Knox County ILGenWeb

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

G. W. Ide, Oneida.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

George M. Irwin, (Elder) son of George and Mary (Cowan) Irwin, was born in Zanesville, O.; received most of his education at the Wesleyan University, O.; was raised on farm, and entered the university as soon as he left college; was Chaplain of the 44th Ill. Inf.; has been Presiding Elder of districts in M. E. church for some years; was married Sept. 18, 1856 to Sarah Trump.  Republican; has recently moved to Normal, Ill.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

H. M. Irwin, physician, Galesburg.

From the 1883 History of the State of Kansas by William G. Cutler.  [Contributed by Todd Walter.]

NORMAN H. IVES was born in Winnebago County Ill., December 25, 1843.  In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Regiment.  At the battle of Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862, he received a gun shot wound through both legs, that permanently disabled him.  The ball passed through the left thigh and right knee.  On account of disability, he was discharged from the service in August, 1862, and returned to Illinois.  In the winter of 1863-64, he was a student at Bryant & Stratton's College, at Chicago; he then entered the Government service again, as a clerk in the Commissary Department, and was located at Nashville, Tenn., under Col. J. C. Reed, Chief Commissary of the Department.  He remained one year, and returned to Illinois, where he taught school in Knox and Mercer Counties.  He came to Kansas in 1866, from Knox County, Ill., located in Linn County, and taught school for a time and then clerked in a store.  He began business on his own account at Mound City, as a dealer in jewelry, but after two years there, in 1870 he removed the business to Independence; he soon after sold out and clerked in the postoffice until 1872, when he was elected Register of Deeds for Montgomery County, serving a term of two years.  In June, 1874, he was appointed Postmaster at Independence, serving, until July, 1882.  He then engaged in the grocery trade with Mr. Millis, but in the spring of 1883, sold out and is now engaged in general merchandising in Elk City.  He belongs to the I. O. O. F., G. A. R. and K. of H.  He was married December 25, 1869, at Mound City, Kan., to Miss Ruth Dean.  They have three children - Claudie Dean, William Bruce and Ralph Roy.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

Eli F. Jackson, brick mason and gas manufacturer; is the son of Jesse D. and Mariam (Montgomery) Jackson; was born July 4, 1822, in Erie co., Pa.  His father was a farmer, and there young Eli spent his boyhood days and received his education; came to this county in 1839, where he has lived ever since; joined the 1st Baptist Church of Galesburg in 1842; was married in 1845 to Hannah A. Purrine [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists Eli G. Jackson marrying Hannah Perrine in Knox County, Illinois, on Feb. 9, 1845]; six children have been born to them, two of whom are not living; enlisted September, 1861in Co. H, 33d Ill. Inf., and was wounded at Mobile; Republican.  P. O. Galesburg.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

James Jackson, farmer, La Fayette, Stark co., Ill. 

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

S. W. Jameson, machinist, Galesburg.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

Robert G. Jamison, son of Robert and Jane (Warkman) Jamison, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Westmoreland co., Pa., Nov. 26, 1819; learned the carpenter�s trade, but changed to farming, also following other kinds of business; was married to Sarah Barnes, Jan. 17, 1844.  They are the parents of seven children of whom two are living; removed to Fulton co., Ill., in 1855, and thence to Knox county in 1866, was Postmaster four years and Justice of Peace three years in Fulton county, and held the same office, also that of School Director, in Knox county.  He clings to the Presbyterian faith.  Republican.  P. O., London Mills, Fulton co.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

Abraham Jacobi, clothing merchant, son of Jacob and Rachael Jacobi, natives of Baden, where he was born in 1824.  He received a common school education at Baden and began a mercantile life at fifteen years of age, choosing the clothing trade.  He removed from Europe to New York, thence to Peoria, and from Peoria to Knoxville in 1850.  In 1853 he married Clara Schriesheimer, and the fruits of their marriage are six children.  He settled in Galesburg in 1855.  Democrat; and a professor of the Jewish religion.  P. O., Galesburg.

From the Biographical Album of Johnson and Pawnee Counties Nebraska.  [Contributed by Todd Walter.]

