Biographies Co-Cp
Frank Lauren Conger. Frank Lauren Conger, a Lombard man, whose educational training
has been used to good purpose in a successful and progressive business career, is now
cashier of the First National Bank of Galesburg, his native city. He was born December 9,
1873, the elder of two children of Seth B. and Ella (Olmsted) Conger. The younger son is
Dr. G. P. Conger, now practicing in Oak Park, Illinois. His paternal grandfather was
Lauren C. Conger, a native of the state of New York, who married Amanda Hasbrook and came
to Knox county at an early day, settling at Cherry Grove. Both he and his wife lived to
old age and here reared their family of two sons, Seth B. and Fred H. The former, born in
Illinois, was reared in this county and became one of the early students in Lombard
College when that institution was known as Liberal Institute. His education completed, he
afterward devoted some time to the cultivation of his father's farm lying west of the
city. Later he took up the grocery business in which he continued for several years and
subsequently removed to Missouri, living in Carroll county, that state, for about fifteen
years. Returning to Galesburg he entered business circles here as a lumber dealer under
the firm name of Conger & Hinchcliff and subsequently was engaged in the hardware and
implement business in Knoxville for four or five years. During the last year and a half of
his life he lived retired in Bradentown, Florida, where he passed away in 1910. In early
manhood he wedded Ella Olmsted, also a native of this state and a daughter of Silas and
Emily (Ward) Olmsted, who were natives of New York. They became early residents at
Olmsted's Mills, north of Monmouth, Illinois, where the maternal grandfather of our
subject operated a flour mill and also carried on farming. At length he removed to
Galesburg where he engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred when he was
past middle age. His wife long survived, reaching the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
In their family were four children: Ophelia, the wife of Lyman West; Flora E., the wife of
John T. Avery; Ella A.; and Professor Everett Ward Olmsted, now of Cornell University at
Ithaca, New York. It was the daughter Ella who became the wife of Seth Conger and the
mother of F. L. Conger of this review. She still survives her husband and is now living in
Galesburg, where she has a wide acquaintance. She holds membership in the Universalist
church of which Mr. Conger also was a member.
Frank L.
Conger was only a year old when his parents removed from this city to Missouri where he
spent the succeeding fifteen years of his life upon his father's farm. He then returned to
his native city and entered Lombard University from which he was graduated with the class
of 1895. He afterward worked for a year in the lumberyard owned by his father and then
pursued a year's course of study in pharmacy in the University of Illinois, School of
Pharmacy. Later he opened a drug store at the corner of Main and Seminary streets in
Galesburg, continuing in active connection with mercantile interests until he sold out to
enter the field of banking. In 1898 he became collector of the First National Bank and has
been gradually promoted through intermediate positions until he has now filled the
position of cashier for more than six years. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with the
banking business in every particular and is therefore well qualified for the onerous and
responsible duties that devolve upon him in this connection. He is regarded as a most
courteous and obliging bank official and his policy as well as his business ability
contribute to the success of the bank.
On the 13th of February, 1900, Mr. Conger was
married to Miss Mabel Dow, a daughter of Andrew G. and Flora (Prindle) Dow, the former a
native of Illinois and the latter of Michigan. They became early residents of Galesburg
where Mrs. Conger was born. Her father died in 1905 when more than sixty years of age and
her mother is still living. They have two children, the younger daughter being Edna, now
the wife of James Moir, of Burlington, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Conger have one daughter,
Barbara Lois. They hold membership in the Universalist church and Mr. Conger also belongs
to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, serving for one year as exalted ruler of the
local lodge. He likewise holds membership in the Galesburg Business Men's Club and is not
only interested in its social features but is also a cooperant factor in its work for the
improvement and upbuilding of the city and the extension of its commercial relations. In
politics he is a republican and filled out an unexpired term as city treasurer but has
never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business interests which have been of constantly developing importance. He is a worthy
representative of one of the oldest families of Knox county, his great-grandfather having
settled here as a pioneer when the seeds of civilization were just being planted in this
district. Like his forefathers before him he takes an active and helpful interest in all
projects for the progress of city and county along material, intellectual, social and
moral lines. (History of Knox County,
Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 83-85, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Forrest F. Cooke.
Forrest F. Cooke, for thirty-nine years identified with
the legal fraternity of, Galesburg, was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on the
4th of February, 1848. He is a son of the late Milo D. and Betsey B. (Smith)
Cooke, natives of Vermont, where they were reared and married. The father's
birth occurred in Cornwall, Addison county, on the 21st of June, 1819, and the
mother's in the village of Monkton, that county, in 1824. They were married in
1846 and subsequently located in Plainfield, where the father, who was a
lawyer, engaged in teaching until 1853. In the latter year together with his
wife and family he came to Knox county, locating in Henderson. There he
continued to teach for three years, then came to Galesburg. The following year,
in 1857, he was made police magistrate at the first election held after the
adoption of the city charter. He discharged the duties of this office with rare
efficiency as is manifested by the length of his term, which was terminated by
his death, on the 12th of May, 1889. Local politics always engaged much of his
attention, and he was called to fill various public offices. His support was
always given to the men and measures of the republican party, and for many years
he served on the school board and also as a supervisor. The mother is still
living and continues to make her home in Galesburg. She has always been an
earnest Christian and holds membership in the Congregational church.
Forrest F. Cooke, who is the only child of his parents, was a lad of eight years
when the family took up their residence in Galesburg. His early education was
obtained in the public schools of this city, and in 1863 he entered Lombard
University, where he remained until April of the following year. He then laid
aside his textbooks and responded to his country's call by enlisting as a
private in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
He remained at the front for a year, being mustered out at Peoria, this state.
Upon his return he resumed his studies, and in 1866 enrolled in Knox College,
being graduated with the class of 1870. He then entered the office of Judge Lamphere and O. F. Price of this city, and for two years gave his undivided attention to the study of law. In 1872 he was admitted
to the bar, and immediately thereafter established an office here, that he has
ever since maintained. He is recognized as one of the most capable attorneys of
Knox county, and during the long period of his connection with the profession
has succeeded in building up a lucrative practice. Among his clients are
represented many of the foremost business men and heads of some of the leading
industries in the city. His conscientious devotion to the best interests of his
clients, has won for him a reputation for trustworthiness and reliability, that
has in all probability been his greatest asset. He has always been a close
student and being the fortunate possessor of a wonderful memory is considered to
be one of the best informed general practitioners in the local courts.
