. ^'S parents being Thomas P. and Laura (Allen) Main. The first emigrant ancestor of the Main family came to the United States from the vicinity of Edinburgh, Scotland, in May, 1680, landing in New York and thence going to Stonington, Connecticut, where he took up his abode. William B. Main represented the sixth generation of the family in this country. Thomas P. Main, the father of William B. Main, was born in Otsego county. New York, on the old Main homestead which had been in possession of the family for several generations, his natal day being May 31, 1798. He remained in his native county until 1838 and then removed to Bainbridge, Chenango county. New York. The tract on which he settled was a primeval forest and his first task was the clearing of to come to Abingdon. He did so, finding employment as a blacksmith with Latimer & Shaffer, \vho were wagonmakers. On the 2Otli of July, 1857, Mr. Austin opened a blacksmith shop in Abingdon. which he has ever since operated.

On the 3Oth of October. 1862. Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. McElrea, who at that time was residing in Indian Point township. Mrs. Austin was born in Warren county. Illinois, but is of Irish extraction, her father having been a native of the Emerald isle. Three children were born of this marriage, but one of whom is now living, Anna M., the wife of Charles Harshberger, of Abingdon.

In December. 1853, while still a resident of the mother country, Mr. Austin joined the Odd Eellows lodge, but has never affiliated with the organization since coming to the I'nited States. Mrs. Austin is a member of the Congregational church, but his religious views do not conform to those of any creed, although he contributes toward the support of the churches and various charitable organizations. In jwlitics he is a democrat in national issues, but casts an independent ballot at local elections. He server! for two years as mayor of Abingdon and for an e(|ual period as county supervisor, while for three years he was on the local school board, refusing to serve for a longer period. He also acted as alderman for a year. Mr. Austin has always been a wide reader of both philosophy and history and is one of the well informed men of his community. He has ever been noted for his remarkal)lc memory, and is generally regarded as having a more vivid recollection and better knowledge of Abingdon's early history than any other living citizen. It is customary for those in doubt about any fact of early local history to refer the encjuirer to "Tom" Austin, feeling confident that the desired information can be obtained there. During the long period of his residence in the United States, Mr. Austin has never had occasion to regret transferring his allegiance to the younger country, having here met with a fair degree of success.

William P.. Main, deceased, a resident of the town of Abingdon for more than three decades, who for a number of years was prominently identified with its business interests as a leading hardware merchant, has lived retired from 1896 up to the time of his death, in January. 1912. His birth occurred on Snowdon llill. Otsego county, Xew York, on the Jth of December. 1835. His parents being Thomas P. and Laura (Allen) Main. The first emigrant ancestor of the ^^ain family came to the I'nited States from the vicinity of Edinburgh, Scotland, in May. iTiRo, landing in Xew York and thence going to Stonington, Connecticut, where he took up his abode. William B. Main represented the sixth generation of the family in this country. Thomas P. Main, the father of William 15. Main, was born in Otsego county, Xew York, on the old Main homestead which had been in ])ossession of the family for several generations, his natal day being May 31, 1798. He remained in his native county until 1838 and then removed to Bainbridge. Chenango county, Xew York. The tract on which he settled was a primeval forest and his first task was the clearing of

'-:. - William B. Main acquired his early education in the district schools but his advantages in this direction were meager, for his services were required on the home farm and he was able to attend school for only about two months each winter, often being too busy to begin his studies until after the ist of January. -V.: On attaining the age of twenty years he started out in life on his own account, ' ' securing employment as a farm hand in Chenango county. In 1857 he came to Altona, Knox county, Illinois, here breaking prairie and operating a threshing '. : machine and working as post driver until i86i. In that year he enlisted for ;. three year's service in the Union army, becoming a member of Company I, /' ': Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on the 25th of May. At the siege of Fort Donelson, however, he was obliged to sleep on the snow and share one --''- blanket with two other men, contracting a severe cold. This together with a chronic enteric sickness, reduced his weight from one hundred and sixty to one hundred and six pounds and on April 28, 1862, he was discharged on account V of disability. He returned to Galesburg, Illinois, and was an invalid through- ; out the summer. In the fall he took up railroad work and was soon afterward ' '-^ made a conductor on the Burlington road, running a freight train from Gales- ; burg to Aurora for seven years and a passenger train from Galesburg to -':'-'- Peoria for ten years. In 1878, in company with A. J. Shaw and William Wincup, he went to northwestern Texas and acquired some twenty thousand acres of land in Floyd and Hale counties. Buying railroad land warrants, paying .; '. sixty-five dollars for warrants covering six hundred and forty acres, and also ' -: incurring additional expense for surveys and entrance fees, the land cost them

- r fall of 1878 he traded some Texas land for one of the best residences in Abingdon as well as a farm near the town. In the spring of 1879 he came to Abing- banking interests over to his son-in-law. For twenty years he acted as trustee -:=; ' of Hedding College and for several years was chairman of the finance corn- ;.'. mittee and treasurer of the college. . - 1 ; ' . - :' '" : church, to which his wife now belongs. Mr. Main died in January, 1912, in the i'.;,; seventy-eighth year of his life. He enjoyed to a large extent the respect and ;- veneration of all who came in contact with him in a business or social way and ' ; is sincerely mourned by a host of friends who reverently cherish his memory. - - His loss is irreparable to his immediate family, to whom he was the most devoted ; ..

- Benjamin Franklin Shaffer, who has resided in Knox county for fifty-seven years, is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens within its borders. The earlier years of his manhood were spent as a farmer and stockman, while later he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. At the present time, however, he is living on his farm adjoining the town of Williamsfield. His birth occurred near Youngwomans Town, Cameron county, Pennsylvania, on the ist of January, 1848, his parents being Benjamin B. and Elizabeth (Caldwell) Shaffer. The father was born near Sinnamahoning, Clinton county, Pennsylvania, while the mother's birth occurred near Youngwomans Town, Cameron county, that state. Both were consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Benjamin B. Shaffer was a local minister for many years and while in Pennsylvania also engaged in the lumber business. In 1855 he came to Illinois, settling on a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Truro township, Knox county. ,. r-: = -..-.';! v ;. '^

Benjamin Franklin Shaffer, who was a little lad of seven when he came with his parents to this county, obtained his early education in a district school and later continued his studies in the Yates City high school. Together with two brothers, he also assisted in the operation of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When twenty-two years of age, his father having taken up his abode in Yates City, our subject rented the homestead place and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits on his own account, devoting considerable time to stock. A great lover of animals he takes keen interest in stock of all kinds and was one of the first to introduce imported Norman horses. While on the farm he met with a serious accident, which crippled him for life and made him unable to walk without crutches for six or eight years. Finding it difficult to carry on the work of the fields thus handicapped, he embarked in the mercantile business at Douglas, Illinois, in 1882, remaining there until 1888, when he removed to Williamsfield, where he conducted the first store and also the post- - office. At the end of two years his health had become so impaired that he abandoned mercantile pursuits and traded his store for some Kansas land and Norman horses. Since that time he has resided on his farm adjoining the town of Williamsfield, now making his home with his two youngest children.

On the 5th of November, 1874, Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Lydia Foster, a daughter of Thomas J. and Sarah H. Foster. The first representative of the family in this country was the grandfather of Mrs. Shaffer, a successful farmer and stock dealer, who came to the United States in 1834. Our subject and his wife had seven children, four of whom are yet living. Thomas B., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work, is a druggist of Oneida. Bertha Aves, whose birth occurred on the I4th of August, 1880, attended Knox College and also received an excellent musical education, teaching that art for a time. On the 23d of June, 1909, she gave her hand in marriage to James A. McHenry, of Cofleyville, Kansas, who acts as cashier for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company at that place. Ada Elizabeth, whose natal day was May 12, 1884, is a graduate of the Williamsfield high school and followed the profession of teaching for a number of years. William Caldwell, who was born on the ist of February, 1886, is also a graduate of the Williamsfield high school.

