Miss Albina Hughes was born in Savona, Steuben county, New York, July 31st, 1841. She was the daughter of Doctor Hiram Hughes and Lurissa Boone Hughes. She continued to reside in her native village until her marriage to Mr. Perry. The early life of Mrs. Perry was spent studying and teaching. She attended the common schools of her native village and had the privilege also of attending the Sonora Academy, where she enjoyed an advanced course of study. For a time she was also the preceptress of this institution. She was a successful teacher when but sixteen years of age. From earliest youth she revealed a clear, perceptive mind and she made rapid progress in all her studies. It was characteristic of her that while following one course of reading she would memorize another course read in her presence by pupils of a higher grade. This alertness of mind has characterized Mrs. Perry throughout her entire life. As a teacher she was marked by exceptional skill as a disciplinarian. While possessed of a lively and humorous nature, her students were somewhat awed by her presence and the promptest obedience always followed the expression of her requests. In some respects her pupils scarcely discovered the kind and sympathetic nature so thinly veiled by her outward manner, and yet all dearly loved her. Thus as student and teacher and as daughter in the home she grew to maturity. Her marriage to Mr. Perry occurred on December 9th, 1866. Mr. Perry had preceded her to Galesburg by about a year and a half, but in January, 1867, they came to our city and here for forty-five years they have remained, sharing in all the higher life of our community, and gathering about them a very large circle of loved and loving friends. In this fellowship they have received and contributed unceasing pleasure.

Throughout her life Mrs. Perry has not been physically strong. Even at the time of her marriage she showed signs of failing health. It is therefore a great tribute to her that she attained the good age of seventy and one-half years. This was due almost entirely to her methodical life, her innate knowledge of hygiene, and her constant recognition of and her obedience to the laws of right living. These careful habits became characteristic of her in all departments of her life. Order and economy became the law of her household. Under the stress of a limited income she planned that there should always be at least a small surplus. Realizing that age might bring its own problems of finance, she did her part toward making an annual increase to this small surplus. Her conscience took on much of the same formal and judicial character and her moral and social nature was dominated by it. Indeed, one might quote that somewhat austere verse of Pope in order to describe her in this direction:

"What conscience dictates to be done,
Or warns me not to do,
This teach me more than hell to shun,
That more than Heaven pursue."

But while submitting all her life to order, Mrs. Perry so directed her affairs as to leave time for the reading of the choicest literature in history and fiction, and for acquiring those treasures of the mind which became so characteristic of her. She was a charter member of the Clio Club of this city and for two years its president. That she contributed very much to the success and to the pleasure of the club, all its members lovingly testify. In all matters her judgment was excellent, and it was always at the service of her husband, whether upon matters of the domestic arrangement or in the larger affairs of life.

While no children were born to the home, it is to be recorded that many children and youth have here found a true home. Many grown to maturity recall with exquisite pleasure the kindness of Mrs. Perry, and some of them were fortunate in finding here the love of true parents. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 1088 & 1091, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Hattie Porter. For more than a half century Mrs. Hattie Porter has been a witness of the growth and development of Knox county and has beheld this section of the country transformed from crude prairie land to well cultivated farms. A native of Ohio, she was born in Ashtabula county, March 13, 1852, her parents being Aaron and Mary (Buckman) Brockhurst. Her father was a native of England and came to the United States when he was a young man, settling in Ohio. There he met Miss Mary Buckman, a native of New York state, who later became his wife. They were the parents of the following children, all of whom were born in Ohio: Henry, who resides in Oil City, Pennsylvania; John, also a resident of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Anna Brazington, of Cleveland, Ohio; George, a resident of Ashtabula county, Ohio; Charles, who makes his home in Clinton, Illinois; Mrs. Mary McNutt, of Ohio; Frank and Edward, both of whom are deceased; Hattie, the subject of this biography; and two boys who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brockhurst removed with their family to Knox county, Illinois, when their daughter Hattie was seven years of age, and settled in Salem township on a farm consisting of one hundred and fifty acres of land now owned by Levi McGirr. This land the father continued to cultivate until his death, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife died at the age of fifty-three years and both are buried in Yates City cemetery. In his political convictions Mr. Brockhurst was a republican and always was heartily in sympathy with the measures and movements that tended toward the advancement of the welfare of the community in which he resided.