On the 17th of March, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Forrest F. Cooke and
Miss Sarah Louise Collins, a daughter of Bryan and Elizabeth Collins, of
Ogdensburg, New York. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cooke: Florence
A., the widow of Charles Morenhaut, of Chicago; Chauncey L., who is a resident
of Seattle; and Bessie, the wife of Frank Wentworth, of Chicago. Mrs. Cooke
passed away on the 13th of October, 1908, at the age of fifty-seven years, her
birth having occurred in Lewis county, New York, in 1851. On November 28, 1911,
Mr. Cooke was married to Ella Tully, of Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Fraternally Mr. Cooke is an honored member of Post No. 45, G. A. R.; and he is
also affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In his political
views he has ever been a stanch republican, and takes an active interest in all
municipal questions. He was president of the board of education for six years
and has served three terms as mayor of Galesburg, and for the past sixteen years
he has been a member of the state board of education. Mr. Cooke is a man of high
ideals and worthy motives, who always strives to fulfill his duties of
citizenship by advancing the best interests of the community.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages105-106, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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L. J. Cox
is one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers
of Knox County. He lives on section 16, Ontario Township, of which place he is a
native, having been born on section 21, Jan. 1, 1849.
His father, James R. Cox, was a former resident of
Somerton, Somersetshire, England, at which place he lived for a number of years
and was there married to Emma Pittard. She was likewise a native of the same
shire and both were of direct English parentage. Six children were the result of
this union; two died while the parents lived in England, and one in this
country. Their first permanent location was in Ontario Township, where they
lived a number of years. They afterward decided to change, and removed to
Oneida; there the mother died Sept. 24, 1884, at the
age of 67 years. The father, who still survives, lives at Oneida and is 69 years
old. He devotes his time largely to improving his farm of 200 acres.
Mr. Cox was the first child born
to his parents in this country. When he reached the
age of seven years, his father purchased an 80-acre
farm on section 28, in this township, upon which he
lived for 14 years. He afterward purchased and lived on 160 acres in Sparta
Township, which the father now owns. When he was 19 years of age, up to which
time he had remained at home, Mr. Cox received an accidental shot in the hand,
which disabled him for some months, during which time he was at Hartford, Conn.
Returning one year later, he established himself in
business—having learned the trade of butcher while at Hartford. He continued in
this branch of trade for some length of time, then abandoned it and invested in
40 acres of land and began to farm. This was on section 16, at which place he
still lives, owning 160 acres of well-cultivated land, on section 15, adjoining
the home place. All of his landed property is in a fine condition, the result of
unflagging energy, industry and strict attention to business.
The marriage of Mr. Cox with Elizabeth J. West took place in Galesburg, Sept 3,
1873. His wife was born in Morgan County, Ohio, June
17,1849. She came to Illinois in 1871 under the protection of her brother, lived
in Woodhull and Galesburg for some time, serving in
the capacity of nurse, for which position she was admirably adapted. She is the
mother of three children—Arthur B., Stewart J. and one deceased. Mrs. Cox is
enrolled as a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a useful and active
worker in all enterprises of usefulness. Mr. Cox is wide-awake to the public
interest and holds the position of Poundmaster [misspelled?]
for the township, which office he has retained for 12 years. In politics
he is a liberal Republican. Aug. 14, 1882, Mr. Cox met with a severe loss by
fire, having two barns, a granary, corncrib, wagon-shed, tools and 65 tons of
hay destroyed, entailing a loss of $2,000.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 495, submitted by Janine Crandell)
------------------------------------------
Levi J. Cox, deceased, who passed his life, spanning
three score years and one, within the confines of Knox county, was born here
January 1, 1849. His parents, James and Emma (Pittard) Cox, were both natives of
Somersetshire, England, who lived there until after their marriage, Mr. Cox
being engaged in farming as a tenant on an English estate. They crossed the
Atlantic in 1848 and found their way to Ontario township, Knox county, where
they settled on a farm. Later he removed to Oneida and since 1880 lived retired.
In 1884 the mother passed away and eleven years later the father’s death
occurred, on May 13, 1895.
Reared at home Levi J. Cox obtained his education in the rural schools in the
vicinity and in the Oneida high school. At the age of nineteen years he engaged
in farming for himself but almost at the outset met with a serious accident that
retarded his progress for a time in no slight degree. He was out hunting prairie
chickens with a party of friends, when he was shot by the accidental discharge
of a gun. For fourteen years he cultivated eighty acres of land on section 28,
after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Sparta township,
operating this farm for a number of years. He disposed of this property and went
east, remaining in Hartford, Connecticut, long enough to learn the butcher
trade, which he followed on his return to Knox county. After a time he sold out
his interests in this business and again took up farming, confining his labors
first to a tract of forty acres and later increasing this to one hundred and
sixty acres. He acted as poundmaster for a period of twelve years. On March 4,
1902, he retired to live a quiet life in Oneida village. He passed away just
eight years from that time, dying from injuries received in an automobile
accident in 1910. Mr. Cox was a man of industrious habits and by his thrift and
good management was able to multiply his income and at his death bequeathed to
his wife and children four hundred and ninety acres of land in the county. He
belonged to Oneida Lodge, No. 337, F. & A. M.
Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth West, a daughter of Samuel and
Kathryn (Anderson) West, the father a native of England and the mother of
Scotland. The story of the emigration of the West family from their native
shores is a narrative filled with the most thrilling incidents. The grandfather,
John West, was sold in Scotland to an American living near New York and when the
Revolutionary war broke out he gave his services to the cause of freedom. He was
shipwrecked on his voyage to America and passed sixteen years before he finally
reached our shores. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were the parents of three children: Arthur
B., who operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Ontario township,
given him by his father, is married to Maude Houghton and has three children
living, Laverne, Joseph Elishier and Levi Charles, while one child, Maude, is
deceased. Stewart lives on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which his
father gave him and is married to Mildred White. They have three children,
Garrett, Minnie E. and James. Asa, the youngest in the family, has passed away.
