Biographies G
George Smith Gates.
Dr. George Smith Gates, who for the past five years has been engaged in the
practice of veterinary surgery in Galesburg, was born in Morristown, Lamoille
county, Vermont, on the 15th of July, 1839, a son of George W. and Betsey
(Smith) Gates. The father was also a native of Morristown, where his birth
occurred on the 11th of October, 1810, and the mother was born in Elmore,
Vermont, on September 22, 1814, and there passed her girlhood. They were married
at Elmore in October, 1837, and began their domestic life in the vicinity of
Morristown, where the father engaged in farming until his death, on the 26th of
January, 1890. The mother passed away on May 26, 1901. The family of Mr. and
Mrs. Gates consisted of four children of whom our subject is the eldest, while
the others, in order of birth, were as follows: Elizabeth M., who is deceased;
one who died in infancy; and Emma Mary, the wife of E. W. Smith of Wellsriver,
Vermont. The parents were Methodists, although the father was superintendent of
the Congregational Sunday school for twenty-five years. He was a supporter of
the republican party and took an active interest in all matters of a political
nature and for a number of years discharged the duties of justice of the peace.
In the acquirement of his education Dr. Gates first attended
the district schools in the vicinity of his home, subsequently becoming a
student of the People's Academy of Morrisville, Vermont. After laying aside his
school books he engaged in teaching for nine terms, the last three years in
Ontario township, Knox county, where he located in 1866. Having grown up on a
farm, he received a thorough training in the practical methods of agriculture.
When he came to this county he settled upon a farm, devoting his energies to its
operation until 1894. During that period he was also studying veterinary surgery
with a view of adopting it for a vocation, and in 1894 was awarded his
degree from the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, Canada. Immediately
thereafter he removed to Blandinsville, McDonough county, this state, where he
established and maintained an office until 1906, when he came to Galesburg. Dr.
Gates has met with success in his profession, his long experience in raising
stock proving of invaluable assistance to him in his practice.
On the 9th of March, 1864, Dr. Gates was united in marriage
to Miss Helen Louise West, who was born in Waterbury, Vermont, on April 13,
1835. She was a daughter of J. P. and Louise West, both natives of Orange
county, Vermont, where the father passed away. The mother subsequently came to
La Crosse, Wisconsin, and there spent her latter days. They were both members of
the Universalist church. In politics he was a republican and at one time
occupied the position as justice of the peace. Four children were born to Dr.
and Mrs. Gates. Ernest William, who is married and lives at Morrisville,
Vermont, has four children: Harold Cortez, Madeline Hattie, Raymond Smith
and Catherine. Carroll Levi, who lives at Costello, New Mexico, is also married
and has two children, Erroll and Helen. Lulu Anna, the only daughter of Dr. and
Mrs. Gates, passed away. Harry Washington, who resides in Galesburg, is married
and has one daughter, Florence. On the 2d of October, 1883, the family was
called upon to mourn the loss of the wife and mother. Dr. Gates married, on the
28th of September, 1884, Mrs. Allie Walter, a daughter of Jesse and Jerusha (Stire)
Everitt, of Prairie City, Illinois. Mrs. Gates is a native of New Jersey, her
birth having occurred on September 28, 1843, and two children have been born to
Dr. and Mrs. Gates: Marion Ethel, who is living at La Junta, Colorado; and
Vernon Fitch, who will graduate from Knox College with the class of 1914.
Dr. Gates is a deacon in the East Main Street Congregational
church, in which Mrs. Gates also holds membership, and in his political views he
is a republican. When residing in Vermont in 1862, Dr. Gates was a member of the
state militia, being sergeant in Company I, Second Regiment, which was organized
to protect the northern border of the United States from Canadian raiders.
Forty-five years have elapsed since he first became a resident of Knox county,
and during that time he has been an interested observer of its marvelous
development as pioneer conditions have passed with the advent of a newer and
higher civilization. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry,
pages 401-402, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Alexander Gehring – Alexander
Gehring, a well known and successful farmer and stock-raiser of Sparta township, Knox
County, Illinois, is still engaged in cultivating the farm on which he has lived for
nearly forty-six years. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, on the 1st of December,
1844. His father, Anthony G., was born March 12, 1821, and his mother, whose maiden name
was Mary Mosier, was born June 24, 1823. They came to America and settled in Sparta
township in 1857. His paternal grandparents were Bennett and Elizabeth (Closman) Gehring
and his great-grandparents were Mathias and Susan Gehring. His maternal grandparents were
Jacob and Mary Mosier. Alexander Gehring was the oldest of three children, a sister who is
dead, and a brother named Martin, a farmer in Sparta township, with whom his mother makes
her home.
Alexander Gehring began his education in Germany, continuing his
studies for a little time after coming to this country. When a mere boy, at the age of
fourteen, he commenced to work on the farm, first for his father and later hiring out to a
neighbor. At twenty-one he began to work for himself and in 1867, after his marriage, took
possession of the farm which he is now operating. In addition to general farming, he
devotes much time to stock-raising in which pursuit he has been very successful. Born to
his calling he loves his work and the interests which fill a farmer’s life and has no
wish to retire while his farm yields him the comfortable income which he now enjoys.
The marriage of Alexander Gehring to Miss JERUSHA SQUIRES, of
Trumbull county, Ohio, occurred May 30, 1867. Her father, Ira Squires, was born in Ireland
in 1818 and came to America when six years old. Her mother, Caroline Stewart, was born in
1820 of Scotch heritage. When Mrs. Alexander Gehring was three years old her parents died
whereupon she was reared by Isaac and Sarah (Hillergast) Baker. Mrs. Gehring has one
brother, Albert Squires, who lives at her home.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Gehring were four
children. Carrie, who remained single and was living at home, died in August, 1911, at the
age of thirty-four, at Greenville, Pennsylvania, while on a visit. She was a very devout
woman and an untiring worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. She was an officer in the
missionary society of her church and a member of the Epsworth League. Alice, the wife of
James Parkinson, a farmer in Kansas, is the mother of five children. Sarah Luella, the
wife of Benjamin Morgan of Wataga, Illinois, has four children. Ira Anthony, married Effie
Richmond, lives in Galesburg, and is the father of two children.
The Gehring family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
Church of Wataga, Illinois, in which Mr. Gehring is a steward and a trustee. In his
political views, he is a republican and has always been an ardent worker for his party. He
served as a roadmaster for several terms and was on the school board three terms. Coming
to this locality more than fifty years ago, Alexander Gehring has not only witnessed the
agricultural growth and development of Knox County, but has been a large contributor for
which this community is noted. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry,
page 494, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Amos Gibbs – Amos O. Gibbs for
more than twenty years has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section
22, Victoria township, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land that he has
brought under high cultivation. He was born in Lynn township, Knox County, on the
4th of August, 1850, and is a son of the late Martin and Mary Ann (Moak) Gibbs, Jr., the
paternal grandfather likewise having borne the name of Martin Gibbs.
