Biographies M
James Champion McMurtry – Dr.
James Champion McMurtry, a former citizen of Knox County and until his death, devoting
himself unselfishly to the service of others in the practice of his profession, was born
in Crawford county, Indiana, February 3, 1820. His parents were William and Ruth
(Champion) McMurtry, both natives of Kentucky. He was a descendant of ancestors
distinguished in the service of their country for generations. The great grandfather of
Dr. McMurtry, whose name was John McMurtry, was a Revolutionary war hero, killed in the
battle of Cowpens. The father, William McMurtry, was a ranger in the Black Hawk War.
On November 1, 1829, the year in which Dr. McMurtry was born, his
father removed his family to Knox county, Illinois. Before this they had resided in
Indiana, where William McMurtry was active in politics besides carrying on agricultural
pursuits. He was state senator of Illinois for many years. Mr. McMurtry descended of
French Huguenot origin, was a man of superior mental qualities possessing an excellent
education and made many friends through his genial manner and magnetic personality. He was
an intimate friend of Stephen A. Douglas and occupied a prominent position in the
democratic party in Illinois when the political battle was growing in intensity before the
final triumph of President Lincoln and the newborn Republican Party. Dr. McMurtry’s
father was a captain in the Sixty-seventh Regular Militia of Illinois and a colonel of the
One Hundred and Second Volunteer Infantry of Illinois. In 1846, he was made a member of
the Henderson Lodge, F. & A. M.
Unlike most youths of his time Dr. McMurtry had every educational
advantage that could prepare him adequately for the profession of his choice. He began
with a common-school education, supplementing this by a course at Knox College and at
Union College in Schenectady, New York. After this liberal education he narrowed down the
field of his studies and devoted himself to medicine as his specialty. For this purpose he
entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he received his degree. He then
returned to his home county, where he established a practice for himself in which he
continued till death terminated his activities. He was one of the leading practitioners in
this section of the country, noted for his kindness in the treatment of his patients and
for his generous acts of charity towards those who were less able to meet the heavy
financial tax which illness entails. He was a splendid athlete devoted to indoor exercises
and outdoor sports, and was modern in his mode of living and his views of life.
The marriage of Dr. James McMurtry and Miss CAROLINE NELSON, of
Warren County, Illinois, occurred June 9, 1855. Her parents were Andrew and Susan (Hawley)
Nelson. Mr. Nelson was a merchant coming originally from Amberst, Massachusetts. On July
3, 1843, he settled in Henderson, Knox county, where he engaged in business.
Five children were born to Dr. and Mrs. McMurtry. James W. is an
attorney at law in Elk City, Oklahoma. He is the father of seven children. Franklin H.
died in infancy. Susan H. lives on the home farm in Henderson township. She is a graduate
of Knox College, of the class of 1886. Caroline is the wife of H. B. Conyers, a jeweler in
Urbana, Ohio, and is the mother of one child. Mary is at home supervising the place and
managing the estate. She, too, was graduated from Knox College in 1886.
Dr. McMurtry died March 29, 1903. He was well-to-do, owning at
the time of his death a very fine farm of three hundred and thirty acres of land, devoted
to general farming. Fraternally he was connected with a number of organizations in which
he took an active part. He was a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M. of
Henderson, and was worshipful master for twenty-two years. In 1855, he became a member of
Horeb Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. at Knoxville, Illinois. He held the office of grand
pursuivant in the grand lodge of Illinois in 1855 and grand marshal of the grand lodge of
Illinois from 1880 till 1884. He was elected to all offices in the Grand Chapter, R. A. M.
of Illinois. He was chosen high priest in 1877 and for a number of years was grand
representative of Georgia in the Grand Chapter of Illinois. Since 1862 he was a member of
the Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, K. T.
In politics, Dr. McMurtry was a republican. He voted for Lincoln
for his second term, although he was up to that time a loyal democrat. He was a man of
political influence and a strong party leader. He was the founder of the Union League of
Henderson township and served as the first president of that organization. Large minded in
his convictions and of a powerful personality, he possessed in a marked degree many of the
characteristics which distinguished his father before him, clear-sighted vision, the
faculty of foreseeing the consequences of a situation or of an action long before those
consequences occurred. Among the many residents of Knox county who knew Dr. McMurtry
intimately, he possessed the friendship of a large number of people and the warm regard of
all. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, page 462, submitted by
Janine Crandell)
Ernest T. S. Mason - Ernest T. S. Mason, who since May, 1900, has been general agent at Galesburg for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, his district covering ten counties in western Illinois, was born in Farmington, Fulton County, this state, on the 21st of August, 1865. His father, Rev. William C. Mason, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and was educated in Washington and Jefferson College of that state, from which he was graduated with the class of 1847. He then began preaching in Ohio and later removed to Illinois, where he arrived in 1849. For a time he was pastor of the church at Le Claire, Iowa, and also of the Presbyterian Church at Port Bryan, Illinois. His last charge was at Farmington, this state. During the period of the Civil war he enlisted as chaplain of the Seventy-First Illinois Volunteer Infantry and went with Thomas to Atlanta. He also worked in the hospital at different times and returned from the Army with broken health, the hardships of war resulting in his death, on the 20th of December, 1870. In early manhood he had wedded Mary Osborne, who was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, February 8, 1821. She survived her husband for a number of years, passing away in November, 1904. She, too, held membership in the Presbyterian Church and was his able assistant in the discharge of his pastoral work. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Republican party. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mason was celebrated in 1848 and unto them were born seven children: Alexander 0., who is living in Chicago; William S., who died February 23, 1911; John M., of Chicago; Clarence H. of Chetopa, Kansas; Ernest T. S.; Mrs. Sarah Amanda Taten, who died December 16, 1904; and Mary Blanche, who died in 1866.
Ernest T. S. Mason completed his education in the Galesburg High School and throughout the intervening period and has been identified with the insurance business. For seventeen years he was connected with the Covenant Mutual Life Insurance Company and then became general agent of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Comapny in May, 1900. In this connection he has jurisdiction over ten counties in western Illinois and has under his control a corps of able representatives who were building up for the company a large and substantial business in this part of the state. Mr. Mason is thoroughly in touch with the work in his territory and his own capability and zeal enthuse those who are working under his direction.
On the 5th of November, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mason and Miss Maude Alberta Templeton, a daughter of Thomas F. and Mary (Arnold) Templeton. The children born unto them are: Donald, whose birth occurred September 9, 1893; Marjorie Maude, born September 23, 1895; and Nancy Brooke, born on February 2, 1897. The wife and mother died December 6, 1904, and on the 30th of October, 1907, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Etta Ingersoll, a daughter of Samuel and Lois (Van Orman) Ingersoll, of Galesburg.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Mason is connected with the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Galesburg Club and attends the Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political views accord with the principles of the Republican Party, but he has never sought or desired office, believing it preferable to concentrate all his energies upon his business affairs, and that he was wise in so doing it is indicated in the advancement which has come to him, giving him a prominent position in the insurance circles of the city. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 65-66, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Daniel C. Miller - Among the members of the Knoxville legal fraternity Daniel C. Miller occupies a somewhat unique position, having first entered a courtroom in a professional capacity after attaining the age when it is generally considered that a man has reached his zenith and should be well established in his life vocation. His life record began on a little farm in Rockingham County, Virginia, his parents been John and Leah (Grigsby) Miller, the father also a native of Rockingham County, while the mother was born in Page County, Virginia. The father had three brothers and two sisters: Henry, Joseph, Jacob, Jane and Catharine. All have now passed away with the exception of Jacob, who resides in Kansas, where he owns about twenty-five hundred acres of land, his wealth been estimated at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mrs. Leah Miller had one brother and two sisters: Strauther, Jane and Sarah. The first named came from Page County, Virginia, to Pike County, Illinois, about fifty-six years ago and was principal of the high school there until elected circuit clerk, while later he was chosen County judge. He had three children, two sons and a daughter, the latter becoming the wife of Judge Higby, who is now a judge of the Circuit Court of Pike County.