Mrs. Cox gives her helpful support to the Presbyterian church and is also an
enthusiastic worker in the Order of the Eastern Star of Oneida. She is a woman
of much charm of manner and has many close friends to whom she has always been
loyal.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 764-765, submitted by Anne)
Francis Coleman, one of
Knox County's energetic and successful farmers,
residing on section 12, Victoria Township, was born in
Mercer County, Pa., March 12, 1844. He is a son of
Samuel and Sarah (Albin) Coleman, natives of the Keystone State. The parents,
upon their arrival in Illinois, in 1855, made their first purchase of 160 acres
on section 30, Victoria Township, to which they subsequently added by purchasing
320 acres. The father of our subject for 20 years was local preacher of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected Supervisor of the township, but did
not qualify. Mr. Samuel Coleman resided on his purchase until his demise, in
1875. Their family consisted of 14 children, 10 of whom are still living, our
subject being the youngest but one.
Francis Coleman, of this brief notice, assisted his
father in the farm duties until 27 years of age, when,
in 1883, he purchased for himself 80 acres. He was
also the recipient of a like acreage given him by his
father in 1870. Our subject has been extensively
engaged in the raising of grain and stock, and since 1884 he has made a
specialty of the breeding of Short-horn cattle.
Mr. Coleman's marriage to Miss Susan Johnson took
place March 9, 1871. She was a native of Knox County and the daughter of Ransler
and Emeline (Wilkinson) Johnson, natives of Virginia
and Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Coleman were married in
1849, in Knox County, at which place they resided until their death, in 1883 and
1876 respectively. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are
now five in number—Harriet, Susan, Jason, James and
Edith. Mr. Johnson was the first Justice of the Peace
in Truro Township, performing the duties of that office for 25 years. He was
also School Director, and ranks among the substantial and highly respected
citizens of Truro.
Fredrick C. and Edith I. are the names of the children born to our subject and
wife. In political affinity and belief Mr. C. is a Republican, and
has held the office of Pathmaster
[misspelled?] for three terms, and
is recognized as one of the leading men of this
part of Knox County.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 570, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Robert Weir Colville.
Robert Weir Colville,
deceased, was for many years well known as a representative of industrial
interests in Galesburg, becoming master mechanic for the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad in this city in 1878. In that position he continued until his
death and the record which he made was at all times a creditable one—a record of
industry, diligence and faithfulness.
He was born March 31, 1839, in Glasgow, Scotland. His
father was Robert Colville, who is remembered by his many friends as a genial,
generous and honorable man whom all admired because of his many sterling
qualities. At the time of his death he had almost completed his second term's
service in the office of city treasurer of this city, having performed the
duties of that responsible position to the satisfaction of all concerned. He was
a native of Scotland who had emigrated to the United States in early manhood.
For many years he carried on the business of bookbinding in Galesburg, but in
the spring of 1869 was elected to the office of city treasurer and continued
therein until his life's labors were ended in death. He was ever a courteous,
polished gentleman whom it was a pleasure to meet, and his conversation was
enriched by allusions to literary subjects with which he was thoroughly
familiar. At his death he left a wife and four sons to mourn the loss of a
loving husband and devoted father, and his demise was also the occasion of deep
regret to many friends. His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna
Maxwell, died in 1861, and he subsequently married Sarah Crocker, by whom he had
one son.
His son, Robert Weir Colville, was a youth of twelve
years when, in 1851, the family crossed the Atlantic to the new world. In early
life he learned the bookbinder's trade and was connected therewith in Chicago
from 1851 until 1856, when the family came to Galesburg. Here Robert W. Colville
made his home until his death, on December 28, 1909, with the exception of a few
years spent in Aurora, Illinois, in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all
business and personal considerations that he might aid in the struggle to
preserve the Union, enlisting in Company E of the Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. He continued at the front until 1863, when he mustered out on account
of failing health that rendered him unfit for field duty. He was present at the
battle of Fort Donelson and also took part in the hotly contested battles of
Shiloh.
After being honorably discharged, Mr. Colville returned
to Galesburg and, having but little liking for the trade of bookbinding in which
he had been assisting his father, he entered the employ of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in the capacity of fireman. His
faithfulness and ability later won him promotion to the position of engineer and
from 1863 until his death he was in the employ of the railroad company, being
advanced through various positions, including that of foreman of the local
roundhouse and foreman of the roundhouse at Aurora until 1878, when he was made
master mechanic at Galesburg, continuing in that position until he met an
accidental death under an engine.
On the 4th of March, 1866, Mr. Colville had been
married in Galesburg to Miss Edith Wilbur Cole, the daughter of George W. Cole,
who came to this city from Sheldon, Vermont, in 1856, and was engaged in the
harness and saddlery business. Mrs. Colville is justly proud of a most
distinguished ancestry, including patriots of the Revolutionary period,
governors and men of note during the colonial epoch and several who were
passengers on the Mayflower, including Governor Bradford. George W. Cole, her
father, was one of the prominent early merchants of this city but retired
fifteen years prior to his death in 1902. He married Almira Holcomb, of the
state of New York, and their daughter, Edith, became the wife of Mr. Colville.
Three children were born of this marriage, namely: Alma B., the wife of Victor
E. Bender, owner of the Springfield News; Nita M., the wife of Nevin C. Lescher,
a brick dealer of Galesburg; and Robert Rex, who married Jessie Ayre of
Galesburg, and is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.
In his fraternal relations, Mr. Colville was a Mason
and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was also a
member of the Elks lodge of Galesburg and a charter member of the Galesburg
Club, and had many friends in those organizations as well as among his business
associates and those whom he met in social circles. The greater part of his life
was passed in this city and those who knew him recognized in him the sterling
traits of character which in every land and clime win confidence and regard. He
was for several years a member of the board of education of Galesburg. was a
democrat in politics but in the latter years of his life voted for the man
instead of the party.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 186 & 189, submitted by Janine Crandell)
William M. Combs. Standing on
section 36 of Chestnut Township may be seen the home of the subject of whom this
personal sketch is written. He is an honest and reliable citizen, whose landed
possessions include 112 acres and who does a general farm business. Collinson, Charles.
A farmer, son of Thomas and Hannah, natives of England, he was born at
Yorkshire, England May 14, 1826, and spent his early life in the coal mines of
Pennsylvania, where he went with his parents at the age of four years. He came
to Knox County in 1852, and was married July 17, 1847. He is the father of
eleven children. He united with the M. E. Church in 1857. He has acted as
Steward and Sunday-school Superintendent. He served three years in the war for
the Union as Corporal. Democrat. P.O. Galva, IL.
