Edward R. Drake, a member of the firm of Kellogg, Drake & Company, dealers in dry goods, cloaks and carpets, their large establishment extending from No. 227 to 235 East Main street, is one of the native sons of Galesburg, his birth having here occurred November 10, 1856. His great-grandfather in the paternal line was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His grandfather, David Drake, was a native of New York and devoted his life to farming. When called to his final rest his remains were interred at Crown Point, that state. His family numbered several children, including: Lyman C., the father of Edward R. Drake; Amos, who remained a resident of the state of New York; Nathan B., who came to the middle west at an early day and took up his abode just across the street from his brother Lyman; Olive, the wife of Charles Needham, who removed from Galesburg to California in 1865, settling at Merced; and Mary, the wife of James Squire, of Galesburg.
     Lyman C. Drake, a native of New York, was reared in Essex county of that state and, having arrived at years of maturity wedded Lucy Ann Hyde, a native of Vermont, who spent her girlhood days in Middlebury of the "Green Mountain" state. She was a granddaughter of Russell B. Hyde, who served throughout the Revolutionary war, retiring with the rank of major. He received from the government in recognition of his services a land grant of a township in Northern Vermont, which was named Hyde Park in his honor. Lucy Ann Hyde was a daughter of Jabez Perkins and Martha (Edgerton) Hyde, who removed to the Mississippi valley with their children and spent their last days in Galesburg, where they passed away at an advanced age. They had a large family, namely: George J., a resident of Davenport, Iowa; Andrew J., who in 1828 went with his brother George to Davenport, the remainder of their lives being passed in Scott county, Iowa; Martha, who married George W. G. Ferris, the youngest son of Sylvanus Ferris, who with George W. Gale and others founded the city of Galesburg; Lydia E., who became the wife of Albert Cline and removed to Peoria county; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Edward Ray, a soldier of the Civil war, and both are now deceased; Diadama, the wife of Horace B. Weeks, who died in early manhood in Galesburg and was laid to rest in Hope cemetery; and others. His family included Lucy Ann Hyde, who became the wife of Lyman C. Drake, and in the year 1843 they removed westward, settling just within the edge of Warren county, Illinois. where Mr. Drake engaged in farming for a number of years. In 1854 he brought his family to Galesburg where he lived retired. Here he died in 1887, at the age of eighty years, while his wife passed away in 1888, when seventy-four years of age. Both were members of the Baptist church and Mr. Drake was at one time a member of the New York State Militia and held a captain's commission. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, but only two are now living, the younger being Frederick S., a resident of Detroit, Michigan.
     Edward R. Drake, born and reared in Galesburg, pursued his education in the public schools here and made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a dry-goods store. Ambitious to enter business life on his own account, he availed himself of the opportunity which in 1888 came to him, of becoming a member of the firm of Kellogg, Drake & Company. This organization has since maintained a continuous existence and is regarded as one of the old reliable houses of the city, carrying a large and well selected line of dry goods, cloaks and carpets. The honorable business methods of the house and the unfaltering enterprise of the partners have enabled them to meet competition and win a fair share of the public patronage, so that the undertaking has been crowned with prosperity from the outset.
     On the 29th of June, 1894, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Harriet E. Stone, the youngest daughter of Lester T. and Sallie (Ferris) Stone, who died in 1895; the former was a native of Vermont and the latter of Galesburg. L. T. Stone was a soldier of the Civil war, serving for nearly four years as an officer and died November 12, 1911. He was the son of C. D. Stone, at one time a resident of Galesburg, his remains now resting in Hope cemetery. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Drake was S. W. Ferris, a son of Sylvanus Ferris, native of New York. He married Currance Ann Winniger. The death of Mrs. Drake occurred November 15, 1896, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to her many friends.