In 1853, with his wife and family, John Miller removed to Illinois, locating on a farm north of Abingdon in Cedar Township. After residing there for a brief period he went to McDonough County, where he purchased a farm that he operated for a short time, when he again settled in Knox County. This time they located on the place six miles east of Abingdon, continuing to make that their home for many years. There the mother passed away, but the father was living in Ohio at the time of his death. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Miller numbered eight, six sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased with the exception of the son Daniel. The five brothers and two sisters were Benjamin, John, Jacob, Joseph, Peter, Elizabeth and Rebecca. Of these, Jacob Miller lived in Texas and at his death left to his wife and one child an estate valued at about eighty thousand dollars. The sister Elizabeth became the wife of Henry Eggers, while Rebecca died in her fourteenth year.
The childhood and youth of Daniel C. Miller contain little of the brightness and joy that are always associated with young life. A large family and limited means precluded the possibility of schooling and the preparation for a full and well-rounded mature life, such as every ambitious youth aspires to attain. He left home when still quite young and went to work as a farm hand, following this occupation continuously for many years. Despite an environment that was not conducive to intellectual pursuits and the exhausting physical toil that occupied his days, such spare moments as he had were spent in reading the best thoughts of the greatest minds. These he dwelt upon during the long hours of his daily toil, never permitted his mind to wander and hover over vague and indefinite things but concentrated upon a specific line of thought. Naturally this training made him not only a scholar but a thinker, and when at the age of forty-four years it was found possible for him to realize the ambition of his life and began setting for the profession he was so well adapted to follow, he was fully qualified for the undertaking. He entered Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he pursued his legal studies, being graduated with the class of 1889. Immediately following his admission to the bar, he established an office in Knoxville and has ever since been successfully engaged in practice. A man of practical ideas, sound judgment and fine reasoning powers, Mr. Miller was readily recognized as an able representative of his profession and as a result has been entrusted with some of the important litigation in his immediate district. Liberal in his ideas and broad in his views, he reads widely and thinks deeply on all the vital subjects of the day, his opinions always being regarded as worthy of consideration because they are the result of long and deep deliberation. He possesses a rare memory, retaining every detail of what he reads, and is unquestionably one of the best posted men in this section of the state.
Mr. Miller was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Humphrey, a native of Knox County, and to them was born one son, Cyrus A. Miller, who is a resident of Alliance, Nebraska. From his first wife he secured a legal separation and afterward wedded Mary Jane Myrick, a widow and the sister of John Buffington. they live together for nineteen years but at length decided to separate and in 1890 Mr. Miller was again married, his third union being with Mrs. Nancy (Adkins) Tucker, the widow of Josiah Tucker, and also a native of this county, her parents having been among the pioneer settlers here. Daniel C. and Nancy (Adkins) Miller became the parents of two children. Nellie C., the elder, married Hal Bachus, who is a decorator in Galesburg. They have two children, Louis C. and Helen I., the former born April 1, 1909, and the latter February 13, 1911. Daniel C. Miller, Jr., is living at home with his parents. He possesses much musical talent and has been a member of the Knoxville band for three years, playing the cornet horn.
Mr. Miller has had many vicissitudes in life. He has met with hardships, trials and privations and has felt the sting of base ingratitude from those from whom he should have received love and assistance. However, his lines have at many times fallen in pleasant places and he is now well established in business, is surrounded by a happy and contented family and has in this county many friends. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 69-71, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Hiram Mars, head of the firm of Mars & Hamilton, the representative lumber dealers of Galesburg, the sole survivors of the various successors in turn to the business of Edwin Post, the pioneer lumber merchant of this place. He came here from Quincy, Ill., in 1856, and erected a planing-mill, which he operated about two and a half years, afterward converting it it into a paper-mill. The paper-mill died more than 25 years ago with the same disease that caused the untimely taking off of the Galesburg Water-works, in 1884-5, to-wit: chronic drouth [misspelled].
When the war broke out Mr. Mars was clerking in a lumber office, and in the early part of 1863 he was appointed Assistant Supervising Agent in the United States Treasury in Memphis, Tenn., a position he filled until 1864. In 1870, in company with N. Anthony, he succeeded Mr. Post in the lumber business, and to this he has given most of his attention. Mr. Mars was born near Louisville, Ky., Jan. 7, 1830. His father, Andrew Mars, died at the age of 35, and his mother, who before marriage was Miss Elizabeth P. Whips, died in 1849, in Quincy, to which place the family came from Kentucky in 1843. Hiram was the eldest of three sons, and was brought up to the calling of a farmer, receiving his education at Jacksonville (Ill.) College. He began study with a view to the medical profession, but at the death of his mother abandoned the idea and took charge of the farm and the affairs of the family. Upon the completion of his task, which was in March, 1856, he came to Galesburg. Here he distinguished himself as the friend of public enterprise and a lover of learning. For years he has been identified with thepublic library, as he has also with the public parks, and in horticulture and floriculture to the extent of beautifying the parks, adorning the homes of citizens, and thereby helping to beautify the city, and inducing emigration to the handsomest city in Illinois. He is an appreciative patron of literature and the drama, active in the I. O. O. F., and a wideawake member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Mars married in Quincy Ill., in
1852, Miss Louisa F. Barr, who died at Galesburg in 1864, leaving one child, now
Mrs. F. H. Holmes. May 14, 1872, Mr. Mars married his second wife, Miss Lizzie
H. Smith, at Wellsburg, W. Va., and the children born to them are Katie M.,
James A. and Mary Elizabeth.
Politically he was an old-line Whig until the abandonment of that political
organization, then voted for Fremont in 1856, and from
that time to the present has been a stanch and active Republican.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 768, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Leslie McGirr,
Attorney at Law, Maquon, is the eldest son of the family of Mahlon and Sarah L.
(Barbero) McGirr. (See sketch of Mahlon McGirr and
also of Nathan Barbero, deceased.) Our subject was born
in Maquon. His early life was spent at home after the usual manner of boys of
his period. His father followed the peaceful and independent calling of farming,
and young McGirr assisted him in the duties thereof until 1873, when he engaged
as a pedagogue. He taught for the first time in Elba Township. He was classed
among the most successful teachers and we find him engaged as Principal of the school at St. Augustine,
and later on he held the same office in a school at Prairie City, McDonough Co.,
this State. His teaching covered a period of 63 months, not, however, without
interruption. During this time he also attended school, having in mind the
profession which was his choice and which has been his life work. He attended
the Abingdon College for three years. While engaged in teaching and attending
school, he took up the study of law and studied three years under the
supervision of Leander Douglas, of Galesburg, and was duly admitted to the Bar,
Nov. 13, 1882. In May, the
following year, he located at Maquon, where he still remains in the practice of
his profession. He is a Notary Public and with a fast increasing business, his
prospects for studying and gaining a place in his profession is indeed
flattering.
Our subject takes an active interest in all the affairs
of the day, and being of a genial disposition has a host of friends. We find him
prominently connected with the Masonic Fraternity and also that of the
I. O. O. F.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 258, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Thomas McMaster. It requires very little comment or special notice to point out that the above-named gentleman is one of the most successful farmers of Walnut Grove Township, owning 465 acres in this and Copley Townships. He has a delightful residence on section 34, with all the necessary modern building improvements. He is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was born April 14, 1843. He was only eight years old when, with his father's family, he entered the United States. He is the youngest member of his family, and noted for his great industry and thoroughness of purpose. The subject of this sketch received a good common-school education, and, though beginning life as a hard-working boy, made such progress that even in his early years he was enabled to save money and purchase land. Soon after he came of age, he began to purchase property, and, joining his brother James, they together bought 800 acres. This they rapidly improved, plowing together, to the amount of 360 acres, continuing in the partnership up to 1878, when they dissolved. Subsequently the gentleman whose name graces this history commenced the purchase of land on his own account. In his neighborhood he is considered one of the most successful growers of Poland-China swine and Short-horn cattle.