(History of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 664, submitted by Pat Thomas)
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Our subject was born in Highland County, Ohio, 19 April
1824. His father was Robert W. Combs and his mother Martha (Parker) Combs, the
former being born in Virginia in the year 1796, and the latter in Pennsylvania
in 1797. She passed from earth 4 May 1863 in Fulton County. Her husband still
survives, and they were the parents of ten children, namely: Cynthia A., Mary
A., James P., William W., Zur M., Cary A., Andrew J., John M., and Martha J.
Mr. Combs came to Illinois in 1835 and located in
Fulton County, this State, where he remained for 18 years. He then moved to
California, then to Oregon, and finally to Washington Territory; and after an
absence of 16 years returned to Knox County and settled down for the remainder
of his life.
In 1874, March 18, he united in marriage with Miss
Sarah C. Timmons, a native of Knox County, born 8 April 1849, and who is the
daughter of Stephen and Lucinda Timmons, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Combs' father was
born 14 February 1914 and is still living, and her mother, born 8 January 1817,
died in December 1862 in Fulton County. She was the mother of ten children, to
wit: Andrew J., Peter S., Annie, Thomas, Mary E., and Martha J., twins, Sarah
C., Margaret E., Joseph N., and George W.
In politics Mr. Combs is a Republican.
Mr. Combs tells with considerable interest and
merriment the story of his Western trip. It seems he started overland for the
Pacific Slope in 1852, driving an ox team. The journey consumed five months and
nine days, but they had no trouble with the red men of the forest. He worked in
the mines three years and was engaged in packing over the mountains, and
eventually he acquired a fair competency, and what was still better, good
health. Mr. Combs is of Irish and German extraction and his wife is of Scotch
and German ancestry.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 954, submitted by Pat Thomas)
The father and mother, together with their two sons,
emigrated to the United States, and immediately made settlement in Wilkesbarre,
Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. After their arrival in this country, three more
children were born; three children are living. The mother died in Wilkesbarre,
Pennsylvania when Charles was but 12 years of age. The father was again married
in Luzerne county, to a lady of French extraction, Louisa Mathias, who was born
and reared to womanhood in France, coming to the United States and locating in
Luzerne county, when a young lady. She yet survives and is living with her
younger daughter, Mrs. Thomas McClure, in Lynn Township. The father of our
subject died in Lynn Township, 28 January 1881, at the age of 82. He came to
Illinois in 1852, bringing his family with him, six boys and two girls, Charles
being the eldest. He had been a fairly successful farmer, and at the date of his
demise was possessed of a considerable property. In politics he was a Democrat.
Charles Collinson, after accompanying his parents to
this county, continued to reside with them with them on the parental homestead,
assisting by his labors in the maintenance of the family until 19 years of age.
He worked five years in the coal mines in the Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania and
vicinity.
He was married in Willkesbarre, Pennsylvania, 18 July
1847, Miss Catherine A. Spare, becoming his wife. She was born near
Philadelphia, 18 August 1824, and is the daughter of John and Catherine (Cline)
Spare, natives of Pennsylvania and Holland descent. Her father was a blacksmith,
but after his marriage followed farming for a sustenance until his demise, which
took place 2 January 1865, in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. His wife followed him
to the land beyond 20 days later.
Mrs. Collinson was the third in order of birth of a
family of nine children, four sons and four daughters, and continued to reside
with her parents until her marriage. Of her union with Mr. Collinson 11 children
have been born, one of whom is deceased. Thomas married Hannah Rawlins and
resides in Iowa, engaged in farming; John S. has a sketch in this work; Sarah
married Ambrose King, a farmer of Victoria Township; Mary C. is the wife of C.
S. King, a farmer of Crawford county, Kansas; Martha A. married J.C. Gray, a
farmer of Lynn Township, and the maiden name of his wife was H. L. McDaniels;
Hannah M. became Mrs. D.C. Maxwell; Samuel S. married Ada Strong, who has died
since the above was written, and is a farmer in Victoria Township; Luther M. is
a farmer and resides at home. The deceased is Alice A. who died when about one
year and two months old.
Mr. and Mrs. Collinson are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He has been Township Assessor, and in politics votes with the
Democrat party. Mr. Collinson enlisted in September, 1862 in Company G, 89th
Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry; in the fall of 1863 he was transferred to
the Veteran Reserve Corps, and served in the same until the close of the war,
when he received an honorable discharge at Detroit, Michigan, 3 July 1865. He
was in numerous skirmishes, and early in the service received a sunstroke which
prevented him from active duty.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 807, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Collinson, George M. Thomas, his father, was born in England, and his mother, Louisa, was a native of France. George was born in Pennsylvania April 12, 1846. He spent his early days on a farm; removed to Lynn, Mass., in 1851, and married Mary A. Murray May 22, 1868. They have three children, all girls. He has been a member of the Board of Education in the Collinson Academy nine years. He is a Democrat in politics. Postoffice, Altona. (History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, pages 664-665, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Collinson, Henry G. His father, Simon L. Collinson, was a native of England, and his mother, Mary M. Collinson born in Pennsylvania. Henry was born in Lynn Township, Knox County on Jan. 4, 1840, where he has a fine farm. He has always been a farmer by choice. He served in the war for the Union three years. He married March 7, 1867, Miss Jannett McKie, who bore him two sons, neither of whom is living. He united with the Presbyterian Church in 1870. Postoffice, Altona, where he now resides. (History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 665, submitted by Pat Thomas)
John Collinson.
The different residents of Knox County are distinguished for various acts of
helpfulness and honor reflecting back upon themselves in the building up and
advancement of the county. One of the important factors in her internal
machinery is the subject of this personal sketch, whose home is situated on
section 29, Lynn Township, and who has shown himself able and willing to forward
all the interests of his community.
Mr. Collinson was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania,
30 March 1831. His father, whose given name was Thomas, was born and reared in
Yorkshire, England. While residing in England he was united in marriage with
Hannah Codlin, and afterward, with their two children, set sail for America,
making settlement in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in 1829. Our subject was the
first-born of his parents' family after their arrival here in the United States.
