Knox County IL

Knox County IL, established on January 13, 1825, from unorganized territory, is a region steeped in history and characterized by its rich agricultural landscape. Named in honor of Henry Knox, the first United States Secretary of War, Knox County reflects the early American spirit of expansion and cultivation. Galesburg, the county seat, is known for its historical significance, including being a stop on the Underground Railroad and the site of one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. The geography of Knox County is predominantly rolling prairies, which have supported a strong agricultural economy since the county’s inception. The formation of Knox County, part of the Military Tract set aside to compensate veterans of the War of 1812, played a crucial role in attracting settlers and shaping the region’s development.

Biography of C. Reed Lewis

C. Reed Lewis, born on July 10, 1837, in Marlow, N.H., was an influential horse dealer and auctioneer based in Unity. He spent his early years acquiring farming experience in Iowa and Illinois before establishing himself as a prosperous general farmer and stock dealer in New Hampshire. In 1856, he married Hattie E. Sleeper and had three children. Known for his business acumen, Lewis also served as Collector of Taxes and was deeply involved in his community, reflecting his Democratic affiliations and strong local ties.

Biographical Sketch of George Washington Schaffer

George Washington Schaffer, born on July 4, 1847, in St. Louis, Missouri, had a diverse career in the butcher business, working in various cities including Galesburg, Kansas City, and Chicago. He faced challenges, including a serious injury while handling cattle. Eventually, Schaffer settled in Jamesport, Missouri, where he established himself as a respected businessman in the meat market and confectionery industries. His strong reputation earned him the trust of the local community, aligning with his patriotic name reflecting American independence.

Biography of Thomas E. Wagstaff

Thomas E. Wagstaff, born in Illinois in 1875, became a prominent attorney in Montgomery County, Kansas. A notable figure in the Republican Party, he narrowly lost the gubernatorial nomination in 1910. He had a distinguished education, graduating from Kansas State University and completing postgraduate studies at New York University. Wagstaff was active in local politics, serving as county attorney and city attorney, and held various civic roles. He married Jane Morna Wilson in 1903, and they had two children. The Wagstaff family has deep roots in Kansas history.

Biography of Charles E. Hyndman, M. D.

Dr. Charles E. Hyndman, born June 29, 1881, in Sparta, Illinois, is a notable surgeon in St. Louis with extensive training both domestically and abroad. After earning his medical degree from Washington University in 1906, he built a distinguished career, particularly in surgery, and served in various hospitals. During World War I, he joined the Medical Corps, providing surgical aid overseas. A dedicated professional and lifelong learner, he is also active in numerous medical organizations and enjoys various recreational activities. He is married with one son.

Biographical Sketch of Hon. John W. Norval

Hon. John W. Norval, born on June 5, 1840, in Knox County, Illinois, is currently a state senator representing Union and Wallowa counties. After moving west in 1860, he initially worked as a teacher and then pursued mining in various regions. In 1866, he settled in Oregon, where he farmed and became active in military service during the Bannack War. Though initially unsuccessful in his legislative bids due to political opposition, he was elected to the state senate in 1888. He married Catherine J. Tuttle and has three children.

Biography of Alvin L. Williamson

Alvin L. Williamson, born on July 12, 1877, in Illinois, emerged as a key figure in Clay Center, Kansas, through his leadership of the Williamson Milling Company, established by his father in 1897. Initially assisting on the family farm, Alvin entered the milling industry in 1901, revitalizing a deteriorated mill site. Under his management, the mill flourished, producing 600 barrels of flour daily. Additionally, he is noted for his extensive landholdings and role as vice president of the First National Bank, reflecting his significant contributions to the local economy and community. He married Lena McKee in 1909 and has one daughter, Muriel.

Biography of Julius S. Waters

Julius S. Waters, born in Indiana in 1838, exemplified the virtues of self-reliance and determination throughout his life. Orphaned young, he worked various jobs to fund his education and eventually pursued a legal career, becoming a prominent attorney and political figure. He was actively involved in the abolitionist movement and helped establish the Republican Party in Kansas. Throughout his career, Waters held multiple public offices, including county attorney and presidential elector, gaining respect for his legal expertise and commitment to public service in Idaho.

Biography of Judge John T. Morgan

Judge John T. Morgan was a notable figure in Idaho’s legislative and judicial history, demonstrating a lengthy and distinguished public service career that spanned over three decades. Born in New York, he moved to Illinois, where he began practicing law before serving as a captain in the Civil War. After various roles in Illinois politics, he became Idaho’s chief justice, serving with integrity and earning respect across the state. Morgan’s efforts also contributed to Idaho’s admission to the Union, solidifying his legacy as a prominent jurist and community leader.

