Biographies E
Hugh Ennis – Few men who have
reached the age of Hugh Ennis are still actively engaged in business. The great
majority prefer to retire but with him indolence has always been foreign to his nature and
he still gives his attention to business as a dealer in sand. He is today one of the
oldest residents of Galesburg and has witnessed its development from a village. He
was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1830, a son of William and Nancy (McGovern) Ennis,
both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle. The former was a son of Hugh and
Betty (Killeen) Ennis who were farming people of Ireland, and there reared their family of
five sons and two daughters, William, James, John, Lawrence, Patrick, Hannah, and
Margaret. William Ennis also took up the occupation of farming as a life work and
always remained a resident of his native land where he died at an advanced age. His
wife, however, passed away in early womanhood in the year 1835. Both were members of
the Catholic church. Their family numbered five children: Elizabeth, now
deceased, who married Patrick Ennis, who, however, was no relation of the family; Bridget,
the deceased wife of Michael Mooney; Hugh, of this review; Patrick, deceased; and Mary,
who has also passed away.
Hugh Ennis was reared in his native land and acquired his
education there in the parochial schools. He came to America in 1852 and worked for
five months in Brooklyn, New York. He then went to Bridgeport, Connecticut and was
employed on a construction train on a railroad extending from Bridgeport to Pittsfield,
Massachusetts. The year 1856 witnessed his arrival in Galesburg, where he has since
made his home. For three and a half years he was employed in the foundry of J. P.
Frost & Company, after which he began business on his own account as a dealer in sand,
in which line he has since continued. He furnished sand for all the streets south of
Main Street from Cherry to the old Beiderman building, and also for the jail and many of
the large buildings of Galesburg. He has always been accorded a liberal patronage
and his straightforward business methods, promptness in delivery and his enterprising
spirit have constituted the salient forces of his success.
On the 28th of April, 1858, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ennis
and Miss MARGARET RYAN, a daughter of Cornelius and Alice (Ryan) Ryan. The father
died during early childhood of Mrs. Ennis and the mother afterward came to America with
her two daughters, settling in Galesburg where all passed away. The death of Mrs.
Ennis occurred May 28, 1906, when she was sixty-nine years of age. By her marriage
she had become the mother of nine children, six sons and three daughters: William, who
died at the age of forty-two years; Daniel, who died when about twenty-one years of age;
John at home; Elizabeth and Alice, both of whom died when but two years old; Margaret, the
wife of Fred Bohnenberger; and three who died in infancy.
Mr. Ennis has been a life-long communicant of the Catholic
Church. He has now reached the age of eighty-one years and yet is a hale and hearty
man, and well preserved mentally. Hs residence in Galesburg covers a period of
fifty-five years and he has seen it develop from a small town of little business
importance to one of the chief commercial centers of the state, having important trade and
manufacturing interests. While he has never sought to figure prominently in any
public connection the sterling worth of his character has gained in the warm regard of
those with whom he has been associated. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by
A. J. Perry, pages 1032-1033, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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W. B. Elliott – W. B. Elliott
lives on the old homestead of two hundred and fifty acres four and one-half mile north of
Williamsfield in Victoria township. He was born within a mile and one-half of where
he now resides, May 10, 1866. His parents were Burgess and Achsah Ann (Rue) Elliott,
the father a native of this country and the mother of Indiana. The father was born
in 1837 and the mother in 1846. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, two
of whom died in infancy. Our subject is the elder of the two surviving, the other
being C. W., who resides at 89 Arnold Street, Galesburg. Burgess Elliott spent his
entire life in this county, where for many years he was actively engaged in farming.
His efforts were crowned with success and he subsequently retired to Williamsfield, where
he was living when he passed away at the age of seventy-one years.
Reared on his father’s farm, W. B. Elliott obtained his
preliminary education at his mother’s knee, between the corn rows and in the district
school. He attended Lombard College about a year and one-half and then spent three
years at the State Normal University, completing the course in 1893. He spent seven
years as teacher in public schools of this state, being principal of schools at Saybrook,
McLean County, Wyoming, Stark County, and Altona, Knox County. In 1895, while
principal of the Altona school, Mr. Elliott turned his attention to agricultural pursuits,
locating upon his father’s farm, where he now lives. Here he engages in general
farming and stock-raising and is meeting with very good returns from both. Having
been reared on a farm, he possessed the practical knowledge that well qualifies him for
his present undertaking. A man of good business judgment, he has applied himself
intelligently to the direction of his activities along with the more progressive lines of
modern agriculture. He has erected several new buildings on the place and remodeled
many of those that were there, installing various modern conveniences and improvements
that have added greatly to the comfort and attractiveness as well as the value of the
property. In every respect it is a thoroughly up-to-date and model farm, manifesting
in all its details the careful supervision and capable direction that indicate system in
its operation. Mr. Elliott owns one hundred and twenty acres about a mile from where
he resides, having purchased this tract several years ago.