WILLIAM WALLACE JOBES, who is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Todd Creek Precinct, has been identified with the county since the days of the pioneer.  He owns an extensive and productive farm on section 20, comprising 160 acres.  He was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., on the 28th of January, 1831.  When he was five years of age his parents removed to Erie County, in the same State, where he was brought up and made his home until he attained his majority, receiving his education in the schools of that county and also making other preparations that would enable him to fill his place in life.  Leaving home, he went to Buffalo, where he became a clerk in a store, remaining there five years, when he left to go west into Illinois, and for a time was engaged in the city of Chicago.  Afterward he went to Knox County, Ill., and engaged in farming, continuing in the same until Aug. 11, 1862, when he enlisted.

Our subject served in Company G, 83d Illinois Infantry, which regiment became part of the Army of the Cumberland.  For three years he served in all the campaigns in which that division of the Union forces engaged.  In the fall of 1863 he met with an accident, by which his ankle was broken.  After his recovery he carried mail for the army until he was discharged, on the 24th of June, 1865, at the conclusion of hostilities.  He then returned to Knox County and continued his farming until he removed to Mercer County, where he lived for five years, and then sold out and removed to his present place in December, 1875.  Purchasing it in the latter part of February of the following year, he took up his permanent residence on the 4th of March.

All the improvements made by our subject upon is property are his own work.  He now has about ten acres of forest trees. also a good apple orchard, which, in addition, contains all the usual small fruits.  He built his present residence, which would be a credit to a much more pretentious farm, in the year 1884.  The same year he put up it windmill, and effected several other very important improvements.  He has a hedge all around his farm, which he takes pride in keeping in nice trim and shape.  He also keeps a very fine herd of cattle, and has a somewhat extensive dairy.

The subject of our sketch was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Buffum, of Knox County, Ill., on the 29th of December, 1870, of which union there have been born six children, of whom four are still living.  These bear the names appended below: Willie, Lizzie, Jay and Nettie.  They have also living with them a niece, Miss Olive A. Stevens, of Yates City, Knox Co., Ill.  Their children are all at home, laying up in the matter of education a store of knowledge that shall serve in future days.

The wife of our subject was born in Knox County, Ill., on the 29th of August, 1841.  She is a daughter of Stephen and Ester Buffum, one of the pioneer families of that county, having settled there in 1835.  Their daughter lived with them until her marriage.  The maiden name of Mrs. Buffum was Ester Mann, and she was born at Ashtahbula, Ohio.  They became the parents of eight children.  Mr. Buffum died in the year 1871, aged sixty-nine years; his wife departed this life in 1845.

The father of our subject, James Jobes, was born on the 2d of May, 1808, in the State of New York.  There, as a young man, he married Miss Jeanette Candee.  Their family circle included ten children, of whom eight me still living.  He went to Onondaga County, and thence to Holland Purchase, Erie County, N. Y.  In 1855 he went to Kendall County, Ill., and from there to Knox County, then moved to Mercer County, and then back to Knox County, where he still lives, in Summit Station, twenty miles from Galesburg.  In politics he was an "old-time" Whig, but has been a Republican for many years.

The mother of our subject is the daughter of Eber Candee, of New York.  She was born in Connecticut Jan. 18, 1810, and went to New York with her parents when she was young.  She is now seventy-eight years of age, and makes her home at Summit, Ill.

James Jobes, the grandfather of our subject. was born in Connecticut, and when still a young man migrated to Pompey, N. Y., where he bought and improved a farm, upon which he lived until his death.  He was united in marriage with Miss Melvina Prine, and they became the parents of several children.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years was esteemed one of its chief supports.

Our subject is one of the prominent citizens of his district, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens.  He is a man of honor, ability and success.  He has been frequently called upon to fill different offices, and has usually voted with the Republican party.  He was for a time Collector of the township.  In every relation, office or undertaking, he has apparently been guided by the same high principle and sense of duty.

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

Elisha John, farmer and stockraiser, son of Elisha and Elizabeth (Brown), John was born in Cinton co., O., Nov 24, 1832; was raised on the farm, and attended school in the log schoolhouse; enlisted in 7th Ill. Cav., Co. E., in 1862, served till July, 1865; was wounded; was married Aug. 12, 1854, to Rachael A. Lewis.  They have had seven children, five living now; member of Christian Church since 1854.  Republican.  Mr. J. deals in thoroughbred stock � short-horn cattle and fine hogs.  P. O. Hermon.

From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago.  [Submitted by Bob Miller.]

FRANK A. JOHNSON.  Page 683.

From the 1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, page 873.  [Submitted by Bob Miller.]