Subsequent to their arrival here, their family was increased by the birth of
three children, while they were residents of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The
death of the mother occurred 8 May 1837. The father was subsequently married to
Miss Louisa Mathias, after which event they, with their family, emigrated West.
Upon their arrival in the Prairie State in 1852, they immediately settled in
Lynn Township, at which place the father's demise occurred 28 January 1881. The
widow still survives and is living with her youngest daughter, Louisa McClure,
in Lynn Township. She has attained the venerable age of 75 years. The father of
our subject had purchased a farm in Lynn Township, which was finely improved,
and upon which he erected a desirable dwelling and necessary outbuildings.
After John Collinson arrived in this county in company
with his parents, he immediately set about to earn his own living. 25 December
1855 in Stark County, he was married to Miss Christiana Reader. Miss Reader was
a native of Germany, where she was born 27 February 1823. Her mother died when
she was but a child, and consequently we have no account of her maiden name or
history. The father, John Reader was a shoemaker, and brought his two children,
both daughters, to the United States, in 1848. The parents at once settled in
Toulon, Stark County, where they followed the honorable and independent calling
of farming until the demise of the father, which occurred in 1851. The death of
Mr. Reader was caused by being thrown from an unmanageable horse, which he was
leading by the halter, the strap of which was fastened to his wrist. The animal,
becoming frightened, viciously shied and threw Mr. Reader to the ground,
dragging him to death. Finally the strap broke, the horse going home, leaving
his victim in the road.
After the death of her father, Mrs. Collinson was
engaged in domestic work until her marriage with Mr. C. to whom she has borne
nine children, of whom we give the following brief memoranda: Martha became the
wife of Holman Williams and they are present residing in West Jersey Township,
Stark County, and following farming; Mark O. is the husband of Charlotte
Stephenson, and they reside on his father's homestead; Henry J. took to wife
Emma Himer and they make Lynn Township their home, where they are engaged in the
peaceful calling of farming; Andrew H. resides in Iowa; Anna M. is the wife of
Arthur Catton, a farmer, residing in Stark County; Lydia A. resides at home, as
does also Viola D., Oscar C., and Ada L.
Since their marriage Mr. Collinson and wife are
residing on their farm. He is now the possessor of 236 acres of most excellent
and highly cultivated land, where he is meeting with success. In politics he is
a stanch Democrat.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 869-870, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Collinson, Simeon L.
He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Kirby) Collinson, natives of Yorkshire
England. Simeon was born July 7, 1806, in Yorkshire, England, and spent his
youth and received his education in his native country. He came to America and
settled in Pennsylvania where
he spent five years in the coal mines. He came to Illinois, where he engaged in
farming, accumulating a large property, and is now the owner of 1,700 acres of
beautiful farmland. He has been twice married; Nov. 5, 1834 to Mary Craver, who
bore him nine children, five boys and 4 girls; and on Nov. 21, 1874 to Mrs. Jane
McClure, one son being the issue. He has held the office of School Trustee eight
years; first Assessor after township organization, two years; Road Commissioner,
ten years; and served seven years in PA Light Inf. under the State Law; always
led a moral life, resolving when young never to gamble or lead others by his
example into bad habits. Postoffice, Altona.
(History of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 665, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Collinson, Thomas W. He was born in Pennsylvania July 2, 1835, and is the son of Simeon Collinson, native of England, and Mary Collinson, born in Pennsylvania. He came with his parents to this county in 1838, when but three years of age, and is therefore one of the earliest settlers of Knox County. He chose the best of all occupations, that of farmer, in which he has been very successful. He was married on Nov. 25, 1858, to Miss Sarah Brooks, from which union sprang eight children, seven boys and one girl, two of whom are dead. He has served as School Director ten years. Postoffice, Altona. (History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 665, submitted by Pat Thomas)
James Cook, a retired farmer, living on
section 16, in Copley Township, was born in Roxburyshire, Scotland, 22 October
1816, and is one of Knox County's highly esteemed and respected citizens. He is
the son of Robert and Jenette (Locky) Cook, who were natives of Scotland. The
parents had a family of three sons and six daughters, as follows: Jane, Agnes,
Margaret, Jenette, Mary, James, Elizabeth and Robert. They were farmers and died
in their native land.
Our subject was the seventh child in order of birth,
and remained at home until 19 years of age. He assisted on the farm and attended
school until 1839, when he came to America. landing at New York, he went to
Buffalo, and when he reached that city he had only two dollars in money, and was
a stranger in a strange land. He then crossed over into Canada and worked there
at different places, until he had earned $30. He then went into Ohio and settled
in Ross County, near Chillicothe, and remained in the employ of a gentleman
residing there for six years. From there he went over the Allegheny Mountains
with a number of droves of cattle to New York and Philadelphia, and came to
Illinois, 6 July 1845. He made his first purchase of land near Rochester, Knox
County, which consisted of 120 acres, and which he kept two years and then sold,
afterward making a purchase of 80 acres, upon which he now lives. He has since
added to the same until his possessions include 765 acres, and he has made very
fine improvements on his farm, cultivating the land, setting out trees, building
house, barns and fences, and today he has one of the most attractive homes in
the township.
Mr. Cook was married 3 March 1853, to Miss Agnes Stine,
of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to America in 1851, and who is the daughter of
Andrew and Margaret (Carr) Stine, also natives of Scotland. They had a family of
eight children, including William, Mary, Isabelle, Jenette, Margaret, Agnes,
John and Andrew. The parents died in their native home.
Mr. Cook had a family of six children, all living -
Isabelle, William, Jenette, Margaret, Mary A. and Agnes. Isabelle united in
marriage with Nathan Millroy and is the mother of two children, Mary and an
infant, unnamed; Mary A. married Houston Tate.
Mr. Cook is a Republican, and now hold the office of
Trustee in the schools, that of Road Commissioner and other minor offices, and
is one of the best and most solid men of the community. His wife and himself
both belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is strictly a self-made man, and is
now enjoying the fruits of his labors.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages
471-472, submitted by Pat Thomas)
James W. Cox, a prominent and
respected resident of Abingdon, has for more than two decades served as
president of the Glove Shirt & Overall Company, one of the leading manufacturing
enterprises of Knox county. His birth occurred in Indian Point township, this
county, on the 12th of May, 1855, his parents being John and Rebecca (Bellwood)
Cox, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father came to Knox county,
Illinois, in early manhood, about the year 1850, while the mother was brought
here by her parents when a little maid of about six. Following his marriage John
Cox located on a farm in Indian Point township, residing thereon until called to
his final rest in 1893, when about sixty-five years of age. His widow still
survives and makes her home with our subject. She has spent practically her
entire life in Knox county and is well known and highly esteemed within its
borders.