For his wife Mr. Elliott chose Miss JEANNETTE ARMSTRONG.
She was the daughter of John and Mary (Montgomery) Armstrong, natives of Scotland, and was
born in Darhead, Lanarkshire, Scotland, July 10, 1863. Her father was born in 1802
and died in 1885, while the mother was born in 1828 and still resides in this
county. They were married in 1852 and emigrated to America in 1867, locating in
Victoria township, where the mother now lives. Mrs. Elliott was one of a family of
nine children: of whom but three others survive, namely: Mrs. Agnes Wycoff, of Peoria
County; and James and Thomas, who live with their mother. W. B. Elliott and wife
have become the parents of six children: Jennie Achsah, William Burgess, Edward Rue,
Robert Montgomery, Charles Roland (deceased), and John Kenneth.
Mr. Elliott’s fraternal relations are confined to his
membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors, his wife also being a
member of the latter. He is a member of the Galesburg Club and maintains relations
with his fellow agriculturists of Knox County through the medium of his membership in the
Farmers’ Institute, of which organization he has been president for the past two
years. His political allegiance he gives to the republican party and now represents
Victoria township on the county central committee. All local political affairs
engage his attention, and for two years he served as supervisor of Victoria township and
he is now discharging the duties of justice of the peace, while for fifteen years he has
been a member of the board of school directors. He has been a delegate to county and
state conventions of his party. Mr. Elliott is a representative modern agriculturist
of progressive ideas, who believes that it requires as high a standard of intelligence,
clear judgment and business sagacity to successfully direct the operation of a farm as any
industrial enterprise. Agriculture is becoming recognized as one of the most
lucrative as well as independent vocations and is annually attracting a more intelligent
and capable class of men, who realize that it is a business in which success is as
dependent upon foresight, sagacity, and specific information as any in the whole
field of commercial or industrial activities. (History of Knox County, Vol.
II, by A. J. Perry, pages 968-972, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Peter Epley.
The late Peter Epley, who
for many years was a street commissioner in Knoxville, located here with his
family in the '80s. His birth occurred on a farm in the vicinity of Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, on the 23d of April, 1833, his parents being George and Harriet
(Vance) Epley, also natives of the Keystone state. George Epley came to Knox
county with his family during the pioneer days, and here both he and the mother
passed away. Their family consisted of four sons and seven daughters of whom the
following are living: John; William; Mrs. Sarah Lightner, of Knoxville; Mrs.
Mary Pfeffer, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Mattie Hoke, of Elk Creek,
Nebraska; and Mrs. Amanda Korman, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
In the acquirement of his education Peter Epley
attended the common schools in the vicinity of his birthplace, at the same time
assisting his father with the work of the farm. When the war broke out he was
drafted from Gettysburg and went to the front where he remained for three
months, to assume on his return the responsibilities of manhood and directed his
energies thereafter along different lines of activity.
When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Epley married Miss
Agnes Evelyn Currens, their marriage being celebrated in Gettysburg, on February
27, 1854. She is a daughter of Elijah and Mary Ann (Dix) Currens, natives of
Maryland, in which state Mrs. Epley's birth occurred on the 23d of July, 1835.
Her father was a shoemaker, and after following his trade for many years in his
native state, he removed with his family to Pennsylvania, where he passed away
at the age of ninety-six years. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary war. Of
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Currens there were born five sons and five
daughters, Mrs. Epley being the only one now living. In order of birth they were
as follows: John; Mary Jane; Ann Eliza; Isabella; Sarah M.; Agnes; Jessie;
Stephen; and two who died in infancy. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Epley numbered
twelve, nine sons and three daughters. Calvin, who was the eldest, died in
infancy. William, who conducts a restaurant at Elmwood, is married and has one
son, Max. John, who is the next in order of birth, is deceased. Sarah R. married
William Johns, at Gettysburg and has six children and one grandchild, as
follows: Laura, who is married and has one child; and Mary, Ada, Walter, Howard
and one child who died in infancy. Mary Ann, the wife of William Gross, is
living in Boston, where both she and her husband are Christian science
practitioners. Laura married Reuben H. Culp, an undertaker of Gettysburg, and
has two children, Charles and Ethel. Frederick is deceased. Charles is
conducting a restaurant in Knoxville. George, who is a resident of Elmwood, is
married and has three children; Leo, Everett and a baby. Isaac is engaged in the
operation of a farm near Maquon. Robert, a painter and decorator, is a resident
of Knoxville. Curtis, the youngest member of the family, is conducting a flour
and feed store at Norwick, Kansas. He is married and has one child, Harold.
