As the years passed by three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Williams: Walter W., who lives in Galesburg; Flora B., deceased; and G. W., who makes his home in Bridgeport, Conn. Mr. Williams took an active interest in Masonry and was an exemplary representative of the craft. He was also much interested in politics and for a number of years was a staunch supporter of the People's Party or, as it is now known, the Populist party. He adhered closely to its principles and doctrines and always kept thoroughly informed on the vital questions of the day. Few men outside of politics had a broader or more correct knowledge of the many questions which he studied from every possible standpoint. He was a firm believer in the power of the government to issue money and was one of the earliest to advocate that idea. At different times he served his party on various committees and was a leader in all of its movements. At local elections he voted with the Prohibition Party and was ever a stalwart champion of the cause of temperance and of all those activities which tend to uplift the individual and the community at large. Death called him on the 15th of January, 1905, and thus when almost seventy-four years of age he passed away. He had ever been loyal to his honest convictions and his word no man had ever questioned. His life was in many respects worthy of emulation and wherever known he enjoyed the regard and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 51-52, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Judge Welsh was married June 27, 1888, to Miss Ella C. McCullough, who was born in Galesburg, a daughter of Samuel K. and Emily Rosina (Reed) McCullough, a former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. They became early residents of Galesburg, where Mr. McCullough was employed as foreman by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company, remaining in the service of that company from 1856 until his death save for the period of three years spent as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil war. He died in 1901, at the age of sixty-nine years, and is survived by his wife. They had but two daughters, Ella and Estella, the latter the wife of Charles E. Dudley. Unto Judge and Mrs. Welsh has been born a son, Vernon M., who is a junior at Knox College. The parents are associated with the Universalist Church and Judge Welsh is a trustee of Lombard College, conducted under the auspices of that denomination. He belongs to Alpha Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M., and to Galesburg Chapter, R. A. M. His political views accord with the principles of the Republican party. He is worthily regarded as an able, faithful and conscientious minister in the temple of justice and in his private life the simple words of his character has gained him the high regard of his fellow men. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 58-62, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

In his political views Mr. Weinberg has always been a Democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought nor desired public office. That he is a man of social, genial nature is attested by his membership in the Soangetaka Country Club. He belongs also to the Galesburg Business Men's Club and is interested in all of its projects for the welfare and improvement of the city along the various lines that contribute to the city's growth and development. His life record has no spectacular phases but it stands as an incontrovertible proof of what may be accomplished through determination, energy and ambition. Mr. Weinberg is today recognized as one of the foremost merchants and businessmen of Galesburg, honored and respected by all, not only for what he has accomplished, but also for the straightforward methods which has ever characterized his business career. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 63-65, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Tobias Woods - Only a brief summary of the lives of many of the residents of Knox County is given in these records, but they go to show their claim to genuine manhood, citizenship, and an honored place among the active workers of life. Among these none is better fitted to draw forth approbation than the subject of our sketch, whose home is situated in the thriving little village of Maquon, and who is retired from the active labors of farm life.

The parents of our subject were James and Catherine (Sarver) Woods, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was of Scotch-Irish and the mother of Dutch ancestry. Their family consisted of eight children, bearing the names of John, James, Fannie, Tobias, Catherine, Sarah, Mary, and Joseph.

Tobias Woods was born in Allegheny County, Pa., Oct. 27, 1820. He remained at that place until he had attained the age of majority, when he removed to Venango County, Pa., at which place he remained until the spring of 1867. While there he engaged in different occupations, his chief business being that of an agriculturist. The spring of the year 1867 was the date of his arrival in Knox County; he came hither with his parents' family, making settlement in Chestnut Township. He afterward rented a farm for the period of two years, subsequently purchasing 120 acres of land, on which he resided until 1882, when he made his final move to the village of Maquon. He is the owner of 117 acres of tillable land.

Mr. Woods was married to Miss Mary J. Henderson, in Venango County, Pa., Oct. 31, 1850. She is the amiable daughter of Charles and Mary (Simcox) Henderson. The father was a native of Ireland and the mother of Pennsylvania. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Henderson consists of nine children. The record is as follows; Shadrach, Margaret, Robert, Archie, William, Johnnie, Mary J., Eleanor and Nancy.

Mrs. Woods, of whom we write, was born in Venango County, Pa., Aug. 29, 1829. She has born her husband nine children, namely: James, Charles, Francis M., Tobias Jr., Henderson, Harvey, Kate, John and Robert. Charles Woods married Josephine Roberts, and they are at present residing in Nebraska; Frank H. is the name of their only son. The other members of the family are residing at home. In politics our subject is a firm adherent to the principals of the Democratic party. (History of Illinois and Knox County, Illinois, Chapman Bros., 1886, submitted by Todd Walter)

Back To Top  

James Wilks. One of the enterprising men of Knox county and well known for the excellent character of his work is James Wilks, who is a painter, paper hanger and decorator and is also proficient in the brick and stonemason's trade. He was born in Gloucestershire, England, April 17, 1845, his parents being George and Susan (Aston) Wilks, natives of the same locality. His father was for many years a gardener but later learned the stonemason's trade. The mother, who was skilled in the use of roots and herbs, practiced her art of medicinal cures with much success throughout her life. In 1849 the family, which consisted of nine children, left their home in England and crossed the Atlantic, landing in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, after a tediously drawn-out journey of sixteen weeks. They remained in Pottsville for a brief period, removing thereupon to Mount Savage, Maryland, where they resided for four years. In 1853 the father came to Knox county, Illinois, and made a close survey of this locality with a view to settling and the following year brought his family from Maryland to their new home in Wataga. During their residence in that town Mr. Wilks and his two sons James and Thomas went to Iowa for a time and bought a tract of land in Jasper county, where they began the development of a coal bank. Later he traded this tract for land near Wataga and opened up the first coal bank that was ever operated in Knox county. The parents both passed away in Wataga, the father in 1887 and the mother in 1879. Only four children of the family survive, of whom Thomas is the eldest and possesses an interesting record of service during the Civil war. He enlisted from Wataga in Company K, of the Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, one of the leading regiments, and served all through the war, participating in about forty engagements. Among these was the siege of Vicksburg, in which he was one of the three that performed the daring deed of carrying the torches that ignited the fuse which blew up the city. He was severely wounded in this battle but continued his military service as soon as he recovered. James Wilks also has two sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Mallin, of Galesburg; and Hattie, of Canton, Illinois. His twin brothers, Job and John, are both deceased.

During the residence of the Wilks family in Maryland James Wilks began his education in the schools of Mount Savage and after their removal to Wataga, Illinois, completed his education. During the progress of the Civil war he enlisted for one hundred days from Wataga in Company B, One Hundred and thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was mustered in at Quincy, but not found old enough to go to the front. He reenlisted, however, and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, serving six months. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Wataga and learned the stone and brick-mason's trade, which he has followed ever since, making a specialty of building cisterns. He worked at his trade for a time in Abingdon and in Galesburg, coming to Knoxville twenty-six years ago. In addition to the trade which he originally learned, he mastered the methods employed in painting, paper-hanging and decorating, evincing great skill in these allied departments of the building trade. He has the distinction of being the first in Galesburg to decorate a room, having performed the contract for Henry Gart.