"John H. Johnson; Knoxville; teacher of Automatic Penmanship; born in Knox Township, December 3, 1869.  His parents, Swen and Nellie (Nelsdotter) Johnson, were born in Sweden, as were also his paternal and maternal grandfathers, John Swenson and Peter Nydahl.  March 30, 1892, in Altona, Mr. Johnson was married to Ida C. Quick, daughter of Charles J. and Frederica (Carlson) Quick, both of whom were natives of Sweden.  Mr. Quick was born April 10, 1823, and was educated in his native land.  Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Quick: G. Alfred, Frank W., Charles G., Claus, Andrew, Ausust, Otto, Ida C., and Anna L.  The ancestry is Swedish on both sides.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Johnson is Secretary and Deacon.  They have two children: Hulda C. A. and Nellie F.  Mr. Johnson is a republican."

From the 1878 History of Knox County, Illinois published by Charles C. Chapman.  [Submitted by Alice Gless.]

Jonas Johnson, farmer, born at Halsingland, Sweden, March 9, 1831.  His parents, Jonas and Ellen Johnson, were of the same nativity.  Jonas was sent to the common school of Sweden, and at the age of twenty-two sailed for New York, where he lived seven years, coming to Knox county in 1860; was married January 13, 1857, to Mary Allen Lundquist; united same year with the Missionary Baptist Church, in which he is still a communicant; has held the office of School Director since 1861; has a fine farm in Truro township.  P. O., Truro.

From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 940.  [Submitted by Pat Thomas.]

Isaac Jones, foreman of the coppersmith shop of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., at Galesburg, was born in Chester, Cheshire Co., England, Aug. 27, 1844.  He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Davis) Jones, who removed to Wolverhampton, where the subject of our sketch was reared and educated.

At the age of 14 years, Isaac Jones became apprenticed to learn the coppersmith's trade, and completed the same in his 20th year.  He then followed this vocation in Wolverhampton for four years, and in 1868 he set sail for the United States, coming directly West, where he spent a short time in the city of Chicago, subsequently coming to Galesburg, where he accepted the position which he has since so credibly filled.

The gentleman of whom we write was married at Galesburg, to Mrs. Hannah Elliott (nee Barry) [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Isaac Jones marrying a Hannah Elliott in Knox County on November 7, 1869], who has borne him three children - two sons, Isaac and Robert, and a daughter, Maggie, who died in infancy.

Mr. Jones is a skilled workman, and although coming a stranger to our shores, has through his professional ability and persistent industry secured for himself a worthy place among his fellow-craftsmen, and a high position with the corporation which he represents.

From the 1901 History of Labette County, Kansas, and its Representative Citizens, ed. & comp. by Hon. Nelson Case, Pub. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill.  [Contributed by Todd Walter.]

J. A. JONES, widely known as a representative farmer of Walton township, Labette county, Kansas, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, is living in the southwest, quarter of section 22.  He was born in Summit county, Ohio, in 1846, and is a son of Nathan S. and Sarah Jones. 

Nathan S. Jones and his wife were natives of Ohio, where they lived during their married life.  They reared two children: Oscar N., who went to Knox county, Illinois, when he was twenty-one years old, and died shortly afterward; and J. A., the subject of this sketch.  J. A. Jones was not yet two years old when his parents died, and he went to live with an uncle, whose name was James Hammond.  James Hammond was a farmer in Knox county, Illinois, where Mr. Jones lived until he located in Labette county, Kansas, in May, 1869.  He built the first house on the prairie in the south half of Walton township, and named the township, in 1870, after his old friend, George T. Walton.  With an ox team, he hauled lumber from Oswego, to build his house.  He first located on the northeast quarter of section 28, where he lived until 1871, when he sold that place, and bought the northwest quarter of the same section, and also his present farm, - the southwest quarter of section 22.  In 1873, he built the house which now stands on the land, and the place has been his abode ever since.  Mr. Jones carries on general farming and stock raising, and keeps 200 head of cattle.  He has been very successful, and is one of the best farmers in the county.

Mr. Jones married Jennie M. Singleton, who was born in Kentucky.  She is a cousin of Jesse Harper, who is owner of the famous race horse, Ten Broek.  Mr. Jones and his wife have had the following children, namely: Susan A.; James H. and Addie, deceased; Lena J.; Willie B.; Oscar N., deceased; Elsie; John I.; and James A.  Lena J. and Willie B. are teachers in the government Indian school in the Chocktaw Nation.