He was married on the
19th of March, 1878, at Galesburg,
Ill., to Miss Sarah E.
Hawk, who was born in Ohio, Aug. 4, 1852. This lady was a descendant of Jacob
and Lavina Garland, who were themselves natives of Ohio and Virginia
respectively. These parents were of German extraction. Mrs. McMaster was the
oldest of four children and the
only one born in Ohio. She first came to Illinois with her parents when an
infant only one year old, her father settling in Copley Township. Her father
died in this place in October, 1859. Her mother is still living, having married
the second time. She, with Mr. David Simpson, her husband, now resides in Walnut
Grove Township.
By the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. McMaster there are three children — Ida, born
Aug. 26, 1879; George R., Dec. 19, 1883, but now deceased, and an infant also
deceased. Mrs. McMaster is a regular and prominent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and well deserving of the high esteem in which she is held by
that body. Politically, Mr. McMaster is a firm Republican, advocating the principles of the party without fear, and is highly esteemed by those holding
similar convictions.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 771, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Chauncy J. McMaster
is one of the prominent farmers and stock dealers of Walnut Grove township,
carrying on his business interests on an extensive scale. He does not hesitate
to branch out along new lines, for his progressiveness is always guided by sound
judgment and tempered by a safe conservatism. He is today the owner of the
finest herd of thoroughbred Shorthorns in western Illinois and his farm is one
of the largest and best improved in the northern part of Knox county.
He was born on the old McMaster homestead, May 19,
1862, and is a son of John McMaster, now a retired farmer living at Altona. He
was born in Scotland, May 15, 1827, a son of John and Ann (Struthers) McMaster,
who died at the ages of ninety-two and eighty-four years respectively. It was in
1850 that the father came with his wife and children to America, traveling by
way of the canal from Chicago, thence by team to Peoria and across the country
to Copley township, Knox county, where he built the first log house of that
district. There he secured eighty acres of land and began the development of a
farm. His last days were spent in the home of his son, John McMaster, in Walnut
Grove township. John McMaster, the father of our subject, early started out in
life on his own account. He saved his money until he had accumulated a
sufficient sum to purchase a team of horses and after having assisted in making
a home for his parents he began to provide for himself. He first purchased
eighty acres of land in Walnut Grove township but after two years he sold out
and later became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in the same township,
constituting the farm upon which he reared his family, although he added to his
landed possessions from time to time. Since 1898 he has lived retired in Altona.
His life history is given at length on another page of this volume.
After attending the common schools Chauncy J. McMaster
became a pupil in the commercial college at Galesburg and then returned to the
old home farm, whereon he engaged in general agricultural pursuits for five
years. He next turned his attention to merchandising and was connected with the
conduct of a grocery and hardware business at Altona for eleven years. During
that, time he served as postmaster of the town under appointment of Presidents
McKinley and Roosevelt, filling the office altogether for eight years. He then
resigned and built his present home. He is today regarded as one of the most
progressive and prosperous agriculturists of the northern part of the county. He
owns one of the largest stock farms and the largest herd of Shorthorn cattle in
the county. In fact he has upon his place some of the finest stock to be found
in western Illinois. His business is carried on very extensively and he has
become widely known not only in this state but elsewhere among prominent
stock-raisers. His farm is equipped with all modern improvements and
accessories. His home is built in an attractive style of architecture, is very
commodious and is fitted up in excellent taste. His barns and sheds, too, afford
ample shelter for grain and stock, and everything is done to care for his stock
in the most scientific manner. His labors are doing much to improve the grade of
cattle raised in this part of the state and his example serves to stimulate and
encourage others. In addition to his Knox county property he is also interested
in a large farm in the Red River valley of Minnesota which is operated by the
most modern machinery. There the plowing is done by steam plows and the other
equipments are equally, modern, showing him to be in keeping with the most
advanced spirit of progress and enterprise.
On the 1st of January, 1889, Mr. McMaster was united in
marriage to Miss Ida M. Stuckey, a daughter of S. S. and Carrie (Borden)
Stuckey. On the 13th of August, 1890, Mrs. McMaster died at the age of
twenty-four years, and on the 1st of September, 1892, Mr. McMaster was again
married, his second union being with Ida E. Sawyer, who died July 12, 1897. On
the 28th of March, 1901, he wedded Miss Frances A. Reed, who was born December
31, 1858, in the old Reed home near Wataga. She is a daughter of James D. Reed,
who was born in Kentucky, June 27, 1825, and as a boy came to Knox county,
settling in Henderson township with his parents, Jonathan and Polly (Newell)
Reed, who spent the remainder of their days in that township. In early manhood
James D. Reed took up the occupation of farming and after his marriage, which
took place on the 27th of August, 1847, removed to Sparta township, settling on
what became known as the old Reed farm near Wataga. He was of Scotch descent and
was a worthy and highly respected resident of his community. He held membership
in the Baptist church and gave his political allegiance to the democratic party.
His death occurred December 8, 1882. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Martha A. Duval, was born in Kentucky, April 27, 1831, and was a daughter of
Thomas C. Duval, who was born February 28, 1802, and was of French descent. His
parents were James and Judith (Jennings) Duval, the former a native of Virginia
and a soldier of the war of 1812. Thomas C. Duval was married April 2, 1822, to
Miss Nancy Shumate, who was born in Virginia, August 19, 1802. She died March 2,
1888, while Thomas Duval passed away September 25, 1890. He was one of the
earliest residents of Knox county, having settled in Henderson township in 1835.
He at that time had one hundred dollars in cash, which he invested in land, and
in 1869 he owned two thousand acres of land in Sparta and Henderson townships.
His investments were most judiciously made and as he prospered, he added to his
holdings until he was one of the most extensive landowners in this part of the
county. In politics he was a republican and his religious faith was that of the
Christian church.
Mrs. McMaster is therefore descended from one of the
oldest and most prominent pioneer families of Knox county. She was one of ten
children, of whom the following are living: Ellen, the wife of Henry Redfield,
of Galesburg; Sarah, the wife of Robert Langloff, of Topeka, Kansas; Mrs.
McMaster; Polly, the wife of Henry Slabaugh, of Warren, Ohio; Dora, the wife of
Fred Corey, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Albert Reed, of Rockford, Illinois.
Mr. and Mrs. McMaster hold membership in the
Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is
a republican, active in his support of the party, and he has served in various
local offices. As a business man, however, he is perhaps best known and he is
one who contributes to Knox county's reputation as a leading stock-raising
center. His business affairs have been so capably managed that he has won
substantial success and the years have placed him in a prominent position among
the farmers and stock-raisers of western Illinois.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
126 & 129-130,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
William Henry Maley, M. S., M. D.
Thorough training and recognition of the responsibilities which devolve upon him
as a physician and surgeon, have won for Dr. William H. Maley an enviable place
in the ranks of the medical fraternity of Galesburg. His record is in
contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in
his own country, for he has won signal success in this district, in which his
entire life has been passed.
He was born in Galesburg township on the 27th of March,
1867, his parents being Michael and. Ann (Ryan) Maley. The former was a son of
John Maley, who died on the Emerald isle when a comparatively young man. He and
his wife reared a large family, which included Owen, who became a resident of
Troy, New York, while a brother went to Australia. Michael Maley was born in
County Croom, Ireland, and spent his youth in his native land. In 1855 he
determined to try his fortune in America and, empty-handed, sailed for the new
world. He first settled in Lebanon, Ohio, and as his financial condition made it
imperative that he obtain immediate employment, he began work as a farm hand and
devoted the succeeding two years to that task. He then came to Galesburg and
engaged as a farm hand with Len Conger but, desiring that his labors should more
directly benefit himself, he afterward began farming on his own account by
renting a tract of land southwest of the city. Later he was united in marriage
to Miss Ann Ryan, who was born near Brimfield, Illinois, and was a daughter of
Dennis and Johanna (Hennessey) Ryan. Her father was a farmer by occupation and
followed that pursuit until his death. His wife long survived him, reaching the
very advanced age of ninety-three years. They had two daughters, Ann and Mary,
the former becoming the wife of Michael Maley. It was not long afterward that
Mr. Maley purchased eighty acres of land in Galesburg township, bending every
energy to the further development and improvement of his farm, to which he added
from time to time until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres.