On October 20, 1868, Mr. Wilks was united in marriage to Miss Mary Isabel Laird, born in Pennsylvania in 1846. Her parents, Matthew and Isabel Laird, came to Illinois in 1855, their family being the first to settle in Woodhull, where her father followed the shoemaker's trade. Mr. and Mrs. Laird are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilks five children were born, four daughters and a son. Charlotte is the wife of Wilson Kitchens, an engineer in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and resides in Manitou, Colorado. They are the parents of two daughters and a son, Maude, Earl and Ellen. Valetta, the second in order of birth in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wilks and now deceased, was the wife of Charles Rogers. They were the parents of three children, Geneva, Charlotte and Forrest. Nellie, deceased, was the wife of Homer Jones. Martha, the wife of John Schwensen, an engineer in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad, lives in Kansas. Fred, living in Galesburg, where he is employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, is married to Catherine Sikes and has one child, Richard.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilks are members of the Presbyterian church, to which they give their loyal and helpful support. Mr. Wilks is a member of Knoxville Post, No. 239, G. A. R., of Knoxville, in which he has been past lieutenant commander. All those who know James Wilks—and his acquaintance is a wide one—hold him in high esteem for his honest, upright character and his industrious mode of life. He is still actively engaged in the pursuit of his calling and finds his greatest joy in doing well the tasks of each passing day. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 101-102, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Frank E. Woolsey. The late Frank E. Woolsey, for many years engaged in the harness and saddlery business in Knoxville, was born here, on the 30th of August, 1851, and was a son of Edwin and Mary (Tingle) Woolsey. The father was a native of the state of New York, where he engaged in farming until 1848 when he came to Knoxville. Soon after his arrival here he engaged in business, continuing to be identified with the commercial activities of the town until his retirement. He had resided here but a short time when he was married to Miss Tingle, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of six sons and two daughters, as follows: Frank E., our subject, who was the eldest; James E., who is engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Chicago; Charles, who is living near La Junta, Colorado; Hattie, who died at the age of eighteen years; Ida; George, who is also deceased; Arthur, a brick mason of Knoxville; and Leroy, who is deceased. The mother passed away in 1907, at the age of seventy-nine, while the father was eighty-four years of age when he died in 1910. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted and gone to the front from Knoxville, when hostilities first broke out, continuing in the service for three years.
     Frank E. Woolsey was educated in the common schools of Knoxville, and when old enough to commence preparations for his life work, learned the harness-maker's trade. He followed this for a time in his native town, when he went to Moline and subsequently took a position on the road. Withdrawing he returned to Knoxville and established a harness and saddlery business that he conducted until his death, which occurred on May 30, 1895. The business was continued for about a year thereafter under the supervision of his widow, who then disposed of it.
     Rock Island, Illinois, was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Woolsey, on the 19th of March, 1882, to Miss Hannah Arabella Simpson. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Jesse Swan and Eliza (Gunnell) Simpson. Her father was also a native of Westmoreland county, his birth occurring in Hempfield township, on the 18th of November, 1815, his parents being James and Hannah (Steinmetz) Simpson. James Simpson was born and reared in Scotland, whence he emigrated to America in the very early days, locating in Pennsylvania before the war of 1812, in which he participated. His wife was a native of Germany and a daughter of John and Mary Steinmetz, who were also among the early settlers of Westmoreland county. Mrs. Woolsey was born on the old homestead in Pennsylvania, where her grandfather Simpson lived and died. In the maternal line Mrs. Woolsey is of French extraction, her great­grandfather having emigrated to America from France in the early days of the last century and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Corbin Gunnell resided there until 1862, when he removed to Moline, lllinois, where he for many years was engaged in the dry-goods business, but he was living retired at the time of his death, which occurred in Moline. His parents were Jonathan and Parmelia Gunnell, the father a veteran of the Revolution having served under General Washington. Jesse Swan Simpson, Mrs. Woolsey's father, came to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1869, locating in Coe township, where he bought a farm that he operated until his death on the 30th of June, 1903, in his eighty-seventh year. Her mother, who died very suddenly from heart failure on October 4, 1908, at the age of eighty-six, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 11th of May, 1823. Of their marriage there were born six sons and five daughters, as follows: Benjamin F., who is now deceased, a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted from Pennsylvania; Maria C., the wife of Joseph Askew, of Cordova township, Rock Island county; Mary Jane, who died when she was twenty-four; Silas M., who resides near Hillsdale, Rock Island county; Jesse L. and Almira, twins, the latter the wife of William Aldridge of Port Byron, and the former also a resident of Rock Island county; Mrs. Woolsey; Emma C., the wife of John Groom, editor of the Aurora Daily Beacon, of Aurora Illinois; Curtis, who is living in St. Louis; Elmer E., a farmer of North Dakota; and Ulysses Grant, who is a resident of Rock Island, so named from General Grant, a cousin of Mr. Simpson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey there was born one son, Jesse Francis, a manufacturing chemist connected with the firm of Strong, Cobb & Company of Cleveland. He married Miss Maude Belle Johnston, a native of Indiana, and they have one son, Robert J. Woolsey.
     Mr. Woolsey was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also his widow and son, and fraternally he was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He belonged to the Sons of Veterans and his political support he gave to the republican party. Mrs. Woolsey has continued to live in Knoxville ever since the death of her husband, where she owns a very pleasant residence and has many friends, by whom she is held in high esteem. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 182-183, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Professor Loren R. Witherell. Unquestionably one of the most versatile and highly cultured residents of Knoxville is Professor Loren R. Witherell, who is not only a scholar and writer of more than local reputation, but an able attorney and a successful lecturer, in addition to which he has taken out patents on twenty-five different articles, all of which are in common use. He was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of May, 1843, and is a son of Ephraim H. and Rebecca (Donaldson) Witherell. The father was born in Vermont, on May 1, 1816, his parents being Asaph and Johanna (White) Witherell, natives of Massachusetts. Asaph Witherell was the first manufacturer in America of the cut nail, in the making of which he engaged in his native state for many years. Together with his wife and family in 1818 he started westward to Pennsylvania. They made the journey in the winter, and as Lake Erie was frozen they started to go from New York to Pennsylvania on the ice, but as it was thin in places they deemed the crossing unsafe, and returned to the shore. When they reached the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, they went south for about fifteen miles to the vicinity of Wattsburg, spending the night at the home of James Donaldson. Ephraim Witherell at that time was a lad of two years, while his future wife was a babe of one day. As his parents located in the vicinity, Ephraim Witherell there grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty-six years with his family he removed to Washington county, Indiana, where he engaged in contracting and building for five years. At the end of that time they crossed the prairies in a wagon to Peoria county, Illinois, residing there until the spring of 1851, when they came to Knoxville. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, on the 5th of March, 1818, her parents being James and Mary (Moore) Donaldson, who were also natives of the Keystone state. In both the paternal and maternal lines Professor Witherell is descended from old colonial families, both of his grandfathers being veterans of the war of 1812, while some of his mother's ancestors located in this country more than two hundred and fifty years ago. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Witherell numbered seven, the four eldest having been born before they located in Knox county. In order of birth they are as follows: Ursula, who died at the age of twenty years; Loren R., our subject; George, who is a farmer, residing a mile south of Knoxville; and Eri A., who is in the lecture field on a western circuit and is also engaged in teaching; Willard W., who engages in the real-estate business and also in building and contracting in Visalia, California; Silas, who is secretary and treasurer of a manufacturing company in Springfield, Missouri; and Oscar C., who was engaged in the drug business in Knoxville, but has now passed away, his demise occurring at the age of thirty-eight years.
     Professor Witherell received his introduction to the elements of English learning in the common schools of Peoria county, which he attended for one year. His education was continued in the public schools of Knoxville until he was eighteen years of age when he was sent to a private school in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he studied for two winters. He was a brilliant student, possessing the retentive mind, strong powers of concentration and rapid reasoning faculties that mark the natural scholar. Study was to him not a hardship, but a joy and he applied himself so attentively to his work that he made the best record of any pupil in the school, standing at the head of his classes in every subject. Upon the completion of his course he returned to his Illinois home and subsequently entered Lombard College. He matriculated in the latter institution in 1864, and there pursued special studies for three years, making a most creditable record. Having decided to take up the study of law, at the expiration of that time he entered the office of Willoughby and Grant in Galesburg, where for three years he diligently applied himself to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. He was admitted to the bar in 1871, and immediately thereafter opened an office in Rock Island county, where he engaged in practice for several years. He was meeting with most excellent success and was building up a very good clientage when trouble with his eyes compelled him to abandon his profession. In order to restore his sight and improve his health generally he turned his attention to fruit-raising and for thirty years devoted his summers to this occupation. In the winters he lectured on astronomy, geology and natural history in different schools, colleges and societies of the northwest, addressing more than a thousand different audiences. Although he still occasionally delivers a lecture, he has not followed the work regularly for about ten years, having withdrawn from it in 1901. Much of his time now is devoted to writing for the current magazines, while he also contributes editorials to various newspapers in both Iowa and Illinois. He has had more than one hundred of his poems published in papers throughout the country and in 1877 he published a history of John Brown in the Davenport Gazette. Not only does Professor Witherell possess unusual literary ability, but rare mechanical skill and he has always devoted much of his time to perfecting various contrivances upon which he holds patents. His first invention was a sugar-cane stripper, which he patented in 1865, when he was only twenty-two years of age. Later he patented a spiral gate and door spring, that is now used all over the world, while to him must be given the credit for the rubber stamp and printing wheels, which were placed on the market in 1866. He also invented the first computing postal scale, and he likewise holds the patent on a dusting brush and window fastener, as well as a clothes wringer and corn popper, and a number of other useful articles.
     On the 5th of March, 1868, Professor Witherell was united in marriage to Miss Lottie A. Anderson, the ceremony being performed in Knoxville. Mrs. Witherell was born in Sweden, in 1852, and is a daughter of Swan and Mary Anderson, who emigrated to the United States and located in Knoxville during the early clays. The parents are now both deceased and Mrs. Witherell passed away, on March 13, 1909. None of the children born of this marriage lived and Professor and Mrs. Witherell adopted two children, Arthur L. and Augusta. The former is now married and residing in Seattle, Washington, where he is superintendent of a large printing and publishing company. Augusta is the wife of Robert McCall of Davenport, Iowa. Professor Witherell has resided in the house he now occupies for fourteen years, the place being known as "Shady Hill," because it contains the largest and oldest tree in Knox county, which stands in the front yard. The kitchen of this house was built by Professor Witherell and it is a most interesting room. It is constructed from wood taken from a number of historical houses in Knoxville, the old Hebbard House providing the door. This was taken from the room that was occupied by Abraham Lincoln, on the night of October 6, 1858, the time he and Douglas held their memorable debate.
     In addition to all of his other talents, Professor Witherell is endowed with considerable musical ability and he has devised a number of clever musical instruments of real artistic value from squashes, gourds and other vegetables. Professor Witherell has been an ardent curio collector for over fifty years, and has an immense and beautiful collection, handsomely arranged in cases, which he has named "The Old Curiosity Shop" and which he will locate permanently in some public park, where it will be a permanent attraction and of great value to the public for years to come. He has always been too deeply engrossed in the pursuit of his various personal interests to devote much attention to outside affairs, so has very few public connections. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the Knoxville camp, one of the oldest in the county, which is his only fraternal connection. Professor Witherell has a wide and favorable acquaintance among the citizens of Knox county, where he has spent practically his entire life and is recognized as a man of rare worth and ability. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 223-225, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Gustave Wenzelmann. The name of Gustave Wenzelmann figures prominently in connection with the industrial and manufacturing interests of Galesburg, in which city he took up his abode in 1904. He now has an extensive manufacturing plant, which stands in the midst of sixteen acres of ground, affording him excellent shipping facilities over the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and Santa Fe Railroads. In business management he displays all those requirements which are essential to success and has gradually worked his way upward to a creditable and gratifying position.
     Mr. Wenzelmann was born in Neunkhausen, Germany, on the 8th of March, 1867, a son of Ludwig and Rosina (Schneider) Wenzelmann, who were also natives of Neunkhausen, the father having been born on the 7th of January, 1838, and the mother on the 10th of October of the same year. Ludwig Wenzelmann was a cabinetmaker and sawmill owner and continued in business in his native country until 1882, when he came to the United States, settling in Kankakee, Illinois, where he followed his trade. He lived a life of usefulness and activity, his labors being terminated only in death, on the 17th of May, 1910. For a considerable period he had survived his wife, who died in 1886. Both were members of the German Evangelical church and his political allegiance was given the democratic party. In their family were three children: Alwina and Bertha, both now deceased; and Gustave.
     The last named pursued his education in Germany, becoming a gymnasium student, and in the high school of Kankakee he continued his studies following the arrival of the family in America. After putting aside his textbooks he secured employment in a lumberyard and store at Kankakee in the capacity of bookkeeper and later he utilized his earnings in establishing a general merchandise store at Missal, Illinois, embarking in business there on his own account in 1884. From the beginning he enjoyed a good trade and continued in active connection with this commercial interest for a considerable period, also serving as postmaster. In 1895, however, he disposed of his store and removed to Streator, Illinois, where he turned his attention to manufacturing, being thus active in the business affairs of that place until 1904, when he came to Galesburg and built the plant which he is now operating. He manufactures portable elevators, hardware specialties, power wash machines, vacuum cleaning plants, electric light outfits for farm houses and general labor-saving devices as well as gas engines and he also has a small piano factory. There is also a well equipped chemical laboratory connected with the establishment. The business is conducted under the name of the Wenzelmann Manufacturing Company and was incorporated in 1899, with Gustave Wenzelmann as the president, Mrs. Wenzelmann as vice president and E. H. Overholt as secretary and treasurer. Employment is furnished for many people and the company owns sixteen acres of ground adjoining the tracks of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and Santa Fe Railroads. The building covers eighty-three thousand square feet of floor space and is splendidly equipped for the different lines of manufacture there conducted. All departments of the business are well organized and, keeping in close touch with the trade, Mr. Wenzelmann understands the demands of the public and the needs of the times and so conducts his business as to meet these.
     Mr. Wenzelmann has been married twice. In the spring of 1892 he wedded Miss Florence Esther Powell, a daughter of Rev. A. B. and Mary (Haffner) Powell, of Missal, Illinois. They became the parents of four children, Rosa, Naomi, Jessie and Maxwell, all at home. The wife and mother passed away June 22, 1907, and on the 12th of August, 1908, Mr. Wenzelmann wedded Miss Marion Rees, a daughter of David and Mary Ann Rees, of Galesburg. There is one child of this marriage, Ann. Both wives of Mr. Wenzelmann were successful schoolteachers prior to their marriage. In politics he is a republican and has served as school director of the first ward but has never sought nor desired office in recognition of his party fealty. He belongs to the Galesburg Club and to Grace Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman. While he is winning success in his business undertakings, his interests are not confined by his manufacturing activities but extend beyond to the broader and more general interests of life, he being ever recognized as a progressive citizen whose cooperation in public affairs marks him as a valued resident of Galesburg. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 231-233, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Edward Payson Williams. It is a difficult matter during the life of any one, to render a satisfactory tribute to his character, especially when the man concerned is of a disposition so retiring and unobtrusive as E. P. Williams. He was born at Russia, New York, in the year 1833, and moved to Galesburg with his parents in the year 1836.
     It seems most fitting and appropriate that he should be mentioned in this volume in the History of Knox County, of which he has been so important a factor for many years. In the absence of a personal biography, we copy by permission from the "Bench and Bar of Illinois," edited by the late John M. Palmer of Springfield, Illinois, former governor and former senator from Illinois, the following historical sketch of Mr. Williams:
     "Edward Payson Williams has resided in Galesburg for more than fifty years, and for the past twenty-five years has been the recognized leader of the Knox county bar. His modest and unassuming nature has kept him from the public gaze, but the strength, clearness and accuracy of his judgment, coupled with an unflecked purity and integrity of life, have made him known and respected and loved by all who have been either his clients or his friends.
     "His father, Sherman Williams, was one of the early abolitionists, and first settled in Missouri; but his views on the slavery question were not accepted there and he was driven from the state by the pro-slavery element, fleeing by night with his wife and young children. His mother, Sally (Bradley) Williams, was a woman of very remarkable intellectual power, an omnivorous reader, with a genius and love for guiding and instructing youthful minds.
     "Mr. Williams' early life was spent on a farm, and, excepting portions of a few years which were spent in the district school and in Knox College, he did the hard and exacting work of the farm until he had passed his twenty-fifth year. An injury which he then received disabled him from continuing in that calling, and he took up with indomitable purpose his preparation for the practice of the law. After two years of study, he was admitted to the bar of Illinois on an examination conducted in person by the late Judge Corydon Beckwith. From the very beginning of his practice, he took rank as a lawyer who knew the law and could present it clearly, who prepared his cases with thoroughness and who tried them both skillfully and honorably; who gave the same high service to the small cause and to the poor client that the largest interests could command; and it was soon known to all that he would neither take a retainer because the professional rewards were to be large if the cause did not commend itself to his judgment and conscience, nor refuse a cause that seemed to him meritorious though no reward were promised and its advocacy was unpopular.
     ''His name will be found as counsel in nearly every volume of the reports of the supreme court of Illinois from the forty-eighth to the present time. Upon important or intricate questions of law, no better briefs than his have been filed in that court. They have furnished the basis for the opinions of the supreme court in many leading cases; notably, in the celebrated county seat fight between Knoxville and Galesburg, settling the right of citizens by a bill in equity to purge poll books and election returns of the illegal votes cast, and to have the court determine the result of the legal votes at such election. Knox County versus Davis, Illinois Reports, volume 63, page 405. In Stowell versus Bair, Illinois Appellate Reports, volume 5, page 104, he filed a masterly brief on the question of the priority of lien upon growing crops between the landlord and the mortgagee. In Patterson versus McKinney, Illinois Reports, volume 97, page 41, his brief upon the proposition that conveyances to one's family made while heavily indebted and engaged in speculations can be set aside in equity as fraudulent, is preserved in the report. In Kiernan versus C, S. F. & C. Railway Company, Illinois Reports, volume 123, page 188, the court sustained his splendid set of instructions as to weight of evidence in condemnation cases.
     "During his long career at the bar he has met in professional contests nearly every prominent lawyer of the Military Tract, and has won his full share of victories. In the early days his practice was not confined to Knox county, but extended to all the counties of the circuit. In Fulton county he practiced with Hon. William C. Goudy, who afterward became a well known lawyer in Chicago, and Hon. S. P. Shope, afterward justice of the supreme court and now in af the Chicago bar, and many others. He was an early friend of John P. Wilson, Esq., and of Judge Blodgett, of Chicago. All who have met him in the courts or have in other ways come to know him, esteem him for his fidelity as a friend and his integrity as a citizen, and warmly admire the ability and conscience which have characterized every act of his professional life. But his best work and highest title to distinction does not lie in his purely professional work. His greatest influence has been wielded as a man of honor and moral bravery, and through the many men who have gained their professional ideals and inspiration while students in his office.
     "From the day he entered a law office until now, he has placed the obligations of a lawyer before his rewards and has always cared more to settle strife and protect rights by fair compromise than to encourage litigation or imperil his clients' interests in the hope of professional reward or distinction.
     "He has not drawn the line merely against dishonest claims or methods, but against causes and courses that while entirely honest might prove hardships to the party, though beneficial to the attorney. For example, a mortgage for over twenty thousand dollars was sent him with instructions to begin foreclosure proceedings. The mortgagor was in default and a foreclosure proceeding would have brought an attorney's fee of an unusual size and of which, on account of the large number of persons dependent upon him, he was in real need. Yet because the mortgagee was honest and would, in his judgment, be able to pay the larger portion of the defaulted interest within the next six months, he made the unasked recommendation of a postponement of the foreclosure proceedings. The result was that the mortgagor saved his land and the mortgagee secured his debt, and Mr. Williams received but a nominal fee. And examples of this sort might be multiplied. The golden rule controls him both as a lawyer and as a man.
     "Students from his office are found in the upper ranks of the profession from New York to Seattle, Washington, and all hold him both as a lawyer and citizen in the highest regard and affection.
     "He is a republican in politics, as was natural from his early experiences, but he has never sought public office. In the early days of his practice he was city attorney of Galesburg for one term, and master in chancery of the circuit court for a short time. His friends have long desired to place him upon the circuit bench, where his profound knowledge of the law, tempered by his fine sense of justice, would have been so valuable to litigants; but he has been unwilling to make any canvass for the place or to undergo the strife of a political campaign. He has neither the temperament nor the natural gifts of an advocate, though in cases appealing strongly to his feelings he has made some very notable and effective arguments to juries. His conspicuous preeminence, however, is as a wise counselor who always sought and rarely missed 'the right of the matter.' Though past three-score years, he is still in active practice in the full possession of his ripened powers, and has associated with him in the practice two sons—Messrs. Edwin N. and G. P. Williams—who are rendering him strong and efficient aid in conducting the litigation in which the firm is retained." The Bench and Bar of Illinois, pages 452 to 454.
     Since this biography was published, Mr. Williams has continued in the successful practice of his profession at Galesburg, Illinois, with a constantly increasing reputation. His life has been filled with deepest sorrows. His wife, for fifty years his constant and loving companion, assistant and adviser, has passed away, and two of his sons who were associated with him in the practice of law have also passed to the beyond. Perhaps no better idea can be given of the estimate in which Mr. Williams is held by the bar of Knox county, than to quote a resolution unanimously passed at a meeting of the bar association of Knox county, held for the purpose of adopting resolutions upon the life and services of the late Justice Alfred M. Craig, in January, 1912.
     "The Bar Association of Knox county assembled for the purpose of paying its respects and tribute to the memory of a distinguished member, who has passed away, are reminded of the fact that we have still with us, in active practice, the Nestor of this bar, whose seventy-ninth birthday will soon be here. While paying our tribute to the deceased, it is fitting that we remember the living who is still with us to guide and to inspire, and to extend to him our felicitations upon his approaching anniversary. Edward Payson Williams, by a long and distinguished career at the bar, has brought distinction, not only to himself, but the bar of which he is the acknowledged leader. By his unselfish public service, he has well served his day and generation. His unfailing kindness has endeared him to us all and his integrity and moral worth is an example to us. May his sorrows be tempered to him and his remaining years be filled with joy."
     We cannot close this brief sketch without mentioning one of the greatest honors that ever came to Mr. Williams, or in fact, to any other attorney of this state, and it must always stand as a most beautiful and substantial tribute to his memory and legal attainments.
     In the year 1899 the legislature of the state of Illinois passed a resolution creating a "Practice Commission" for the purpose of making a thorough examination of the Practice Act and to suggest needed reforms and commission seem to be necessary and conducive to the improvement in court procedure. Two members were to be appointed from Cook county, one by the Cook County Bar Association, one by the appellate court of the First district, and of the remaining three, one by the State Bar Association, one by the governor of the state and one by the supreme court of the state of Illinois. Mr. Williams, of all the attorneys of this state, was selected by the supreme court to act upon that commission, thus signifying the full confidence of that august body in him as being qualified in every way to represent it in all the questions that might come before the commission. His appointment bears date September 15, 1899. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 226 & 239-241, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Herbert W. Wood. Herbert W. Wood is now living retired in Galesburg but in former years was identified with general merchandising, with the grain trade and financial enterprises. The success which he achieved while still an active factor in business circles brought him a handsome competence that now relieves him from the necessity of further labor, save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests. He was born in Westford, Vermont, April 24, 1844, a son of William S. and Phylena (Smith) Wood. The father was also a native of Westford and the mother's birth occurred in Braintree, Orange county. Vermont. William S. Wood followed merchandising in his native town and also conducted a tannery, after which he removed to Burlington, Vermont, where he filled the office of deputy sheriff. In the spring of 1859, he came to the middle west settling in Wataga, Knox county, Illinois, where he carried on general merchandising and also engaged in the grain trade for a number of years. He likewise conducted a banking and loan business at a later date and carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. He was ever watchful of any opportunity and in its improvement steadily advanced toward success. In 1884 he went to Elgin, Illinois, where he resided for three or four years living retired during that period. In 1888, he came to Galesburg, where he also lived retired up to the time of his death, which occurred February 3, 1897. For more than three years he had survived his wife who died in this city, September 21, 1893. In his political views William S. Wood was a republican and served in some local offices, acting as justice of the peace and as treasurer of his town. His life was upright and honorable and both he and his wife were members of the Congregational church in which he served as a trustee. They were married in Braintree, Vermont, and unto them were born four children, of whom Herbert W., is the eldest, the others are: Ella J., the widow of George F. Niles of Hartford, Connecticut; Clarence E., who was born July 1, 1850, and died April 29, 1852, and Carrie M., the widow of Albert T. Lewis of Elgin, Illinois.
     Herbert W. Wood was educated in the schools of Westford and in the Burlington high school, after which he attended Knox College in Galesburg during the year 1863-4. His education completed, he entered his father's store as a clerk and received thorough training in commercial methods as applied especially to general mercantile interests. In 1868 he became his father's successor in business and formed a partnership with his uncle, H. P. Wood, which connection continued until 1880. They carried on the same line of business and also engaged in general banking. Throughout that period they conducted a prosperous business carrying a large and well selected line of goods for which they found a ready sale. The growth of their trade brought them an excellent annual income which in time afforded Mr. Wood a competence sufficient to enable him to retire from active life. He came to Galesburg in 1888 and has since retired from further labor save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests. He is now a stockholder in the First National Bank and has important realty holdings. He served as town clerk and in many other local offices, being corporation clerk at Wataga for a time.
     On the 21st of January, 1904, Air. Wood was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma Walton, a daughter of Joseph and Orlena A. (Kirk) Woods of Plymouth, Illinois. Her father was born near Mt. Sterling, this state, May 10, 1829, of German parentage and died June 30, 1905. He was a soldier of the Mexican war, serving for a year and one-half after which he was honorably discharged. He followed the occupation of farming, owning and cultivating a tract of land until the time of his death. He was also an ordained minister of the Baptist church and his life was ever a helpful one, his time being largely spent in efforts to uplift and benefit humanity. In his political faith he was a democrat and he served as school director, but never sought political office. His wife died July 19, 1909, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wood, in Galesburg. There were seventeen children in their family, of whom Mrs. Wood was the seventh in order of birth. Her early education was acquired in the schools of Providence, Illinois, and later she spent three years in Eureka College. She was also an art and music pupil in Chicago, studying under Seabeck and Liebling for three years. She afterward engaged in teaching music in Macomb, Camp Point and Augusta—three towns of central Illinois.
     She is a member of the First Christian Church, Galesburg, Ill., Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Woman's Relief Corps and the Round Table Club. A lady of broad intelligence and wide reading, she is prominent in the social circles of the city and shares with her husband a popularity that has brought him many friends. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 242 & 247-248, submitted by J. Crandell)

