John C. Redmon. For almost a
quarter of a century John C. M. Redmon has continued his residence upon the farm
which is yet his home, and during that period his close application and well
directed efforts along agricultural lines have brought to him a competence which
now ranks him among the successful residents of Cedar township. He has long
since passed-the Psalmist's allotted span of three
score years and ten, for his birth occurred on the 9th of April, 1832, the place
of his nativity being Adair county, Kentucky. His parents, Thomas Jefferson and
Harriett M. (Booher) Redmon, were also natives of that county and there the
father followed farming for a number of "years. His death occurred in the Blue
Grass state, while the mother's death occurred suddenly at Belle Plaine, Kansas.
In their family were eleven sons and three daughters but only three of this
number survive.
In the schools of Adair county, Kentucky, John C. M. Redmon
acquired his education, while his practical training came to him through the
assistance which he gave to his father in the operation of the home farm. He
remained with his parents until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, putting
aside all personal interests, he enlisted from Mount Vernon, Kentucky, on the
31st of July, 1861, becoming a soldier in Company I, Third Kentucky Volunteer
Infantry, for three years' service. At the expiration of this term he reenlisted
at Loudon, Tennessee, on the 1st of January, 1864, and his second term continued
until a severe wound caused his retirement from the army. He participated in
many important battles and was four times wounded; in the head at the battle of
Chickamauga, Georgia, in October, 1863; and in the leg during the battle fought
near Big Shanty, Georgia, on the 18th of June, 1864, when he also received a
breast wound. The fourth wound, which was received in battle in June, 1864,
caused his withdrawal from the ranks and he was mustered out at Jeffersonville,
Indiana,
on the 8th of September, 1865.
After the close of a most honorable and creditable military
service Mr. Redmon went to Gosport, Indiana, to which place his parents had
removed in 1865, and later lie accompanied them to Kansas. For twenty-two years
he continued to make his home in the Sunflower state and then, in 1887, he came
to Knox county, Illinois, where he has since remained, his residence here
covering a period of almost a quarter of a century. Throughout this entire
period the farm upon which he now lives, located on section 33, Cedar township,
has remained the scene of his activities, and under his capable management has
become one of the valuable properties of the region. His attention has ever been
given to agricultural pursuits and his close application thereto and his
comprehensive knowledge concerning the best methods of plowing, planting and
harvesting, have been salient qualities in the acquirement of a success which is
today both substantial and creditable.
Mr. Redmon was married, on the 14th of February, 1886, to
Miss Minerva Ellison, who was born in Knox county, October 3, 1842, a daughter
of Thomas and Nancy Ellison. Her parents, the father a native of Kentucky and
the mother of Indiana, came to Knox county at a very early day, at which time
they settled upon the place which is now the home of their daughter, Mrs. Redmon,
and which has long been known as the old Ellison family homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison both passed away in Abingdon, where the
former was familiarly known as Captain Ellison. Their family consisted of ten
children. A brother of Mrs. Redmon, James Milton Ellison, now resides
in Colorado, while a sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Andrews, makes her home in Helena,
Montana.
In religious faith Mr. Redmon is a Seventh Day Adventist, while his
wife belongs to the Methodist church and is also identified with the Ladies
Circle of the Grand Army of the Republic. He maintains pleasant relations with
his old army comrades through his membership with Post No. 58, G. A. R., of
Abingdon, while in politics he is a republican. Although numbered among the
older
residents of Cedar township he is still active in the world's work and takes a
deep and public-spirited interest in all matters relative to the upbuilding and
progress of the locality. His life has been one of continuous activity in which
his industry and perseverance have won their just reward in material success,
while upright principles and worthy purposes have won the regard and esteem that
crown honorable old age.
(History
of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 394-398, submitted by J. Crandell)
Hon. Robert Clifford Rice - Honorable Robert Clifford Rice, who since his admission to the bar has given his undivided attention to the work of the courts, his ability as an advocate and counselor recommending him for election to the bench, is now serving as judge of the County Court of Knox County, to which he was chosen by popular suffrage in 1906 and again in 1910, so that he is now serving for the second term. He was born in Berwick township, Warren County, Illinois, March 31, 1872, one of the three children of Harvey and Laura (Walker) Rice. His paternal grandfather was Rev. Robert Rice, a minister of the Christian church, who also devoted a portion of his time to farming. He became an early settler of Warren County, Illinois, where he carried on agricultural pursuits and also engaged in preaching the gospel as opportunity offered. His death resulted from the effects of injuries sustained, while hauling lumber, in middle life. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Iden, survived him for many years and passed away in Abingdon, Illinois, at the age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of a number of children, including Harvey, Izora, William, Perry and several who died in infancy. The maternal grandfather of Judge Rice was George Walker, who also made farming his life work. He wedded Sarah Hedges and they became early residents of Warren County, where his attention was given to the work of the fields until his labors were ended by death when he was in the prime of life. His wife passed away when about sixty years of age. Their family numbered six children, Laura, Bird, Dottie, May and two, who died in infancy.
Harvey Rice, the father of Judge Rice, spent his youthful days in Indiana and Illinois, coming to the latter state when yet a boy and reaching his majority when a resident of Warren County. He early became familiar with all the duties and labor that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and, after spending one year in Nebraska, in early manhood he wedded Laura Walker, a native of this state, and the three children born unto them were: Carl, who died in infancy; Robert Clifford; and Eva, now the deceased wife of George Messplay.
Judge Rice is now the only survivor of his family, although his mother is still living in Monmouth, Illinois, with the judge's stepsister. He spent his youth on the old homestead farm in his native county and through the summer months aided in the work of the fields, while in the winter seasons he attended the country schools. Later he had the advantage of a course in the Abingdon Normal College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He afterward engaged in teaching in the district schools for two terms and later worked at the printer's trade on the Enterprise-Herald, of Abingdon, for a year. While thus engaged he devoted his evening hours to reading law under the direction of Judge Dennis Clark, who was judge of the county court for twenty-one years. In September, 1895, Mr. Rice came to Galesburg and enter the office of Thompson and Shumway as a student, there continuing his reading until his admission to the bar in January, 1897. The following year he began practice in Galesburg as a member of the law firm of Carney, Shumway & Rice, this association being maintained until Mr. Carney was elected mayor of the city. The two remaining partners continued together until Mr. Shumway was chosen as the chief executive of the city, subsequent to which time Mr. Rice practiced alone with good success until 1906, when he was elected county judge. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles made him an effective and successful advocate and insured him equal rank with the distinguished men who have presided over the county court. Public endorsement of the first term of service came to him in his reelection in 1910. His reported opinions indicate his legal learning and superior ability and show a thorough mastery of the questions involved, together with an admirable terseness and clearness in the statement of the principles upon which his opinions rest.
