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LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


S77.352 
R36p 


V.2 


I.H.S. 


PEORIA 

CITY  AND  COUNTY 

ILLINOIS 


A  Record  of  Settlement,  Organization,  Progress  and 

Achie\'ement 


ILLUSTRATED 


VOLUME  II 


CHICAGO 

THE  S.  J.  CLARKE  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

1912 


EUGEXE  F.  BALDWIN 


Biographical 


b 


EUGENE  F.  BALDWIN. 

There  is  no  struggle  more  continuous  or  more  severe  than  that  which  is  con- 
stantly transpiring  in  the  wonderful  operations  which  furnish  men  with  news. 
The  demand  for  live,  honest  and  up-to-date  news,  is  constantly  increasing,  but  the 
supplv  is  dependent  on  many  contingencies  of  which  he  must  be  a  clear  observer 
and  accurate  reasoner  who  measures.  The  revolution,  too,  in  methods  of  busi- 
ness that  has  been  witnessed  even  by  the  young  men  of  this  generation,  lias  had 
the  effect  of  stranding  many  who  could  not  conform  to  the  new  systems.  The 
most  successful  editor  or  newspaper  man  today  is  he  who  is  most  comprehensive 
in  his  grasp  of  thought ;  who  perceives  most  clearly ;  discriminates  most  keenly ; 
seizes  on  the  right  means  and  the  right  time  most  decisively ;  and  retains  his 
eiiuanimity  in  situations  most  complex  and  difficult.  The  successful  new^spaper 
man  of  todav  must  lie  a  man  well  versed  in  every  line  of  culture,  and  must  be 
able  to  estimate  this  culture  truly  and  apply  it  properly. 

Such  a  man  is  Eugene  F.  lialdwin,  veteran  editor  of  I'eoria,  Mr.  ISaldwin  has 
climbed  the  journalistic  ladder  from  the  bottom  round,  and  has  attained  his  present 
position  in  the  newspaper  world  through  his  own  individual  eft'orts  and  by  strict 
application  and  hard  work,  and  has  brought  his  paper,  The  i'eoria  Evening  Star, 
to  a  position  of  honor  and  distinction  which  it  richly  deserves.  Air.  Baldwin  is 
more  than  a  mere  newspaper  editor.  He  is  a  scholar  and  a  gentleman.  In  the 
course  of  his  long  editorial  career,  he  has  acquired  a  .style  that  is  classic,  bril- 
liant, scintillating,  with  wit,  scholarly  and  fluent  with  the  ease  of  rare  culture 
and  learning.  His  success  in  the  important  department  of  journalism,  against 
manv  adverse  influences,  is  truly  creditable  to  his  intelligence,  enterprise  and  in- 
dustry. But  his  success  is  not  simply  individual  in  its  results ;  through  the  Peoria 
Star,  he  is  aiding  to  advance  all  the  interests  of  Peoria,  advocating  its  institu- 
tions and  enterprises,  and  helping  to  increase  its  wealth,  and  extend  its  propor- 
tions to  that  of  a  metropolitan  city. 

^  Eugene  F.  Baldwin  was  born  in  Watertown,  Connecticut,  on  December  i, 
1840.  His  parents  were  Stephen  and  Julia  (  Pardee)  Baldwin.  Stephen  Baldwin 
was  a  deacon  in  the  Congregational  church,  as  was  his  father  before,  and  the  boy 
was  brought  up  in  strict  Calvinistic  principles,  an  early  training  which  gave  a 
distinct  trend  to  his  mind,  and  flavors  his  writings  to  the  present  day.  The  relig- 
ious influences  of  his  early  life  were  remarkably  intense.  The  Bible  was  his 
daily  reading,  and  his  deep  and  detailed  knowledge  of  the  Book  of  Books  is 
perhaps  due  to  this  early  education  in  its  beauties.  Stephen  Baldwin,  the  father 
of  Eugene,  was  strongly  religious  in  his  tendencies,  and  being  a  builder  by  trade, 
conceived  the  idea  that  God  had  called  him  by  Divine  appointment  to  devote  his 
energies  exclusively  to  the  building  of  churches.  The  mental  food  of  the  family 
consisted  of  Watt's  Hymns,  the  Shorter  Catechism,  and  Baxter's  Saints'  Rest. 
ilr.  Eugene  B.aldwin's  keen  mind  absorbed  this  religious  atmosphere,  and  it 
colored  all  his  life  and  writings. 

Stephen  Baldwin  came  west  in  1855  and  settled  with  his  family  in  Milwaukee. 
Eugene  was  at  this  time  of  high-school  age,  and  he  attended  the  high  school  at 
Milwaukee.  In  i8(to  he  secured  a  position  as  teacher  in  Clinton  county,  Illinois, 
a  situation  which  he  gave  up  to  enter  the  State  Normal  School  at  Bloomington,  in 

5 


6  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

order  better  to  tit  himself  for  what  he  beheved  at  that  time  to  be  his  hfe"s  pro- 
fession. However,  the  next  spring  found  him  working  at  his  carpenter's  l)ench 
in  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  where  his  father  had  moved  in  the  interval.  In  1861, 
when  the  Civil  war  had  commenced.  Eugene  Baldwin  enlisted  in  the  Twelfth 
Indiana  X'olunteers.  and  served  honorably  and  bravely  until  1863,  when  after 
having  been  captured  by  the  Confederates,  and  broken  down  physically,  he  was 
discharged  as  an  invalid.  In  1864,  Air.  Baldwin  came  to  Chillicothe,  Illinois,  to 
take  the  position  as  principal  of  the  schools  there.  He  made  such  a  success  of 
this  work  that  he  was  soon  called  to  Peoria  to  take  the  head  of  the  First  Ward 
school  there,  \\hen  a  year  later,  he  accepted  the  position  as  local  editor  of  the 
Peoria  Transcript,  his  long  newspaper  career  began.  After  serving  four  years  in 
this  capacity,  he  resigned,  and  went  to  El  Paso,  Illinois,  where  he  bought  the  El 
Paso  Journal.  The  next  year,  however,  he  returned  to  Peoria,  and  in  partnership 
WMth  Mr.  A.  R.  Sheldon  established  the  Peoria  Review,  which  remained  in  ex- 
istence but  three  years.  There  followed  a  short  experience  as  editor  of  the  Rock 
Island  Union,  after  which  Mr.  Baldwin  again  purchased  the  El  Paso  Journal. 
In  1877,  with  Mr.  J.  B.  Barnes  as  a  partner,  he  came  to  Peoria  and  established 
the  Peoria  Journal,  which  is  today  one  of  the  leading  newspapers  of  the  city. 

In  1891,  Mr.  Baldwin  left  the  newspaper  world,  and  associated  himself  with 
Charles  H.  Powell  in  the  Sylvan  Remedy  Company,  dealing  in  patent  medicines. 
This  venture  proved  disastrous  financially,  and  when  it  failed  entirely  three 
years  afterward,  iMr.  Baldwin  went  back  to  the  business  for  which  he  was  so 
uni<|uely  fitted,  and  began  the  publication  of  the  Peoria  Star,  the  first  issue  ap- 
pearing September  27,  1897.  Xeither  Mr.  Baldwin  nor  Mr.  Powell,  who  was 
still  associated  with  him.  had  at  this  time,  any  money.  They  bought  the  printing 
press  on  credit,  and  even  foimd  themselves  unable  to  pay  the  freight  when  it  was 
shipped  down  to  them.  In  comparing  the  humble  beginnings  of  flie  Peoria  Star 
of  fifteen  years,  with  the  magnificent  organ  of  weight  and  influence  to  which  it 
has  grown,  we  can  but  be  struck  with  the  commanding  force  of  energetic  per- 
severance in  a  worthy  cause.  Mr.  Baldwin  was  then,  as  he  is  now.  a  forceful, 
aggressive,  earnest  man,  and  in  those  fifteen  years  has  demonstrated  the  advan- 
tages of  the  city  he  has  made  his  home,  and  abundantly  verified  the  good  opinions 
of  his  many  friends.  He  has  always  kept  abreast  of  the  times,  and  in  his  en- 
thusiastic pursuit  of  his  business  is  often  in  advance  and  always  read}'  to  meet 
the  demands  of  this  rapid  age  of  improvement.  He  is  a  man  of  progressive 
ideas,  has  been  successful  in  his  business  and  has  proved  his  ability  as  a  manager 
of  an  enterprise  which  calls  for  intelligence,  tact  and  skill.  He  has  long  been  one 
of  Peoria's  energetic  and  enterprising  citizens.  He  has  brought  the  Peoria  Star, 
from  its  precarious  Iieginning  to  a  position  in  the  journalistic  world  which  makes 
it  one  of  the  most  weighty  and  influential  newspapers  in  the  city  today. 

Mr.  Baldwin  is  now  sole  owner  of  the  paper,  and  acts  as  its  editor.  His 
editorial  remarks  are  read  eagerly  every  day.  for  their  clear,  concise  and  pointed 
expositions  of  the  current  affairs  of  the  day.  In  addition  to  the  editorials,  the 
Sunday  issue  of  the  Star  contains  a  page  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Baldwin,  called 
The  Philosopher.  In  this  page,  Mr.  Baldwin  has  an  organ  for  the  expounding 
of  his  views  on  science,  religion,  current  events,  and  all  the  various  and  manifold 
influences  which  make  up  the  world.  It  is  always  a  page  of  the  most  profound, 
cultured  and  scholarly  philosophy,  written  in  the  pointed,  witty,  telling  style, 
which  is  Mr.  Baldwin's  own.  This  Sunday  page  has  earned  for  its  author,  a 
reputation  which  extends  far  beyond  local  limits. 

■Mr.  Baldwin's  style  is  strong  and  forcible,  clear  in  expression,  and  of  com- 
manding purity  of  English.  Mr.  Baldwin  himself  is  public-spirited,  without 
being  partisan  :  charitable  without  ostentation  :  enterprising,  but  careful :  imbued 
with  high  religious  principles,  always  accomplishing  remarkable  results  with 
quiet  power. 


WILLIAM  HAZZAKl) 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  7 

On  April  2t,.  1866,  Air.  Baldwin  was  married  to  ]\Iiss  Sarah  J.  Gove,  and  they 
became  the  paVents  of  three  children:  Ethel,  deceased;  Frank  E.,  now  a  prom- 
inent physician  and  surgeon  in  Peoria;  and  Mildred,  now  living  with  her  i)arents 
in  their  home  at  211   North  Perry  avenue. 

For  some  time,  Mr.  Baldwin  did  considerable  outside  literary  work,  lie  is 
the  author  of  several  jximphlets,  one  novel  and  a  work  on  hypnotism.  Of  late 
years,  however,  he  has  given  this  up,  devoting  his  outside  time  to  lectures  and 
speeches  for  which  lie  is  in  great  demand  on  account  of  his  eloquent  lucidity  of 
thought.  He  was  also  one  of  the  promoters  and  builders  of  the  Grand  Opera 
House,  which  building  housed  for  twenty  years  the  most  exclusive  and  high-class 
amusements  in  the  city  until  it  was  burned'  down  a  few  years  ago. 

Mr.  Baldwin  is  ntnv  in  the  sevent3'-second  year  of  his  age.  He  is  in  the  full 
vigor  and  strength  of  manhood  with  all  his  faculties  unimpaired.  Almost  his 
entire  life  has  been  directed  to  the  study  and  betterment  of  journalism  in  his 
city.  He  is  most  industrious  in  his  pursuit  of  his  business  and  his  breadth  of 
learning  corresponds  to  the  laI)ors  he  performs.  As  a  thorough,  sound  and  deep- 
read  writer  he  occupies  a  position  in  the  first  ranks  of  his  brethren.  Clear  and  dis- 
tinct, always  logical,  with  a  full  command  of  language,  earnest  and  of  strong 
convictions,  he  never  fails  to  impress  his  audience  with  the  justice  of  the  cause 
he  pleads.  He  is  noted  for  his  aptitude  in  grappling  with  details,  and  for  his 
accurate  and  keen  perception  and  judgment.  Fearless,  impulsive  and  frank  to 
a  degree,  what  he  thinks,  he  says,  and  says  it  hard.  He  indulges  in  no  prelimi- 
naries, but  strikes  straight  from  the  shoulder.  Perhaps  the  most  obvious,  if  not 
the  strongest  trait  of  Mr.  Baldwin's  character  is  his  intense  individuality.  No 
one  who  has  ever  met  him  can  mistake  anyone  else  for  him,  or  him  for  anyone 
else.  He  is  known  as  a  forceful  man  whose  strong  and  well-balanced  views  have 
enabled  him  to  accomplish  what  he  has  undertaken  and  gain  considerable  prestige 
as  a  journalist,  and  his  reputation  for  ability  is  of  the  very  best.  He  is  a  man  of 
strong  presence,  with  a  determined  will  and  a  kindly  manner  which  carries  every- 
thing Ijefore  it :  a  sound,  enterprising,  clear-headed  benevolent  and  versatile  man, 
and  Peoria  is  constantly  the  gainer  by  his  remarkable  abilities. 