Year by year he carefully tilled the soil until he had brought the entire place
under a high state of cultivation, the rich and arable fields returning to him
golden harvests. In 1899 he determined to put aside business cares and, leaving
the farm, removed to Galesburg, where he purchased a residence that he continued
to occupy until his death, which occurred July 9, 1901, when he was
seventy-three years of age. His wife still survives him and, like her husband,
holds membership in the Catholic church. He held many offices and positions of
trust and at all times sought the progress and improvement of the community in
which he made his home. He and his wife were among the stanch, unflinching
pioneers of Knox county—public-spirited and progressive, firmly believing that
knowledge is power. Accordingly they equipped their nine children with diplomas
from the best schools and colleges of the city. In fact, Mrs. Maley will not
have to wait long before seeing her grandsons, Charles Maley and George L.
Burns, and her granddaughter, Estella M. Burns, all graduates of Knox College
and St. Joseph's Academy. She is not only affectionately called grandmother of
St. Joseph's Academy but the happy grandmother of all the children who know her.
She is genial, jovial, young and spry as a girl, though an indefatigable worker,
and is a great lover of children, flowers and gardens. She has just completed a
handsome and spacious brick residence and her home is always filled with guests
and friends who earnestly hope that she will continue to spread the rays of
sunshine for many years to come.
To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maley there were born nine
children: Madge, now the wife of Charles H. Burns, of Galesburg; William H.;
John E., a lawyer of this city; Alary E., who is teaching in the Galesburg city
schools; Frank T., an electrician of New York city; Anna E., a teacher in
Galesburg; Adele M., of Galesburg; George E., a practicing physician of this
city; and Fred L., who is engaged in mercantile and journalistic work.
Dr. William H. Maley spent his youthful days on his
father's farm and early became familiar with the labors incident to the
development and cultivation of the fields. After attending the district schools
he further pursued his studies in St. Joseph's Academy and was graduated from
Brown's Business College in 1888. His more specifically literary education was
acquired in Knox College, in which he completed his course with the class of
1894, and while in college he won many honors in oratory and was a winner of the
Colton debate. His broad, general learning served as an excellent foundation
upon which to build professional success and in preparation therefore he entered
Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated as valedictorian of
the class of 1897. Returning at once to Galesburg, he here opened an office and
in the intervening period of fifteen years, by faithful application to
professional business and keeping abreast with the marvelous strides in medicine
and surgery, he has succeeded in building up until he now enjoys a most
successful and extensive practice, second to none in central Illinois. The
assistance of a younger brother, Dr. George E. Maley, a promising young
physician, is now necessary to enable him to handle his practice. He is very
careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment is seldom if ever at
fault in foretelling the outcome of disease. He has pursued post-graduate work
in the New York Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital, which he attended in
1899. His reading and research have been broad and have brought to him
comprehensive knowledge of the great scientific principles which underly his
chosen profession. In 1902 he went to Europe and pursued a course at Berlin and
Heidelberg, Germany.
On the 3Oth of June, 1902, Dr. Maley was united in
marriage to Miss Clara Augusta Forrester, a daughter of Edward and Mary Desire
(Brown) Forrester. Her father was a native of County Roscommon, Ireland, and a
son of James and Katherine (Moore) Forrester, whose family numbered nine
children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Thomas Forrester,
who resides in Laporte, Indiana. The birth of .Mrs. Edward Forrester occurred at
Stonington, Illinois, and she was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Desire)
Brown, the former a prominent man and a teacher of North Stonington,
Connecticut. The death of Edward Forrester occurred in 1909, when he had reached
the age of seventy-four years. His wife is still living, a respected citizen of
Taylorville, at the age of sixty-six years. Following the discovery of gold in
California, he made a trip by wagon across the plains in 1849 and out of a party
of thirty-five he was one of only three who survived the perilous journey. To
him and his wife were born six children, of whom three reached adult age:
Katherine, who became the wife of Jacob Corzine but is now deceased; James, an
attorney of Taylorville; and Clara Augusta. Mrs. Augusta Forrester Maley, wife
of the Doctor, was born in Taylorville, Illinois, September 24, 1877, and is a
graduate of the Taylorville high school. For some time she also attended the
State Normal at Normal, Illinois, developing a musical temperament, and later
entered Knox Conservatory of Music at Galesburg, for further development, from
which institution she was graduated in 1901. For three years she was organist of
the Baptist church of Taylorville, at the same time conducting a studio at that
place, and was subsequently called to fill the chair of musical director in the
Montana Wesleyan College at Helena, Montana. She resigned that position in 1902
to become the bride of Dr. Maley and after their marriage they took an extended
trip through Europe, visiting all the interesting points and places. Especially
were they fortunate in having an audience with Pope Leo XIII. Mrs. Maley often
sings for the benefit of church and charitable organizations and is a devoted
mother and home maker. The marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Maley has been blessed with
two sons, William Forrester and Robert Frederick.
The parents are members of the Catholic church and Dr.
Maley also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and to the Galesburg Club and the Soangetaha Country Club. His
political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for eight years he
served as a member of the city council, exercising his official prerogative in
support of many movements and measures for the general good. In strictly
professional lines his membership is with the County and State Medical
Societies, the American Medical Association and the Association of Military
Surgeons of the United States. For ten years he was a member of the National
Guard, serving with the rank of first lieutenant, and is at present a member of
the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States army with the same rank. He is
generous with his time, skill and money in behalf of charity and suffering
humanity. His friends, and they are many, find him a genial, social gentleman
and he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship, notwithstanding the fact
that his professional duties are making a constantly greater and greater demand
upon his time and energies. He is keenly interested in all that tends to bring
to light the key to the complex mystery which we call life, and his studies have
ever kept him thoroughly in touch with the onward march of the profession.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
148 & 151-153,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
David McWilliams. The late
David McWilliams was one of the well known farmers of Knox county and he also
served in a number of public offices, having acted as constable of Knoxville and
Orange township for twenty-five years. He was born in Maquon township, this
county, on the 7th of April, 1846, and was a son of Robert and Margaret
(Thurman) McWilliams. The parents were natives of Ohio, whence they came in the
pioneer days to Knox county, settling on a farm the father purchased in Maquon
township. The cultivation of his land engaged his attention during the remainder
of his active life and there they both passed away. Their family consisted of
six sons and four daughters, of whom there are now living three sons and two
daughters: John; Manson, who lives in Maquon township; Anson, also of Maquon
township; Mandana, the wife of Frank Burtnett, of Galesburg; and Rosella, who
married Edward Buck, now residing in the vicinity of Galesburg.
Reared under the paternal roof, in the acquirement of
his education David McWilliams attended the district schools until he had
mastered the common branches. He was early trained in the work of the fields and
care of the stock, devoting his entire attention to agricultural pursuits from
the time he left school until the opening of the war. Although he was only
sixteen at the opening of hostilities he enlisted at Maquon in the Fourteenth
Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, starting to the front from Peoria. He continued in
the service until after Lee's surrender, participating in many of the notable
battles of the war. After receiving his discharge he returned to Knox county and
again took up farming.
On the 11th of January, 1866, Mr. McWilliams and Miss
Mary E. Rambo were united in marriage. She was born in Gallia county, Ohio, on
the 26th of June, 1846, and is a daughter of Harvey and Deborah (Faulkner)
Rambo, also natives of Ohio, the father's birth having occurred in March, 1825.