On the 17th of April, 1901, Judge Rice was married to Miss KATHRYN GREGORY, of Bowling Green, Indiana, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Carr) Gregory. Mrs. Rice was born in Bowling Green, Indiana, and her parents were also natives of that state. Her father, who served as a soldier of the Union Army in the Civil War, died in 1884, but her mother is still living and yet makes her home in Bowling Green. In their family were five children, Leota, Lena, Kathryn, Bertha and Gertrude, the last two of whom are deceased. Judge and Mrs. Rice have become the parents of a daughter, Dorothy. In his political views Judge Rice has always been a republican, staunchly advocating the principles of the party, yet never allowing his political preference to interfere in the slightest degree with the discharge of his official duties. He holds membership in the Christian church and his wife is a member of the Christian Science church. Fraternally he is connected with the Alpha Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M. and also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His entire life has been passed in this section of the state, and in Galesburg, where he has now resided for sixteen years, he has made many friends, who esteem him no less for the individuality of a personal character who impresses itself upon the community than for the superior ability he has displayed in the profession which he has chosen as his life work. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 40-42, submitted by J. Crandell)
August Rinella.
August Rinella, who for the past thirteen years has been engaged in the
wholesale and retail fruit and confectionery business in Galesburg, was born in
Termini, Italy, on October 19, 1869. He is a son of Samuel and Josephine
(Carclarone) Rinella, natives of the same place, the father's birth occurring on
the 3d of June, 1846, and that of the mother on the 25th of September, 1856.
Samuel Rinella resided in his native land, engaging in
farming, until 1890, when with his wife and family, all except our subject, he
emigrated to the United States, having located in Chicago, where he successfully
conducted a fruit market for fifteen years. At the expiration of that period he
retired and removed to Kewanee, this state, and there he and the mother and five
younger members of their family continue to live. Six children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Rinella, as follows: August, our subject; Joseph; Anthony; James; John;
and Angelo. The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and his
political support the father gives to the democratic party.
The first twenty-four years in the life of August Rinella
were spent in Italy, to whose schools he is indebted for his education. After
laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the farm until
he had attained his majority. He then entered the Italian army, as is customary
in that country, serving for three years as a musician. At the expiration of his
period of enlistment, in 1893, he took passage for the United States to join his
people, who came to this country about the time he joined the army. During the
first two years of his residence in America he worked for his father, but at the
end of that time he started a business of his own that he conducted for three
years.
As competition was very keen in Chicago, he looked about for
a location elsewhere, deciding in favor of Galesburg, where he located in 1898.
Here he established a wholesale and retail fruit and confectionery business,
that has prospered from the very first. Mr. Rinella is a business man of unusual
capabilities, and although he had only lived in the United States for five years
when he removed to Galesburg, he early manifested his ability to successfully
compete with merchants, who had been born and reared in this country and were
thoroughly familiar with its commercial conditions and methods. He has built up
an extensive local patronage and also enjoys an excellent country trade,
increasing so rapidly that it now requires the services of four salesmen to call
upon his customers.
In Chicago on the 2d of November, 1894, Mr. Rinella was
united in marriage to Miss Josephine Caruso, a daughter of Philip and Josephine
(Purpera) Caruso. Mrs. Rinella was born in Termini, on November 1, 1873, and
there she was reared and educated. Her parents, who were farming people, were
natives of the same place, the father being born in 1829 and the mother ten
years later. There the father passed away in 1891. The mother and family
remained in Italy until 1893, when they emigrated to the United States, locating
in Chicago, but Mrs. Caruso now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Rinella,
at Galesburg. The family of Mr. and Airs. Caruso numbered ten children, as
follows: Antonema, the wife of Anthony Guiffre, of Chicago; Frank, who is living
in Galesburg; Gidia, who died in Italy; Philip, whose death occurred in Chicago;
Marie and Gustie, who both died before leaving their native land; Carmila, who
passed away in Chicago; Josephine, now Mrs. August Rinella; August, living in
Chicago; and Joseph, who died in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Rinella have had the
following children, namely: Josephine, born October 7, 1895; Samuel, born March
9, 1897; Gustie, born January 17, 1900; Philip, born July 4, 1902; Joseph, born
March 13, 1906; Mary, born October 8, 1908, and who has passed away: and August.
Jr., born May 19, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Rinella are Roman Catholics and belong to Corpus
Christi parish, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. As one of the
enterprising and progressive business men of the city Mr. Rinella belongs to the
Retail Merchants Association. In matters politic he is a democrat, having given
his unqualified support to that party ever since granted the right of franchise
through naturalization. During the period of his residence in Galesburg he has
shown himself to be in every way a most desirable citizen, possessing many
substantial personal qualities. His integrity in all business transactions has
always been found to be above questioning and he is thoroughly loyal to the
country of his adoption. (History
of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 384-385, submitted by J. Crandell)
James H. Roundtree - James H. Roundtree is a retired farmer living at No. 860 North Cedar Street, in Galesburg. He has made his home in this city since 1892, previous to which time he was closely associated with general agricultural pursuits and is still the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred ninety-six acres from which he derives a substantial annual income. He was born at Old Henderson, in this county, December 10, 1836, and is a son of John D. and Docia (Fuqua) Roundtree, who was born in the Old Dominion and became an early settler of Hart County, Kentucky, where he died when well advanced in years. He was blind for twenty years before he died. Unto him and his wife were born four sons, Turner, John D., Charles and Dudley. The maternal grandfather of James Roundtree was James Fuqua, a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation. He died in Kentucky but the mother came to Knox County, Illinois, in 1830, settling near Old Henderson, and there died when about eighty years of age. They were the parents of six daughters and three sons, Daniel, Obadiah, John, Docia, Martha, Mary, Jane, Narcissus and Jeremiah.