In  social  life  he  is  universally  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  classes  of  our 
citizens.  In  the  large  circle  of  his  acquaintances  he  forms  his  opinions  of  men 
regardless  of  worldly  wealth  and  position.  He  has  labored,  and  not  in  vain,  for 
the  welfare  of  the  city,  and  enjoys  in  a  marked  degree  that  reward  of  the  pro- 
gressive, upright  citizen,  the  respect  and  confidence  of  his  fellowmen.  He  bears 
the  burden  of  his  years  lightly,  and  shows  but  few  traces  of  the  cares  and  per- 
plexities inseparable  from  an  active,  busy  life. 


WILLIAM  HAZZARD. 


William  Hazzard  is  well  known  in  financial  circles  as  the  cashier  of  the  Com- 
mercial German  National  P.ank,  to  which  position  he  has  attained  by  advance- 
ment through  intermediate  positions  from  that  of  messenger.  Ability  and  faith- 
fulness have  led  to  his  continuous  progress  and  he  is  recognized  as  a  keen,  prac- 
tical business  man.  His  birth  occurred  in  Peoria  in  1869,  his  father  being 
Joseph  F.  Hazzard,  who  was  also  a  native  of  Peoria,  born  in  1843.  After  ac- 
quiring his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city,  the  father  engaged  in  the 
contracting  and  building  business  with  his  father,  James  Hazzard,  who  came  to 
Peoria  in  1840  as  one  of  the  pioneer  residents  of  the  city  and  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life  here  in  the  contracting  business.  The  name  of  Hazzard  has 
ever  stood  as  a  synonym  for  business  activity,  enterprise  and  reliability  in  Peoria. 
During  the  past  thirty  years  Joseph  F.  Hazzard  has  been  in  the  government  em- 
ploy in  connection  with  the  internal   revenue  office.     He  married  Miss  Louisa 


8  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

A.  Phenix,  who  came  to  Peoria  from  the  south  with  her  father,  Leander  Phenix, 
who  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  this  city.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph 
F.  Hazzard  four  chikh"en  have  heen  born  :  Florence,  who  is  the  wife  of  John  Lloyd, 
of  Los  Angeles,  California;  Charles,  a  resident  of  Xew  York  city;  Alary,  of 
New  York ;  and  William. 

The  latter  spent  his  youth  as  do  most  boys,  dividing  his  time  between  the 
work  of  the  schoolroom,  the  pleasures  of  the  playground  and  such  tasks  as  were 
assigned  him  by  parental  authority.  When  he  had  graduated  from  the  high 
school  as  a  member  of  the  class  of  1888  he  entered  the  office  of  Stevens,  Lee  & 
Horton,  with  whom  he  studied  law  until  April.  i88g.  Thinking,  however,  that 
activity  in  the  financial  world  would  prove  more  congenial  than  law  practice, 
he  accepted  a  position  as  messenger  in  the  Commercial  German  National  Bank, 
when  about  twenty  years  of  age,  and  since  that  time  has  worked  his  way  steadily 
upward  by  reason  of  his  close  application,  ready  mastery  of  tasks  assigned  him  and 
his  indefatigable  industry.  He  served  as  bookkeeper  from  1892  until  1899  and  was 
afterward  exchange  and  collection  clerk  for  two  years.  In  1901  he  was  made 
assistant  cashier  and  in  Alay,  191 1,  was  chosen  cashier  to  succeed  E.  A.  Cole. 
Thus  practically  his  entire  business  career  has  been  spent  in  connection  with  the 
Commercial  German  National  Bank  and  his  activity  has  contributed  in  no  small 
measure  to  its  success. 

In  Peoria,  in  1894,  Mr.  Plazzard  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lona  R. 
Evans,  a  sister  of  Willis  Evans,  of  whom  mention  is  made  elsewhere  in  this 
volume.  They  are  the  parents  of  three  children :  Lowell  B.,  Lucia  and  Martha 
E.  The  parents  attend  and  hold  membership  in  the  Alethodist  Episcopal  church. 
Mr.  Hazzard  is  preeminently  a  home  man,  taking  no  active  part  in  club  life,  yet 
is  greatly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  city  and  cooperates  in  measures  and 
movements  for  its  growth  and  progress.  In  quiet  devotion  to  his  duties  he  has 
won  the  respect  and  confidence  of  his  fellowmen  who  name  him  as  one  of  the 
representative  citizens  of  Peoria. 


CHARLES  R.  WHEELER. 

Honored  and  respected  by  all,  there  is  no  man  who  occupies  a  more  enviable 
position  in  the  business  and  financial  circles  of  Peoria  than  Charles  R.  Wheeler, 
the  president  of  the  First  National  Bank.  It  has  not  been  his  success  alone  that 
has  placed  him  in  high  regard  but  rather  the  straightforward  business  policy 
which  he  has  ever  followed  and  the  utilization  of  methods  which  never  seek  nor 
require  disguise.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  this  city  since  185 1,  coming  here 
when  a  youth  of  ten  years.  His  birth  occurred  on  a  farm  near  Kenton,  Hardin 
county,  Ohio.  January  22,  1841,  his  parents  being  H.  N.  and  Matilda  (McCoy) 
Wheeler.  The  father  was  born  in  Scioto  county,  Ohio,  in  181 1,  and  his  parents 
were  .Amos  and  Elizabeth  ( Snow )  Wheeler,  the  former  of  Wheelersburg,  Ohio, 
and  the  latter  a  native  of  Connecticut.  When  eleven  years  of  age  H.  N.  Wlieeler 
left  his  native  county  and  removed  with  his  parents  to  Monroe  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  resided  until  sixteen  years  of  age,  when  upon  the  death  of  his  father 
he  went  Burlington,  where  he  completed  his  education.  Five  years  were  thus 
passed,  after  which  he  returned  to  Marion  county  and  soon  afterward  embarked 
in  merchandising,  in  which  he  continued  until  1851.  That  year  witnessed  his 
arrival  in  Peoria.  Some  years  before — in  1837 — H.  N.  Wheeler  was  married  in 
Hardin  county,  Ohio,  to  Aliss  Matilda  McCoy,  a  native  of  Putnam.  Muskingum 
county,  that  state.  Following  his  arrival  in  Peoria  he  opened  a  wholesale  grocery 
house  under  the  firm  style  of  Wheeler,  Sloan  &  Company,  and  continued  in  the 
business  for  five  or  six  years,  after  which  he  sold  out.  For  many  years  he  was 
engaged  in  the  real-estate  and  banking  business,  in  which  connection  he  gained 


■^ 

■ 

v^^^H 

^^m'm  ni ml^^^^'- '< 

J 

ly 

,    :         T'^    -   ■    -..'-?t>i^^^^^^^^^B 

CHARLES   i;.   W'llKKI.KI! 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COLWTY  U 

prominent  recognition  as  a  leading  business  man  of  that  city.  For  several  _vears 
he  was  a  director  in  the  Second  National  liank,  becoming  a  memi^er  of  its  first 
board,  but  resigned  that  ])osition  upon  his  election  in  January,  1866,  to  the  presi- 
dency of  the  Mechanics  National  Bank.  He  remained  at  the  head  of  that  insti- 
tution for  many  years  and  succeeded  in  establishing  it  upon  a  safe,  substantial 
basis,  making  it  one  of  the  leading  financial  institutions  of  the  city.  In  1879  he 
was  elected  to  the  presidency  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Peoria  and  was 
also  treasurer  of  the  Peoria  Mercantile  Library  Association,  being  the  first  in- 
cumbent of  that  office.  His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  much  of  his  time  and  thought  was  devoted  to  furthering  its  interests.  In 
business  afl:"airs  his  plans  were  well  formulated  and  carefully  executed  so  that  he 
carried  forward  to  successful  completion  whatever  he  undertook.  Death  came 
to  him  in  1884  and  his  wife  passed  away  two  years  later. 

Charles  R.  Wheeler  supplemented  his  public-school  education  by  study  in 
Antioch  College  at  Yellow  Sjjrings,  Ohio,  after  which  he  returned  to  Peoria 
to  enter  u]5on  his  business  career.  He  joined  his  brother,  P.  C.  Wheeler,  in  the 
conduct  of  a  wholesale  grocery  business  and  was  also  a  partner  in  the  llarker  & 
\\'heeler  Drug  Company  until  he  disposed  of  his  interests  in  that  enterprise  in 
1910.  His  identification  with  the  First  National  Bank  dates  from  the  ist  of 
January,  1896,  when  he  was  called  to  the  vice  presidency  of  the  institution.  He 
served  as  its  second  executive  officer  for  ten  years  and  upon  the  death  of  John  C. 
Proctor  in  1906  was  elected  to  the  presidency.  Recognizing  the  fact  that  the 
liank  is  most  prosperous  which  most  carefully  safeguards  the  interests  of  its  de- 
positors, he  has  been  most  watchful  in  making  investments  and  loans  and  has  thus 
protected  the  interests  of  the  institution  and  its  clients.  He  has  made  a  thorough 
study  of  the  banking  business  in  its  various  phases  and  his  capability  enables  him 
to  find  ready  solution  for  intricate  financial  problems. 

In  1870  Mr.  Wheeler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  N.  J.  Williams,  of 
Marion,  Ohio,  and  unto  them  has  been  born  a  son,  Charles  N.,  who  is  now  secre- 
tary of  the  S])ringdale  Cemetery  Association.  The  family  is  very  prominent 
sociallv  and  Mr.  Wheeler  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  to  the  Country 
Cluli.  His  friends  find  him  a  most  congenial  and  entertaining  companion  and  the 
social  cjualities  of  his  nature  constitute  an  even  balance  with  his  s])len(iid  business 
abilitv.  Ikisiness  has  been  his  foremost  interest  and  yet  he  has  not  allowed  it  to 
preclude  his  activity  along  other  lines  and  especially  in  matters  of  citizenship  he 
stands  ready  to  aid  and  further  any  project  for  the  general  good. 


JOSEPH  V.  GRAFF. 


Joseph  \'.  Graff,  lawyer  and  lawmaker,  in  whose  congressional  record  there 
is  no  esoteric  phase  and  whose  work  has  constituted  a  valuable  contribution  to  va- 
rious lines  of  progress,  was  born  in  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  July  i,  1834.  He  comes 
of  German  and  Scotch-English  ancestry.  His  paternal  great-grandparents  were 
natives  of  Germany  and  on  coming  to  America  settled  at  Brownsville,  Pennsyl- 
vania. There  the  birth  of  Jacob  K.  Graff,  the  father  of  Joseph  Y.  Graff,  oc- 
curred. The  mother,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Mary  Jane  Miller,  was  a 
native  of  Ohio  and  was  of  Scotch-English  lineage.  The  family  home  was  es- 
tablished in  Terre  Haute.  Indiana,  and  at  the  usual  age  Joseph  W  Graft'  entered 
the  public  schools,  in  which  he  passed  through  the  consecutive  grades  to  his 
graduation  from  the  high  school.  His  more  advanced  literary  course  was  pur- 
sued in  Wabash  College  at  Crawfordsville,  Indiana,  but  in  1873  he  became 
a  resident  of  Illinois,  settling  first  at  Delavan,  where  he  became  interested  in 
merchandising  in  connection  with  his  brother  and  brother-in-law.  His  desire, 
however,  was  to  enter  upon  a  professional  career  and  he  devoted  his  evenings 


12  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  other  leisure  hours  to  the  mastery  of  the  principles  of  jurisprudence,  his 
progress  being  such  that  in  1879  he  was  able  to  pass  an  examination  that  won 
him  admission  to  the  bar. 