Reared under the parental roof, Hattie Brockhurst obtained her education in the common schools of Salem township. She remained at home until her marriage, January 1, 1870, to Stephen P. Porter, a native of Columbus, Ohio. He was a son of Lorenzo and Mahala (Postal) Porter, both natives of Columbus, Ohio, and the parents of two children. Stephen Porter's father died when he was a boy and his mother married a Mr. Phillips, by whom she had three children. They left Ohio for Illinois and made their home on the farm now owned by Mrs. Hattie Porter, which her husband had received from his mother at the time of his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Porter were the parents of ten children: Cora; Nellie, who married Frank Tasker; Maude, who is the wife of Edward Hollaway and resides in Haw Creek township, being the mother of one child, Marie; Sylvia, now Mrs. Kay Harper of Douglas, Illinois; Earl, of Salem township, who married Nora Johnston, by whom he has one child, Rowland; Clyde; Alta; and three, who died in infancy.

Ever since her marriage Mrs. Porter has lived on the farm where she now resides, with the exception of one year during which she was a resident of Yates City. Mr. Porter's death occurred in December, 1905, and he is buried in the Yates City cemetery. Although never a politician he was an ardent believer in the principles of democracy and at the polls gave his vote to the candidates of that party. The home place, to the cultivation of which Mr. Porter gave his best efforts, is now operated by the sons who are of valuable assistance to their mother. Mrs. Porter oversees all the details of the management and performs those duties which lie within the range of her activities, manifesting both good judgment and executive ability in the administration of her affairs. In spite of the many demands made upon her she never fails to have sufficient time to devote to her friends of whom she has a large number, for she is affable in manner and always kind. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 817-818, submitted by Janine Crandell)

Mrs. Martha Reed. The lady whose name stands at the head of this notice, and a summary of whose life is herein given, owns a home on section 16, in Sparta Township, and is one of the best known most energetic women of Knox County, is the widow of James D. Reed, deceased, was born June 27, 1825, at Frankfort, Ky. came to Illinois with his parents when a child, and they settled at Henderson Grove, Knox County, where they pursued the occupation of farming.

On attaining the age of 23 years, Mr. Reed left his home, in which he had continued up to this date and was united in marriage with Miss Martha, daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Shumate) Duvall. She was a native of Kentucky, and their marriage was celebrated Aug. 22, 1847. Eight children were the result of this marriage, named Nancy E., Helen M., Sarah E., Francis A., Rosella A., Polly E., Albert I. and Dora E. Mr. Reed departed this life Dec. 8, 1883.

Soon after his marriage with Miss Duval, Mr. Reed rented a farm at Henderson Grove, which he purchased in 1850, containing 40 acres. To this he added 16 acres and afterward 40. Since that, Mrs. Reed has had 80 acres given her as a present by her father. This lies in Sparta Township, on section 10. Since the death of her husband the widow continues to carry on her home farm.

Mrs. Reed is a member of the Christian Church in  good and regular standing, and has characterized her life with keen foresight, good financial ability and native force and energy. Mr. Reed was a member of the Baptist Church, worshiping under the doctrines of faith as represented by that organization. He was a liberal-minded man in regard to questions of religion or in public matters. He was extremely fond of home, domestic in tastes and a kind husband and father. Politically he was a Democrat, but believed strongly in placing "the right man in the right place."

Mrs. Reed was born April 37, 1831, and her daughters married as follows: Nancy E. was united with Dr. Chas. Babcock, and to them one daughter has been born, by name Grace; Helen M. is the wife of Henry Andress, and the mother of five children— Mamie, Warren, Fannie, Edith and James; Sarah E. married Robert Langloss, and they are the parents of two children, named Fred, and Martha. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 470-471, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Jennie H. Reynolds, wife of the late Peter G. Reynolds, who during his lifetime was associated with agricultural interests in Knox county, resides on the farm which her husband operated for many years, a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Sparta township. She was born in Knoxville, Illinois, January 29, 1864. Her father, Robert Higgins, who lives at Knoxville and is in his seventy-third year, is a native of Belfast, Ireland, arriving in America at the age of fourteen years. His parents located at Knoxville, Illinois, and there he was brought up to follow farming and also learned the butcher's trade, following this dual occupation until his retirement a number of years ago. He married Elizabeth Wallace, also a native of Ireland, and they had ten children, five boys and five girls, of whom two are deceased. The living are: Jennie, the subject of this review; Robert, residing in Minnesota; Samuel, living at home; Mayme, the wife of J. B. Grounds of Denver, Colorado; Martha, the wife of Ray Van Tassel, of Flint, Michigan; James and Charles, living in La Junta, Colorado; and Belle, the wife of A. Humphrey of Minnesota.