Reared on his father’s farm, the youthful years of Amos O.
Gibbs were not marked by either luxury or privation, but were very similar to those of
other country lads of that period. His education was begun in his home district and
completed in the public schools of Galva, which he attended for two years. At the
expiration of that period he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits with
the expectation of making farming his life vocation. By the time he had attained his
maturity he was a skilled agriculturist and fully capable of taking charge of a place of
his own, but he remained at home until he was married at the age of thirty-seven
years. Immediately following this event he located on the place where he is now
living, and here he and his wife have passed the entire period of their domestic
life. This was then the property of his brother, P. H. Gibbs, but the greater part
of the improvements had been made by the previous owner, a Mr. Dalgrin, including the
erection of the dwelling. During the period of his occupancy, however, Mr. Gibbs has
wrought many changes that have greatly added to the appearance and value of the
place. Here in connection with his general farming he has been raising stock, using
the greater part of his grain for feed. He is an industrious man of persevering
habits and gives his personal supervision to all of the work about his place. His
fields are carefully and intelligently cultivated, all the fences and buildings are kept
well repaired, and everything about his farm suggests thrift and prosperity.
Mr. Gibbs established a home for himself in 1887, when he married
Miss ELIZABETH JOHNSON, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Lewis H. and Christina
Johnson, both of whom are now deceased. She emigrated to America with her parents as
a child of two years, and was reared in this county, receiving her education in the
district schools of Victoria Township. Her parents spent their latter years in Knox
County and are buried in Galva cemetery, Lynn Township. Six children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, Martin Harrison, Ada, Roy, Lewis, Carl, and Irene.
The political views of Mr. Gibbs accord with the principles of
the republican party, for whose candidates he casts his ballots. He has met with
more than average measure of success in his pursuits, and is one of the stockholders in
the Farmers’ Elevator and their creamery and likewise the Mutual Telephone Company;
he is also interested in two imported breeding horses. Mr. Gibbs is a capable
agriculturist and business man whose undertakings are characterized by intelligent
direction and competent management. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A.
J. Perry, page 908 & 911, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Henry
W. Giles, M. D. - Dr. Henry W. Giles, who for the past ten years has been engaged in the
practice of medicine in Knoxville, was born in Peoria County, Illinois, on the 28th of
March, 1861. His parents were Thomas and Margaret (Poplett) Giles, the father, a son of
Thomas Giles, one of the guards of Napoleon Bonaparte, was born on the island of St.
Helena, February 28, 1814. Thomas Giles, Jr., came to the United States with his father
first locating in the state of New York, where he remained until 1836, when he came to
Illinois locating in Peoria. There he continue to reside during the remainder of his life
devoting his energies during the entire period of his active career to farming. The mother
was a daughter of Thompson Poplett, one of the pioneer settlers of Knox County, where she
was reared to womanhood. She passed away on August 7, 1875, while the father survived for
eighteen years thereafter, his demise occurring September 7, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Giles were married March 7, 1850, and to them were born seven children, five of whom are
living; Joseph W., the eldest born January 13, 1853, who is engaged in farming in Peoria
County; William Nelson, born March 9, 1858, who is a physician and surgeon of Wataga,
Illinois; George, born March 26, 1863, also a farmer of Peoria County; Mary Helena, born
December 24, 1865, the wife of George Yates, a farmer of Peoria County; and Henry W., our
subject.
The boyhood and youth of Henry W. Giles were spent beneath the paternal roof, his
education being obtained in the public schools of Peoria county. After leaving school, for
a time he engaged in
farm work,
but later was employed in a medical laboratory in Peoria, where he remained for four
years. During that period he decided to adopt the medical profession for his life vocation
and subsequently entered the Keokuk Medical College, from which institution he received
the degree of M. D., the knowledge therein gleaned being supplemented by a post-graduate
course in Chicago. He began his career as a practitioner in the state of Iowa, removing
from there to Wataga, where he remained until 1902, when he established an office in
Knoxville, that he has ever since successfully maintained. During his residence here he
has built up a substantial medical practice in the town and surrounding country, while his
services as a surgeon are in much demand. Thorough in his methods, sympathetic and helpful
in his manner and conscientious in his devotion to those who enlist his services, Dr.
Giles has become very popular both professionally and socially; those, who are suffering
from ills of any nature whatsoever, knowing that in him they will always find one
graciously willing to alleviate their suffering, if possible.
Peoria, Illinois, was the scene of Dr. Giles' marriage, on the 26th of November, 1891,
to Miss Christiana Schildwachter. The parents of Mrs. Giles were natives of Germany,
whence they came to America, first locating in Missouri. After the war they removed to
Tazewell County, Illinois, where Mrs. Giles was born and reared. The father is now
deceased, but the mother is living and continues to make her home in Tazewell county. To
Dr. and Mrs. Giles there has been borne four children: Charles W., born August 29, 1892,
who is a student; Willard T., born March 25, 1896; Ruth H, born February 27, 1898, and
Howard H., born March 17, 1903.
The family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which they
take an earnest and helpful interest, while Dr. Giles keeps in touch with the members of
his profession through the medium of his membership in the Illinois State Medical
Association and Knox County Medical Society. Dr. Giles has always exerted an immeasurable
influence for good in the community, where he has done an effective service in behalf of
general progress and improvement.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by
A. J. Perry, pages 62-63, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Philip N. Granville.
The history of Galesburg in its financial connections would be incomplete and
unsatisfactory, were there failure to make prominent reference to Philip N. Granville, who
for more than twenty years has served as cashier of the Bank of Galesburg, which he aided
in organizing in 1889. Throughout all the intervening period he has made a close study of
the problems of finance and the questions which arise in connection with the conduct of
banking institutions and his efficiency and ability have continually increased,
while his labors have contributed in full measure to the success of the institution, with
which he has so long been connected. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Knox
county, his birth having occurred in Abingdon on the 17th of July, 1855. His parents, John
and Bothilda Granville, were born in County Kristianstad, Sweden. The paternal
grandparents passed away in that country, but John Granville, the father, who was a
shoemaker by trade, crossed the Atlantic to the United States about 1851 and came direct
to Victoria, Knox county, Illinois. He subsequently located in Abingdon, where he worked
at his trade, and in 1865 he took up his abode in Galesburg, where he established a shoe
business in partnership with Olaf Johnson. He was afterward in partnership with Victor
Velander until 1869, after which he conducted the business practically alone until about
1889, when he retired on account of failing health. He had won success during his many
years of connection with the shoe trade and the last years of his life were spent in
honorable retirement, his demise occurring November 17, 1893, when he had attained the age
of sixty-eight years. During the period of his residence in this county, covering more
than four decades, he had won an extensive circle of friends and his death was therefore
the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife survived him for only one month,
being seventy-seven years old when called to her final rest on the 12th of December, 1893.
