Vol. 2 History of Knox County, IL, by Albert Perry, Biographies

S. W. May, who is living retired on his farm of five hundred and thirty acres in Rio township, has been actively connected with this district for many years both as an agriculturist and as a manufacturer. He was born March 20, 1836, in Genesee county, New York, his parents being Harvey H. and Delia Duwayne (Ray) May. The family comes of English and Dutch ancestry on the paternal side and is of German and French lineage on the maternal side. Harvey H. May was born in Washington county, New York, and his wife's birth occurred in the Empire state in 1806. The former was a son of Nathaniel May, a very prominent church worker of New York and a farmer by occupation. He owned four hundred acres of rich and valuable land and always continued his residence in New York.
       In that state Harvey H. May was reared and educated and in 1837 came to Illinois, accompanied by Dr. Gorham, to look over the country. They made horseback trips throughout this district, viewing the land with the idea of locating here in the near future. A year later H. H. May brought his family and household goods to Knox county, traveling by raft from the state of New York by way of Lake Erie and the Ohio river and bringing with him the lumber from which he built the first pine building in Log City. This he placed on skids and hauled it to Galesburg with ten yoke of cattle. He possessed marked mechanical skill and ingenuity and was proprietor of the first factory in Galesburg. For some time he prospered in business but during the financial crash in the '50s he lost nearly all that he had made. He is most entitled to honor and remembrance by reason of the fact that he was the inventor of the first steel plow which he made from two old mill saws, molding them to the shape desired. He applied for a patent for the use of steel in manufacturing plows so they would scour, in 1842 but it was not granted at that time. He had considerable difficulty in getting a plow that would scour bright but after much discouragement and many trials he finally succeeded in securing material that could be highly polished and would remain that way. Through political reasons he was never able to obtain a good patent but between the years 1867 and 1871 the case was decided by Judge Sidney N. Breese in the United States supreme court. In his decision Judge Breese said: "The history of the plow goes back to 1841." Later he said that "May of Galesburg manufactured a plow in shape nearly the form of that manufactured now." This is S. W. May's earliest recollection of seeing a steel mold board as referred to by Robert N. Tate in the testimony. The share and mold board were combined at that time and May was the first man that laid any claim to the improved steel plow. Later the judge referred to seven working models of plows "copied strictly after the May plow." and added: "I essentially consider May the sole constructor in the form of the western steel plow." By this decision Harvey H. May had the honor and credit of giving to the world this most useful implement. By this invention he demonstrated that a man could do two days' work in one day. In 1842 H. H. May began the manufacture of his plow and continued until about 1859. During the early '40s he had begun the purchase of land in this country and at one time had several thousand acres but through speculation and widespread financial panic in which the country became involved he lost nearly everything that he had. The little that remained was turned over to his son, Samuel W. May, who although a young man took up the work laid down by his father and assumed the task of regaining the fortune his father had lost. H. H. May continued to reside in Galesburg until the time of his death, which occurred in 1886, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. In politics he was independent, voting as his judgment dictated. In early life he attended the Presbyterian church but was afterward a member of the Congregational church for many years.
     In his youthful days Samuel W. May attended the public schools and at the age of thirteen assisted his father, going upon the road as a traveling salesman and selling the plows which the father manufactured. He continued successfully in this work for some time but afterward engaged in teaming between Galesburg and Peoria. Realizing his need and also the value of education, Mr. May when twenty-two years of age entered Knox Academy and diligently applied himself to the mastery of a course of study which prepared him to enter Knox College, where he remained as a student for two years. He next rented a farm in Henderson township which he cultivated for two years prior to his removal to Rio township in 1861. There he purchased farm land which was the nucleus of his present extensive possessions, now comprising five hundred and thirty acres. He has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation and as the reward of his fifty years of labor now has one of the finest properties in Rio township. He has always followed progressive and scientific methods, carrying out his plans with persistency and energy, his labors proving effective in developing the farm for general agricultural purposes. In former years in addition to the cultivation of the soil he also engaged in raising cattle and hogs which proved a profitable branch of his business, nor were his efforts confined to agriculture alone for he engaged in the manufacture of the May windmill which he invented. This has been very successful and has been commonly used in this county for more than thirty years. The first two hundred mills were manufactured on his farm in Rio township but afterward, in order to meet the increasing demands, he made arrangements for their construction with Candee & Company, at Oneida, with Nelson Latueratt & Company, at Bushnell, and with H. L. May, at Galesburg, there operating under the firm name of May Brothers, the business proving very profitable. Although Mr. May now rents his land, he still resides at the old home and is one of the prosperous agriculturists of the county.
     On the 27th of November, 1870, occurred the marriage of Mr. May and Miss Elizabeth Hanan, a daughter of William and Eleanor (Handlen) Hanan. On the paternal side the family is of Scotch origin and was founded in America in colonial days, her great-grandfather serving as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Her paternal grandfather, George Hanan, died in the war of 1812. In politics Mr. May has always maintained an independent attitude, voting for men and measures rather than for party principles. His fellow townsmen frequently called him to office and for ten years, beginning in 1880, he served as township supervisor. He is one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Rio township. His life has been spent in persistent and diligent labor for the improvement of his own interests and for the development of the community. In all his business and social relations he has never been neglectful of any duty whether of a public or private nature, and his conduct has always been in accordance with his high sense of citizenship.
Oliver Swanson was born on the 16th of February, 1853, at Solvesborg, a town in the southern part of Sweden, his parents being Swan and Karma (Person) Olson. The father, whose birth occurred in 1825, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sweden until his death, which occurred when his son Oliver was a child of but two years. Both mother and father spent their entire lives in Sweden. Oliver Swanson received his education in the common schools of his native land and at the age of eighteen years, after having assisted on the home farm, came to America settling at Woodhull. For a time he worked out by the month and then came to Ontario township where he settled on a farm in 1881. In 1893 he came to his present home. This property consists of eighty acres and has been his residence ever since. Although he devotes his time and energy principally to general farming, he also raises shorthorn cattle and feeds hogs and cattle for the market. In these various branches he is meeting with the success which is the reward of persistent and diligent labor. On the 12th of April, 1879, Mr. Swanson was married to Marie Anderson, a resident of Knox County, and a daughter of Anders and Anna (Johnson) Anderson, both of whom are natives of Sweden, where they engaged in farming. The father died in Sweden and the mother came to Henry county in 1875. They were the parents of five children. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanson three children were born: Hattie S. who is the wife of William Sebastian, a resident framer of Henry county; Hartwick, whose birth occurred in 1884 and who died in January 1905; and Florence who is attending high school in Altona, Illinois.
In politics Mr. Swanson gives his support to the men and measures of the Republican Party and has served as road commissioner and is assessor at the present time. In religious faith he holds membership in the Lutheran church of Altona. By his earnest work and diligent application to his agricultural pursuits and by his interest and furthering of all measures pertaining to the higher social and moral development of the community, Mr. Swanson has become recognized as a citizen of substantial and honorable worth.

P. A Sunwall, a successful agriculturist who makes a specialty of buying, selling and raising stock, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and thirty acres, located two miles north of Williamsfield. He is a native of Knox County, his birth having occurred in Truro Township, in 1871, and a son of Jonas and Anna (Peterson) Sunwall, natives of Sweden. The father was born in Helsingland in 1826, and there he passed the first forty-three years of his life. Having heard many favorable reports regarding the opportunities and advantages afforded to enterprising men in the United States, in 1869, together with his wife and family, Jonas Sunwall took passage for the new world. Upon his arrival in this country, he came directly to Knox County, settling on a farm in Truro Township to the further development of which he devoted his energies until age compelled his retirement from active life. He passed away in 1907 at the venerable age of eighty-two years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sunwall numbered four: Nelson J., a resident of Texas; P. A. the subject of this sketch, Jennie M., of Colorado, and a son who died in infancy.
The period of his boyhood and youth, P. A. Sunwall spent on his father's farm, obtaining his education in the district schools. Like other farmer lads he was early assigned chores about the barn and fields, his duties increasing and his strength developed with the passing years. By the time he had attained his maturity he was a good practical agriculturist, having long been accustomed to plowing, sowing, and harvesting the fields under the competent direction of his father. When qualified to begin farming for himself he undertook the operation of the home place, where he is now living and has met with increasing prosperity in its cultivation. His fields are rich and fertile and annually yield abundant harvests that well repay him for the labor expended in their cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Sunwall also raises and buys stock, that he ships to the Chicago and St. Louis markets. He has met with more than an average degree of success. In taking care of the soil and in the conservation of its fertility he follows the plans of the State University and is a faithful adherent of Professor Hopkins, whom he considers the foremost exponent of scientific soil renovation in the world. In his experiments with various crops, Mr. Sunwall was the first in this section of the country to obtain satisfactory resulting in planting his land to alfalfa. He considers this legume the most valuable the farmer can raise and is proud to be set down as the pioneer alfalfa grower in these parts. During the period of his ownership of his present place he has put thereon many improvements indicative of the spirit of enterprise and progress that has characterized his undertakings.
Ever since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his political support to the men and measures of the republican party. He has been called upon to discharge the duties of a number of township offices and for many years has been a school trustee. Keenly regretting the limited opportunities offered him in acquiring his own education he has become the earned advocate of betterment in our school system and especially interests himself in bringing about the consolidation and grading of the country schools. Mr. Sunwall is unmarried. He is a man of enterprise and industry, whose success is attributable to intelligently directed effort.

Herbert Arnold Smith who has remained a resident of Galesburg from his birth to the present time, is well known as an extensive dealer in lands and also devotes considerable attention to the insurance business. His natal day was August 12, 1871, his parents being Hiram C. and Harriet (Arnold) Smith, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The paternal grandfather was likewise born in the Empire state and both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age. They reared a large family of children, including John, William and Hiram C.
     The last named, who became the father of our subject, was reared in New York and took up his abode among the early settlers of Galesburg, Illinois. Here he was successfully engaged in the nursery business for a number of years or until his health failed. Subsequently he served as constable for about twenty years. His demise occurred at Galesburg in 1905, when he had reached the age of seventy-nine years. His widow still survives and is now seventy-five years old. In religious faith she is a Methodist. Her children were three in number, namely: Minnie L., a Latin teacher in the Galesburg high school; Herbert A., of this review; and Lillian, who died in infancy.
      Herbert Arnold Smith was reared in the city of his nativity and completed the highschool course by graduation in 1889. He then worked in the offices of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and subsequently secured a position as stenographer in the law offices of Williams, Lawrence & Bancroft. In 1893 he embarked in the real-estate business in partnership with his uncle, Seymour Arnold, the relationship being maintained for two years. For the past sixteen years, however, he has been in business alone, handling large land deals in the Saskatchewan country of Canada, where he also owns several farms. He is a stockholder and director in the Hope Abbey Mausoleum and likewise a director in the Fidelity Savings & Loan Association. In all of his business affairs his judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his enterprise unfaltering.
     On the 8th of December, 1903, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Genevieve Perrin, a native of Galesburg and a daughter of Marcus T. and Elizabeth Brown Perrin, who were born in Connecticut and Illinois respectively. They have remained residents of Galesburg since their marriage, which was here celebrated fifty-three years ago. Mr. Perrin was connected with the corn-planter works conducted by G. W. Brown until the business was closed out. To him and his wife were born six children, four of whom reached mature years, namely: George, who passed away in 1902 ; Arthur; Myra ; and Genevieve. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Smith were George W. and Maria Terpening Brown. Our subject and his wife have one daughter, Harriet Elizabeth. The family residence is at No. 474 North Academy street.
Mr. Smith gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He likewise belongs to the Country Club and is a director in the Galesburg Club. In the city where they have spent their entire lives both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are well and favorably known, the circle of their friends being coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

Webb A. Herlocker is one of the younger representatives of the Galesburg bar and yet his comparative youth does not seem to interpose a limit upon his progress and success for he is now accorded a clientage that many an older practitioner might well envy. At the outset of his career, however, he recognized the fact that he was entering upon a profession wherein advancement can only be secured through individual merit and ability.
Mr. Herlocker was born in Milford, Missouri, May 27, 1881, his parents been Daniel A. and Florence Emma (Earp) Herlocker. The father was born in the southeast part of McDonough County, Illinois, April 27, 1851, and the mother's birth occurred in Blandensville in the same county, May 21, 1858. Daniel A. Herlocker pursued his education in the public schools of his native county and afterward attended the Christian College at Abingdon. He afterward engaged in teaching school for a few years in McDonough County and then entered the drug business at Scotia, Illinois, where he remained until 1884. In that year he was appointed deputy clerk of the Circuit Court and removed to Macomb, Illinois, filling the position for four years. On the expiration of that period he became a resident of Table Grove, Fulton County, Illinois, where he again engaged in the drug business until about 1905, when he retired. He still makes his home in that town but is not connected with commercial or other business interests at the present time. He votes with the Democratic Party which he has always supported by his ballot and influence and, aside from serving as deputy court clerk, he has been village clerk, a member of the village board of trustees and school director. He and his wife are members of the Universalist Church and their well spent lives commend them to the confidence and high regard of all. It was on the 21st of May, 1876, in Blandensville that they were married and unto them have been born three children, Web A., Ward G. and Emma Wynette. The last two are twins and were born at Sciota, June 3, 1884.
Webb A. Herlocker largely acquired his education in the public schools of Table Grove and later entered the Lombard University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903. He next entered the Valparaiso University Law School at Valparaiso, Indiana, and completed his course with the class of 1907. He then came to Galesburg and entered into partnership with Charles S. Harris, this relation continuing until 1908, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Herlocker has since remained alone in general practice of his profession. He carefully and systematically prepares his cases and presents his cause in a clear and forceful manner, his deductions following in logical sequence.
Mr. Herlocker is pleasantly situated in his home life, having been married on the 28th of April, 1910, to Miss Fannie Porter, a daughter of Horace G. and Eldora (Carter) Porter, of Deland, Illinois. The only child of this marriage is Robert D., who was born in Galesburg, April 10, 1911.
Mr. Herlocker is a Democrat in his political views but in public service has always been done in other connections rather than as an office-holder. He belongs to the Universalist Church, to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Modern Woodmen camp. He likewise belongs to the Sigma Nu, a college fraternity, and to the Galesburg Club. He was manager of the Lombard University Review and also president of the Erosophian Literary Society during his college days, and was on the varsity baseball team, of which he was captain for a year. He was likewise a delegate to the Delta Theta Chapter for the Sigma Nu fraternity at the Grand Chapter at New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1904. He was president of the junior class at Valparaiso University and played baseball there for two years, being captain of the team during the senior year. He has ever been interested in athletics and manly outdoor sports and thus preserves an even balance in his physical and mental development. His interests are wide and varied and bring him into close connection with many activities, all of which are commendable forces in a well rounded character.