Both of the parents of James H. Roundtree on leaving Virginia became residents of Hart County, Kentucky, and in 1830 came to Knox County, Illinois, settling near Old Henderson, in Henderson township. The father purchased land warrants of the soldiers who had served in the War of 1812. The Indians were then numerous here, for the Black Hawk War had not yet occurred and the red men had not learned that their white-faced brothers were the stronger in an effort to claim the country and convert it to the uses of civilization. When the Indians became troublesome and, in fact, were a menace to life in this state John D. Roundtree joined with the volunteer soldiers for service in the Black Hawk War and after his death his wife drew a pension of about six or eight dollars a month. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and later another one hundred and twenty acres, all of which he improved and thereon reared his family. He was born in 1800 and died about 1851. His wife afterward removed to Marshall County, Kansas, settling near Frankfort, and died about 1896 at a very advanced age, lacking but three weeks of being ninety-four years. In their family were twelve children, of whom five are now living: Betsy, the widow of Robert Osborn, living at Frankfort, Kansas; Dudley, of Oldsburg, Potawatomie county, Kansas; James H., of this review; Narcissus, the wife of Lathan Howe, of Old Henderson; and William, of Paradise, Kansas.
James H. Roundtree spent his youthful days in this county and is the oldest continuous resident here with the exception of Harvey Montgomery, having spent seventy-five years in this county. He was reared upon his father's farm and attended one of the old-time subscription schools. He was only thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death and upon him devolved the responsibility of managing and operating a farm. As time passed on, he purchased parts of the old homestead until he eventually became the owner of the greater part which, however, he afterward sold. He next purchased a farm of sixty-six acres near Wataga, and traded with his father-in-law for another farm. This he in time sold and removed to Wataga, where he resided until 1892, when he went to Galesburg and in the following year erected his present residence, where he and his wife have since resided, enjoying a well earned rest there. He now owns a farm of one hundred and ninety-six acres in Sparta Township and this returns to him a good income. This farm once sold for fifteen dollars an acre but is now worth two hundred and twenty-five dollars. While devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits, his time and endeavors were so well employed that he derived therefrom the merited reward of earnest, persistent labor and thus accumulated a handsome competence that now supplies him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 19th of December, 1861, Mr. Roundtree was married to Miss NANCY ANN DUVAL, who was born in Henderson township, this county, May 19, 1844, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Shumate) Duval, who came from Kentucky to Illinois about 1831, settling first near Monmouth and later removing to Henderson township, where Mrs. Roundtree grew to womanhood. Her father died September 29, 1891, at the age of eighty-two years and her mother passed away in 1888, when eighty years of age. They were the parents of ten children, of whom four are living, Mary, Helen, Martha and Nancy Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Roundtree were married in the old courthouse in Knoxville. They have no children of their own but adopted a daughter, Lillian May, whom they reared from the age of 3 weeks. She is now the wife of Frank S. Card, and they resided for awhile in Denver, Colorado, whence they lately removed to Riverside County, California.
It was on the 19th of December, 1911, that James and Nancy Ann Roundtree could look back upon fifty years of life companionship and celebrated their golden wedding at their home, No. 860 North Cedar Street, Galesburg, at which time they received many beautiful gifts and the good wishes of a host of devoted friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Roundtree are members of the Christian church and his political support is given to the Democratic party. It is most interesting to converse with this worthy couple and hear their reminiscences concerning Knox County and its pioneer period. He is acquainted with all the events of importance which have left their impress upon the history of the county and has been a witness of many of these. He has participated in the agricultural development of the county and has seen its transformation from a wild and sparsely settled district into one of the most populous and prosperous portions of the state. He can remember the time when many of the homes were log cabins with their great fireplaces and their tallow candles; when much of the farm work was done by hand according to methods that had been in vogue for centuries. He has lived to see marked changes in the methods of farming as the cultivator, the reaper, the riding plow, the harvester and the thresher have been introduced, relieving man of the most trying and arduous work of the fields. In his own farming methods he kept pace with the general progress and his success came as the merited reward of his labor. No history of Knox County would be complete without the sketch of James H. Roundtree who, as previously stated, is with two exceptions the oldest continuous resident of this locality. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 44-48, submitted by J. Crandell)
Back To TopCaptain George W. Reynolds - Captain George W. Reynolds, a retired farmer owning one hundred acres of land in the corporation of Victoria, belongs to a family that was prominent in the early development of Victoria Township. He was born July 15, 1826, in Milton, Massachusetts, which is now within the city limits of Boston. His grandfather, Wincept Reynolds, was born in New Hampshire, of English parentage, and was a private in the Revolutionary War. In early life Wincept Reynolds married a Miss Locke, a daughter of John Locke, a miller of Barrington, New Hampshire. His keen sense of justice and upright life had won for him the title of "Honest John Locke". The children of Wincept Reynolds were five in number, of whom George F., the father of Captain George W. Reynolds, was the fourth in order of birth, the others being: Wincept, who died in Boston; Jacob; Job Corps, who died in New Hampshire; and Mrs. Elizabeth Weeks, who died in Farmington, New Hampshire. Wincept Reynolds was killed by a falling tree in 1832 and buried on his farm in New Hampshire, where he had spent the greater part of his life. His wife died in 1846. They were members of the old-time Presbyterian church. An interesting heirloom that has come to Captain Reynolds is the cane that was used by his grandfather, Wincept Reynolds.
George W. Reynolds, the father of Captain Reynolds, was born in Barrington, New Hampshire, in 1799. He married Abigail Locke, a daughter of "Honest John Locke, Jr.", and to this union were born four children, of whom George W. Reynolds was the eldest. The others were: Charles C., who died in Andalusia, Illinois; John W., who died in Victoria, Illinois; and Mrs. Julia A. Hammond, who passed away in Victoria Township. Soon after his marriage George F. Reynolds went to Milton, Massachusetts, where he worked for four years for Judge Robbins, and then, in June, 1835, removed to Peru, Illinois, at which time there was only one house on the site of the present city. Owing to sickness in his party Mr. Reynolds left Peru and went to Pleasant Grove, Tazewell County, where he remained one and one-half years, coming in the summer of 1836 to the farm, on which Victoria now stands. His farmer originally covered one hundred and thirty acres but owing to the growth of the town he gradually sold off lots until at the time of his death only eighty acres were left, most of which was cut up into town lots. In 1837 he built the first house that was erected on the road in that section, and in the same year the post office at Victoria was established, the only one in that part of the country, and he was made postmaster. Mr. Reynolds was a lifelong republican. He took a very active part in the early development of the county, helped to organize the township, was a trustee of the school fund and was justice of the peace. He was an earnest worker in the Congregational Church and was known for years as Deacon Reynolds. He died in 1892, at the age of ninety-two and one-half years. His wife had died in 1876 and they are both buried in Victoria cemetery.