Both passed away in the faith of the Methodist church. They were the parents of five
children, two of whom are yet living, namely: Philip N., of this review; and Emily C., the
wife of C. T. Holmes, of Galesburg.
Philip N. Granville has resided in Galesburg continuously since 1865 with the exception
of about a year spent in Evanston. In the acquirement of an education he attended the
public schools and Knox Academy and at intervals was employed in different dry-goods
stores. At various periods he was in the service of O. T. Johnson and other dry-goods
merchants as bookkeeper for a couple of years. After permanently putting aside his
text-books he went to Evanston, where he entered the hardware establishment of Lindgren
& Wigren, remaining there for nearly a year. He then returned to Galesburg and entered
the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, first as clerk in
the roundhouse and afterward in the roadmaster's office. Subsequently he was in the office
of the master mechanic and still later, leaving the railroad company, became connected
with the Covenant Mutual Benefit Association as cashier. He severed his connection with
that company when elected city treasurer in 1887 for a term of two years. When about to
retire from the office he was asked by J. R. Lindgren, by whom he had been employed while
in Evanston and who had embarked in the banking business in Chicago in connection with Mr.
Haugan, to establish a branch bank in Galesburg under the name of the Bank of Galesburg,
Haugan & Lindgren, proprietors. Mr. Granville selected Axel Gabrielson, a bank officer
of experience at that time connected with The Farmers & Mechanics Bank of Galesburg,
to become cashier, while he assumed the duties of the assistant cashiership. He also
selected H. E. Olson, an insurance man, to become bookkeeper and also take charge of the
insurance department of the bank. The new institution opened its doors for business and
entered upon a successful career. On the 3d of October, 1891, this bank was incorporated
as a state bank with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and the following officers
were then elected: A. M. Craig, president; Peter Nelson, vice president; Axel Gabrielson,
cashier; P. N. Granville, assistant cashier and director; with H. E. Olson as bookkeeper
and P. N. Granville as secretary of the board of directors. In September, 1892, Mr.
Gabrielson resigned and Mr. Granville then became cashier of the bank, which position he
has since continued to occupy. The bank has grown continuously, its capital has been
increased to one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and its cash surplus has reached
three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. It owns its bank building, which at
present is being remodeled, being converted from a three-story to a five-story building,
with more commodious rooms for its banking business. For two decades Mr. Granville has
been cashier of the institution and has proved a most capable and popular official, whose
labors in conjunction with those of the president, A. M. Craig, a far-sighted,
conservative business man of substantial means, have been a potent factor in promoting and
strengthening the bank and increasing its surplus and capital.
On the 1st of November, 1903, Mr. Granville was united in marriage to Miss Bessie
Olson, a native of Galesburg, Illinois, and a daughter of Michael and Cecelia Olson, who
were born in Bergen, Norway, and took up their abode among the early settlers of
Galesburg. Mr. Olson is still living here but lost his wife on the 6th of May, 1911, when
she had attained the age of eighty-four years. Three of their children still survive, as
follows: Mrs. Granville; Anna C., the wife of George F. Eckstrand; and Dr. J. C. Olsen, a
doctor of chemistry and an expert on foods, who is at present connected with the
Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, New York. He gave many lectures on the results of his
researches and is the author of a book on "Pure Foods" and a volume entitled
"Text-book of Quantitative Chemical Analysis." Mr. and Mrs. Granville have two
children, John Philip and Elizabeth.
In politics Mr. Granville is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and
measures of that party. For two years he acted as alderman of the second ward. In Masonry
he has attained high rank, being a member of the following organizations: Alpha Lodge, No.
155, F. & A. M., of which he is treasurer; Galesburg Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M.;
Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, K. T., in which he is eminent commander; Illinois Council,
No. 1, R. & S. M., being presiding officer of the council at Knoxville; Mohammed
Temple of the Mystic Shrine; and Peoria Consistory, S. P. R. S. He likewise belongs to the
First Scandinavian Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., and is identified with the encampment and
the canton. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Methodist
Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. His genuine worth and his devotion to
all that is right, just and elevating, make him a man whom to know is to respect and
honor. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 88-92,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
An additional biography of
Philip Granville
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John C. Geer,
who from the age of fourteen years has made his home in Knox county, where
through a considerable period he has been identified with merchandising as
proprietor of a grocery store, deserves much credit for what he has accomplished
in life, his success being attributable to his energy, determination and
successful management.
He was born in Connecticut, near Hartford, on the
17th of October, 1846, and was
the second of the three sons of Luther and Abby (Hempstead) Geer. On the
paternal side he traces his ancestry back to George Geer, who was one of three
brothers to emigrate from England to the United States at an early day. He
married Sarah Allen, a daughter of Captain Allen, and among their children was
Isaac Geer, who was the father of Jacob Geer. Solomon Geer, the son of Jacob,
married Anna Tiers, and to them was born a son, Luther Geer, Sr., February 14,
1773, in Connecticut. The last named was the grandfather of our subject. In
early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years.
With his family he came to Illinois, casting in his lot with the pioneer
settlers of Stark county, where his wife died in early life, but he lived to be
quite advanced in years. She bore the maiden name of Esther Whipple and to them
were born six children, namely, Esther, Lucinda,
Ophelia, Luther, Solomon and Hiram. The maternal grandparents of our subject
were Avery and Lucy (Leeds) Hempstead, who were residents of Mystic,
Connecticut, where they died at a ripe old age. Their children were Abby, Lucy,
Nancy, Frederick and Courtland. Avery Hempstead was a son of Robert and Ann
(Avery) Hempstead. The birth of his father occurred February 7, 1746, and his
mother was born May 8, 1745. Robert Hempstead served as sergeant in William
Stanton's Company, Eighth Regiment, Connecticut Militia, August 6, 1780.
Spending his youthful days in the Charter Oak state, Luther Geer, Jr., there
learned the carpenter's trade. Prior to the Civil war he removed westward to
Illinois, settling at Toulon, where he engaged in contracting and building. He
also bought a farm and devoted considerable time to cultivating the fields which
he improved with all modern equipment. He died there about 1880 when sixty-four
years of age and was long survived by his wife, who passed away in 1906, at the
advanced age of eighty-nine years and eleven months. Both were members of the
Baptist church and were earnest Christian people at all times loyal to their
professions. Of their children Avery, the eldest son, died at the age of
fifty-five years and Courtland, the youngest, is now living in Stark county,
Illinois.
John C. Geer, whose name introduces this record, was a small boy when he came to
this state, and was a youth of fourteen years when he arrived in Knox county. He
had obtained his education in Stark county and had scarcely started upon his
teens when he took upon himself the task of providing for his own support. His
life has been one of earnest and persistent toil, at length crowned with a
substantial measure of success owing to his unfaltering industry and
intelligently directed energy. He was first employed as a clerk in a grocery
store in Galesburg and while working in that capacity saved his earnings until
his industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital to
enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 1887, therefore, he
opened a grocery store and has since continued in this line of business, having
for a long period conducted a store at No. 121 East Main street. He still
continues in the grocery line, having a store at Knoxville.