Mr. Epley affiliated with the Lutheran faith, while his
widow belongs to the Presbyterian church. He voted the democratic ticket, and
was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. The residence now
occupied by Mrs. Epley was erected by them more than twenty-seven years ago. In
November, 1905, Mr. Epley passed away while on a visit in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 141-142, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Lowry J. Edgar.
Dating his residence in Knox county from 1854, Lowry J. Edgar has been for more
than four decades one of the important factors in aiding the agricultural
advancement for which this section of the country is noted. His birth occurred
in Hart county, Kentucky, November 19, 1827, and he was a son of James and Sarah
(Trowbridge) Edgar, whose childhood days belong to that period in history when
our country was in its tenderest infancy, the former being born in Iredell
county, North Carolina, June 5, 1781, the latter in Essex county, New Jersey,
April 10, 1787. They were married in Kentucky in 1807 and had eleven children,
of whom Lowry J. Edgar was next to the youngest.
Equipped with the meager educational advantages which
were offered by the district schools of Kentucky as of other states in that day,
Lowry J. Edgar lent his assistance to the maintenance of the family by working
on the farm as soon as he was old enough. In 1849, during the exciting days of
the gold boom in California, he followed the multitude drawn thither, making his
way by New Orleans and the isthmus of Panama to San Francisco. After four and a
half years spent in the far west, during which time he became richer in
experience than in the acquisition of gold, he returned to the region east of
the Mississippi, settling in Knox county, Illinois. He began to farm on his
present place which he has named "The Old Homestead," the tract of land which he
cultivated for a continuous period of forty-two years, pursuing the various
departments of general farming and stock-raising. Fifteen years ago he retired
from active interest in the place, which comprises of one hundred and eighty
acres of rich and productive land, now being operated by his sons.
The marriage of Lowry J. Edgar and Miss Martha A. Brown
of Hart Dunty, Kentucky, occurred March 6, 1859. Her parents being Armsted and
Sarah (Ferguson) Brown, natives of Kentucky. Mr. Brown was born December 18,
1808, and his wife November 23, 1808, their marriage occurring in Kentucky March
3, 1830. Five years later they left their native state and settled in Knox
county, Illinois, where their six children were reared. Mr. Brown was a democrat
in politics and with his family worshiped in the Baptist church. He died
December 17, 1851, twenty-three years before his wife, who passed away February
25, 1874.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar were four children,
of whom two are deceased: Willett S., born December 27, 1859, who died in 1890;
Lillian J., born December 23, 1861, who died in 1880. Two sons are living, Frank
L., born August 30, 1865, and Charles, both of whom are living on the home farm
which they manage. Mrs. Edgar passed away on May 8, 1911, at an advanced age.
Politically Mr. Edgar has always been a loyal supporter
of the democratic party and has voted for the men and measures which he felt
would contribute to the welfare of his community, his state and his nation. He
is a member of the Baptist church and throughout his life has been faithful in
the observance of its lofty principles of moral rectitude. Although in his
eighty-fifth year he is still in the possession of good health and hearty
spirits enjoying that peace of mind which is the crowning glory of a long life,
well spent.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
198-199,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
Frank L. Edgar.
Frank L. Edgar, born August 30, 1865, is the son of Lowry J. and Martha L.
(Brown) Edgar. After a common school education in this locality, where he has
lived from the time of his birth, he engaged in agriculture on his father's
farm, assisting in the management until his father retired fifteen years ago.
Then he, in company with his brother, assumed full charge.
Mr. Edgar was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Paul
of Galesburg, Illinois, June 27, 1894. Her parents, Andrew and Lavina (Taylor)
Paul, were both natives of Canada and never came to the United States. They are
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Edgar are the parents of four children, of
whom three are living at home and one is deceased. The living are: Lillian
Merle, Lavina Pauline and Martha Elise.
Mr. Edgar is a democrat in politics but has never
sought for the honor of public office. He is a successful farmer and a good
citizen who subordinates petty self-interest for the good of the community at
large.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
199-200,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
Boannerges Ely.
