Biography - Chauncey S. Colton
CHAUNCEY SILL COLTON was a remarkable man. His name is as imperishable as the
name of the city of his adoption. A halo surrounds it, which will grow brighter
and brighter, as the history of Galesburg and its early struggles shall be known
and read. Without him, this city of beauty and refinement, of schools and
colleges, as it is to-day, could never have been. It was he, with the aid of
others, that brought the great Burlington system to this city. Without this
railroad. Galesburg would be a "deserted village" on the plain. He was its chief
promoter and the only director living on the line of the road for a quarter of a
century, during which time the original railway, of eighty miles in length,
expanded to five thousand miles. All the extensions in Illinois were made on his
suggestion and insistence; and he was the first to urge its extension beyond the
Mississippi. All honor is due to him for incessant labors in building up the
city of his home. Like many a great man and worker for humanity, he built wiser
than he knew; but future generations will enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Mr. Colton was a native of Springfield, PA, born September 21, 1800. His parents
were Justin and Abigail (Sill) Colton and were natives of Massachusetts. They
lived for one year in Pennsylvania, and then returned to their New England home.
Young Chauncey spent his boyhood at Longmeadow MA, with his grandfather, whose
precepts and advice did much to establish his character. He attended the academy
at Monson MA and improved all the means of learning there given. But his large
acquirements were obtained in the great school of practical experience in life.
Mr. Colton was of English descent. His American progenitor was Quartermaster
George Colton, who came to country from Suttancofield, Suxxex County, England,
in 1640, and settled at Windsor, Hartford County CT. His grandfather, Captain
Gad Colton, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
In 1820, after finishing his course of study at the academy, Mr. Colton went to
Monson, Maine, and resided there for ten years. But the opportunities amid the
rocks, mountains, and rugged barrenness of New England seemed to him too narrow
and confined. He therefore resolved to try his fortune in the Great West, then
an almost unexplored wilderness. In June, 1836, he took up his abode in this
city and lived here, an honored and highly respected citizen, the remainder of
his life. His first occupation was in the mercantile line, in which he was
eminently successful. But his chief business, of interest to this section, was
the buying and shipment of its staple products. He shipped the first beef and
pork, the first wheat and corn from central Illinois. The route of shipments was
down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, thence, by sea, to New
York and Liverpool. He favored every enterprise which was for the advancement
and interest of the city and State. He was one of the founders of the First
National Bank, in which he was a director for many years. He was also one of the
founders of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, in which he was the largest
stockholder and its first President. His money and his counsel aided much in the
erection of the Union Block and other buildings. He built and occupied the first
house in Galesburg. He also built the first school house in the town, and paid
for it himself. Some years later, the frame of the old First Church was raised,
but stood uncovered for about two years, until Mr. Colton offered to complete it
himself, and let the members of the society pay their subscriptions when able to
do so. Indeed, from the day of his arrival to the time of his death, it would be
difficult to mention a worthy enterprise that he did not favor and assist.
Public spirited, high-minded, possessing great native talents and a keen
judgment, he readily comprehended matters and in every undertaking, knew what
was best to be done.
Although not a church member until late in life, Mr. Colton always considered
churches and schools of primary importance in a community.
He was a member of the Old First Church. At the organization of the Brick
Congregational Church, under Dr. Edward Beecher, he united with it and remained
a communicant as long as he lived, and gave liberally for its support.
He had also a great faith in Knox College, and in the work that this institution
would accomplish for the community here and for the world at large. For forty
years, he was a member of the Board of Trustees, and nearly as long a member of
the Executive Committee. No college ever had a more faithful worker; he labored
for its prosperity and success, and gave his time and money freely. His services
were ever regarded as valuable, because of his keen perception, sound judgment,
and practical knowledge in all business relations.
Mr. Colton never sought office and was not a politician. In early life, he was a
democrat, afterwards a free soiler, and lastly, a republican. He believed more
in the politics of principle than in the politics of men.
Mr. Colton married in Maine, January 5, 1826, to Emily H., daughter of Samuel
McLanathan, of Sangerville. There were born to them four children: Harriet S.,
(Noteware); Sarah M., of this city; Colonel John B., of Kansas City; and Hon.
Francis Colton, of Washington, D.C., formerly Consul at Venice, Italy.
In such a life as Chauncey Colton's there is much to admire and commend. His
manners were simple and unaffected. He was an example of true manhood and
possessed all those qualities which ennoble and dignify human nature. He was
intelligent and able to meet any emergency. He had quick perceptions, and was
not easily betrayed into difficulties. He neglected no duty; he thrust aside no
obligation.
Extracted from the 1899 Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County,
Munsell Publishing Company.