Mr.  Graii'  at  once  entered  upon  the  active  practice  of  law  in  Delavan,  where 
he  remained  until  1883,  when  he  removed  to  Nebraska.  During  that  period  he 
was  for  one  year  a  partner  of  W.  R.  Curran.  He  remained  in  the  west  for  two 
years  and  then  returned  to  Illinois,  opening  an  office  at  Pekin,  Tazewell  county, 
where  he  remained  alone  in  practice  until  1894.  He  then  entered  into  practice 
with  Judge  George  C.  Rider  and  was  thus  engaged  until  his  removal  to  Peoria 
in  1899.  In  this  city  he  became  a  partner  of  Lyman  J.  Carlock,  their  relation, 
however,  being  terminated  when  Mr.  Graff  was  instrumental  in  securing  the  ap- 
pointment of  his  partner  to  the  position  of  one  of  the  United  States  judges  in  the 
Philippine  Islands.  Mr.  Graft'  was  then  joined  bv  C.  \'.  Miles,  under  the  firm 
style  of  Graff  &  Miles. 

Until  1891  Mr.  Graff  never  had  held  public  office  but  in  that  year  was  elected 
one  of  the  inspectors  of  schools  for  the  city  of  Pekin  and  was  made  president 
of  the  board  of  education.  He  continued  in  that  position  until  his  nomination  for 
congress.  His  political  record  is  characterized  by  a  devotion  to  duty  that  none 
has  questioned.  He  has  ever  placed  patriotism  before  partisanship  and  the 
public  welfare  before  personal  aggrandizement,  and  his  election  was  a  tribute 
to  his  personal  worth  and  the  confidence  reposed  in  him.  During  the  period  of 
democratic  rule  in  the  state  legislature,  under  the  administration  of  Governor 
Altgeld,  the  state  was  redistricted  that  the  election  of  democratic  candidates  for 
congress  might  be  more  sure.  The  counties  of  Putnam,  Marshall,  Peoria,  Fulton 
and  Mason  were  placed  in  one  district,  which  was  supposed  to  have  a  democratic 
majority  of  at  least  twenty-two  hundred.  So  confident  were  the  democratic 
leaders  of  victory  that  one  strong  democratic  county  was  given  to  another  dis- 
trict to  make  it  more  sure.  In  1894  was  held  the  first  nomination  after  the  re- 
districting  was  done  and  Hon.  George  O.  Barnes,  of  Lacon,  was  made  the  dem- 
ocratic standard  bearer,  while  the  republicans  chose  Joseph  \'.  Graff  as  their 
candidate.  The  election  that  followed  was  a  surprise  to  the  democratic  leaders 
throughout  the  state,  for  Mr.  Graft"  won  by  a  majority  of  thirty-three  hundred. 
That  his  first  term's  service  won  the  commendation  and  approval  of  the  gen- 
eral public  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  for  three  successive  terms  he  was  re- 
nominated by  acclamation  and  reelected  by  a  decisive  majority.  He  became  an 
active  working  member  of  the  house,  connected  with  much  constructive  legis- 
lation. He  never  gave  his  support  to  any  measure  without  carefullv  informing 
himself  concerning  its  salient  points  and  its  possibilities  for  eft'ectiveness.  He 
was  made  chairman  of  the  committee  on  claims,  which  has  jurisdiction  over 
every  claim  presented  against  the  government,  with  the  exception  of  war  claims. 
He  was  made  a  member  of  the  committee  on  agriculture.  His  most  important 
work  was  six  years'  service  on  the  committee  on  appropriations,  where  as  a 
member  of  the  sub-committee  of  five,  he  had  to  do  with  the  fortification  appro- 
priations of  the  country,  which  amounted  to  from  eight  to  fifteen  million  per 
year.  Afterward  he  was  added  to  the  sub-committee  having  charge  of  all  de- 
partment employes  of  the  government.  He  was  the  only  member  from  this 
part  of  Illinois  who  ever  served  upon  the  appropriation  committee  of  Congress, 
which  has  no  rival  in  importance  in  that  body. 

His  work  in  behalf  of  the  Civil  war  veterans  won  him  the  gratitude  and 
thanks  of  all  the  "boys  in  blue."  He  interested  himself  in  the  river  and  harbor 
bills,  which  were  before  congress  during  the  session  of  1900-1  and  led  to  an 
appropriation  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  the  survev  of  the 
Illinois  and  Desplaines  rivers  from  the  lower  end  of  the  Chicago  drainaoe  canal 
with  the  view  of  deepening  the  same  and  giving  a  deep  waterway  from  the  lakes 
to  the  gulf.  The  bill,  however,  was  defeated.  The  republican  convention  for 
the  new   sixteenth   congressional   district   met   in   Peoria,  Mav   5.    1902,   and  by 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  13 

unanimous  vote,  Mr.  Graff  was  tendered  the  reelection  to  congress,  being  thus 
nominated  for  the  fourth  consecutive  term  by  acclamation — a  record  that  is 
almost  without  parallel  in  the  political  history  of  the  state.  He  served  in  con- 
gress from  the  tifty-fourth  to  the  sixty-first  general  assemblies,  his  term  ex])iring 
March  4,  191 1.  Over  the  record  of  his  political  activity  there  falls  no  shadow  of 
wrong  or  suspicion  of  evil.  He  has  been  loyal  to  his  principles  and  his  promises, 
sans  peur  and  sans  reproclie. 

Air.  Graff  is  a  valued  member  of  se\eral  fraternal  organizations.  He  belongs 
to  the  ]\Iasonic  Lodge,  the  Modern  Woodmen  CamiJ.  the  Union  \'eterans'  Union 
and  the  Sons  of  \'eterans  Camp.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian 
church.  It  is  well  known  that  his  cooperation  can  be  counted  ujjon  wherever 
matters  of  pulilic  welfare  are  involved.  Advancement  and  improvement  con- 
stitute the  keynote  of  his  character  and  have  been  manifest  in  his  professional 
career,  in  his  political  service  and  in  his  private  life.  Since  his  retirement  from 
congress  he  has  entered  upon  the  general  practice  of  law  at  Peoria  and  in  addition 
is  the  vice  president  and  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  East  Peoria. 
His  was  an  extended  congressional  service  and  the  record  of  none  has  been 
more  faultless  in  manner,  fearless  in  conduct  and  stainless  in  reputation. 


HENRY  WIIITCOMB  LYNCH. 

Henry  W.  Lynch  is  prominently  before  the  public  in  Peoria  at  the  present 
time  as  postmaster  of  the  city  and  yet  long  before  entering  upon  the  duties  of 
this  position  he  has  been  known  as  a  representative  and  valued  citizen  because 
of  the  extent  and  importance  of  his  business  connections.  He  is  one  of  the  fore- 
most representatives  of  the  coal  trade-in  the  central  part  of  the  state,  conducting 
his  sales  along  wholesale  lines  while  at  the  same  time  he  is  interested  as  an 
owner  in  various  coal  mining  properties  of  this  state  and  of  Indiana.  His  birth 
occurred  in  Magnolia,  Putnam  county,  Illinois,  on  the  26th  of  July,  1857,  his 
parents  being  Jesse  and  Harriet  (W'hitcomb)  Lynch,  the  former  a  native  of 
New  York  and  the  latter  of  Michigan.  The  son  entered  the  public  schools  of  his 
native  county  and  after  mastering  the  branches  of  learning  therein  taught,  con- 
tinued his  education  in  the  University  of  Illinois,  where  he  spent  two  year's. 
Turning  his  attention  to  the  profession  of  teaching,  he  took  charge  of  a  school 
south  of  Chenoa  and  later  accepted  a  clerkshi])  in  a  grain  elevator  at  Ballard. 
Afterward  he  became  connected  with  the  railroad  service  as  an  employe  of  the 
Toledo,  Peoria,  Warsaw  &  Western  Railway  Company,  acting  as  agent  at  Shel- 
don, Illinois,  from  1881  until  1888. 

On  the  1st  of  February  of  the  latter  year  Mr.  Lynch  came  to  Peoria  where 
he  has  since  made  his  home  and  entered  business  circles  here  as  manager  of  a 
coal  company  that  was  operating  extensively  in  central  Illinois.  He  has  been 
engaged  in  business  on  his  own  account  since  1894  and  in  the  intervening  period 
his  course  has  been  characterized  by  continuous  progress  resulting  from  the 
wise  and  judicial  use  of  time,  talents  and  ojiportunities.  He  has  been  a  leading 
factor  in  the  development  of  the  coal  trade  in  this  and  adjoining  states,  eventually 
becoming  one  of  the  most  extensive  operators  in  Illinois.  He  handles  the  product 
of  various  mines  of  the  middle  west  and  in  a  number  of  these  is  largely  inter- 
ested financially.  He  has  studied  the  trade  and  its  possibilities,  has  bent  his 
energies  to  the  mastery  of  every  problem  connected  therewith  and  in  this  way 
has  advanced  to  a  position  of  leadershij)  in  his  chosen  field. 

As  previously  stated,  however,  Air.  Lynch  is  also  well  known  because  of  the 
service  which  he  is  now  rendering  to  the  public  in  office.  In  politics  he  has  ever 
been  a  stalwart  and  earnest  but  conservative  republican  and  his  opinions  have 
carried  weight  in  the  local  councils  of  his  ])arly.     He  was  first  called  to  office  in 


14  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

1895  when  elected  alderman  from  the  old  first  ward  and  his  first  term's  service 
received  commendation  and  approval  in  his  reelection  in  1897.  Further  indorse- 
ment of  his  record  as  councilman  came  to  him  in  his  election  to  the  office  of 
mayor  in  1899  and  to  the  city  he  gave  a  Inisinesslike,  practical  and  progressive 
administration.  In  njoCt  he  was  again  called  from  private  life  to  public  office 
in  his  appointment  as  postmaster  of  Peoria,  to  which  he  was  reappointed  on  the 
expiration  of  his  four  years'  term.  The  local  press  said  of  him :  "As  alderman, 
mayor  and  ])ostmaster  his  official  course  has  been  marked  by  the  same  earnest 
qualities  that  have  made  him  a  successful  business  man.  He  has  alwavs  en- 
deavored in  an  official  capacity  to  perform  his  duties  in  the  interest  of  the  public 
welfare  and  in  this  his  sterling  integrity  and  his  capabilities  have  made  him  a 
valued  public  official."  Neither  is  Mr.  Lynch  unknown  in  the  financial  field  for 
he  figures  in  local  banking  circles  as  the  vice  president  of  the  Central  National 
Bank. 

On  the  24th  of  July,  1884.  Mr.  Lynch  was  united  in  marriage  at  Oxford, 
Indiana,  to  Miss  Frances  M.  Baldwin,  a  daughter  of  Ira  and  Phoebe  Baldwin, 
and  unto  them  have  been  liorn  two  sons.  Ralph  A.  and  Harold  \V.,  both  vet  at 
home.  The  family  attend  the  Congregational  church  in  which  Mr.  Lynch  holds 
membership,  and  he  belongs  also  to  several  fraternal  organizations  including 
the  Masonic.  Knights  of  Pythias.  Woodmen  and  Maccabee  lodges.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Illinois  Lodge  No.  263.  F.  &  A.  M.,  the  chapter,  commandery  and  the 
Scottish  Rite.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Countrv  Clubs. 
In  business  and  social  circles  he  stands  equally  high.  He  is  a  man  of 
firm  purpose,  dependable  under  all  circumstances  and  in  any  emergency.  His 
quietude  of  deportment,  his  easy  dignity,  his  frankness  and  cordiality  of  address, 
with  the  total  absence  of  anything  sinister  or  anything  to  conceal,  foretoken  a 
man  who  is  ready  to  meet  any  obligation  of  life  with  the  confidence  and  courage 
that  come  of  conscious  personal  ability,  right  conception  of  things  and  an  habit- 
ual regard  for  what  is  best  in  the  exercise  of  human  acitvities. 


EDWARD  N.  WOODRUFF. 

Firm  of  purpose,  progressive  in  spirit  and  with  notable  conception  of  the 
duties,  obligations  and  opportunities  of  citizenship,  Edward  N.  Woodruff  well 
merits  the  honor  which  has  come  to  him  in  a  third  election  to  the  office  of  mayor 
of  Peoria.  .Moreover,  his  life  record  stands  in  contradistinction  to  the  old  adage 
that  a  prophet  is  not  without  honor  save  in  his  own  country,  for  he  is  a  native 
son  of  the  city  which  has  three  times  called  him  to  serve  as  its  chief  executive. 
There  are  those  who  address  him  in  terms  of  familiarity  which  indicate  long 
acf|uaintance  from  boyhood  days ;  there  are  those  who  greet  him  with  the  dignity 
that  seems  to  be  a  part  of  his  office,  but  both  entertain  for  him  the  resjiect  which 
is  given  in  recognition  of  individual  character  and  of  fidelity  to  principle. 