Mr. Shaffer gives his political allegiance to the democracy and for many years has served as school director and commissioner of highways. For six years he acted as democratic chairman of Truro township and during both of President Cleveland's administrations held the office of postmaster, serving during his first term at Douglas, Illinois, and during his second term at Williamsfield. In 1869 he joined the Odd Fellows lodge but later resigned therefrom and in 1888 became identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is still a member. Since 1898 he has also belonged to the Bankers Life Association. In the county where he has resided from early boyhood. Mr. Shaffer has a circle of friends that is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Michael Baymiller

Michael Baymiller, who for the past twenty-one years has lived retired in ' Abingdon, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 2Oth of October, 1835. He is a son of John and Mary (Smith) Baymiller. natives of York county, that state, where they were also married. Later they located in Cumberland county, whence they migrated to Ohio, settling in Columbiana county, subsequently removing to Harrison and later to Montgomery counties. In 1854 they came to Illinois, locating on a farm in McDonough county that he cultivated until his retirement, when he went to Industry, where he was living at the time of his death. Mr. Baymiller, who was a veteran of the war of 1812, was a stanch democrat in his political principles, but was never an office seeker. Both he and his wife were ardent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which they reared their family.

The boyhood and youth of Michael Baymiller were spent in the country, his education being obtained in the district schools. When he had attained the age of eighteen years he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, but upon the completion of his period of service returned to the farm. He devoted his energies to the cultivation of the soil until 1862 and in September of that year he enlisted as a private in Company I, Seventy-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and went to the front. He saw much hard service, participating in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Bentonville and the siege of Atlanta. He was also with Sherman when he made his famous march to the sea. On the 7th of June, 1865, he was mustered out and returning home, spent the ensuing year on his father's farm. At the expiration of that period he opened a shop and for five years thereafter gave his undivided attention to the cabinet-maker's trade. He withdrew from this in 1871 and engaged in carpentry work and contracting during the remaining period of his active career. About 1890 he removed to Abingdon, where he has ever since resided and is held in high esteem.

Mr. Baymiller has been twice married, his first union having been with ^fiss Mahala Pennington of Industry township, McDonough county, in 1860. One son was born unto them, Joel Franklin, who is residing in Pullman, Washington. Mrs. Baymiller died while he was in the service and in 1866 he was married the second time, his choice being Miss Martha A. Carroll, also of Industry. Of this union there were born three children, two of whom are living: Minnie M., who is an osteopath physician; and Clarence B., a principal of a Peoria school. Both are graduates of Hedding College. The mother of these children passed away in 1905.

Politically, Mr. Baymiller is a prohibitionist, thus voicing his views on the liquor question and, in matters of faith, he is a Methodist. He is well known in Abingdon and although he has never taken any part in the public life of the town has, by reason of his many fine personal qualities, won the high regard and friendship of many of the best citizens.

eight years of his life were spent in the old country, but being ambitious and energetic he early determined to come to America, feeling assured that here he would find greater opp)ortunities. In 1868 he took passage for the United States, arriving here with a capital of six dollars. He first located in Galesburg but after working there for a short time went to Knoxville, where for several years he held the position of section foreman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Possessing the thrift that usually characterizes the people of. his country he had carefully saved a portion of his earnings until in 1880 he had accumulated sufficient means to enable him to engage in farming. He first located in Orange township, where he spent nineteen years, at the expiration of which period he removed to his present homestead in Cedar township. Here he owns one hundred and seventy acres of fertile land, upon which he has wrought extensive improvements, and is successfully engaged in general farming. ::-->-; ^v'-': .- -:- ;-

In 1871 Mr. Sweborg was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Anderson, and of this union there were born four children : Ernest, who follows the carf>enter's trade in Galesburg; Albin J., who is living on a farm adjoining his father's place ; and Amanda and A. D., both of whom are at home. - In religious matters the family have always affiliated with the Swedish Lutheran church of which the parents are members. Mr. Sweborg is one of those energetic and industrious Scandinavians who have figured so prominently in the agricultural development of the great middle west, of which they have become an integral part. 0 ;;''---.-- ' .,"::----'----:' -:^;:V;'^':-'-'' ;.^"-^';".' ' ^ '^'-vj: '.::.'-'-.,''-'. ,v''\'-

Varied interests engage the attention of N. Henry McGirr, who is one of the extensive property owners of Maquon township in addition to which he operates a farming machinery and implement store, and a blacksmith and machinery repair shop at Maquon. His present homestead, which is three and a half miles from Maquon, is located across the road from the farm where his birth occurred on April 9, 1860. His father, Mahlon McGirr, was bom in Stark county, Ohio, in 1827, and there he spent the first eleven years of his life. His .next place of residence was Washington county, Ohio, where he lived for about twelve years, and then came to Maquon. He followed the blacksmith's trade in Ohio, but after coming here, he did carpentry work, but subsequently withdrew from this trade and took up farming, which he followed until his death at the age of sixty-seven. Eor his wife Mr. McGirr chose Miss Sarah L. Barbero, and together they at one time owned four hundred and twenty-seven acres of land in Knox county, a portion of this now being the property of our subject. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McGirr there were born six children: Leslie; Levi; N. Henry, our subject; Frederick, who is deceased; Rosie L. ; and Mary. In his religious faith the father was a Quaker. :.-. - .'- . -

Reared in the township where he was born N. Henry McGirr attended tlie district schools of the vicinity until he was old enough to begin preparations for his real life work. After laying aside his school books, he entered a black- smith shop in Maquon, where he learned the trade. As soon as he became selfsupporting, like the majority of ambitious young men he was desirous of seeing the world, so he set out for the west, where he spent a few years. Returning to Maquon he established a shop that he operated for a time, and then went to the Black Hills, where he remained until 1888. In the latter year he located in Galesburg, taking a position on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, where for five years and ten months he was fireman on an engine. At the expiration of that period he decided to take up farming, and after his father's death, in 1894, he returned to Maquon township. Here he now owns three hundred and four acres of fine land, the greater part of which he rents to his son, devoting his entire attention to conducting his business. In his store is to be found practically everything in the way of farming implements, machinery, hardware, fences, seed or appliances of any kind needed by the average agriculturist. He also has a shop where he repairs machinery of all kinds and also does horseshoeing, and such other work as is usually done in a blacksmith establishment. Rare mechanical skill and business sagacity have enabled Mr. McGirr 'to make a success of anything he has undertaken, and he is now one of the substantial and highly prosperous citizens of Maquon township.

For his companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Eva May McCord, of this county, and they have one son, Glenn, who was born in February, 1884. He married Miss Freda Bearmore and they have two children, Nona and Eva. Glenn McGirr is one of the successful young agriculturists of Knox county and now operates the greater part of his father's land.

Fraternally Mr. McGirr is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his political support he gives to the republican party, but has always been too deeply engrossed in promoting his own interests to devote much attention to political activities.

George P. Edmundson

Possessing those qualities - industry, energy and perseverance - so necessary for success in any line of activity, George P. Edmundson has, by close appli-, cation and wise management, brought himself to a creditable place among the substantial agriculturists of Knox county, within whose borders his entire life has been spent. He was born in Indian Point township, on the 6th of July, 1853, a son of William and Anna Edmundson, natives of North Carolina and Ohio respectively. The parents came to Knox county, Illinois, as early as 1840, and here located upon land which is now in possession of our subject. At that time land was very reasonable in this locality and Mr. Edmundson became the owner, through purchase, of one hundred and ninety-two acres located in Indian Point township, to the development and improvement of which he devoted his time and attention throughout his remaining days. He and his wife are both now deceased. Of their family of nine children four are yet surviving. The sisters of our subject are Elizabeth, Josephine and Maria Thursy, the latter the wife of Luke Fielder, of Knox county. . . . _ . . '

Reared amid the wholesome scenes and environment of rural life, George P. Edmundson became a pupil in the district schools of Indian Point township, devoting the winter months to the acquirement of an education while the summer seasons were spent in assisting his father in the work of the home farm. As soon as he was able to handle the plow he took his place in the fields and with his increasing strength and years new tasks were assigned to him until he had mastered the various branches of agriculture. His entire life has been devoted to this line of activity and since his father's demise he has remained on the home place, concentrating his energies upon its further improvement and cultivation. He now owns and operates one hundred and tvyenty acres, located on section 29, Indian Point township, constituting a farm as well kept and valuable as any in this locality. Earnest, industrious and persevering, he has carefully and systematically performed all of the various labors that comprise the life of the farmer, and the excellent condition of his fields today indicates the successful accomplishment of his undertaking.