Mr. Geer was married on the
1st of December, 1869, to Miss Delia Murphy, who was
born in this county, February 12, 1848. Her parents came from Ireland and were
early settlers here and afterward removed to Topeka county, where they died in
old age. They had three sons and five daughters, Robert, John, Margaret,
Josephine, Helen, Delia, Catharine and Mary. In 1883 Mr. Geer was called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away when thirty-five years of age. She
was a faithful member of the Baptist church and a woman of many remarkable
traits of character. She left three children: Cora, who is acting as her
father's housekeeper; Abbie, at home; and George. The son is a blacksmith
residing at Keokuk, Iowa. He married Blanche Ferguson and they have two
children, Charles and Daisy.
Mr. Geer holds membership
with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also with the Grand Army of the
Republic. His connection with the latter comes through the fact that in 1863 he
enlisted for three months' service in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry as a member of Company D. His political support is given to
the democracy and he is somewhat prominent and active in the party ranks, serving for twelve or fourteen
years as county supervisor from Galesburg. He is also loyal to the best
interests of the community and has long been regarded as a worthy citizen as
well as progressive merchant. What he undertakes he accomplishes and the years
of a well spent life have won him the kindly and merited regard of all with whom
he has come in contact.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 122-124,
submitted by Janine Crandell)Back to Top
James W. Grubb.
James W. Grubb, secretary,
treasurer and manager of the West Drug Company of Galesburg, was born in
Atlanta, Georgia, July 15, 1868, his parents being Samuel W. and Jane A.
(Wright) Grubb. The father was a native of Washington, D. C, born August 19,
1832, and the mother's birth occurred in Selma, Alabama, July 20, 1840. Samuel
W. Grubb learned the printer's trade and when a young man went to Atlanta,
Georgia, where he secured a position on the Atlantic Telegram, becoming
superintendent of that paper. In 1872 he removed to Galesburg, purchasing the
Republican and consolidating it with the Register. For thirty years he remained
at the head of the Register and made it one of the leading papers of the state
outside of the large Chicago dailies. He became recognized as one of the
foremost journalists of Illinois. When his son, James W. Grubb, took over the
stock the father retired and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well
earned rest. He commanded the respect and honor of all with whom he came in
contact and was recognized as an influential factor in the community, his paper
being at all times recognized as a force and power for good along the lines of
general advancement, reform and improvement. His political allegiance was given
to the republican party and while residing in Atlanta he filled the office of
alderman. He was also prominent in the Odd Fellows society and served as grand
scribe of the grand lodge of the state of Georgia. In the Episcopal church, in
which he long held membership, he filled the office of vestryman and at all
times was a willing cooperant in its well defined lines of work for the moral
progress and uplift of the community. He died on the 6th of September, 1909, and
is still survived by his widow who is now a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. They
were married November 28, 1867—Thanksgiving Day—at Atlanta, Georgia, and became
the parents of three sons, but Lucien and William A. both died in infancy.
James W. Grubb, the eldest of the family, pursued his
education in the Galesburg schools, having been brought to this city by his
parents when a lad of four years. After completing his public-school course he
attended Knox Academy and then worked in his father's newspaper office, of which
he became foreman. Gradually as his experience increased and his business
ability developed, he more and more largely assumed the management and control
of the paper and following his father's retirement became secretary, treasurer
and business manager. He was thus active in shaping the policy and molding the
destiny of the paper until the 17th of April, 1909, when he disposed of his
stock in the Republican-Register. He afterward engaged in dealing in real estate to a
limited extent and on the 5th of June, 1911, again entered into active relations
with the business interests of Galesburg as the secretary, treasurer and manager
of the West Drug Company. They conduct a retail drug business and enjoy an
extensive trade, the business policy of the house being such as to commend it to
the confidence and support of the general public.
On the 14th of July, 1892, Mr. Grubb was united in
marriage to Miss Josephine Parry, a daughter of Samuel J. and Martha (Scofield)
Parry, of this city. Her father was born in Athens, Pennsylvania, January 1,
1825, and the mother's birth occurred in the state of New York, July 4, 1831.
Samuel Parry was a contractor and on coming to the middle west settled in
Canton, Illinois. He afterward lived in Viola, Mercer county, this state, before
coming to Galesburg, where he continued in business as a contractor, becoming
senior partner of the firm of Parry & Stevens. He was thus long associated with
industrial interests in this city but is now living retired, his former
enterprise and perseverance having brought to him the substantial competence
that now enables him to enjoy rest from further labor. His political allegiance
is given to the republican party and he has served as school director but has
never sought nor held political office. He belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and to the Central Congregational church, and during the years of
his residence in Galesburg his well spent life has ever commanded the confidence
and good-will of those who know him. Unto him and his wife were born four
children but the first two, Jeanette and Mary, are deceased. The others are Dr.
H. E. Parry and Mrs. Grubb, who was born in Galesburg, July 7, 1873, and by her
marriage has become the mother of two children: Samuel Parry, born in Galesburg,
September 18, 1893; and Jeanette Parry, born in this city, July 11, 1901.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr.
Grubb has voted with the republican party and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day. He is a member of Central Congregational
church, is serving as one of its trustees and is interested in its various lines
of work. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and to the Country Club, and
those who know him—and his friends are many—find him a social, genial gentleman,
always courteous and approachable. He has long since learned not to select the
second best but to choose those things which count for greatest worth in
business, in municipal affairs and in character development.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 159-160,
submitted by Janine Crandell)Back to Top
H. R. Griffith
,
whose well cultivated farm forms one of the attractive features of Cedar
township, was born on his father's homestead south of Galesburg, Knox county,
Illinois, on the 8th of January, 1861. His father, Morris Griffith, was a native
of Pennsylvania, his birth having there occurred on the 17th of February, 1836.
When a lad of four years he removed with his parents to Ohio, where they resided
until 1852, when they came to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Galesburg.
There Mr. Griffith continued to live until the year prior to his death, when he
went to reside with a son living north of Galesburg, where he passed away on
December 9. 1906, being laid to rest in the cemetery at Knoxville. His parents,
Abel and Hannah (Gore) Griffith, also spent their latter days in Knox county.