His  father.  Nelson  L.  Woodruff,  was  one  of  the  pioneer  residents  of  Peoria, 
arriving  in  this  city  in  1834.  He  was  born  in  Chenango,  New  York.  May  24. 
1818,  his  parents  being  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  Woodruff,  who  on  coming  to  this 
state,  settled  upon  a  farm  and  aided  in  the  early  agricultural  development  of  their 
district.  Nelson  L.  Woodruff'  at  the  time  of  the  removal  was  a  youth  of  sixteen 
years.  He  continued  to  reside  upon  and  assist  in  the  cultivation  of  the  old  home 
farm  until  he  had  reached  his  majority,  when  he  began  learning  the  cooper's 
trade,  which  he  followed  for  some  time.  He  afterward  built  the  first  canal  boat 
used  on  the  Illinois  canal  and  named  it  Fort  Clark.  In  1855  he  turned  his  at- 
tention to  the  ice  business,  in  which  he  continued  successfully  for  almost  a  quar- 
ter of  a  century,  enjoying  a  large  trade  in  the  handling  of  the  output  to  the  time 
of  his  death,  which  occurred  October  23.  1879.     His  wife  afterward  took  up  the 


HISTORY  OF  I'EORIA  COUNTY  17 

management  of  the  business,  which  later  was  turned  over  to  tlieir  son.  Edward. 
Mrs.  W  oodruft'  had  become  a  resident  of  Peoria  in  1835.  She  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  Mary  A.  Monroe  and  was  born  in  Luzerne  county,  I'ennsylvania.  Jan- 
uary I,  1826,  her  parents  being  Samuel  and  Eois  (Brown)  ?\lonroe,  who  were  also 
natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  It  was  on  the  15th  of  October,  1846,  that  she 
gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Nelson  L.  Woodruff,  and  unto  them  were  born  six 
children,  of  whom  two  are  living,  the  daughter  being  Mrs.  Harriet  Emerson, 
wife  of  George  Emerson,  of  Peoria.  The  parents  were  consistent  members  of 
the  First  Baptist  church  and  the  father  was  a  republican  in  his  political  views. 

At  the  usual  age  Edward  N.  Woodruff  entered  the  public  schools  and  jiur- 
sued  his  studies  in  consecutive  grades  vmtil  he  was  graduated  from  the  high 
school.  A  year  thereafter  was  devoted  to  range  riding  in  New  Mexico,  and  dif- 
ferent lines  of  business  claimed  his  attention  at  various  periods  but  in  early  man- 
hood he  settled  down  to  the  management  of  the  ice  business  which  his  father  had 
established.  Progressive  methods  constituted  his  control  of  this  undertaking, 
as  was  manifest  in  the  fact  that  he  later  erected  a  modern  ice  plant,  equipped 
with  the  latest  improved  machinery,  its  location  being  at  No.  1122  South 
Adams  street.  Mr.  Woodruff"  is  still  at  the  head  of  this  business,  wdiich  has 
now  grown  to  extensive  proportions  and  is  a  source  of  gratifying  revenue. 
Into  other  fields  of  activity  he  has  extended  his  efforts  and  is  now  a  director 
of  the  Peoria  Life  Insurance  Company  and  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Tent  & 
Awning  Company.  He  is  likewise  the  president  of  the  Ice  Dealers  Association 
of  the  state,  formed  to  further  the  interests  of  those  connected  with  the  trade. 

Mr.  Woodruff  has  followed  in  the  political  as  well  as  the  business  footsteps 
of  his  father,  for  his  mature  judgment  has  indorsed  the  principles  of  the  repuljli- 
can  party  and  its  ]:>olicy. 

Of  him  it  has  been  said:  "The  same  elementary  constituents  in  the  composi- 
tion of  E.  N.  Woodruff  that  made  him  a  good  Ijusiness  man  have  made  him  a 
good  politician,  and  more."  He  is  not  a  political  leader  in  the  ordinary  sense  of 
the  term,  for  he  employs  party  organization  only  as  a  means  to  an  end  and  yet 
manifests  those  ciualities  which  in  a  wider  sphere  constitute  the  statesman.  He 
is  essentially  a  student  of  municipal  affairs  and  gives  much  thought,  consideration 
and  study  to  questions  relative  to  city  government.  While  he  holds  to  high 
ideals,  his  methods  are  practical  and  even  the  bitterness  of  partisan  politics  can- 
not o'ercloud  the  service  which  he  has  rendered  in  behalf  of  progress,  reform 
and  improvement.  He  was  first  called  to  the  office  of  alderman,  representing 
the  first  ward  for  two  terms.  In  1903  he  was  called  to  the  mayoralty  and  retired 
at  the  close  of  that  term.  A  careful  reflection  concerning  the  work  of  his  ad- 
ministration led  to  his  selection  again  as  a  candidate  in  1909.  The  people 
indorsed  the  choice  of  the  party  delegates  and  once  more  he  was  elected  and  again 
in  191 1.  One  of  the  local  papers  said  concerning  his  reelection  in  April,  1910, 
that  it  came  "after  a  severe  criticism  of  his  previous  administration  and  a  cam- 
paign for  a  commission  form  of  city  government  in  which  his  administration  was 
mercilessly  reviewed,  and  yet  wdien  the  heat  of  party  passion  and  civic  criticism 
had  spent  its  force,  the  fact  remained  that  the  administration  of  Mr.  Woodruff' 
had  been  sound  and  just  and  he  was  reelected  by  a  majority  of  over  fifteen 
hundred.  A  greater  comjiliment  was  never  \)a'\<\  a  luayor  of  tlie  city  of  Peoria. 
It  was  a  vote  of  confidence  and  his  present  term  would  show  that  this  confidence 
was  not  misplaced.  Mayor  Woodruff  is  a  man  with  a  brain  and  a  sense  of  justice  ; 
with  administrative  power  to  plan  much  for  the  city's  good  and  the  executive 
will  to  carry  his  plans  into  effect.  Elected  twice  an  alderman  and  three  times 
as  mayor,  attests  the  f|ualities  not  of  a  politician  but  of  a  man  with  high  ideals 
as  a  public  oflicer  and  these  have  been  duly  recognized  and  will  continue  to  be 
recognized  as  the  years  roll  on."  Many  tangible  evidences  of  Mr.  Woodruff's 
loyalty  to  the  city's  welfare  can  be  given.  He  has  made  many  pul)lic  improve- 
ments and  while  never  countenancing  needless  expenditure,  he  has  not  believed 


18  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

in  retrenchment  at  the  sacrilice  of  ]3rogressiveness,  and  has  sought  the  city's  ad- 
vancement along  all  possiljle  lines.  During  his  administration  about  eighteen 
miles  of  paving  has  been  laid  on  the  east  side  in  two  years  and  twenty  miles 
of  cement  sidewalk.  A  bridge  proposition  has  been  put  through,  planning  for 
a  bridge  across  the  river,  which  will  be  of  great  benefit  to  the  city.  His  plans 
have  made  it  possible  and  he  has  promised  the  settlement  of  difficulties  between 
the  citizens  and  the  water  company  by  a  direct  vote  of  the  people.  He  also  sub- 
mitted the  bridge  referendum  to  the  vote  of  the  people  and  has  introduced  many 
im])rovements  in  the  police  and  fire  departments,  including  civil  service  reform. 

In  Peoria,  in  1888,  Mr.  Woodruff  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  .Anna 
Smith,  a  daughter  of  Gottlieb  Smith,  an  early  settler  of  Peoria,  who  resided  here 
for  many  years,  and  they  have  one  child,  Mary  Monroe. 

In  his  fraternal  relations  Mr.  \^^oodruff  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason  and 
a  Shriner,  and  he  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows, 
the  llenevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 
He  earlv  learned  the  lesson  that  life  means  more  than  pleasure  and  has  a  deeper, 
broader  purpose  than  activity  for  the  benefit  of  self  alone.  He  has  therefore 
made  an  effort  to  render  his  career  a  serviceable  one  in  the  world's  work  and  his 
fellow  townsmen  attest  and  appreciate  the  fact  that  he  has  done  so. 


B.  FRANK  BROWN. 


B.  Frank  Brown,  founder  of  the  Brown  Printing  Company  and  an  official 
of  various  other  local  enterprises,  is  one  of  the  successful  business  men  of  Peo- 
ria whose  life  should  be  an  inspiration  to  every  ambitious  young  man.  as  it 
clearly  demonstrates  what  it  is  possible  to  achieve  through  the  intelligent  ap- 
plication of  intense  energy.  Mr.  Brown  is  not  only  prominently  connected 
with  the  manufacturing  and  industrial  interests  of  the  city  but  he  is  actively 
identified  with  political  affairs,  having  for  some  years  been  a  member  of  the 
board  of  aldermen.  He  was  born  in  \\'ashington,  Illinois,  on  the  i8th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1866,  and  is  a  son  of  Adam  and  Salome  Brown.  The  father  is  one  of 
the  foremost  citizens  of  El  Paso,  this  state,  where  he  has  been  engaged  in  car- 
riage building  for  more  than  thirty  years.  He  is  a  republican  in  his  political 
views  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  town  council  during  a  part  of  his  residence 
there.  Originally  the  Brown  family  came  from  Pennsylvania  and  they  are  of 
Dutch  extraction,  but  they  have  long  been  residents  of  Illinois. 

The  education  of  B.  Frank  Brown  was  obtained  in  the  public  schools  of  El 
Paso,  which  he  attended  until  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age.  He  then  laid  aside 
his  text-books  to  become  a  clerk  in  the  postoffice.  He  subsequently  apprenticed 
himself  for  three  years  to  the  jewelrv  business  and  after  the  expiration  of  his 
period  of  service  worked  for  several  years  as  journeyman  watchmaker  in  the 
states  of  Illinois,  Kansas,  Nevada  and  California.  \Miile  employed  in  the  lat- 
ter state  he  learned  how  to  make  rubber  stamps  from  the  man  with  whom  he 
worked  at  the  bench.  Upon  his  return  to  Illinois  he  located  in  Peoria  and  bor- 
rowing sevent)'-five  dollars  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  rubber  stamps.  He 
engaged  in  this  enterprise  with  intense  enthusiasm  and  an  abundance  of  energy, 
determining  to  make  it  a  success.  He  did  his  work  thoroughly,  delivered  his 
orders  promptly  and  took  infinite  pains  to  satisfy  his  patrons,  and  as  a  result  his 
trade  increased  rapidly  and  he  was  subsequently  able  to  extend  the  scope  of  his 
activities  bv  adding  a  job  printing  department.  This  likewise  proved  to  be  very 
remunerative  and  he  later  engaged  in  book  binding  also,  and  during  the  inter- 
vening years  the  business  has  developed  until  it  is  now  the  largest  concern  of  the 
kind  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago.  As  his  business  has  prospered,  ^Ir.  Brown 
has  extended  his  interests  in  various  directions  and  is  financiallv  interested  in 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  19 

several  thriving  enterprises  of  the  city.  He  is  secretary  and  treasurer  ol  Ihe 
Peoria  Bulletin  Company  located  at  201  and  203  South  Washington  street,  and  is 
secretary  of  The -Smith-Brown  Tent  &  Awning  Company,  located  at  107  South 
\\'ashington  avenue,  and  treasurer  of  The  Saratoga  Cigar  Stores  Company. 

In  this  city  on  the  ist  of  June,  1887,  Mr.  Brown  was  united  in  marriage  to 
]\Iiss  Adah  Prince,  a  daughter  of  :\Irs.  Cordelia  Prince,  and  to  them  have  i)ccn 
horn  two  children:  Chauncey,  who  is  superintendent  of  the  monotype  de])art- 
ment  of  the  Brown  Printing  Company;  and  \'era,  who  died  in  i88g  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  months  and  is  buried  at  Washington,  Illinois.  The  family  home 
is  located  at  518  Bryan  street,  where  they  have  a  very  pleasant  and  comfortable 
residence. 