Mr. Edmundson was married, in 1882, to Miss Laura A. Rowe, who was born in Indian Point township, Knox county, a daughter of Silas an3 Mary Rowe, early settlers of this county. The father is now deceased but the mother still survives at the remarkable old age of ninety-six years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Edmundson has been blessed with six children of whom two, however, have passed away. Those surviving are: Elorence, who is the wife of Andrew Hobbs, a farmer of Indian Point township, and the mother of a son, CliflFord ; Mina, who married Jesse Baker, of Warren county, Illinois ; and Eranklin and Daisy, both at home, the elder assisting his father in the operation of the home farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Edmundson hold membership in the Christian church, the teachings of which form the guiding influences of their life, and members of their family are also affiliated with that denomination. Clean principles, high purpose and honorable dealing will win esteem and confidence in any land and clime, and that these qualities have been manifest in the life of George P. Edmundson is indicated by the high place which he has won in the regard of his fellowmen.

John Galpin, one of the early settlers of Knox county, Illinois, and for fiftynine years closely associated with the life and history of this locality, was born in Morgan county, Indiana, in 1827. He was a son of T. L. Galpin, a native of New York state, who came west settling in Indiana in 1820. Later he removed to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he died at the age of seventy-two. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Case, died in 1840 at the age of forty. There were nine children in the family. , , *

John Galpin obtained his education in Knox county in the old log schoolhouse near his home. It was a rude little structure with square pieces cut out of the solid log to serve as windows and hard slab benches on which the pupils sat. There were deep woods all about and the way to and from school was long and difficult for most of the children. When eighteen years old he learned

, the coop>er trade and worked at this occupation for five years. In 1850 he joined \ the multitudes thronging to the gold fields of California and in 1852 returned to -' Illinois, settling in Knox county, where he bought a farm on Spoon river. Later he sold this place and bought eighty acres of land elsewhere, selling it after a . time and buying the farm which he owns at present, one hundred and sixty acres in Elba township, Knox county. Here he improved the land, put up substantial buildings, and pursued general farming as well as stock-raising for many years. He is now living retired, making his home with his son, who is operating the farm and continuing its cultivation according to the progressive methods of modern farming.

The marriage of Miss Augusta Curtis and Mr. Galpin occurred on November 8, 1852. She is a native of Washington county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Paul and Sarah Ann (Dilly) Curtis, residents of Ohio who became early settlers of Illinois, living in Jersey county, then in Jo Daviess county and lastly in Knox county. The father died at the age of ninety-three and the mother at the age of seventy-three. They were the parents of nine children.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Galpin there were nine children. George Ogden died in infancy. T. L., living in Galesburg, married Miss Jennie Callahan and is the father of one child. Sadie, the wife of Mr. Case, lives in Chicago and is the mother of two children. Mary, the wife of Mr. Youngs, is living in Missouri. There were nine children in her family. John Wesley, married to Dora .Mason, resides in Kewanee, Illinois. Henry, married to Jessie Connell, lives at Williamsfield and is the father of two children. Frank, married to Miss Lowman, lives one mile east of the home farm. He is the father of one child. Rosa, who married Mr. Sherman of Galesburg, has one child. Fred F., the youngest son, operates the home farm in Elba township. His wife was formerly Miss Martha Dobbs. They are the parents of one child.

In politics Mr. Galpin gives his allegiance to the republican party. He held the office of school director for a number of years. He and his wife are menibers of the Methodist Episcopal church and their earnest Christian lives have won for them the respect of all who know them, and among the inhabitants of Knox county they have a host of warm friends. ; . - .' ', \: .

Joseph Gehring, now retired, was formerly a prosperous representative of the farming and stock-raising interests in Knox county. Illinois. He was born March i6, 1856, in Sparta township, east of Wataga. He was a son of Xavier and Elizabeth (Heminger) Gehring, both natives of Germany, the former born in Baden, February 9, 1825, the latter in Wurtemberg, in 1826. The paternal grandparents were Bennett and Elizabeth (Closman) Gehring and the greatgrandparents were Mathias and Susan Gehring. On coming to this country, the father of our subject remained in New York during the first four years, working for four dollars a month. In 1853 he came west to Knox county, Illinois, locating in Sparta township. He bought the old homestead which is still in the family and there lived for fifty-one years, carrying on agricultural pursuits on a large scale and feeding sometimes as many as one hundred head of cattle for the market. He was a member of the Lutheran church and in his political predilections was a republican. His death occurred in 1906. There were three children in his family: Henry, who is living in Galesburg; Amelia, the wife of P. A. McDowell, living on a farm in Copley township; and Joseph. After attending the district school Joseph Gehring assisted his father with the work of the farm until he was twenty-four years old. He then married and, purchasing a farm near Wataga, engaged in farming on his own account. For twenty-four years he cultivated and improved this land and raised stock for shipment. During this time he acquired much additional land, owning on his retirement in 1903 several farms, most of which land he divided among his children.

/- In 1880 Mr. Gehring married Miss Cora Peterson, a daughter of O. P. Peterson, who was a native of Sweden. Her death occurred in 1895 at the age ot thirty-five. By this marriage Mr. Gehring became the father of four children. Adella Maud is the wife of H. L. Freed, a depot agent at Wataga for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and they have one child, Arthur Lee. Edna May, formerly a bookkeeper in Galesburg, has for the past two years held the position of cashier of the Bank of Wataga. Arthur Joseph married Nina MacDonald and is now operating the home farm in Sparta township. Myrtle Irene is the wife of Winn Miller, an automobile electrician living

Mr. Gehring was again married, March 25, 1896, at the home of the bride's parents in Wataga, his second union being with Miss Harriet A. Knight, who was born at that place February 26, 1867. By this union there is one child, Frank Earl, living at home. Mrs. Gehring is a daughter of Peter and Sarah A. '^Morgan) Knight. Her father was born in Gloucestershire, England, January 26, 1828, his parents being William and Sarah Knight, of Gloucestershire. In 1854 he came to America and here worked at the mason's trade during the summer months, while during the winter he engaged in coal mining. He married Miss Sarah A. Morgan, who was also born in Gloucestershire, England, June 21, 1849,- and was a daughter of Abram and Mary J. (Philips) Morgan. She was only three years of age when her mother died and her father subsequently married Miss Eliza Morgan, also of Gloucestershire. In 1856 the family emigrated to the United States, the children being at that time Sarah and an infant son, Isaac. In religious faith they were Congregationalists. To Mr. and Mrs. Knight were born two children. Harriet A. and William A., of Wataga. Mr. Knight died on the 24th of April, 1904. / '\ .'

Both Mr. and Mrs. Gehring are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Wataga, in which he served as a trustee for twenty-five years, having altogether filled that office for the past thirty-one years. Fraternally he is an active member of the Mystic Workers of the World. He is a strong prohibitionist in his political views and has held the office of school director for sixteen years. Mrs. Gehring is also a member of the Mystic Workers and during girlhood joined the Independent Order of Good Templars, becoming a member of the lodge at Wataga in 1884. She now holds membership with the Women's Christian Temperance Union and was president of that organization in 1896. For the past four years she has been president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal church, has taught the primary class in the Sunday school for twelve years and for several years before that time taught in the intermediate grades. Both «he and her husband have taken a prominent part in the moral development of the community and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

. . c. R. Bliss is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 20, Chestnut township, where he operates three hundred and fifty acres of land, one hundred and forty of which he owns. He was born on the farm where he now resides on the 2d of October, 1883, his parents being C. T. and Harriet (Coffman) Bliss, both natives of Ohio. The father, who was born near Lake Erie came to Illinois during his early manhood, locating on the farm where our subject now lives. He devoted his time and attention to the cultivation and improvement of this property during the remainder of his life. The mother, whose birth occurred in Clinton county, Ohio, came to Illinois with her brother and here she met the man who subsequently became her husband. She is still living and now makes her home in Abingdon. the father, however, passed away in 1899 and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Hermon. Mr. Bliss belonged to the Christian church, of which his widow is still a member, and fraternally he was an Odd Fellow. He had a brother Azro, who went to the front during the Civil war and there he died. In politics Mr. Bliss was a stanch republican, and always took an earnest interest in all public matters, particularly local affairs of a governmental nature. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bliss numbered five; L. W., who is deceased ; Charles, who passed away in 1896 ; Laura, who is unmarried and living at home; Emma, the wife of W. E. May, a resident of Nolan, New Mexico ; and C. R., who is our subject.