Elmira F. Hertig, M. D. Upon the basis of a broad classical course in college Dr. Elmira F. Hertig built the superstructure of her professional knowledge and is today recognized as one of the well informed and capable members of the medical fraternity of Galesburg, her success being evidenced in the extensive practice now accorded her. She is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Ann (Schowalter) Hertig. The father was a native of France and after coming to America engaged in teaching in Pennsylvania for a number of years. It was in that state that he was married, his wife being a native of Pennsylvania. There the family home was established and Dr. Hertig pursued her early education in the public schools of Fayette county and later continued her studies in Waynesburg College of Pennsylvania. Her professional training was received in Chicago where she entered the Woman's Hospital and Medical College, being graduated there from with the class of 1885. She received the A. M. degree from Waynesburg and her M. D. degree upon her graduation in Chicago. For two years she continued in practice in that city and in 1887 came to Galesburg, where she has since remained, successfully following her chosen life work here. She is familiar with the science of medicine in all of its branches and has remained a close student thereof, keeping in touch with the advanced thought of the profession and with all of the discoveries which are continuously promoting knowledge and adding to the efficiency of the practitioner. She belongs to the Knox County Medical Society and also the American Medical Association. Aside from any professional connection she is widely known and is a lady of innate culture and refinement, whose broad reading has made her familiar with the current topics and interests of the day.

Philip N. Granville. The history of Galesburg in its financial connections would be incomplete and unsatisfactory, were there failure to make prominent reference to Philip N. Granville, who for more than twenty years has served as cashier of the Bank of Galesburg, which he aided in organizing in 1889. Throughout all the intervening period he has made a close study of the problems of finance and the questions which arise in connection with the conduct of banking institutions and his efficiency and ability have continually increased, while his labors have contributed in full measure to the success of the institution, with which he has so long been connected. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Knox county, his birth having occurred in Abingdon on the 17th of July, 1855. His parents, John and Bothilda Granville, were born in County Kristianstad, Sweden. The paternal grandparents passed away in that country, but John Granville, the father, who was a shoemaker by trade, crossed the Atlantic to the United States about 1851 and came direct to Victoria, Knox county, Illinois. He subsequently located in Abingdon, where he worked at his trade, and in 1865 he took up his abode in Galesburg, where he established a shoe business in partnership with Olaf Johnson. He was afterward in partnership with Victor Velander until 1869, after which he conducted the business practically alone until about 1889, when he retired on account of failing health. He had won success during his many years of connection with the shoe trade and the last years of his life were spent in honorable retirement, his demise occurring November 17, 1893, when he had attained the age of sixty-eight years. During the period of his residence in this county, covering more than four decades, he had won an extensive circle of friends and his death was therefore the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His wife survived him for only one month, being seventy-seven years old when called to her final rest on the 12th of December, 1893. Both passed away in the faith of the Methodist church. They were the parents of five children, two of whom are yet living, namely: Philip N., of this review; and Emily C., the wife of C. T. Holmes, of Galesburg.

      Philip N. Granville has resided in Galesburg continuously since 1865 with the exception of about a year spent in Evanston. In the acquirement of an education he attended the public schools and Knox Academy and at intervals was employed in different dry-goods stores. At various periods he was in the service of O. T. Johnson and other dry-goods merchants as bookkeeper for a couple of years. After permanently putting aside his text-books he went to Evanston, where he entered the hardware establishment of Lindgren & Wigren, remaining there for nearly a year. He then returned to Galesburg and entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, first as clerk in the roundhouse and afterward in the road master's office. Subsequently he was in the office of the master mechanic and still later, leaving the railroad company, became connected with the Covenant Mutual Benefit Association as cashier. He severed his connection with that company when elected city treasurer in 1887 for a term of two years. When about to retire from the office he was asked by J. R. Lindgren, by whom he had been employed while in Evanston and who had embarked in the banking business in Chicago in connection with Mr. Haugan, to establish a branch bank in Galesburg under the name of the Bank of Galesburg, Haugan & Lindgren, proprietors. Mr. Granville selected Axel Gabrielson, a bank officer of experience at that time connected with The Farmers & Mechanics Bank of Galesburg, to become cashier, while he assumed the duties of the assistant cashier ship. He also selected H. E. Olson, an insurance man, to become bookkeeper and also take charge of the insurance department of the bank. The new institution opened its doors for business and entered upon a successful career. On the 3d of October, 1891, this bank was incorporated as a state bank with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and the following officers were then elected: A. M. Craig, president; Peter Nelson, vice president; Axel Gabrielson, cashier; P. N. Granville, assistant cashier and director; with H. E. Olson as bookkeeper and P. N. Granville as secretary of the board of directors. In September, 1892, Mr. Gabrielson resigned and Mr. Granville then became cashier of the bank, which position he has since continued to occupy. The bank has grown continuously, its capital has been increased to one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and its cash surplus has reached three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. It owns its bank building, which at present is being remodeled, being converted from a three-story to a five-story building, with more commodious rooms for its banking business. For two decades Mr. Granville has been cashier of the institution and has proved a most capable and popular official, whose labors in conjunction with those of the president, A. M. Craig, a far-sighted, conservative business man of substantial means, have been a potent factor in promoting and strengthening the bank and increasing its surplus and capital.
     On the 1st of November, 1903, Mr. Granville was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Olson, a native of Galesburg, Illinois, and a daughter of Michael and Cecelia Olson, who were born in Bergen, Norway, and took up their abode among the early settlers of Galesburg. Mr. Olson is still living here but lost his wife on the 6th of May, 1911, when she had attained the age of eighty-four years. Three of their children still survive, as follows: Mrs. Granville; Anna C., the wife of George F. Eckstrand; and Dr. J. C. Olsen, a doctor of chemistry and an expert on foods, who is at present connected with the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, New York. He gave many lectures on the results of his researches and is the author of a book on "Pure Foods" and a volume entitled "Text-book of Quantitative Chemical Analysis." Mr. and Mrs. Granville have two children, John Philip and Elizabeth.
     In politics Mr. Granville is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. For two years he acted as alderman of the second ward. In Masonry he has attained high rank, being a member of the following organizations: Alpha Lodge, No. 155, F. & A. M., of which he is treasurer; Galesburg Chapter, No. 46, R. A. M.; Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, K. T., in which he is eminent commander; Illinois Council, No. 1, R. & S. M., being presiding officer of the council at Knoxville; Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine; and Peoria Consistory, S. P. R. S. He likewise belongs to the First Scandinavian Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., and is identified with the encampment and the canton. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. His genuine worth and his devotion to all that is right, just and elevating, make him a man whom to know is to respect and honor.

Franklin H. Hooker is filling the office of deputy sheriff of Knox county and was formerly its sheriff. He makes his home in Galesburg at No. 337 South Cherry street and is a native of the county, his birth having occurred near Abingdon, May 1, 1865. His parents were William Chauncey and Rowena C. (Robinson) Hooker, both natives of Nicholas county, West Virginia. The former was a son of John L. Hooker who was likewise born in West Virginia and made the occupation of farming his life work. He came to Illinois some time in the '60s but afterward removed to Kansas and passed away at Smith Center that state, at an old age. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Bruffey and they were the parents of three sons and two daughters, William C., John H., Edward, Catharine and Elizabeth. The maternal grandfather of F. H. Hooker was also a native of West Virginia and devoted his life to farming and merchandising. He died in Summersville, that state, when about sixty-five years of age. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, Benjamin H., Rowena C., Betsey, Julia, Hammond, Joseph, Samuel H. and Lola.
     After spending his youthful days in West Virginia William Hooker came to Knox county, Illinois, about 1862, settling about two miles northwest of Abingdon. He was a civil engineer and in this county devoted much time to inventions, bringing out a number of useful devices while at the same time he carried on his farm work. He died in Abingdon, in February, 1909, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his wife still survives him. Mrs. Hooker is a member of the Methodist church and is well known in her home locality. By her marriage to Mr. Hooker she became the mother of four children, all now living: Franklin H., of this review; Marguerite, of Abingdon; Nannie, the wife of Charles A. Reynolds, of Galesburg; and John L., of Abingdon.
     Franklin H. Hooker was reared in this county and has spent practically his entire life in Abingdon up to the last eight years. He was a pupil in the public schools there and after putting aside his textbooks began work at the carpenter's trade which he followed in the employ of others or as a contractor for ten or twelve years. He then turned his attention to merchandising; conducting a grocery store in Abingdon for four years. On the expiration of that period he came to Galesburg, being appointed deputy sheriff under C. F. Hurburgh, in which office he continued for four years. Later he became deputy under R. G. Matthews and filled the office until the death of the latter, when Mr. Hooker was elected sheriff in 1908, remaining as the incumbent of that position until the fall of 1910. He then became deputy sheriff under the newly elected sheriff, F. F. Seaman, and is thus numbered among Knox county's office-holders of the present day.
     In February, 1895, Mr. Hooker was married to Miss Nellie Foreman, who was born south of Berwick in Warren county, Illinois, a daughter of Frank and Mary (Lewis) Foreman. Her father was of Canadian birth and her mother was born near Berwick but both are now deceased. They had two children, the younger being a son, Frank L. Foreman. Mr. and Mrs. Hooker hold membership in the Methodist church and are loyal to its teachings. Fraternally he is connected with Abingdon Lodge, No. 185, A. F. & A. M., and also with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he has always been a republican and years ago served as city marshal of Abingdon while for two years he was collector of Cedar township. He has made a creditable record in business and in office and in the discharge of the duties of his present position has ever been faithful, fearless and loyal, a fact which is indicated by his long connection with the sheriff's office.

Dean C. Hurlbutt a native of New England, Dean C. Hurlbutt inherited from his New England ancestors those stern qualities of self-denial and unremitting industry which seldom fail to produce success and win the rewards that belong to honest toil. He is the owner of a tract of land comprising one thousand acres in Knox county and lives retired at his home in West Main street, Yates City, Illinois, where he devotes himself to the numerous business and financial interests which claim his attention. He was born in Coos county, New Hampshire, February 13, 1834, a son of Asa and Mary (Jones) Hurlbutt. The father was born, in 1800, in Waterford, Vermont, where he received his education in the common schools. He was married in New Hampshire, where Mary Jones was born in 1805, and lived in the east for a number of years. In 1853 he brought his family to Illinois, first settling in Truro township and later in Elba township, where he entered eighty acres from the government. He resided there until his death at the age of sixty years, being buried in Jones cemetery in Elba township, beside his wife, who preceded him in death at the age of forty-six years. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom all have died except Dean C. Hurlbutt and his sister, Mrs. Sarah E. Griffin, who resides in Linn county, Missouri. Mr. Asa Hurlbutt was a republican in politics but never sought for the honors of office. He and his family belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

    Dean C. Hurlbutt was educated in the public schools of New Hampshire and early in life was trained in agricultural duties. He accompanied the family when his father came to Knox county, in 1853, and two years after engaged in farming for himself. He began by renting a piece of land for a year and then bought eighty acres on section 6 in Elba township, where he pursued general farming and the breeding of blooded stock. He improved the place greatly and erected two separate sets of buildings, but after some time removed to a farm which he bought on section 17 in Elba township, continuing his labors in the fields until 1907, when he retired and took up his residence in Yates City. He is by no means idle, however, since he is a director of the Farmer's Telephone Exchange of Yates City, the president of the company being O. B. West, the secretary and treasurer, William Faulds, and the manager, Fred Conover. It is a thriving company having installed thus far one hundred and twenty-five telephones in local homes and business places, and offers connected service with the Galesburg Union Telephone Company.
     In 1855 Mr. Hurlbutt was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Ann (Lambert) Butts, a native of Indiana. She was a daughter of Isaac Lambert and the widow of Stuart Butts, by whom she had two children, Alvertis and Stuart M. Butts. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbutt, but both are deceased. Mary, the older, became the wife of Guy Davis and had one son, Roy, and the younger, Julia A., was not married. Roy Davis, the grandson of Mr. Hurlbutt, and his namesake, Dean C. Hurlbutt, a nephew, were brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbutt and are now engaged in operating the home place. Roy Davis married Miss Eva Green and they have one child, Guy Dean C. Hurlbutt, Jr., married Miss Percie Caldwell and they have two children, Dean C, and George S. His first wife having passed away, Dean C. Hurlbutt, our subject, was married, in 1907, to Mrs. Janet Pulver, a daughter of George Doty. Mrs. Hurlbutt was the mother of six children by her first marriage, namely, Chester H., Dora, Amy, Martha, Nettie and Bert Pulver.
     Mr. Hurlbutt uses his ballot in support of the republican party. He is an energetic business man and in his dealings with others has gained an enviable reputation for being sincere and loyal to his friends.