For his wife and helpmate Morris Griffith chose Miss Elizabeth Harmony, their
marriage being celebrated on the 27th of December, 1859. Mrs. Griffith, who was
born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, died in Knox county on February 12, 1901,
at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith there
were born seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Etta, the second
in order of birth who was born on the 22d of May, 1862, was married on March 28,
1895, to G. C. Hutson, and is now living in the vicinity of Arkansas City,
Kansas. William E., whose birth occurred on the 18th of January, 1864, married
Mattie Brooks on January 27, 1892, and resides near Galesburg. Arthur, who was
born on January 22, 1866, chose for his wife Ella Hutson, to whom he was married
on March 17, 1898, now living near Galesburg. Frank M., born on the 24th of
August, 1868, was married on the 2Oth of October, 1898, to Lennie Hutson and is
living near Knoxville. Mary E., the next in order of birth, was born on the 21st
of April, 1871, and died on the 21st of September, 1872, being laid to rest in
the cemetery at Knoxville. Jessie A. was born on the 21st of June, 1877, and on
December 27, 1900, married Marvin McGahey. The parents were earnest members of
the Presbyterian church, while his political support Mr. Griffith accorded to
the republican party. He took an active interest in all public affairs and held
some of the township offices, the duties of which he discharged with efficiency.
Born and reared on a farm, Mr. Griffith has always been
more or less actively identified with agricultural pursuits. His preliminary
education was obtained in the public schools, after the completion of which he
entered Knox College at Galesburg. He remained at home with his parents until he
was thirty-two years of age, when he came to his present place on section 20,
Cedar township. He owns eighty-seven and a half acres of land here upon which he
has made most extensive improvements, having erected some fine buildings,
planted an orchard and grove, in addition to effecting various minor changes. He
has applied himself diligently and intelligently to the cultivation of this
property, his efforts in this direction having been rewarded in a most
substantial and gratifying manner. In addition to his fine home farm he owns one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Dundy county, Nebraska, while his wife has
forty acres in Orange township, this county.
On the 24th of August, 1893, Mr. Griffith was married
to Miss Flora A. Parmenter, whose birth occurred in Orange township, Knox
county, on the 1st of November, 1868. Her paternal grandparents were among the
pioneer settlers of the county and here her father, John Parmenter, whose birth
occurred January 18, 1842, was united in marriage on December 31, 1867, to Miss
Anna Haynes, who was born December 10, 1842. Both parents passed away in the
same year, the father on December 29, 1880, and the mother on August 29 of that
year. Mrs. Griffith was the eldest of the four children born of this union. In
order of birth the other three are as follows: Asa H., a resident of Galesburg,
whose birth occurred on the 16th of June, 1870; Charles E., who was born on May
21, 1875, now living in Watertown, Illinois; and Lenna, whose birth occurred on
the 18th of November, 1877, the wife of Henry Godfrey, of Kansas. Of the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith five children have been born: Jessie May, who
was born on the 6th of November, 1894; Claude Russell, whose birth occurred on
October 25, 1895 ; Harold O., born on the 19th of December, 1897; Mary L., born
February 17, 1903; and John Herbert, who was born on the 18th of December, 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Griffith after coming to their present location united with the
Congregational church of Abingdon and are devoted members thereof. Mr. Griffith
has now held for over six years the office of deacon, while his wife has for
five years been assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. His political
prerogatives Mr. Griffith exercises in support of the men and measures of the
republican party and he has served in the capacity of school director and tax
collector.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 164 & 167-168,
submitted by Janine Crandell)Back to Top
Grant Gibbs
,
whose death occurred April 21, 1911, in the Augustana Hospital, Chicago, was for
many years a resident agriculturist of Sparta township. His birth occurred in
Knox township, on the 27th of February, 1867, his parents being Nelson and Sarah
(Henshaw) Gibbs, formerly residents of Athens county, Ohio. Subsequently they
removed to Adams county and later to Knox county, where they purchased a farm,
upon which they resided for a short time. After disposing of this they located
in Knox township and engaged in agricultural pursuits until their deaths, which
occurred in Knoxville. The paternal grandfather, Simeon Gibbs, also settled in
Knox township, where he spent the greater part of his active life in
agricultural pursuits.
Grant Gibbs was married to Nettie Amanda Lane, who is a
daughter of Inman Herbert Lane and was born on the 27th of November, 1867, in
Linn county, Kansas. Her paternal grandfather, Lorenzo Lane, of Ohio, was
married to Julia Ann Wise, of New York, and they were among the early settlers
of Persifer township. The father was born in Persifer township and spent his
early life on the farm previous to enlisting for service in the Civil war. After
four years' service he returned home and left for Linn county, Kansas,
immediately after his marriage, where he farmed for five years previous to
removing to Rice county and engaging in stock-raising for five years.
Subsequently he went to Linn county and then to Edwards county, where he
conducted a grocery and meat market. After a short residence in Hutchinson,
Kansas, he removed to California and entered upon agricultural pursuits, giving
the greater part of his attention to stock-raising. His death occurred in
February, 1910, and was due to the effects of injuries received in a
train-wreck. He was married to Miss Lamonia Celissa Eldridge, a daughter of
Gardner and Parmelia (Meecham) Eldridge, the latter of Scotch-Irish descent. The
Eldridge family were among the early settlers of Copley township, Gardner
Eldridge being its first representative, residing there until his death. Mrs.
Eldridge died on the 21st of April, 1876, at the age of thirty-three years. Mr.
Lane was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also the Grangers
lodge in Rice county, Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Lane five children were born, Mrs.
Gibbs being the only one surviving. At the age of eight years, after her
mother's death, she removed to the home of her grandfather, Lorenzo Lane, until
she went to live with her father in Kansas, when she was fourteen years of age.
She resided there for four years previous to returning to Illinois, where she
was married in 1888 to Grant Gibbs. To this union five children were born, the
only surviving one being Charles William, of Wataga, whose birth occurred August
21, 1893. Mr. Gibbs was an active and enthusiastic republican and held many
offices in this district, being constable and village police of Wataga for four
years previous to his death. He also held membership in the Congregational
church of Wataga, the Modern Woodmen of America of Wataga, the Royal Neighbors
of Wataga and the Yeomen of Galesburg. Mrs. Gibbs holds membership in the Royal
Neighbors of Wataga, the Yeomen of Galesburg and the Ladies Aid Society of the
Congregational church of Wataga. Mr. Gibbs' career was a commendable one and was
one of the many evidences of what patience and perseverance can do in overcoming
difficulties, surmounting discouragements and achieving success. He was an
upright man, interested not only in the agricultural but also in the social
standing of his community, and he acquired the confidence and respect of his
neighbors both as a substantial farmer and a useful citizen.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
663-664,
submitted by Janine Crandell)Back to Top
Joseph Gross
.
During the thirteen years of his residence in Galesburg, Joseph Gross has won
recognition as a resourceful and enterprising business man and his manufacturing
interests have constituted an important element in the commercial activity of
the city. As a member of the firm of Gross Brothers he is now conducting a
successful overall manufactory which was established in 1901.