Charles A. White. Charles A. White, who has been engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at Galesburg since 1890, has built up an extensive clientage in these connections. His birth occurred in Greenville, Illinois, on the 26th of February, 1860, his parents being Richard and Nancy (McAdow) White, both of whom were natives of Bond county, Illinois. The paternal grandfather, Wesley White, was born in North Carolina and became an early settler of Bond county, Illinois. He was an agriculturist by occupation and lived to attain the age of about eighty-seven years. He was three times married and reared a large family of children. Judge Samuel McAdow, the maternal grandfather of our subject, served at one time as county judge of Bond county. He was a native of North Carolina, followed farming as a life work and lived to attain a ripe old age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Paisley, died when still a comparatively young woman. To them were born four daughters and two sons, namely: John, William, Emily, Elizabeth, Lucy and Nancy.
     Richard White, the father of Charles A. White, was a contractor and builder on an extensive scale. He erected the courthouse at Greenville, where his demise occurred in 1886, when he had attained the age of fifty years and five months. His first wife died when our subject was but two years of age, and for his second wife he chose Miss America Moss, by whom he had four children, as follows: Anna, who married a Mr. Kelly; Frank; Sarah; and Elsie.
     Charles A. White was reared on a farm at Elm Point, Bond county, Illinois, and obtained his early education in the country schools. Subsequently he attended the public schools at Newton, Kansas, and later pursued a course of study in a business college at Keokuk, Iowa. After putting aside his text-books he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, following farming near Greenville, Bond county, until 1882, when he removed to Newton, Kansas. In 1890 he came to Galesburg and embarked in the real-estate and insurance business, in which he has been successfully engaged to the present time, enjoying a large clientage. He has thoroughly informed himself concerning realty values and its appreciation or diminution in price and is thus enabled to assist his clients in making judicious investments and profitable sales. He owns farm lands in Morgan county, Missouri.
     On the 20th of October, 1886, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Keziah McCulla, a native of Cincinnati and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Abernathy) McCulla. The father passed away at Birmingham, Missouri, when about seventy-five years of age, but the mother is still living at the age of eighty-six and makes her home in Greenville, Illinois. They were the parents of four daughters and one son, as follows: Lillian, Harriet, Addie, Keziah and Thomas A. Mr. and Mrs. White had four children, namely: Edna B., Ruby M., Frances and one who died in infancy. The family residence is at No. 752 North Cherry street.
     In politics Mr. White is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife and daughters all belong. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Vesper Lodge, No. 584, A. F. & A. M.; also Council No. 1, at Knoxville; and Galesburg Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M. He is likewise a member of the Court of Honor and the Illinois Commercial Men's Association. He is alert and enterprising, possessing the progressive spirit of the times and accomplishing in business circles what he undertakes, while his geniality and deference for the opinions of others have made his circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 274-275, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