Captain George W. Reynolds was reared in Victoria and educated in the public schools there.
Later he attended school in Galesburg for three winters. He served all during the Civil War as captain of Company K, Eighty-third Regiment of Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Smith. After the war he returned to his farm at Victoria. He was twice married. In 1846 he wedded Mary Hotchkiss, a native of New York, and after her death he married, in 1859, Elizabeth Swigard, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Jonathan Swigard. Captain Reynolds has one son by his first marriage, Lewis M., who resides in Colorado, and one daughter by his second marriage, Jenny R., the wife of James McMaster, of Victoria Township. Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Noah Swigard, her sister-in-law, were the only two ladies from these parts who accompanied their husbands into the Civil War, and both were present on the field of the Battle of Fort Donelson. It is very interesting to hear her recount reminiscences of this memorable occasion. She is a venerable old lady, who is greatly beloved by all who come in contact with her and appreciated as a bright and entertaining companion. Captain Reynolds, who has resided on his present farm since 1836, is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and the worthy couple is esteemed highly by all. Both are members of the Congregational Church, of which he serves in the capacity of trustee. Fraternally, he is identified with P. G. Tait Post, No. 869, G. A. R. He has been active in local politics all his life, always working for the republican party. He has served as school treasurer and trustee, and was for nineteen years village treasurer. His life might be termed one of long service to the country at large and, especially, to his community and county. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 74-78, submitted by J. Crandell) Back To TopLAURENCE R. RYAN, M. D.
Laurence R. Ryan was born in Pontiac, Michigan, February 27,
1858. He is descended from old Irish stock. His father was Bernard Ryan and his
mother Maria C. Kelly. Both parents were born near Boyle, in County Roscommon,
Ireland. They came to this country in the same ship and were married in 1848, in
Detroit, Michigan. Twelve children were born to them and Dr. Ryan was the
seventh. Bernard Ryan was a boiler maker by trade and held the responsible
position of foreman at the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad shops in
Galesburg for many years. He died in Galesburg, April 20, 1883, at the age of
sixty-one. The mother was a devout Catholic and a home-loving woman. She lived
for the church and her family. She died twenty-five years after her husband in
the consciousness of having spent an absolutely pure Christian life, and in the
eighty-sixth year of her age.
Dr. Ryan attended the public schools in Aurora and Galesburg until he was
thirteen years of age, at which time he was apprenticed to the boiler-maker
trade under his father in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy shops. He worked at
the trade almost continuously and for ten years, rising from the position of
rivet heater to that of foreman before he was twenty-five years of age.
During the time he was working in the shops he realized the necessity of
securing an education, so he attended the business college and night school,
which was then held in the Churchill school building. Having the ambition to
rise higher than the position of boiler-maker foreman, but seeing no possibility
of advancement along the lines he had started, he finally gave up the shop work
and entered Knox College, determined to graduate and finally to enter his chosen
profession, the practice of medicine. Because of the large family, the father
had to support, he was forced to rely on his own resources and finance himself.
This he did by working during the summer at his trade and had the pleasure of
going through Knox College and Jefferson College without receiving a gratuity
from anyone. While in college he entered into all the activities and besides
having a high grade in scholarship, was active in athletics and on two occasions
received prizes for excellence in gymnastic work, he graduated in 1886 and had
the honor of being one of the commencement speakers.
Two years before his graduation in Knox College, he registered for the study
of
medicine in the office of Drs. Aldrich and Wilson, so that by the time he
graduated, he was well equipped for entering the medical school. He entered
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1886 and after a severe course had
the honor of securing the first prize of one hundred dollars for excellence of
scholarship and best theses, graduating April 5, 1888.
Immediately after graduation he returned to Galesburg and entered into the
practice of medicine with Drs. Aldrich and Wilson, securing a lucrative
practice from the start. After a year in general practice he was tendered the
position of medical examiner for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad,
with control of the whole Galesburg division, which then comprised five hundred
miles. This position he accepted and held for three years. With the ambition to
do better still spurring him on, he left the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy after
a service of three years and went to Europe to study his chosen specialty, the
eye, ear, nose and throat. He was a student in the Berlin University, besides
having private instruction, and also took a course in England, graduating from
the London Post Graduate School in 1892. Since his return from Europe in 1892,
Dr. Ryan has devoted himself exclusively to the practice of his specialty in
Galesburg.
For the last twenty years Dr.
Ryan has enjoyed a most excellent practice, drawing patronage from a radius of
fifty miles, and has done much to further the interests of medicine.
He is a great believer in medical organization and
cooperation for the good of the profession and, therefore,
belongs to numerous medical societies and attends many conventions.
He was one of the organizers of
the first Galesburg Medical Society and was its first secretary. He was also one
of the organizers of the Knox County Medical Society and became its president
in 1903. He filled at different times every official position in the Military
Tract Medical Society and was also the president of that society. He has
prepared and read many scientific papers in the various societies from the city
to the American Medical Association. He was regular and
special pension examining surgeon for many years and is now the official
oculist for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He served on the staff
of the Galesburg Cottage Hospital for several years.
Dr. Ryan is at present a member of the Galesburg Medical Society, Knox County
Medical Society, Military Tract Medical Society, Tri State Society, Chicago Ophthalmological Society, Illinois State Medical Society, American Academy of
Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology, and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Ryan has never courted political honors, but was a candidate for elector on
the gold democratic ticket in 1896. He has never devoted much time to society
or social affairs, secret societies or clubs. His interest has all been along
the line of scientific study and travel. He has, however, for many years been a
member of the Galesburg Business Men's Club, and was a director for six years,
from 1900 to 1906. He has been a member of the Elk's organization since 1904. He
has travelled extensively. Besides visiting all parts of the United States and
Mexico, in 1898 he took a trip around the world, going an unusual way. On this
journey he visited Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and the Sandwich Islands.
Recently he has taken another extended trip from Galesburg to New York city,
thence by steamer to Colon, across the isthmus to the city of Panama by rail,
and finally up the coast of Central America and Mexico to San Francisco by
steamer. On this trip he took occasion to examine carefully the excavations and
locks of the Panama Canal which is reaching completion.