James W. Cox was reared under the parental roof and
supplemented his preliminary education obtained in the district schools, by a
course of study at Hedding College. Subsequently he followed the profession of
teaching for five years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge
that he had acquired. In 1880 he turned his attention to merchandising, first
conducting an establishment at Albert Lea, Minnesota. A short time afterward he
came to Abington, Illinois, and opened a store here, being one of the leading
general merchants of the town for about five years. After abandoning mercantile
pursuits he was not connected with business interests for about a year. In 1889,
however, in association with S. T. Mosser, he established the Globe Shirt &
Overall Company. Business was begun on a modest scale on the site now occupied
by the Mercantile, but these quarters were soon found inadequate and a removal
was made to the present location. The rapid growth of the business required
frequent enlargements of the plant, which today is a modern structure of two
stories and covers a quarter of a block. Employment is furnished to from one
hundred and seventy-five to two hundred operatives. Mr. Cox is a man of
excellent executive ability and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes. In addition to his manufacturing interests he
is also a factor in financial circles as a director of the First State & Savings
Bank of Abingdon.
In politics Mr. Cox is independent, supporting men and
measures rather than party. A stanch friend of the cause of education, he has
served as a member of the board of education for the past ten or twelve years
and is now acting as its president. Fraternally he is identified with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 184. He has
spent almost his entire life within the borders of Knox county and is widely
recognized as one of its representative and esteemed citizens.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 736-737, submitted by Anne,
email contact)
Dr. John Neil Cox, who has been engaged
in the practice of medicine in Galesburg for the past four years, was born in
Mercer county, Illinois, on the 20th of January 1851. He is the son of Richard
R. and Sarah L. (Epperson) Cox, the father having been the first male white
child born in Crawford county, Indiana, while the mother was a native of
Virginia. Richard R. Cox was reared and educated in his native state, where he
later engaged in agricultural pursuits until he had attained the age of
twenty-six years. He then came to Illinois, acquiring some land in Mercer
county, near Oxford, that he developed during the remainder of his active life.
His efforts in this direction proved so lucrative that he was able to withdraw
from active farm work and spent his latter days in retirement in Oxford, where
he passed away on the 11th of September 1877. He had long survived his wife, who
died on the old homestead on February 14, 1863. Mr. Cox, who was a veteran of
the Black Hawk war, at the time of the Rebellion was a lieutenant colonel in the
Illinois National Guards and was offered the rank of colonel if he would go to
the front with the Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but was compelled to
decline because of physical infirmities. His political support he always gave to
the republican party and was chairman of the first board of supervisors in
Mercer county. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were married in Crawford county, Indiana, and
there spent the early years of their domestic life. Seven children were born to
them, as follows: Charles E., who is living in Pittsfield, Illinois; Joseph R.,
who passed away in 1869; Mary, the wife of William L. Thomas, of Clarinda, Iowa;
Augustus B., who died at Andersonville prison; Hiram S., who is living in
Plainview, Texas; John Neil, our subject; and Julia Etta, the deceased wife of
Thomas Pike, of Sioux City, Iowa. The religious views of the parents, accorded
with the tenets of the Baptist church in which they held membership.
The youthful years of Dr. Cox were spend on his father’s farm in the work of
which he assisted while pursuing his studies in the public schools of Oxford. He
was a very ambitious young man and desired a better education, aspiring to a
professional career. It was necessary that he earn the money for further study
and with this aim in view at the age of sixteen he began teaching. Thus he
acquired the means to pay for his tuition in the Northern Indiana Normal at
Valparaiso, from which he was graduated with the class of 1878, with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts. He subsequently attended the University of Wooster, Ohio,
graduating from that institution in 1889, while his professional course was
pursued in the Chicago Medial College. Teaching engaged his attention for
practically twenty-one years, or until he was thirty-seven, except when he was
in college. He completed his medical course in 1889 and immediately thereafter
established an office at Lakefield, Minnesota, and engaged in practice. At the
end of a year he removed to North Henderson, Illinois, where he remained until
1907, when he came to Galesburg, where he still engages in general practice, but
makes a specialty of diseases of the chest. Although he has resided here but
four years, Dr. Cox has met with good success, and numbers among his patients
some of the leading people of the town. Intelligent and practical in his ideas,
those who seek his advice are always favorably impressed and inspired with
confidence in his abilities.
On the 26th of September, 1889, Dr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Bettie
Dalhouse, a daughter of William and Bettie (Bruington) Dalhouse, of Trenton,
Missouri, and they have become the parents of three daughters: Cella and Gladys,
who are at home; and Mabel, who is deceased.
Dr. Cox is a deacon in the Baptist church with which his family are also
affiliated, and fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Masonic order, having attained the rank of Knight Templar in the
latter. He keeps in touch with the other members of his profession through his
connection with the City and Knox County Medical Societies, and the Illinois
State and National Medical Associations. His membership in organizations of a
more purely social nature is confined to the Galesburg Club, while in politics
he is independent. He is interested in all questions that vitally affect the
municipality, but his ballot is always cast for the man or measures he considers
best adapted to meet the exigencies of the situation, irrespective of party
affiliation. He has never aspired to public honors or the emoluments of office
but served as county superintendent for one year, while living in Henry county,
Illinois. Dr. Cox is a man whose influence is freely exercised in advancing the
welfare of the community through the highest standards of citizenship.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 345-347, submitted by Anne,
email contact)
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 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 January 8, 1816, arrive 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 but
eighty-two years of age. His wife was born October 7, 1817, in Somersetshire,
England, and was the daughter 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 who 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 as followed through 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 29, 1810,
and April 29, 1810, 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 to Chicago, where the
family remained for seven years and then went to Rockford, Illinois, where the
father died December 18, 1880, and the mother ten years later. Mr. Cox’s
paternal grandfather, John Pitney, was prominently known as a most successful
gardener. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have become the parents of two children: Wallace W.,
whose birth occurred in 1867, and who is a carpenter living in Galesburg; and
Asel A., who was born in 1874 and is residing at home.