He has wisely used his time and opportunities and the
splendid business concern which he has built up is a monument to his labors, his
enterprise and his ability. He was born in Russia, March 16, 1866, a son of
Isaac and Rachel Gross. As a boy he came to the United States, first settling in
Omaha, Nebraska. He started in business by making a house to house canvass as a
peddler in the sale of merchandise at Creston, Iowa, and in 1892 he opened a
second-hand store in Creston. Four years later, in 1896, he established a branch
business at Burlington and in 1898 sold out in Creston. In that year he removed
from Burlington to Galesburg, disposing of his business in the former city to
his brother, and in this city he established a retail general merchandise store,
which he conducted successfully for about three years. In February, 1901, he
began the manufacture of overalls on the second floor of the building on East
Main street, where he continued for a year. Then in order to secure more
commodious quarters he removed to the third floor of me to his
present location at the corner of Mulberry and Seminary streets. He erected the
building here—a four-story structure, sixty-six by one hundred and twenty feet,
having thirty-one thousand, six hundred and eighty square feet of floor space.
Something of the rapid and gratifying growth of the business is indicated in the
fact that while he at first employed only ten people, he now has one hundred and
seventy-five names on the pay roll. The plant is thoroughly equipped with modern
machinery and independent motors and the business is represented on the road by
seven traveling salesmen who cover the territory of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Oklahoma and Kansas. The
output is now very extensive, being shipped to nearly all of the middle west
states, and the business has assumed proportions which make it one of the most
important productive industries of the city. On the 2Oth of October, 1901, Mr.
Gross was united in marriage to Miss Libby Oppenheim, a daughter of Max and
Yetta Oppenheim, of Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Gross holds to the religious faith of
the Jewish church and in politics is an independent voter. He belongs to the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Galesburg Club and is well known
in the city socially as well as in business circles, where he is regarded as a
most enterprising, progressive man, who with resolute spirit carries forward to
successful completion whatever he undertakes. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
283-284,
submitted by Janine Crandell)Back to Top
Daniel Judson Griswold, D. D. S.
Dentistry may be said to be almost
unique among occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade and a business.
Such being the case, it follows that in order to attain the highest success in
it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert
with the many tools and appliances incidental to the practice of modern
dentistry and must possess business qualifications adequate to dealing with the
financial side of the profession. In all of these particulars Dr. Griswold is
well qualified and therefore has attained prestige among the able
representatives of dentistry in Galesburg, where he has practiced for the past
seventeen years. His birth occurred in Jasper county, Indiana, on the 29th of
September, 1865, his parents being Ames A. and Elizabeth (Adams) Griswold, who
are natives of Vermont and Indiana respectively. The paternal grandfather was
also born in the Green Mountain state and was a gentleman of English descent. He
died when past middle life, while his wife lived to attain the age of about
seventy years. Their children were four in number, namely: Ames A.; Abner; Mrs.
Letitia Hall; and Abbie, the wife of Charles Long. The maternal grandfather of
our subject was an agriculturist by occupation and both he and his wife passed
away in Jasper county, Indiana, at an old age. Their children were as follows:
William, Joseph, Marion, Henry, Mrs. Ann Hoover, Mrs. Milton Beal and Mrs.
Elizabeth Griswold.
Ames A. Griswold, the father of Daniel J. Griswold, was successfully identified
with farming interests throughout practically his entire business career. He
became an early settler of Marshall county, Illinois, and there resided for many
years or until the time of his retirement, when he removed to Washburn,
Illinois, where he now makes his home. In 1852 he made an overland trip to
California and engaged in mining for a short time. Both he and his wife are
Baptists in religious faith. Unto them were born twelve children, eight of whom
still survive, namely: Ida, who is the widow of Thomas Lee Goodell and resides
in Washburn, Illinois; Marcia, the wife of J. W. Rains, of Minnesota; Lillie,
the wife of A. L. Kulm, of Chicago; Daniel Judson, of this review; Florence, who
gave her hand in marriage to L. L. Hester and now lives near Minonk, Illinois;
Della, who is the wife of Basil Tustin and lives near Washburn, Illinois;
Nora Bell, who is the wife of Byron Stitt, of El Paso, Illinois; and Cora Bell,
twin sister of Nora Bell, who is the wife of George Stauter and lives near
Washburn, Illinois.
Dr. Daniel J. Griswold was reared on his father's farm in Marshall county,
Illinois, and obtained his early education in the district schools. He was
graduated from the Washburn high school in 1885 and subsequently spent almost
four years in Knox College, while later he prepared for the practice of his
chosen profession by a three-years' course in the Philadelphia Dental College,
being graduated from that institution in 1894. On the 19th of March of that year
he opened an office at Galesburg, which city has since remained the scene of his
professional labors and where he has been accorded an extensive and remunerative
practice. Dr. Griswold has extensive property holdings, owning one thousand
acres of land in the province of Alberta, Canada; farm lands in Finney county,
Kansas; and also property in Lee and Van Buren counties, Iowa; Meade county,
South Dakota; Otsego county, Michigan; and lola, Kansas, as well as a house and
lot in Galesburg. He likewise owns fruit land in Colorado and has mining
interests in Gilpin county, that state.
On the 12th of September, 1899, Dr. Griswold was united in marriage to Miss
Grace Agnes Ballard, a native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Dr. J.
A. and Henrietta (Sutor) Ballard, who were born in Maine and Canada
respectively. They became early settlers of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and are now
residents of Galesburg. Dr. J. A. Ballard served as a soldier of the Civil war.
Dr. and Mrs. Griswold had three children: John Ballard, who died in infancy;
Frederick Anthony, who passed away at the age of two years; and William Ballard.
In his political views Dr. Griswold is a republican, while fraternally he is
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Veritas
Lodge, No. 478; he also holds membership in the Galesburg Club and the Young
Men's Christian Association. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent
members of the Central Congregational church. His personal characteristics
render him popular with many friends and he is much esteemed in social and
professional circles of Galesburg. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 275-276, submitted by J. Crandell)
Back To Top
William Gould. The subject of this personal notice is one of the most prominent
and influential farmers of Knox County, and is highly esteemed for his
perseverance and industry. His home is on section 14, in Salem Township, is
pleasantly located, and furnished with all modern conveniences. He has erected
large frame barns and sheds for the shelter of stock, and to his agricultural
pursuits adds the rearing of stock.
The subject of this writing was born in Windham County, Vermont, 10 May 1833.