Boannerges Ely, a resident of Knox county since 1846, was for many years
successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and is now living retired at his
home in Wataga. He was born December 21, 1821, in Cumberland Gap, Claiborne
county, Tennessee. His father, Solomon Ely, came in 1834, at the close of the
Black Hawk war, to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he farmed until his death in
1865, when sixty-nine years old. He was an elder in the Christian church and in
his politics was a stanch democrat until the time of Lincoln, when he joined the
ranks of the republican party and remained a loyal member till the last. He was
married to Rachel Turner, whose death occurred in 1848 at the age of forty-five.
There were ten children in the family. The living are: Susanna, the wife of
James Stewart, residing in Kansas; and Boannerges, the subject of this sketch,
who was the youngest of the family. The grandparents on the father's side were
Isaac and Katherine Ely, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of
Germany. The grandparents on the mother's side were William and Susan Turner,
both natives of Virginia. Hiram Enke is a farmer, residing on section 23, Chestnut Township, and is one of
the reliable and practical men of Knox County. He is the son of John and Nancy
(Pryor) Enke, natives of Pennsylvania. His father, who was of German descent,
was born in 1800 and died in 1854, the same year he came to Illinois from Ohio.
Hiram's mother was born in 1810 and died in 1856. two years after coming to this
State, of heart disease. She was of English extraction and birth and was the
mother of 15 children.
When a boy, Boannerges Ely attended the district school
and after school helped his father about the farm, beginning his apprenticeship
at farming at the tender age of seven. When old enough to do a man's share of
work he farmed in the employ of others, working for eight dollars a month. At
the age of twenty-one he began to farm on his own account and in 1846 came to
Knox county and bought land in Sparta township. Beginning with one hundred and
twenty acres, he increased his holdings by additional purchases until he now
owns three hundred and ninety acres. He was very successful both in general
farming and in stock-raising through progressive methods, and the handsome farm
which he improved and operated for many years proves his efficiency of
management. He retired some years ago, renting his land from which he enjoys a
comfortable income.
The marriage of Mr. Ely and Miss Mary Duvall, who was
born in Kentucky, July 7, 1834, occurred November 3, 1850. Her father, Thomas
Duvall, was a native of Bath county, Kentucky, born February 28, 1802, a son of
James and Judith (Jennings) Duvall. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812.
Thomas Duvall became a resident of Illinois in 1835, settling in Warren county.
The following year he removed to Henderson township, Knox county, where he
engaged in farming on a large scale, owning at one time two thousand acres of
land. On the 22d of April, 1822, he was married to Miss Nancy Shumate, a native
of Virginia, born August 19, 1804. Mr. Duvall died in the fall of 1890, on
September 25, and his wife passed away March 2, 1888. Mrs. Ely was one of ten
children, of whom five are still living. There were three children in the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Boannerges Ely: Nancy, the widow of John Deming, who lives at
Wataga, Illinois; William, who married Belle McGinnis, and is a farmer in North
Dakota; and Ella, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Temple and the mother of
two children.
Mr. and Mrs. Ely are devout members of the Christian
church at Wataga, of which Mr. Ely was one of the charter members. He is a
republican and has held office on the town board for eight years. Mr. and Mrs.
Ely have led a happy, peaceful life. Being among the oldest residents of this
section of the country, they are well known to many people and have a host of
friends. Mrs. Ely still passes an occasional hour at her old spinning wheel that
she used when a girl and in the still silence broken only by her rhythmic tread
she lives over again events that happened in the days of long ago when Knox
county was a region of prairie land and neighbors lived many miles apart.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
226 & 231,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
, farmer, was born in Ashland co., O., Oct. 15, 1816; his
parents, Benjamin and Anna (Adams) Emmens, were both natives of
Jefferson co., O.; he was reared on a farm and educated in district
schools; he came from Ohio to Knox co. in 1837; removed from Knox to
Fulton co., Ill., and in 1862 came back to Knox co.; Republican;
comfortably circumstanced pecuniarily. P. O., Elmwood, Peoria co., Ill.
(History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 673, submitted by Pat Thomas)
, farmer, born Sept. 24, 1839, at West Jersey, Stark co.,
Ill.; his parents, Frederick and Hannah (Gaffney) Emry, were natives of
Pennsylvania, and came west at an early day; was sent to the common
schools of Stark co.; removed to Henry co. in 1860 and to Knox co. in
1866; was married to Ruth A. Friend Dec. 24, 1872, 6 sons being the
issue of the union, 5 of whom are now living; Republican; has held the
office of Road Commissioner and been School Director for many years. P.
O., Galva, Ill.