Mr. and Mrs. Rambo came to Knox county in the early days, settling on a farm he
bought in Orange township. Here they spent the remainder of their lives, the
mother's death occurring on the 25th of April, 1904. Unto them were born two
sons and four daughters, four of whom are now living, Mrs. McWilliams, being the
eldest of these. The others in order of birth are as follows: Emery, who lives
near Maquon; Lodema, the wife of Thomas Painter, who also lives in the vicinity
of Maquon; and Andrew. Levi Rambo, the grandfather of Mrs. McWilliams, was a
veteran of the war of 1812. The family originally settled in Virginia, when they
came to America, removing from there to Ohio, thence to Illinois. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. McWilliams there were born five children, one of whom died in infancy. The
eldest of the family is Flora, the wife of Leonard Stegall, who has one son,
Floyd. Frank, who is a resident of Seattle, Washington, married Miss Ollie West,
a native of this county, and they have two children, Alma and Lucy. Elmer
married Miss Mertie Gearhart, of New Mexico, and they are now living in Canyon
City, Colorado. Lodema, the next in order of birth, is deceased. Hattie married
Andrew Peterson and they have four children: Forest, Isil L., Dorothy O. and
Clara May.
In matters of faith Mr. McWilliams was a Universalist,
and his widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was always one
of the honored members of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and
Mrs. McWilliams is identified with the Women's Relief Corps. All matters of
public interest engaged the attention of Mr. McWilliams, who served with
efficiency as deputy sheriff and city marshal of Knoxville, while he also acted
as school director. That he discharged the duties of the different offices he
filled with a conscientious sense of his public responsibilities is manifested
by the long period of his service. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
155-156,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
John Miller McKie.
John Miller McKie is one of the most
prominent citizens and active business men of the northern part of Knox county.
Honored and respected by all, he occupies an enviable position in financial
circles not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the
straightforward and progressive business methods that he has ever followed. He
has been a lifelong resident of the county and therefore has a wide
acquaintance.
His birth occurred in Copley township, June 4, 1844,
his parents being William and Margaret (Miller) McKie. The father was born in
Scotland and in his boyhood days became familiar with farm work. In 1840 he
accompanied his parents on their removal to America, at which time the family
home was established in Copley township, this county. There he continued his
residence throughout his remaining days. He married Margaret Miller and they
became the parents of two children, the sister of John M. McKie being Jeanette,
now the widow of William H. Leighton, a farmer of Copley township. After losing
her first husband Mrs. McKie became the wife of Peter McClymont.
In his boyhood days John M. McKie remained at home with
his parents, continuing with them until he had attained his majority, when he
took up the occupation of farming on his own account. He largely followed that
pursuit until 1876, when he came to Altona, where he turned his attention to
commercial pursuits, becoming proprietor of a dry-goods house. He was quite
successful in the management of his store and enjoyed a gratifying trade for a
number of years. At length, however, he became a factor in financial circles. In
1890 he was associated with Judge Craig in the establishment of a private bank
in Altona, and such was the success of the institution that on the 3d of
October, 1891, the bank was reorganized under a state charter as the Bank of
Altona. Mr. McKie then became assistant cashier and so continued until 1895,
when he succeeded George H. Craig as cashier of the bank, which office he
continued to fill until the 29th of September, 1911, when, following the death
of Mr. Craig, he was elected to the presidency of the institution and is now its
chief executive officer, bending his energies to administrative control. He has
furthermore become known as a factor in banking circles in other connections,
for he is also the president of the State Bank of Victoria. He has important
business interests, being connected with a number of leading enterprises in the
northern part of the county, and he is also extensively engaged in farming and
stock-raising. His judgment is sound, his discrimination keen and whatever he
undertakes he accomplishes because of his ready adaptability and his
enterprising spirit. A confidence reposed in him has never been misplaced and he
has been called upon to settle many estates, about thirty in the last twenty
years. One of these amounted to one hundred thousand dollars, the heirs living
in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Liverpool, England. In settling up another Mr. McKie
had to give bonds to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, which shows the
vastness of the property involved.
On the 22d of February, 1872, Mr. McKie was united in
marriage to Miss Janet G. McDowell, a native of Copley township, and they are
well known in this part of the state, where they have an extensive circle of
warm friends. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church of Altona and
labor consistently and effectively for its upbuilding and for the advancement of
all those causes which lift man to a higher plane.
Politically Mr. McKie is a republican and his fellow
townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have several times called him
to local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with credit to himself
and satisfaction to his constituents. For many years he served as an officer on
the school board of Walnut Grove township and in 1894 he was elected to the
position of county treasurer, which he filled for four years or until 1898. He
made an excellent record as the custodian of public funds and is equally loyal
in guarding the private interests entrusted to his care as a banker. He has ever
recognized the fact that the bank which most carefully safeguards the interests
of depositors is most worthy of credit, and in his bank management his
progressiveness is tempered by a conservatism that has made the Bank of Altona a
synonym for reliability to those who are acquainted with the policy pursued. Mr.
McKie is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished, for he has never
allowed difficulties nor obstacles to deter him. On the contrary when such have
arisen they have seemed to call forth renewed effort and his persistency of
purpose and capable management have constituted the foundation of an honorable
success.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
202 & 207-208,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
J. C. Maxwell.
Among the representative men and noteworthy citizens of Knox County may be found
the subject of this notice, whose farm is located on section 14, in Sparta
township. He is eminently worthy of notice for his facility in business and his
ability in his chosen vocation. He occupies a worthy position in his community
and has held many of the local offices. He has been Overseer of Highways, and
is a helpful man in his township. He is somewhat interested in educational
matters, and has been School Director for some years.
Mr. Maxwell was born in Knox County, 10 May 1849. His parents are Robert and
Sarah (Maxwell) Maxwell, both natives of Indiana, who, while yet children, came
to Illinois with their parents, who settled in Clay County, and subsequently, in
1845, came to Knox county, where they settled in Henderson Township. At present
they live in Union County, Iowa, where they moved in 1873. He has followed
school teaching combined with his agricultural pursuits, with the exception of
three years which he spent in the army. To them has been born a family of five
children: Eva, Joseph C., Josie, Maud, and William.
Mr. Maxwell of this sketch remained under the parental roof until he reached the
estate of manhood, attending school and assisting on the farm. On reaching his
majority he rented a farm in Henderson Township and followed agricultural
pursuits until 1874. The then purchased 280 acres in the State of Iowa, on
which he lived for three years. Prosperity crowned his efforts and with the
proceeds of this venture, he returned to Illinois, where he settled in Sparta
Township, purchasing 130 acres of land. At the present time he has a farm of
180 acres in Henderson Township and an interest in 160 acres in Iowa; on this
last he carries on stock raising, breeding and selling.
Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage in 1869, with Miss Eliza Duval, a native of
Knox County, and a daughter of Barryman and Mary (Wilkins) Duval. Mr. and Mrs.
Maxwell have been given four children, by name Lula, Seth, Nattie and Willie.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 437, submitted by Pat Thomas)
"Blessed are
they that die in the Lord."
"Life's duties done, as sinks the day,
Light from its load the spirit flies;
While Heaven and earth combine to say
'How blest the righteous when he died.'"
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 481-482, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Robert John McKeighan, one of Knox County's most successful farmers, residing on
section 22, Salem Township, was born in Fulton County, 21 March 1849, and is an
only son living of James and Elizabeth (Cunningham) McKeighan (see sketch). Our
subject was a child when he accompanied his parents to this county. His early
education was received in the common schools of his district, he supplementing
the same by attendance of one year and a half at Monmouth College. When R.J. was
21 years of age, his father took him as a partner in business, that of farming,
and they thus continued for two years. During that time our subject invented a
gang and sulky plow. In 1874 he filed a caveat in the Patent-Office for his
invention, and from that time on devoted his attention to the making of his
plows. It was not altogether a success and he changed the plan of construction
and converted his design into a single-sulky plow. This latter he continued to
manufacture and sell until 1878, when he gave up the business and moved to his
farm, on section 17, and there occupied his time in agricultural pursuits.