     The public interests of the community outside of business circles have benefited by the efforts of Mr. Drake who, never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and realizing the responsibility of the individual in community affairs, has done public work of a helpful nature. He has always given his political support to the republican party, but the offices he has filled have not been of a political character. For twenty-eight years, however, he has served on the library board and at this writing, in 1911, is its president. He was a charter member of the Galesburg Club and twice served as its president, and he holds membership in the Baptist church. Where the interests and welfare of the city are involved his influence and aid are always given on the side of progress and improvement. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 139-141, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Simeon B. Davis. Death gives the perspective which enables one to judge of the real worth of an individual, placing him in proper relation with his contemporaries and those things which went to make up his life's contacts and experiences. Judged from the standpoint of success and of personal character, Simeon B. Davis measured up to the highest standard of manhood and of citizenship and was honored and respected by all who knew him. His life record covered the intervening period between the 7th of December, 1836, on which day his birth occurred in Ashland county, Ohio, and the first of March, 1909, when he passed away in Galesburg. His parents were Amos and Nancy (Crawford) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ohio, and the former was a daughter of Colonel Samuel Crawford, an officer of the war of 1812.
     At the usual age Simeon B. Davis became a pupil in the public schools near his father's home and throughout his life he continued his reading and study, thus adding greatly to his knowledge and promoting his efficiency as a factor in the world's work. When eighteen years of age he became a resident of McDonough county, Illinois, where for eight years he followed the profession of teaching, being regarded as one of the most capable and successful educators in that part of the state. He then turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and in addition to the cultivation of his fields engaged in shipping stock to the Chicago market for a number of years. His farm constituted a fine tract of land in Hire township, McDonough county, and he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and added many substantial improvements to the place in the way of good buildings, well kept fences and the latest improved machinery. At length he retired from the farm and removed to Macomb, the county seat of McDonough county, where he established a marble and granite business, developing one of the leading monument enterprises in this part of the state. There he carried on business until 1887, when he removed to Galesburg and opened a similar establishment, which he conducted with profit up to the time of his death. In all of his business life he was strictly honorable and upright, never taking advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction, and by reason of the excellent work which he did he won a very gratifying patronage.
     In September, 1860, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Artimesa Stambaugh, a daughter of the Rev. Adam and Margaret (Shields) Stambaugh. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother was born in Indiana but was reared in Canton, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born nine children, Emma, Eva, Margaret, Elsie A., Stewart A., Alice J., Louie May, James E. and Stella, but the last named is now deceased. Mr. Davis was ever devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family and found his greatest joy in ministering to their pleasure. Following his demise Mrs. Davis carried on the business until July 1, 1910, when she was obliged to give it up in order to look after the realty interests of the estate. The business, however, is still continued by her son under the style of the S. B. Davis Granite Company.
     In his political views Mr. Davis was a stalwart republican, recognized as one of the leaders of the party in the central section of Illinois. He was a pleasing public speaker and took prominent part in many of the presidential campaigns, speaking throughout the state and doing good service for the organization. In 1880 public honors were conferred upon him in his election to the office of representative from the district comprising Warren and McDonough counties. During the regular session of 1881 and the special session of 1882 he was a member of several important committees and rendered valuable and efficient service in those connections to the commonwealth. He was always much interested in local progress and improvement and while residing in Galesburg served for several terms as a member of the city council, in which connection he exercised his official prerogatives in support of various progressive and beneficial measures. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was ever a most loyal and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Following his demise the house of representatives of the Illinois legislature passed the follow-resolutions:

"Whereas, by reason of the promulgation of an unappealable infinite decree, the Hon. Simeon B. Davis rests today in his last sleep at Galesburg, Illinois, and

Harley F. Drury. In the establishment and conduct of the florist's business Harley F. Drury has displayed an aptitude for successful management, combined with unfaltering determination and industry, that have brought him to a prominent position among the prosperous business men of Galesburg. This city has drawn a considerable quota of its citizens from New England and Mr. Drury is a representative of this class, having been born in Essex, Vermont, June 13, 1855. His parents were Jacob and Caroline (Bascom) Drury, also natives of the Green Mountain state. The former was a son of Isaac and Sallie (Herrick) Drury. They became the parents of seven children, Betsey, Annie, Daniel, Hannah, Jacob, Harriet and Mary Ann. The maternal grandfather of Harley F. Drury was a Vermont farmer and both he and his wife died at an old age after rearing a large family.