From his infancy C. R. Bliss has been accustomed to life in the country, always having lived amid the scenes now associated with his daily life. In the acquirement of an education he attended the district schools in the vicinity of his home, after the completion of which he studied for a time at Hedding College, and also pursued a commercial course in the Gem City Business College. Having decided that he preferred life on the farm to a commercial career, he returned home and directed his attention along agricultural lines. From his earliest boyhood he had been trained in the care of the fields and crops and by the time he had attained his maturity was a good practical farmer, having a comprehensive knowledge of all the principles of general agriculture as well as stock-raising. Mr. Bliss has met with a goodly measure of success in the direction of his undertakings because of his capable and intelligent manner of concentrating his energies so as to attain the highest results with the minimum expenditure of effort. He is progressive in his methods, sparing no expense in equipping his farm with all modern agricultural implements, but he is practical in his ideas and conservative, not too quickly abandoning an old, well tried method for a fad of the moment. He is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of fertile, highly cultivated land, upon which he maintains good improvements, his being one of the attractive places of the township. In connection with general farming he engages in raising and feeding stock, undertakings which have proven to be most remunerative under his capable supervision.

Mr. Bliss completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage, in 1904, to Miss Isabelle Walker, who is a native of Hancock county, Illinois. Of this union there have been born two children : Frances, who is deceased ; and Richard, who is an interesting child of three years.

The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Bliss is made manifest through their membership in the Christian church, while politically he is a republican in principle, but in local elections gives his support to the man he deems best qualified to subserve the interests of the community, irrespective of party indorsement. Mr. Bliss is one of the self-reliant, energetic men of Chestnut township, whose unremitting efforts are rapidly bringing him to the fore, and he is becoming known as one of the competent and prosperous farmers of his : community.

The attractiveness of Illinois as a place of residence is indicated by the fact ,- , that many of her native sons have remained within her borders, believing that ' her advantages and opportunities are equal if not superior to those to be secured ;- , in other parts of the country. This number includes Edward Stegall, who was .. :- born in Cedar township, Knox county, on the farm which is yet his home, on ;; the 23d of April, 1862. His parents. Nelson and Elizabeth (Bowman) Stegall, ; were both natives of Ohio, where the father engaged in farming for a time. His father had been a soldier in the war of 1812. At an early day the parents of Edward Stegall came to Illinois, settling in Knox county, and here the father entered a tract of government land, located on section 22, Cedar township. It was unbroken prairie when it came into his possession, covered with ^ native grasses, and upon it not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. He at once brought the land under cultivation, however, planting the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and it was not long before his farm v -' had been converted into attractive fields, annually bearing abundant harvests. : V He continued to devote his time and energies to its further development through- '. : out his remaining years, and here he passed away in 1893, having survived his wife, who also died on the old homestead, for three years. Nelson Stegall had three brothers, Frederick, Solomon and Ambrose, who likewise came to Illinois, ; locating in Knox county, but they, too, are now deceased. ;}

No event of special importance came to vafy the routine of life for Edward 0 : Stegall during the period of his boyhood and youth, which was devoted to the ;. acquirement of an education in the country schools ef Cedar county and to the .;; . performance of such tasks as usually fall to the lot of the country lad. He v early became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvest- ^ ing, and continued his father's assistant in the work of the farm until the latter's - . death, since which time he has operated the old homestead, promoting its de- .

velopment and improvement until today it is one of the highly cultivated and valuable properties of the township. It is the visible evidence of his industry, thrift ari3 enterprise, qualities which have ever been salient elements in his nature, and in its well kept appearance it denotes practical methods and a progressive course.

Mr. Stegall was married in Knox county, Illinois, on the Qth of March, 1881, to Miss Mary C. Smith, who was born in Cedar township, this county, on the 1 6th of August, 1864, a daughter of Mack and Ellen (Hickman) Smith. Her parents were both born in Kentucky and at an early day came to Knox county, where they made their home for some time, the father here engaging in farming. Later they took up their abode in Iowa and there continued to make their home until called from this life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stegall were born fifteen children, but one is now deceased. Those surviving are as follows : Mack, of Abingdon, Illinois, who married Miss Ethel Wycoff, of that city, and now has two children, Russell and Clyde ; Ellen, who married Clark Shelton, of Abingdon, and is the mother of three children. Lee, Frances and Floyd ; Elizabeth, at home ; Nelson, who married Lena Scholz, by whom he has ope daughter, Dortha ; and Clyde, Martin, Alcie. Ray, Vema, Harvey, Martha, Ada and Vada. twins, and Claude all yet at home.

Mrs. Stegall holds membership in the Congregational church, while the political allegiance of Mr. Stegall is given to the democratic party. He is serving at present as a school director of Cedar township, although he is not a politician in the sense of office-seeking, and the cause of education finds in him a warm champion. The success which has attended his efforts in connection with his agricultural interests entitles him to recognition among the prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the community. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Knox county he is widely known throughout this locality, and the fact that many of the comrades of his youth continue to remain his best friends indicates that his life has ever been actuated by high and manly principles. , < : '-' 'C V^ . ' '^ ' -

J. H. Cain

J. H. Cain is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a fine eighty acre tract on section 30, Chestnut township, which he has owned and operated for the past thirteen years. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on February 5, 1851, the youngest son and fifth child in a family of eight bom of the union of Daniel and Nancy Jane (Jones) Cain. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in the vicinity of Pittsburg, where he spent the first nine years of his life. At the end of that time he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, where they lived during the remainder of their days. They located in Fulton county and there Daniel Cain was reared to manhood, completing his education in the public schools of his adopted state. He adopted agriculture for his life vocation, first following this activity in Illinois but subsequently removed to Missouri, where he resided for several years. Later he returned to Illinois, again settling in Fulton county, whence he came to Knox county, where he is still living. The mother, who was a native of the state of New York came to Illinois with her family when quite young. They were farming people in Fulton county and there she met and subsequently married Mr. Cain. She passed away thirty-five years ago. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cain there were born eight children, those beside our subject being: Angeline. the wife of William Bowden, of Hermon ; Catherine and Caroline, both of whom are deceased ; Delia, the wife of Marion Allen, who is deceased, of Galesburg; Mary, also deceased; Fanny, the wife of John Dolan of Chicago; and Helen, who married Douglas Roberts of Farmington.

Reared on his father's farm, in the acquirement of his education J. H. Cain attended the common schools of his native state. While iriastering the common branches of English learning, he was also becoming familiar with the practical methods of farming under the supervision and direction of his father. He remained at home until he was twenty years of age, when he set out on an independent career. During the succeeding five years he worked as a farm hand, but by means of his industry and thrift succeeded in accumulating sufficient . capital to enable him to become a property owner at the expiration of the period. He invested his earnings in a tract of land located on section 31, and there for twenty-two years he assiduously applied his energies to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Cain took great pride in his farm and during his occupancy brought the land into a high state of cultivation and added many improvements to the property, thus greatly enhancing its attractiveness as well as value. Disposing of this he removed to his present homestead, whose fertile fields and substantially constructed and well repaired buildings make it a most desirable property. Mr. Cain has always made a specialty of stock-raising, particularly the breeding and raising of fine horses, being the owner of a fine Percheron stallion, "Champion," by name.

In 1876 Mr. Cain was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary D. Berry, and they have become the parents of eight children : George, who is a resident of Chestnut township; Nora, the wife of Charles Dikeman, of Delong, Illinois; Alice, who is unmarried, a typist of Chicago ; Nellie, the wife of George Eldridge, living with her parents ; Sarah, who is unmarried, a typist of Denver, Colorado : and Ralph, Bertha and Grace, all of whom are at home.

His political allegiance Mr. Cain gives to the republican party, and at the present time is serving as school director. , In matters religious he affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal church of which his wife is an earnest member. Mr. Cain is one of the well known and highly respected citizens of his township, where he has long resided.

Among the successful enterprises which constitute the business activity of Abingdon is numbered the livery establishment of George R. Byram, a representative of a family which has long been established in this district. Mr. Byram was born on a farm southwest of Abingdon, in Indian Point township, Knox county, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Nance) Byram, natives of Ohio and Knox county respectively. The maternal grandfather of George R.

Byram saw military service in one of the early wars, while the paternal grandfather was numbered among the early settlers of this section of the state. At an early day he brought his family to Knox county, establishing his home on a farm which he purchased, consisting of one hundred and seventy-three acres of land located southwest of Abingdon. After his death his son, Robert Byram, purchased the interests of the other heirs to the property and continued in its ownership and cultivation for a number of years. He is now living retired from active work and with his wife makes his home in Abingdon. Aside from his connection with agricultural pursuits he has also taken an active and helpful interest in public affairs, serving for a time as county supervisor and also as tax collector.