Everett E. Hinchliff, president and manager of the Hinchliff Lumber Company and thus actively associated with the commercial interests of Galesburg, was born in Rio, this county, December 23, 1881, a son of James Edward and Ida M. (Woodman) Hinchliff. The father was also a native of Rio, born on the 17th of July, 1853, and the mother's birth there occurred on the 27th of April, 1858. James E. Hinchliff devoted his time and energies to the occupation of farming until he came to Galesburg in 1890, after which he engaged in the retail lumber business, opening a yard at No. 491 West Main street. He was thus identified with the lumber trade of this city until his death, which occurred March 28, 1909, and the record which he made in business circles was an enviable and creditable one. His widow still survives him and is now living on North Broad street in this city. In his political views Mr. Hinchliff was a republican, always giving stalwart support to the party, and he held membership in the Central Congregational church, of which he was a trustee. He took an active interest in the church work and at all times was loyal in his support of measures promoting material, intellectual, social and moral progress in his community. It was in Rio, on the 1st of January, 1880, that he wedded Ida M. Woodman and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Everett E., of this review; Lulu May, at home; Ray, associated with his brother in the lumber business; and Grace F., also at home.
In the public schools of Galesburg Everett E. Hinchliff pursued his education, being a lad of nine years when the family removed from Rio to this city. When his public-school course was completed, he entered Knox College and was graduated with the class of 1903. Immediately afterward he began assisting his father in the office and in 1906 was admitted to a partnership. The business was originally conducted as a partnership concern, under the name of Conger & Hinchliff, and later when James E. Hinchliff was sole proprietor his name stood at the head of the business. When Everett E. Hinchliff entered the firm the style of the Hinchliff Lumber Company was assumed and under that name papers of incorporation were taken out in January, 1910, with E. E. Hinchliff as president and manager and Ray Hinchliff as secretary and treasurer. They not only carry a large stock of lumber but also lime, sand, coal and general building materials. Their patronage is now extensive and their business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
On the 15th of October, 1907, Mr. Hinchliff was married to Miss Nell Townsend, a daughter of Leon A. Townsend. She was born at Hermon, Illinois, November 21, 1881, and they now have one child, Christina Virginia, born in Galesburg, October 28, 1910. The parents are members of the Central Congregational church, being both soloists in the quartette and are prominent socially in this city, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Hinchliff votes with the republican party, finding its principles coinciding most closely with his ideas of governmental policy. In his college days he became a member of the Phi Delta Theta and he now belongs to the Galesburg and the Soangetaha Clubs. He is yet a young man and, possessing a spirit of enterprise and determination, is steadily working his way upward in business circles and sustains the honorable record which has always been associated with the name of Hinchliff since his father became a factor in the business life of Galesburg.

Ray W. Hinchliff, secretary and treasurer of the Hinchliff Lumber Company, was born in Rio, January 5, 1887, and is a brother of Everett E. Hinchliff, whose sketch is given above. To the public-school system of this city he is indebted for the early educational opportunities which he enjoyed and in Knox College he pursued a more advanced course, being graduated there from with the class of 1909. He became connected with the Hinchliff Lumber Company in 1910 and the two brothers are now at the head of a substantial and growing business, having one of the large lumberyards of this city, while their correct business methods and enterprise are factors in its continuous growth.
Ray W. Hinchliff makes his home with his mother. He belongs to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and also the Galesburg and Saratoga Country Club. He votes with the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Central Congregational church. His social qualities render him popular and he has many friends in this city, where almost his entire life has been passed.

Robert Gordon Sinclair Realizing at the outset of his business career that success has its root in unfaltering diligence and determination, Robert Gordon Sinclair has employed those qualities in the attainment of the present enviable position which he occupies in business circles. He is now engaged in the manufacture of ice cream, ices and soft drinks, employing about eighteen people. He was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1866, and is a son of Alexander and Margaret (Griffith) Sinclair. The father's birth occurred in that county, August 24, 1839, but the mother was a native of Wales, her birth occurring in that little rock-ribbed country on the 10th of March, 1834. She was only four years of age when she was brought to the United States by her parents, who established their home near Ebensburg in Cambria county, Pennsylvania. Alexander Sinclair pursued his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and in early manhood engaged for a time in teaching school, but eventually took up the occupation of farming and, on removing westward, in 1870, established his home near South Haven, in Van Buren county, Michigan. There he worked in a sawmill until the fall of 1876, when he removed to Livingston county, Illinois, where he followed farming until 1910. His well directed labors during all these years had brought him a substantial measure of success and thus with a handsome competence to meet his needs through his remaining days he retired to private life. In his political views he is a republican, always loyal to the party, yet never seeking nor desiring office. He has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives have ever been in consistent harmony with their professions. They are the parents of five children, namely: Barbara E., at home; Robert Gordon, of this review; Evan Barker, of Galesburg; and Mary F. and Irwin A., both at home. In the public schools of Michigan and of Livingston county, Illinois, Robert G. Sinclair pursued his education and in his youth worked upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors incident to the development and cultivation of the fields. He was twenty-two years of age when he abandoned the plow in order to become connected with commercial interests, which he believed would prove more congenial and hoped would prove more profitable. For three years he was employed in a grocery store in Pontiac, Illinois, and then embarked in business on his own account, forming a partnership with S. W. Strong for the conduct of a grocery store in Pontiac. After two years he purchased his partner's interest and carried on the business alone until October, 1899, when he sold out and went upon the road as a traveling salesman. In the spring of 1901 he came to Galesburg and established an ice-cream business which he carried on independently for two years. He then sold a half interest to his brother, E. B. Sinclair, and in 1909 they removed from their old location at No. 471 East South street to the adjoining building, thus obtaining more commodious quarters. On selling his interest in the business to his brother, R. G. Sinclair removed to Pontiac where he engaged in the real-estate business for two years. He was also circuit clerk of Livingston county for four years and then returned to Galesburg where he again became interested in business, now employing from fifteen to eighteen people in the manufacture of ice cream, ices and soft drinks. His enterprise has assumed extensive proportions, its sales reaching a large annual figure, owing to the excellence of their output and their reliability and enterprising-business methods.
On the 2d of October, 1895, Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage to Miss Maude Thompson, a daughter of Hugh and Frances (Ketcham) Thompson, of Pontiac. Their children are five in number, namely: Robert Elwood, born in Pontiac, Illinois, August 17, 1897; Clyde Evan, born in Pontiac, January 25, 1899; Maude Louise, whose birth occurred in that city on the 23d of February, 1903; William Gordon, born on the 25th of December, 1905, in Pontiac; and Margaret Frances, born there March 5, 1908. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair have a wide acquaintance in Galesburg and enjoy the high regard of their many friends. His political support is given to the republican party and he has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and he is now acting as a trustee of the church to which he belongs. He is likewise a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen camp and the Galesburg Club. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, find him a social, genial gentleman, and his business associates speak in high terms of his enterprise, progressiveness and thorough reliability.

James C. Simpson. There have been many theories advanced concerning success, but careful analysis of the lives of many men, who have risen from comparative obscurity in business to a position of prominence, indicates the fact that all honorable success has had its root in straightforward dealing, indefatigable industry and persistent purpose. Such has been the record of the senior partner and manager of the firm of James C. Simpson & Company, operating country lumberyards, and president of the Simpson, McClure Lumber Company of Galesburg.
     James C. Simpson was born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1864, and his parents, William E. and Sarah Ann (Means) Simpson, were also natives of that state. The former was a son of John H. and Eliza (Lewis) Simpson. John H. Simpson, born in Virginia, was a farmer by occupation. His family included William, Jane, Ann, David, Thomas, Irwin, Caroline, Theodosia and Harry. Of these David and Thomas were killed while serving as soldiers in the Union army. The maternal grandfather of James C. Simpson was Edward Means, a native of Pennsylvania, who engaged in both merchandising and farming. He married a Miss Hopkins, who died at a comparatively early age, while, Mr. Means lived to the age of seventy-seven years. Their children were Sarah Ann, Jane, Dr. William A. Means, the Rev. Theodore Means, Mary, Charlotte, Thompson, Milton and Thomas. The last two died while serving in the Union army during the Civil war.
       William E. Simpson, father of James C. Simpson, was reared in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, pursued his education there and became a public-school teacher and farmer. He served as a soldier in the Civil war for one year, acting as assistant to the surgeon and doing duty on a federal hospital boat on the James river. He passed away at Punxsutawney in 1906, at the age of sixty-five years. His first wife, Sarah Ann Means, had died in 1873, at the age of thirty years. Both were members of the Presbyterian church and were consistent Christian people. For his second wife William E. Simpson married Miss Anna North. There were six children born of the first marriage, of whom three are now living: James C.; Mrs. Etta Farrand, of Chicago; and Wade M., of Galesburg. Frank, Clayton, and Ida died at an early age. The children of the second marriage were also six in number: Blanche, the wife of Lex N. Mitchell, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; Burt, living in Kewanee, Missouri; Blaine, a resident of Oregon; Mrs. Catharine Lindsay, of Portland, Oregon; Vere, living in Punxsutawney; and Raymond, whose home is in Lawrenceville, Illinois.
        The youthful days of James C. Simpson were spent on a farm in the vicinity of Punxsutawney. He attended the district school, while later he became a student of the Covode (Pa.) Academy and in J. C. Duncan's Business College of Davenport, Iowa. He came to the middle west in 1884, making his headquarters first at Albany, Illinois. He had previously engaged in teaching through three winter terms in the country schools of his native state, and also followed that profession for three terms in Whiteside county, Illinois. During the first five years of his residence in this state he was also employed during the summer months as a clerk on a Mississippi river steamboat, and later as a traveling salesman for a wholesale lumber house, which he represented for six years. In the winter of 1894 he became a resident of Galesburg, where he has since made his home. Unfaltering industry and careful expenditure enabled him here to embark in business on his own account. He purchased the lumberyard owned by O. Hawkinson & Company and conducted the business under the name of J. C. Simpson & Company. This yard was afterward incorporated under the name of the Simpson, McClure Lumber Company. During the seventeen years of his residence in Galesburg he has made for himself a creditable position in its business circles. Promptness, reliability and persistency of purpose have been the factors employed in the attainment of success and have gained for him an enviable position among Galesburg's leading citizens.
     On the 17th of February, 1897, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage to Miss Harriett H. Post, a daughter of General Philip Sidney and Cornelia A. (Post) Post, natives of New York. Mrs. Simpson's father served in the Civil war and was afterward made consul at Vienna. Subsequently he served as congressman, from 1887 until his death in January, 1895. His wife passed away in 1908. They were the parents of three children, Harriett H., Philip S., and William S. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have five children, Sidney, Cornelia, William, Harriet and Mary. The family reside at No. 516 North Prairie street and theirs is one of the hospitable homes of the city. In his political views Mr. Simpson is a republican and, while never seeking nor desiring office, has always kept well informed on the general issues and questions of the day. He holds membership in the Galesburg and Elk Clubs and of the former is a director. He is also one of the trustees of Galesburg Hospital and the present chairman of its board. In all his life, duty and honor have been his watchwords and justice has been one of his strong characteristics. In his business career he is prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers have taken him from humble surroundings to the field of large enterprise and continually broadening opportunities.

Lucian P. Steepleton, who is conducting a grocery and meat market on North Cherry street, is one of the enterprising and progressive merchants of Galesburg. He was born on a farm in the vicinity of Gilson, Knox county, on the 17th of September, 1867, and is a son of Harrison and Ellen (Parkins) Steepleton. The father was a native of Indiana, his birth occurring in the vicinity of Harrisburg, on August 16, 1831, while the mother was born in Illinois, in November, 1841. Harrison Steepleton, who was an agriculturist, came to Illinois in his early manhood, locating at North Henderson, this county. There he engaged in farming for a while but subsequently removed to the vicinity of Gilson, where he was later married. Agricultural pursuits engaged his energies during the entire period of his active life, but he has now withdrawn from the work of the fields and is living retired in Gilson. He has always taken much interest in public affairs, although he was never an office seeker, and gives his political support to the republican party. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Steepleton numbered nine, as follows: Lorena, who is deceased; Winfield Scott, who is a resident of Gilson; and Melissa, Ella and Dorrance, all of whom are deceased; Lucian P., our subject; Vesta, the wife of Charles I. Butt, who resides five miles east of Knoxville; Jennie, the wife of Edward Hiler of Knoxville; and Ed, who is also a resident of Gilson.
     The public schools of Gilson provided Lucian P. Steepleton with an education and after he was graduated from the high school, he taught for two years in one of the nearby districts. At the expiration of that time he applied himself to learning telegraphy and when he had mastered the key, he was appointed assistant agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Oneida. He remained in the service of this company for ten years, withdrawing from their employ at the end of that time to become superintendent of the Galesburg & Great Eastern. When their coal fields were exhausted he gave up railroading in order to engage in mercantile pursuits. He first embarked in the grocery business at Wataga, where he conducted a store for eighteen months. At the end of that time he went to Oneida, where he operated a similar enterprise for three years. Disposing of his store, he withdrew from commercial activities and for ten years gave his entire time and attention to the fraternal insurance business in Galesburg. During that period he was also secretary for the Knox County Farmers' Mutual Fire & Lightning Insurance Company for four years. He subsequently returned to mercantile pursuits and is now conducting a grocery and meat market on North Cherry street. Enterprising and progressive in whatever he undertakes, Mr. Steepleton is meeting with success in his undertaking. He carries a comprehensive assortment of staple and fancy groceries that are attractively displayed, and in his market can be found a choice line of fresh and cured meats, fish, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Care and discretion is always displayed in the selection of all brands he offers to his customers, it being his desire to provide the best the market affords for the price. Courtesy and consideration are shown to all who accord him their patronage and he exerts every effort to be accommodating. He is thoroughly modern in all of his ideas and believes that the best interests of both patrons and merchants are protected through the organization of the latter, whose effort it is to promote all of the public utilities. At the present time he is secretary of the Retail Merchants Association, having entered upon his duties in May, 1911, and enthusiastically champions its endeavors to advance the development of the community.
     On the 11th of May, 1892, Mr. Steepleton was united in marriage to Miss Susan Wiles, a daughter of John and Margaret Wiles of Wataga, and they have become the parents of one child, Wyllie's, whose birth occurred on the 30th of October, 1907. John Wiles was a native of England and there he passed the first eighteen years of his life. Believing that better advantages were afforded energetic and thrifty young men in America, at the end of that time he took passage for the United States, coming directly to Illinois. He first located in Peoria, where for many years he was employed in the coal mines. He subsequently retired to Wataga, where he passed away as did also the mother, and there Mrs. Steepleton was born on the 11th of April, 1870. Mr. Wiles was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his political support he gave to the democratic party.
     The religious views of Mr. and Mrs. Steepleton are manifested through their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They take an active and helpful interest in the work of its various societies and departments, and for many years he has been teaching a Bible class, and he is also a member of the official board of stewards. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and he votes the prohibition ticket, thus voicing his views on the liquor traffic. Mr. Steepleton represents the class of citizens who can successfully conduct their personal interests and yet find time to fulfill their duties to society by giving assistance in advancing the welfare of the community along those lines that redound to the benefit of humanity at large.