His father Sylvester Gould, was a native of the same county, and was born in
1794. The grandfather of William Gould, by name John, was a soldier of
Revolutionary fame, and was also the owner of a farm in Windham County, at which
place he died. The father of William Gould was reared on the farm in his native
county, and was there married to Hannah Twitchell, who was also born in that
county. After his marriage he bought a farm in Windham County and engaged in its
culture. He kept many sheep and from them manufactured wool and cloth. In 1843
he sold on of his farms and disposed of his stock, and accompanied by his wife
and five children started in the month of June, overland to the State of
Illinois. They traveled after the fashion of emigrants, cooking and camping by
the way, and subsequently located at Brimfield, Peoria County, where he rented a
farm. He had brought with him a quantity of cloth, which was manufactured from
his own wool, and during the first year he traded the cloth for the southeast
quarter of section 14, in what is now Salem Township. This was wild land at the
time and his purchase amounted to $1,000, paid for in cloth at $2.50 and $3.00
per yard. In 1844 he erected a good frame house on the place and began breaking
the land, and in the spring of 1845, with his family, removed there and lived
until 1861. In that year he sold out and with his family removed to a farm lying
on section 13 of the same township, and they there continued to reside for a few
years, when they again sold out and removed to Elmwood, taking up their abode in
that place and remaining until 1870. Returning to the old homestead, then
operated by his son, he continued in the home endeared to him by so many
associations until his death, which took place 1 September 1871. His wife, who
survived him six years, died at the home of a son, in Galva, in 1877.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gould gathered about them a family circle including
ten children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Margaret married E. B. Kent,
whose home is in San Benito County, California; Luther lives at Wakefield,
Nebraska; Lucy Ann, wife of William Cummings, resides at Hollister, California;
Sylvester has his home in San Benito County, California, William, the subject of
our sketch; and Horace, who lives in San Benito California, California. Those
deceased are David C. who was born in Vermont, remained in his native state,
enlisted in the late war and fell in the service of his country; Hannah, the
eldest child, married Nelson Drury, and died in Woodford County, Illinois, about
1852.
Mr. Gould of whom this personal history was but 11 years of age when he came to
Illinois with his parents, and retains in his memory all the interesting
incidents connected with the overland journey. He made his home with his parents
until he arrived at the estate of manhood. His marriage was celebrated 6 May
1854, with Mary E. Corbin, daughter of William and Rachel (McGinnis) Corbin.
(see sketch)
Previous to his marriage Mr. Gould rented his father's farm for two years,
inhabiting the old homestead, the lumber for which his father had hauled from
Chicago by teams. There he remained for two years, and at the expiration of that
time, he bought a farm on section 22, in Salem Township, on which he remained
for one year, when he returned to the old home and rented it for two years. His
next move was to go back to his own farm, where he lived for another two years,
then sold out and bought the old homestead, which he has occupied continuously
since. The first house burned 12 April 1880, but its owner immediately set to
work to repair the damages and rebuild, the house then erected being the one now
occupied by his family. This a modern frame house, pleasantly situated on a rise
of ground, and with convenient out-buildings constitutes one of the pleasantest
homes in the county.
Mr. Gould is a man of fine mental attainments and takes a keen interest in
matters relative to public interest. He cast his first vote for J.C. Fremont,
and has been a Republican since. Both he and his wife are united with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active, working members in that
organization, eminently believing in "traveling the good old way." They are the
parents of two children, Sylvester S., born 6 June 1855, united in marriage with
Mary E. Knable; she was born in Ohio and is the daughter of John E. and Mary A.
Knable, and with her husband resides on section 10, Salem Township; William C.,
born 15 June 1859, resides at home.
Mr. Gould has added to his landed estate from time to time until he is now the
owner of 400 acres. He possesses not only worldly wealth but has hope of
treasures laid up above. A view of the pleasant family homestead is given on
another page in this work. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County,
Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 577, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Back to Top
Austin Gaines
, one of the
retired farmers of Knox County, is the occupant of a handsome residence on
section 24, Copley Township, and ranks high among the good men of the county -
not only morally good, but possessing the enterprise, perseverance and integrity
which are the attributes of all citizens to whom the term is properly applied.
He was born in Connecticut, 10 October 1812, and his parents are Samuel and
Esther (Blakesly) Gaines, natives of Connecticut. The father died in September
1834, in Delaware County, New York, while the mother came to Illinois in 1842,
and lived with her children a number of years, her death occurring in 1862. They
had a family of eight children, four of whom are still living - Austin, Linda,
Nelson and Harriet; those deceased are Esther, Clarissa, Sylvester and Elmira.
The subject of our biography was the second child in
order of birth. he commenced to learn the wagon trade at the age of 17, served
four years, and then went to work for himself, continuing at his trade for 27
years. He moved to Ohio in 1836, and there lived three years. He then emigrated
to Illinois, which was at the beginning of 1840. Settling in Copley Township, he
purchased 220 acres in section 25, Copley Township, afterward adding almost 400
acres. On this he lived until 1884. He then moved onto section 24, where he now
lives.
He was united in marriage, in 1836, with Henrietta
Olmsted, and they are the parents of eight children, five still living - Darius,
Homer, George, Harvey and Chauncey. Darius is married to Vashti Cherrington, and
of their union three children have been born, as follows: Samuel, Clara and
Chauncey E., they are now living in Adair County, Iowa; Homer is a merchant in
Greenfield, Iowa; he married Martha Boyer, and the result of their union is six
boys - Frank, Judson, Arthur, Harley, Daniel and Robert; George Gaines united in
marriage with Rachel Knapp, and four children are the result of this alliance -
William C., Myra, Clinton and George; he has a farm in Copley Township; Harvey
took to wife Ellen Cook; three children were born to them - Susan Henrietta,
Angie Belle and Elton H.; they are living on the old homestead; Mrs. Harvey
Gaines died 20 April 1885; Chauncey married Charity Rickson, and they have four
children - Clarence A., Mabel, Irene and Howard R.; Chauncey is cashier of a
bank in Oakland, California; Mrs. Austin Gaines died 20 July 1865.
For his second wife, Mr. Gaines married Mrs. Angeline
Dales, the daughter of John and Betsy Ann (Durham) Levalley. They came to
Illinois in 1843, and settled in Henderson Township, where they lived until the
death of the father in 1860; the mother survived him a number of years and died
in 1871. Mr. Gaines was in the grocery business in Galva, Henry County, for two
years.
Mr. Austin Gaines is in conversation a markedly
pleasant and congenial man, and by his affable manners and agreeable behavior,
coupled with sterling worth, has won the respect and esteem of those about him,
and could be elected to any office in his township, and probably in his county.
He is a republican in politics, and held the offices of Constable and Township
Collector. Mrs. Gaines is a member of the Baptist Church. (Portrait &
Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 612, submitted
by Pat Thomas)
Back to Top
N. H. GOODSPEED
. N. H.
Goodspeed, a well known agriculturist and stockman of Victoria township, owns
one hundred and seventy acres of land on section 15, that he devotes to general
farming. Fie was born in Athens county, Ohio, on the 14th of May, 1849, but the
Goodspeed family originally came from Massachusetts. His grandfather, Nathan
Goodspeed, came to the Buckeye state in his early manhood and engaged in
farming. There he was subsequently married and passed the remainder of his life.
The father of our subject, Daniel H. Goodspeed, was born and reared in Ohio and
there he later married Miss Martha Wingett who was a native of the same state.