Dr. Ryan was married in 1889 to Margaret S. McChesney, also a graduate of Knox
College. Seven children were born to them, five of whom still survive, namely:
Helen Margaret Ryan, Marion Cecilia Ryan, Robert Laurence Ryan, Harriet Ewing
Ryan and Dorrance Bernard Ryan. The first three are students in Knox College,
while the other two are in the public schools of Galesburg, and all are
unusually capable.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 218 & 222, submitted by J. Crandell)
Fred L. Reed.
Fred L. Reed, a member of the firm of E. S. Willard &
Company, with which he has been connected since 1910, was born in Knoxville,
this county, on 1876. He is the eldest son of William and Mary
A. ( Heagy) Reed, the father a native of Monmouth,
Illinois, and the mother of this county. In his early manhood, William Reed came
to Knoxville and opened a meat market, which he successfully conducted for some
years, he was living at Monmouth at the time of his
death, however, which occurred when he was forty-two years of age. Of the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Reed there were born three children, two sons and one
daughter. The latter, Eva V., died at the age of four years, and the other son,
William, is a resident of Boise City, Idaho.
Knox county has always been
the home of Fred L. Reed, who received his education in the public schools of
Knoxville, terminating his student days upon his graduation from the high
school. He subsequently turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, taking a position on a farm in Copley township. When he
had become familiar with the practical methods of plowing, sowing and caring for
the crops, as well as the other tasks connected with general farming,
he purchased some land, which he operated on his own behalf.
He continued to follow this occupation until 1910, and being a man of
practical ideas and progressive methods he prospered in his undertakings. In the
latter year he disposed of his farm, deciding that he preferred commercial to
agricultural pursuits and, coming to Williamsfield, he
bought the interest of the late E. T. Merry in the firm of E. S. Willard &
Company. Financially this has proven to be a very successful undertaking, as the
business has increased in a most gratifying manner during the two years he has
been connected with it, and is steadily developing. This is the only company of
furniture dealers in the town, and they also have a very good assortment of
crockery, hardware, wall paper, musical instruments and carpets. Besides their
varied stock, of house furnishings, they have an undertaking department, which
is unquestionably equal or superior to any maintained by a town of similar size
in the state. They are located on Main street and have a very attractive store,
every department of which is flourishing. They have an unusually good assortment
of merchandise for a town of this size, which they offer at reasonable prices,
the quality of their wares in every instance being fully commensurate with the
amount charged.
For his wife Mr. Reed chose
Miss Doris A. Harmison and unto them has been born one
child, Harold S.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed both hold
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Modern Woodmen of America, while his political support he gives to the
republican party. As he has spent his entire life in Knox county Mr. Reed is
widely known in the vicinity of Williamsfield, where he has a large circle of
friends who accord him the esteem and respect his honorable business methods
well merit.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 272-273, submitted by
Janine Crandell)
Riley, H. H. Born of Kentucky parentage at Elisabethtown, KY, Aug 19, 1821. He was educated in subscription schools in Crawford County, IN. He came to Knox County in 1833, and was a member of light horse cavalry in 1834. He married Amanda Mayo Oct. 11, 1842. They have one son and eight daughters. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1850. He has been Collector Trustee and School Director of Rio. He is a farmer from choice. Democrat. P. O. Rio. (History of Knox County, Illinois, 1878, page 702, submitted by Pat Thomas)
A.H. Rice.
A highly prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Knox county is A. H. Rice,
who owns three hundred and thirty-five acres of most productive land in Truro
township, located four miles northeast of Williamsfield. To the further
improvement and cultivation of this property he has devoted his entire time and
energy for the past nineteen years, with most gratifying results.
Mr. Rice was born in Victoria township, this county, on the 20th of September,
1861, and there he was reared in a manner, similar to other farmer lads,
receiving his education in the district schools. While engaged with the mastery
of the common branches, he was laying the foundation for a future agricultural
career by assisting with the work of the fields and care of the stock. Naturally
when he was old enough to decide upon a life vocation he chose the one to which
he felt he was best adapted, and has never had any occasion to regret his
selection as he has prospered in his undertakings, and is now numbered among the
substantial farmers of his community. He was an ambitious and energetic as well
as thrifty youth, and concentrated his entire efforts into acquiring sufficient
capital to purchase a place of his own. His endeavors were successful and
immediately following his marriage in 1890 he settled on a place located in this
county, that he operated for a year. In 1892, he disposed of this property and
purchased his present homestead. Since becoming the owner, Mr. Rice has wrought
many improvements that have added greatly to the appearance and value of the
place. All of the buildings now standing have been erected since he came here,
and he has also installed many modern conveniences and comforts, indicative of
the spirit of progress that characterizes all of his undertakings. Everything
about the place manifests close supervision and capable management, and the
careful regard for details that invariable accompanies success in any
enterprise. Mr. Rice is operating his farm in strict accordance to the modern
methods of agriculture, and as a result his fields annually yield him abundant
harvests that command the market's highest prices. His efforts are not entirely
confined to diversified farming, much of his attention being given to the
raising of stock, which has also proven to be very renumerative. He is not only
a competent agriculturist but a business man of practical ideas and sound
judgement, who owes his success to his tireless industry and the intelligent
direction of his activities.
In 1890 Mr. Rice completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his
marriage to Miss Priscilla Yelm, a daughter of Anderson and Priscilla (Abey)
Yelm, the father a native of Sweden and the mother of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rice
was also born in Knox county in 1868. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Rice number
six, as follows, Vesper M., Lester A., William F., George E., Sadie A. and
Arthur. Of the seven children born to them, one died in infancy. The sons all
assist their father in the operation of the farm, thus making it possible to
almost entirely dispense with the need of hired help.
His political prerogatives Mr. Rice exercises in support of such men and
measures as are advanced by the democratic party, to the principles of which he
has been absolutely loyal ever since granted the right of franchise. He takes an
active interest in all township affairs, but is not an aspirant to public honors
or the emoluments of office, and therefore, has never been associated with local
governmental matters in any capacity save that of school director. Fraternally
he is a Woodman. Mr. Rice has spent his entire life in the immediate vicinity of
his present homestead, where he is well known and highly regarded, as he has
always conducted himself in all of his relations of life, both public and
private, in such a manner as to command the respect of his community.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, page 903, submitted by
Pat Thomas)
John H. Rice. John H. Rice is one of the well known business men of Williamsfield, where for
many years he has been engaged in buying and shipping stock. He was born in
Victoria township, Knox county, in 1854, and is a son of Foster and Harriet (Aldrige)
Rice, the father a native of the state of New York and the mother of Indiana.
