Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 50 of 56)

On the 2d of July, 1894, .Mr. McMaster was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Reynolds, who was born in Victoria, November i, 1868. and is the daughter of Captain G. W. Reynolds. She received her education in the public schools of Victoria and in Knox College at Galesburg. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Master have become the parents of two children: Eselwyn, who was born October 15, 1896. and is attending high school in Galesburg, belonging to the class of 1913; and Susan, born April 15, 1901, who is a student in the common schools in Victoria township. In politics Mr. McMaster votes with the repub- iican party, and fraternally he is identified with Oneida Lodge, No. 337, A. F. & A. M. He gives his support to all measures which tend to advance the welfare of the community and is especially interested in the cause of education, having rendered excellent service in the capacity of school director in Victoria

William D. Craig, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Victoria township, is one of the representative stockmen of the state. A native of Knox county, his birth occurred on a farm in Copley township on the 28th of February, 1862, his parents being William and Isabelle (Martin) Craig. They were born, reared and married in Scotland, whence they emigrated during the early years of their domestic life to the United States. William Craig engaged in coal mining in his native land and during the first period of his residence in this country, but he subsequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with a gratifying degree of success. He farmed in Copley township for a time, but later came to Victoria, where he acquired extensive and valuable holdings. Thrifty and energetic, he applied himself tirelessly to whatever he undertook, directing his activities with clear judgment and intelligence. At the time of his death he owned the farm now belonging to G. L. Hedstrom and three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 15, where he was living. One-half of the latter is now the property of his son William D. Mr. Craig passed away on his homestead at the age of sixty-three years, but the mother was seventy-three at the time of her death, which occurred at the home of her sister, Mrs. Margfaret Webster, of Stark county, Illinois. Both parents are buried in the cemetery at Victoria. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the father was affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Altona. He was a stanch republican in his political views and was several times called to public office, having served as supervisor and school director in his township. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig, nine of whom lived to attain maturity, as follows : Agnes ; Belle; Margaret; Mary, who is deceased; James; William D., our subject; Mattie; Joseph, who is deceased; and Jennie.

William D. Craig was reared on the farm where he now resides in Victoria township, obtaining his education in the common schools. In common with the majority of country lads he early began to assist with the work of the fields and care of the stock, and after laying aside his text-books his entire attention was given to agricultural pursuits. After the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs in one-half of the old homestead, and here he has ever since resided. During the period of his ownership he has wrought many improvements in the place, including the erection of all of the buildings now standing. He has always taken great pride in his property and has constructed large, commodious barns, substantial outbuildings and a comfortable farm house. As his circumstances have warranted, from time to time he has installed various modern comforts and appliances and now owns one of the best equipped and most highly improved farms in the community. His fields are devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil, and annually yield him abundant harvests, the greater portion of which he sells. Of recent years, however, Mr. Craig has practically given up the cultivation of his land, the greater portion of which he is renting for one-half of the crops, and gives his entire attention to the breeding and raising of stock. He raises horses and cattle to some extent but makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Chester White hogs. They are a very pure breed and he has twice been awarded the first prize on his exhibit at the state fair at Springfield, and has won both the first and second prizes at the local county fair. This year, 1911, he raised ninety of these hogs, all of which will command a high price for breeding purposes. Mr. Craig has been very successful in both farming and stock-raising and in addition to his fine country property is the owner of a nice residence in Victoria, that commands the highest rental of any dwelling house in the town. V In January, 1892, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss Emma Larson, who was born and reared in Victoria township, a daughter of Peter S. and Katherine Larson. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living and continues to make her home in Victoria township. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig, as follows : Jennie, Dewey and Eva.

Mr. Craig attends the Methodist Episcopal church, toward the support of which he liberally contributes, and Mrs. Craig is a member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church of Victoria. His fraternal relations are confined to his membership in the Modem Woodmen of America, and in politics he is a republican. He takes an active interest in all local affairs and at the present time is discharging the duties of school director and trustee. Mr. Craig is one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Victoria township, where he is held in high esteem both by reason, of his excellent business qualities and his many fine personal attributes. ;..' , ':-,:.; l.^^ .;V^^ vS:. "%

Jacob E. Morgan is a well known farmer of Lynn township, having spent his entire life in this locality, his birth having occurred on the old Morgan homestead August 2, 1867. He traces his ancestry back to Edward Morgan, who married Margaret Rittenhouse, and their son Morgan Morgan married Ann Roberts, a daughter of John Roberts, who fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. Benjamin Morgan, a son of the latter couple and the grandfather of our subject, married Tacy Stroud in iSoo. Among their children was John Rittenhouse Morgan, the father of our subject, who was bom in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1809. He passed through the experiences of pioneer life in Ohio and later in Indiana, from which state he came to Illinois. He first married Rachel Bicknell and after her death wedded her sister Susan Bicknell, who was born at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1826. Her father, George Bicknell, who was a mechanic by trade, settled in Indiana at an early day and in 1851 brought his family to Knox county, Illinois, entering land in Lynn township. After his wife's death he took up his abode in best equipped and most highly improved farms in the community. His fields are devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil, and annually yield him abundant harvest?, the greater portion of which he sells. Of recent years, however, Mr. Craig has practically given up the cultivation of his land, the greater portion of which he is renting for one-half of the crops, and gives his entire attention to the breeding and raising of stock. He raises horses and cattle to some extent but makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Chester \Vhite hogs. They are a very pure breed and he has twice been awarfled the first prize on his exhibit at the state fair at Springfield, and has won both the first and second prizes at the local county fair. This year, 1911, he raised ninety of these hogs, all of which will command a high price for breeding purposes. Mr. Craig has been very successful in both farming and stock-raising and in addition to his fine country property is the owner of a nice residence in Victoria, that commands the highest rental of any dwelling house in the town.

In January, 1892, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss Emma Larson, who was born and reared in X'ictoria township, a daughter of Peter S. and Katherine Larson. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living and continues to make her home in Victoria township. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig, as follows: Jennie, Dewey and Eva.

Mr. Craig attends the Methodist Episcopal church, toward the support of which he liberally contributes, and Mrs. Craig is a member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church of Victoria. His fraternal relations are confined to his membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, and in politics he is a republican. He takes an active interest in all local affairs and at the present time is discharging the duties of school director and trustee. Mr. Craig is one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of \'ictoria township, where he is held in high esteem both by reason of his excellent business qualities and his many tine i)ersonal attributes.

Jacob E. Morgan

Jacob E. Morgan is a well known farmer of Lynn township, having spent his entire life in this locality, his birth having occurred on the old Morgan homestead August 2, 1867. He traces his ancestry back to Edward Morgan, who married Margaret Rittenhouse, and their son Morgan Morgan married Ann Roberts, a daughter of John Roberts, who fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. Benjamin Morgan, a son of the latter couple and the grandfather of our subject, married Tacy Stroud in 1800. Among their children was John Rittenhouse Morgan, the father of our subject, who was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1809. He passed through the experiences of pioneer life in Ohio and later in Indiana, from which state he came to Illinois. He first married Rachel Bicknell and after her death wedded her sister Susan Bicknell, who was born at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1826. Her father, George Bicknell, who was a mechanic by trade, settled in Indiana at an early day and in 1851 brought his family to Knox county, Illinois, entering land in Lynn township. After his wife's death he took up his abode in

La Fayette, this state, where he passed away in 1866, at the age of sixty-four ;;, years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susan Moore, died in 1851, at : the age of fifty-seven years. In their family were six children: Rachel and Sarah, both deceased ; Mary, who is living with a daughter at the age of eightyeight years ; George and Jacob, both deceased ; and Robert P., a resident of Alliance, Nebraska. After losing his first wife Mr. Bicknell married Catherine . Hagar, who was the widow of Peter Hagar. The Bicknell family, of which . Mrs. John R. Morgan was a representative, was an old one of Pennsylvania, ';: representatives of the name coming from England and settling in Philadelphia prior to the Revolutionary war. Her grandfather, Charles Bicknell, ran a stage

- from Philadelphia to Baltimore and on his way home contracted yellow fever, ,' which caused his death when he was thirty-two years of age. His son, the father '' of Mrs. Morgan, became a soldier of the war of 1812 at the age of seventeen years. He was reared by his foster father, who had been drafted and he took : his place in the army, serving until honorably discharged. For his services he received a land patent, which he located in Walnut Grove township, Knox county. His daughter Mrs. John R. Morgan had but little opportunity to secure an education. She was twelve years of age when her parents removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana and in 1847 she became the wife of John R. Morgan.