Mr.  Brown  is  a  Knight  Templar  and  a  member  of  the  Shrine.  He  is  attihated 
with  the  Knights  of  Pvthias.  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  while  his  connection  with  organizations  of 
a  more  purelv  social  nature  is  confined  to  his  membership  in  the  Crevc  Coeur 
Club.  ^Ir.  Brown  votes  the  republican  ticket  and  is  now  serving  his  second 
term  as  alderman  from  the  third  ward.  He  manifests  the  same  qualities  in  the 
discharge  of  his  public  duties  as  characterize  him  in  his  business  transactions, 
and  as  a  result  has  proven  to  be  a  highly  satisfactory  and  efficient  official.  He 
possesses  an  intense  capacity  for  work,  pronounced  executive  ability  and  unusual 
powers  of  organization,  which  qualities  have  been  dominant  factors  in  his  career. 


BENJAMIN  LANGFORD  TODD  BOURLAND. 

Among  those  who  are  operating  in  real  estate  in  Peoria  Benjamin  Langford 
Todd  Bourland  is  well  known  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  one  who  has  a 
wider  acquaintance  with  realty  values  or  who  has  conducted  more  important  ne- 
gotiations over  the  exchange  of  property  here.  He  was  born  in  Trigg  county, 
Kentucky.  October  10,  1825,  a  son  of  Andrew  and  Damaris  (Reese)  Bourland, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  South  Carolina.  His  great-grandfather,  John 
Bourland,  was  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland  and  early  in  life  sought  the  oppor- 
tunities oflrered  by  the  new  world,  establishing  his  home  in  South  Carolina.  In 
that  state  occurred  the  birth  of  his  son,  the  Rev.  John  Bourland,  who,  on  attain- 
ing his  majority,  there  married  Miss  Mary  Loving,  also  a  native  of  that  state. 
On  the  maternal  side  Benjamin  L.  T.  Bourland  comes  of  ancestry  established  in 
South  Carolina  in  colonial  days.  One  of  his  great-grandfathers  was  Bayless 
Earle,  whose  wife  lived  to  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  four  years.  Their  daugh- 
ter, Nancy  Earle,  became  the  wife  of  John  Reese,  also  a  native  of  South  Caro- 
lina, and  they  were  the  jxirents  of  Damaris  Reese,  who  became  the  wife  of  An- 
drew Bourland.  It  was  in  the  year  1834  that  Andrew  Bourland  removed  with 
his  family  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Perry  county,  where  they  remained  until  1836. 
In  that  year  a  removal  was  made  to  \'andalia,  which  was  then  the  capital  of  the 
state,  and  in  1840  when  the  capital  was  removed  to  Springfield,  Mr.  Bourland 
became  a  resident  of  that  city.  In  May.  1844,  he  became  a  resident  of  Chicago, 
and  the  year  1847  witnessed  his  arrival  in  Peoria,  which  became  his  place  of  per- 
manent abode. 

In  the  meantime  Benjamin  L.  T.  Bourland  had  been  attending  the  public 
schools  in  the  different  localities  where  the  family  resided  and  for  a  time  was  a 
student  in  an  academy  at  -Springfield.  He  was  also  employed  for  a  period  in  the 
office  of  the  Hon.  Alexander  P.  Field,  secretary  of  state,  and  after  going  to  Chi- 
cago he  had  his  first  experience  in  the  real-estate  business  with  Ogden,  Jones  & 
Company.  On  coming  to  Peoria  l>e  continued  in  the  same  line  of  business  in 
company  with  William  R.  Phelps,  adding  thereto  a  banking  and  loan  business. 
During  his  residence  in  Peoria,  covering  a  period  of  sixty-five  years,  he  has  been 


20  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

identiticd  with  various  banking  enterprises  and  in  addition  has  conducted  some 
of  the  most  important  real-estate  operations  in  the  history  of  the  city.  He  has 
always  kept  well  informed  concerning  property  values  and  has  therefore  been 
enabled  to  negotiate  important  realty  transfers  beneficial  alike  to  his  clients  and 
to  himself.  At  the  present  time  he  is  engaged  in  the  real-estate  and  loan  business 
as  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Bourland  &  Bailey.  They  have  large  and  com- 
modious offices  in  the  new  Dime  Savings  Bank  building  and  have  an  extensive 
clientele  which  indicates  that  the  business  is  one  of  the  most  important  and  ex- 
tensive of  the  kind  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Bourland  has  been  twice  married.  On  the  20th  of  November,  1849  he 
wedded  Julia  M.  Preston,  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and  on  the  17th  of  January, 
1869,  Clara  Parsons,  of  Chicago,  became  his  wife.  By  the  first  marriage  there 
were  born  two  sons,  Ogden  Phelps  and  Rudolphus  Rouse.  The  children  of  the 
second  marriage  were  six  in  number,  four  sons  and  two  daughters.  Benjamin 
Parsons,  Caroline  Brown,  Elsie  Parsons,  Norman  T.,  Philip  D.  and  Robert  C. 

In  religious  belief  Mr.  Bourland  is  a  Unitarian  and  in  politics  he  is  a  demo- 
crat. He  has  always  been  a  broad  and  liberal-minded  man,  interested  in  life,  its 
purposes  and  its  activities  and  seeking  ever  to  benefit  not  only  himself  but  others 
by  his  labors  and  his  example.  He  enjoys  an  unassailable  reputation  for  integ- 
rity and  honor  in  business  and  his  success  is  the  merited  reward  of  earnest  labor 
and  capable  management.  Mr.  Bourland  has  now  passed  the  eighty-sixth  mile- 
stone on  life's  journey  and  is  one  of  the  venerable  and  honored  residents  of  the 
city.  He  has  been  a  witness  of  a  greater  part  of  the  growth  and  development 
of  the  state.  The  leading  events  in  its  history  are  familiar  to  him  not  because 
he  has  read  of  them  btit  because  he  has  lived  through  the  period  in  which  they 
occurred.  There  are  few  men  today  who  can  claim  residence  in  \'andalia  when 
it  was  the  capital  of  the  state.  He  has  watched  the  marvelous  growth  of  Chicago 
and  almost  equally  wonderful  development  of  the  entire  commonwealth.  While 
he  has  not  sought  to  figure  prominently  in  public  aiTairs  he  has  ever  been  faith- 
ful to  the  duties  that  have  come  to  him  day  by  day  and  his  worth  as  a  citizen  and 
business  man  has  long  been   widely  acknowledged. 


EDWARD  C.  LEISY. 


Edward  C.  Leisy  is  perhaps  most  widely  known  outside  of  Peoria  as  the 
president  of  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company,  but  in  the  city  his  work  has  included 
not  only  the  upbuilding  of  this  mammoth  enterprise  but  extended  also  to  other 
fields  whereby  Peoria  has  largely  profited.  He  is  the  builder  of  some  of  the 
finest  structures  of  the  city  and  has  again  and  again  shown  his  faith  in  Peoria 
by  placing  his  investments  in  business  projects  here.  His  sound  judgment  and 
enterprise  are  forces  which  overcome  difficulties  and  obstacles,  and  he  has  at 
all  times  been  able  to  coordinate  seemingly  diverse  elements  into  a  unified  and 
harmonious  whole. 

'Mr.  Leisy  was  born  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  November  16,  1859,  and,  as  the  family 
name  indicates,  comes  of  German  ancestry.  The  family  record  running  back 
two  hundred  years  in  Germany  shows  that  throughout  this  entire  period  repre- 
sentatives of  the  name  have  been  connected  with  the  brewing  business,  and  their 
adaptability  thereto  comes  largely  to  them  through  heredity.  John  Leisy,  the 
father  of  Edward  C.  Leisy,  left  his  native  land  to  establish  a  home  in  America 
and  resided  for  some  time  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where  he  owned  and  operated  a 
brewery.  He  was  also  at  one  time  connected  with  the  brewing  business  in 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  under  the  name  of  the  Isaac  Leisy  Brewing  Company.  The 
thorough  training  which  he  received  in  Germany  well  qualified  him  for  the  suc- 
cessful  conduct  of   the  business   after  coming   to   the   new   world.     When   the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  21 

family  removed  to  I'eoria,  Edward  C.  Leisy  purchased  the  phint  which  is  now 
conducted,  in  its  enlarged  state,  under  the  name  of  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company. 
It  was  in  1884  he  purchased  the  Old  City  Brewery  which  had  been  established 
in  1849  and  was  the  oldest  in  the  city.  In  1890  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company 
was  incorporated,  prior  to  which  time  the  business  had  been  conducted  under 
a  partnership  relation  between  Edward  C.  Leisy,  who  is  now  the  president, 
Albert  Leisy,  secretary  and  treasurer ;  John  Leisy,  vice  president  and  (nistave 
Leisy,  who  at  present  is  not  connected  with  the  business.  These  gentlemen  are 
brothers  and  have  continued  in  the  line  of  trade  which  w-as  the  ancestral  busi- 
ness of  the  family  through  many  generations.  When  John  Leisy,  the  father, 
came  to  the  new  world  he  brought  with  him  between  thirty-two  and  thirty-three 
thousand  dollars  in  gold.  He  therefore  had  no  diiificulty  in  establishing  himself 
in  business  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  and  under  his  guidance  his  sons  were 
trained  to  the  work  in  which  he  had  been  so  carefully  reared. 

Edward  C.  Leisy  s]5ent  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof  and  ac- 
quainted liimself  with  the  business  in  his  father's  establishment.  He  has  been 
identified  with  brewing  interests  in  Peoria  since  the  purchase,  in  1884,  of  what 
is  now  the  Leisy  Brewery.  From  the  beginning  success  has  attended  the  under- 
taking here  and  the  firm  today  does  the  largest  brewing  business  in  the  state 
outside  of  Chicago,  their  plant  having  a  capacity  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  barrels  annually.  Their  barrel  and  keg  trade  has  been  extended 
throughout  the  states  of  Illinois,  Iowa  and  Missouri,  while  their  bottle  prod- 
ucts are  shipped  throughout  the  west  to  the  Pacific  coast,  one  firm  in  Los  An- 
geles, California,  handling  nothing  but  the  Leisy  goods.  To  provide  for  their 
growing  bottle  trade  the  company,  in  1910,  erected  at  a  cost  of  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars,  an  extensive  addition  to  their  bottling  plant,  and  equipped 
it  with  the  latest  improved  machinery,  including  two  machines  which  fill, 
cork  and  label  ninety  bottles  a  minute  each.  During  the  busy  season  this 
plant  runs  night  and  day  and  turns  out  over  four  hundred  thousand  bot- 
tles in  the  twenty-four  hours.  The  beer  is  bottled  from  enameled  stor- 
age tanks  under  government  supervision  in  a  two  story  brick  building  absol- 
utely fire  proof.  In  shipments  by  the  barrel  and  keg  the  business  has 
reached  a  corresponding  ratio,  and  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company  controls  the 
biggest  switching  interest  on  the  Rock  Island  track,  distributing  twenty-eight 
carloads  daily.  They  employ  three  hundred  and  sixty  people  and  pay  out  an- 
nually two  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  salaries.  For  the  accommodation  of 
the  trade  in  this  city  and  agencies  seventy-five  wagons  and  one  hundred  and 
sixty  horses  are  used.  The  plant  is  a  most  extensive  one,  including  a  number 
of  buildings,  and  the  business  transacted  each  year  approximates  two  million 
dollars.  The  upbuilding  of  this  mammoth  enterprise  is  due  to  Edward  C. 
Leisy  and  his  associates,  and  yet  this  does  not  cover  the  scope  of  his  business 
activities.  In  many  other  connections  Peoria  has  profited  by  the  labors,  enter- 
prise and  ability  of  Mr.  Leisy,  who  is  a  director  of  the  Merchants  National 
P)ank  and  also  of  the  Home  Savings  and  State  Bank  of  Peoria.  He  is  presi- 
dent of  the  Jefferson  Deposit  Company,  ow-ner  of  the  Jefiferson  building,  which 
is  the  finest  and  largest  office  building  in  the  city,  and  a  director  of  the  new 
Jefifer.son  hotel  which  has  just  been  com])]eted  and  is  the  finest  hotel  in  the 
state  outside  of  Chicago.  The  Jefiferson  l)uilding  is  a  strictly  modern  steel 
structure  twelve  stories  in  height  with  attractive  interior  finishings  and  most 
modern  equipment.  Metal  and  marble  have  been  used  in  the  interior  deco- 
ration and  mosaic  tiled  floors.  The  building  contains  over  four  hundred  stores 
and  office  rooms  and  is  occupied  by  the  Home  Savings  and  State  Banks,  the 
Peoria  Journal  and  many  other  of  the  leading  business  concerns  of  the  city. 
It  represents  an  investment  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  and 
stands  as  a  perpetual  monument  of  the  enterprise  of  the  man  who  erected  it. 
After  the  destruction  of  the  Grand  Opera  House  by  fire  Edward  C.  Leisy  and 


22  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

his  Ijruthers  began  the  erection  of  the  Orpheuni  Theater  on  ]\Iadison  street, 
which  was  completed,  equipped  and  furnished  at  a  cost  of  two  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  dollars  and  will  compare  with  the  finest  theatrical  structures 
in  the  middle  west.  All  this  indicates  how  largely  Edward  C.  Leisy  has  been 
identified  with  the  improvement  and  upbuilding  of  the  city  and  how  impor- 
tant has  been  his  work  in  its  behalf. 