They spent the early years of their domestic life in the vicinity where they had
always resided, but they later disposed of their interests there and, in 1855,
came to Illinois. Upon their arrival in the state they located on the farm
where their son, N. H., now lives and there the mother passed
away in 1856 and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Victoria. The father
survived her for many years, his death occurring in Victoria, in 1891, at the
age of seventy years. They always attended the Congregational church and his
political support Mr. Goodspeed gave to the republican party. He was a
public-spirited man and always took much interest in township affairs, serving
for several years as road commissioner. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Goodspeed
numbered six, all of whom were born in Ohio. They are as follows: Elizabeth, the
wife of J. B. Cochran, of Lynn township; Georgiana, who married G. W. Short,
residing in Lynn township; John Oliver, who makes his home with his brother, N.
H.; he, whose name stands at the head of this sketch; Eunice, the widow of
Orlando Short, of Galva, Illinois; and Eleanor, who is deceased.
N. H. Goodspeed was only a lad of six years when he came to
Victoria township with his parents and he has since passed practically his
entire life on the farm where he is now residing. His early years were not
unlike those of other lads reared in the country during the pioneer period. He
attended the district school until he had mastered the common branches, during
which time, he also assisted with the work about the farm. He subsequently gave
his entire attention to agricultural pursuits and after attaining his manhood
took over the management of the homestead, to the further cultivation and
improvement of which he has ever since devoted his energies. He engages in
general farming but makes
a specialty of raising horses, cattle and hogs, and has met with success in his
undertakings. His farm is well improved and under high cultivation and is fully
equipped with all modern conveniences and appliances, deemed essential
to the successful pursuits of agriculture.
Mr. Goodspeed married Miss Ruth Young, a native of Knox
county and a daughter of John Young, and to them was born one son, Fred N., who
is now living in California. He married Emma Strom, who is deceased, and they
had three children: Gladys, Wayne Stodard and Vance, who are living with Mr. and
Mrs. Goodspeed.
The political allegiance of Mr. Goodspeed is given to the
republican party, but he has never held any township office. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has held all of the chairs in the
Victoria lodge; he also belongs to the Masonic order, being affiliated with the
lodge at Victoria. In addition to his fine farm and other interests, Mr.
Goodspeed is a stockholder in the Victoria Mutual Telephone Company. He has
applied himself intelligently and industriously to the development of his
undertakings and his efforts have been rewarded correspondingly, his prosperity
being recognized by his friends as the well merited dividend from his long years
of toil and self-denial. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 408 & 411, submitted by J. Crandell)
Back To Top
William Albert Gebhart
. William
Albert Gebhart has been engaged in teaming in Galesburg for forty years and
during half of that time has conducted a wholesale and retail hay and straw
business. He is a native of Knox county, where he was born on a farm in
Henderson township, on the 27th of August, 1855. The father, Allen Gebhart, a
son of Kentucky, where he was reared, engaged in agricultural pursuits after
concluding his schooling. At Pleasant Hill church, Taylor county, that state, on
the 12th of February, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Feather,
also a native of the Blue Grass state, in which they continued to reside until
1850, when they came to Illinois, settling on a farm in Henderson township, this
county. Mr. Gebhart devoted his energies to the improvement and cultivation of
this place until 1869, when with his wife and family he removed to Galesburg.
Here he followed the occupations of lathing and plastering during the remainder
of his active life, passing away in 1889, at the age of sixty-three years. The
mother is still living and is now in her eightieth year, having been born in
Taylor county, Kentucky, on February 20, 1832. Mr. Gebhart was a veteran of the
Mexican war, in which he fought as a member of one of the first regiments that
left Louisville. In politics he was a stanch republican. The family of Mr. and
Mrs. Gebhart numbered eight children, as follows: Mary and John, both of whom
are deceased; Henry, who was killed in a railroad accident; William Albert, of
this review; David, who is a resident of McDermott, Idaho; Edward, deceased;
Lulu, the wife of Henry Hunt, of Kearney, Nebraska; and Richard, who is a
resident of Ogden, Iowa. The paternal grandparents were Thomas and Nellie
(Robbins) Gebhart, natives of Virginia and of Campbellsville, Taylor county,
Kentucky, respectively. They were among the early settlers of Knox county,
passing away in Henderson township at a ripe old age. He was a blacksmith by
trade and continued to follow this occupation until age compelled his retirement
from regular work. They had three daughters and four sons: Rachel; Jane; Sarah;
John; Allen, the father of William Albert Gebhart; Thomas and William. The
family is of German extraction, the great-grandfather of William Albert Gebhart
having emigrated to the colonies when he was a lad of fourteen years, prior to
the Revolution. He grew to manhood in this country and gave his services to the
land of his adoption in its struggle for independence. In the maternal line,
William Albert Gebhart is descended from old colonial southern families. His
grandparents, John and Polly (Harp) Feather, removed from Niles, North Carolina,
to Kentucky, locating in Taylor county, where they died at the ages of
ninety-four and eighty-three years respectively. They were the parents of ten
children, the eldest of whom, Eliza, was the mother of our subject, the others
being: Catherine, who died when young; Elvira; Albert; John; Reuben; William;
Mary; Louisa; and Rial.
The education of William Albert Gebhart began in the district
school, in the vicinity of his father's farm, until he was ten years of age, and
was completed in the public schools of Galesburg. In his sixteenth year he laid
aside his textbooks and began earning his own living. The first work that
offered happened to be teaming, and now for forty years he has continued to be
identified with this business. About twenty years ago he began dealing in hay
and straw, and as this venture proved to be remunerative he has ever since
followed it in connection with his teaming business. Mr. Gebhart is a practical
man, enterprising and industrious, and has met with good success in his
undertakings, owing to his close application, unceasing effort and good
judgment.
On the 4th of March, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Feather, a daughter of Albert and Diema (Wilson) Feather, and a native of
Kentucky, her birth having occurred in Taylor county, on the 25th of February,
1862. Her parents were also natives of the Blue Grass state, whence they moved
to Illinois in 1883, locating in Knox county. They are now residents of
Galesburg. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Feather: Mary, now
Mrs. Gebhart; Ermine; Emmett, who is deceased; Olive; John; and Timothy. The
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Gebhart were John and Polly
(Harp) Feather, and in the maternal line she is descended from Robert and Nellie
(Colvin) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart are the parents of five children: Leroy,
who died in infancy; Charles, who was eleven years of age at the time of his
death; Harry, who graduated from the high school and Knox College and is now
studying medicine at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; Erminie, a
graduate of the high school and Brown's Business College, who is now employed as
stenographer in the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank in this city; and Bessie, who
died when she was eleven years of age.
His political franchise Mr. Gebhart exercises in support of
the men and measures of the democratic party. Fraternally he is affiliated with
the Modern Woodmen of America and both he and Mrs. Gebhart hold membership in
the Baptist church, and number among its congregation many close friends. Mr.
Gebhart has always led a rather unobtrusive life, but he is a man of tireless
energy, clear judgment and foresight and has quietly advanced his interests
during the long period of his business career, until he is now numbered among
the substantial citizens of the community. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J.
Perry, pages 421-422, submitted by J. Crandell)
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