Mr. Jones is independent in politics, and was the first treasurer of the township.  He helped to organize its first school district and has served on the school board a number of years.  He has also been a justice of the peace.  Mr. Jones has served as clerk of the district court one term.  He and his family are members of the Baptist church.  Mr. Jones is, an upright man, and a good citizen.

[Authored and contributed by Judy Weaver.]

Leonard Jones was born April 6, 1808, in Otis Township, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  He was the son of Patriot Miles Jones and his wife Mahitable Adams.  Family legend has it that Leonard added the middle initial "A" for his mother's maiden name, Adams.  Leonard was just a toddler when both his parents died in 1812.  In 1814 Benjamin and Lydia Barber adopted him, and he was baptized in the Congregational Church in Otis, Mass.

Leonard married Permelia Putnam, the daughter of John Putnam and Sabra Preston, probably in Chautauqua County, New York, in 1835.  The exact date and place of Leonard and Permelia's marriage is unknown, however, there is an IGI Record at the LDS Family History Library that lists the marriage as 1835 in Chautauqua County, New York.  In 1830 three of Leonard's brothers, Luther C., Festus, and Miles Jones were living in Ellery Township, Chautauqua County, New York.  John Putnam was living nearby and based on the number of children, it appears that Parmelia was still living at home with her parents.  By 1835 Ebenezer Jones had joined his other three brothers.  John Putnam's household consisted of two males, and 6 females.  One female was married under 45, three were unmarried 16-45, and one was under 16 years old.  The remaining female was Sabra Putnam, who was about 55 years old.  It is possible that the married female 16-45 was Permelia and one of the males was Leonard.  

Leonard and his brother Darius settled in Knox County between 1837 and 1841.  The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County mentions Leonard and his brother Darius, "emigrants from New York, having settled in Section 15 in Knox County in the autumn of 1837."  The public land purchase of Leonard Jones for 80 acres in section 22 is dated May 25, 1841 and another public land purchase in 1851.  In 1840 Leonard is listed on the Peoria County, Illinois census.  A review of the county borders of Knox County and Peoria County reveals just a slight change to the Knox County boundary between 1837 and 1841, but not enough to shift Leonard's property from Peoria County to Knox County.  Leonard probably settled in Peoria County between 1837 and 1840, and then moved to Knox County in 1841.

Leonard's first child, Amelia M. Jones was born Jan. 17, 1836, Chautauqua County, NY.  John P. Jones, Leonard's second child, was born about 1839 in Illinois.  Emaline Jones was born in 1841 and died just two years later.  Elizabeth, Angeline A., Oscar R., and Miles A. were born between 1845 and 1851. Young Miles A. Jones died in 1853 at the age of two years old.

Leonard Jones was a farmer in Illinois and probably grew corn as his primary crop in the 1850's.  Life was filled with constant work with little time left for relaxation.  The crop was hand picked and hauled to storage bins.  Depending on the purpose for the crop, it may have been hand shucked and milled.  The land is still farmed today and the primary crop is corn.

Besides farming Leonard was also skilled in carpentry.  A contract dated March 29, 1844, between Leonard A. Jones, and Isaac Harrison, both of Peoria County, Illinois, is for the construction or "raising" of a barn.  Isaac Harrison agreed to furnish the timber and haul it close to the site, (near the dwelling house of Isaac Harrison) where the barn was to be built, and Leonard A. Jones was to "raise" the barn.

Leonard purchased only the finest goods for his family.  An account record dated January 1858 through December 1858, from Mr. L. A. Jones to E. A. Ellsworth, at Eugene, Illinois, includes remarks regarding the purchases of goods.  "Best Gloves for dau. Elizabeth", "2 Best Penholders for son Jno."  There were numerous entries listing pens and paper.  Other items listed were baking products, fabric and tobacco products.

A small cemetery is located on the land that Leonard owned.  The cemetery today has twelve tombstones, all in excellent condition and easily readable.  One is for Leonard who died Feb. 11, 1861 and four are for his children.  John P. died just one week after his father, and Angeline A. died the following month on March 30th.  Leonard's grandson, Samuel Leonard Adams, the son of James and Amelia (Jones) Adams, is also buried in the Jones-Dalton Cemetery.  Samuel died July 1, 1859.