Mr. Cox gives his political support to the prohibition party and is an ardent
advocate of the temperance cause. He has never sought office but has done all in
his power to interest others in the cause to which he devotes so much time. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Cox hold membership in the Methodist church of Altona, and she is
an active worker in the Ladies Aid Society. Being one of the pioneers of his
township Mr. Cox has been a witness to the greater part of its development and
has done his share in improving the soil which is the county’s greatest
resource. During his long residence there he has always interested himself in
all measures pertaining to the welfare of the community and has won for himself
a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 946-947, submitted by Anne,
email contact)
Stewart J. Cox, an agriculturalist,
residing on section 16, Ontario township, was born on the 3d of October, 1876,
upon the farm where he is now living. He is a son of L. J. and Elizabeth (West)
Cox, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.
Stewart Cox received his education in the common schools and has since assisted
in the cultivation of the farm. In 1895 he began farming independently and now
is the owner of two hundred and ten acres of land, which he devotes to general
farming and to feeding hogs for market purposes. In his agricultural pursuits he
has gained the success which is the reward of hard labor and persistent effort
conscientiously carried on, even though the start is made without capital.
On the 3d of October 1900, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Mildred White, a daughter
of John and Mary (Barrer) White, the father being engaged in farming. Mr. and
Mrs. Cox have become the parents af (sic) three children: Stewart Garrett,
Minnie E. and James Richard. In his political allegiance Mr. Cox retains an
independent attitude, casting his vote for the man or measure which he thinks
will be most effective for good government rather than according to the dictates
of any party. He holds membership in the subordinate lodge of the Odd Fellows
and the encampment of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Woodhull. In all life’s
relations, whether as a business man, citizen or in fraternal affairs, he is
progressive and believes that the individual should continually advance through
the recognition and improvement of opportunities which present themselves.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 515-516, submitted by Anne,
email contact)
Theodore M. Cox, the president of the
Galesburg Grocery Company and also of the Cox Brothers Company, made his start
in life upon the basis of a public-school education and good home training, and
since that time has constantly advanced, the field of his activity continuously
broadening while his labors have more and more become a factor in upholding the
commercial stability and progress. He was born in Vermont, Fulton county,
Illinois, May 26, 1866. His grandfather, Jesse Cox, was a native of Pennsylvania
and a carpenter by trade. He married Theodosia Mershon and they became early
residents of Fulton County, Illinois, where their remaining days were passed.
They had a large family including Mary, Samuel, Henry, Rebecca, Caleb B. and
others. The maternal grandfather of Theodore M. Cox was Josiah Wilkinson, who
was born in Pennsylvania and learned and followed the cabinet-maker’s trade. He
was also an early settler of Fulton county, Illinois, where both he and his
wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Hamer, lived to an old age. Their
children were as follows: Joseph, Hannah, Mary, Annie B., Henry, Cornelia and
Charles.
George Freeman Conley. George Freeman Conley, who for
the past fourteen years has been representing the fourth ward in the city
council, is one of the well known residents of Galesburg. He was born on a farm
in the vicinity of Wataga, Knox county, on the 22d of July, 1853, the only child
of Linzley and Catherine (Anderson) Conley. The father was born in Glasgow,
Barren county, Kentucky, on June 16, 1827, while the mother's birth occurred in
Hancock county, Indiana, May 6, 1830. When he was a lad of three years Linzley
Conley came to Illinois with his father, Levey P. Conley, who had been given a
grant for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Knox county, eighty for
services rendered in the Black Hawk war and eighty on account of the war of
1812. For many years Levey P. Conley devoted his entire time and attention to
the further development and improvement of his farm, and there he passed away on
January 4, 1870, at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife died November
10, 1864. His son, Linzley Conley, was reared and educated on the old homestead,
where he also received his agricultural training. When he had attained his
majority he left the parental home and began working for himself, continuing to
follow farming. At the breaking out of the Civil war, in 1861, he enlisted in
Company K, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a private and went to the
front where he remained for nearly three years. The hardships and privations
incident to army life completely undermined his health, and he returned to the
old farm practically an invalid. He again turned his attention to the
cultivation of the fields, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits until
1868. In the latter year he gave up farming and came to Galesburg, and from that
period until his death on the 13th of February, 1899, engaged in sinking
artesian wells. The mother had passed away many years before on the farm, her
demise occurring on April 27, 1854. They were married, June 22, 1851. They were
members of the Baptist church, and the father also belonged to the Grand Army of
the Republic. In his political views he was a republican and while residing at
Galesburg served as constable.
JOHN FRANCIS CORBIN, M. D. Dr. John
Francis Corbin, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in
Galesburg, with offices in the Holmes building, was born near Dahinda, Illinois,
on the banks of Spoon river, on Christmas Day of 1869. He represents one of the
old pioneer families of this state. His grandfather was Henry J. Corbin, a
native of Ohio, who became an early settler of Truro township, Knox county,
there taking up his abode when the district was largely wild and undeveloped. He
secured land, began the development of property and in course of time became an
extensive and prosperous fanner. He died of typhoid fever upon his homestead
when about fifty-eight or fifty-nine years of age. Among the children born to
him and his wife, Mrs. Olive Corbin, was Edwin A. Corbin, the Doctor's father,
his birth occurring on the old homestead farm in Truro township. At an early day
he began farming on his own account. Subsequently, however, he removed to
Knoxville, where he engaged in the practice of law for a quarter of a century,
having previously prepared for the bar as a student in the office of Z; Cooley.
a well known attorney of an early day. Edwin Corbin has served as city attorney
of Knoxville for a number of years and still makes his home there. He married
Miss Lucinda Beatty, also a native of Illinois, her parents being farming people
of this state. Of that marriage there were born five children, four sons and a
daughter, namely: Henry Butler, of Galesburg; Dr. John F., of this review;
George Clement, of Toledo, Ohio; Mary Etta, the wife of Charles A. Johnson, of
Galesburg; and Al E., of Peoria. For his second wife Edwin Corbin chose
Elizabeth Utter and unto them were born four children, as follows: Lucinda, the
wife of Charles Ferguson, of Chicago; Lee and Harold, also of Chicago; and
Hortense, who married Kenneth Hawkins, of Galesburg. Any contributions, corrections, or suggestions would be deeply
appreciated!