William A. Yates, an old and respected citizen of Ontario Township, is a bright and pleasing example of a successful farmer. His home is located on section 22. He is the son of John Yates, a farmer, and a native of the State of Virginia. He was of Irish descent and his marriage with Nancy Shields, who was of the same ancestry, took place in that State, and they began life in Berkly County, in which their son, William A. was born 12 March 1814. He was about eight yaers of age when his parents came to Delaware, Ohio, where they passed the remaining years of life. Mr. Yates was the oldest son of a family of eight children. He remained under the family roof up until the time of his marriage with Mary Finley, 9 November 1848. She died at her home in Ontario Township 16 June 1859. She was born on a farm in Delaware County, Ohio. Her parents were native Virginians. She was the mother of five children, as follows: Emily, deceased; John, Elizabeth, Mary and Margaret. The latter is deceased.
     Mr. Yates, on first coming to this State, remained but a few months and then returned to Ohio. Coming West the second time, he settled in Knox County, and went back to bring his wife to his new home. He purchased land in Ontario Township, consisting of 160 acres. He afterward purchased 20 acres in Sparta Township, and 16 in Henderson Township. In 1855, he purchased the farm which is his present home. He now has 160 acres of land in a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Yates married Miss Marcia Gaston for his second wife, in Delaware County, Ohio. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio, 14 June 1830, and in that section was reared and educated. Her parents lived on a farm, and her father, James Gaston, was of Scotch origin and her mother, Lois (Jones) Gaston, a native of the State of New Hampshire. They established a home in Delaware County, where they lived out their remaining years. The grandfather of Mrs. Yates, on her mother's side was Solomon Jones, a noble old warrier and an officer in the Revolutionary War.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Yates, of this notice, has been blessed with two children: Nancy C., who lives with her parents; and Electa, a most successful and popular teacher. They are both Presbyterians in belief. Mr. Yates has held many of the minor offices, and is one of the most enterprising citizens of the township. He is a solid Republican and takes a lively interest in politics and affairs of State. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 198, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Back to Top