Opportunity for good mental training was afforded George R. Byram, his preliminary education being acquired in the schools of Abingdon, while later he had the benefit of study at Hedding College. His father's farm was the training ground upon which he received his early preparation for the practical duties of life, and after thoroughly mastering the various phases of agriculture he took up farming on his own account, being thus engaged for five years both in Indian Point and Cedar townships. In 1903 he took up his abode in Abingdon and in the following year purchased the livery business owned by the estate of L. S. Austin, to the conduct of which he has since devoted his time and attention. He now carries on a general livery and feed business that is up-todate and modern in all of its appointments, and in its management has been very prosperous, the gratifying degree of success which has attended his efforts being the result of keen business sagacity, close application and sound judgment.

It was on the 23d of February, 1897, that Mr. Byram was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Dingman, who was born in Iowa on the 6th of February, 1874. Her parents came to Abingdon at an early day and here the father engaged in bridge building, being accidentally killed while thus employed. His wife passed away during the early childhood of her daughter who, by her marriage to Mr. Byram, has become the mother of two children, Doren and Donald. Mr. and Mrs. Byram are members of the Christian church and occupy a prominent position in the social circles in which they move. Mr. Byram is keenly alive to the questions and issues of the day and his public spirit prompts his cooperation in all matters for the development and improvement of his home locality. . ^' ..^'-. -. :'/. ,

Andrew O. Anderson, whose time is devoted to general farming and stockraising in Sparta township, his place adjoining the old family homestead, was born on the 2Oth of November, 1860, upon the farm which has long been in the possession of the Anderson family. His father was Ole Anderson, who was born in Christiansund, Norway, February i8, 1820. His father Andrew Olson was born in Christiania, Norway. He followed farming throughout his entire life and both he and his wife, Mrs. Harriet Olson, remained residents of Norway until called to their final rest. Ole Anderson, the father, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country and in 1849 started for America, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mary Anderson, and their one child. While on shipboard on the way from the east to Ottawa the mother became ill and died when the family were between Chicago and Ottawa, her remains being interred at the latter place. For his second wife Mr. Anderson chose Betsy Anderson, who was born in Sweden, May 26, 1839, and was a daughter of Andrew Peterson, who was born in 1814 and came to America in early life, settling in Sparta township, Knox county, Illinois, where he became a prosperous farmer. He married Anna Hedlund, who was born Oct(3ber i8, 1815, and was a daughter of Jold and Elsie Hedlund, the former a soldier of Sweden, in which country he spent his entire life. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Olson were Peter and Betsy Larson. Following his second marriage Ole Anderson made his home in Sparta township, becoming one of the well known agriculturists of that community. He brought his land under a high state of cultivation and remained for many years on the old homestead, where he at length passed away. He was a Lutheran in his religious belief and was a republican in his political views. The party numbered him among its active and earnest workers for he did all that he could to advance its interests and secure its success. He was drafted for service in the Civil war but never went to the front. His widow still survives and is now living on the old homestead at the age of seventy-two years.

Andrew O. Anderson had the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm boy who is reared under the parental roof and divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. When he had put aside his text-books he devoted his entire attention to farm work, remaining with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-three years. Later he engaged in farming on his own account in Sparta township for five years and in 1885 went to Texas, where he was engaged in stock-raising for eleven years. He was convinced, however, that Illinois offered better opportunities to him and in 1896 he returned to Sparta township, where he resided until 1903. In that year he purchased his present farm adjoining the old homestead and is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits, cultivating the crops best adapted to soil and climate. By reason of his practical and progressive methods he secures good harvests and thus wins a substantial annual income. He also makes stock-raising a feature of his business and this also adds to his success.

Mr. Anderson has been married twice. He first wedded, in 1890, Emma Weedman, who was born in Victoria, this county, and is a daughter of Ole and Betsy Weedman. In 1896 Mr. Anderson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in that year, leaving two children : Esther, who was born in Texas, in 1891, and is now a student in Lombard University of Galesburg; and Rufus, who was born m 1895 and is now attending the public schools. For his second wife Mr. Anderson chose Miss Christine Norlum, who was born in Sweden, in 1883, and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Olaf NorJum, both of whom are yet living in Sweden. The children of the second marriage are Helen and Lloyd, aged respectively six and five years. , =. ^.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Anderson is a Mason, belonging to Oneida Lodge, No. 337, F. & A. M., which finds in him an exemplary representative.

true to its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindliness. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he has never held political office he has served for two terms on the school board and is a warm friends of the cause of education.

Among the gallant sons of Illinois, who donned the blue and went to the front in the '6os is C. A. Zenor, a pioneer merchant of Williamsfield, now living retired. He was bom in Putnam county, this state January 23, 1845, ^^^ 's a son of Jacob and Elvira (Skeel) Zenor. The father was born in Kentucky, and there he resided until 1833, when he came to Illinois, settling on a farm in Putnam county that he cultivated until his death at the age of sixty-seven years. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Zenor.

The early years of C. A. Zenor were not unlike those of other farmer lads of the pioneer period. He attended the public schools at Hennepin, this state, until he had mastered the common branches and also assisted his father in the work of the farm. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, starting for the front on the 1 3th of May, 1864. He later served in the Forty-seventh Illinois and was a member of the Sixteenth Corps. After the surrender of the Spanish Fort, they started for Montgomery, Alabama, in the midst of a driving storm. Before they began to march. General McArthur said, "Boys, you will be out of the rain soon," meaning that the war was almost over. On the 22d of April, near Greenville, Alabama, a staff officer mounted on a fleet horse came dashing along the line, shouting "Lee has surrendered !" The cheering was long and loud. The rain and mud that made marching almost impossible, their hunger and limited rations, and general physical discomfort was forgotten. The change in their appearance and movements was phenomenal, they were like new men, their vitality was restored and they had no thought save that the war was almost ended. The elation did not last long, however, for in the evening, at Montgomery, Alabama, word was received of the assassination of President Lincoln. Early in May they marched to Selma, one of the principal arsenals of the south, and on the 8th of August, 1865, the Sixteenth Corps was disbanded and the mustering out of the troops began. As there was no civil authority then in existence in the south, the Forty-Seventh Illinois was retained to assist in the readjustment of the disorganized country and to protect government property, as well as to restrain the bands of marauders then prevalent. On the 21 st of January, this regiment was also mustered out and took the train for the north. Just north of Corinth, Mississippi, in the night, they had a headon collision with a construction train loaded with negroes. Two of the soldiers were killed and a number were injured, while the other train was practically demolished and the majority of the negroes killed outright or terribly mangled. They arrived at Springfield, Illinois, on the 2d of February, 1866, and on the following day were paid and discharged. Very soon after his r'eturn home, Mr. Zenor resumed the duties of civil life as a clerk in a dry-goods store. He true to its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindliness. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he has never held political office he has served for two terms on the school board and is a warm friends of the cause of education.

Among the gallant sons of Illinois, who donned the blue and went to the front in the '6os is C. A. Zenor, a pioneer merchant of Williamsfield. now living retired. He was born in Putnam county, this state January 23, 1845, and is a son of Jacob and Elvira (Skeel) Zenor. The father was born in Kentucky, and there he resided until 1833, when he came to Illinois, settling on a farm in Putnam county that he cultivated luitil his death at tlie age of sixty-seven years. Xine children were born to ]Mr. and Mrs. Zenor.