     Jacob Drury, father of our subject, spent his youthful days in Vermont and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he chose as his life work, but after tilling the soil for a number of years he took up the business of manufacturing brick. He not only figured actively and prominently in business circles but also in connection with public affairs, holding a number of local offices and also representing his district in the state legislature. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church and were earnest, consistent Christian people. He died in Essex, Vermont, in 1889, at the age of eighty-one years, having for three years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1886, when she was sixty-eight years of age. They were the parents of seven children: Hannah M., widow of the late Byron A. Stevens, of Galesburg; George B., now a resident of Essex, Vermont; Jannette, widow of the late C. C. Field of Essex; Charles K., also living in Essex; Edwin I., deceased; Harley F.; and Homer D., likewise living in Essex, Vermont.
In the place of his nativity Harley F. Drury spent his youthful days and attended the public schools, afterward pursuing his studies in the Vermont Methodist Seminary at Montpelier, from which he was graduated in 1875. Later he remained at home for two years, during which period he assisted his father in the office of the brickyard. His residence in Galesburg dates from 1878, at which time he entered the employ of Lake W. Sanborn as a clerk in his insurance office, there remaining for about two years. He next became connected with the grocery trade, spending two and one-half years in the employ of C. E. Landstrum. On the expiration of that period he established a grocery store on his own account, conducting it successfully for eighteen years, during which period he ever maintained an honorable position in commercial circles. He then sold out and turned his attention to the cultivation of flowers, establishing greenhouses which are situated on Broad, Sanborn and Cherry streets and which contain forty-five thousand square feet. Here he raises almost every variety of flowers and the business has grown rapidly until now his sales reach a large annual figure. He is likewise a director of the Farmers & Mechanics' Bank.
     On the 28th of March, 1883, Mr. Drury was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Trask, a native of Ohio, as were her parents, Homer and Belinda (Lane) Trask, who emigrated to Galesburg about forty-five or fifty years ago, both hav­ing now passed away. They were survived by three daughters, Nellie, Kitty and May, while a son had died in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Drury have but one child, Louise, who is now attending the high school. The parents are members of the Christian Science church, and in politics Mr. Drury is a republican who has been somewhat active in local politics, serving for one term as alderman from the fifth ward. His position upon any vital question is never an equivocal one and he seeks always to aid the measures and movements for the general good. He is well known socially, holding membership in the Elks Club and in the Soangetaha Country Club and the Galesburg Club, being now president of the latter. For a third of a century he has been a resident of this city and the sterling traits of character which he has manifested throughout the entire period have gained for him the unqualified regard and good-will of his fellow men. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 173-174, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Aleck O. Donason. Aleck O. Donason was one of the well known and highly successful agriculturists of Maquon township, owning at the time of his death four hundred acres of fine land.  He  was born  in  Belmont  county,  Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1834.  When a lad of six years he accompanied his parents who removed from Ohio to Illinois, locating in Knox county in 1840.   Here he spent the remainder of his life with the exception of one year when he was in Ohio.
    In the acquirement of an education Aleck O. Donason attended the common schools, after the completion of which he entered Lombard College at Galesburg.  Reared on a farm, naturally he chose agriculture for his vocation when ready to begin his independent career. His first purchase of land was an eighty-acre tract, upon which he subsequently erected a fine brick residence, where he lived until his death.   A man of tireless energy and keen judgment he so intelligently directed his operations, that he met with good financial returns and extended his holdings from time to time until they aggregated four hundred acres.