James Champion McMurtry – Dr. James Champion McMurtry, a former citizen of Knox County and until his death, devoting himself unselfishly to the service of others in the practice of his profession, was born in Crawford county, Indiana, February 3, 1820. His parents were William and Ruth (Champion) McMurtry, both natives of Kentucky. He was a descendant of ancestors distinguished in the service of their country for generations. The great grandfather of Dr. McMurtry, whose name was John McMurtry, was a Revolutionary war hero, killed in the battle of Cowpens. The father, William McMurtry, was a ranger in the Black Hawk War.
On November 1, 1829, the year in which Dr. McMurtry was born, his father removed his family to Knox county, Illinois. Before this they had resided in Indiana, where William McMurtry was active in politics besides carrying on agricultural pursuits. He was state senator of Illinois for many years. Mr. McMurtry descended of French Huguenot origin, was a man of superior mental qualities possessing an excellent education and made many friends through his genial manner and magnetic personality. He was an intimate friend of Stephen A. Douglas and occupied a prominent position in the democratic party in Illinois when the political battle was growing in intensity before the final triumph of President Lincoln and the newborn Republican Party. Dr. McMurtry’s father was a captain in the Sixty-seventh Regular Militia of Illinois and a colonel of the One Hundred and Second Volunteer Infantry of Illinois. In 1846, he was made a member of the Henderson Lodge, F. & A. M.
      Unlike most youths of his time Dr. McMurtry had every educational advantage that could prepare him adequately for the profession of his choice. He began with a common-school education, supplementing this by a course at Knox College and at Union College in Schenectady, New York. After this liberal education he narrowed down the field of his studies and devoted himself to medicine as his specialty. For this purpose he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he received his degree. He then returned to his home county, where he established a practice for himself in which he continued till death terminated his activities. He was one of the leading practitioners in this section of the country, noted for his kindness in the treatment of his patients and for his generous acts of charity towards those who were less able to meet the heavy financial tax which illness entails. He was a splendid athlete devoted to indoor exercises and outdoor sports, and was modern in his mode of living and his views of life.
The marriage of Dr. James McMurtry and Miss Caroline Nelson, of Warren County, Illinois, occurred June 9, 1855. Her parents were Andrew and Susan (Hawley) Nelson. Mr. Nelson was a merchant coming originally from Amberst, Massachusetts. On July 3, 1843, he settled in Henderson, Knox county, where he engaged in business.
     Five children were born to Dr. and Mrs. McMurtry. James W. is an attorney at law in Elk City, Oklahoma. He is the father of seven children. Franklin H. died in infancy. Susan H. lives on the home farm in Henderson township. She is a graduate of Knox College, of the class of 1886. Caroline is the wife of H. B. Conyers, a jeweler in Urbana, Ohio, and is the mother of one child. Mary is at home supervising the place and managing the estate. She, too, was graduated from Knox College in 1886.
Dr. McMurtry died March 29, 1903. He was well-to-do, owning at the time of his death a very fine farm of three hundred and thirty acres of land, devoted to general farming. Fraternally he was connected with a number of organizations in which he took an active part. He was a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M. of Henderson, and was worshipful master for twenty-two years. In 1855, he became a member of Horeb Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M. at Knoxville, Illinois. He held the office of grand subservience in the grand lodge of Illinois in 1855 and grand marshal of the grand lodge of Illinois from 1880 till 1884. He was elected to all offices in the Grand Chapter, R. A. M. of Illinois. He was chosen high priest in 1877 and for a number of years was grand representative of Georgia in the Grand Chapter of Illinois. Since 1862 he was a member of the Galesburg Commandery, No. 8, K. T.
     In politics, Dr. McMurtry was a republican. He voted for Lincoln for his second term, although he was up to that time a loyal democrat. He was a man of political influence and a strong party leader. He was the founder of the Union League of Henderson township and served as the first president of that organization. Large minded in his convictions and of a powerful personality, he possessed in a marked degree many of the characteristics which distinguished his father before him, clear-sighted vision, the faculty of foreseeing the consequences of a situation or of an action long before those consequences occurred. Among the many residents of Knox county who knew Dr. McMurtry intimately, he possessed the friendship of a large number of people and the warm regard of all.

W. H. Montgomery, who is engaged in the operation of a fine farm of eighty acres on Section 13, Persifer Township, has the distinction of having served for thirty years as a school director in his district. He was born in Knox township, this county, on the 13th of December, 1849, and is a son of Zadock and Sarah (Church) Montgomery. His father, who was left an orphan in his early boyhood, was a native of Indiana, whence he came in 1837, at the age of twelve years, to Knox County with his brother. Here he completed his education in one of the subscription schools, subsequently turning his attention to agricultural pursuits. Immediately after his marriage he located on eighty acres of land in Knox township that he had previously purchased and there he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He met with excellent success in both undertakings and ultimately became the owner of four fine farms in Iowa. In his political views Mr. Montgomery was originally a Republican but in his later years he preferred the policy of the populist party. He passed away at the age of seventy-five years and was laid to rest in the Van Gilder cemetery in Knox township. The mother was a native of West Virginia and a daughter of Cyrus and Margaret Church who were also born in West Virginia. They came to Knox County during the pioneer days and located on a farm in Knox township, where they spent their last days. Mrs. Montgomery was sixty-six at the time of her death and she is buried in the family lot in Van Gilder cemetery. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church with which she had long been affiliated. Her grandfather in the maternal line, John Williams, was a veteran of the Revolution, while her grandfather, Church, participated in the War of 1812. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Zadock Montgomery there were born three sons and seven daughters, nine of whom are now living. In order of birth they are as follows: Margaret, the wife of James Coburn of Iowa; W. H., our subject; David and John, twins, the former a resident of East Galesburg, and the latter formerly of Galesburg, now deceased; Martha, now Mrs. Moser, of Dahinda; Sabina, the wife of Henry Wyman, of Oneida, Illinois; Mary, who married Walter Beaver of Kansas; Jennie, the wife of George Gilbert of Oklahoma; Clara who married Allen Ramble of the state of Washington; and Letta, now Mrs. Daniel Doan of Iowa.
     As he was the eldest boy in a large family, where the income was limited, W. H. Montgomery’s schooling was confined to a few terms in the districts of Knox and Persifer townships, his text-books laid aside in order that he might assist in the support of the other children. Agricultural pursuits have always engaged his attention, and soon after his marriage he settled in Bureau County, Illinois, but later removed to Persifer township, where he has now resided for many years. He purchased the farm he now owns from his brother David L. Montgomery. He has made extensive improvements in the place during the period of his ownership, having erected all of the buildings now standing, in addition to which he has effected many minor changes. His fields have always been devoted to the raising of such cereals as were best adapted to the soil and climate in connection with which he also raises stock.
     For his wife Mr. Montgomery chose Miss Dora E. Dawson, who was born in this township and is the daughter of James and Margaret Dawson, both of whom are now deceased. Of this marriage there have been born two children: Stella May, who died at the age of three months; and James Isaac, who was nine years at the time of his death.
     In all national elections Mr. Montgomery votes the straight Democratic ticket but locally he gives his support to the man he deems best qualified to meet the requirements of the office, regardless of party affiliation. He has always taken an active and helpful interest in governmental affairs in his township, and is now serving his second term as supervisor, having been elected on the people’s ticket. He has also served for four years as justice of the peace, was the township assessor for two terms, road commissioner for one and served on the school board, the cause of education ever having found in him an ardent supporter.

Ernest T. S. Mason, who since May, 1900, has been general agent at Galesburg for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, his district covering ten counties in western Illinois, was born in Farmington, Fulton County, this state, on the 21st of August, 1865. His father, Rev. William C. Mason, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and was educated in Washington and Jefferson College of that state, from which he was graduated with the class of 1847. He then began preaching in Ohio and later removed to Illinois, where he arrived in 1849. For a time he was pastor of the church at Le Claire, Iowa, and also of the Presbyterian Church at Port Bryan, Illinois. His last charge was at Farmington, this state. During the period of the Civil war he enlisted as chaplain of the Seventy-First Illinois Volunteer Infantry and went with Thomas to Atlanta. He also worked in the hospital at different times and returned from the Army with broken health, the hardships of war resulting in his death, on the 20th of December, 1870. In early manhood he had wedded Mary Osborne, who was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, February 8, 1821. She survived her husband for a number of years, passing away in November, 1904. She, too, held membership in the Presbyterian Church and was his able assistant in the discharge of his pastoral work. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Republican party. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mason was celebrated in 1848 and unto them were born seven children: Alexander 0., who is living in Chicago; William S., who died February 23, 1911; John M., of Chicago; Clarence H. of Chetopa, Kansas; Ernest T. S.; Mrs. Sarah Amanda Taten, who died December 16, 1904; and Mary Blanche, who died in 1866.
     Ernest T. S. Mason completed his education in the Galesburg High School and throughout the intervening period and has been identified with the insurance business. For seventeen years he was connected with the Covenant Mutual Life Insurance Company and then became general agent of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company in May, 1900. In this connection he has jurisdiction over ten counties in western Illinois and has under his control a corps of able representatives who were building up for the company a large and substantial business in this part of the state. Mr. Mason is thoroughly in touch with the work in his territory and his own capability and zeal enthuse those who are working under his direction.
     On the 5th of November, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mason and Miss Maude Alberta Templeton, a daughter of Thomas F. and Mary (Arnold) Templeton. The children born unto them are: Donald, whose birth occurred September 9, 1893; Marjorie Maude, born September 23, 1895; and Nancy Brooke, born on February 2, 1897. The wife and mother died December 6, 1904, and on the 30th of October, 1907, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Etta Ingersoll, a daughter of Samuel and Lois (Van Ormand) Ingersoll, of Galesburg.
     In his fraternal relations Mr. Mason is connected with the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Galesburg Club and attends the Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political views accord with the principles of the Republican Party, but he has never sought or desired office, believing it preferable to concentrate all his energies upon his business affairs, and that he was wise in so doing it is indicated in the advancement which has come to him, giving him a prominent position in the insurance circles of the city.

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.

John 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 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 there from 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.

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.

P. A Sunwall, a successful agriculturist who makes a specialty of buying, selling and raising stock, is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and thirty acres, located two miles north of Williamsfield. He is a native of Knox County, his birth having occurred in Truro Township, in 1871, and a son of Jonas and Anna (Peterson) Sunwall, natives of Sweden. The father was born in Helsingland in 1826, and there he passed the first forty-three years of his life. Having heard many favorable reports regarding the opportunities and advantages afforded to enterprising men in the United States, in 1869, together with his wife and family, Jonas Sunwall took passage for the new world. Upon his arrival in this country, he came directly to Knox County, settling on a farm in Truro Township to the further development of which he devoted his energies until age compelled his retirement from active life. He passed away in 1907 at the venerable age of eighty-two years. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sunwall numbered four: Nelson J., a resident of Texas; P. A. the subject of this sketch, Jennie M., of Colorado, and a son who died in infancy.
The period of his boyhood and youth, P. A. Sunwall spent on his father's farm, obtaining his education in the district schools. Like other farmer lads he was early assigned chores about the barn and fields, his duties increasing and his strength developed with the passing years. By the time he had attained his maturity he was a good practical agriculturist, having long been accustomed to plowing, sowing, and harvesting the fields under the competent direction of his father. When qualified to begin farming for himself he undertook the operation of the home place, where he is now living and has met with increasing prosperity in its cultivation. His fields are rich and fertile and annually yield abundant harvests that well repay him for the labor expended in their cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Sunwall also raises and buys stock, that he ships to the Chicago and St. Louis markets. He has met with more than an average degree of success. In taking care of the soil and in the conservation of its fertility he follows the plans of the State University and is a faithful adherent of Professor Hopkins, whom he considers the foremost exponent of scientific soil renovation in the world. In his experiments with various crops, Mr. Sunwall was the first in this section of the country to obtain satisfactory resulting in planting his land to alfalfa. He considers this legume the most valuable the farmer can raise and is proud to be set down as the pioneer alfalfa grower in these parts. During the period of his ownership of his present place he has put thereon many improvements indicative of the spirit of enterprise and progress that has characterized his undertakings.
Ever since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his political support to the men and measures of the republican party. He has been called upon to discharge the duties of a number of township offices and for many years has been a school trustee. Keenly regretting the limited opportunities offered him in acquiring his own education he has become the earned advocate of betterment in our school system and especially interests himself in bringing about the consolidation and grading of the country schools. Mr. Sunwall is unmarried. He is a man of enterprise and industry, whose success is attributable to intelligently directed effort.