When he was a very young lad, Foster Rice came to Illinois with his parents and
the remainder of his life was spent in Peoria and Knox counties, where he
engaged in farming. He was living in Victoria township, where for many years he
had been engaged in agricultural pursuits, at the time of his death, which
occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Foster
Rice, there were born six children, Henry; Mrs. Eliza Aten, John H, our subject;
George, Arthur and Alvin.
As he was reared in the country John H. Rice acquired his education in the
common schools, during which time he gave his father such assistance as he was
able in the operation of the home farm. When he had obtained such knowledge as
was deemed essential to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities, he
left school and devoted his entire attention to the work of the fields,
remaining under the parental roof for five years thereafter. At the expiration
of that time he began his independent agricultural career and farmed as a renter
for several years. He next removed to Missouri, but at the expiration of two
years he returned to Knox county, settling in Williamsfield, where he
subsequently became associated with Peter A. Sunwall in buying and shipping
stock. He has ever since engaged in this business in which he has met very good
success.
Mr. Rice has been married three times. His first union was with Miss Ella
Goodspeed, and unto them were born two children; Carl and Mrs. Maud Davis. He
subsequently married Miss Hannah Hammond, while his present wife was formerly
Miss Tillie Anderson, a daughter of the late Adophus Anderson, who was a farmer
in Victoria township. Unto Mr. Rice and his third wife there have been born two
children, Vera and John.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Rice hold membership in the Methodist church and politically
he is a republican. He always takes an active interest in all municipal and
township affairs and has served with efficiency in a number of township offices.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 1007-1008, submitted by
Pat Thomas)
Walter Redd.
Orange Township has its quota of successful and well-to-do farmers, men who have
attained success through individual effort, energy and perseverance, and who are
in the sunset of life enjoying a well-earned competency. Prominent among the
class mentioned as a citizen and successful agriculturist, residing on section
11, Orange Township, where he is engaged in his chosen vocation, is the subject
of this brief sketch. Born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, 27 March 1820 of
parents by name, John and Elizabeth (Barber) Redd, he seems to have inherited
his love for faming, as his father was a farmer before him, and a soldier in the
War of 1812. He and his good wife, the mother of our subject, died on the old
homestead in Ohio, about the year 1827, when Walter was quite young.
Orphaned at an early age, the subject of our sketch worked by the month at
whatever he could find to do, and was variously occupied until February, 1842.
At that date he came to this county, and on arrival here, being without money,
he engaged in labor by the month, and thus continued for 18 months, when he went
to Knoxville, and was there employed in a flour mill for eight years, thus
acquiring the miller's trade. At the end of that time he purchased 160 acres of
land in Orange Township, the same being the identical tract on which he is
residing at this time and where he has lived continuously engaged in
agricultural pursuits.
After arriving at mature manhood, Mr. Redd became dissatisfied with the life of
"single blessedness, and 12 September 1844, joined the army of benedicts, Miss
Frances Allen becoming his wife. She is the daughter of William and Nancy
(Wilkins) Allen, and was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, 5 April 1826, her
mother being a native of Pennsylvania and her father of Kentucky, and both of
them deceased, their demise occurring in this county. The Allen family came to
Knox County in about 1836 and took up a claim in Persifer Township, where the
father remained until his death.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Redd has been blest by the birth of twelve children,
of which the following is a record: Benjamin F., born 20 July 1846, died in
infancy; Robert H. was born 12 September 1847; Julia and Julius (twins) 22
December 1851, the latter is deceased, his demise occurring 23 January 1852;
Lorena was born 12 January 1854; Blanche, 1 September 1855; Frank 21 September
1857; Ida M., 15 February 1860; Grace 22 November 1861; Etta, 22 May 1863;
Harvey, 5 April 1868, yet at home. Robert H. married Miss Melissa McDowell and
is a farmer in Decatur County, Iowa; they have four children, whose names are
Margaret F., William, Lora and Fred Redd. John W. married Miss Clara Barnett and
is a farmer in Nebraska, they have the following named children: Flora, Lucy,
Harvey, Delia, Clyde, Albert and Luther. Julia is the wife of John F. Fink and
resides in Johnson County, Nebraska, they have six children, whose names are
Frances, John, Harvey, Cora, Lulu, Archie and a son not names. Lorena is the
wife of Peter Hawley, and resides in Orange Township; they have one children
living, named Dora Hawley. Blanche is the wife of Julius J. Maxey and lives in
Orange Township; they have four children, named Maud P., Ray, Frank and Lula.
Ida M. married Park Garwood, they live in Dundee County, Nebraska and have one
child, named Pauline. Grace married James Mowry and lives in Osceola, Iowa, they
have no children. Etta married Fank Motter, they live on a farm in Persifer
Township, and have one son, Arlass Motter.
Mr. Redd has a fine farm in Orange Township, consisting of 300 acres of well
improved land. On his place he has a good, substantial dwelling, together with a
barn, shed, and other necessary out-buildings, and in the prosecution of his
calling is meeting with that success which perseverance and energy coupled with
economy seldom fail to bring. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and socially Mr. Redd belongs to Knoxville Lodge, No. 66, A. F.&A.M. In
politics he is a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub.
in 1886, pages 574-575, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Henry Ream,
freight engineer on the C.B. & Q. railroad was born in Richland
county, Ohio, 14 October 1841. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Doermire)
Ream, the father being a native of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry and the
mother of English descent. In 1851 his parents moved to Grundy county, Missouri,
where our subject grew to manhood on his father's farm.
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War our subject declared himself for the Union,
and enlisted his services first in the defense of the State and latterly for the
United States. He enrolled with Company B, 23rd Missouri Volunteer Infantry,
receiving an honorable discharge at the end of the war. At the close of the war
he began railroading with the C. B. & Q. railroad at Quincy, Illinois as a
fireman. In 1871 he was given charge of an engine and has very acceptably and
meritoriously filled the position since.
Mr. Ream was married at Quincy, Illinois on 12 July 1867, to Elizabeth Ann,
daughter of Michael Roley, Esquire, who was a native of Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania. Their home circle has been blest by the birth of seven children,
three sons and four daughters. Joseph Albert Ream, a young man of 18 (the eldest
of the family) is completing his academic studies; the names of the others are
Lydia, Annetta, Christian, Rosa and Daniel (twins), Ethel Anne and Grace
Victoria. Christian, Rosa and Daniel are dead. Mr. Ream and wife, together with
their eldest son and daughter are members in full standing with the First
Baptist Church. He is a worthy member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers, Division Number 62, of Galesburg, is a worthy citizen, a clever
gentleman and kind husband and father.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in
1886, page 796, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Benjamin Ramp.