Remaining on his place until 1881, he removed to the farm which he now occupies
and owns, and is chosen vocation is meeting with far more than ordinary success.
Mr. McKeighan formed a matrimonial alliance 14 February 1878, with Miss Ximena
Corey, who was born in Kent County, Maryland, and was the daughter of James M.
and Martha (English) Corey, a sketch of her parents being given in another part
of this work. Of Mr. and Mrs. McKeighan's union there has been born one child, a
son, by name, James L. Both husband and wife are true and devoted followers of
Christ, and carry their religion into their daily lives, showing forth the
fruits of the Spirit. They are connected by membership with the Presbyterian
Church, and Mr. McK. is one of the Ruling Elders in the Church. In politics he
is a thorough and strong Republican, upholding the party and voting for and with
it. He is one of the most worthy men and conscientious, able workers in Knox
County. His vocation as a farmer includes not only pursuits in that direction but
the breeding and raising of cattle, Short-horn and other blooded stock, together
with blooded swine.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 540-541, submitted by Pat Thomas)
A. W. Miller, general farmer and shoemaker, residing on section 13, in Walnut
Grove Township, was born on Long Island, 12 September 1830. His father, Vincent
Miller, is now living in Guthrie County, Iowa, and has attained to his 80th
year. He was united in marriage with Alma Smith, who was also a native of Long
Island and died there while her son, our subject was yet a small boy. His early
education had scarcely time to develop his mind, when he set out for himself in
the battle of life. After arriving in the West, where his father came in 1836,
he proceded to Henderson, his father settling in Cambridge, Henry County. Mr.
Miller was apprenticed to and learned the boot and shoe trade, his employer
being Henry Dean, of Henderson. He worked for Mr. Dean for many years, and while
yet at his trade, 16 January 1851, was married to Miss Rebecca Edwards, a native
of Wayne County, New York State, who was born 8 February 1835. She was only six
years old when her parents came to Illinois and when they settled in Henderson.
Her people were among the oldest settlers and by their honesty and industry won
for themselves the admiration and esteem of the community. Mrs. M. is the oldest
of a family of 13 children, eight of whom are yet living - three sons and five
daughters. This good lady is the mother of four children, of whom one is
deceased: Marcus E. is married to Jennie Petitt and now resides in Topeka,
Kansas, where he represents a large wholesale grocery house; they have one
child, Theresa; Fannie is the wife of Augustus Miller and lives in St. Paul,
Nebraska; he is a large and successful land-owner; Hannah M. resides at home and
Martin is deceased.
After his marriage, in 1856, Mr. Miller arrived in Walnut Grove Township and
lived in Altona for some years, where he followed his trade and sold boots and
shoes. In the spring of 1867 he first purchased 80 acres of land, on which he
now lives and which has been improved to a large extent. This gentleman has held
many minor offices of his township, in each one of which he has acquitted
himself credibly. He is a solid Republican in politics.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 798, submitted by Pat Thomas)
James W. McCutchen. Prominent among the agricultural class of Knox County, who
have themselves made what they have of this world’s goods, is he of whom these
few biographical facts are related. He is a prominent and successful farmer, of
Scotch nationality, residing on section 4, Lynn Township, and is there
industriously engaged in his independent calling.
He is the son of Rev. Robert and Rebecca (Adams) McCutchen. The father of our
subject was born and reared in Armstrong County, Pa., and there lived until a
young man. He then went to Venango County, Pa., and was there married, May 10,
1831. His father, Robert, grandfather of our subject, was born in the North of
Ireland and was of Scotch ancestry and parentage. He came to this country when a
young man and located in Armstrong County, Pa., and was there married to a Miss
Dixon; she was also of Scotch ancestry, and died when Robert, father of our
subject, was but four years of age; Robert’s father dying when he, Robert, Jr.,
was but eight years of age. Thus we see that the father of our subject was
orphaned when but a lad of eight years of age. He afterward lived with his
oldest sister, Elizabeth until he had attained the age of 16 years, in the
meantime earning his own living. It was about this time that he went to Venango
County, Pa., and there lived with his widowed sister, Margaret, occupied in
various vocations. After living with her for awhile he became connected with the
charcoal works of the county and continued in the same for 16 years, and during
that time purchased and carried on a farm. When 20 years of age Robert McCutchen
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and was soon after ordained as a
local minister of the Gospel. He subsequently became one of the most active
ministerial laborers of that church and during the entire remaining portion of
his life was engaged in the good work. His labors in the ministry were well
rewarded, and in 1851 he moved to Peoria, settling on a farm in the vicinity of
that city and a few miles north of it. He was one of the most successful
ministers in that part of the State, and many denomination owe to him the honor
of having increased their membership. In 1864 he sold his farm near Peoria and
moved to Freeport, where he took charge of a congregation, consisting at that
time of 22 members, but during the two years of his labors increased the same to
120 and built the Embury Church, of Freeport. Later he went to Indianola, Iowa,
and some years afterward moved to Lyons, that State, and was there laboring in
the cause, when, May 19, 1881, he was called to receive his reward in the land
beyond, and having been born Jan. 4, 1810, was consequently 71 years of age a
the date of his demise. Ten days prior to his death he celebrated his golden
wedding. He was the younger of his father’s family and survived all the
children. His wife was born May 13, 1811, in Venango County, Pa., and was there
reared to womanhood and there married. Her father, Weldon Adams, was born in
Eastern Pennsylvania, and her grandfather, James Adams, was from the North of
Ireland. Her grandparents died in Eastern Pennsylvania. Weldon Adams had a
family of five boys and five girls, of whom Mrs. McCutchen is yet living in
Lyons, Iowa, having attained the venerable age of 75 years. She was the mother
of nine children, of whom James W. is the eldest living, and one of whom died in
infancy. Five of the children yet survive—two sons and three daughters.
James W. McCutchen was born in Venango County, Pa., Feb. 21, 1833, came to
Illinois in 1851, and settled in Peoria County. He was married Jan 4, 1855, in
Venango County, Pa., to Miss C. Rosetta Byers, a native of Mercer County, Pa.,
and born Aug 27, 1833. She is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Piper) Byers,
native of Mercer County, Pa., and who now reside in that county. They have lived
together as man and wife for 60 years. The father was born June 12, 1800, and
the mother Oct. 10, 1807; the former was of French extraction and the latter of
German, and in their united efforts in life they have met with far more than
ordinary success.
Mrs. J. W. McCutchen was well educated in the common schools and lived with her
parents until her marriage. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McCutchen six children
have been born, four of whom are deceased. The record is as follows: Charlie M.,
born June 27, 1862, is a fireman on the C., B. &. Q. R. R.; Frank F., born Oct
9, 1866, is attending Commercial College at Davenport; Almira, born Dec. 7,
1855, died April 13, 1865; Laura A., born Aug. 28, 1857, died Feb. 19, 1858; Ada
B., born Sept. 27, 1859, died Aug. 29, 1860; Freddie E., born July 24, 1872,
died August 31 of the same year.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCutchen lived in Peoria County, where he followed
agricultural pursuits for ten years. He then moved to Freeport and from there to
Marshall County, this State, where he purchased 120 acres of land, on which he
lived for 12 years, engaged in farming. From the latter place he came to this
county and purchased his present fine farm of 160 acres, one mile south of
Galva. Since that time he has continued to reside upon the farm, devoting his
time and attention to its cultivation and improvement, together with the raising
of stock. He and his wife are consistent, active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and have been for many years, and of which denomination he has
been Steward for about 30 years, Class Leader for many years and Sunday-school
Superintendent. He has been Justice of the Peace and Supervisor and held many
other offices of minor import. In politics he always casts his vote for the
success of the Republican party. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox
County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 791-792, transcribed by Michelle Russell
and submitted by Pat Thomas)
Stanton J. Merriss,
one of our most successful farmers, who is also engaged in stock raising and
breeding, is the subject of this sketch, and has for some time been a resident
of Knox County and is one of its most reliable citizens. His home lies in Indian
Point Township, and is situated on section 28. He is the possesser of 297 1/2
acres of fine land, 280 of which are highly cultivated. Mr. Merriss may be
considered really as one of the pioneers of the State of Illinois, as he faced
the privations and hardships of those early days, when that now flourishing West
consisted of prairie land.