After the usual education in the public schools of her native locality Jennie H. Higgins remained at home for a time and in April, 1893, was united in marriage to Peter G. Reynolds. He was born on the old homestead in Sparta township in 1860 and was a son of E. B. Reynolds, at present a resident of Galesburg. Reared in the locality in which he passed his entire life he obtained his education here attending first the district schools of Sparta township and later Lombard College at Galesburg. He engaged in agriculture operating his father's farm for a number of years. He then farmed on his own account and after his marriage purchased the farm where Mrs. Reynolds is now living. Here he followed the pursuits of general farming and feeding cattle for market, meeting with substantial rewards for his untiring toil. In politics he was an ardent democrat and served for many terms as a director on the school board and a road commissioner. On August 3, 1898, Mr. Reynolds passed away after a lingering illness of two years, and although he had suffered long his untimely death came as a great shock to his family, for he had been a good husband and a devoted father. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds: Ralph J., born August 13, 1894; and John E., born February 24, 1897.

Mrs. Reynolds is a member of the Christian church of Knoxville, the faith to which her husband also belonged. He maintained fraternal relations with the Masonic order having been a member of the Knoxville lodge. Occupied with the responsibilities of motherhood, educating her children, seeing that they may be provided with the opportunities which will enable them to make their way in the world, the years of widowhood have passed rapidly for Mrs. Reynolds and have softened her grief and the loneliness that follows the bereavement of dear ones. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 974-975, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mary A. Roberson. The subject of this biographical notice, whose home is situated on section 17, Indian Point Township, is the widow of James Roberson, deceased. She is a lady whose strength of character and nobleness of purpose have borne her onward, though oftentimes she has felt the heavy hand of affliction. James Roberson, her late husband, was born Feb. 8, 1821, in Barren County, Ky.

Mr. Roberson died Oct. 31, 1881. He was a highly respected citizen and a good neighbor. His death was widely mourned, as he had been always noteworthy for a quiet, peaceable life and highest integrity. He was an affectionate husband and father, and was never so happy as when in his quiet home circle. He departed in the full faith and assurance of that blessed hope in the bright hereafter."Oh, grave, where is thy victory?"

Mrs. Roberson does common farming, and has succeeded well in her unusual venture. She has an interesting family of sons and daughters, three of whom, with their mother, are consistent members, living beautiful and devoted lives as Christians, under the faith of the Christian Church. They take an active interest in the Sunday-school, and are workers in all good and worthy enterprises. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 389, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mary Roe. The lady of whom this biography is written, is one of the most estimable women of Knox County and worthy of a place in its records. She has shown much business ability, and in spite of the obstacles and hindrances that confront a woman left alone, has done nobly, and like Joan of Arc, "Redeemed her people."  Her farm is situated on section 21, of Indian Point Township, and though large, originally, has been divided with the children, until 74 acres as a homestead, remains to the widow, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Tift) Barber, who were natives of Rhode Island.

Mrs. Roe had three sons in the army, one of whom, Daniel, lost his life at Pittsburgh Landing. He nobly proved that "They never die who fall in a great cause." His death was the result of wounds. The two others were Silas J. and Truman H. The latter was in the 1st Cavalry, passed through the ordeal unscathed and went home to the waiting mother They are still living. She has one daughter, now living in Galesburg, and one in Cass County, Iowa; a daughter in Ford County, Ill.; one in Hancock County; one in Knox County; and Mills County, Iowa; Martha E. is in Nebraska; and one in Wyoming County, Pa.