- They became pioneer residents of Brunertown, Indiana, where the grandfather . took up land and built a cabin, living there two years before he made the journey , by team and wagon to Illinois, traveling by way of Peoria to Centerville. Sub- . sequently they lived in Knox county, settling on what has since been known as

- called to his final rest. The mother is now living with her daughter and is one .; of the honored pioneer women of this part of the state. When she became a resident of Knox county her neighbors were the Swedish colony at Bishop Hill V. and there was also a family by the name of Fraker at Fraker's Grove. Joseph

Simeon and Jonathan Gibbs and the Collinson family likewise lived in the north- ; ern part of the county. Peoria was the nearest market. Unto Mr. and Mrs. :', John R. Morgan were born eight children, of whom six are now living. George .' B., a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, married Alice Robinson and has eight chil-

- dren. Lydia Jane is the wife of George Spidle, of Schuyler, Nebraska, and they have three children. Mary Ellen is the wife of Thomas C. Heaton, living

- fourteen years and during the remaining seven years of his minority worked with his father on the old home farm. He afterward engaged in cultivating the home terested in the Farmers Elevator of Galva and in the Cooperative Bank of that place, and is an enterprising, progressive business man whose judgment is sound and whose labors are resultant. . , -

Jacob E. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Collinson, who was born in Walnut Grove township, January i6, 1872, and is a daughter of Thomas W. and Sarah F. (Brooks) Collinson. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan became parents of two children: Eugene, born September i, 1890; and Ethel, born April

The family are well known and have an extensive circle of friends in this part of the county. The parents are members of the Baptist church of Galva and Mr. Morgan belongs also to the Modern Woodmen Camp of that place. In politics he is a republican, active in support of the party. He was elected a member of the board of trustees of Lynn township and served for three terms, and his connection with the school board covers altogether nine years. He stands for progress and advancement at all times, whether in business or in public affairs, and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this county where his entire life has been passed. '. -. ' ^ -

On October 21, 1911, it was seventy-one years since Charles Spencer, Sr., the oldest settler in Truro township, in point of years of continuous residence, first located here. During the greater part of that period he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but he is now living retired in Williamsfield, enjoying the ease and comfort that is the just heritage of his long years of industry and thrift. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of May, 1836, and is a son of J. N. and Maria (Steaver) Spencer. The father was a native of Maine, his birth having there occurred on the 22d of December, i8io, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania on December i6, i8io. They were mar-' ried in Pennsylvania and there they spent the early years of their domestic life, but in 1840 they came to Illinois. On the 2ist of October of that year they located in Truro township and in 1843 settled on one hundred and twenty acres of land on section lo, that township, that the father secured from the government, his deeds bearing the signature of James K. Polk. The first house erected for the family was a log house and was one of the oldest residences in the . township and probably in the county. This farm, which has been in possession of the Spencer family for over seventy years, is now being operated by our subject's son-in-law, Edward F. Mosher. It was here on the 28th of June, 1856, that the father passed away, but the mother survived until March 8, 1888,

Charles Spencer was a child of four years when he accompanied his people on their removal to Knox county, and here he has ever since made his home. When old enough to begin his education he was sent to the little log schoolhoiise , in the vicinity of his home, and there he pursued the common branches. The ' country was very sparsely settled at that period and the primitive conditions . that exist in all frontier settlements prevailed here. The methods of instruction were as crude as the building, and the pupils acquired little more than a

\ his father with the farm work, thus qualifying himself to become self-dependent : :^. at a very early age. When he was twenty his father passed away, and the

- he continues to reside. His land is well improved and under high cultivation ' - , '- and is numbered among the valuable properties of the township. The appear- ; . : ' ance of his fields and the abundant harvests annually gathered therefrom mani- ..-'

- living; and three daughters. Nathaniel, who is engaged in farming on section T.., -:. . lo, Truro township, married Carrie Edley. Frank Edward died aged seven -.:-.:';' = years. Deborah married Lincoln Huber, a farmer of this township, and they '. - ;

In the acquirement of his education Oliver O. Cadwell attended the district schools and later those of Kewanee. When old enough to begin his business career he laid aside his text-books and took a position in a store. He continued to clerk until he had attained the age of thirty-one years, when he engaged in business for himself in Truro township. Possessing an unusual aptitude for successful management and keen foresight he made a success of this undertaking, and from then until his death was identified with the commercial life of the county. He carried a good assortment of general merchan-l dise, that he offered at reasonable prices, and this together with his gracious and accommodating manner enabled him to build up a large patronage. As the years passed he enlarged his business and acquired property interests, owning a fine farm of forty acres in Truro township, with good improvements.

Mr. Cadwell marrieiJ Miss Mary M. Spencer and they became the parents of eight children. Thomas, who is operating a blacksmith shop on the Cadwell farm, married Bessie Loman and they have one child, Harley. Amos, who was the second in order of birth, died. Sally married Clarence Robinson of Williamsfield and they have three children, Bernice, Walter and Irene. Del-; bert is living at home with his mother and operating the store. Climena married Oscar Smith of Williamsfield and they have one child, Glenn. Charles, Ruth and Clyde, the three youngest members of the family, are all living at home. ;; "r . ,, : ; ' .| : / c-;

In the public life of the township Mr. Cadwell always exerted considerable influence, owing to his comprehensive grasp of local conditions and keen insight into all political matters. His political support was given to the republican party and for many years he was treasurer of the township and he also served as school director. There was general regret and deep mourning when he passed away, not only in his immediate family and friends, but among all who had known -him in either a social or business way, as he was a man of many fine qualities and rare traits of character that won him the regard of all with whom he came in contact. . -: ;-- .. -

C. ]. Carlson, a prosperous stockman and agriculturist of Victoria township, owns four hundred acres of land located on section 15. He was born in Smaland, Sweden, on the 5th of December, 1853. The parents always resided in the land of their birth, and there the mother passed away in 1894 and the father, in 1897. They were both members of the Lutheran church.

Agricultural pursuits have always engaged the attention of C. J. Carlson, who was reared and educated in his native land, where he passed the first twenty-two years of his life. Having decided that it was impossible for him to realize his ambitions in his own country in 1875 ^^ took passage for the L^nited States, coming directly to Knox county. Upon his arrival here he first located in the vicinity of Galesburg, where he worked out by the month as a farm hand for two years. At the expiration of that period he came to Victoria township, continuing in the same occupation for three years. He was subse- _ quently married and located on the place where he now lives. During the long period of his ownership, Mr. Carlson has wrought many changes in the farm that have added greatly to its appearance as well as value. He has erected a number of new buildings and remodeled the old and has also installed various modern appliances and conveniences, making his one of the best equipped farms in the community. His fields have been brought to a high state of productivity and now annually yield abundant harvests that amply reward him for the labor expended in their tilling. In connection with general farming he raises stock of a good grade, and is now and has been for the past two years sole owner of a thoroughbred Norman stallion, Vanity Fair. As he has always been a hard working, enterprising man, who has used good judgment and intelligence in the direction of his undertakings, Mr. Carlson has prospered and is known as one of the substantial and highly capable farmers of the county.

Mr. Carlson completed his arrangements for a home upon his marriage to Miss Anna Louisa Tunberg, who is also a native of Sweden and a daughter of Andrew Anderson. Eight children have been born to them as follows : Esther Cordelia, the wife of Victor Crantz, of Victoria, by whom she has had two children, Carl and Paul ; Clarence A., who is unmarried and living in Chicago ; Anna Marie, at home ; Carl August, now living on his father's farm, who married Grace Sornberger and has two children, Doris and Charles ; and Roy, Beda, Charles and Forrest, all of whom are at home. . ' The family attend the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church at Victoria, in which the parents hold membership, and Mr. Carlson and four of his sons belong to the Modern Woodmen of America. When first granted the right of franchise he gave his support to the men. and measures of the greenback party, but later became a democrat. He has always assumed his share of the township governmental duties and has been assessor of his township. Although he has met with the various disappointments and hardships that usually fall to the lot of everyone in a strange country, Mr. Carlson has never had reason to regret the transference of his allegiance to the United States. He has applied himself closely and for many years worked unceasingly and practiced the most rigid economy, but he has prospered and now owns one of the valuable properties of Victoria township.

S. W. Mosher, a well known agriculturist of Victoria township, was born on the place where he is now residing on the isth of March, 1853. His father, Allen Mosher, was a native of the state of New York, whence he removed in his early manhood to Ohio. From there he came to Illinois with the family of Eli Johnson, whose daughter Mary Ann he married after the family settled in Knox county. They were among the early pioneers of this section and the old house they occupied when they first came is still standing. Agricultural pursuits always engaged the attention of Allen Mosher, who devoted the remainder of his life to the further improvement of his farm, and there passed away at the age of forty-seven years. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.