In  1893  Edward  C.  Leisy  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Emma  W'elte,  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  Ferdinand  Welte,  and  they  have  four  children,  Florence, 
Lucile,  Lena  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Leisy  stands  for  all  that  is  of  general  in- 
terest to  the  Peoria  public  and  is  now  president  and  largely  the  financial  backer 
of  the  Peoria  Baseball  Club.  He  belongs  to  the  Schiller  Lodge  of  Masons  and 
to  the  Redman  Camp  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  the  Country 
Clubs.  Speaking  of  the  Leisy  brothers  one  of  the  local  papers  said.  "They  are 
men  with  brains,  and  with  the  constantly  increasing  capital  at  their  command 
have  ideas  that  extend  beyond  their  original  business  and  make  for  a  city  beau- 
tiful." Thev  are  still  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  what  they  have  done  is  an  ex- 
ample of  what  they  will  continue  to  do.  Their  future  is  rich  in  hope  and  the 
promise  of  still  greater  achievements. 


THOMAS  J.  PURSLEY. 

No  history  of  the  grain  trade  in  Peoria  would  be  complete  without  extended 
mention  of  Thomas  T-  Pursley,  now  the  honored  president  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  for  many  years  a  partner  in  the  well  known  firm  of  Buckley,  Pursley 
&  Company.  For  a  long  period  his  opinions  have  been  accepted  in  this  locality 
as  authority  concerning  operations  in  grain  and  he  attributes  his  success  to  just 
those  qualities  which  have  accomplished  it — determined  energ}-  and  straight- 
forward dealing. 

Mr.  Pursley  is  a  native  of  Hartsville,  Tennessee,  and  represents  one  of  the 
old  families  of  that  state.  His  father,  W.  L.  Pursley,  was  a  lifelong  farmer 
and  always  retained  his  residence  in  the  south.'  The  family  removed  to  western 
Tennessee  when  Thomas  T-  Pursley  was  twelve  years  of  age,  and.  true  to  his  loved 
southland,  he  responded  to  the  call  of  the  Confederacy  following  the  outbreak 
of  the  Civil  war,  enlisting  in  the  fall  of  1861.  He  served  for  more  than  three 
years  as  a  private  and  participated  in  many  important  engagements  although  but 
a  boy  in  his  teens  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war.  The  Thirty-third  Tennessee  In- 
fantry, of  which  he  was  a  member,  was  assigned  to  Strahl's  Brigade,  Cheatham's 
Division  and  Hardy's  Corps,  and  he  participated  in  all  of  the  engagements  with 
his  command  in  the  state  of  Georgia  from  Lookout  Mountain  to  Atlanta.  He 
was  twice  wounded  and  at  the  battle  of  Nashville,  Tennessee,  was  taken  pris- 
oner, being  sent  to  the  state  penitentiary  which  his  father  had  advised  him  long 
before  was  a  good  place  to  keep  out  of.  Later  he  was  transferred  as  a  prisoner 
of  war  to  Columbus,  O.,  where  he  was  incarcerated  for  six  months.  W'hile  there 
he  became  ill  with  smallpox  and  while  lying  in  his  ward  could  look  down  from 
the  upper  window  and  see  the  white  headboards  erected  over  the  newly-made 
graves  of  his  comrades  who  had  succumbed  to  that  disease.  At  length  he  was 
paroled  at  Columbus  and  following  the  close  of  the  war  removed  to  Illinois. 
He  devoted  two  years  to  the  improvement  of  his  education  as  a  student  in 
Hedding  Seminary  at  Abingdon,  Illinois,  and  then  returned  to  his  native  state, 
spending  two  years  with  his  father  on  the  farm.  On  the  expiration  of  that 
period  he  located  in  Bardolph,  Illinois,  where  he  engaged  in  the  grain  trade, 
there  residing  until  1873,  "^vhen  he  removed  to  Peoria  and  in  the  intervening 
period,  covering  nearly  forty  years,  he  has  been  continuously  connected  with 
the  grain  trade  in  this  city  and  has  since  attained  to  a  place  of  prominence.     For 


THOMAS  J.  PURSLEY 


i 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  25 

two  years  he  was  employed  as  traveling  agent  by  the  grain  firm  of  N.  B.  Haynes 
&  Company  and  following  their  failure  he  embarked  in  business  on  his  own 
account,  entering  into  partnership  under  the  firm  style  of  .McMillan  &  Pursley, 
grain  merchants.  After  a  year  the  partnership  was  dissolved  and  for  ten  years  Mr. 
r\irs!ey  was  alone  in  business.  He  then  entered  into  partnership  with  Warren  R. 
Buckley  under  the  firm  name  of  Buckley,  Pursley  &  Company  and  theirs  was  a  most 
harmonious  relation  during  the  twenty-seven  years  in  which  they  were  associated. 
Their  connection  was  terminated  in  the  death  of  ]\Ir.  Buckley  in  March,  1910,  but 
the  iirm  name  was  not  changed  as  his  brother,  C.  W.  Buckley,  assumed  his  interests. 
The  latter  is  a  resident  of  Chicago  and  they  maintain  offices  in  that  city  as  well 
as  in  F'eoria,  Mr.  Buckley  being  in  charge  in  Chicago.  This  is  one  of  the  fore- 
most firms  operating  in  the  grain  trade  in  Illinois.  They  have  twenty  elevators, 
all  in  this  state,  situated  along  the  lines  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Warsaw  and 
the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincy  Railroads  west  of  Peoria. 

During  the  early  period  of  his  residence  here  Mr.  Pursley  became  a  memijer 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  and  throughout  the  intervening  years  to  the  present  has 
served  almost  continuously  on  its  more  important  committees  and  in  the  fall  of 
iqii  was  elected  president.  One  of  the  local  papers  in  writing  of  him  said: 
"Oldest  among  the  memliers  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade,  Thomas  J.  Pursley, 
its  president,  has  come  to  be  regarded  as  its  Nestor  and  the  dean  of  the  estab- 
lishment and  its  younger  members  look  up  to  him  with  regard  that  is  almost 
paternal.  .Advancing  years  have  not  chilled  the  geniality  of  his  nature  and  to 
the  older  members  he  is  the  same  'Tom'  that  he  was  more  than  a  third  of  a 
century  ago.  Tom  Purslex',  as  he  is  familiarly  known,  presents  the  qualities  that 
have  made  the  southerner  distinctive  as  a  social  and  business  factor.  The  oc- 
casion cf  his  election  to  the  presidency  of  the  Board  of  Trade  was  made  mem- 
orable from  the  fact  that  on  assuming  the  duties  of  the  office  Tom  served  a 
buffet  lunch  of  such  dimensions  and  variety  that  its  like  has  never  been  seen 
before,  and  it  will  be  many  a  year  before  it  is  repeated." 

In  Prairie  City,  Illinois,  Mr.  Pursley  was  married  to  Miss  Beagles,  and  unto 
them  have  been  born  three  children :  C.  B.,  who  died  in  Peoria  about  seven  years 
ago;  Mrs.  C.  W.  McCollough,  of  Decatur,  Illinois;  and  W.  L.,  who  is  now  living 
in  Waverly,  Kansas.  That  Mr.  Pursley  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  and 
popular  members  of  Illinois  Lodge.  No.  263,  F.  &  A.  M.,  is  indicated  bv  the 
fact  that  he  has  been  its  treasurer  for  twenty-seven  years  and  for  twenty-two 
years  has  been  treasurer  of  Peoria  Consistory.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the 
Mystic  Shrine  and  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft  finds  exemplification  in  his 
life,  while  its  principles  have  been  a  guiding  factor  in  his  career.  Moreover, 
the  old-time  southern  hospitality  and  chivalry  are  points  in  a  life  that  iiave 
brought  to  Thomas  J.  Pursley  success,  respect  and  popularity. 


WALTER   I.  MURRAY 


\\'alter  I.  Murray  was  called  to  the  position  of  secretary  of  the  board  of 
park  commissioners  on  the  20th  of  June,  1910.  This  was  not  his  first  public 
office  for  in  other  connections  he  had  proven  his  loyalty  to  the  best  interests  of 
the  city  in  the  faithful  performance  of  duties  which  devolved  upon  him.  He 
is  one  of  Peoria's  native  sons,  his  birth  having  here  occurred  October  27,  1870. 
His  parents  were  Jatnes  J.  and  Mary  (McLean)  Murray,  the  latter  a  daughter 
of  William  McLean  who  was  a  native  of  England.  In  the  paternal  line  Walter 
J.  Murray  comes  of  Irish  and  English  ancestry.  His  father  was  born  on  the 
Emerald  isle  and  the  mother  in  Liverpool,  England.  In  1854  the  father  was 
"iroutrht  by  his  parents  to  the  United  States,  the  family  home  being  established  in 
Peoria.     He  became  a  moulder  bv  trade  and  afterwards  served  for  a  number  of 

Vi,i.  II— :> 


26  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

years  on  the  police  force  of  the  city.  Both  he  and  his  wife  have  now  passed 
away,  but  their  son,  Waher  J.  .Murray,  still  occupies  the  old  home  at  1208 
North  Monroe  street  in  which  he  was  born  and  to  which  his  parents  removed 
in   1864. 

The  public  schools  alYorded  him  his  early  educational  privileges,  and  after 
he  began  earning  his  own  livelihood  he  continued  his  studies  by  attending  night 
school.  He  was  first  employed  as  a  page  in  the  circuit  court  under  Sheriff 
Berry  and  was  afterward  connected  with  the  firm  of  Singer  &  Wheeler  for  two 
years  in  the  wholesale  drug  business.  He  then  entered  the  employ  of  Xickol- 
Burr  &  Company,  serving  an  apprenticeship  at  the  machinist's  trade.  He  after- 
ward silent  eleven  years  as  a  machinist  in  the  shops  of  the  Rock  Island  Rail- 
road and  then  became  superintendent  of  sewers  of  Peoria  under  Alayor  Bryan. 
That  his  services  were  appreciated  by  the  railroad  company  is  indicated  in  the 
fact  that  he  was  solicited  to  return  to  his  old  position  where  he  continued  until 
the  shops  were  moved  from  the  city.  He  next  entered  the  service  of  the  Key- 
stone Fence  Company  as  a  machinist,  and  while  there  became  his  party's  nominee 
for  city  clerk  against  Robert  Joos,  the  republican  candidate.  He  lost  the  elec- 
tion by  a  majority  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  votes,  but  was  appointed  as- 
sistant city  comptroller  under  Mayor  Tolson,  and  acted  in  that  capacity  for  two 
years.  When  Thomas  O'Connor  succeeded  Mr.  Tolson  to  the  position  of 
maj'or  Mr.  Murray  was  appointed  city  comptroller  and  continued  in  the  office 
for  two  years  more,  after  which  he  returned  to  the  Keystone  Fence  Company. 
A  year  later  he  was  elected  by  the  park  commissioners  to  the  office  of  secretary 
of  the  park  board,  and  has  now  filled  that  office  for  two  years.  In  this  connec- 
tion he  is  rendering  valualile  service  and  is  doing  much  to  further  the  park  in- 
terests  of   the  city. 

Mr.  Murray  is  connected  with  various  fraternities  and  societies.  He  belongs 
to  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp,  the  Independent  Order  of  F"oresters  and  was 
the  first  financial  secretary  of  Court  Gibbons  Independent  Order  of  Foresters. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Yacht  Club.  He  likewise  holds  membership 
with  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  the  International  Association  of  Machinists 
and  for  three  years  was  secretary  of  the  Machinists'  Union.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Catholic  church.  He  has  made  a  creditable  record  in  public 
office,  and  in  his  different  private  positions  has  proven  himself  thoroughly  loyal 
and  faithful  to  the  interests  which  he  has  represented. 