One of the most important factors in the prosperity of Knox County is found in
the person of the subject of this biography, who is a farmer and stockdealer,
living on section 3, of Haw Creek Township. He is one of the solid men of the
county, owns considerable property, and is an instance of what energy of purpose
combined with industry and persistent toil can do.
Mr. Ramp was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 20 November 1815, and is
the son of William and Mary (Hebberling) Ramp, both natives of Pennsylvania. The
family was originally of German lineage, as their patronymic goes to show. The
subject of this recital removed to Miami County, Ohio, in 1844, and engaged in
farming. In 1848 he removed to Knox County, Illinois and took up his abode on
section 3, Haw Creek, where he now resides. He owns 2,000 acres of land in this
county, located in Haw Creek, Persifer, and Truro Townships, all, except 300
acres of pasture, under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Ramp has one of the
best dwellings in the township, built of brick and costing upward of $6,000. The
grounds are laid out in a tasteful and picturesque manner, and the barn,
corn-houses, and out-buildings are first class in every respect, and second to
none in the county.
On the 26th of October, 1837, he deserted the ranks of single blessedness and
was united in marriage to Sarah Mapps. She was the daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Highland) Mapps and was born in New Jersey. Her mother was a native
of Pennsylvania, from a family of English origin on the father's side and Irish
on the mother's side. To Mr. and Mrs. Ramp have been born 13 children, as
follows: Elizabeth, born 10 April 1839. was the wife of John W. Cook, and
deceased 14 January 1862; William was born 4 October 1840, united in marriage
with Octavia Fravel, and lives near Yates City, Illinois; Mary Jane, born 28
October 1843, is the wife of Henry Bell, residing in Persifer Township; John,
born 10 March 1842, died 11 August 1842; David was born 6 September 1845, was
married to Virginia Vores, of Persifer Township, their present home; Aaron, born
1 March 1847, died 14 January 1854; Benjamin, born 11 December 1848, died 5 June
1850; Samuel, born 11 November 1850, united in marriage with Amanda Jacobs, who
lives in Truro Township, this county; Jesse M. born 11 February 1853, died 31
October 1853; Asa M., born 24 January 1855, married Deborah Westner, and lives
in Truro Township; Cephas A., born 18 November 1856, married Julia Biggerstaff,
and lives in Persifer Township; James W., born 22 February 1859, married Mary
Biggerstaff, and resides in Haw Creek Township; and Charles A., born 12 August
1862, is married to Sarah E. Green, of Haw Creek Township. They reside at home,
assisting to carry on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Ramp have 40 grandchildren
and 6 great-grandchildren.
When Mr. Ramp moved to Ohio, in 1844, he only had about $150, and when he came
to Knox County, in 1848, his possessions amounted to only about $1,200 on
arrival. On arriving here he purchased a farm of 87 acres. He rented a house and
spent the winter in Knoxville, and desiring to earn a little money he engaged in
teaming from Knoxville to Peoria. On the third trip, going down the Spoon River
Hill, the staple on the neckyoke broke; Mr. Ramp was walking, and in attempting
to catch the team he was thrown to the ground, the wheels passing over his left
leg, which necessitated its amputation at the upper part of the thigh. From this
accident he was all winter recovering, and when in the spring he moved out to
the farm with his wife and six small children, he had but a few dollars and was
in debt on account of his sickness. Now a man of less courage would have been
disheartened, but not so with Mr. Ramp. With commendable energy he set about to
recover his fortunes, and by the exercise of foresight and good judgment he
finally carved out success. Little by little he added to his landed estate,
until now his broad acreage comprises one of the finest farms in Knox County.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Ramp refer with much gratitude to the kind attentions bestowed
on them by the citizens of Knoxville, during their sore trials; the remembrance
of those kind acts will ever be green in their memories. The people of Knoxville
wished to present them with two hundred dollars, but they would not accept it.
In 1860, while Mr. Ramp was driving a mower, one of the wheels fell into a blind
ditch, and he was thrown on the ground in front of the sickle-bar, which cut off
his right arm below the elbow. Even this did not discourage him, and he still
continues to manage his farms.
Mr. Ramp has held many minor offices of this county, and township, and has been
Justice of the Peace for four years. Both himself and wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church at Knoxville, and in politics he is a Republican. At their
beautiful home, Mr. and Mrs. Ramp dispense a liberal hospitality. He ranks as
one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Knox County. The
portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Ramp are shown on pages 526 and 527 respectively.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in
1886, pages 529-530, submitted by Pat Thomas)
Solomon Wood Rogers
is an old settler of Knox County, and farmer on section 16, Salem township. He
was born 5 March 1819, in Muskingum County, Ohio. His father, Edward Rogers was
a native of Virginia and an early settler in the county in which our subject was
born, locating there about 1811. An uncle of the mother of our subject, John
Robinson, together with his wife, was taken prisoner by the Indians, and by them
was taken to Ohio. After a few months' captivity, he made his escape, and
returning to Virginia, raised a company, went back to Ohio and secured his wife.
The father of our subject, Edward Rogers, was a member of this party, and it was
while on this raid that the different members determined to settle in Ohio.
Edward Rogers secured a tract of timber land in Ohio, upon which he remained
until 1821. Disposing of this property, he returned to Harrison County,
Virginia, remaining there until the spring of 1838, the date of his removal with
his wife and six children to the Prairie State. They came via the West Fork of
the Monongahela River to Pittsburg, on a flatboat built for the occasion. At the
latter place they were transferred to a steamer and came via the Ohio,
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria, thence to Canton. At the latter place
he rented a tract of land. upon which he remained until 1845. Removing with his
family to Knox County, he again rented for a period of six years. His son, the
subject of this notice, meanwhile entered a claim on the northwest quarter of
section 16, now in Salem Township, and while living upon the rented property
both the father and son were improving the farm on section 16, to which they
moved in 1848. The death of Edward Rogers occurred 22 December 1866. The maiden
name of the mother of our subject was Elizabeth Wood, a native of Virginia. Her
death occurred in 1849. The children born to the senior Mr. Rogers and wife were
ten in number, only two of whom are living - S.W., our subject and a sister,
Elizabeth, relict of Robert Dennis, who lives with her son at Maquon.