The educational advantages of S. W. Mosher were confined to the district schools in the vicinity of his home, and while there engaged in mastering the common branches he assisted in the work of the farm. When he laid aside his text-books he had a good understanding of the practical methods of agriculture, and thereafter gave his undivided attention to the work of the fields. His entire life has been spent on his present farm, which is endeared to him by the associations of childhood and youth, as well as those of his manhood. He has one hundred and thirty-four acres of land, all under high cultivation. His fields are annually planted in the cereals to which the soil is best adapted, and under his capable care and supervision yield abundant harvests, the quality of which is fully equal to the quantity. In connection with general farming Mr. Mosher breeds and raises cattle of a good grade, and thus also realizes good returns. He has effected extensive improvements in the place during the period of his ownership, having erected all of the buildings now standing, in addition to which he has from time to time added various other conveniences, consistent with the progressive spirit that characterizes his undertakings. The place is well kept up and cared for, everything about it manifesting the capable management and the thrift that invariably accompany prosperity.

In 1889 Mr. Mosher was united in marriage to Miss Anna Peterson, a daughter of Daniel Peterson,' and a native of Sweden, whence she was brought to the United States as a child of seven years.

His political allegiance Mr. Mosher accords to such men and measures as he deems best qualified to subserve the highest interests of the community, irrespective of party affiliation. As he has always lived on his farm, which is located six and a half miles northwest of Williamsfield, he is well known to the citizens of that entire community, who accord him the esteem and respect merited by his many substantial qualities, that have well withstood the crucial test of the passing years. . ' :-' - ; - I: '. V " ^ -

One of Knox county's patriotic sons, who gave his services in defense of the Union on the battlefields of the south, was G. W. Elliott, for many years successfully identified with the farming interests of the county, but now living retired in Williamsfield. His birth occurred on his father's farm on the i8th of October, 1842, his parents being Thomas and Hannah (Reese) Elliott, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Virginia. They were married in Ohio, but soon thereafter crossed the prairies to Illinois, being among the early pioneers of Knox county. In 1836 they located on a farm in Persifer township, that he operated for twenty years, when disposing of it he removed to \'^ictoria township. There he acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land and industriously applied himself to its further cultivation until 1868. Selling his homestead he removed with his wife and family to Missouri, where he bought eighty acres of land, that he continued to operate until his death. The family of Mr.

A stalwart republican, Mr. Elliott has ever given his political support to the \ men and measures of that party, considering that their policy is best adapted to protect the interests of the majority. In his early years he took an active inter- . est in all township affairs and served as constable, school director and pathmaster. In both his public and private life, Mr. Elliott has ever manifested the . steadfast purpose, upright conduct and incorruptible integrity, consistent with ;- the high principles he advocates in all transactions between man and man.

Ole Anderson, an old settler of Sparta township, passed away December i, 1900. He was a native of Christiansand, Norway, born February 18, 1820. In 1849 he emigrated to America and came to the Swedish settlement at Bishop Hill, Henry county, Illinois. He was a poor man and for three years worked by the month as a farm hand. In 1852 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land in Sparta township and that remained his home until his death. His widow still resides on the place. She was Miss Betsey Anderson, a native of Sweden, born May 6, 1839. By her marriage to Ole Anderson, which was celebrated on the 7th of July, 1856, she had eleven children, as fol- lows: Harriett, the wife of E. A. Werteen, of Galesburg, Illinois; A. O., an agriculturist of Sparta township ; Albert, who is a resident of Oklahoma ; Annie, now Mrs. Volk, of Sparta township; Jennie, the wife of Scott McKibbin, of Copley township; Christ, living in Sparta township; Sophia, the wife of Leonard Webber, of Wataga, Illinois ; William, who makes his home in Sparta township; Henry, of Appleton, Illinois; and Emma and Arthur, both at home with their mother.

Mr. Anderson was a very successful man and at the time of his death owned twelve hundred acres of land in Knox county and sixteen sections of land in Texas. He was a member of the Methodist church and gave his political allegiance to the republican party.

Josiah Hamilton, who died in Galesburg, November 23, 1911, resided within the borders of Knox county for more than half a century and for years was actively successfully identified with its agricultural and mercantile interests. He was long numbered among the prominent citizens of the community. His birth occurred in Venango county, Pennsylvania, on the 23rd of January, 1829, his parents being Richard and Sarah (Reynolds) Hamilton, the former a native of the Keystone state and the latter of Birmingham, England. They were married in Pennsylvania and there spent the remainder of their lives, passing away in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Richard Hamilton, whose demise occurred in 1844, was a democrat in politics and ably served in the capacity of justice of the peace. Their children were thirteen in number, namely, James, William, Hugh, Edward, John, Josiah, Celina, Louisa, Mary, Lavina, Lida, Cynthia and Emeline, all now deceased.

Josiah Hamilton acquired his education in the schools of his native state. At the age of seventeen he sought to impart his knowledge to others by teaching in the country schools, which he continued to do for a number of years, during the winter months, following agriculture in the summer time. In the spring of 1854, he with a cousin. Walker Hamilton, made an extensive trip through Illinois and Iowa, spending the season in these two states, his cousin returning in the fall, while he remained in Knox county and taught the winter school in a log school house which stood about six miles east of Galesburg, on what has since been known as the William Reynolds farm, returning to his native state in the spring to cultivate a small farm of his own near Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, which he had been able to purchase through industry and economy. In 1857, he returned to Knox county, Illinois, making his home with Jacob Sipherd, east of Galesburg. farming rented land during the summer and teaching school in the winter. On March 25, 1858, he was wedded at Peoria, Illinois, by Rev. Robert Johnson, to Miss Isabella N. Davidson, daughter of George and Mary Davidson, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. A son. William Davidson, was born unto them and is still living in Galesburgr. .... : -- -.

lows: Harriett, the wife of E. A. Werteen, of Galesburg. Illinois; A. O., an agriculturist of Sparta township ; Albert, who is a resident of Oklahoma ; Annie, now Mrs. Volk, of Sparta township; Jennie, the wife of Scott McKibbin, of Copley township; Christ, living in Sparta township; Sophia, the wife of Leonard Webber, of Wataga. Illinois ; William, who makes his home in Sparta township; Henry, of Appleton, Illinois; and Emma and Arthur, both at home with their mother.

Mr. Anderson was a very successful man and at the time of his death owned twelve hundred acres of land in Knox county and sixteen sections of land in Texas. He was a member of the Methodist church and gave his political allegiance to the republican party.

Josiah Hamilton, who died in Galesburg, November 23, 1911, resided within the borders of Knox county for more than half a century and for years was actively successfully identified with its agricultural and mercantile interests. He was long numbered among the prominent citizens of the community. His birth occurred in \'enango county, Pennsylvania, on the 23rd of January, 1829, his parents being Richard and Sarah (Reynolds) Hamilton, the former a native of the Keystone state and the latter of IJirmitigham, England. They were married in Pennsylvania and there spent the remainder of their lives, passing away in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Richard Hamilton, whose demise occurred in 1844, was a democrat in politics and ably served in the capacity of justice of the peace. Their children were thirteen in number, namely, James, William, Hugh, Edward, John, Josiah, Celina, Louisa, Mary, Lavina, Lida, Cynthia and Emeline. all now deceased.

Josiah Hamilton acquired his education in the schools of his native state. At the age of seventeen he sought to impart his knowledge to others by teaching in the country schools, which he continued to do for a number of years, during the winter months, following aijriculture in the summer time. In the spring of 1854, he with a cousin, \\'alker Hamilton, made an extensive trip through Illinois and Iowa, spending the season in these two states, his cousin returning in the fall, while he remained in Knox county and taught the winter school in a log school house which stood about six miles east of Galesburg, on what has since been known as the \\'illiam Reynolds farm, returning to his native state in the spring to cultivate a small farm of his o\vn near Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, which he had been able to purchase through industry and economy. In 1857, he returned to Knox county. Illinois, making his home with Jacob Sipherd, east of Galesburg. farming rented land during the summer and teaching school in the winter. On March 25. 1858, he was wedded at Peoria, Illinois, by Rev. Robert Johnson, to Miss Isabella N. Davidson, daughter of George and Mary Davidson, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. A son. William David.son, was born unto them and is still living in Galesbure.

eighty-second milestone on this earthly pilgrimage when called away and his well ;: :- ' ordered life brought him not only a substantial competence but also the and esteem of an extensive circle of friends. . .,, . .^ : ., .