The early years of C. A. Zenor were not imlike those of other farmer lads of the pioneer period. He attended the public schools at Hennepin. this state, until he had mastered the common branches and also assisted his father in the work of the farm. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois A'oluntcer Infantry, starting for the front on the 1 3th of May, 1864. He later served in the Forty-seventh Illinois and was a member of the Sixteenth Corps. After the surrender of the S])anisli Fort, they started for Montgomery. Alabama, in the midst of a driving storm. liefore they began to march. General McArthur said. "P.oys. you will be out of the rain soon." meaning that the war was almost over. On the 22(1 of Ajiril. near Greenville. Alabama, a staff officer mounted on a fleet horse came dashing along the line, sliouting "Lee has surrendered !" The cheering was long and loud. The rain and mud that made marching almost impossible, their hunger and limited rations, and general physical discomfort was forgotten. The change in their appearance and movements was ])henomenal. they were like new men. their vitality was restored and they had no thought save that the war was almost ended. The elation did not last long, however, for in the evening, at Montgomery. Alabama, word was received of the assassination of President Lincoln. Early in May they marched to Selma. one of the principal arsenals of the south, and on the 8th of August. 1865. the Sixteenth Corps was disbanded and the mustering out of the troops began. As there was no civil authority then in existence in the south, the Forty-Seventh Illinois was retained to assist in the readjustment of the disorganized country and to protect government property, as well as to restrain the bands of marauders then prevalent. On the 2 1st of January, this regiment was also mustered out and took the train for the north. Just north of Corinth. Mississippi, in the night, they had a headon collision with a construction train loaded with negroes. Two of the soldiers were killed and a number were injured, while the other train was practically demolished and the majority of the negroes killed outriglit or terribly mangled. They arrived at Si)ringfiel(l. Illinois, on the 2d of February. 1866, and on the following day were i)aid and discharged. \'ery soon after his return home. Mr. Zenor resumed the duties of civil life as a clerk in a dry-goods store. He subsequently engaged in business for himself in Williamsfield, continuing in this line until 1886, when his health failed and he went west to Nebraska. There he purchased a farm that he cultivated for six years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Williamsfield, and again went into business. In the early years of his mercantile life he was associated in business with a Mr. Ryan, under the firm name of Zenor & Ryan. They had purchased the establishment of Parker & Wilder, and later Mr. Zenor bought the interest of Mr. Ryan and took Mr. Elliott into partnership with him, but during the latter years of his commercial career he was associated with Mr. Nelson, the store being operated under the name of Zenor & Nelson. Soon after return-

- ing from the west Mr. Zenor sold his Nebraska farm and in 1908 he withdrew from business life and is now living retired. He still has property inter-

For his wife and helpmate, Mr. Zenor chose Miss Alice Thomas, who was born July 28, 1849, a daughter of H. C. Thomas, a farmer of Putnam county. They were married .March 25, 1869, and they became the parents of four children. Mildred, who is a graduate of music of Shenandoah, Iowa, married R. V. Field, of Galesburg, and they have two children, Lavonne and Zenor D. Mabel, . the second in order of birth, has passed away. Maude, the third daughter, who is a graduate of Knox College of Galesburg, married A. W. Gale, a farmer of Truro township, and they have one child, Alice. Zelda, the youngest in the

Mr. and Mrs. Zenor are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the

.' Grand Army of the Republic. His political allegiance he accords to the republican party and has served as township assessor and as a member of the local . school board and also of the town board. Mr. Zenor has met with success in his

;_ - various undertakings and is one of the prosperous and highly esteemed citizens of Williamsfield, where he has resided since the spring of 1892. v v

V Through the improvement of opportunities which Illinois offers in agricultural lines David South has gained prosperity which now ranks him among the representative citizens of Knox county. He is a native of Indiana, his

. birth there occurring on the 23d of January, 1842. His parents, William and Deliah South, were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, but for a number of years made their home in Indiana, where the father was engaged in

. Our subject and a half-brother are the only surviving members of the family. An older brother, Elijah South, who came to Knox county at an early day, being made upon a farm near St. Augustine. When old enough to enter the business world on his own account, he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and he has since devoted his energies to the occupation of farming, in which direction he is meeting with substantial

Mr. South has never married. He gives his political support to the democratic party. Although his life has had no exciting chapters it has ever been characterized by all that is honorable and upright in every relation, and his genuine personal worth has gained for him the friendship of a large number of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

Hugh A. Sloan is the owner of four hundred and seventy acres of highly improved and well cultivated land in Elba and Salem townships, Knox county, where he is most successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He resides on the northwest corner of section 3, Salem township, where he has spent practically his entire life, his birth having occurred there on the iQth of May, 1858. He is a son of John Sloan, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1827, and who was also reared and educated there. At the age of twenty-three years he decided to emigrate to the United States and on the I3th of November, 1850, he landed in St. Louis. He remained there until the I3th of the following month when he and his brother went to Oquaka, where he obtained employment as a member of a surveying crew at thirteen dollars per month. He drove the first stake in the survey made for the lines of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad east of the Mississippi river that year, remaining in the service of this company for seven years. During the period of his connection with them he held various positions, having assisted in laying out the road between Galesburg and Peoria, while for a time he was also an engineer. Ambitious and thrifty, he carefully saved as much of his salary as was not required to supply him with the actual necessities of life and in 1857 he had sufficient capital to buy a farm on section 4, Salem township. His ownership but proved an incentive to greater effort, and he applied himself with untiring energy to the cultivation and improvement of his homestead. He met with more than average success in his agricultural pursuits, owing to his concen- : tration and intelligent direction of his activities, and so was able to extend the boundaries of his farm from time to time until he had acquired eight hundred acres of land. In connection with the operation of his fields he made a specialty of breeding and raising Shorthorn cattle, being awarded most lucrative returns from both.

On the I3th of June, 1854, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Allen, also a native of County Antrim and a daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Caulfield) Allen, natives of the same county. The mother passed away on the 22d of November, 1832, during the infancy of her daughter, Mrs. Sloan. The paternal grandparents of our subject were James and Mary (Back) Sloan, who spent their lives in the Emerald isle. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.

John Sloan there were born seven children : Mary, the widow of J. W. Hensley of Yates City and Peoria, Illinois, now living in Chicago ; Hugh A., our subject; Sarah, who married E. H. Ware, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; James, who is living at home with his mother in Salem township; Susan, who was born on October 7, 1865, and died on the 27th of July, 1879; John, who was born on the 8th of October, 1872, and died on July 27, 1879; and Jessie, who died in August, 1879, at the age of two years and six months. The last three were victims of a diphtheria epidemic. Mrs. Sloan is a member of the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which denomination the family were reared. The father was a Mason, belonging to Yates City Lodge, No. 488, R. A. M. ; and his political views coincided with the principles of the democratic party. He was a man who always took a prominent and active interest in the development of the community and in its governmental affairs. From 1869 to 1878 he served as a member of the board of supervisors and was subsequently elected to the state legislature, being a member of the committee on township organizations and also the agricultural and horticultural committee. He was reelected in 1882 and in every way proved to be a most efficient and conscientious representative, reflecting credit upon himself and his constituency through his capable discharge of his responsibilities. When the county or town required the services of a man possessed of more than average powers of organization or executive ability, Mr. Sloan was called into requisition. He was appointed to a number of important committees among them being that of the building committee of the county courthouse, and in every instance his duties were fulfilled with a conscientious exactitude rarely to be found in public life. As a friend he was loyal and faithful, in matters of citizenship upright and honorable, while as a husband and father he was kind and indulgent, and when called to his rest on the 27th of April, 1889, there was deep regret and mourning not only in his immediate circle of family and friends but throughout the community where he had many friends by whom he was held in the highest esteem. Reared on the home farm, Hugh A. Sloan attended the schools of Salem township in the acquirement of his early education, supplemented by a brief period of study in the schools of Elmwood, Illinois. After acquiring such knowledge as was deemed essential to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life, he laid aside his school books and gave his entire time and attention to assisting in the work of the farm. Following his marriage in 1883, Mr. Sloan located on his present homestead, on which at that time there was neither a tree nor a building, but many changes have been effected during the long period of his occupancy, and there are now large commodious barns, substantially constructed outbuildings and a comfortable residence, the beauty and attractiveness of which is much enhanced by the large trees that thickly stud the lawn. During the early years of his agricultural pursuits he operated the farm in partnership with his father, but after the latter's death he took over his present holdings, these comprising a trifle more than half of his father's acreage. His fields are almost entirely devoted to cereals, such as can be used for the feeding of cattle, stock-raising being Mr. Sloan's specialty. He has always been very successful in both and is numbered among the highly prosperous farmers of the community, being recognized as a man whose rewards are only commensurate with the intelligent expenditure of effort.

On the 22d of March, 1883, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage to Miss Ida Eleanor Baird, who was born in Elba township on June i, 1862. Mrs. Sloan is the only child born of the marriage of Demartis and Charlotte (Wheeler) Baird, natives of Pennsylvania. During the early years of their domestic life they located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on Elba township, where Mrs. Sloan was born. Mr. Baird responded to his nation's call and went to the front in defense of the union, being killed in the battle of Resaca. When her little daughter was seven years old Mrs. Baird was married to L. A. Laurence of Yates City, and unto them were born five children, two of whom are living, as are also the parents, who make their home in Yates City. They affiliate with the Presbyterian church. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sloan there have been bom two children, Jessie May and John, both of whom are at home.