I.  B.  BARTHOLO:\IEW 


Out  of  the  struggle  with  small  opportunities  J.  B.  Bartholomew  has  come 
finally  into  a  field  of  broad  and  active  influence  and  usefulness.  Industry  has 
been  the  root  of  his  notable  success  and  added  to  this  is  the  quality  of  quick 
discernment  and  the  faculty  of  separating  the  important  features  of  any  subject 
from  its  incidental  or  accidental  circumstances.  In  other  words,  sound  judg- 
ment passes  upon  the  value  of  every  situation.  The  broader  spirit  of  the  new 
twentieth  century  finds  expression  in  his  activities  as  the  president  of  the  Avery 
Company,  manufacturers  of  farm  implements  and  macljinery.  This  is  the  larg- 
est manufacturing  plant  of  the  city  and  in  addition  to  the  position  of  president 
which  he  fills  in  this  connection  he  is  also  the  president  of  the  Bartholomew 
Company,  manufacturers  of  the  Glide  automobile.  ^loreover,  the  soundness 
of  his  judgment  and  the  wisdom  of  his  opinions  are  uniformly  recognized. 

Mr.  Bartholomew's  identification  with  the  Avery  Company  dates  from  De- 
cembei*  8,  1879.  when  he  began  driving  a  team  used  in  hauling  lumber,  his  salary 
being  a  dollar  and  ten  cents  per  day.  He  has  lieen  a  life-long  resident  of  Peoria 
county,  his  birth  having  occurred  upon  a  farm  in  Elmwood  township,  February 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  27 

19,  1863.  His  parents  were  Albertus  Y.  and  Mary  E.  (Ennis)  Bartholomew. 
1  he  father  was  the  second  white  child  born  in  Elmwood  township  and  was  a  son 
of  Luzern  Bartholomew,  who  was  the  tirst  settler  in  Peoria  county  north  of 
what  is  now  the  town  of  Elmwood.  He  took  up  his  abode  there  at  a  very  early 
period  in  the  settlement  of  this  part  of  the  state  and  subsequently  went  to  Cali- 
fornia in  1849.  attracted  by  the  gold  discoveries  on  the  Pacific  coast.  However, 
he  afterward  again  became  a  resident  of  Peoria  county  and  his  death  occurred 
in  Washington,  D.  C,  whither  he  had  gone  to  see  about  a  patent  in  which  he 
was  interested.  Death  came  to  him  very  suddenly.  His  son,  Albertus  Y.  Bar- 
tholomew, made  farming  his  life  work. 

On  the  old  homestead  farm  J.  P..  Bartholomew  was  reared  and  his  first  posii 
tion  was  with  the  .Vvery's,  then  in  Galesburg.  In  1882  the  company  moved  its 
plant  to  Peoria  and  -Mr.  Bartholomew  thus  became  a  factor  in  the  industrial 
circles  of  this  city.  The  faithfulness  and  capability  which  he  displayed  in  his 
original  position  with  the  firm  led  to  his  promotion.  He  ceased  team  drivmg 
to  enter  the  assembly  shop  where  the  machines  were  put  together  and  he  became 
thoroughlv  acquainted  with  the  trade  in  all  the  different  mechanical  phases  of 
the  business.  He  then  went  upon  the  road  as  an  expert  demonstrator  and 
afterward  joined  the  sales  force.  Each  dift'erent  connection  brought  him  larger 
duties  and  broader  experience,  calling  forth  his  latent  powers  and  energies.  He 
afterward  established  a  branch  for  the  company  at  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where  he 
resided  for  ten  years  or  from  1882  until  1892.  In  the  fall  of  the  latter  year  he 
returned  to  Peoria  to  take  charge  of  the  manufacturing  and  designing  depart- 
ment and  later  he  was  elected  to  the  vice  presidency  of  the  company  and  also 
became  a  member  of  its  board  of  directors.  He  succeeded  to  the  presidency 
on  the  death  of  C.  M.  Avery  and  has  since  been  at  the  head  of  a  business  which 
is  the  foremost  industrial  enterprise  of  I'eoria.  employing  thirteen  hundred 
workmen.  The  company  has  not  only  followed  a  progressive  lead  but  has  been 
foremost  in  the  work  of  advancement  in  the  line  of  agricultural  implement  manu- 
facture. Mr.  Bartholomew's  long  experience  has  made  him  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  every  phase  of  the  business  and  its  success  is  atributable  in  large  measure 
to  his  enterprise  and  efforts.  At  the  present  time  he  is  bending  his  energies  to 
executive  control  and  administrative  direction  and  the  great  concern  of  which 
he  is  the  head  has  been  so  carefully  systematized  that  the  business  runs  on  with 
the  smoothness  of  clock  work.  Of  course  there  are  jaroblems,  often  most  in- 
tricate ones,  arising  again  and  again,  but  the  keen  sagacity  and  discernment  and 
the  long  experience  of  Mr.  I'.artholomew  have  enabled  him  to  find  ready  solu- 
tion for  these. 

.•\lthough  at  the  head  of  the  foremost  manufacturing  industry  of  the  city, 
this  does  not  comprise  the  scope  of  Mr.  Bartholomew's  activity.  He  is  also  the 
president  of  the  I'.artholomew  Company,  a  large  Peoria  concern  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  the  Glide  automobile.  This  was  organized  in  1892  to  take  over 
a  small  personal  business  which  had  been  developed  by  Mr.  Bartholomew  in 
Des  Moines — the  manufacture  of  peanut  roasters,  which  the  company  still  con- 
tinues, although  in  later  years  their  largest  output  has  been  the  automobile.  The 
busines.s  was  removed  to  Peoria  in  1900  and  Mr.  Bartholomew's  son,  A.  Y. 
Bartholomew,  is  now  vice  president  of  the  company.  The  father  is  also  a  di- 
rector of  the  ^Merchants  National  Bank  of  Peoria. 

One  of  the  recent  honors,  which  has  brought  Mr.  Bartholomew  wide  ac- 
quaintance throughout  the  nation,  was  that  of  president  of  the  National  Imple- 
ment and  \'ehicle  show,  which  was  held  in  Peoria  September  27  to  October  5. 
The  event  was  an  extremely  successful  one,  promoting  the  interests  of  trade  and 
advancing  an  understanding  among  manufacturers  and  business  men  that  is 
of  untold  value. 

On  the  2d  of  July,  1884,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Bartholomew  and 
Miss  Luella  Moore,  who  was  born  in  Eureka,  Illinois.     They  became  the  parents 


28  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  four  children :  A.  Y.,  vice  president  of  the  Bartholomew  Company ;  Ethel, 
the  wife  of  Francis  W.  Gray;  Margaret;  and  John  B.  Mr.  Bartholomew  be- 
longs to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Country  Club  and  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht 
Club  and  was  president  of  the  first  named  when  they  completed  their  new 
building.  He  was  also  vice  president  and  one  of  the  directors  when  the  enter- 
prise was  undertaken.  His  life  history  is  another  proof  of  the  fact  that  there 
is  no  success  in  life  without  eifort.  Not  seeking  honor  but  simply  endeavoring 
to  do  his  duty,  honors  have  come  to  him  and  prosperity  has  followed  his  un- 
dertakings. 


WILLIS  H.  BALLANCE. 

Willis  H.  Ballance,  president  of  the  Gipps  Brewing  Company,  which  is 
located  at  the  foot  of  Bridge  street  in  Peoria,  was  born  in  this  city  on  November 
6,  1849.  Hs  is  a  son  of  Colonel  Charles  and  Julia  (Schnebly)  Ballance.  The 
family  is  of  French  huguenot  origin  and  came  to  America  before  the  Revolution. 
Colonel  Charles  Jiallance  was  a  prominent  real-estate  lawyer  and  practiced  in 
the  supreme  court  of  Illinois  and  in  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States. 
He  did  more  than  any  attorney  to  settle  the  titles  of  Illinois  settlers  that  were 
claimed  by  French  land  sharks.  During  the  Civil  war  he  organized  the  Seventy- 
seventh  Regiment  of  the  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry,  and  he  has  also  served  as 
mayor  of  Peoria.     He  was  a  great  friend  of  Abraham  Lincoln. 

Willis  H.  Ballance  laid  the  foundation  for  his  education  in  Peoria  and  later 
became  a  student  in  the  Rensselaer  Polytechnic  Institute  at  Troy,  New  York. 
Afterward  he  studied  in  the  Williston  Seminary  at  East  Hampton,  Massachu- 
setts. Subsequently  he  returned  to  Peoria,  where  he  became  bookkeeper  for  the 
Central  City  Elevator  Company,  remaining  with  them  for  one  year.  He  then 
took  a  position  as  bookkeeper  for  the  Gipps  &  Shurtlefif  Company  and  afterward 
for  the  Peoria  Beer,  Ale  &  Malt  Company.  He  then  became  interested  in  the 
Gipps,  Cody  &  Company  and  when  the  firm  vi'as  reorganized  in  1887,  as  the 
Gipps  Brewing  Company,  he  became  secretary  and  treasurer  and  remained  in 
that  position  until  October.  iQio,  when  he  was  elected  president.  He  has  been 
connected  with  this  establishment  since  1870.  The  brewery  is  located  on  the 
ground  of  the  old  Miller  brewery,  which  was  the  first  establishment  of  its  kind 
in  Peoria.  The  business  was  first  established  by  John  M.  Gipps,  a  graduate  of 
Cambridge  L^niversity,  England,  and  a  younger  son  of  an  English  clergyman 
who  was  a  brother  of  Lord  Methuen  and  also  a  brother  of  the  celebrated  Eng- 
lishman, Mr.  Gipps,  who  was  governor  of  Australia  and  for  whom  Gippsland 
was  named.  After  Mr.  Gipps'  demise  his  interest  was  purchased  by  his  partners 
Leslie  Robison  and  Mr.  Ballance,  and  ever  since  that  time  the  business  has  grad- 
ually increased  until  it  has  reached  its  present  capacity.  Its  growth  for  the  past 
ten  years  has  been  largely  due  to  the  business  sagacity  and  foresight  of  Leslie 
Robison,  seconded  by  his  son,  Charles  W.  Robison  and  by  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  Mr.  Willis  H.  Ballance.  Owing  to  the  advanced  age  of  Mr.  Robison, 
Sr.,  and  at  his  urgent  request,  Mr.  Ballance  purchased  the  former's  interest  on 
October  i.  1910.  Since  Mr.  Ballance  has  become  president  the  growth  of  the 
business  has  surpassed  that  in  any  of  its  previous  existence. 

In  Peoria,  in  1871,  Mr.  Ballance  was  married  to  Miss  Augusta  Nevius,  who 
passed  away  in  1899,  leaving  seven  children.  Virginia,  who  is  now  the  wife  of 
Lewis  Starke,  makes  her  home  at  Atlanta,  Georgia.  Florence,  living  at  Denver, 
gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Dr.  E.  W.  Stevens,  who  passed  away  in  October, 
1910.  Dr.  Harriett  P>allance  is  a  practicing  physician  of  San  Francisco,  Califor- 
nia. Julia  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Ernest  E.  ^^'atson,  general  claim  agent 
for  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad.     Myrtle  is  the  wife  of  Henry 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  29 

M.  Towar,  president  of  llie  Atlas  llelting  Company  of  Harvard,  Illinois.  Willis 
II.,  a  graduate  of  the  mechanical  engineering  department  of  Cornell  University 
and  also  of  the  Wahl  Henius  In.stitute  in  Chicago,  is  the  vice  president  of  the 
Gipps  Brewing  Company.  Nevius  \'.  is  pursuing  a  course  in  chemical  engineer- 
ing at  the  University  of  Wisconsin.  In  Peoria,  in  1903,  Mr.  Ballance  was  again 
wedded,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Ida  Lundcjuist,  and  of  this  marriage 
have  lieeii  horn  two  children:  Robert  Green,  whose  birth  occurred  in  San  Fran- 
cisco on  the  lOth  of  July,  1905  ;  and  Bettina,  who  was  born  at  Yuma,  Arizona, 
on  the  20tli  of  April,  1909.  The  family  reside  at  No.  256  Randoljjh  avenue  in  a 
beautiful  home  which  was  erected  in  1879.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Ballance 
is  an  independent  republican. 


JOHN  BAGGS,  D.  V.  S. 