John H. Wagner. Among the successful business men of Maquon may be found the gentlemen whose names stands at the head of this brief narration. He is the son of Jesse and Nancy (Whittacker) Wagner, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of German and Irish ancestry. They married and settled in Pennsylvania, where they lived until 1840, when they came to Fulton county, and from thence, in 1848, removed to Maquon Township, and in 1866 settled in the pretty and thriving village of Maquon, in the same state. They raised a family of eight children, as follows: William, Jacob S., Mary E., Francis J., George K., Julia A., H. and Rebecca C.
     John H. Wagner was born in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being 12 June 1838. He received his education in the common schools and supplemented this by attendance at Hedding College, Abingdon. Afterward he attended Knox College for a short period, but was obliged to leave on account of ill health. He taught school in McDonough county for five months, and afterward went to Chicago and there accepted a position as traveling agent for an insurance company located at Freeport, Illinois. On returning to Chicago, he entered the commercial college of Bryant & Stratton; afterward, returning to Maquon Township, he engaged as an agriculturist, which occupation he followed for ten years. In September 1875, he bought the hardware stock of Israel Howel, of Maquon Township, and since that time has conducted the business. By fair and honest dealing with his fellow men he has established a good and constantly increasing trade. He is at the present time the owner of 210 acres of fine land in Maquon and Chestnut townships.
     He formed a matrimonial alliance at Fairview, Fulton County, Illinois, 25 December 1865, the lady of his choice being Martha A., daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Alcott) Brunton, natives of Pennsylvania. They have been blessed by seven children, by name as follows: Eliza J., William H., Martha A., John, Mary E., Rachel and Milton. Martha was born in McDonough County, 8 March 1841.
     Mr. and Mrs. W., of this notice, are the parents of four living children, namely: Reginald V., Harry, Sarah E., and Emma. They buried two children, by name Ida G. and Warren H. Ida died when seven years of age and Warren at the age of four.
     Mr. Wagner has been one of the Trustees of the village of Maquon for the period of five years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a believer in and supporter of the principles advocated by the Democratic party. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 311, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Back to Top