General farming and stock-raising have always engaged the energies of , Jonathan Gibbs, who owns two hundred and seventy-six acres of highly culti- ; vated and well improved land on section i6, Victoria township. He was born in the township where he is now living on the 4th of October, 1854, his parents being Martin and Mary Ann (Moak) Gibbs. The father was born and reared ;- in New Jersey, whence he removed to Illinois in his early manhood, locating on land on Walnut Creek in Lynn township, that he cultivated until his mar- . :, riage. Subsequent to this event he removed to Victoria township, where he -'---. ; acquired one hundred and twenty acres of land that was also located on the .^v . creek. He energetically applied himself to the further improvements and culti- I!;. ', vation of this place until his death at the age of fifty-nine years. The mother ; ' was fifty-eight when she passed away and was laid to rest in the Victoria ceme- ;- tery as was also the father. The old homestead is now the property of Owen Couley. .Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs became the parents of seven sons and one daugh- /

Jonathan Gibbs was reared in Victoria township and pursued his education in its district schools. After he had mastered the common branches he laid aside his text-books and gave his entire time and attention to assisting with the work of the home farm. He was an ambitious young man of practical ideas and diligent habits, who applied himself intelligently to anything he undertook. After his marriage he located on a farm a mile and a half southeast of his present place, residing there until he purchased the farm where he now lives, at that time the property of Jonathan Huble. It was well improved when Mr. Gibbs took possession but during the period of his ownership he has made innumerable changes, all of which have tended to improve and add to the value of the property. He has large commodious barns, good outbuildings and a comfortable residence, which are kept well in repair and present an appearance of thrift and prosperity. Here Mr. Gibbs is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, evidencing in both pursuits the enterprise and sagacity that have characterized him from boyhood. He is now recognized as one of the substantial and competent agriculturists of the county, whose success is due to his persistent and intelligently directed efforts.

For his wife and helpmate Mr. Gibbs chose Miss Elizabeth Graver, who was born and reared in Lynn township and is a daughter of David and Elizabeth Graver, both of whom passed their latter years on their farm in Lynn township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs. Stella, the eldest, became the wife of L. Stewart, of Gopley township, by whom she has had one child, Lucille. Martin, who is operating a farm in Victoria township, a mile north of his father's place, married Mary Milroy, a daughter of Nat Milroy, and they have two sons. Dale and Dean. Glarence, who is the next in order of birth, is living at home. Glenn, who is also living on the home farm, married Edna Milroy.

: Fraternally Mr. Gibbs is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his political allegiance he gives to the republican party, but he has never been an office seeker. He is one of the highly regarded citizens of the community, where he is widely known, having passed the entire period of his life in the vicinity of his present home. Mr. Gibbs jwssesses many most estimable qualities that have been thoroughly tested during the long period of his residence in Victoria township, and never found wanting. He has high standards of citizenship, is loyal to his friends and true to every trust reposed in him, while his integrity is known to be incorruptible. -',-';

John M. Young, for the past three years assessor of Victoria township, resides on section 26, where he rents one hundred and twenty acres of land that he has been cultivating for the past seven years. He was born in Victoria township on the 2d of May, 1869, and is a son of Robert and Martha (Dennis) Young, both natives of Ohio. The father left the Buckeye state at the age of four years, coming to Illinois, where he was reared and educated. Upon attaining his manhood he engaged in agricultural pursuits, acquiring one hundred and sixty acres of land in Victoria township, that is now in a high state of productivity. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Young, six of whom are residents of Knox county, and all are living with the exception of one.

The entire life of John M. Young has been spent in Knox county with the exception of six years when he lived in Kansas. He attended school in district No. 71 of this township, and after completing the common branches he engaged in farming, and has ever since been identified with this vocation. For the past seven years he has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising on the place where he now lives and has met with a good degree of success. =. --'-"-

,/ For his wife Mr. Young chose Miss May Suydam, a native of Victoria township and a daughter of Abraham and Lucinda Suydam, and they have become the parents of five children: Edna, Lynn, Edward, Clyde and Ila.

Ever since granted the right of franchise upon attaining his majority, Mr. Young has given his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party, considering their policy best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. He takes an active and helpful interest in township affairs and has efficiently discharged the duties of assessor for three years, while for six he has been a director of the school he attended during his boyhood. Mr. Young is one of the well known residents of Victoria township, where his family have resided for more than a half century, during which time they have contributed their quota toward promoting its agricultural development. .

' No history of Galesburg and Knox county would be complete without reference to William McGaan, now the oldest resident of this county, having passed the ninety-fifth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Croftfoot parish, in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1817, and for some years has lived retired. His father, James McGaan, was a farmer by occupation and died at the age of eighty-two years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jant Hunter, passed away at the age of sixty-six years. She was a daughter of James Hunter. The greatgrandfather of William McGaan in the paternal line was a miller - the oldest miller in the family.

William McGaan when a boy of eleven years, being the oldest of the family, became the main support of his father during the harvest seasons. In Scotland farm lands were divided into mounts of fourteen feet in order to form a drain. Harvesting was done by cutting the grain with a scythe and William McGaan acted as forecutter, going ahead of the others and doing what was called shearing the grain. At that day two pounds were paid for harvest work to the men, while the women received a pound and a half, or the equivalent of about seven and a half dollars. When fifteen years of age William McGaan entered the service of a large farmer, contracting to remain nine years, his wages being six pounds or about thirty dollars per year and board. He received but one pair of shoes, which were supposed to last him an entire year. When his term of service had expired he entered the employ of a cousin as a trader, buying and selling grain for six years He was married at the age of twenty-eight and afterward engaged in buying and shipping potatoes, which were sent to Glasgow.

Mr. McGaan was united in marriage to Agnes Andrews, a daughter of James and Grace (Drennan) Andrews. She was a widow at the time of her marriage to Mr. McGaan and had one child, a son, who afterward served as steward on a merchant vessel during the Civil war and was lost at sea. Mrs. McGaan inherited a small mercantile establishment from her first husband but she sold, this a year ; later. William McGaan was forty years of age when he came with his family to the ^ new world, the voyage across the Atlantic consuming sixteen days. He left his family in Scotland and made his way to Altona, Illinois, and soon afterward the "! family arrived, but through a mistake were sent to Alton, instead of Altona. For a . year Mr. McGaan worked with relatives in Copley township, thus supporting his family, which then consisted of wife and two sons, James and William. He also has a daughter, Mrs. Grace Austin. The father is now the only survivor of a family of six children, of whom one died in infancy. His two sisters have also passed away and one of his brothers left for Australia at the time when he came to America and died in that country.

At the age of twenty years William McGaan had managed to save from his . meager earnings the sum of fifteen pounds. He arrived in America with only , twenty sovereigns, but he was industrious and energetic and improved every . opportunity of providing a comfortable living for his family. He also made for himself a creditable name in Knox county by reason of his honorable business dealing and straightforward methods. He is now living with his son Hugh . McGaan at the advanced age of ninety-five years and is the oldest resident of Knox county. He has long been a member of the Presbyterian church and through his entire life has been faithful to its teachings.

Hugh McGaan, who is a resident farmer of Walnut Grove township, was born m Copley township, this county, January 13, 1858. After attending the public schools he engaged in farming on the old homestead until his marriage and he now lives on the old McGaan farm, devoting his attention to the cultivation of the fields and to stock-raising, both branches of his business proving profitable.

On the I2th of November, 1885, Mr. McGaan was united in marriage to Miss Lettie Arnold, who was born July 2, 1859, and is a daughter of E. H. Arnold, now a retired carpenter of Galesburg who has reached the age of eighty-four years. He was bom in the state of New York and in 1864 came to Knox county, settling in Galesburg, where he always followed carpentering. He married Sarah Davis, who died in 1870. She was a daughter of Hull and Emeline (Merriam) Davis, the former a native of Delaware county. New York, and the latter of Harpersfield, that state. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold were four children, but only two are now living: Mrs. McGaan and her siste. F.mma, who is the widow of Ehidley Overstreet, of Lincoln, Nebraska. After graduating from the high school of this city Mrs. McGaan engaged in teaching in Galesburg for six years. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children : Agnes, who is now the wife of William McMaster, of Walnut Grove township, and has two children, Thomas and Evelyn ; Sarah, a graduate of the Altona high school ; Grace, the wife of Ellsworth Heck, of Bardolph, Illinois ; William, at home ; Susan who is attending the Altona high school ; and Roy and Emory, both at home.

The parents are faithful and active members of the Presbyterian church of Altona and Mr. McGaan is a republican in politics. He has been particularly active in support of educational interests, serving for twenty-six years, or since 1886, as a member of the school board. He believes in progress and improvement along all lines which are of vital significance to the community and his influence has been a potent element for good. -;-;;. . - ' "

Claude E. Frankenburger, who is the conscientious and efficient cashier of the Bank of Rio, was born near Alpha, Henry county, September 4, 1885. He is the son of Ira K. and Mary E. (Calkins) Frankenburger, the father a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and the mother of Illinois. In 1878 the father came to Henry county, where he bought one hundred and seventy-three acres of land, and he and his wife now reside on the same. In their family were four children, of whom Claude E., of this review, was the third in order of birth.