(History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 673, transcribed by Alice
Gless & submitted by Pat Thomas)
, whose parents, Charles and Sarah Epperson, were
Virginia farmers, was born in Albemarle co., Va., April 13, 1800; when 3
years old his parents removed with him to Hawkins co., Tenn., where he
spent his school-boy days; went to Kentucky in 1812, where he married
Dec. 4, 1824, Miss Elizabeth H. Dalton, which union was blessed with 11
children, 7 sons and 4 daughters; 4 years later, 1828, removed to
Indiana, and in 1836 to Knoxville in this county; in 1823, at Richmond,
Ky., he joined the Drownding Creek Baptist Church, in which church his
father served as Deacon 30 successive years; owns a fine farm in Rio
township where he now lives. P. O., Rio.
(History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 673, transcribed by Alice
Gless & submitted by Pat Thomas)
, farmer was born in Knoxville, Knox co., Ill., Feb.
22, 1846; his parents Charles and Ann Evans are natives of New York; his
education was obtained in the public schools of Knoxville. For three
years he resided three miles west of Galesburg, since that time in
Henderson township; he was employed by the Government in the
Quartermaster's department at St. Louis during the rebellion; in March,
1867, married to Sarah B. Frans; the result of the union is 2 sons and 1
daughter. Democrat. P. O., Galesburg.
(History of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1878, page 673, transcribed by Alice
Gless & submitted by Pat Thomas)
The children of this family bear the names respectively of Edward, Lewis,
Francis; John, deceased; Jessie; Josiah and Alford, who died in infancy; Josiah
and Alford, namesakes of the little ones lost by death; Elizabeth, Sarah K.,
Hiram, our subject, Lydia, Mary and one twin sister, who died in infancy,
unnamed.
Hiram Enke was the tenth child in order of birth in his father's family, and
united in marriage early in life with Miss Margaret E. Reece, 23 January 1868.
She was born in Ohio, 15 February 1840, and died 27 August 1885, of consumption
of the lungs. She left to the bereaved husband, two children, named Leva, born 23
January 1872 and Lula, 28 September 1876. Our subject is a man of considerable
influence and marked ability in his special line of labor. To the work of
farming he adds the breeding of cattle and has proven his ability to succeed.
Mr. Enke enlisted in the hour of his country's need in the 7th Illinois Cavalry,
Company D, Captain Reynolds, of Galesburg, having command. This was in August
1862, and Captain Bradshaw was recruiting officer. He entered his regiment at
Camp Yates, Springfield, Illinois, thence proceeding to St. Louis, Missouri,
where they remained for two weeks. They were then ordered to Columbus, Kentucky
and from there to Corinth, where occurred that pitiful struggle on the 4th and
5th of October, 1862. The regiment came out of the fight without the loss of a
single man, and Mr. Enke, remained in the city of Corinth for the next three
months, at the close of which time he was ordered to Bolivar, Tennessee. At that
place they went into camp, but were marched to La Grange for winter quarters,
where they did picket and scouting duty during the winter. This was during the
winter of 1862, and the next summer was spent in guarding the railroad from
Memphis to Corinth, and in the former city, in the fall of 1862, they went into
winter quarters for that year, remaining most of the season doing guard duty,
and in the spring went to Middle Tennessee, noting the movements of Hood, at
Florence, Alabama. That was in the fall of 1864, and in the battle of Franklin,
Tennessee, Mr. Enke's regiment was situated on the left flank. Succeeding the
battle they removed to Nashville, where they remained a short time, until the
battle at that city. His brigade took two stockades and lost several men in the
engagement. They next followed Hood to the Tennessee River, and at Tuscumbia all
his regiment was dismounted and compelled to wade the swollen stream, which gave
him a severe illness, from which he has never fully recovered. Mr. Enke was
mustered out of service on the first day of July, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee,
with honor attending him as courageous man and a soldier. In politics he upholds
the Republican party with word and deed. In theological belief he owns no "creed
save that of common good," but is of true and pure moral character, and in
earnest sympathy with the doctrines of faith as shown by the Christian Church.
United to his political belief he holds the principles of the Prohibitionist.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub.
in 1886, page 342 & 345, submitted by Pat Thomas)
. On section
5, of Persifer Township, may be found the subject of this personal sketch, who
is one of the prominent citizens and successful farmers of Knox County, and
whose name is identified with its history. He is the son of Gardner and Permelia
(Mecham) Eldridge, natives of New England. On the paternal side of the house Mr.