    On the 11th of March, 1853, Mr. Donason was united in marriage to M Ann M. Barbero, a daughter of Nathan and Calista (Loomis) Barbero, native of New York. Mrs. Donason was also a native of the Empire state, her birth having occurred in Onondaga county, on the Erie canal, on June 9, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Barbero came to Illinois in 1839, locating in Maquon township, where he passed away in January, 1885. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barbero there were born four children: Ann M., who became Mrs. Donason; Lodema; Henry; and John J. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Donason numbered seven: Nathan, who is the eldest member of the family, is a resident of Maquon.
    Jack married Minnie Sylvester and lives in Mills, Nebraska. Charles married Ada D. Simpkins and is living in Spokane, Washington. Calista G. became the wife of Samuel Love and is now residing in Idaho. Fred, who is living on the old homestead, married Mattie Simpkins and they have had nine children, six of whom are living as follows, Carl, Aleck, Ada, Kozel, Mattie and Calista; those deceased are Edith, Emma and Florence. Frank married Arra Holloway and lives north of town. Katie, the youngest of the family, is deceased. Mrs. Donason is still living and is the owner of four hundred acres of land, one and a half miles south of Maquon.
    Mr. Donason was a member of the Masonic fraternity, while his political support he gave to the democratic party. He was a public-spirited man and always took an active and helpful interest in governmental matters and at one time most efficiently filled the office of county supervisor; He was of an inventive turn of mind and quite an adept in machinery, being the first to construct a road grader in this county. He passed away at Eureka Springs, October 6, 1880, and was laid to rest in Maquon cemetery, deeply mourned not only in his immediate family but by a large circle of acquaintances, who held him in high esteem.  (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 694-695, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Rev. George Preston Doubleday, whose labors have been a potent factor in the moral and educational development of Knox county, is now serving as president of Corpus Christi College at Galesburg. His birth occurred in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa, on the 23d of June, 1869, his parents being George and Mary (Curry) Doubleday, who were natives of England and Ireland respectively. The father passed away in London, in 1902, when sixty-two years of age. His wife also lived to attain the age of sixty-two, being called to her final rest in 1897. Both were faithful communicants of the Catholic church. Their children were five in number, as follows: Rev. Arthur Doubleday, rector of the seminary in Guildford, England; Rev. George Preston, of this review; Charles Edward, living in London, England; Mary, a nun in Streatham, London ; and one who died in infancy.
     Rev. George P. Doubleday was two years of age when taken to England by his parents, who settled in Canterbury, where he received his common and classical education. In 1889 he entered the Order of Charity at Wadhurst, England, where he studied for three years, later spending five and a half years at Domodossola, Italy, in preparation for the priesthood. In November, 1898, he was ordained at Novara, Italy, and on the 24th of December of the same year arrived in America, making his way direct to Galesburg, Illinois. Here he acted as assistant to Rev. Father Costa for two years and then became pastor of St. Patrick's church, thus officiating for seven years. On the expiration of that period he became president of Corpus Christi College and has remained in that capacity to the present time. The institution has an attendance of one hundred and three boys, who are under the instruction of four professors, namely: Rev. Doubleday, Rev. John Phelan, Rev. James Lyons and Rev. Francis Baines. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 261-262, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Cornelius Dempsey. One of the pioneer citizens of Orange Township, and an old and reliable resident of that section, was Cornelius Dempsey, deceased, the particulars of whose personal history are herein given. He was one of the most prominent in local affairs. He held the office of Justice of the Peace and was for a number of years Director in the School District where he resided. In addition to this, he figured among the leaders of a few people, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who, uniting their efforts erected a church building on his farm and called it Dempsey Chapel.
     Mr. D., of whom we write, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 31 October 1804. His father, James Dempsey, also a native of Pennsylvania, was reared in his native county, and his grandfather, Cornelius Dempsey, Sr., also lived and died there. The father of Cornelius, Jr., married in his native county, Miss Susie Piper, who came from Germany in the year 1810. He emigrated to the State of Ohio, and in Jackson County bought a tract of timber land and laid out a farm, which he worked until 1837, and then, coming to Illinois, settled in Orange Township on section 2. Here he resided until his death, which occurred 21 November 1859 and his wife's death took place 20 September 1865.