In matters of faith the family are Presbyterians, and fraternally Mr. Sloan is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the Yates City Camp. His political support has always been accorded to the democratic party and he has filled a number of public offices. He first served as school director, subsequently discharging the duties of road commissioner for eleven years in Salem township, while for ten years he was township supervisor. In the spring of 1911 he was again elected road commissioner, and he is also a member of the board of review and president of road and bridge board committee of Knox county. In the administration of his public duties Mr. Sloan has been as judicious and discreet as in the direction of his personal affairs, discharging his responsibilities in a manner to meet with the approval not only of his constituency but the community at large.

E. H. Ware is the owner of a fine farm of six hundred acres located in Salem and Maquon townships, Knox county, that he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. He was born on section 6, Salem township, the farm where he now resides, on the 6th of January, 1862, and is a son of W. K. and Priscilla (Stark) Ware. The parents are now both deceased, the mother having been sixty-two at the time of her demise, and are buried in the cemetery at Peoria, Illinois. W. K. Ware was one of the highly successful farmers and extensive landowners of the pioneer period, having acquired before his retirement five thousand acres of land. Both he and his wife attended the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics he was a republican, but not an office seeker. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ware there were born three children, of whom the eldest, W. D., is now deceased. Their only daughter, Ida H., became the wife of James A. Penick of Sheridan, Iowa ; and the youngest member of the family, E. H., is our subject. '/-.-. 1 .'"^^ ---

The youthful years of E. H. Ware were spent amid the scenes of his present home, his early education being obtained in the public schools of Douglas. Later he studied for a term or two at Abingdon and also at Sheridan, Iowa, for a time. Having been reared on a farm he early became familiar with the work of the fields and care of the stock and when old enough to lay aside his school books was fully qualified to assume the responsibilities of an agriculturist. He was married at the age of twenty-one years and immediately thereafter located on the place, where he now resides. Although the property is well improved and in a high state of cultivation, Mr. Ware has only made such minor changes as were necessitated by the passing of time, the buildings all being those erected during his father's life time. He has kept them well repaired and as they were substantially constructed, originally, are practically as good at the present time as they were when erected. Stock-raising has always engaged much of Mr. Ware's attention, and at the present time he is making a specialty of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, while formerly it was Poland China hogs, of which he raised about two hundred annually. All work upon his place is conducted under his personal supervision and he annually reaps abundant harvests, while the returns from stock-raising prove to be equally lucrative.

' In June, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ware and Miss Sarah A. Sloan of Salem township, where she had been born and reared, a daughter of John and Sarah Sloan. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ware there have been born three children : Jessie, who is at home ; Priscilla, training for a professional nurse in a hospital in Chicago ; and Florence, the wife of William Belden, of Maquon township. , ';- ......

Fraternally Mr. Ware is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America, while his political support he gives to the republican party, but is not an office seeker, preferring to give his attention to his personal interests in which he has met with such gratifying success. In addition to his fine farm Mr. Ware is also one of the stockholders of the Ideal Telephone Company. /., - v

- Progressive and strictly modern in the agricultural methods which he employs, S. H. Heller is numbered among the prosperous farmers of Elba township, Knox county, owning a very fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres five miles from Yates City. He was born in 1848 in Wayne county, Ohio, and was brought to Illinois when one year old. His parents were George and Margaret (Gillricks) Heller. The father was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio in middle life. In 1849 he came with his family to

. Illinois and in 1858 moved farther west, settling in Missouri. He came back to Illinois, however, and, after residing for a year and a half in Fulton county, he came to Knox county and made his home in Elba township in the spring of

: his entire life to agricultural pursuits. There were twelve children in his family. S. H. Heller received his education in the district schools of Knox county

'- and since entering upon a career has farmed. During the early years he rented land for cultivation until, in 1905, he purchased the present place which he has improved wonderfully since that time. He carries on general farming and stockraising, making a very comfortable income for himself and his family.

Earl, who married Bessie Reardon, and has one son ; Elmer, who is at home ; Simon, Jr., who married Nora Howe; Ralph, who married Jennie Blust, and is the father of a son ; and Clarence, who wedded Elizabeth King, of Knox county. Mr. Heller is an ardent republican in his political activities and in his capacity of school director has shown himself qualified to discharge the duties of public office. For sixty-two years a resident of Knox county, he has not only been a witness of the agricultural growth of this locality but has materially contributed to its development. . . -. .

William S. Bellwood

Dr. William S. Bellwood, a successful medical practitioner of Abingdon, is - a native of Knox county, born March 21, 1866. His grandparents, Seth M. and Polly (Shumaker) Bellwood, both natives of Ohio, were married in 1831 and six years later came as pioneers to Knox county, Illinois, where their son 'Jefferson was born. The latter, on February 2, i86i, married Miss Mary E. Harvey, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Lemon) Harvey, both born in Ohio. Their son William S. Bellwood, the subject of this sketch, was born in Knox county, March 21, 1866. His father was one of the substantial farmers of this section of the country and widely known as an extensive stock man, attracting especial attention by his breeding of Shorthorn and Poled Angus cattle. He was numbered among the successful men of Indian Point township and his splendid farm of one hundred and ninety-nine acres on section ii was the source of a comfortable living for himself and his family. In 1888, or thereabout, he took up his residence in Abingdon. He was an active and enthusiastic worker in Abingdon Lodge, No. 184, I. O. O. F., to which he belonged. Mr. Bellwood, at the age of sixty-eight years, eight months and five days, died on April 28, 1907, just five days after the death of his wife, who passed away on April 23, 1907, at the age of sixty-four years, five months and twenty-three days. . , .-_;;- -j ;.-;;;

William S. Bellwood was brought up on his father's farm and, in the rural school of his vicinity, distinguished himself for aptness and zeal in his studies. - When he was twenty years old he became the teacher of the school which he . had attended as a pupil. After two years of teaching he enrolled in Hedding : ; College, taking a special course. Drawn to the study of medicine, however, , from a natural love for the profession as well as the humanitarian ideal of social helpfulness, he left college and in the spring of 1892 began to prepare "- himself for his chosen work, reading under Dr. .Madison Reece, in his day one of the most noted practitioners in the country round about. Eager to pursue his studies in a professional school, the young student selected Rush Medical College of Chicago for his training, entering the following fall. He was gradu- : ated from that institution in the class of 1895 and began his practice of medicine at once, locating in Alliance, Nebraska, where he was made surgeon of the > Burlington & Missouri River Railroad and met with unusual success in the pur- ' ' suit of his profession. In 1904 he returned to Abingdon, his home town. Here

On June 30, 1897, Dr. Bellwood was joined in wedlock to Miss Edna Kelly Shaffer of Fairfield, Iowa. To this union was born one child, Irene. Mr. Bellwood is a member of the Knox county Medical Society, of the Illinois State Medical Society and of the American Medical Association. He belongs to the Abingdon Lodge No. 185, A. F. & A. M. Always progressive and alive to the needs promoting the best interests of his fellowmen, he has remained independent in his political views, voting according to the dictates of his best judgment. He is a member of the Episcopalian church in which his wife is an active worker. For his faithful performance of the duties devolving upon hin> in his professional as well as his private life, Dr. Bellwood has wod for himself the high esteem of all who know him. As a physician and surgeon he enjoys a wide reputation and a lucrative practice. ;,;-;<;. -..' : ::;v- ;-;: :

In the upbuilding and development of Knox county John Burch has been a potent factor, not only in the improvement of good farming property but also as a builder, in which connection he has erected many substantial dwellings throughout the county. He was born in Albany, New York, in May, 1848, a son of Moses and Maria (Petry) Burch, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. The father, who was a wagon and cabinet-maker, was engaged in that line of activity near Albany for many years. In his family were ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom eight are now living, including John, the subject of this review. The others are: .Mrs. Betsy Stewart, residing in New York state ; Seth, who makes his home near Albany ; Mrs. Louisa Gold, Rufus, and Mrs. Rosanna Decker, all of whom live in the Empire state; Mrs. Harriet Crawford, whose home is in eastern Illinois ; and William, of New York.

John Burch acquired his education in the schools of his native state, and at the same time his training at farm work was both practical and comprehensive. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, which he continued to follow in connection with agricultural pursuits in New York until 1868, when he came west to Illinois, locating in Abingdon, Knox county, where he resided for a short time. He then removed to a farm in Chestnut township, where he carried on farming and carpentry until 1907, when he came to his present farm, which comprises eighty acres. In the meantime he took a very active and substantial part in the upbuilding of various portions of the county in the capacity of a carpenter, erecting and assisting in erecting many good dwellings and helping in the building of the town of Hermon and of London Mills. His ability and skill in that trade was pronounced and his time was kept fully occupied with the business that came to him in that line and with his farming interests. He now owns a fine tract of land on section 12, Indian Point township, which he has brought under a good state of cultivation, and today he ranks among the substantial and well-to-do business men of this locality. . >- - >.'.