Eldridge is of Irish origin. On the maternal side he is of Scotch descent. They
lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but removed to Iowa in the fall of 1840, and
remained in that State until the spring of 1845, when they came to Knox County
and settled in Copley Township. There they lived until called home by death, the
mother June 23, 1868, the father Jan. 18, 1870.
Their family consisted of 12 children, of whom James J.
was the seventh in order of birth. He was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, April
20, 1832, and came with his parents to Iowa and Illinois, living with them until
he reached the age of 19 years. At this time he bought 30 acres of land in
Persifer Township, on section 5, where he settled and has since lived. He has
erected a fine set of buildings on his farm, and is the possessor of 880 acres
of land, 500 of which are tillable and highly productive.
His marriage with Miss Sarah E., daughter of Bruce and
Rachel (Haptonstall) Cherrington, took place in Persifer Township, May 11, 1851.
Mrs. Eldridge’s parents were natives of New Hampshire and Virginia respectively,
and she was born in Gallia County, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1834. The father died March
4, 1885; the mother is still living with her daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge are the parents of nine children,
six of whom survive: Rachel L. became the wife of Issac Nivel, and they are the
parents of one child ---William D.; they live in Copley Township. Permelia C.
married Sylvanus Westfall; four children have blest this union -- Clara B.,
James A., Clarence R. and Minnie E., Mary E. married Byron Parkins, and they
have two children--George F. and Nellie P., William E. took to wife Lucinda J.
Myrick; two children are the result of this union--Edna May and Jessie F. These
all reside in Persifer Township. James E. married Elizabeth E. Evans; one child
has come to bless this union--Katie L.; they live in Copley Township. Maggie
resides with her parents. The deceased are Agnes E., Angeline C. and Augustus F.
He is an active, energetic worker in public affairs,
and has held several of the minor offices of the township. Both himself and wife
are members of the United Brethren Church, and active workers in the same. In
politics he affiliates with and supports the principles of the Republican Party.
He is a progressive and enterprising farmer and a leader in the community in
which he lives.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page
750, submitted by Mike Osler)
Edwards, Samuel
, son of George and Elizabeth Edwards of England, was born in England, 26 June 1847:educated in common schools of England and Illinois: came from England to Ontario, where he resides on a farm, which occupation he has always followed: married 9 December 1868 to Amy Roe: they have five children, three boys and two girls: Republican in politics. Post Office Oneida. (1878 History of Knox County, page 672, submitted by Pat Thomas)
HENRY EMRICH. Henry Emrich, president of the
Plaindealer Printing Company, was born January 26, 1844, in a little village in
Hesse-Darmstadt, five miles from Bingen-on-the-Rhine, Germany. His mother died
in 1850 and two years later Mr. Emrich, with his father and brother, came to the
United States, living in New York city until 1856, when with his father he came
to Galesburg. In December, 1858, he entered the Free Democrat printing office as
an apprentice and in 1862, when just eighteen years of age, he enlisted in
Company H of the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, participating with his regiment,
or on special duty, in nearly every campaign in southeastern Missouri,
northeastern Arkansas, the capture of Little Rock and the operations in and
around central and southeastern Arkansas. After the capture of Little Rock in
September, 1863, and some special duty as orderly at the headquarters of Major
General Eugene A. Carr, Mr. Emrich was permanently attached as orderly at the
headquarters of the First Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, General
Samuel A. Rice commanding, and in that capacity took part in what is known as
"the Camden trip," during which General Rice was twice wounded, the second wound
proving fatal, while Captain Townsend, one of General Rice's aids, was killed
and another aid's horse and Adjutant John F. Lacey's horse were wounded. Mr.
Emrich's horse was struck twice in the same moment by canister shot on April 2d
and his eyes injured by an exploding shell on the 10th of April, 1864. The death
of General Rice dissolved the "headquarters family," Major Lacey being attached
to the headquarters of Major General Fred Steele, commanding the Seventh Army
Corps, and a few clays later Mr. Emrich was attached to the same headquarters
for special duty, thus serving to the end of his enlistment.
Being mustered out of the service in 1865, Mr. Emrich
returned home and resumed the printer's trade in the office of the Quincy
Herald, but a few months later returned to Galesburg and took a position in the
office of the Free Democrat, in which he had learned his trade some years
before.
In 1867 Mr. Emrich was married to Miss Caroline Rulf
and to them five children were born. In 1870, in connection with Joe Prior, Mr.