John Van Ness Standish is a lineal descendant of Captain Miles Standish, of Pilgrim fame and was born in Woodstock, Vt., February 26th, 1825. His father was John Winslow Standish, who was born in Pembroke, Mass. July 19th, 1785. He was a man of many virtues. He was kind, affectionate, trustful, and had a heart full of love for everyone. He possessed a good natural powers of mind, and lived to his 90th year an exemplary and honorable life. His mother was Caroline Williams Myrick, who was born in Woodstock, Vt., December 20, 1790. She was a daughter of Lt. Samuel Myrick, who served his country through the Revolutionary war. She was devoted to her family and friends, domestic in her home life, untiring in industry, frugal, discreet, intelligent, and her whole life of sacrifice in duty is stamped indelibly upon the memory of her children.
     The ancestry of the Standish family reaches back to a very early period in English history. In the 13th century, there were two branches to the family; one was called The " Standishes of Standish ", and the other the "Standishes of Duxbury Hall ". Their location was near the village of Chorley, Lancashire. The first of the name was Thurston de Standish, who was living in 1222. He had a son Ralph, who had a son Hugh. In 1306, on account of differences in religious views, the state was divided; Jordan Standish becoming the proprietor of Standish, and Hugh, of Duxbury Hall. In 1677, Sir Richard Standish occupied the possessions of Sir Frank Standish. Titled nobility came into the family in the following manner: Froissart relates in his chronicles that when Richard II and Wat Tyler met, the rebel was struck from his horse by William Walworth, and then John Standish, the king's Squire, alighted, drew his sword, and thrust it through Wat Tyler's body. For this act he was knighted. The baronetcy, which was established in 1676, became extinct in 1812.
     The history of the Standish family in America begins with Miles Standish, the great Puritan Captain, who was descended from the Standishes of Duxbury Hall. He was born about 1584 and died at Duxbury, Massachusetts, October 3rd, 1656. He inherited in a preeminent degree the military qualities of his ancestors. He was the Moses of his time and led the Pilgrim band into the "Promised Land " of liberty. Without him, New England for a generation or two would have remained a wilderness and that little Plymouth Colony would have become extinct.
     Miles Standish's first wife was Rose, a most beautiful woman. She died in about a month after landing at Plymouth. According to tradition, his second wife was Barbara, a sister to Rose. By this second marriage there were seven children. The eldest was Alexander, who built the cottage in 1666 now standing on the " Standish farm " at Duxbury. For his first wife, Alexander married Sarah, daughter of John Alden. His second wife was Desire (Sherman) Doty, by home he had four children. Their eldest child was Thomas, who married Mary Carver. Thomas had six children, the third birth been a son whose name was Thomas, the great grandfather of John Van Ness. The second Thomas married Marta Bisbee and had two sons, one of whom was named Hadley. Hadley married Abigail Gardner and became the father of 11 children. The third child was John Winslow, who married Caroline Williams Myrick. They had six children, the fourth birth been John Van Ness.
     John Van Ness Standish belongs to the sixth generation from the Pilgrim captain. He was not born in affluence, and consequently, has been obliged to depend upon his own exertions in the great contest of life.
     He received the rudiments of his education in the common schools of his native town. From these, he passed into private schools, in which he spent several terms. He next became a student for several years, in an Academy at Lebanon, New Hampshire, which would vie in thoroughness and scholarship with many of the colleges of today. Having finished here the entire course of mathematics save the calculus, and been thoroughly prepared, he matriculated in Norwich University in 1844, and graduated as salutatorian of his class July 7, 1847. While in college, he was regarded as a most excellent scholar, and in mathematics, the leader of his class. To meet his expenses during these years of study, he taught school winters, commencing at the age of 16, and worked on the farm summers. He made study a business, squandered no time, and had but little leisure for recreation or games.
     After leaving college, he taught a select School in Perkinsille, Vermont, and when this was closed, he became principal of a graded school in the same village. Not satisfied with the prospects in his native state, he resolved to seek his fortunes in the west. In the fall of 1850, he went to western New York and taught in the graded schools of Farmington, Bergen, Macedon, and Victor, until he was called to the professorship of mathematics and astronomy in Lombard University. Rev. P. R. Kendall, a classmate, was its president, and a letter of invitation sent by him to Dr. Standish contained the following: "You and I are to build a college. I want you to take charge while I collect money ". And it may be said that Lombard university owes its existence to the labors of these two men.
     On October 22, 1854, Dr. Standish arrived in Galesburg, and on the following day he entered upon his duty as acting president, and Professor of mathematics and astronomy. He was acting president for three years, and the institution prospered greatly under his management. From 1854 to 1892, a period of 38 years, he held his professorship. Nor was he confined to his own department. For seven or eight years, he taught the natural sciences, and if any new branch of study was introduced, Dr. Standish was elected as the teacher. A professor said to him, "You have taught the whole college curriculum ". Dr. Standish replied, "Not quite ". Counting geometry, calculus, logic, Cicero, Virgil, and Livy, as distinct studies, he has taught over 70--more perhaps than any other professor in Galesburg.
     In 1892, he was elected president of Lombard University, resigning in June, 1895. For the first seven months, he canvassed for funds, and raised by subscription forty-one thousand, five hundred dollars--a larger amount than was ever raised in so short a time by any other man working in the interest of the university. The catalogs will show that during his administration, the patronage gradually increased.
Dr. Standish performed signal service for the college outside of his professorship. He planned the cabinet cases and, with the aid of Mrs. Standish, raised the money to pay for them. He raised the money and purchased the cabinet of corals. He obtained the Cowan collection. He secured the means to build the bookcases. He arranged and planned the shrubbery on the college campus. As another has said, "There is scarcely a place but that you see his hand".
     As a teacher, Dr. Standish had but few equals. He was original and his illustrations and methods, and cared little for the opinions of man as written in books. He was a law unto himself, and his teaching was neither by book nor by rote. He was clear, incisive, and never allowed the dullest student to pass from him without a full comprehension of the subject. Many of his pupils used to say, "I can carry away more of his instruction than that of any other teacher". Dr. Hansen L. Clarke, a graduate of Lombard University in 1858, a professor and president of Bennett Medical College in Chicago for more than a quarter of a century, and a member of the state board of health for as long a period, pays him the following tribute: "As a teacher, Professor Standish had few equals, no superiors. With the subject so completely in hand himself, it was always a wonder, how for the benefit of some dull pupil he could go over a mathematical demonstration again, again, and again, without the slightest appearance of impatience. And to those observing this conflict between light and darkness, it was especially pleasing to note that the kindly light of interest and satisfaction which would pass over his countenance when at last he saw that he had won, and that the problem was comprehended. He made such victories a life-work acknowledged no defeat".

Rev. John R. Carpenter, whose pastorate is at Rockland, Ohio, and who graduated at the University in 1887, says: "Dr. Standish was an ideal instructor. He was a man of leading characteristics, original, positive and his convictions, clear-sighted, and always worked with a definite and good object before him. He was a growing teacher, always bringing forth some new view of the truth. Those who have been students of Doctor Standish are always grateful for the privilege of sitting at the feet of one of the best instructors that this country ever produced. He would carry his pupils up to the heights, and give them a view of the promised land just beyond. On the heights, no true student ever came down to his old position.
     D. L Braucher, a civil engineer and surveyor, and one of the best mathematicians ever connected with the university, gives his impressions in the following words: "Professor Standish was always thoughtful, dignified in his bearing, and anxious to make his pupil see the truth as viewed from foundation principles. He seemed more like a sympathetic companion than teacher, while we were delving for the hidden truths of higher mathematics.
      The more knotty the problem, the more persistent the labor, till victory perched on our banner, as she always did. Time has tented those memories as delicately as the sunshine has painted the rainbow".
As a scholar, Dr. Standish stands preeminent. He is really an all-around man. Not only is he well versed in the lore of books and the teachings of the schools, but he has been a great student of the broad fields of the world. He is well posted in almost every department of science, literature, and art. In criticism, he has but a few equals. He excels in rhetoric and in grammatical construction in the use of words, and has been called by some scholars a dictionary man. At the ministers' institutes, held in Chicago and other places, he was selected above all others as the critic for the entire sessions.
     In his labors and zeal for the advancement and improvement of the common schools, he has hardly been excelled by anyone. He has held teachers' institutes, and lectured all over the state-from Jackson and Macoupin counties on the north. He was chairman of the first meeting to establish graded schools in Galesburg, and attended other meetings held in their interest. From 1854 to 1880, he was a constant attendance at the Knox County Institute of teachers, and was a leading member of the State Teachers' Association. The latter body, in 1859, elected him president.
     Dr. Standish has been a great traveler. In company with Mrs. Standish, he has visited the old world three times-in 1879, 1882-3, and in 1891-2. With the exception of Denmark and Portugal, he has visited every country of Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land, and Asia Minor, went to the North Cape within 19 degrees of the North Pole, saw the midnight sun seven nights, and took a trip of a hundred miles out on the Sahara desert.
      Both Dr. and Mrs. Standish have gone abroad for study, as well as pleasure. In his own country, he has visited every state in the union excepting the Carolinas.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Standish are lovers of art. They have visited every large picture gallery in the world, and many small ones. They are conversant with the museums of Europe and have studied cathedrals and parks, wherever they have traveled. Egypt and Assyria, Greece and Rome, have been laid under contribution, and their treasures have been spread out before them.
     As a public-spirited man, Dr. Standish holds a conspicuous place among his fellow citizens. He has done much to improve the city, and has given more hours of labor without compensation than any other man in it. For more than 30 years, he has made his own grounds the most attractive in the city. Another said to him, "Your handiwork is seen all for Galesburg." He has an aesthetic nature, and is fond of mountain scenery, and beauty of landscape. He is a horticulturalist, and for nearly 10 years, was president of Knox County Agricultural Society. He was once elected a member of the Board of Education, and for many years, has been a director of the Second National Bank.
     As the man, Dr. Standish is kind, benevolent, and charitable, and will make sacrifices for the public good. He is open-hearted, and believes and honesty of purpose and intention. He has no use for double-minded men. In religion he is a Universalist. In politics, he is a Republican.
Dr. Standish was married March 24, 1859, to Harriet Augusta Kendall, daughter of Francis and Rebecca (Stowe) Kendall. She was a teacher of painting, French and Italian in Lombard University for twelve years.

Jacob H. Schryver, who maintains a shoemaking establishment in Knoxville, has been a resident of Knox County for forty-four years, during which time he has noted its wonderful development along the various lines of human activity. He was born in Sag Harbor, New York, on the 5th of June, 1833, and is the son of George and Nancy (Conant) Schryver, natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was a farmer in his early manhood, removed with his wife and family from Pennsylvania to the Mohawk Valley, New York, subsequently locating in Sag Harbor, where he remained for many years. From there he went to Ontario, Canada, and engaged in the lumber business, continuing to make his residence in that country until his death. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Schryver consisted of five sons and six daughters, all of whom with the exception of our subject, are now deceased.
The youthful years of Jacob H. Schryver were spent in Sag Harbor, where he received his schooling. When old enough to become self-supporting he followed various occupations until 1865, when he engaged in the shoemaker's trade. From New York he went to Maine, but later went to Massachusetts, and in 1867 he came to what at that period was termed the West, locating in Galesburg. There he established a shop that he successfully conducted for many years. He has always been a skillful and painstaking workmen and as he employed only the best of materials and executing his orders enjoyed a very good patronage. After the death of his wife, Mr. Schryver located in Abingdon for a few years, but has for some time now been making his home in Knoxville. During the period of his residence here he has at all times been found dependable and thoroughly trustworthy in his business obligations and as a result enjoys the respect of all with whom he has had transactions.
In 1855, at the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Schryver was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Myers, who was born and reared in Canada, but passed away in Galesburg in 1891. Her parents were natives of Germany, but in their early life they emigrated to Canada, where the father followed farming during the entire period of his active career. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schryver there were born four children, two of whom are living: Mary Ellen, the wife of O. T. Martin, of Iowa, and James S., who makes his home in Greeley, Colorado.
In matters of faith Mr. Schryver is an Episcopalian. Although being in his eightieth year Mr. Schryver still leads an active life, and takes an interest in all that is going on about him.
James A. Shaffer, a prominent and highly successful agriculturist of Truro township was the late James A. Shaffer, who passed away February 1, 1890. He was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of April, 1841, a son of Benjamin B. Shaffer, a farmer, who removed from the Keystone state to Illinois in 1856, locating in Knox county, where he passed the remainder of his life.

James A. Shaffer was reared in his native state to the age of fifteen years, attending the public schools in the acquirement of his education. From early boyhood he was trained in agricultural pursuits and naturally when he was ready to begin working for himself chose the vocation to which he was best adapted. In whatever he undertook he would have succeeded, being a man of enterprise and industry and much determination of purpose, he was practical in his ideas, progressive in his methods and always directed his undertakings with foresight and intelligence. At the time of his death he owned between four hundred and fifty and five hundred acres of land in this township, all of which was under high cultivation. A portion of this had been the old family homestead, and during the long period of his occupancy Mr. Shaffer effected many improvements in the property. He made a careful study of the soil, planting his fields to such cereals as he deemed best adapted to it. In connection with general farming he also engaged in stock-raising, both undertakings proving lucrative under his capable supervision. He was only forty-seven years of age when he passed away, and was actively engaged in the operation of his farm, three hundred and twenty acres of which is now being cultivated by his son, Benjamin.
For his wife and helpmate Mr. Shaffer chose Miss Louisa J. Oberholtzer, and they became the parents of six children. Vesper, who is the eldest of the family, graduated from the Women's Medical College of the Northwestern University in Chicago, and is now engaged in the practice of her profession in that city. Joseph O., who is a farmer living in Canada, married Ella Grimm and they have four children: Hortense; Lester, who is deceased; Vesper; and Helen. Benjamin B. who is the second son, is engaged in the operation of the old homestead. He married Mary E. Fitzgerald of Chicago. Celesta married Walter Potts, a farmer of this township, by whom she has had four children: Harold H., who is deceased; Willis J.; and Lester B. and Letta Bell, who are twins. Letta became the wife of Fred M. Brown and they are living on a farm in South Dakota. James A., who is the youngest member of the family, is living at home.
Mr. Shaffer was a public-spirited man and took a deep interest in all township affairs, giving his support to the men and measures of the democratic party. He had high standards of citizenship and always discharged his share of public duties faithfully, having filled various offices of the township. A man of upright principles and unquestionable integrity, loyal to his friends and true to every trust reposed in him, he was held in high esteem by all who knew him, his death being occasion for deep and widespread regret throughout the community.