The subject of this sketch was an infant of two years when his parents removed
to Virginia, and was 19 years old when they emigrated to Illinois. He had always
remained at home, with the exception of a few months at a time, until the death
of his father. After coming to Illinois, he was engaged at various employments,
and in 1842-43 was occupied in chopping wood and teaming near the Illinois
River. He had saved a sufficiency of his earnings to enable him, in 1845, to
enter the tract of land which he now owns and occupies. He did not, however,
settle upon this until three years later. In the meantime he had erected a log
cabin, together with a few other improvements, and in 1848 installed his parents
and one sister in the cabin. Since that time he has made great improvements upon
his farm, having erected a substantial set of frame buildings, enclosed his
entire acreage and placed the same under a fine state of cultivation. He has
earned the reputation of being one of Knox County's most industrious farmers,
and this, together with his good judgment, has made him successful. Mr. Rogers
has added from time to time to his acreage, until he is at this writing, the
possessor of 520 acres, all of which is located in Salem Township.
S.W. Rogers formed a matrimonial alliance 15 April 1850, with Jerusha, daughter
of Silas and Elizabeth (Terry) Hand. She was born in Highland County, Ohio, 28
September 1828. Her parents were natives of New Jersey and Virginia
respectively.
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of five children - Sophia E., William H.,
Millard F., Solomon W., and Franklin G. Mr. R. was formerly a Whig, but upon the
organization of the Republican party, he joined its ranks and has cast his vote
for that party since that time. In matters of religion he is liberal, and
believes in doing to others as he would have them do unto him.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in
1886, pages 402-403, submitted by Pat Thomas)
WILLIAM ALLEN ROBBINS. William Allen Robbins, who
has maintained his residence in Knox county for forty-five consecutive years, is
one of the prominent and esteemed citizens of Galesburg and since 1906 has been
engaged in the real-estate and insurance business as a member of the firm of
Bartlett & Robbins. His birth occurred in the old town of Oxford. Henry county,
Illinois, on the 10th of April, 1851, his parents being Edward S. and Temperance
(Allen) Robbins, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The
paternal grandfather, Levi Robbins, was a native of Massachusetts. Both he and
his wife, Mrs. Dinah (Good-enough) Robbins, passed away in Copenhagen, Lewis
county, New York. He was an agriculturist by occupation and enjoyed an enviable
reputation as a prominent, popular and highly esteemed citizen of his community.
At the time of his demise he was one hundred years and five months old. His
first wife, the grandmother of our subject, was more than seventy years of age
when called to her final rest. Their children were as follows: Austin, Edward.
Levi, Orrin and Chloe. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was
Ebenezer A. Denison, son of Daniel, and was born on the 26th of January, 1760.
In 1784 he wedded Mrs. Elizabeth (Spencer) Jones, with whom he resided in Berne,
Albany county, New York. The founder of the Denison family in the United States
was William Denison, who came to America in 1631, settling at Roxbury,
Massachusetts. The maternal grandparents of William A. Robbins were William and
Catharine (Denison) Allen, the former born at Groton, Connecticut, on the 31st
of October, 1782, and the latter in 1786. Both died in Lewis county, New York,
William Allen passing away in the '70s and his wife at the age of eighty-seven
years. Unto them were born eleven children who lived to maturity and had
families; Avery, Eliza, Temperance, Ebenezer, Ephraim. Elizabeth, Ira, Hannah,
Orpha, Paulina and Lydia.
Edward S. Robbins, the father of Mr. Robbins of this
review, was reared on a farm in Lewis county, New York, and in 1836 located
among the earliest settlers of Knox county, taking up government land near Log
City, where he began farming. Subsequently he spent a number of years in Sparta
township and later removed to a farm in Henry county. Disposing of the property,
he took up his abode in Galesburg, on the 8th of March, 1866, and here passed
away at the age of seventy-eight years. The death of his wife occurred when she
was eighty-two years old. They were originally Baptists in religious faith but
at the time of their demise and for many years prior were identified with the
Second Adventists. Edward S. Robbins successfully practiced medicine for a
number of years. Unto him and his wife were born five children, as follows:
Edward C. D., who died while serving as a captain in the Civil war and was
buried in the Vicksburg National Cemetery; Mildred E., who first wedded Albert
T. Boyd and is now the wife of George H. Hotaling, of Grant City, Missouri;
Orpha C., who is the widow of Joseph Pine and resides in Galesburg; William A.,
of this review; and Levi, who died in infancy.
William Allen Robbins, whose name introduces this
review, remained on his father's farm in Henry county until fifteen years of age
and then came to Knox county, within, the borders of which he has since resided.
He began his education in the country schools and later spent two years in the
public schools of Galesburg. When a youth of seventeen years he put aside his
textbooks and entered the grocery store of Dunn & Kingsbury, serving as a clerk
for three years. He then spent about a year, in 1871, with the Frost
Manufacturing Company and next became an employe of George D. Crocker, whom he
served in the capacity of clerk for about seven years. On the expiration of that
period he became a partner of his employer and the relation was maintained with
mutual pleasure and profit for twenty-six years. In 1893-4 Messrs. Crocker and
Robbins erected the Arlington Hotel. Mr. Robbins was the pioneer in the
pure-food movement in this section. In 1906, one year after severing his
business connection with Mr. Crocker, he became a partner of Mr. Bartlett in the
real-estate and insurance business and has since enjoyed a gratifying clientage
as a member of the firm of Bartlett & Robbins. He owns farm lands in Cass and
Steele counties, North Dakota, and has followed general agricultural pursuits
there for six years, maintaining his residence, however, in Galesburg.
On the 13th of October, 1874, Mr. Robbins was united in
marriage to Miss Nettie E. Carr, a daughter of Dr. M. S. and Susan M. (Espy)
Carr. They had two children, namely: Elizabeth, who gave her hand in marriage to
E. L. Tilden and resides in Buffalo, New York; and Elmer A., who died at the age
of ten years.
In politics Mr. Robbins is a stanch republican, loyally
supporting the men and measures of that party. He was a deacon of the First
Baptist church for twenty-seven years and acted as chairman of the board for
seventeen years. His wife is likewise a devoted and faithful member of that
church. His career has been one of continuous activity, in which has been
accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial
and representative citizens of his county.
(History of
Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 314-316, submitted by Janine
Crandell)