Emrich began the publication of the Galesburg Republican and in 1872 he went to
Quincy, where he again entered the Herald office, remaining there until
December, 1879, when he returned to Galesburg and purchased an interest in the
Plain-dealer, which paper is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
In politics Mr. Emrich has always been a republican,
taking an active part personally and editorially in every campaign during the
past thirty-three years. He and the Plaindealer presented General P. S. Post to
the republicans of the then tenth congressional district as a candidate for
congress in 1886, the General being elected and remaining in congress until his
death in 1893, when Mr. Emrich and the Plaindealer presented the Hon. George W.
Prince as his successor and he has represented the district ever since. In city
affairs Mr. Emrich has also taken an active part, always striving for good
municipal government and the advancement of the material prosperity of the city.
He is a member of the Central Congregational church, taking an active interest
in the conduct and work of that institution. As a citizen and business man he
stands well in the community and his personal friends are many. He is a member
of the Galesburg Club and of Post No. 45, G. A. R., having been commander of
that post and junior vice commander of the Department of Illinois and a frequent
delegate to the national encampments.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, page 323-324, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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ROBERT E. ERVIN. Robert E. Ervin is now living
retired in Galesburg, his activity and enterprise in former years bringing him a
comfortable competence that enables him at this time to rest from further labors
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his previous toil. He lived for a long period
in Wenona, Illinois, before his removal to the city which is now his home. He
was born, however, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1841, a son of Newton S. and Jane
(Jones) Ervin, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They lived for a time in
Ohio and when their son Robert was seven years of age removed to Illinois, where
the father engaged in farming until 1868, in which year he became a resident of
Missouri.
Robert E. Ervin has spent the greater part of his life
in this state and in its public schools acquired his education, while his
vacation periods were devoted to work in the fields. He had but recently
attained his majority when, on the 9th of August, 1862, he offered his services
to the government, enlisting as a member of Battery A, of the Third Illinois
Light Artillery. He was enrolled at Wenona and went into camp at Camp Butler,
from which point the regiment proceeded to the front. The first battle in which
he engaged was at Little Rock, Arkansas, and later he participated in the
battles of Prairie Dam and Oklahoma, after which he returned to Jenkins Ferry.
In the spring of 1865 he was again at Little Rock and on the 30th of June of
that year was mustered out at Springfield. He had held the rank of sergeant all
through the war and had proved himself a loyal soldier, never faltering in the
performance of any duty whether it called him to the firing line or stationed
him at the lonely picket line.
After the war was over Mr. Ervin engaged in farming
near Wenona and also made stock raising an important branch of his business.
Year by year he carefully tilled the fields, which responded readily to the care
and labor which he bestowed upon them, yielding to him rich crops. In 1882,
however, he left his farm and took up his abode in Wenona, where at different
times he was connected with various business enterprises, conducting an
implement business, later a livery stable and afterward engaging in the
manufacture of cultivators. Whatever he undertook he carried forward to
successful completion and as the years passed by, he added annually to his
capital until he felt that the sum was sufficient to provide him through his
later years with the necessities and comforts of life. Accordingly, he put aside
business cares, removed to Galesburg and has since lived retired. He traces his
genealogical record back to 343 and a work is now being published which will
contain his branch of the family and will be in print in about a year.
In Wenona in the fall of 1865 Mr. Ervin was united in
marriage to Miss Marietta A. Howe, a native of Missouri, who removed to Illinois
when six years of age, accompanying her parents, Peter and Arvilla (Park) Howe,
who were natives of Vermont and who settled at Wenona. Her father followed
farming in that district for a considerable period and later turned his
attention to financial interests, becoming owner of the Bank of Wenona, which is
now being conducted by his son. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ervin have been born two
children but the daughter, Ella Irene, died when only six years old. The son,
Newton Howe, is now engaged in the stock and dairy business at Galesburg. Mr.
Ervin has ever been devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family. He is
preeminently a home man and yet he has never neglected his duties in other
relations of life. He is a valued member of Shields Post, No. 45, G. A. R., and
has served as its commander. Politically he is a stalwart republican and was
mayor of the city of Wenona in 1888 and 1889, his administration being
businesslike and progressive. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian
church, to which Mrs. Ervin also belongs. She is descended from the same
ancestry as Martha Washington and the Rebecca Park Chapter of the Daughters of
the American Revolution was named in honor of one of her maternal ancestors.
Mrs. Ervin is a prominent member of this chapter and has served on a number of
its important committees. She was also junior vice in the Grand Army of the
Republic Circle of Abingdon and she is a prominent worker in the Women's Relief
Corps. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ervin occupy a prominent position in the regard of many
friends and are widely known in Galesburg and throughout this part of the state.