James A. Staffer, one of Knox County's successful farmers, residing on section 27, Truro Township, began his career as a farmer in the year 1864, on an 80-acre tract of land which he had inherited from his mother; or, in other words, the land had been purchased for him previously with the money he had inherited, and was at the time of purchase valued at $750. This farm included the south one-half of the northwest quarter of section 27, which he has since occupied. The first addition made to it was the north one-half of the same quarter, which he purchased on time. From the very first our subject engaged in the breeding of stock, his favorite being the Short-horn cattle. He also deals extensively in Poland-China hogs and Clydesdale horses. He has added to his acreage from time to time until now he is the possessor of 820 acres of land, all of which is tillable soil.
     The gentleman whose name heads this brief personal narrative was born in Clinton County, Pa., April 15, 1841. He was kept steadily at school until he was 13 years of age, when he began work with his father in the lumber regions, felling trees and squaring timber. Our subject was 15 years of age when he came to the Prairie State with his father, arriving here May 20, 1856. Here he again took up his studies, attending the common schools and supplementing the same by attendance at Hedding College, Abingdon. He assisted his father in the farm duties until he had attained his majority, at which time he worked for his father on shares until the year 1864, when he located on his present farm as before stated.
Nov. 22, 1864, the marriage of James Shaffer and Miss Louisa, the accomplished daughter of Joseph and Annie (Tedrow) Oberholtzer, was solemnized. Mrs. Shaffer was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 15, 1843, and was formerly a teacher in the public schools of Knox County. She received her early education in the public schools and later attended Hedding College, receiving her first certificate when but a girl of 14 years. She graduated at St. Mary's School in June, 1886.
     The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer has been blessed by the birth of seven bright children, whose names are as follows: Vesper, Joseph O., Benjamin B., Annie [not mentioned in the above biography of James Shaffer], Celestia, Rosaletta, and James A.
     Mr. S. is a Greenbacker, and is a stockholder in a co-operative store at Yates City, and Director in the company. He has always evinced great interest in educational matters, and has served in the capacity of School Director in his district. He has also represented his township on the Board of Supervisors.
Our subject and wife are highly esteemed by all who enjoy their acquaintance and friendship, and Mrs. Shaffer is a woman gifted with extraordinary business ability. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John F. Hamilton, attorney at law practicing at the Galesburg bar and also serving as justice of the peace of this city, was born near Wenona, Illinois, February 3, 1867. He represents one of the old families of Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Hamilton, a descendant of Eli Hamilton, was a native of that state where he followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He there married Nancy McMorris who was a niece of Chief Justice John Marshall. Removing to Illinois they became early settlers of Marshall county where they died when well advanced in years. They had a large family, including: Celia, deceased who was the wife of Hiram Meyer, of Galesburg; William T.; Elizabeth, the wife of Josiah Miller, of Richwood, Ohio; John M., at one time governor of Illinois; Oscar, deceased; Frank Y., a resident of Bloomington; and Roa, the wife of Oliver Alien, of Wenona, Illinois. Through the period of their residence in Illinois the family has been prominent in promoting the general work of up building and improvement.
     William T. Hamilton, father of John F. Hamilton, of this review, was born in Ohio and spent his youthful days in Union county, that state, near Richwood, there remaining until his parents brought their family to Illinois. In Marshall county, this state, he engaged in farming and later established his home in Wenona, where he lived until 1891 when he came to Galesburg and during the period of his residence in this city he was prominent in public affairs and served for two or three terms as alderman from the third ward. In 1904 he removed to Pomona, California, where his death occurred in 1911, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years. His wife died on the 27th of June of the same year at the age of sixty-nine years. They were both faithful and devoted members of the Presbyterian church and earnest Christian people throughout all their lives. The father served as an elder in the church in Galesburg and also after his removal to Pomona. He was at all times a public-spirited and patriotic citizen and was a stalwart champion of the Union cause during the Civil war, for which he organized two companies, but was himself rejected on account of physical disability, although he had been elected captain of the company. As he could not aid the army at the front he raised a third company and thus rendered excellent service to the cause at home. He married Susan Clifford, who was likewise a native of Ohio and was a daughter of Edward and Rebecca (Dunlap) Clifford, who were also born in the Hawkeye state. They, too, became residents of Marshall county, Illinois, making the journey overland across the country in wagons when Mrs. Susan Hamilton was quite young. Both lived to old age, Mrs. Clifford being ninety-six years old at the time of her death. They had a large family, namely: Sarah, now the wife of James Phillips, of Table Rock, Nebraska; Nancy, deceased; Jane, the wife of William Dunlap; Samuel and Margaret, both of whom have passed away; and Susan, who became the wife of William T. Hamilton. By her marriage she had four children who reached adult age: Luetta, now the wife of J. F. Evans, of Pomona, California; John F.; James E., who follows farming near Magnolia, Illinois; and Samuel O., living in Lordsburg, California.
     John F. Hamilton was reared upon his father's farm near Wenona, Illinois, and after mastering the common branches of learning in the district schools attended the high school of Wenona. Subsequently he entered the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington. With broad literary learning to serve as the foundation for professional knowledge he took up the study of law and passed the examination before the Supreme court of Illinois, being admitted to the bar on the 1st of March, 1893. He then began practice in Galesburg where he still remains and in following his profession has won a good clientage.
     On the 5th of June, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hamilton and Miss Anna Wright, a daughter of William and Sarah (Bellows) Wright, the former a native of New York and the latter of Hartford, Connecticut. Removing westward they settled in Indiana where their remaining days were passed. They were parents of four children, including Anna, who became Mrs. Hamilton. She was born in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, William Wright, John Philip and Dorothy Luetta. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton hold membership in the Presbyterian church and in social circles occupy an enviable position by reason of that genuine worth which is always the passport to good society. Mr. Hamilton belongs to Alpha Lodge, No. 155, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Tribe of Ben Hurr, the Yeomen of America and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. He is likewise a member of the Sigma Chi, a college fraternity, and of the Country Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is now capably serving for the fourth term as justice of the peace. His military experience covers service as captain of Battery B, Illinois National Guard, and he was inspector of rifle practice on Mayor Yeager's staff. He was also military instructor in St. Albans Academy at Knoxville for two years. His interests are broad and varied and he has led a busy and useful life, his activities touching the general interests of society whereby the welfare and the legal status of the community are upheld.

Marcus T. Perrin is a self-made man who as the architect of his own fortunes has built wisely and well. His record is another proof of the fact that it is only under the stimulus of necessity and of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed. From the age of sixteen years he has been dependent upon his own resources and his advancement marks the wise use of his time, talents and opportunities. He was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, June 29, 1832, a son of Horace and Theresa (Richardson) Perrin, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, the father engaging in business in Lee, that state, as a woolen manufacturer. He continued in that connection with the business circles of Lee until his death and his wife passed away in the same city, in August, 1890. Horace Perrin had given his early political allegiance to the democratic party but when Lincoln and Douglas became candidates for the presidency he supported the former and was ever afterward a stanch republican. He held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife were members of the Congregational church. They had but two children, the younger being a daughter, Lucinda Josephine, who is now the widow of Manson P. Shale and resides in Lee, Massachusetts.
Marcus T. Perrin pursued his education in the district schools and in the Lee Academy, which he attended for one term. At the age of sixteen years he was apprenticed to a woolen manufacturer for a term of three years and followed that business until twenty-two years of age, when he came west to Illinois, traveling by rail to Rock Island, which was the terminus of the line and thence walking to Mercer county. He made his way to the home of an aunt about twelve miles east of Keithsburg, Illinois, but after a brief time left there and entered the employ of George W. Brown as a traveling salesman, spending five years upon the road. He next began farming in Warren county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for six years, after which he sold his land and in the winter of 1871 engaged in dealing in corn. He was for a time connected with a corn-planter works and for a period of six years was identified with a bank in Creston, Iowa. On the expiration of that period he returned to Galesburg, where he was superintendent of the corn-planter works for several years, after which he was elected to the presidency of the company and continued as its chief executive head until his retirement from active business in 1904.
On the 27th of June, 1858, Mr. Perrin wedded Miss Elizabeth A. Brown, a daughter of George W. and Maria Terpening Brown, of Galesburg, who were natives of Saratoga county, New York, where they were reared and married. The father was a carpenter by trade and in 1833 made his way westward, settling in Warren county, Illinois, about seven miles from Galesburg, when the entire district was largely a wild and undeveloped region. He at once began the occupation of farming and later followed carpentering. Realizing the necessity of improved farm machinery, he called his inventive genius into play with the result that his skill and ingenuity brought forth a corn planter which he began to manufacture in Galesburg. The new machine filled a much felt want and he continued in its manufacture until five or six years prior to his death, when he retired. His life work was of value to the community as well as a source of profit to himself. It greatly facilitated the work of the farmer and his manufactory in Galesburg furnished employment to many workmen. He also figured prominently in many public connections, serving for one term as mayor of Galesburg. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was ever loyal and unfaltering in his devotion to its principles. Both he and his wife were lifelong members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he served on the official board of stewards for about half a century. He died on the 5th of June, 1895, a man honored and respected wherever known and most of all where he was best known. His life was indeed of worth to the community in which he lived, as a factor in its material, political, social and moral progress. He made wise use of his time and opportunities and of his native talents and his well directed energies brought to him the material reward of his labor and the respect of his fellowmen as well. His daughter, Mrs. Perrin, was born March 21, 1839, in Warren county, and by her marriage became the mother of four children: George, who died April 1, 1901, at the age of forty years; Arthur E., of Chicago; Myra Theresa, the wife of Clarence A. Hurlburt, of Galesburg; and Genevieve Josephine, the wife of Herbert A. Smith, of this city. Both Mr. and Mrs. Perrin hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he has taken an active and helpful part, serving for many years on the board of stewards and cooperating in all of the projects to promote the growth and extend the influence of the church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. A well spent life has brought him the merited reward of labor and the respect and good-will of his fellowmen.

Foxie is related to the Terpening Side of this family - George Washington Brown who married Mariah Terpening in New York before coming to IL. Email me if you are any relation to them. Thanks.

Louis L. Steele. Louis L. Steele, a factor in the business circles of Knox county, is now serving as secretary and treasurer of the Churchill Hardware Company at Galesburg. His birth occurred in Dover, Illinois, on the 18th of May, 1863, his parents being Andrew and Susan (Zearing) Steele, who were natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. The paternal grandfather, a gentleman of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Vermont and died in the east in middle life. His widow, Mrs. Lydia (Abel) Steele, came west with her son Andrew and passed away at Dover, Illinois, when sixty-five years of age. Their children were three in number, namely: Henry P., Andrew L. and Leonora. Martin Zearing, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and came of German descent. In 1835 he removed to Dover, Illinois, there following general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. To him and his wife, Mrs. Sarah Zearing, were born the following children: Martin; Louis; David; John; Henry, who was killed in the Civil war; Carolina; Elizabeth; Sarah; Mary; and Susan.
     Andrew Steele, the father of Louis L. Steele, was reared near Buffalo, New York, and became a very early settler of Bureau county, Illinois. For about thirty-five years he was successfully engaged in general merchandising at Dover, while his demise occurred at Princeton, Illinois, in January, 1910, when he had attained the age of eighty-two years. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and held various town offices. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His widow still resides at Princeton and is now eighty-three years of age. She is well known and highly esteemed throughout the town, having made her home near there for seventy-five years. In religious faith she is a Baptist. By her marriage she became the mother of six sons and one daughter, as follows: Charles D., who is a resident of Chicago; George, living in Dover, Illinois; John, of Gunnison, Colorado; Dick, who makes his home at Springfield, Illinois; Louis L., of this review; Harry, of Princeton, Illinois; and Lottie; the deceased wife of W. J. Bailey, formerly of Princeton, Illinois.
     Louis L. Steele was reared in Dover and obtained his education in the public schools and an academy of that town. Subsequently he followed the profession of teaching for two terms. He was next engaged in general merchandising at Alden, Iowa, for five years and on the expiration of that period removed to Buda, Illinois, where for eleven years he was identified with business interests as a hardware merchant. Coming to Galesburg, he became associated with the Churchill Hardware Company as secretary and treasurer and in those capacities has largely contributed to the continued growth and success of the concern. He is a man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
     On the 14th of February, 1889, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miss Alice R. Carter, a native of Dover and a daughter of George F. and Emily (Parsons) Carter, both of whom were born in Maine and became early settlers of Dover, Illinois. The father, whose natal year was 1833, passed away at Dover in March, 1911, when seventy-eight years of age. The mother still survives. Mrs. Steele is one of a family of three children, the others being Charles E. and Edwin P. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Steele was born in Maine, in which state both he and his wife passed away. They had three children, namely: George F., Mrs. Ruth Plummer and Lyman. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Steele was likewise a native of Maine.
    Mr. and Mrs. Steele have two daughters, Lottie and Mildred. They are devoted and consistent members of the Central Congregational church, taking an active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Steele is a man of many sterling traits of character, enterprising in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable.