Our subject was born in Scott County, Illinois, 5 October 1828, his father
coming to the state in 1818, where he first stopped at Springfield, and there
remained for two years. From that city he went to Scott County, took up some
land and passed two years. While a resident there he went back to his native
state, Ohio, where his marriage took place with Miss Eliza Piper, and the young
couple immediately started for their home in Illinois. This was John B. Merriss,
father of our subject who was born in 1800 and died in 1848, in Scott county,
Illinois, of typhoid fever; his wife died 13 May 1831. They were the parents of
three children, Bethuel M, Stanton J. and Charles. Mr. Stanton Merriss, of this
writing, was the second son in order of birth of John B. and Eliza Merriss, and
while still young was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Coltas, 28 March 1854.
She was born in Scott County, Illinois, 7 December 1838, and died 3 October
1860. To them were born four children, Icabenda R., who married John E. Edmunson;
Mary E. born 6 August 1856, who married Samuel Cox; Francis S. born 12 February
1859, who died in the following fall; Mary E., died 20 March 1879; and Lydia L.,
who was born 10 August 1860, and died 25 December 1885, of consumption. The
latter was the wife of John Burnaugh, she left one child, named Gertrude. Mr.
Merriss formed a second matrimonial alliance, the other contracting party being
Miss Indiana Butler, 31 December 1861. Miss Butler was born in Ohio, 4 October
1835, and their marriage has been blest with the birth of two children, Sallie,
born 17 September 1872 and Stanton E. born 22 December 1874. The parents of Mrs.
Indiana Merriss are Eli and Sallie (Robinson) Butler, both of whom are now
deceased. Mr. Merriss lost his second wife by death, 20 February 1879.
10 September 1879, Mr. M. united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Bevins, a native of
Illinois, who was born 22 February 1842. Her parents' names were George W. and
Sarah (Bloom) Lewis. The former was born in Kentucky in 1804, and the latter in
1811, in the State of New Jersey. She departed this life 10 May 1870, leaving to
mourn her loss five children - Sarah born 22 February 1842, in Vermillion
County; Mary E. born 12 September 1847, who married Mr. Andrew Lackey, of
Rushville, Illinois; Cornelius, born 29 July 1852, who now lives in Nebraska.
Mrs. Lewis Merriss united in marriage with Mr. Jesse Bivens, 18 September 1859
and his death occurred 25 April 1874. There were four children born of this
marriage, all living - Sarah E. Bevins, born 6 January 1861, is the wife of John
E. Smith; their home is in Knox County; John L. was born 5 September 1862; Mary
E., 6 March 1864, is the wife of Leonard J. Cutler, and their home is in Knox
County, Illinois; Anna L. born 27 April 1868.
Thomas Bevins, the father of Jesse, married a lady by the name of Anna Gundy.
Both she and her husband were natives of Maryland. Jesse Bevins was born in
Franklin County, Ohio and came to Illinois when he was yet a youth. His parents
died while he was yet young. The name of Mrs. Merriss' grandchildren are Daisy
L., Claude Evert and Leroy R. Smith.
George W. Lewis was a soldier in the Black Hawk War and also in the Mexican War.
When the elder Mr. Merriss came to Scott County, there was but 20 settlers in 40
miles. The Merriss family is Irish on the paternal side.
Mr. James Merriss married his second wife, who was Caroline Matilda Draper, and
by this union there were five children who lived to maturity. She died 25 March
1853. He was a Free-Will Baptist in religious belief.
Mr. S. J. Merriss received such education as the schools of his native county
afforded, and was reared upon the farm. He purchased the land where he now lives
in the year 1856, and moved here the year following. It was but slightly
improved, and the buildings, fencing, improvements and adornments have been the
result of his own labor with his own hands.
The home of Mr. Merriss is one of culture and refinement, his wife being an
intelligent lady. He is an extensive breeder of Short-Horn and Jersey cattle.
Both he and his wife are active and useful members of the society in which they
move and he is an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is
an adherent. His wife is united with the Christian Church, and is an earnest
Christian in soul and purpose. In politics, Mr. Merriss is a Democrat.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page
552, submitted by Pat Thomas)
McKee, Lewis Cass; Conductor; Galesburg; born 29 January 1851, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. His father was Richmond McKee, who died in 1871. Richmond McKee's father came from Scotland to Pennsylvania at an early day. L. Cass McKee was educated in the common schools. He was married to Charlotte Richardson at Savannah, Illinois, 24 February 1876. Their children are: Robert R., Bertha, and Mildred. Mr. McKee came to Bureau County in 1857, with his father, who was a farmer and contractor. In 1873 he came to Galesburg and began work for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company as brakeman; he was made conductor in 1877, a position which he still holds. Mr. McKee is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a democrat. (1899 History of Knox County, page 782, submitted by Pat Thomas)
George W. Mead. Among the prominent and influential farmers of Knox County is the subject of this brief biography, who is known as being active and enterprising in his particular line of business. By industry and energy, coupled with a determination to succeed, he has from a very small beginning enlarged and added to his possessions until today he may be rated among the best men of the country. He is an accurate and able financier and has the ability to execute whatever he begins. Mr. Mead came to Knox County in February 1862, from Mercer County, Illinois, where he settled in Rio Township, after first purchasing 80 acres of land. Here he began his work by the erection of substantial farm buildings, commodious, neat and attractive. He successfully cultivated and improved his land, and is today the owner of 135 acres, most of which is tillable and productive. He now reaps the benefit of bounteous crops, and is know as one of the best and most substantial men in the county. The subject of our narrative was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y., July 20, 1830, and lived in the State until he attained the age of 13 years. He then went into Pennsylvania, and remained four years, at the end of which time he removed to Ohio, where he spent three years, and in 1854 came to Warren County, Ill. two years later he removed to Mercer County, where he tarried for a short interval and finally came to Knox County. He was untied in marriage with Miss Alvira, daughter of Aaron and Hannah (Davis) Proctor, natives of New Hampshire. Their nuptials were celebrated in Geauga County, Ohio, in 1853. Mrs. Mead was born in Weare, N. H., May 3, 1829, and is the mother of six children, as follows: Eugene, Willis, Homer, Franklin, Ella, and Loren. Eugene and Willis are deceased. Mr. Mead is actively interested in local and public affairs and fills many of the minor offices. He has been Director in the school district for sometime; he takes part in political debates and is a Republic in sentiment and vote. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 851-852, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Charles Markham. Among the principal men of Knox County who are engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and one of the most energetic and persevering of her
citizens, may be found the subject of this sketch, the main points in whose life
history is given. Mr. Markham came to Knox County in 1839, at which time he was
a child of six years and since that time has passed the intervening years in
Henderson Township. He resides on a farm situated on section 13 and has all his
life engaged in farming pursuits and the raising of stock. At the present time
he is the owner of 380 acres of land, 60 of which are timber and to this he has
added many modern improvements and cultivated the soil until he now possesses a
desirable and good home.
Mr. Markham was born in La Porte County, Indiana, 1 April 1833. His early
education was received in the public schools, and he gave sufficient attention
to his studies, so that he is to-day above the average in the possession of
general information. He is quite an inveterate reader and has a good idea of
outside affairs. He is a Republican in politics and pins his faith to that
party. Religiously he is an honest and worthy member of the Christian Church.