Claude E. Frankenburger was reared and attended the common schools in Henry county and later completed a high-school course at Alpha. He was then employed for four months by John M. Taze, in the Alpha Exchange Bank. In February, 1903, the Bank of Rio was established by John M. Taze and his son, William I. Taze, and in March of the same year Claude E. Frankenburger was appointed assistant cashier of the bank. In 1905 he was promoted to the position of cashier. In August, 1909, he and his brother Benjamin E. and Milton Deatherage purchased the bank stock and now are efficiently controlling the same

Mr. Frankenburger is fraternally identified with Rio Lodge, No. 685, A. F. & A. M. ; with Chapter No. 4, R. A. M. ; and Commandery No. 42, K. T. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Rio. He is energetic, progressive and capable and although a young man still, is rapidly gaining for himself a leading position in the business world in his community. ;^: '-?

Benjamin E. Frankenburger, assistant cashier of the Bank of Rio and also engaged in the insurance business, was born in Orion. Illinois. December 13, i88o, and was reared in Henry county. He attended the common schools and was graduated from the Alpha high school. Subsequently he was employed as a railroad billing clerk at Aurora, Illinois, and later was for one year in Chicago as inspector of local freight accounts for the Chicago Car Service Company. Subsequently he was rate clerk at Joliet for the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Belt Line for two years and was then chief rate clerk for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at that place for about a year. In 1907 he returned to Alpha and became manager of the Tri-County Light & Power Company, which position he held for one year, and afterward became connected with the Bank of Rio. He is now acting as assistant cashier of that institution and is extensively engaged in the insurance business, selling all kinds of insurance. Like his brother Claude E., he is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Rio Lodge, No. 685, A. F. & A. M., Chapter No. 4, R. A. M., and Commandery No. 42, K. T. He, too, is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Rio and is regarded as one of the leading young business men of the place. - 'v ' V v- '^ ' '--> ^^

Reuben Cox, an agriculturist of Walnut Grove township, Knox county, was born January 20, 1844, in Somersetshire, England, his parents being James and Emma (Pittard) Cox. He is a grandson of Joseph and Sarah (Davis) Cox, who "^ came to America with their son James and settled in Knox county, Illinois, where i; Joseph Cox died in 1878 at the age of one hundred years and his wife ; . in 1857 at the age of seventy-two. James Cox, whose birth occurred Janu- -. ary 8, i8i6, arrived in America in 1846, and located in Sparta township, ^ : this county. He later purchased forty acres of land in Ontario township, on which place he resided for six years. Subsequently he acquired > eighty acres of valuable farming land near Oneida, which he cultivated for some - time before purchasing a quarter of a section in Sparta township, which is the old ' Cox homestead. Later he removed to Oneida, where he lived retired until his - death, which occurred in 1897 when he was about eighty-two years of age. His . wife was born October 7, 1817, in Somersetshire, England, and was the daugh- v ter of James and Martha Pittard, also natives of England. Her death occurred September 24, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. James Cox were the parents of seven children, two of whom survive : Mary M., a teacher residing in San Francisco, California; and Reuben, the subject of this sketch.

Until he was nine years of age Reuben Cox attended the district school, but . at that early age made his start in farming which he has followed throughout his ' active career. At first he plowed corn on the home farm and later assisted in all the general work upon his father's farm. He has never regretted his choice of ' work because he has met with unusual success, and since his marriage has been residing upon his present place, which is one of the most highly cultivated tracts : in the township. In addition to general farming he also carries on stock-raising to a large extent.

In 1865 Mr. Cox married Emma Pitney, a native of Somersetshire, England, - and a daughter of William and Anna Pitney. Her parents who were born August * 'J 29, i8io, and April 29, i8io, respectively, came to America in 1845 and went !: directly to Albany, New York, where Mr. Pitney accepted employment as a mason, a trade he had learned in his native land. Subsequently they removed tc Chicago, where the family remained for seven years and then went to Rockford, Illinois, where the father died December i8, 1880, and the mother ten years later. ' - Mrs. Cox's paternal grandfather, John Pitney, was prominently known as a most '

Prominent among the successful farmers and substantial citizens of Knox county is George Whited, who is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable and productive land at Rapatee and one hundred and seven and a half acres located on the west township line, his home being on section 34, Maquon township. He was born on section 28 of this same locality, on October 30, 1862, his parents being John Striker and Charlotte (Adams) Whited. The birth of John S. Whited occurred in Somerset county. New Jersey, MarcTi i6, 1832, and the Whited family came in 1853 from New Jersey to Fulton county, Illinois, when John Whited was a young man of twenty-one. Here he located on the present farm, which was owned by Uncle Stephen Ramsay. He tilled the soil and improved his land and buildings during the remaining years of his life, passing away in Hancock, Pottawattamie county, Iowa, May i, 1906, at the age of seventy-four years. Mrs. John Whited was a daughter of Andrew Adams, an old settler emigrating in his youth from County Down, Ireland, settling in the east, whence the family removed in 1853, coming from Rome, New York, to Knox county. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Whited were the parents of one son, George Whited, and one daughter, Lotta, who is living in Fulton county, Illinois, and is the wife of J. C. Nooval, a son of Oliver Nooval. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Nocval are the parents of four children, Harry, Vera, Wanda and Lois.

Reared on the home farm George Whited was educated in the common schools of Rapatee and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Thus well trained he was ready to become self-supporting at an early age, farming first on the homestead and later for himself, buying land near by. It was his earnest wish not to settle far from his old home and the childhood scenes amid which he was brought up, and in this desire he was gratified since he has never in his life lived over one and one-half miles from his present farm on section 34. By his close application throughout the period in which he carried on general agricultural pursuits he was enabled to accumulate a substantial competency out of his profits and now divides the management of the place with his son. He lives in the old residence which is the only one of the buildings not erected by his own efforts, having been built by his grandfather. The farm is well equipped and improved and is supplied with two sets of buildings.

The marriage of Mr. Whited and Miss lambia Foster was celebrated on September 29, 1887. She was a daughter of James M. Foster, one of the survivors of the Black Hawk war, having the distinction of being the first settler in the county and the first supervisor elected in the township. Mr. Foster, who owned a large tract of land in this vicinity married Miss Louisa Ward of this county, both being natives of Ohio, settling in Illinois in the days of its early growth. They were the parents of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. George Whited eight children were born : Blanche, who died at the age of two years ; Tracy, who operates the homestead; Chloe, Harold, Wayne, Audrey, Halo and Kenneth. ;-- ',' ', ' -. - ^'-. ^-.'..-.'v;' '.-;'".."">'-;--;'--'

Since attaining his majority Mr. Whited has been affiliated with the democratic party and has been called upon to serve as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Odd Fellows of Rapatee. Mr. and Mrs. Whited are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in which their loyal and helpful support has won them many warm friends. ; ... , - .

S. L. Vance, one of the well known residents of Knox county, lives two miles northeast of Yates City. He was born in Ohio in 1861, his parents being Andrew and Harriet (Kibbler) Vance. His father was engaged in agriculture and when S. L. Vance was a lad of seven years, came to -Illinois, settling in Knox county, . : on a farm of two hundred and forty acres which still is the property of S. L. ' Vance. Here he cultivated the soil for many years, retiring from active participation in the labors of his farm nineteen years ago. He now resides in Elmwood and at the age of eighty-five years is still in good health and cheerful spirits. Mrs. Vance died some years ago. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: John; Mrs. V. Rogers; S. L. ; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Ola Mace, deceased ; and Neal.

Brought up in the vicinity of Yates City, S. L. Vance acquired his education in the schools of this locality and when old enough to handle a plow engaged in farming on the home place. After he had thoroughly mastered the great variety of knowledge with which an agriculturist must be conversant he engaged in tilling the fields on his own account. For this purpose he bought a farm from his father. The house and barn had been erected before the place came into his possession but all the other improvements were made by him. He is exceptionally successful in all the departments of general farming and pays much attention to the raising of high-grade stock for shipment to the Chicago market. | . .

On March 9, 1892, Mr. Vance was united in marriage to Miss Lettie E. Riner, a daughter of Matthew and Margaret (Wingader) Riner, residents of this county. Mrs. Riner is a daughter of John Wingader and a native of Ger-;;-';.

Axd Mrs. S. L. Vance And Sox

of the buildings not erected by his own efforts, having been built by his grandfather. The farm is well equipped and improved and is supplied with two sets of buildings.