Mrs. Roe and husband were congenial companions and passed together a happy married life. He was an earnest, humble, and a kind and loving husband and father, and his death was deeply lamented. Mrs. Roe was one of the early settlers of this section of country, and remembers vividly, many of the incidents of pioneer days. She entered the house in which she now lives, before it was sided or shingled. During his life they accumulated considerable property. Their landed possessions amount to 400 acres. He was an active, earnest member of society, and watched political events with considerable interest. He was a Republican in sentiment and vote. In faith, he was a Protestant Methodist. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 191, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Martha Seiboldt, the relict of Octavius Seiboldt, is the subject of this biographical sketch, and a woman of indomitable and persevering energy. She owns and manages a farm of 300 acres, on which she erected a fine residence in 1885, valued at $2,000. She has instituted many improvements and steadily worked with a view to the establishment of a home worthy of the pride of its owner.

Mrs. Seiboldt has three children living — John, Sarah and George; Emma and Mary are deceased. Mrs. Seiboldt manages her large farm with admirable tact and ability, and wins golden opinions for her womanly courage, her nobility of purpose and her strength of execution. She is a consistent member of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church, and a useful worker. In her younger days she was only a laboring girl, working in Peoria and Galesburg at housework, but, taking for her motto "there is no such word as fail," she has succeeded in securing the possession of a home which will be a rest and an abiding place throughout her declining years. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 346-347, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Cynthia Shaw, the relict of John C. Shaw, and a lady of more than ordinary business ability, who is at present residing on her fine farm in Sparta Township, deserves more than passing notice at the hands of the biographer. She is the daughter of Cyrus and Maria (Calkins) Robbins, and was born in Sparta Township, Dec. 25, 1839, her marriage with John C. Shaw occurring Nov. 28, 1861.

After the death of his mother, John C., purchased the combined interests of his brothers and sisters in the old homestead, on which the subject of this sketch is at present residing. In 1880 he made an additional purchase of 50 acres adjoining the parental homestead, and there lived and labored, with the interest and prosperity of his family at heart, until his demise, on the 7th of May, 1881. He was a member of the Advent Church, to which his wife still belongs. At the date of his demise he was also the proprietor of 143 acres of land in Washington County, Oregon. His widow, our subject, still resides on the old farm, and with her children is engaged in its cultivation, meeting with success. Mr. Shaw was a public-spirited, generous, whole-souled man, and always ready and willing to assist in any enterprise that was calculated to benefit the community in which he lived, and was never known to turn a deaf ear to true charity. He held the office of School Director of his township for eight years, and, as a representative of the agricultural class to which he belonged, was the peer of any. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 299, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Sarah Sloan owns a fine farm in Salem township, which her son James operates with great efficiency. She was born near Antrim, in County Antrim, Ireland, November 22, 1832. Her parents were both natives of County Antrim and lived there during their entire lives. Her father, Hugh Allen, was a very fine musician and was a leader of the church choir for thirty years, also giving instruction in music throughout the county, where he was well known. He was united in marriage to Sarah Caulfield, by whom he had eight children. All grew to maturity, Sarah Ellen, the subject of this review, being now the only member of the family who survives. The others were: William, who passed away in Ireland when a young man; Martha, who was married and had six children, the family residing in Ireland; Hugh, who was a soldier in the Civil war and passed away in Douglas, Illinois; John, who met his death while serving in the Irish army; Margaret Ann, who was married and lived in Ireland; Francis, who came to America after the death of his wife and passed away in Chicago, Illinois; and Robert, whose surviving family resides in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Allen, who were members of the Presbyterian church and well known in County Antrim, both died at the age of sixty years, their remains being interred in the churchyard of their native village.

After completing her education in Ireland, Sarah Allen came to America at the age of twenty-two years. On the day following her arrival in Davenport, Iowa, in 1854, she was married to John Sloan, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1827, and whom she had known in her childhood, having plighted her troth to him before his departure for America, three years and nine months earlier. John Sloan's parents were James and Mary (Beck) Sloan, who lived in County Antrim, Ireland. On coming to this country he engaged in agricultural pursuits and in time acquired eight hundred acres of land which he operated with much success. His death occurred in April, 1889, and he is buried in the cemetery at Yates City. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan were the parents of seven children, three of whom passed away in 1879. Mrs. Sloan is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also her late husband.