The parents of our subject were Horace and Esther (Lake) Markham, natives of
Vermont and Kentucky respectively. They came to Knox County in 1839 and settled
in Henderson Township, and there continued to reside until released by death
from this word of care and weariness. The father was buried in that section of
country, his death occurring 7 May 1875, and the mother lies beside him.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page
499, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Edison P. Metcalf. Edison P. Metcalf,
deceased, who during his active business life was associated with farming
interests in Knox county, was born in the state of New York on the 8th of July,
1838, his parents being Jonathan G. and Phoebe (Fountain) Metcalf, who were
likewise natives of New York. There the father followed the occupation of
farming until he removed westward with his family, settling in Knox county at an
early period in its development and improvement. He took up his abode upon a
tract of land east of Knoxville and continued to engage in the cultivation of
the fields until his life's labors were ended in death. His diligence and
reliability in business made him a valued citizen and one worthy the regard
uniformly given him. In the family were the following children, but the only one
now living is Mrs. Maty Ferry, of Knoxville. Sarah, Edison P., Rufus and Mrs.
Harriet Vermillion are deceased.
Edison P. Metcalf was a young lad when he accompanied
his parents on their removal westward to Knox county. He pursued his early
education in the district schools and afterward continued his studies in the
schools of Knoxville. He was trained to the work of the farm and took up farming
on his own account when a young man. He continued to engage in agricultural
pursuits throughout his entire life and became the owner of a well developed
property, the fields being brought under a high state of cultivation, while
substantial improvements were made upon the farm in the shape of substantial
buildings and well kept fences.
On the 18th of December, 1862, Mr. Metcalf was united
in marriage to Miss Marion Gould, who was born in Adams county, Illinois,
February 16, 1840, a daughter of William and Sallie Ann (Mapes) Gould, natives
of New Hampshire and Vermont respectively. This section of Illinois was still
largely undeveloped when they came to the state, taking up their abode in Adams
county, where the father devoted his attention to farming. He was also a
carpenter by trade and his skill with tools enabled him to keep everything about
his farm in excellent condition. He remained in Adams county for some time and
then removed to Knox county when Mrs. Metcalf was a small child but during the
fall before she was thirteen the family went to Morgan county, Missouri, where
the mother died and was buried. The family afterward returned to Knox county,
Illinois, and here the father lived until called to his final rest. They were
the parents of nine children, of whom five died in infancy, while four reached
years of maturity, namely: John, now deceased; Mrs. Metcalf; William, who is
living in this county; and Mrs. Samantha Metcalf, who resides northeast of
Knoxville.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf there were born seven
children. Marietta, the eldest, became the wife of Stephen M. Turner but is now
deceased. In their family were eight children: Geneva; Oran; Eva; Gertrude; Lee;
Maude; and Merle and Pearl, twins. Melissa Ann, the second of the daughters of
Mr. and Mrs. Edison Metcalf, is the deceased wife of Charles A. Ramp, of this
county, and of their five children two died in infancy, the others being Alice
G., Inez L. and Lavon. Emma Metcalf is the wife of Charles M. Hawley, a resident
farmer of this county, and they had seven children, of whom Robert C. and Lessie
are deceased, the others being Sylva S., Selma M., Ray, Roy and Allie. Ellen Mae
became the wife of William Armstrong but both have passed away. They are
survived by three living children: Bessie R., Minnie J. and Aileen M. Charles W.
Metcalf makes his home near London Mills, Fulton county. Alma A., the next of
the family, died in infancy. Alice G. is the wife of Franklin Sargent and they
reside in Knoxville. Illinois. They have four living children: Charles E.: Celia
Mae and Cecil Merle, twins; and Vivian. They have lost their first daughter,
Catherine M. Geneva Turner married Frank Howalter, of Knox county; and Eva
Turner became the wife of Thomas Davidson.
The death of Mr. Metcalf occurred in 1906 when he had
reached the age of sixty-eight years. He was a member of the United Brethren
church and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His
political allegiance was given the republican party and he was always loyal to
his honest belief. Those who knew him, and he had a wide acquaintance,
entertained for him warm regard. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of
his family, was progressive and public-spirited in citizenship and loyal in
friendship, and because of his many sterling traits of character he left to his
family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
(History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 300-302,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
Charles A. Malcolm. Charles A.
Malcolm, an agriculturist now residing in Ontario township, was born on the 22d
of April, 1866, in Safsjo, in the central part of Sweden, his parents being John
and Johanna (Charlotta) Malcolm, both of whom are natives of Sweden, the former
having been born there on the 29th of January, 1837. In his native land John
Malcolm was engaged in farming until he set out, for America, in 1868, with his
family, locating first near Andover, Henry county, Illinois. The trip across the
country from Genoa to Andover was made with teams in a heavy hail and rain
storm, this being but one of the many hardships which the travelers in those
early days encountered. Because of his lack of experience Mr. Malcolm was forced
at first to accept inferior employment, his first work being plowing corn at
fifty cents per day. But earnest and persistent labor always leads to better
fortunes and Mr. Malcolm was soon ready to undertake the cultivation of a small
tract of land and later purchased a small piece of property for himself. After
fourteen years he added twenty acres and subsequently purchased forty acres of
timber land, which he cleared and started to farm. Disposing of the various
holdings, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, upon which he
resided for twenty-seven years before removing to his present farm. At one time
he held three hundred and twenty acres of land in the county and eighty acres in
Henry county, but he is now living retired, having sold all of his property to
his children. His home is now called Malcolmville and the other farm which he at
one time owned was called Malcolm Dandy. Mrs. Malcolm passed away on the 23d of
February, 1909, in Knox county, at the age of seventy-two years.
Charles A. Malcolm received his education in the common
schools and spent much of his youth in assisting his father on the home farm,
here having his first experience in the occupation he was to make his life work.
Desiring to start out independently, he farmed for six years in Henry county and
then for seven years just south of his present location. In January, 1909, he
removed to his present farm and has since been engaged in general farming and
raising hogs. His property is known as "Fairview farm."
On the 25th of December, 1895, Mr. Malcolm was married
to Miss Delphia C. Walgreen, a daughter of John P. and Anna (Fredericks)
Walgreen, who have been connected with the agricultural interests of Knox county
for many years. At present Mr. Walgreen is residing in Altona, where he is
living retired. He is one of the oldest settlers of the county, having come here
over fifty years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm seven children have been born,
Violet E. J., Germaine I. W., Weslye W., Ludella V. G., Curtis C., Myrna A. C.,
and Pauline I. M.
In politics Mr. Malcolm gives his support to the
republican party, taking an active interest in all the measures proposed for
political welfare. He also holds membership in the Swedish Lutheran church and
is interested in the incorporated bank of Galva and in the elevators at Oneida
and Nekoma. In connection with the development of his property he has exercised
good judgment and under his management it is yielding profitable crops in return
for the labor expended upon it, and as a citizen he is highly esteemed in the
community where he has always resided. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages
300-302,
submitted by Janine Crandell)
John B. McAuley. John B. McAuley, a well known civil engineer and contractor of Galesburg, who has twice been city engineer, was born here, on the 18th of November, 1863. His parents are Thomas and Margaret (Mulqueney) McAuley, natives of Ireland, the father's birth having occurred in County Antrim, on the 2d of February, 1832, and that of the mother in County Clare. When a young man Thomas McAuley emigrated to the United States, locating in Galesburg in 1854. Here he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in the capacity of foreman of track construction. He subsequently went to Iowa, settling on a farm in Lee county, to the further development of which he devoted his energies until 1884. In the latter year he disposed of his property and returned to Galesburg, again entering the service of the "Q." He continued in that employ as assistant foreman of the yards until 1904, when he withdrew from active work and is now living retired at No. 649 South Academy street. The mother is also living. They are both communicants of the Roman Catholic church and belong to the parish of St. Patrick. Ever since granted the right of franchise Mr. McAuley has given his support to the democratic party and although he never aspired to public office, has always taken an active