The marriage of Mr. Whited and Miss lambia Foster was celebrated on September 29, 1887. She was a daughter of James M. Foster, one of the survivors of the Black Hawk war, having the distinction of being the first settler in the county and the first supervisor elected in the township. Mr. Foster, who owned a large tract of land in this vicinity married Miss Louisa Ward of this county, both being natives of Ohio, settling in Illinois in the days of its early growth. They were the parents of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. George Whited eight children were born: Blanche, who died at the age of two years; Tracy, who operates the homestead ; Chloe, Harold, Wayne, Audrey, Halo and Kenneth.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Whited has been affiliated with the democratic party and has been called upon to serve as justice of the peace. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Odd Fellows of Rapatee. Mr. and Mrs. Whited are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in which their loyal and helpful support has won them many warm friends. , . ,

S. L. Vance

S. L. X'ance, one of the well known residents of Knox county, lives two miles northeast of Yates City. He was born in Ohio in 1861. his parents being Andrew and Harriet (Kibbler) \'ance. His father was engaged in agriculture and when S. L. Vance was a lad of seven years, came to -Illinois, settling in Knox county, on a farm of two hundred and fort)' acres which still is the property of S. L. Vance. Here he cultivated the soil for many years, retiring from active participation in the labors of his farm nineteen years ago. He now resides in Elmwood and at the age of eighty-five years is still in good liealth and cheerful spirits. Mrs. \'ance died some years ago. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: John; Mrs. V. Rogers; S. L. ; Henry, deceased; Mrs. Ola Mace, deceased: and Xeal. -- i

Brought up in the vicinity of Yates City, S. L. \'ance accjuired his education in the schools of this locality and when old enough to handle a plow engaged in farming on the home |)lace. After lie had thoroughly mastered the great variety of knowledge with which an agriculturist must be conversant he engaged in tilling the fields on his own account. For this purpose he bought a farm from his father. The house and barn had been erected before the place came into his possession but all the other improvements were made 1)y him. He is exceptionally successful in all the (Ic])artmcnts of general farming and pays much attention to the raising of high-grade stock for shipment to the Chicago market.

On March 9, 1892. Mr. X'ance was united in marriage to Miss Lettie E. Riner. a daughter of Matthew and Margaret (Wingader) Riner. residents of this county. Mrs. Riner is a daughter of John Wingader and a native of Ger-

In his political affiliations Mr. Vance is in sympathy with the principles of the democratic party. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Happy in disposition and kind towards all, Mr. Vance has many friends in the community in which he lives, having always been devoted to the interests promoting the general welfare.

A worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Victoria township is to be found in the person of A. S. Rice, who owns two hundred acres of well improved land, six miles north of Williamsfield. His birth occurred in Knox county on the gth of December, 1858, his parents being S. F. and Harriett M. (Aldridge) Rice, who are mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this work.

A. S. Rice passed the early years of his life similarly to other farmer lads of the same period and circumstances. In the acquirement of an education he attended the schools in his district, and such times as he was not thus occupied, assisted with the lighter tasks about the home farm. His duties increased with the development of his strength, and by the time he had attained his maturity he was a capable agriculturist. Soon thereafter he located on the old farm of D. Anderson, who broke the first prairie in Victoria township, coming to his present place in 1892. This contains eighty acres of rich, fertile land, that has been brought under high cultivation, while he also owns one hundred and twenty acres two miles south. During the nineteen years of his residence, Mr. Rice has made such improvements in the property from time to time as his circumstances warranted. He has erected large barns, that provide ample shelter for his stock; substantial outbuildings within which can be found all the usual modern implements that are required in the cultivation of the fields; and a comfortable farm house. His fields are carefully cultivated and devoted to such cereals as are best adapted to the soil, the greater portion of his products being used for the feeding of stock, of which he has made a specialty for the last twenty-five years. Practical in his ideas and progressive in his methods, Mr. Rice is meeting with success in his undertakings and is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of the township. His success must be very largely attributed to his close application and the intelligent direction of his activities, as he began his business career without capital, other than his tireless energy and determination of purpose. His development has not been at all phenomenal but the permanent, steady progress of the man who wins his own way.

Mr. Rice's plans for a home of his own had their culmination in his marriage to Miss Fffie Brown, of Flmwood, a daughter of Hiram Brown, a well known pioneer of Elmwood. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Rice numbers five, as follows : Harriett M., who married Frank Peterson, of Victoria township ; Mary, the wife . of Edward Lapham ; Laura, who married Will Spangler of Oakland, California ;

The fraternal relations of Mr. Rice are confined to his membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a republican in politics and assumes his responsibilities as a citizen by assisting with the government of the township. He has several times been called to public office, having discharged the duties of school director, while two years ago he was collector and he has been road commissioner. In the administration of his public duties he has manifested the same executive ability and powers of organization, as well as method and system that characterize him as a business man. Mr. Rice is held in high esteem and respect in the community where he has resided for so many years, ever having evinced during that period the substantial qualities that distinguish the best type of citizens. ''V^' . ' , '-''.,-..,-.:'--.'''---'- ----v

Samuel Harry Johnson is one of the enterprising young men of Altona whose success is due to his enterprise, diligence and determination. He is associated with his brother, John A. Johnson, as clerk in the conduct of a grocery store and has become widely and favorably known in this part of the county. He was ''/- born in Altona, June 6, 1885, a son of Peter E. Johnson. His grandparents were ^. John and Christina (Magnes) Johnson, farming people of Sweden, and in their family were nine children, of whom seven are yet living. Peter E. Johnson, the father of our subject, is now living in Altona. He was bom in Sweden, October 7, 1844, and came to America in i88i, at which time he settled in Bureau county, Illinois, where he followed the occupation of farming. He also soon entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with which he . has since been associated. He resided for a time at Maiden, Illinois, and afterward came to Altona, where he did section work for the railroad until 1909, when he was given the position of tower watchman near Altona. He was also at one time employed in the coal mines. He married Mathilda Swanson, who was born . . March 30, 1845, '" the same part of Sweden in which her husband's birth occurred. She was a daughter of Swan Swanson and was only nine years of age ' at the time of her mother's death. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Johnson crossed the Atlantic on the same vessel and were married several months after their arrival.

Samuel Harry Johnson spent his youthful days in the place of his nativity and the public schools afforded him his educational opportunities, after which he ; entered the grocery business at Altona and is now assisting his brother as clerk in the conduct of an establishment of this character. He looks after the well V appointed store, in which they carry a large and carefully selected line of staple and fancy groceries, and their trade is constantly increasing as the result of '\ honorable dealing and earnest effort to please their customers. \-'

Mr. Johnson attends the Methodist church and is prominent in the Maccabees lodge at Altona, serving at the present time as its record keeper. He also belongs to Woodmen Camp, No. 3737. at Altona, in which he has likewise filled a number of offices. His name is also on the membership roll of the Odd Fel- lows lodge and he is vice president of the Altona Volunteer Fire Company. His interest in all that pertains to public progress and improvement is deep and sincere and is evidenced in the hearty cooperation which he gives to many movements for the general good.

----/:. The name of Johnson is closely associated with mercantile interests in Altona, where Carl Oscar Johnson is now engaged in clerking. He was born in Maiden, Illinois, May lo, 1882, and is a son of P. E. Johnson and a brother of John August and Samuel Harry Johnson, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. In his school days he engaged in clerking for his brother, with whom he remained altogether for eleven years, after which he became connected with H. L. Peterson, an Altona merchant, with whom he has since been associated.

In community life Mr. Johnson figures quite prominently, being now well known as second lieutenant of the Altona Fire Company, No. i. He is also connected with Altona Tent, No. ii6, K. O. T. M., and is at present sergeant, chaplain and finance keeper, in which offices he has served for two years. His religious faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church, in which he was /eared The family have long been known in Altona and its representatives have taken an active and helpful part in all the projects for public progress and are equally well known in the social life of the town. .

- General farming engaged the attention of David Thompson, who was a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Walnut Grove township, this county. He was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on the 6th of December, 1835, a son of John and Catherine (Livingston) Thompson, who were natives of Ohio. They removed to Indiana, where they resided for a short time before coming to Knox county, near Altona, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits.

