Biography - J. V. R. Carley
J. V. R. CARLEY. Lying within the limits of Knox County are many beautiful
and homelike farms, owned by those men who only by diligent perseverance and
untiring energy have won their homes. Among these, conspicuous as being a
substantial man and a good citizen, may be found the subject of this historical
notice, whose handsome home lies on section 5, of Sparta Township. He is
characterized for his thrift and prudence, no less than his ability as a
financier, and may be pointed out to the coming generations as an example worthy
of imitation.
Mr. Carley was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1819, and his parents
were Brookins and Rachel (Bennett) Carley. They were natives of New York State,
where the father was proprietor of a hotel. He departed this life in Schoharie
County, N. Y., in 1853; the mother passed to the life beyond from Tompkins
County, N. Y., in 1865. To them were given seven children, all of whom lived to
reach man and womanhood. They were named as follows: Eliza, now Mrs. Lanphere;
James V. R.; David W.; Mary, Abraham, Helen and Adelia. The deceased are Adelia,
Abraham, Helen and Mary. James V. R., of this narrative, was the second child in
order of birth, and remained at home after his father's death. He then, with his
sister Eliza, whose capability proved to be remarkable, took charge of the
bereaved little family, sent them to school and cared for them until they
reached years of maturity. Each and all are possessed of intelligence and talent
and reflect credit upon the brave pair who took such a responsibility upon their
young shoulders. All the daughters became teachers, and two of the brothers have
adopted the medical profession.
James, our subject, entered upon the life of a pedagogue at the age of 22 and
followed it for five years. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Miranda
Phelps, and the result of this union was two children - Elnora and Warren M.,
which latter died at the age of three years. Elnora became Mrs. Gaddis, and
departed this life in 1882, at the age of 35. Mrs. Carley died in the year 1863.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Carley and his sister Eliza provided a home for
their aged mother, so that she was able to pass her declining years without care
or anxiety.
The second marriage of Mr. Carley was with Mary Armstrong, in 1864 [the Illinois
Statewide Marriage Index lists a James V. R. Carley marrying a Mary E. Armstrong
in Knox County on November 24, 1864], and the result of their union was three
children, two of whom survive - Lester E. and James M. Ozro W. died in 1870. The
second Mrs. Carley was born in Cumberland County, Eng., March 29, 1840, and died
in 1872. His third wife's maiden name was Clara E. Wicks, and five children have
been born to them - Edna E., Jay V. R., Arthur B., Mabel and Clara E.
Mr. Carley came to Illinois in 1850 and settled where he now lives, purchasing
77 acres of land. He afterward sold 25 acres of it, and to the 52 he has since
added 108 1/2 acres. Since coming here he has made all modern improvements,
building a house and barn and setting out trees, until he may be pardoned for
taking a just pride in his beautiful surroundings. He values his land at $75 per
acre, and it is fruitful and productive in the extreme.
In politics Mr. Carley is a firm Republican, advocating and voting for the
doctrines of that organization. With his two sons, Lester E. and James M. he
belongs to the Congregational Church, living out the principles of a noble
Christian faith.
Contributed by Pat Thomas, extracted from the 1886 Portrait and Biographical
Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 434.