Caleb B. and Annie B. (Wilkinson) Cox, the parents of Theodore M. Cox, were
natives of Pennsylvania. The former was reared in the Keystone state and became
a school teacher but, removing to the west, cast in his lot with the early
settlers of Fulton county, Illinois, where he engaged in merchandising. Some
time afterward he turned his attention to the banking business in Vermont,
Illinois, and also became a prominent factor in the public life of the county
which for two terms he represented in the Illinois legislature. He also served
for three years in the Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the
Civil war with the rank of major. He died in Vermont in 1874 when but forty-one
years of age, and in that period he accomplished a work which might well be
regarded as a serviceable life work of many a man of twice his years. His widow
still survives him. They were originally members of the Society of Friends or
Quakers. Their family numbered seven children: Wilmer, deceased; Theodore M., of
this review; Mary Ellen, who has also passed away; Olive, the wife of H. H.
Cleveland, of Rock Island; Edward, of Galesburg; Howard, also a resident of Rock
Island; and Sherman, of New York city.
Theodore M. Cox spent his youthful days in his native county and after attending
the public schools of Vermont was for a brief period a student in Knox College.
He afterward began clerking in a hardware store belonging to his uncles, J. W.
and Henry Cox, and subsequently became a partner of his uncle, Ezra Dilworth,
and the latter’s son Willis in the conduct of a business at Vermont under the
firm name of E. Dilworth & Company. After two years Mr. Cox withdrew from that
partnership and joined his brothers Edward and Howard in purchasing the Dilworth
interests in the business, which they continued to conduct until 1896. In that
year Theodore M. Cox and Howard Cox came to Galesburg and purchased the business
of the Avery Brothers & Brooks Company which they conducted with success until
1903, when they sold out and erected the Cox building at the corner of Chambers
and Mulberry streets. There they conducted a heavy machinery storage and
transfer business and in 1904 organized the Cox Brothers Company in order to
engage in the general vehicle and implement business in addition to their
storage enterprise. They also opened a retail store for the sale of vehicles,
farm implements and seeds, and through the establishment of branch houses
conducted business in that line in three different locations. Eventually,
however, they disposed of their retail interests and in 1909 in connection with
F. S. Taylor acquired the Galesburg Grocery Company of which Theodore M. Cox is
the president. In 1910 he also became interested in the Galesburg Cornice Works,
the business being now conducted in the Cox building. He is likewise a member of
the syndicate that purchased the George W. Brown property. Long since recognized
as a prominent and progressive man, his cooperation has been sought in many
fields, in all of which his labors have become effective far-reaching elements
of success.
Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Lilly I. Oviatt, a daughter of Henry and
May (Jones) Oviatt and a native of Arkansas. Eight children have been born of
this marriage, as follows: Anna Beth, Margaret Ella, Olive Louise, Doris Irene,
Mary Ann, Syble Josephine and two who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Cox is a republican and has served as chairman of the
board of election commissioners but has on the whole taken little active part in
politics or public affairs, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business interests which have constantly developed in importance and in extent.
He never falters until he has carried forward to success his well defined plans,
yet in their execution he has never been known to take advantage of another in
trade conditions but has promoted his business along constructive lines and by
honorable methods has won public confidence as well as prosperity.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 1141-1143, submitted by Anne,
email contact)
The early years in the life of George Freeman Conley
were spent on the old farm, in the work of which he assisted while pursuing his
studies in the common schools of Wataga. On the 10th of June, 1870, at the age
of seventeen years, he began work as a section hand on the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad. He had higher aspirations, however, and on October 13, 1872,
began braking on a freight train. In the discharge of his services he was both
efficient and satisfactory and on the 20th of June, 1876, he was promoted to the
position of conductor. He continued in this capacity for twenty years, at the
expiration of which period he was given a passenger train. He is now and has
been for some time on the Peoria and Galesburg division of the road. In years of
continuous service he is one of the oldest men in the employ of the company,
having been with them for over forty-one years.
On the 20th of March, 1875, Mr. Conley was married to
Miss Mary Matthews, a native of Scott county, Iowa, who passed away on February
25, 1885. One daughter was born unto them, Grace W., who is at home with her
father. On October 19, 1889, Mr. Conley married Mrs. H. H. McSkinnens, whose
death occurred on June 12, 1908.
Mr. Conley has ever been loyal to the principles of the
republican party and for fourteen years has been alderman from the fourth ward.
That he has discharged his duties in a highly satisfactory manner is evidenced
by the length of his period of service. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to
the Blue Lodge, council and commandery, and he is also a member of the Fraternal
Reserve, Court of Honor, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Elks Club.
He is a member of the legislative committee for the state of Illinois, of the
Order of Railway Conductors and has held all of the chairs. Mr. Conley possesses
a high sense of honor, and always discharges any duty assigned him with a
conscientious appreciation of his responsibility.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 305-306, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Dr. Corbin, whose name introduces this record, was
reared in Knox county and completed his public-school education by graduation
from the high school with the class of 1888. He then entered Knox College, from
which he was graduated in 1895. During his college course he devoted one year to
teaching school and later took up the study of medicine, matriculating in the
University of Illinois where he completed the full course in the medical
department and was awarded his M. D. degree. He then began practice in Galesburg
in 1898 and has since been a representative of the profession in this city,
building up a business that has increased annually, both in extent and
importance. Many who came to him as casual patients have continued as patrons
when the need for professional service has been felt.
On the 11th of November, 1903, Dr. Corbin married Miss
Marian Saywright, who was born near Toronto, Canada, as were her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. William Saywright, who still reside in that locality. She was the
eldest of their four children, the others being James, Norman and Cora. Dr. and
Mrs. Corbin have an interesting little daughter, Maxine Frances, who was born on
the 17th of July, 1905. Mrs. Corbin belongs to the Episcopal church. Dr. Corbin
is a republican in his political views and is a member of the pension board but
has never sought nor desired office outside the strict path of his profession,
for he prefers to concentrate his time and energies upon his chosen life work
and his broad reading and continued study have given him comprehensive
knowledge of the science of medicine and added to experience have continuously
promoted his efficiency.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, page 353-354,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
All rights reserved
Updated June 20, 2006