David Thompson devoted practically his entire life to farming. During his early days, while attending the district schools, he assisted his father and afterward gave his whole time and attention to the cultivation of the home property before starting out independently. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Eightyninth Regiment of Illinois Infantry, from Altona and was in the service for three years, the greater part of which was devoted to duty on the forage wagon because his health would not permit him to engage in actual fighting. Of his four brothers who enlisted one was killed and one was wounded. .' Mr. Thompson was married in 1868 to Catherine Richmond, who was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, September 22, 1845, and is a daughter of Joseph and Susan Richmond, the former also a native of West Virginia. She remained at home after finishing her schooling until the time of her marriage. The father devoted the early part of his active career to farming and also to buying stock, but later studied for the ministry and became a minister in the Methodist church. The remainder of his life was devoted to preaching in his home district, where he served as circuit rider over a district covering a radius of twenty-five miles. He was married to Susan Chess, who was a daughter of Daniel Chess and whose death occurred at the age of fifty-four years, near Columbus, Ohio. To this union eight children were born, four of whom are now living: Mary, who is the wife of Samuel McHard, of Aledo, Illinois; Mrs. Catherine Thompson, of Altona; Clarinda, who was married to James Piatt, of Fort Collins, Colorado ; and George, who is a resident of Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born the following children : Joseph E., now a resident of Des Moines, Iowa ; Harry J., of Valparaiso, Indiana ; Roy D., whose home is in Greeley, Colorado ; William, a farmer living at Altona; Susan, the deceased wife of Charles Sawyer; John, deceased; and May Bell, the wife of David N. McMaster, of Walnut Grove township.

Mr. Thompson took an active interest in the Democratic party to which he gave his allegiance and did all he could to promote its measures and policies. His interest in the development of the educational and industrial projects instituted in his district and his executive ability in furthering these movements were recognized and given opportunity for expression while he was a member of the school board and while he served as president of the Grange, his term of office following immediately after its organization. He was a substantial citizen who merited the respect and confidence of the entire community and his later prosperity and the comfortable life which Mrs. Thompson is now living were both due to his own exertions, his indefatigable labor and his careful management. He was not only industrious and enterprising but was also a man of high moral character and was highly esteemed both as a farmer and a citizen throughout his township. His death occurred September ii, 1894. . , - : .

Richard C. Stuckey, now deceased, was a resident of Altona after his retirement from his farm in Walnut Grove township. He was born March 12, 1833, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Charles Stuckey, who was a native of Germany and came to America in his youth. The latter married Rebecca Silver and remained on his farm in Pennsylvania until his death in 1872, at the age of seventy-two years. He was one of eight children, of whom six survive, three sons and three daughters, namely : Mrs. Annie S. Guthrie, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Emma M. Scott, of Iowa; Mrs. Amanda Toles, of Denver, Colorado; Simon H. Stuckey, of California; William A. Stuckey, of Fairmont, Nebraska; and Charles Scott Stuckey. of Bedford county, Pennsylvania.

After completing his education in the district schools, Richard Stuckey assisted his father for a few years and in May, 1853, at the age of twenty-one years, came to Knox county with a colony of settlers. He located on the farm upon which he remained until his retirement in 1897. During these years he was actively -engaged in cultivating and developing the land which brought him suf- ficient remuneration to give him the opportunity of enjoying leisure and comfort in his, later years. When he left the farm he moved to Altona, where his death occurred on the 8th of October, 1910.

In February, 1859, Richard Stuckey was married to Mary Timmons, whose birth occurred on the 29th of February, 1836, in Madison county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of Thomas Timmons of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The father was born in 1800 and his death occurred in 1863. He was the son of Peter and Margaret (Beth) Timmons, the former a soldier in the war of 1812. Thomas Timmons spent his active life in agricultural pursuits, his early days being spent in farming and teaming in his native state. In 1833 he removed to Ohio, where he devoted his entire time to the cultivation of the farm upon which he located. He was especially interested in providing for the comforts and pleasures of his family. He married Hanna Peoples who died in 1854 at the age of forty-eight years. She was also a native of Pennsylvania and was a daughter of Richard and Ann (Longstretcht) Peoples, the former being an agriculturist. To them ten children were born, three of whom survive: Rebecca, who is the wife of H. Alder, of West Jefferson, Ohio; Laura, who married F. A. Kelly and is also a resident of West Jefferson ; and Mrs. Mary Stuckey.

To Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey the following children were bom: Laura, the eldest, is the wife of O. Preston of Monmouth, Illinois, and they are the parents of two children, namely: Edith, the wife of A. Miller, of Monmouth, and the mother of two children ; and Earl Preston, who is residing at home. Eugene H. Stuckey, who is residing in Madison county, Ohio, and is married to Ruth Timmons. Richard C. Jr., who married Elsa Monfort, has two children and is residing in Columbus, Ohio. Ned S. is cultivating the old homestead upon which he resides. He married Nellie Chapman and to them two children have been bom, Nellie I. and Jessie M., Frank Charles, William A., Silvia and May are deceased.

Mr. Stuckey gave his politcal support to the republican party and was most active in promoting its policies and in working for the support of its men and measures. Mrs. Stuckey is a member of the Presbyterian church of Altona, and for twenty years has been an active worker in the Ladies Social Union of that church, having been one of its original members. Mr. Stuckey's life exemplified what can be done when unremitting energy, persistency of purpose and conscientious labor are displayed in the development of a new territory. His integrity and fairness in all business operations as well as his active interest in any movements pertaining to the moral and social development of his community won for him the respect and regard of his fellow citizens.

---.- _ C. H. Pulver has devoted his energies during the greater part of the twentyfour years he has resided in Williamsfield to contracting and building, although for a time he conducted a general mercantile establishment. He was born in Minnesota in 1862, his parents being S. W. and Jeannette (Doty) Pulver. The father was bom in the state of New York in 1825, and there he was reared and educated and also learned the carpenter's trade. In his early manhood he came to the middle west, following his trade at various points in Minnesota and Illinois, finally settling at Williamsfield. Here he passed the remainder of his life, -^ his death occurring at the residence of his son. C. H. Pulver, in 1904. /

C. H. Pulver was only a babe of three days when his people removed from Minnesota. He attended the common schools until it was deemed he had sufficient education to fit himself for a vocation, when he laid aside his books and learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father. When he was twenty-seven, he came to Williamsfield, erecting the first building in the town. _: Carpentering and contracting thereafter engaged his attention for many years, . yielding him satisfactory returns. He at one time withdrew from this vocation, - , however, and went into the general merchandise business, but subsequently ;! returned to the contracting business. Mr. Pulver is a good mechanic and a ca- ^ pable business man with thoroughly practical ideas that he intelligently carries out in the construction of his buildings. He has succeeded in his undertakings here largely because he has always been found reliable and trustworthy in all of his transactions. It has been one of his principles during his entire business .-.-- career not to make a promise he could not fulfill, at the same time he will noi : compromise on the quality of his work in order to do this.

On June 26, 1890, Mr. Pulver married Miss Kate Cole, and they are tht V parents of two children: Mary J., born June 19, 1891; and Doris, born October, - 1897. Three children, a son and two daughters, have passed away.

Fraternally Mr. Pulver is affiliated with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while he votes the republican ticket. He has always taken active interest in local political affairs and is now discharging the duties of supervisor. He was elected to this office in April, 1909, and was the on'y successful republican candidate, the remainder of the ticket all having gone democratic, this fact attesting his popularity in the community generally, and the efficiency with which he has filled other offices. During the greater part of his residence in Williamsfield, Mr. Pulver has been connected with the govern- . ment of the town, having filled among others the offices of town clerk and tax collector. He is held in high respect in the community, having shown himself to be conscientious and honorable in the discharge of public duties, and reliable and trustworthy in business transactions. . . : . , ~;: .'. '--'--- " , ' .

T. W. Ray, the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of fertile land in Truro township that he devotes to general farming, was bom on a farm in Victoria township, Knox county, in 1853. His father, L. D. Ray, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed in his early manhood to Illinois, locating in this county. Here he met and subsequently married Mary A. Sweeney, the mother of our subject, and a native of Vermont. L. D. Ray was an agriculturist and for many years resided on a farm in Victoria township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his entire time and attention until his demise at the age of fifty-four years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ray numbered five.

our subject being the second in order of birth. The others are as follows : William H., who is a farmer in Victoria township ; one who died in infancy ; Addie, the wife of Frank Lapham, and Clarence, who is operating the old home place in Victoria township. ' :

The schooling of T. W. Ray was obtained in his home district, and when he had mastered the common branches the duties of the schoolroom gave way to those of the field. He thereafter gave his undivided attention to the plowing, planting and harvesting of the fields and care of the stock, his responsibilities increasing as his strength and ability developed with the passing of time. At the age of nine he plowed his first field of corn, and has performed a like task each recurring season since then. He remained on the old homestead, with the operation of which he assisted his father, until he was twenty-five. Feeling at the end of that time that his own best interests demanded that he begin working for himself, he removed to this township, his entire life having been passed here and in Victoria townships with the exception of two years, when he engaged in farming in Nebraska. In 1902, Mr. Ray bought his present place, containing one hundred and fifty acres of land, located three miles northwest of Williamsfield. Since becoming the owner of this property he has fenced the land and made all of the improvements, including the erection of good, substantial bams and outbuildings. He is an industrious man of practical ideas and progressive methods and has assiduously applied himself to bringing the soil under high cultivation. His fields are devoted to diversified farming in connection with which he raises cattle. He is meeting with success in both lines of his business and annually harvests abundant crops that net him a good dividend on his labor.