Biography of William Edwin Nelson

William Edwin Nelson, born January 5, 1883, in Wakeeney, Kansas, became the superintendent of Sabetha public schools in 1917 after serving in similar roles, notably at Robinson. He was well-educated, graduating from Baker University in 1910 and later enhancing his studies at various universities. Nelson was steeped in a legal background, influenced by his father, John A. Nelson, a distinguished attorney and civic leader. William embraced an independent political stance and is actively involved in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Winifred Moorhead in 1914.

Biography of De Forest Chamberlain

De Forest Chamberlain, born in Illinois in 1843, witnessed and contributed to the transformation of southeastern Idaho from a wild frontier to a thriving agricultural region. After serving honorably in the Civil War, he ventured westward, navigating perilous landscapes and experiences. He settled in Idaho Falls in 1879, establishing a saloon and the Chamberlain Hotel while actively engaging in local agriculture and horse breeding. A respected community leader involved in various organizations, Chamberlain is recognized for his contributions and integrity in Idaho Falls.

Biography of Charles L. Green

Charles L. Green, born August 16, 1856, in Knox County, Illinois, was the son of farmers Ezra and Mary A. Green. After moving to California and then Missouri, he eventually settled in Wallowa County, Oregon, in 1882, where he established a homestead. In 1897, he relocated to Union County, acquiring an eighty-acre farm focused on agriculture and fruit raising. Married in 1893 to Margaret E. Wright, they had four children. Green became a respected and prosperous figure in his community, contributing significantly to its development.

Biographical Sketch of William B. Clark

William B. Clark was born on November 8, 1847, in Knox County, Illinois. He grew up on a farm and later pursued agriculture. In 1878, he relocated to Kansas, where he first rented farmland before settling on a 160-acre property acquired by his father. William married Catherine A. Moore, with whom he had ten children, seven of whom survived him. Catherine passed away on April 3, 1903. Through his endeavors, William continued his family’s legacy in Kansas.

Biographical Sketch of Buford Clark

Buford Clark, born on November 28, 1852, in Knox County, Illinois, moved to Kansas in 1878 but returned to Illinois for several years before permanently settling in Kansas in 1886. A dedicated farmer, he married Hannah Louise Anderson on June 1, 1884, and they had five children: Dennis, Martha, Minnie, Russell, and Meddie. Politically a liberal Republican, Clark’s personal beliefs are aligned with the principles of the Golden Rule, reflecting a commitment to ethics in his life and community.

Biographical Sketch of William Henry Whitney

William Henry Whitney, born June 21, 1860, in Monticello, Minnesota, was the son of Cephas Newhall and Cyrena Patch Whitney. He completed a classical education at Knox College in 1884. Whitney married Emma Gmin in Trinidad, Colorado, in 1890, and they had four children. He served as manager of The Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company and held leadership roles in the Congregational Club and The Cleveland Congregational Brotherhood. Whitney was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Biographical Sketch of Andrew Barclay Meldrum

Andrew Barclay Meldrum was a Presbyterian minister born in Scotland on September 9, 1857. The son of Capt. Robert and Agnes Ness Meldrum, he studied at Knox College and the University of Toronto, later graduating in Theology from the Theological Seminary of San Francisco and earning a D.D. from Hanover College. Meldrum married Laura R. Rison in 1885 and later wed Ella Hoyt Herrick in 1907. He served as pastor in various cities and held notable positions in the Masonic Grand Lodge of Ohio and the Rotary Club.

Biography of Amos S. Lapham

Amos S. Lapham, a distinguished attorney in Chanute, Kansas, has had a remarkable legal career, marked by dedication to ethical practice and significant cases. Born on April 6, 1845, in Ohio, he hailed from a prominent family with roots tracing back to 17th-century England. Lapham graduated from the University of Michigan and was admitted to practice law in 1869. He held various civic roles, including treasurer of Neosho County and judge of the District Court. Married in 1875, he fathered seven children, while also engaging in business and community endeavors.

Fetters, Carl B. – Obituary

Carl B. Fetters, a long-time resident of Ola, passed away at his home in Emmett on October 15, 1940. Born on February 9, 1867, in Knox County, Illinois, he married Lucy B. Milam in 1888. In 1896, he journeyed west in a covered wagon and homesteaded in Northern Idaho before relocating to Ola in 1915 and later Emmett. His funeral was held at Bucknum Chapel, and he is survived by his wife, four brothers, a grandson, and two great-grandchildren.