Hon. Henry McCall Sisson. During the years of his residence in Knox county Hon. Henry McCall Sisson was well known as an educator, farmer, breeder of fine stock and later as a retired citizen whose activity in former years well merited rest and prosperity which crowned the evening of his life. He was also prominent in public affairs and although many positions of trust and responsibility were accorded him, he never betrayed this trust in the slightest degree. He was born in Clinton, New York, September 29, 1829, and his parents, Pardon and Abba (McCall) Sisson, were both natives of New England. They were married September 30, 1827, in Lebanon, Connecticut, and afterward removed to Oneida county, New York, where they resided for fifteen years prior to their arrival in Galesburg in 1842. The ancestral line on the maternal side has been traced back through thirty-seven generations to Egbert, who became king in the year 802 A. D., and was styled Rex Anglorum, or the King of the English. One of the great-grandfathers of Henry McCall Sisson was Captain Veach Williams, a man of considerable prominence in his day, who was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, April 23, 1727. He came of the same family as Ephraim Williams, the founder of Williams College, and of William Williams, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and speaker of the colonial congress.
Henry M. Sisson enjoyed the educational advantages offered by his native town and made wise use of his time and talents. He was a lad of thirteen years when the family came to Galesburg and after continuing his studies for a time in the district schools here he entered Knox Academy in the fall of 1843. He became very proficient in Latin and in mathematics was a particularly apt pupil. When only sixteen years of age he had made such advancement that he was chosen as teacher in the public schools, his broad intelligence well qualifying him for the position. For thirteen years he remained a resident of Galesburg but in 1855 removed to his farm in Henderson township and during the greater part of his life was connected with general agricultural pursuits.
In addition to tilling the fields Mr. Sisson engaged quite extensively in the raising of fine stock in which he was very successful. He was also an excellent judge of stock, his opinions being accepted as authority upon their value. His business affairs were most capably managed and the energy and industry, sound judgment and sagacity which he displayed constituted effective forces in winning for him the success which crowned his labors.
     Mr. Sisson not only won for himself a creditable position in business circles but also enjoyed the confidence of his fellowmen in a large degree and by them was called to fill many positions of public trust. He was elected supervisor of Henderson township in 1869 and was again called to that office in 1876, at which time he remained in the position for three years. Again in 1885 he was chosen supervisor and served altogether for eleven years. After establishing his home in Galesburg he was elected to the office and continued therein for several terms. He was likewise school trustee, road commissioner and in other connections proved his loyalty to the best interests of the community. Moreover he was identified with many organizations for the advancement of progress along agricultural and other lines. He was a member of the farmers congress at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago and was a delegate to the farmers national convention held in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1898. He was president of the National Poland China Swine Association and for ten years was president of the American Poland China Record Company. He was president of the Knox County Farmers Institute and his labors constituted a potent force in advancing agricultural interests in this part of the state and in stimulating progress throughout the country. He held to the highest possible standards and believed that everything should be done for the improvement of conditions and methods.
     On the 25th of December, 1860, Mr. Sisson was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane Miller, a daughter of John and Jane A. (Crane) Miller, who were residents of Chicago. In fact her father was one of the honored pioneers of that city, having served as one of the first trustees when Chicago was a village. The family have a facsimile of the resolutions adopted at that meeting. Mr. Miller had previously been engaged in business in La Porte, Indiana, and removed thence to Chicago where he acted as overseer in the building of houses. He made his home there from 1845 until three years before his death, which occurred in 1858, in Galesburg, Illinois. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sisson are six children, as follows: Mrs. W. H. Cooper, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. William J. Pringle, of Chicago; Mrs. A. H. Stephens, residing in New York city; Mrs. E. P. Robson, of Wataga, Illinois; and Mrs. E. R. Everett and Miss Anna Sisson, of Galesburg.
     Mr. Sisson was ever a great reader and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and on all the topics of general interest. He was familiar with the history of his country and its politics and also thoroughly informed concerning the history of Illinois. At the time of his death he was the president of the Old Settlers Association of Knox county and not only was a witness of the important events which have here occurred but was an active participant in many. He long attended the Presbyterian church and possessed a nature free from dishonesty and equally free from ostentation and display. He was a lover of home and friends and it would be difficult to find one who had more warm friends in Knox county than Henry M. Sisson. His death occurred on the 29th of May, 1905. His life had been a useful one, well spent and fruitful of good results. He not only made continuous advancement himself but stimulated and inspired the progress of others and was particularly well known throughout the country in connection with stock-raising interests. No history of Knox county would be complete without a record of his life which constitutes a creditable chapter in the annals of this section. This man also has a bio on the 1899 Encyclopedia of IL Knox County.

H. R. Griffith, whose well cultivated farm forms one of the attractive features of Cedar township, was born on his father's homestead south of Galesburg, Knox county, Illinois, on the 8th of January, 1861. His father, Morris Griffith, was a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having there occurred on the 17th of February, 1836. When a lad of four years he removed with his parents to Ohio, where they resided until 1852, when they came to Illinois, settling in the vicinity of Galesburg. There Mr. Griffith continued to live until the year prior to his death, when he went to reside with a son living north of Galesburg, where he passed away on December 9. 1906, being laid to rest in the cemetery at Knoxville. His parents, Abel and Hannah (Gore) Griffith, also spent their latter days in Knox county. For his wife and helpmate Morris Griffith chose Miss Elizabeth Harmony, their marriage being celebrated on the 27th of December, 1859. Mrs. Griffith, who was born near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, died in Knox county on February 12, 1901, at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith there were born seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Etta, the second in order of birth who was born on the 22d of May, 1862, was married on March 28, 1895, to G. C. Hutson, and is now living in the vicinity of Arkansas City, Kansas. William E., whose birth occurred on the 18th of January, 1864, married Mattie Brooks on January 27, 1892, and resides near Galesburg. Arthur, who was born on January 22, 1866, chose for his wife Ella Hutson, to whom he was married on March 17, 1898, now living near Galesburg. Frank M., born on the 24th of August, 1868, was married on the 2Oth of October, 1898, to Lennie Hutson and is living near Knoxville. Mary E., the next in order of birth, was born on the 21st of April, 1871, and died on the 21st of September, 1872, being laid to rest in the cemetery at Knoxville. Jessie A. was born on the 21st of June, 1877, and on December 27, 1900, married Marvin McGahey. The parents were earnest members of the Presbyterian church, while his political support Mr. Griffith accorded to the republican party. He took an active interest in all public affairs and held some of the township offices, the duties of which he discharged with efficiency.
     Born and reared on a farm, Mr. Griffith has always been more or less actively identified with agricultural pursuits. His preliminary education was obtained in the public schools, after the completion of which he entered Knox College at Galesburg. He remained at home with his parents until he was thirty-two years of age, when he came to his present place on section 20, Cedar township. He owns eighty-seven and a half acres of land here upon which he has made most extensive improvements, having erected some fine buildings, planted an orchard and grove, in addition to effecting various minor changes. He has applied himself diligently and intelligently to the cultivation of this property, his efforts in this direction having been rewarded in a most substantial and gratifying manner. In addition to his fine home farm he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dundy county, Nebraska, while his wife has forty acres in Orange township, this county.
       On the 24th of August, 1893, Mr. Griffith was married to Miss Flora A. Parmenter, whose birth occurred in Orange township, Knox county, on the 1st of November, 1868. Her paternal grandparents were among the pioneer settlers of the county and here her father, John Parmenter, whose birth occurred January 18, 1842, was united in marriage on December 31, 1867, to Miss Anna Haynes, who was born December 10, 1842. Both parents passed away in the same year, the father on December 29, 1880, and the mother on August 29 of that year. Mrs. Griffith was the eldest of the four children born of this union. In order of birth the other three are as follows: Asa H., a resident of Galesburg, whose birth occurred on the 16th of June, 1870; Charles E., who was born on May 21, 1875, now living in Watertown, Illinois; and Lenna, whose birth occurred on the 18th of November, 1877, the wife of Henry Godfrey, of Kansas. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith five children have been born: Jessie May, who was born on the 6th of November, 1894; Claude Russell, whose birth occurred on October 25, 1895 ; Harold O., born on the 19th of December, 1897; Mary L., born February 17, 1903; and John Herbert, who was born on the 18th of December, 1908.
     Mr. and Mrs. Griffith after coming to their present location united with the Congregational church of Abingdon and are devoted members thereof. Mr. Griffith has now held for over six years the office of deacon, while his wife has for five years been assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. His political prerogatives Mr. Griffith exercises in support of the men and measures of the republican party and he has served in the capacity of school director and tax collector.

George Patty, a well known agriculturist of Victoria township, who has retired from the active work of the fields but still makes his home on his farm, is a native of Knox county, his birth having occurred in the township, where he now lives, on the 10th of July, 1849. His parents were Josiah and Rebecca (Brown) Patty, the father a native of Tennessee, where he was also reared, and the mother of North Carolina. They were married in Tennessee and there they passed the early years of their domestic life, coming to Knox county in 1837. Upon their arrival they located in Victoria township, where the father successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his active life. He acquired extensive property interests, and at the time of his death owned five hundred and twenty acres of land, three hundred and twenty of which was under cultivation and the remainder in timber. Both parents passed away on the homestead and were buried in Salem cemetery. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Patty numbered eight, the two eldest of which were born in Tennessee and the others in this county. In order of birth they are as follows: James; William; Sarah J.; Nancy A.; Obed; Robert; George; and Josiah. The parents originally joined the Baptist church, but after locating in Victoria township, Mrs. Patty united with the Methodist Episcopal church. The father voted the democratic ticket, but never sought office.

The entire life of George Patty has been passed in the immediate vicinity of his present home, his education having been obtained in the Center Prairie district school. When still in his early boyhood he was assigned duties about the farm, and, as in common with other lads of the pioneer period, he had to assume his share of the duties and responsibilities that devolved upon both young and old living on the frontier. By the time he had attained his maturity he was a practical agriculturist, continuing to devote his entire attention to this vocation until 1904, when he turned over the operation of his farms to his son and son-in-law. He early manifested the energy and perseverance that have been the salient factors in his success, so intelligently directing his undertakings that he acquired three hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, all of which is under high cultivation. His holdings are located on section 14, of Victoria township, on the east side of the north and south road. During the period of his ownership he has erected all of the buildings now standing, including the house, which was built in 1876, and has wrought various other improvements consistent with the spirit of progress and enterprise he has at all times evinced.

For his wife Mr. Patty chose Miss Rosetta Florence Cain who was born in Stark county, Illinois, and is the daughter of Joseph and Barbara Cain. Four children have been born to them, as follows: Joseph Delbert, who married Pearl Tucker and is now residing on one of his father's farms; Roy, who chose for his wife Blanch Jarnagan, and lives in Galesburg; Stella, the wife of Fred Orwig, who is living on the home farm; and Etta, who is a music teacher.

Ever since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Patty has cast his ballot for the candidates of the democratic party. He has always taken an active interest in township affairs, and during his early manhood assumed his share of public office, serving with efficiency both as justice of the peace and constable, having resigned from the latter office before the expiration of his term. His energies were equally divided between general farming and stock raising during the long period of his agricultural career, both occupations proving to be remunerative under his intelligent and capable supervision. He is now enjoying the ease and comfort afforded by the goodly income received from his property; the reward of the well spent years of his early life.

Dr. John Francis Corbin, M. D; successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Galesburg, with offices in the Holmes building, was born near Dahinda, Illinois, on the banks of Spoon river, on Christmas Day of 1869. He represents one of the old pioneer families of this state. His grandfather was Henry J. Corbin, a native of Ohio, who became an early settler of Truro township, Knox county, there taking up his abode when the district was largely wild and undeveloped. He secured land, began the development of property and in course of time became an extensive and prosperous fanner. He died of typhoid fever upon his homestead when about fifty-eight or fifty-nine years of age. Among the children born to him and his wife, Mrs. Olive Corbin, was Edwin A. Corbin, the Doctor's father, his birth occurring on the old homestead farm in Truro township. At an early day he began farming on his own account. Subsequently, however, he removed to Knoxville, where he engaged in the practice of law for a quarter of a century, having previously prepared for the bar as a student in the office of Z; Cooley. a well known attorney of an early day. Edwin Corbin has served as city attorney of Knoxville for a number of years and still makes his home there. He married Miss Lucinda Beatty, also a native of Illinois, her parents being farming people of this state. Of that marriage there were born five children, four sons and a daughter, namely: Henry Butler, of Galesburg; Dr. John F., of this review; George Clement, of Toledo, Ohio; Mary Etta, the wife of Charles A. Johnson, of Galesburg; and Al E., of Peoria. For his second wife Edwin Corbin chose Elizabeth Utter and unto them were born four children, as follows: Lucinda, the wife of Charles Ferguson, of Chicago; Lee and Harold, also of Chicago; and Hortense, who married Kenneth Hawkins, of Galesburg.
Dr. Corbin, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Knox county and completed his public-school education by graduation from the high school with the class of 1888. He then entered Knox College, from which he was graduated in 1895. During his college course he devoted one year to teaching school and later took up the study of medicine, matriculating in the University of Illinois where he completed the full course in the medical department and was awarded his M. D. degree. He then began practice in Galesburg in 1898 and has since been a representative of the profession in this city, building up a business that has increased annually, both in extent and importance. Many who came to him as casual patients have continued as patrons when the need for professional service has been felt.
On the 11th of November, 1903, Dr. Corbin married Miss Marian Saywright, who was born near Toronto, Canada, as were her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Saywright, who still reside in that locality. She was the eldest of their four children, the others being James, Norman and Cora. Dr. and Mrs. Corbin have an interesting little daughter, Maxine Frances, who was born on the 17th of July, 1905. Mrs. Corbin belongs to the Episcopal church. Dr. Corbin is a republican in his political views and is a member of the pension board but has never sought nor desired office outside the strict path of his profession, for he prefers to concentrate his time and energies upon his chosen life work and his broad reading and continued study have given him comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine and added to experience have continuously promoted his efficiency.