Mr. Ray completed his arrangements for a home of his own when he married Miss Ellen Lapham, who was born and reared in Knox county, being a native of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Ray have but one child living, Meta, who married Carl Rice, a son of John Rice.

Fraternally Mr. Ray is a Mason, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He takes an active interest in all local affairs and has held various township offices. His entire life has been spent in the community, where he now lives and among whose citizens he nvunbers many stanch friends, whom he has known since boyhood.

Andrew Hawkinson, devoting his time and attention to general farming on section 35, Henderson township, where he is also making a specialty of the raising of Poland China hogs, was born in Skone, in the southern part of Sweden, July 20, 1864. His parents, Hawkin and Anna (Anderson) Johnson, were also natives of Sweden, where the father engaged in farming throughout his entire, life. He never came to America, remaining always a resident of Sweden to the time of his death, which occurred in 1890. His religious faith was evidenced in his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church. : Andrew Hawkinson, who was the seventh in order of birth in a family of eight children, acquired a common-school education in his native land and when still a young lad began working on the farm for his father, but from time to time he heard interesting reports concerning America and its advantages, and in March, 1884, when in his twentieth year, he sailed for the new world. After spending three years in Bureau county, where he worked as a farm hand, he came to Galesburg and has since lived in Knox county. Since 1887 he has made his home upon the farm which is now his place of residence. It was then the property of Henry Sisson, for whom he worked until 1895, when he began farming on his own account. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits, cultivating the crops best adapted to the soil and climate, and in addition to his property on section 35, Henderson township, where he is cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, he owns a farm in the same township of one hundred and five acres which he rents. Stock-raising has always been made a feature of his place, special attention being given to the raising of thoroughbred Poland China hogs. To this he has given particular attention since the retirement of Mr. Sisson and has made it a profitable branch of his business.

On the 4th of April, 1895, Mr. Hawkinson was united in marriage to Miss Betsy Nelson, a daughter of Nels and Nellie (Bengtson) Nelson and a grand-" daughter of Peter Nelson, who was a native of Sweden and in that country spent his entire life, devoting his time and energies to the occupation of farming The parents of Mrs. Hawkinson were also life-long residents of Sweden but she came from her native land to America in 1887, living with relatives up to the time of her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson have been born three children : Anna Matilda, now deceased ; Harold, who is attending high school in Galesburg; and Helen Elizabeth.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson hold membership in the Lutheran church and his study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to g^ve his support to the republican party. He has served as school director and is interested in the cause of education, recognizing the fact that thorough school training constitutes the bulwark of the nation. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path until he is now ranked with the substantial farmers of Henderson township.

J. w. Miles, who resides on an attractive farm of eighty acres located on section 34, Persifer township, was born on the place where he now resides on March 6, 1864, his parents being R. W. and Mary Jane (Bruce) Miles. His father was born in Athens, Ohio, and when old enough to begin his education entered the schools of Newark, that state, which he attended until he was fourteen. He then accompanied his parents, S. S. and Eliza Ann (Gilmore) Miles, on their removal to Knox county. They first located a mile west of Gilson, where they remained for two years, when in 1838 they went to Haw Creek township. At the expiration of a year they removed to the farm where our subject now resides, the family home being a log cabin. This property has ever since been in the possession of still a young lad began working on the farm for his father, but from time to time he heard interesting reports concerning America and its advantages, and in March, 1884, vvlien in his twentieth year, he sailed for the new world. After spending three years in Bureau county, where he worked as a farm hand, he came to Galesburg and has since lived in Knox county. Since 1887 he has made his home upon the fanii which is now his place of residence. It was then the property of Henry Sisson, for wliom lie worked until 1895, when he began farming on his own account. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits, cultivating the crops best adapted to the soil and climate, and in addition to his property on section 35, Henderson township, where he is cultivating three hundred and twenty acres of land, he owns a farm in the same township of one himdred and five acres which he rents. Stock-raising has always been made a feature of his place, special attention being given to the raising of thoroughbred Poland China hogs. To this he has given particular attention since the retirement of Mr. Sisson and has made it a profitable branch of his business.

On the 4th of April. 1895, Mr. Hawkinson was united in marriage to Miss Betsy Xelson. a daugliter of Xels and Xellie (Bengtson) Xelson and a granddaughter of Peter Xelson, who was a native of Sweden and in that country spent his entire life, devoting his time and energies to the occupation of farming Tlie parents of Mrs. Hawkinson were also life-long residents of Sweden but she came from her native land to America in 1887, living with relatives up to the time of her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson have been born three children : Anna Matilda, now deceased ; Harold, who is attending high school in Galesburg; and Helen Elizabeth.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson hold membership in the Lutheran church and his study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give his support to the republican party. He has served as school director and is interested in the cause of education, recognizing the fact that thorough school training constitutes the bulwark of the nation. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path until he is now ranked with the substantial farmers of Henderson townshi]).

J. W. Miles, who resides on an attractive farm of eighty acres located on section 34, Persifer township, was born on the place where he now resides on March 6. 1864, his parents being R. \V. and Mary Jane (Bruce) Miles. His father was born in Athens, Ohio, and when old enough to begin his education entered the schools of Newark, that state, which he attended until he was fourteen. He then accompanied his parents, S. S. and Eliza Ann (Gilmore) Miles, on their removal to Knox county. They first located a mile west of Gilson, where they remained for two years, when in 1838 they went to Haw Creek township. At the expiration of a year they removed to the farm where our subject now resides, the family home being a log cabin. Tliis property has ever since been in the possession of the family and there the grandfather passed away in 1876 at the age of eighty-two years. The grandmother survived for four years thereafter, her death occurring when she was eighty. They were both laid to rest in the Russell cemetery, Haw Creek township. R. W. Miles completed his education at Knox College, subsequently returning to the old farm, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits during the entire period of his active life, with the exception of a little over a year spent in the gold mines of California. He was captain of a company of twenty- four from near his home who started April ii, 1850, on the western trip by the overland route and returned in June, 1851, by way of Panama.. He was very successful in his agricultural undertakings and made extensive improvements on the place, making it one of the valuable properties of the township. Progressive and public-spirited, he took an actiye and helpful interest in all community matters, particularly those of a political nature. He twice represented his district in the state legislature, serving one term in 1858 and another in 1878, while for twenty years he was a supervisor in Persifer township. Educational matters particularly were given much of his attention, and for many years he was a member of the board of education, and during the early days he was township teachers' examiner. He also served as clerk of the township and justice of the peace and for two years he served as appointee on the board of equalization, and twice was elected for a term of four years each to this board. The mother was a native of Vermont and a daughter of Silas and Hannah Dunham (Scott) Bruce, who about 1844 located on a farm on section 35, Knox township. In matters of faith the parents were Presbyterians, Grandfather Miles having been a minister of that denomination before coming to Illinois, while politically Mr. Miles was a stanch republican. He passed away at the age of seventy-two and the mother at sixty-four, both being laid to rest in Russell cemetery. Haw Creek township. Of their marriage there were born seven children, our subject being the sixth in order of birth. The others are as follows : Lucy, who married Charles L. Mastin, of York county, Nebraska ; Hannah Eliza, the wife of R. R. Buckley, of Knoxville ; Emma M., who is also a resident of Knoxville; James H., who was drowned at the old Whitton mill site at the Fort Wallace ford before he was twenty-one; Rufus, who lived on the old farm until his marriage, when he went to York county, Nebraska, where two years later, in 1904, he passed away and is buried at York, Nebraska; and M. Jennie, the youngest member of the family, who is living at Knoxville. All were born on the old homestead in Persifer township and were given the advantages of a good education.

The youthful years of J. VV. Miles were not particularly different from those of other lads of the same period and circumstances. At the usual age he entered the common schools, where he procured his preliminary education and subsequently graduated from Knox College in 1889. Having decided on an agricultural career in preference to either professional or commercial pursuits he returned to his father's farm. He attentively applied himself to assisting with the work of the fields and the care of the stock, thus obtaining a thorough knowledge of the practical methods of agriculture and stock-raising, until his marriage. Subsequent to this event he located on section 33, Persifer township, where he resided for five years, at the expiration of which period he returned to the old farm. Here he has ever since resided, devoting his entire attention to its further improvement. He is one of the extensive farmers of the township, owning four hundred