Jesse Wagner. The different residents of Knox County are distinguished for various acts of usefullness and honor reflected back in the form of substantial successes and advancement. One of the most important factors in her internal machinery is the subject of this personal sketch, who has always followed the vocation of a farmer, but at the present time is passing the sunset of life retired from the active labor of farming, in the thriving little village of Maquon. He has always shown himself able and willing to forward all good and worthy enterprises calculated to aid in the upbuilding of this section of country.
     Mr. Wagner came to Knox County in the spring of 1849, from Fulton County, Illinois, purchasing a farm in Maquon Township, upon which he resided until May 1867, when the village of Maquon became his home and where he has since lived a retired life, in the meantime, having disposed of his farm. Mr. Wagner was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, 3 February 1802. Upon the removal of his parents to Columbia County, Pennsylvania, our subject was quite young in years, but remaining in that county, he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods for about 16 years. In the spring of 1840 he left the Keystone State and came to Canton, Illinois, where he remained two years, until his removal to the north part of Fulton County, whence he moved to Knox County in 1849.
     Jesse Wagner took to wife Nancy Whittaker, 28 September 1839, the nuptials being celebrated in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The date of birth of Miss Whittaker was 8 July 1803, she being born in Columbia County. Our subject and wife have been blessed by the birth of eight children, who were named as follows: William, Jacob, Mary, Frances, George, John H., Harriet and Catherine.
     Our subject and wife are devout and working members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been members of that denomination for many years. The parents of Mr. Wagner were by name Jacob and Elizabeth (Minier) Wagner, of German ancestry. William and Francis (Hazelton) Whittaker are the names of the parents of Mrs. Wagner. They were residents of Columbia County, Pennsylvania, where they both passed away. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 312, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Back to Top
 

Barney Wagoner. Throughout his district Mr. Wagoner is regarded as a representative farmer of the old school. He resides on section 20, Galesburg township, where his land is to be found in an advanced state of cultivation. He was born in Madison County, New York, in 1830, and came to Illinois in 1856, locating first at Peoria. For some time he worked on the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad as an engineer, an occupation which he subsequently followed for 25 years on the C. B. & Q. R. R. While serving in this responsible capacity, he was considered a very careful hand, and never met with any serious accident while on the road. His parents were Henry and Mary (Lane) Wagoner, natives of Pennsylvania. The mother was born in 1800 and the father either in 1798 or 1799. He died about the year 1835, in the State of New York; his wife's decease took place in Peruville, Tompkins county, New York. By the marriage there were ten children - Nancy and Catherine, living; Myra, Elizabeth and Effaline, who died of cholera in 1832; Hiram, Barney, Jane, Caroline, and Joseph, living.
     28 January 1862, the gentleman whose name heads this biography married Miss Elizabeth Bruington, the daughter of Benjamin and Harriet (Scott) Bruington, both natives of Kentucky. Benjamin Bruington was born in 1811, while his wife's birth took place in 1818. They first came to Illinois in 1833 and located on section 19, now Galesburg Township. He was the father of five children, and still resides in the township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bruington are George, Thomas, Mary, deceased 13 July 1886; Elizabeth and Melissa. Mrs. Bruington's decease took place in 1881, and she lies buried in Williams cemetery. Melissa, her daughter, is also dead, her demise taking place in 1879. By Mr. Wagoner's marriage, there were seven children, all of whom are living - Hattie, born 27 October 1862; George F., 19 January 1864; Marion, 21 May 1868; Henry H., 13 February 1870; Barney Elwood, 10 September 1874; Eugene C., 26 September 1878, and Edward Benjamin, 11 December 1883.
Mr. Wagoner has 100 acres of prime land, which is in a thorough state of cultivation. His residence is one of the best buildings of his vicinity, being comfortably planned and well furnished. He is a prominent member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a body to which he has belonged since 1865. In politics he is a thorough Republican and constantly watchful of all movements connected with and dear to Republican principles. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner have two interesting grandchildren, the son and daughter of Willard and Hattie (Wagoner) Ellis - Charles A. born 25 January 1884 and Maude I. born 1 March 1886. This family is widely known and universally respected in their township and surrounding vicinity. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 960, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Back to Top