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Mrs. Susan S. Snider, daughter of Peter and Hannah Wright, natives of Vermont, who afterward settled in Saratoga co., N. Y. where Susan was born Aug. 29, 1827, and ten years later came to Illinois and settled at Harkness Grove; in 1849, came to Knox Co. Susan was married to John Snider, March 1, 1849, and was blessed with 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls, 1 of whom is dead.  Is a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.  P.O. LaFayette, Stark Co.  (History of Knox County by C. C. Chapman & Co., pub. in 1878, page 706, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Jane Stephenson. The lady of whom this biography is written is the relict of George Stephenson, deceased, who was born in Scotland, Oct. 31, 1799. His parents were Alexander and Elizabeth (Gordon) Stephenson. They were the parents of only two children—Margaret and George. The latter came to America in 1850, and settled in Knox County, on section 8, of Copley Township. There he purchased 80 acres of land and remained some months, until his death, Jan. 3, 1884. He was married to Miss Annabel McMillan, a native of Scotland, and one of a family of nine children, of whom still survive William, Susanna, George (sec sketch), Jessie and Jane. Mrs. Stephenson departed this life in 1862. The second wife of Mr. S. was Miss Jane Alien, a native of Scotland, and a daughter of John and Mary (Love) Allen. They had a family of six children, of whom Mrs. Stephenson is the fourth child in order of birth. She was married Dec. 23, 1863, to George Stephenson, and of this union two sons were born—John and Andrew. Mrs. Stephenson, in 1862, with her mother, came to America. Her father had died in 1831, in his native land, and the mother lived with her children until her death, in 1869, her decease taking place in McDonough County.

Mrs. Stephenson still remains on the farm with her two sons. Andrew, the youngest, attends school in the winter. He is industrious and works out summers, and both boys are a great help and comfort to their lonely mother. John, the eldest born, is 22 years of age and manages the farm, which he improves and cultivates in a manner worthy of an older person. He is engaged in the raising of stock and grain. In politics he is a Republican; he is an alert thinker and a wide-awake young man. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 334, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Volk was reared to womanhood in the parental home, attending the common schools in the acquirement of an education. At the age of nineteen years she became the wife of Herman Volk, their marriage occurring on the 2Oth of February, 1883. He was born on the 27th of November, 1856, in Baden, Germany, a son of Frank Joseph and Gresinzia (Gehring) Volk. The father followed the butcher's trade in the fatherland. In their family were four children, Herman, Mary, Joseph and Tony. The three boys are all buried in the cemetery at Oneida, while the daughter, Mary, is now married and lives in Galesburg. Mrs. Frank Joseph Volk was a sister of Seaford and Anthony Gehring and Mrs. Cummer, of Galesburg. Herman Volk spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native land, and after completing his education he learned the miller's trade. Desirous of opportunities, such as the father­land at those times did not afford, ambition-fired and seeking more liberal conditions of life, he decided to come to America, believing that here he would find a more advantageous field for earnest endeavors and a shorter route to independent position. He arrived in the United States June 1, 1874, making his way inland to Wataga, Illinois, where for a time he worked as a laborer. Later he went to the home of his uncle, Anthony Gehring, who was a farmer and assisted him in the cultivation of his land and the care of the stock. He was an energetic, thrifty young man, and ultimately acquired the means to buy a farm, continuing to devote his energies to its further development until his death. In matters of faith, Mr. Volk was a Presbyterian and always took an active interest in the work of the church, having for many years taught a class in the Sunday school. Fraternally he was identified with the Mystic Workers, being a member of Lodge No. 90, of Galesburg. His political support he gave to the republican party and served for some years as a member of the school board. He was a good business man and capable agriculturist and was meeting with deserved success in the cultivation of his farm and the raising of stock until death claimed him. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Volk there were born the following children: Grace Etta, who was born on the 29th of April, 1887; Maud, whose birth occurred on October 20, 1890; Anna Betsy, who was born on January 12, 1893, now deceased; Ida Viola, born on February 25, 1895, a graduate of the Oneida high school; Pearl Sybil, born on the 3d of November, 1896, now attending school; and Ella, who was born on the 2Oth of January, 1902, and died in infancy. The eldest daughter, Miss Grace, graduated from the Oneida high school with the class of 1906, after which she pursued a commercial course in Brown's Business College at Galesburg, and is now a bookkeeper. The second daughter, Miss Maud, also graduated from the Oneida high school, subsequently attending the Central State Normal, and is now teaching her third term of school.