Their son, N. H. Ervin, was born in Wenona, August 9,
1875, and there pursued his education until 1891. In the following year he came
to Galesburg and entered Knox College, where he remained as a student for four
years, pursuing the scientific course. After leaving college he went abroad and
traveled for three years, gaining that comprehensive knowledge and culture which
only find their source in travel. After living in various places for a time he
returned to Galesburg and established a suburban home at No. 1264 West Main,
known as Ervindale. He has here thirteen acres, upon which are found substantial
and commodious buildings, erected in attractive modern styles of architecture,
while the equipments and the improvements of the place in every particular are
most pleasing. He now makes a specialty of raising Jersey cows, having some fine
specimens of that breed, and in this branch of his business is very successful.
He also conducts a dairy, which is likewise a source of gratifying profit.
On the 14th of September, 1902, N. H. Ervin was united
in marriage to Miss Lula H. Hicks, of Bushnell, Illinois, who was born and
educated there. Mr. Ervin belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Dramatic
Order of the Knights of Khorassan. He also holds membership in the Presbyterian
church and he gives his political support to the republican party, keeping at
all times well informed on the questions and issues of the day, yet never
seeking nor desiring public office.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, page 332 & 337-338, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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David B. Edwards. David
B. Edwards, who for fifteen years has been a conductor on the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad, his run being from Galesburg to Quincy, has
throughout his entire life been connected with railway service and his
efficiency and faithfulness are indicated in the fact that he has always
remained with the one road. He was born in Henderson county, Illinois, three
miles south of Kirkwood, on the 1st of May, 1862, a grandson of John Edwards,
who was of Welsh birth and lineage and came to the United States at the time of
the Revolutionary war with the British army but deserted from its ranks and
joined the colonial forces, his sympathy being with the troops who were
struggling for
independence. He located in Belmont county, Ohio, where his remaining days were
passed.
The parents of David B. Edwards were Thomas R. and Susan
(Cook) Edwards, both of whom were natives of Belmont county, Ohio, the father
having been born on the 29th of November, 1820, and the mother on the 21st of
August, 1827. Both were educated there and their marriage was celebrated in
their native county on the 25th of February, 1854. The father was a blacksmith
by trade and in the fall of 1860 came to Illinois, driving across the country to
Henderson county, where he secured a tract of land and engaged in farming. Year
after year he devoted his attention to the cultivation of the fields until his
death which occurred June 5, 1895. His widow survived him for eleven years and
passed away October 27, 1906. They were both consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in the work of which they were actively and helpfully
interested, Mr. Edwards serving as one of the church trustees. In politics he
was a republican and served as township trustee, as road commissioner and as
school director, faithfully discharging his duties and also giving active and
helpful support to every measure and movement intended for the public good. Unto
him and his wife were born six children: John Walter, a railway conductor on the
Rock Island Railroad, now living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Orloff D., a farmer of
Sumner county, Kansas; Stephen C., who also follows farming in Sumner county:
David B.; Charles H., living on the old homestead in Henderson county; and Emma
F., a twin sister of Charles, and now the wife of John W. Gordon, of
Hooker, Oklahoma.
David B. Edwards has spent his entire life in Illinois and is
indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed.
In starting out in life on his own account he secured a position as brakeman on
the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad, serving in that capacity until promoted to the
position of conductor on the 2d of February, 1896. He has since served in that
capacity, his run being from Galesburg to Quincy, and his loyalty, capability
and
faithfulness are indicated in his long retention in the position.
On the 15th of July, 1885, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage
to Miss Augusta Ervin, who was born August 23, 1866, at Statesville, North
Carolina, a daughter of Claude P. and Jane (Morrison) Ervin, of Biggsville,
Illinois. Her father was born June 16, 1843, in Iredell county, North Carolina,
and enlisted for service in the Confederate army under Colonel Vance, serving as
a private in the cavalry for three years and six months. He removed with his
family to Biggsville during the early girlhood of Mrs. Edwards, who was there
educated. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children: Walter
Earl, who was born in Biggsville, October 4, 1886, and died August 27, 1887; and
Gertrude May, who was born in Biggsville, February 17, 1888, and is living with
her parents. It was in 1885 that Mr. Edwards removed to Galesburg and in 1907 he
erected the residence which he and his family now occupy. He still holds
membership in the Odd Fellows lodge at Biggsville and belongs to the Brotherhood
of Railway Trainmen, Lodge No. 24, at Galesburg. His political indorsement is
given to the republican party but he has no desire or aspiration for public
office and its rewards. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and during
the twenty-six years of their residence in the city they have made many friends.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, page 415-416, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Updated October 3, 2006