Mr. Biirch was married in Knoxville, in 1869, to Miss Phoebe Richmond, a daughter of Walter and Susanna Richmond, who were very early settlers in Knox county. The father was a farmer by occupation, being thus engaged for many years in Indian Point township. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burch have become the parents of three children, of whom the second, Alvie, lives at home and assists his father in the operation of the farm. Susie, the first in order of birth, married Emerson D. Yerion, and they now make their home in Huntsville, Alabama. Hazel, the youngest, resides with her parents.

A strong advocate of the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Burch is an earnest worker in party ranks and served as collector of Chestnut township for several tferms. He has also filled the office of school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm champion. He has ever been a busy man and his active life has gained for him a creditable degree of success and at the same time has won the confidence and good-will of his fellowmen because of the honorable policy which he has at all times followed. ; -;' , -^ -

John West

The operation of a highly cultivated and well improved farm of nearly five : : '. hundred acres located in Truro and Persifer townships engages the entire time :-'-:' and attention of John West, who is one of the oldest residents in this section of the county. His birth occurred on the old family homestead in the vicinity - of Maquon, Knox county, February 25, 1843, and there he was reared to man- ;-;. hood. Samuel West, his father, came to Illinois during the pioneer days, acquir- -' ing land near Maquon that he cultivated until his death at the age of fifty-two y / years. He married Mary Ann Gullett, and they had six children. -'-:';;

Reared on what was then termed the frontier, in the acquirement of his -. education John West attended the district schools, during brief terms, in which ' he mastered the common branches. In common with other lads of that period --^T he early began his agricultural training, being assigned duties about the fields and barns that were increased with the development of his strength and sense of responsibility during the passing years. In 1862, at the age of nineteen years, he dropped the plow for the musket, enlisting as a member of Company -, / F, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Captain Burkhalter of Sher- V man's army. He was in the service for three years, and during that time par- > . ticipated in many of the most notable conflicts but was never wounded. He :; was captured by the enemy, however, and served ten months in confederate :. - prisons. When mustered out he returned to Knox county and farmed for sev- v. ';' eral years in the vicinity of Maquon. In 1867 he purchased the place where ,; he now lives, having made this his home for forty-four years. Many and ex- ; - tensive improvements have been wrought during that time and he now has one ,- ;- of the most highly cultivated and valuable homesteads in the township. Mr. ':- West is a man of practical ideas and progressive methods and as he is both enterprising and industrious has prospered in a most gratifying manner in his undertakings. His fields are devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil.

^fr. r>urch was married in Knoxvillc, in iSC^, to Miss I'hoebe Richmond, a daughter of \\'alter and Susanna Richmond, who were very early settlers in Knox county. The father was a farmer by occupation, being thus engaged for many years in Indian Point townshijx I'.oth he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. I'.urch have become the parents of three children, of whom the second, Alvie, lives at home and assists his father in the operation of the farm. Susie, the first in order of birth, married Emerson D. Yerion, and they now make their home in lluntsville, Alabama. Hazel, the youngest, resides with her i)arents.

A strong advocate of the jjrinciples of the democratic party, Mr. Burch is an earnest worker in jiarty ranks and served as collector of Chestnut township for several terms. He has also filled the office of school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm champion. He has ever been a busy man and his active life has gained for him a creditable degree of success and at the same time has won the confidence and good-will of his fellownien because of the honorable policy which he has at all times followed. ; :

The operation of a highly cultivated and well improved farm of nearly five hundred acres located in Truro and Persifer townshi])s engages the entire time and attention of John West, who is one of the oldest residents in this section of the county. His birth occurred on the old family homestead in the vicinity of Maf|uon, Knox county, February 25, 1^43, and there he was reared to manhood. Samuel \\'est. his father, came to Illinois during the pioneer days, acquiring land near Maquon that he cultivat-e<l until his death at the age of fifty-two years. He married Mary Ann Ciullett, and they had six children.

Reared on what was then termed the frontier, in the acquirement of his education John \\'cst attended the district schools, during brief terms, in which he mastered the common branches. In common with other lads of that period he early began his agricultural training, being assigned duties about the fields and barns that were increased with the development of his strength and sense of res])onsibilit\' during the ])assing years. In i8r)2, at the age of nineteen years, he dropped the plow for the musket, enlisting as a member of Company F, Eighty-sixth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry under Captain Burkhalter of Sherman's army. He was in the service for three years, and during that time participated in many of the most notable conflicts but was never wounded. He was captured by the enemy, however, and served ten months in confederate prisons. When mustered out he returned to Knox county and farmed for several years in the vicinity of Macjuon, In !<%- he purchased the place where he now lives, having made this his home for forty-four years. Many ami extensive improvements have been wrought during that time and he now has one of the most highly cultivated and valuable homesteads in the townshij). Mr. West is a man of practical ideas and progressive methods and as he is both enterprising and industrious has ])rosi)ered in a most gratifying manner in bis undertakings. His fields are devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil.

and in connection with his general farming he also engages in stock-raising, both having proven lucrative under his capable direction. All of the buildings now standing on the place have been erected during the |>eriod of his ownership, and are substantially constructed and in good repair. He keeps a good grade of stock, his fields are carefully tilled and everything about his farm suggests the careful supervision and thrift that are the accompaniments of success.

Mr. West has been married twice, his first union being with Rachel Rebecca Kelly, and to them were born five children. Anna is the wife of William Bohannan and they are the parents of three children, Bessie, Philetta and Selma. Philemon marries Miss Mabel Dillon and to them were bom three children, Geneva, Robert and Blondell. Elsie became the wife of Charles A. Johnson and is the mother of two children, Edwin and Gertrude. Arden married Geneva Murray, and to them were bom four children, Vivian, Ronald, Bertram and Audrey. Orren married Josie Dawson and they are the parents of four children, Lavon, Laverne, Oral and Gyneth. The present Mrs. West was formerly Miss Mary B. Blackburn, a native of this county, and she is by her marriage to Mr. West the mother of six children, Lloyd, Leota, Jay, Ray, Elizabeth and Earl.

Mr. West is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, by which medium of association he maintains relations with his comrades of the field. He has always voted the republican ticket but has never placed himself in line for political preferment, although he is now a road commissioner. During the long period of his residence in this county Mr. West has contributed his full share toward promoting its agricultural development and he is now justly regarded one of the leading and representative farmers of the township.

/ J. F. Abdill, who owns and occupies a beautiful place of six acres just outside of Abingdon, was bom in Henderson county, Illinois, on the I2th of January, i86i. He is the only child born of the marriage of David T. and Sarah (Fryrear) Abdill. In his early manhood David T. Abdill, who was a native of Kentucky, came to Henderson county, Illinois, where he lived until the outbreak of the Civil war. Responding to the call of the nation's chief, he weijt to the front in defense of his country, and when mustered out located in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was later married and has ever since resided.

Cedar township. Mr. Abdill's homestead is one of the show places of that vicinity. He has a beautiful residence surrounded by tastefully arranged and well kept grounds, presenting a most charming and home-like appearance.

In 1885, while still a resident of Henderson county, Mr. Abdill was married to -Miss Malissa A. Carr, a native of Warren county, this state. Six children have been born of this union, as follows : Glen, who is deceased ; one who died in infancy; and Flossie May; Bessie, at home; Hiram Lester, deceased; and Blanch Freda, also at home.

Fraternally Mr. Abdill is a member of the United Workmen of America, > while his political support he accords to the republican party. He is one of the substantial citizens of Abingdon, whose well and capably directed energies during his early manhood has enabled him to acquire the means to assure him ease and comfort during his latter years, while yet he is in his prime.

' In the death of William Bond the agricultural interests of Knox county lost an important representative. He was thoroughgoing and progressive in the management of his flourishing farm and was known throughout the county as one of the prosperous and substantial residents who won a comfortable competence by dint of his unremitting labors. A native of Ohio, he was born in Preble county, February i8, 1819, and continued to reside there during the first thirty-three years of his life. His father, Exumus Bond, was a native of South Carolina and removed to Ohio when a young man. He married Juda Bennett and a number of years later removed to Randolph county, Illinois, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mrs. Bond died in Preble county, Ohio.