S. A. Wagoner. Persistence of purpose and unfaltering energy have been strong forces in winning success for S. A. Wagoner and thorough training in his especial line has also constituted a feature in the establishment of his present prosperous business which is conducted under the name of the Wagoner Printing Company at Galesburg. The business was established in 1897, and since that time Mr. Wagoner has been active in its control and management. He is one of Wisconsin's native sons, his birth having occurred near Viroqua, March 25, 1863, his parents being Alexander and Hannah (Bahr) Wagoner, The father was born near Watertown, Jefferson county, New York, and when a young man came to Wisconsin. He was a farmer by occupation and at one time engaged in the conduct of a meat market in Laporte City, Iowa. He afterwards spent six years as a minister in connection with the Evangelical Association and then returning to commercial life became manager for a lumber company in Duluth, Minnesota, and now resides at Tower, Minnesota.
     It was in 1861 that he married Hannah Bahr, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and they became parents of two children, Simon Alvey and William E., both residents of Galesburg. The father is a republican in his political views and in his fraternal relations is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Simon A. Wagoner was educated in the public schools in his native state and also in the high school at Red Oak, Iowa. He was only fourteen years of age when he began learning the printing business at Anita, Iowa, where he remained for two years. He then returned to Laporte City, Iowa, where he followed his trade for nine years, and during his residence in that place established the Laporte City Review in connection with a partner with whom he remained for nine years. While there he made the acquaintance of A. D. Thurston, night telegraph operator, and they formed a partnership for the publication of the monthly paper called the Railroad Telegrapher. These two men called a meeting of the telegraph operators of the United States at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in July, 1886, and one hundred delegates from a number of different states assembled in convention there and established the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Mr. Thurston becoming the first grand chief telegrapher of the order. Mr. Wagoner remained the editor and manager of the paper which was printed at Laporte City, Iowa, until 1888, when he removed to Vinton, Iowa, where he remained for three years and in November, 1891, he came to Galesburg as superintendent of the printing plant of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, of which he was in charge until it was removed from Galesburg five years later. At the same time he conducted a small fruit farm near the city, and in 1897 he established his present business in which he was joined by W. E. Wagoner and G. H. Mehler. They began business in a small way on the third floor of the Bank of Galesburg building on Main street where they continued until 1901 when they consolidated their interests with the job-printing department of the Evening Mail, called the Mail Printing Company. The business was incorporated for thirteen thousand dollars with S. A. Wagoner, as president, F. H. Sisson, vice president, E. S. Tobey, secretary and C. H. May, treasurer. They removed to the Mail building on Cherry street, and there continued until 1909 when the business was reincorporated under the style of the Wagoner Printing Company and capitalized for twenty thousand dollars, with S. A. Wagoner as president and manager, H. W. Lass, vice president and E. S. Tobey secretary and treasurer. They employ thirty-five people and conduct a general printing business, a complete system of direct-connected individual motors to all machines forming a part of the equipment of the plant. The business has steadily grown until it amounts to seventy-five thousand dollars annually, two thirds of which comes from outside the city. They make a specialty of college and fraternity printing and keep in touch with the most modern and advanced styles of the printing art.
     On the 25th of November, 1885, Mr. Wagoner was married to Miss Emma R. Fischer, a daughter of Henry Erhardt and Catherine (Freiberger) Fischer, of Laporte City, Iowa. Her parents were natives of Darmstadt, Germany, and came to the United States in the '50s, settling in Ondaga county, New York, where the father followed the occupation of farming and also as a representative of the ministry of the Evangelical Association engaged in preaching in Utica and in Troy, New York. He died in Manlius, New York, in 1868, after which his widow came to the west, settling in Cedar Falls, Iowa, while later she became a resident of Laporte City, Iowa, where she married the Rev. George Eckhard. He died November 28, 1910. Mrs. Eckhard still survives and now makes her home in Cedar Falls. Her daughter, Mrs. Wagoner, was born in Utica, Ondaga county, New York, March 28, 1865, and by her marriage has become the mother of two daughters but the younger, Helen R., who was born in Galesburg, died when but eighteen months old. The elder daughter, Nora M., was born in Laporte City, Iowa.
     Both Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take active and helpful part. Mr. Wagoner is now serving on the board of stewards, is secretary of the building committee, is one of the trustees of the church and is teacher of the men's bible class in the Sunday school. He is greatly interested in Sunday-school work and is serving on the executive committee and finance committee of the Knox County Sunday School Association. He is also an exemplary member of Vesper Lodge, No. 584, F. & A. M.; Camp No. 667, M. W. A. He is also a member of the Galesburg Club and is president of the Retail Merchants' Association. He has made an excellent record in business, wisely used his time and opportunities, and as the years go by, has steadily progressed, winning success along the legitimate business lines. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement, and the excellent work which he has done has been the chief factor in his enviable and well merited success.  (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 306-308, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Harmon Way. We should not fail to mention among the more important, progressive and practical farmers identified with Knox County the name of the gentleman of whom this biography is written. His home is situated on section 22 of Chestnut township, and he is by occupation an agriculturist, and in connection with this branch of business carried on the breeding and raising of stock.
     Our subject was born in Portage County, Ohio, February 19, 1815, and came to Illinois in the fall of 1841, locating in Knox County where he now lives. Mr. Way's father was born in the State of Connecticut and came to Ohio at an early day. He was by name David and united in marriage with Rebecca Baldwin, and they both died in Ohio, at a date not exactly known.
     Mr. Harmon Way of this notice entered the matrimonial estate with Miss Elizabeth Wilson, January 1, 1837, in the state of Ohio. She was born in Stark County, in that State, March 15, 1821, and her parents were Charles W. and Betsy (Shelton) Wilson, the former of whom was born in England and the latter in Maryland. Both of these are now deceased, but left eight children.
     Mr. and Mrs. Way have a family of nine children, eight of whom still survive, as follows: David born January 27, 1838; Baldwin, January 14, 1840; Samuel, Mary 24, 1841; Andrew J., June 12, 1843; Jacob, December 14, 1845; Lewis, June 22, 1849; Harmon Jr., July 22, 1852; Hiram, August 30, 1855; and Sonora, January 22, 1859. Samuel, Jackson, Jacob and Baldwin were in the late Rebellion, fighting for the Union army and doing a good and noble service for their county. Baldwin died in the full flush of his early manhood, in 1865, at Dalton, Georgia, while in the service. The other three were protected from the perils of war and at the end of their military labors were discharged with honor from the army, living to meet their father and mother at home, after peace was declared. All of these children are married and prosperous. Mr. Way is one of the pioneers of this section, who has grown wealthy and influential in pursuing his own chosen path of duty. He is the possessor of 200 acres of fine land, and devotes his time to that and the other above-named interests. When he first came into the State he spent part of his time in hunting, as he is naturally a sportsman, and game was plentiful in the early days. Deer, wolves, wild fowl and foxes fairly flocked about him, and he considers he should exaggerate in no way if he claimed to have killed 5000 deer in this county. He has also slain many wolves. Gradually he has watched the growth of the county and may pardonably consider himself one of the oldest and strongest pillars. Both himself and wife are Universalists in theological belief and Mr. Way is a stanch Republican, the political sentiments of which party he upholds and defends and with which he votes. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 863, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Back to Top