George Freeman Conley; who for the past fourteen years has been representing the fourth ward in the city council, is one of the well known residents of Galesburg. He was born on a farm in the vicinity of Wataga, Knox county, on the 22d of July, 1853, the only child of Linzley and Catherine Anderson Conley. The father was born in Glasgow, Barren county, Kentucky, on June 16, 1827, while the mother's birth occurred in Hancock county, Indiana, May 6, 1830. When he was a lad of three years Linzley Conley came to Illinois with his father, Levey P. Conley, who had been given a grant for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Knox county, eighty for services rendered in the Black Hawk war and eighty on account of the war of 1812. For many years Levey P. Conley devoted his entire time and attention to the further development and improvement of his farm, and there he passed away on January 4, 1870, at the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife died November 10, 1864. His son, Linzley Conley, was reared and educated on the old homestead, where he also received his agricultural training. When he had attained his majority he left the parental home and began working for himself, continuing to follow farming. At the breaking out of the Civil war, in 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry as a private and went to the front where he remained for nearly three years. The hardships and privations incident to army life completely undermined his health, and he returned to the old farm practically an invalid. He again turned his attention to the cultivation of the fields, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits until 1868. In the latter year he gave up farming and came to Galesburg, and from that period until his death on the 13th of February, 1899, engaged in sinking artesian wells. The mother had passed away many years before on the farm, her demise occurring on April 27, 1854. They were married, June 22, 1851. They were members of the Baptist church, and the father also belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. In his political views he was a republican and while residing at Galesburg served as constable.
The early years in the life of George Freeman Conley were spent on the old farm, in the work of which he assisted while pursuing his studies in the common schools of Wataga. On the 10th of June, 1870, at the age of seventeen years, he began work as a section hand on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He had higher aspirations, however, and on October 13, 1872, began braking on a freight train. In the discharge of his services he was both efficient and satisfactory and on the 20th of June, 1876, he was promoted to the position of conductor. He continued in this capacity for twenty years, at the expiration of which period he was given a passenger train. He is now and has been for some time on the Peoria and Galesburg division of the road. In years of continuous service he is one of the oldest men in the employ of the company, having been with them for over forty-one years.
On the 20th of March, 1875, Mr. Conley was married to Miss Mary Matthews, a native of Scott county, Iowa, who passed away on February 25, 1885. One daughter was born unto them, Grace W., who is at home with her father. On October 19, 1889, Mr. Conley married Mrs. H. H. McSkinnens, whose death occurred on June 12, 1908.
Mr. Conley has ever been loyal to the principles of the republican party and for fourteen years has been alderman from the fourth ward. That he has discharged his duties in a highly satisfactory manner is evidenced by the length of his period of service. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, council and commandary, and he is also a member of the Fraternal Reserve, Court of Honor, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Elks Club. He is a member of the legislative committee for the state of Illinois, of the Order of Railway Conductors and has held all of the chairs. Mr. Conley possesses a high sense of honor, and always discharges any duty assigned him with a conscientious appreciation of his responsibility.

John William Smith;. John William Smith resides at No. 1688 North Broad street, where he has a well developed and highly cultivated tract of land of six acres. He was born in Wythe township, Hancock county, Illinois, November 19, 1863, his parents being John W. and Eliza (Yenawine) Smith, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, as were the paternal grandparents, Denton and Rebecca (Landers) Smith, born in 1800 and 1801 respectively. Mr. Smith died in 1884, while his wife had preceded him in death in 1882. The maternal grandparents, also natives of Kentucky, were Jacob and Ann Maria (Bence) Yenawine. Mr. Yenawine's birth occurred in 1795 and his demise took place in 1863, while his wife had been born in 1803 and died in 1859. John W. Smith, Sr., made farming his life work and at an early day became a resident of Hancock county, Illinois, where he lived for many years, his time and energies being devoted to general-agricultural pursuits. He died in Keokuk, Iowa, in July, 1906, at the age of seventy-one years, and is still survived by his wife, who is making her home in Keokuk, at the age of seventy-four. For many years they were devoted and loyal members of the Christian church and Mr. Smith held various township offices, the duties of which he discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, of whom nine are now living: George W. and Benjamin F., both of whom are residents of Keokuk; Sadie, who is married and lives in Andover, Kansas; Charles H., of Galesburg; John W.; James E., also of this city; Lou, the wife of Will Dooley, of Keokuk, Iowa; Homer D., also of Keokuk; and Maude, the wife of Burt Clark, of that city.
     John W. Smith spent his boyhood in the usual manner of farm lads, remaining through the period of his youth upon his father's farm in Hancock county, during which time he attended the district schools in the winter months and in the summer seasons aided in the work of the fields. He lived at home until he had attained his majority and then rented land, after which he engaged in cultivating the soil in this manner for several years in Hancock county. In 1900 he came to Galesburg, where he was engaged in the grocery business for a little more than seven years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and returned to farming. He now has six acres of land in his home place, rents other land and likewise owns some town property.
     Mr. Smith was married November 1, 1887, to Miss Ella McCracken, a daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Hendricks) McCracken. Mrs. Smith died eight years later and on the 7th of December, 1898, Mr. Smith wedded Miss Cora Ethel Dodge, who was born in Hamilton, Hancock county, Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Caroline (Atwater) Dodge, who were natives of Fulton county, Illinois. The father was a son of Henry and Lorana (Jolly) Dodge and her mother was a daughter of Charles and Jane (Dawson) Atwater. The death of Thomas Dodge occurred at Ouincy, Illinois, in 1891, when he was fifty-one years of age, but his widow, who still survives, makes her home in Hamilton. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom eleven are now living: Laura, who is the wife of William Kirkpatrick: Sherman Dodge: Charles: Howard; Ola, the wife of John Miller; Jefferson; Bert; Cora E.; Daisy, the wife of John Curtis Taylor; Julian; and Gertrude. The two who died in early childhood were Edward and Winona.
     Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of two children, Lucile and Edwin. The parents are members of the Christian church and Mr. Smith gives his political support to the democratic party. He has worked hard and his life of industry and perseverance has brought him a substantial measure of success. At all es he has commanded the respect and good-will of his fellowmen because in every relation he has been honorable and straightforward.

Loren Stevens; Loren Stevens had for seven years occupied the responsible position of cashier in the First National Bank when he retired to private life to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He now gives his supervision only to his investments which include loans and real estate interests. He was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, May 25, 1845, the younger of the two sons of Cassius P. and Clamentia Smith Stevens, both of whom were natives of Vermont.

      He comes of ancestry represented in the Revolutionary war, his great-grandfather having been Abram Stevens, who was born in Killingsworth, Connecticut, and at the age of sixteen years joined the Continental army under the valorous leader of the Vermont troops, General Seth Warner. He afterward became colonel under Montgomery and for many years lived to enjoy the fruits of liberty, his death occurring in 1830. He was a native of England and had come to the new world with two brothers. His son, Alonzo Stevens, was born in Vermont and served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812, while later he became colonel in the state militia. He devoted his life to farming and died at the age of seventy years, having long survived his wife. They were the parents of two sons and six daughters, Cassius P., Alonzo J., Lucia, Mary, Almira, Louisa, Cornelia and Rosamond. The maternal grandfather of Loren Stevens was Thomas Smith, who was born on November 10, 1765. He spent his entire life in the Green Mountain state, devoting his time and energies to farming. His death occurred May 17, 1837, and his wife, Mrs. Mollie Smith, who was born July 24, 1768, died on the 13th of January, 1834. Their family numbered ten sons and a daughter, Repline, Hiram, Philemon, Loren, Orrin, Roswell, Sidney, Ceylon, Loyal, Loudon and Clamentia.
     Like others of the family Cassius P. Stevens devoted his life to farm work, owning and cultivating a tract of land in Chittenden county, Vermont, where his worth as a business man and citizen was widely acknowledged. Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church, closely following its teachings. His death occurred in 1892, when he was seventy-seven years of age and his wife passed away in 1876 when sixty-one years of age. Their eldest son, Byron A., died in 1895, leaving Loren Stevens the only surviving member of the family.
      During the first twenty years of his life Loren Stevens remained a resident of Vermont, residing on his father's farm until seventeen years of age. During that period he attended the district school and for a short time pursued an academic course. After leaving home he engaged in driving a team for one summer and during the following fall entered the employ of the Central Vermont Railroad Company but gave up that position to attend business college when eighteen years of age, recognizing how necessary is educational training for success in life. After completing his course he was offered and accepted the position of teacher in the same institution, there remaining for a year and a half, but thinking that the west offered better and broader opportunities he made his way to Ohio, where he spent the fall and winter of 1865. In the spring of 1866 he came to Galesburg, where he has now lived for more than forty-five years. Here he entered the office of the Brown Corn-planter Works with which he was connected for a year and later spent two years in the office of Benjamin Lombard, Jr., as bookkeeper. The head man of the Brown Works died in the meantime and Mr. Stevens was then offered the vacant position, remaining there as secretary of the company for seventeen years, or until 1886. He then turned his attention to buying and selling real estate and making loans and that business together with traveling occupied his time for ten years. He next entered the First National Bank as cashier, continuing in the position for seven years, when he retired from active business save that he still makes loans, his keen discrimination and sound judgment largely preventing the possibility of loss in that direction. He also owns a large orange orchard at Riverside, California.
      Mr. Stevens was married, May 25, 1870, on his twenty-fifth birthday and exactly four years after his arrival in Galesburg, to Miss Lizzie C. Simmons, who died on the 26th of March, 1911, when nearly sixty-three years of age. She was a member of the Universalist church. Mr. Stevens has traveled quite extensively, visiting every state in the Union, as well as the West Indies, old Mexico and the Hawaiian islands, besides various parts of Canada from Vancouver to Quebec. He was a charter member of the Galesburg Club and is also a member of the Country Club. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party and for two years he served as mayor of the city, having been elected in the spring of 1889. He has ever been recognized as a public-spirited citizen whose aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further progressive public measures. A review of his life indicates that he has made wise use of his time and opportunities, has utilized the chances for careful and remunerative investment and now as a result of his labors, intelligently directed, he stands among the prosperous residents of his adopted city

G. W. Van Buren – G. W. Van Buren, formerly a wagon-maker and blacksmith of Victoria, now retired, was born February 15, 1831. A native of Delaware County, New York, he is the son of Peter Van Buren, a well known farmer of Victoria Township. Peter Van Buren was born in Delaware County, New York, in 1800, and was reared and educated there. He married in early youth Charity Sornberger also of Delaware County, New York. She was the daughter of George Sornberger, who later was a resident of Knox County, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren came to Illinois in 1838 and settled on a farm of one hundred and five acres, one and one-half miles south of Victoria, where they lived during the remainder of their lives, he dying at the age of fifty-six and she, at the age of sixty-five years. They are both buried in the Victoria cemetery. Mr. Van Buren was a very prominent man in his community and for ten and one-half years was the justice of the peace for Victoria Township. He was a democrat in politics and both he and Mrs. Van Buren were devoted workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they were members. They were the parents of nine children, of whom G. W. was the third in order of birth. The others were: Ambrose; Benjamin, who lived and died in Oregon; Elizabeth who became the wife of Moses R. Aldridge and is now deceased; Katherine who married Franklin Force and is also deceased; Martha, now Mrs. John W. Harold, of Missouri; Mary M. who married Abraham Files, of Kewanee, Illinois; Helen, who is the wife of Novates Tiffany, of Nebraska; and John, who was murdered in Idaho.
G. W. Van Buren was six years of age when his parents came to Victoria. He was educated in an old-time, rudely constructed log schoolhouse with the desks made of slabs supported by pegs that were fastened in holes bored into the wall, and with seats that were long wooden benches. After his school days he learned the carpenter trade, working for six years all over this part of the county. He then took up farming, managing and operating the old homestead until 1861, at which time he came to Victoria and began work of wagon-making and blacksmithing, a business which for forty-seven years he successfully pursued, retiring in 1908.
He was married in 1857 to Emma J. Force, who came as a young girl with her parents, Thomas and Phoebe (Wiley) Force, from New York to Knox County. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren but the eldest, an infant girl, died at the age of six months. The second child, John, who is a resident of Victoria, is a carpenter and contractor, and in the strawberry business. He married Lulu Tripp and they are the parents of two children, Edna and Bessie. Arthur, deceased, married Grace Cummings, who is and has been for five years postmistress at Victoria. They have one child, Marie. Cora, the wife of William Hosford, of Michigan, has no children. Mary Emma, the wife of John Cooke, lives in Truro Township, Knox County, and has nine children, Bernice, Mabel, Sydney, Van, Calvert, Phyllis, Kenneth, Margaret, and Harlan. Alice, the wife of John Doak, resides in Copley Township, and has one son, Dale. Charles E. married Ella Rice, a daughter of Amos Rice. Mrs. Van Buren, the mother of these children, a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in July, 1904.
Mr. Van Buren has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was twenty years of age and has given it faithful service having held almost all of the church offices. He is a republican in politics, has given much time to public service, and has at different times in his life held most of the town offices. Few men have had the opportunity to render to their community such long and efficient service as has Mr. Van Buren. Eighty-one years of age, having lived in the county for more than seventy-four years, he has seen its development from the formative to the present state and has rendered at all times whatever help he could bring about better conditions in the community.

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                              Wednesday, November 22, 2006 09:41:29 AM updated