     The fruits of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey are as follows: Jonathan, Cornelius, Catherine, Annie, James, Isaac, Susie and Polly, five of whom survive at the present time. Catherine, widow of Matteson Maxey, lives near Wataga; Annie has a home in Gilson; James and Isaac reside in Oregon; and Susie, widow of Booker Pickerel, lives in Gilson.
     Cornelius, our subject, was six years of age when, under the guardianship of his parents, he came to Ohio. He grew up on the farm, which he assisted his father to work, and made his home with his parents until 24 December 1835, which was the date of his marriage with Miss Julia A. Brown. Miss Brown was born in Meigs County, Ohio on the 18th of March, 1813, and was the daughter of John V. and Margaret (Lowther) Brown. The young husband had bought a farm in Jackson County, and on this they lived until 1837, when, deciding that they must have "fresh fields and pastures new" in which to labor, they emigrated to the then Far West. The journey was made overland with four horses and several wagons, and the party, which was a merry one, comprised of the father and family of Mr. Dempsey, and Isaac Lott and family. With them they brought live stock of various kinds, and this mode of travel gave them an unobscured view of the country to which they were going to seek their fortunes. Their trip lasted one month and they arrived in Knox County, where Mr. D. and father bought 160 acres of land on section 2, Orange Township, which he worked with his father, and subsequently added to. There was a double log cabin on the place, with a sod chimney, and in this humble abode they took quarters and there remained for a few months, after which Mr. Dempsey built another long cabin near by, where he and his wife commenced housekeeping. The market for the first few years, as well as the depot for supplies, was at Peoria, 45 miles distant. To his original property Mr. D. added land adjoining him till at one time he was in possession of over 500 acres. He erected a brick house and a frame barn and continued in his pleasant home up to 5 August 1883, the day of his death.
     To himself and wife were born ten children, but five only survive, as follows: Mary, wife of Kenner Brent, who lives in Warren County; Eliza, wife of Charles Parmenter, who lives in Knoxville; Julia, wife of John Wilson, whose home is in Orange Township on the old homestead; Lucinda and Albert C. Mrs. Dempsey with her two youngest children, lives in Knoxville, to which town they removed in December 1883, where her son Albert C. is engaged in merchandising and has the best store in Knoxville. Both herself and deceased husband were consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and ranked high in religious work. Mr. Dempsey was a class leader in the Church and in politics of the Democratic stamp. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 342 & 345, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Doubet, Joseph Daniel Farmer; Truro Township; born in Peoria County, December 12, 1854; educated in the common schools. His father, Elenor Doubet was born in Lacote, France July 12, 1824; his Mother, Harriet (Slayn) was born in Ohio, April 7,1831. His paternal Grandparents, Joseph and Ursula Doubet were natives of France; his maternal, grandparents Daniel and Mahala Slayn were born in Virginia January 25, 1875, he was married in Kickapoo to Ellen Corrigan who was born August 4, 1849 and is a daughter of Patrick and Anna (Ryan) Corrigan. There were 8 children; Cora L. January 5, 1876; Mollie M., June 14, 1856; William April 5, 1882; Hattie R. January 15, 1884; Anna G., January 15, 1886; Dellia F. February 21, 1888; Lucy M. March 5, 1890; Lida E. April 7, 1892. Two of Mr. and Mrs. Doubet's children are deceased. Cora L. was married to Dr. F. F. Wallick of Williamsfield June 16, 1897. They have one child Ralph B. Wallick born April 7, 1898. Mr. Doubet is a member of the Odd fellows at Williamsfield. He is a Christian. In politics he is a liberal. (1899 Knox County Encyclopedia, submitted by Pat Thomas)