William Henry Willcox. William Henry Willcox is a retired farmer now living at No. 940 North Prairie street in Galesburg. He was born in Moriah, Essex county, New York, January 9, 1836, his parents being Henry and Mary K. (Meacham) Willcox, the former a native of Bridport, Vermont, and the latter of Poultney, Vermont. The Willcox family comes of Saxon origin and was seated at Bury St. Edmunds, in the county of Suffolk, England, before the Norman conquest. James Willcox, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Bridport, Vermont, and was a son of Giles Willcox, of Killingsworth, Connecticut. He joined a band of immigrants from Connecticut towns for the "New Hampshire grants"
and bought a tract of land on the Vermont shore of Lake Champlain, in Bridport township. On the memorable morning of May 10, 1775, he acted as one of the guides to Colonel Ethan Allen, who was bent upon the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating in the movements of the Green Mountain boys in that district. The maternal grandfather of William H. Willcox was William Meacham, who was born at North Adams, Massachusetts, September 20, 1771. He married Keziah Howe, whose birth occurred at Poultney, Vermont, May 25, 1775. They were married August 14, 1796, and both passed away in the state of New York when well advanced in years. Their children were William H., Laura M., Martha J., Jemimah C.. Mary K. and Lorain E.
    Henry Willcox, father of W. H. Willcox, was reared upon a farm and in Moriah, New York, wedded Mary K. Meacham. He afterward worked in a woolen mill on Lake Champlain until he decided to come to the west and with his wife and family made his way to Knox county in October, 1836. He then located on the present site of Galesburg, just north of what is now Henderson street, owning a ten-acre lot there and purchasing a farm of eighty acres just west of the town. He afterward removed to his farm and improved it, also extending its boundaries until it comprised one hundred and twenty-seven acres. Upon that place he reared his family, but in 1866 again took up his abode in Galesburg, where he died in 1872 at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, who was born in 1803, lacked but ten days of being eighty-five years of age when she passed away in 1888. They were both charter members of the Congregational church, in which Mr. Willcox served as an elder. In their family were two sons and two daughters: Erastus, who acts as librarian in Peoria; Mary Helen, who gave her hand in marriage to William T. Bartle and passed away when about twenty years of age: William H., of this review; and Clarissa Adeline, the deceased wife of Edwin R. Willcox, a cousin.
    William Henry Willcox was reared upon a farm adjoining Galesburg and is one of three of the original colony who are still living in this city, the others being Mrs. Charles Hinckley and Mrs. Henry Sanderson, whose husband was the first mayor of Galesburg. Mr. Willcox spent his youth in the usual manner of farm lads and attended the first school in Galesburg. its site being on what is now the public square. He was afterward a student in Knox Academy and when he had completed his education he purchased his father's farm of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he added seven acres. There he continued to engage in general farming until the spring of 1879, when he removed to Trego county, Kansas, where he operated a ranch for eleven and a half years. At that time he returned to Illinois and engaged in farming in the northwestern part of Peoria county for another eleven years. He next removed to Wyoming, Stark county, where he lived for six years and in 1907 he returned to Galesburg, where he has since made his home, now enjoying a well earned rest, made possible through the success which he won while he followed farming.
    On the 3d of October, 1866, Mr. Willcox was married to Miss Eliza P. Kellogg, who was born August 3, 1838, and died March 6, 1905. She was originally a member of the Presbyterian church but afterward joined the Congregational church of Galesburg with her husband. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willcox were born five children. Elizabeth, the eldest, is the wife of Dr. Alvin F. Sherrill, of Atlanta, Georgia, who is dean of the theological seminary there. Edward K., who is a farmer of Wyoming, Stark county, Illinois, married Ella Jane Austin and they have four children: Dorothy A., Lawrence A., Marion
E. and Charles F. John H., who follows farming near Billings, Montana, married Hattie Jaques and has three children: Marjorie L, William J. and Lois E. Caroline is the fourth member of the family. Maurice M., who is the youngest, is a graduate of the state university and now follows the profession of civil engineering in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He married Eve I. Dills and they have three sons: Henry K., Philip M. and John T.
    In his political views William H. Willcox has always been a republican, having attained his majority soon after the party was organized. He is entitled to wear the Grand Army button, for on the 5th of August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company A, Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in as duty sergeant and was mustered out July 10, 1865, as second lieutenant. Among the battles in which he participated were those that occurred in the vicinity of Vicksburg leading to the capture of that city. Mr. Willcox was made a prisoner of war at Sabine Crossroads, April 18, 1864, and was sent to Camp Ford near Tyler, Texas, where he was held until the close of hostilities. After the war he followed farming successfully for a number of years but eventually retired to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has ever commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens and has a very wide and favorable acquaintance in Knox county. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 406-407, submitted by J. Crandell)

Back To Top

Colonel Horace H. Willsie was born in Lower Canada, January 27, 1827, and was the second son of John and Sabra (Hudson) Willsie, who reared a family of five boys and four girls. The senior Mr. Willsie removed from Canada to the State of Minnesota, in 1856, and died there in 1879, in his 80th year. His widow yet survives him. She resides in Fillmore County, Minnesota and is in the 81st year of her age.
     The subject of our sketch spent the first 14 years of his life upon his father's farm. He was then apprenticed to the tanning and carrying trade at Moore's Junction, New York, which he followed until about 25 years of age. In 1853 he left Canada and came into the States to make his home, railroading while in Missouri, spent a year in Iowa, and reached Galesburg in the fall of 1854. Here he clerked awhile in a dry goods establishment, was appointed Deputy Sheriff in the fall of 1855, and held the position for two years. The following year he engaged in the livery business, which he abandoned to again accept the position of Deputy Sheriff, a position he was filing when the war broke out.
     In July, 1862, he entered the service of the United States as Captain of Company D, 102nd Volunteer Infantry, and served about one year with the rank of major, then resigning on account of poor health. The following spring (1864) he recruited a company for the 148th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was tendered the Colonelcy of that regiment, with which rank he left the service in the following September. While with the 102nd he was in Kentucky and Tennessee; with the 139th in Kentucky and Missouri; and with the 148th in Tennessee and Alabama. During the entire service his only injury, aside from disease, was accidental. At Tullahoma, Alabama, his skull was fractured by the fall of his horse.
At four different times during the war Colonel Willsie is credited with having, by his own personal influence, filled Galesburg's quota to the army. Altogether he has been six years Marshall of the city, which, aside from his Deputy Sheriffship, constitutes the sum of his civil war offices. Colonel Willsie has worked his way through life, and his successes are attributable only to the efforts of himself. In 1876 he engaged in his present business, that of a livery and sale stable, and his establishment is one of the best in the city.
     June 5, 1855, he was married in Galesburg to Betsey A. Nichols, a native of Earlville, New York, who has borne to him five children, viz: Wilber F., United States Mail Service; Horace M., storekeeper's department C. B. &