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Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Webb, daughter of Erastus and Rachel (Foster) Child, was born in Whitestown, Oneida co., N. Y., May 14, 1849. She came to Oneida, Ill., with her parents in 1855; married Fielding B. Webb, of Bedford, Taylor co., Iowa, Nov. 29, 1877; went immediately to her new home in Bedford, where she still resides. (History of Knox County by C. C. Chapman & Co., pub. in 1878, page 713, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Elizabeth West, daughter of Wm. and Tobitha (Bales) George; was born in Ohio in 1811, where she received a common-school education. She came to this co. 30 years ago, and now owns a section of land near Yates City. She has had sole charge of her farm for 17 years, and proved herself eminently qualified to conduct large business interests. She is the mother of 11 children, 5 living; joined the M. E. Church when 14: P. O., Yates City. (History of Knox County by C. C. Chapman & Co., pub. in 1878, page 713, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Miss Mary Allen West. In the spring of 1836 the advance guard of the Galesburg colonists reached Log City. Among the company were Nehemiah West, Catherine, his wife, and their 5 children. Here, in a log house, July 31, 1837, was born Mary Allen West. The log house is still in existence, and is now occupied by Mr. Crosscup's hens. Mr. West soon removed to his new house in Galesburg, and here his daughter grew to womanhood; educated entirely in the Galesburg district school and in Knox Seminary. The peculiar atmosphere which surrounded her childhood's home must have had much to do with the formation of her character. They were rigid Puritan folk who formed that little colony, and although they loved all the bright and pleasant things of life, yet placed the interests of religion and education before everything else.

Her abilities as a housekeeper are great. She is also something of an artist, and enjoys spending her spare hours—of which she has not found any of late— with pallet and brushes. That she has been able to accomplish so much in her life, is, as she herself often says, largely owing to the fact that she never lets a moment go to waste. (History of Knox County by C. C. Chapman & Co., pub. in 1878, pages 713-715, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Angeline Whipple, who devotes her time to farming and stock-raising on section 9, of Cedar Township, was born Feb. 8, 1843, and on her father's side is of Scotch ancestry. She is now living on the old home farm, where she was born. She is the daughter of Peter C. and Eliza H. (Boram) Nelson. The former was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., in 1807. His demise took place on March 6, 1881. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was Class Leader over 50 years of his life. He died full in the faith and the hope of eternal bliss. He married Miss Boram, as we have already stated, June 27, 1831. They were the parents of eight children — four boys and four girls — the latter being now dead, with the exception of the subject, whose name heads this sketch. One of the boys is also deceased. The names of the children are Mary J., John I., Hester A., Louisa, Angeline, William H. H. (deceased), Zachariah T. and Aaron F.

The father of Peter C. Nelson was John Nelson, a native of Pendleton County, Va. He married Mary E. Castle, also a native of Virginia. They both died at their home on section 9, Cedar Township, Knox County, having settled there in the fall of 1839. John Nelson died in 1853, his wife having preceded him seven years. The father of John Nelson served as a soldier during seven years of the War of the Revolution.
Mrs. Whipple married Joseph W. Whipple, Oct. 4, 1860, the ceremony being performed by Rev. A. Morey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Whipple was a native of Wayne County, N. Y., where he was born in 1839. By this marriage there were three children born, two of whom are now living—W. H., born June 12,1862, and died April 13, 1868; Harry N., born Oct 35, 1868; and L. A., Sept. 8, 1872.

Mrs. Whipple has 90 acres of land and is carrying on her farming operations with the assistance of her two sons. She owns a full-blooded Jersey cow and a number of finely bred Short-horn cattle, together with 50 head of sheep. This lady, who is remarkable for her good sense and geniality of disposition, received her education at the common schools. She is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and takes part in all good movements in her congregation. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 869, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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