Dr.  John  Baggs  was  one  of  Peoria's  pioneer  residents  and  for  many  years  was 
an  interested  witness  of  the  growth  and  progress  of  the  city.  Here  he  engaged  in 
business  and  followed  his  profession  of  veterinary  surgery  to  the  later  years  of 
his  life,  when  he  retired  and  spent  his  remaining  days  in  the  enjoyment  of  well 
earned  rest.  He  was  born  in  Urbana,  Ohio,  January  13,  1837,  and  passed  away 
March  23,  1909,  having  attained  the  ripe  old  age  of  seventy-two  years.  His  par- 
ents were  Abraham  and  Mary  Baggs,  also  natives  of  Ohio,  who  removed  west- 
ward to  Illinois  in  1838.  Peoria  was  then  a  town  of  but  a  few  hundred  inhabi- 
tants and  the  entire  countryside  was  largely  wild  and  undeveloped.  The  father 
secured  a  tract  of  land  and  became  a  prominent  pioneer  farmer,  converting  his 
place  into  rich  and  productive  fields  and  thus  aiding  greatly  in  the  agricultural 
development  of  the  community. 

Dr.  Baggs  was  only  a  year  old  when  brought  by  his  parents  to  this  state.  The 
educational  advantages  which  Peoria  offered  in  that  early  day  constituted  the  ex- 
tent of  his  education.  In  his  youth  he  assisted  his  father  on  the  home  farm  and 
early  became  familiar  with  the  arduous  task  of  developing  and  cultivating  new 
land.  He  carefully  saved  his  earnings  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  years  was  himself 
the  owner  of  a  good  farm,  which  he  continued  to  cultivate  successfully  until  1861. 
At  the  time  of  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  however,  all  business  and  personal 
considerations  were  put  aside  that  he  might  respond  to  the  country's  call  for  aid. 
He  enlisted  in  the  Eighty-sixth  Regiment  of  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry,  which 
was  organized  and  commanded  by  Colonel  D.  D.  Irons,  and  later  by  Colonel 
McCiee.  He  was  on  active  duty  until  injuries  sustained  at  the  front  caused  him  to 
be  honorablv  discharged  and  he  returned  home  with  a  most  creditable  military 
record. 

About  that  time  Dr.  Baggs  disposed  of  his  farm  and  took  up  his  abode  in  the 
city.  Here  he  became  a  veterinary  surgeon  and  practiced  his -profession  success- 
fullv  for  many  years,  his  ability  in  that  direction  making  his  services  in  constant 
demand.  In  1905  he  retired  from  all  active  business,  having  in  the  years  of  his 
previous  labor  acquired  a  competence  sufficient  to  supply  him  with  all  the  necessi- 
ties and  comforts  and  many  of  the  luxuries  of  life. 

On  the  17th  of  November,  1858,  Dr.  luiggs  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lydia 
Meredith  Gill,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Moss)  (iill,  the  latter  a  repre- 
sentative of  the  Moss  family  that  figured  prominently  in  the  early  history  of 
X'irginia.  Her  grandfather,  a  member  of  that  family,  served  in  the  Revolutionary 
war.  L'nto  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Baggs  was  born  one  son,  William,  who  is  now 
deceased. 

Dr.  P>aggs  was  i)reeminently  a  home  man  and  f()und  his  greatest  hajjpincss  at 
his  own  fireside.  He  was  very  hospitable  and  greatly  enjoyed  entertaining  com- 
l^any  in  his  own  home.     He  also  manifested  a  marked  fondness  for  music  and 


30  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

literature  and  these  added  greatly  to  the  joys  of  his  life.  His  political  allegiance 
was  always  given  to  the  republican  party  from  the  time  that  age  conferred  upon 
him  the  right  of  franchise.  lie  believed  it  to  be  the  party  of  reform  and  progress 
and  recognized  the  fact  that  it  was  the  defense  of  the  Union  in  the  dark  days  of 
the  Civil  war.  In  manner  he  was  quiet  and  unassuming  but  his  genuine  personal 
worth  gained  him  recognition  and  won  him  many  friends.  He  was  deeplv  inter- 
ested and  closely  associated  with  the  pioneer  development  of  this  part  of  the  state 
and  mention  should  be  made  of  him  in  a  history  of  Peoria  county's  upbuilders 
and  promoters. 


DOUGLAS  H.  BETHARD. 

No  history  of  Peoria  and  its  commercial  activities  would  be  complete  without 
extended  reference  to  Douglas  H.  Uethard,  the  president  of  the  Jobst-Bethard 
Company,  and  therefore  head  of  one  of  the  most  extensive  wholesale  grocery 
establishments  of  the  middle  west.  Under  the  title  of  "The  Acorn  and  the 
Oak."  this  house  has  issued  an  attractive  little  pamphlet,  telling  the  story  of  the 
growth  of  the  business.  The  same  simile  may  well  be  applied  to  Mr.  Eethard, 
whose  advancement  to  his  present  prominent  position  is  indicative  of  the  wise 
use  he  has  made  of  his  time,  talents  and  opportunities.  Peoria  is  proud  of  his 
record  and  called  him  to  the  lirst  presidency  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Com- 
merce. Moreover,  he  is  widely  known  throughout  the  country  in  trade  circles 
and  has  been  honored  with  the  presidency  for  the  term  of  one  year  of  the 
National  Wholesale  Grocers  Association.  He  was  born  in  the  village  of  Derbv- 
ville,  Pickaway  county.  Ohio,  October  lo,  1858,  a  son  of  George  W.  and  Eliza 
(Hurst)  Eethard,  who  during  the  early  boyhood  of  their  son  Douglas  removed 
from  the  Buckeye  state  to  Peoria  county.  The  father  for  many  years  was  a 
coal  operator  and  general  merchant  at  Kingston  Mines  in  this  county.  He  was 
an  active  factor  in  the  life  of  his  community  and  both  directly  and  indirectly 
contributed  to  the  development  and  welfare  of  the  county.  For  three  terms  he  was 
mayor  of  Wenona.  Illinois,  and  resided  in  this  place  until  his  death  which  oc- 
curred in   1910. 

At  the  usual  age  Douglas  H.  Bethard  began  his  education  in  the  public 
schools  and  during  the  periods  of  vacation  worked  in  his  father's  store.  He 
afterward  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  spent  a  year's  study  in  the  high  school  and 
also  a  year  in  Brown's  Business  College  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois.  When  but  a 
lad  he  entered  the  employ  of  S.  H.  Thompson  &  Company  as  errand  bov  at  a 
salary  of  three  dollars  per  week  and  that  he  was  faithful,  diligent  and  reliable 
is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  was  continued  in  Mr.  Thompson's  emplov  until 
the  latter  went  out  of  business,  when  he  became  one  of  the  owners  of  the  store 
in  which  purchase  he  was  associated  with  Charles  Jobst  and  Charles  E.  Fulks. 
Taking  over  the  business  of  S.  H.  Thompson  &  Company,  they  organized  what 
is  now  the  Jobst-Bethard  Company.  Through  intermediate  positions  Mr.  Bethard 
had  been  advanced  from  errand  boy  to  department  manager  and  was  occupying 
the  position  of  sales  manager  when  Mr.  Thompson  retired.  His  services  in  the 
meantime  had  covered  the  positions  of  shipping  clerk,  billing  clerk,  assistant 
bookkeeper,  bookkeeper  and  traveling  salesman.  For  fifteen  vears  he  remained 
upon  the  road  and  then  returned  to  the  house  to  accept  the  position  of  depart- 
ment manager,  although  even  then  he  devoted  half  his  time  to  traveling.  Several 
years  thus  passed  and  gradually  he  worked  into  the  position  of  general  manager, 
for  he  was  practically  filling  that  position  when  the  firm  of  S.  H.  Thompson  & 
Company  sold  out.  The  business  at  that  time  was  located  at  Nos,  116  and  118 
Main  street.  Their  capital  was  small  but  the  partners  felt  this  an  excellent 
opportunity  to  embark  in  business  on  their  own  account.  W.  P.  Gauss  and 
Herbert  Simpson  also  entered  the  partnership  and  the  new  firm  was  originallv 


DOUGLAS  H.  BETHARD 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  33 

known  as  Gauss,  Jobst,  Bethard  &  Company,  but  a  little  later  tlie  first  named 
sold  his  interest  to  Messrs.  Jobst,  Bethard  and  Fulks,  who  soon  also  purchased 
the  interest  of  Herbert  Simpson.  It  was  in  1805  that  the  interest  of  Mr.  Gauss 
was  taken  over  and  in  K)02  that  of  Mr.  Simpson,  in  which  year  the  fn-m  of 
lobst-lSethard  Company  was  iiicor])orated  under  the  laws  of  the  state,  at  which 
time  the  three  principals  arranged  to  take  in  some  of  their  old  and  trusted  em- 
ployes under  a  mutually  satisfactory  working  arrangement.  The  experience  of 
the  men  who  constituted  the  company  well  qualified  them  for  the  successful 
conduct  of  the  business,  and  from  the  outset  the  new  enterprise  prospered. 
Their  original  building  was  a  double' store  with  fifty  feet  frontage  and  three 
stories  in  height,  at  Xos.  114  and  116  Main  street.  The  growth  of  their  trade 
necessitated  the  acquirement  of  another  building  after  a  year  or  two  and  nearly 
every  year  saw  an  additional  building  until  they  occu])ied  practically  the  entire 
north  half  of  the  block  on  Main  street  between  Washington  and  Water  streets, 
and  also  a  three  story  warehouse  at  Xo.  106  South  Washington  street.  Again 
their  facilities  were  found  to  be  entirely  inadetiuate  in  1909  and  at  a  meeting  of 
the  board  of  trustees  it  was  decided  to  erect  a  building  of  their  own.  The  pre- 
liminary work  of  the  architects  was  approved  in  the  spring  of  1910  and  about 
the  1st  of  Tune  of  that  year  ground  was  broken  and  work  was  begim  in  the  con- 
struction of  their  present  mammoth,  modern,  ujvto-date.  reinforced  concrete 
and  strictly  fireproof  warehouse,  which  was  ready  for  occupancy  on  the  ist  of 
Mav.  191 1.  The  dimensions  of  the  building  are  one  hundred  and  five  by  one 
hundred  and  sixty  feet,  six  stories  in  height,  with  basement.  The  floor  space 
comprises  one  hundred  and  fifteen  thousand,  one  hundred  and  ten  square  feet, 
their  private  tracks  from  the  Peoria  Railway  Terminal  and  Chicago  Burlington 
&  Ouincy  Railroad  furnishing  direct  switch  connections  with  the  sixteen  rail- 
roads entering  Peoria.  In  the  year  in  which  the  new  building  was  begun  the 
cajiital  stock  of  the  company  was  also  increased.  At  its  incorporation  in  1902 
it  had  been  capitalized  for  two  hundred  and  fifty-five  thousand,  and  in  1910 
this  was  increased  to  four  hundred  thousand,  and  in  addition  the  building  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  present  officers  of  the 
company  are :  Douglas  H.  Bethard,  president ;  Carl  Jobst,  vice  president :  and 
Charles'  E.  Fulks,  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  in  addition,  Alexander  Furst, 
George  W.  Fulks  and  C.  G.  Cole  are  on  the  board  of  directors.  Since  the  or- 
ganization of  the  present  firm  a  high  standard  has  been  maintained  in  the  per- 
sonnel of  the  house,  in  the  class  of  goods  carried  and  in  the  character  of  service 
rendered  to  the  public.  A  large  and  efficient  office  force  is  employed  and  there 
are  between  twenty  and  thirty  traveling  salesmen  upon  the  road.  Theirs  is  a 
splendidly  equipped  plant  with  handsomely  outfitted  offices  and  large  store  rooms 
for  the  various  kinds  of  goods  handled,  everything  being  most  modern  and  at- 
tractive in  appearance  and  orderly  in  arrangement,  while  the  handling  of  all 
goods  is  done  in  a  most  systematic  manner. 

In  1887  Mr.  Bethard  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Harriet  Daugherty.  of 
this  city,  a  daughter  of  James  Daugherty.  an  early  shoe  merchant  of  Peoria  who 
came  here  in  1840  and  died  in  1909,  at  the  very  venerable  age  of  ninety-three 
years.  Mr.  lietliard  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Madison  .Ave- 
nue Golf  Club,  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club,  the  Chicago  Automobile  Club 
and  the  Peoria  Country  Club,  associations  which  indicate  much  of  the  nature  of 
his  interests  and  recreation.  He  is  popular  wherever  known  and  is  best  liked 
where  best  known.  He  is  always  approachable,  genial  and  courteous.  He  is 
treasurer  of  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  a  member  of  its  board  of  governors, 
and  also  serves  as  a  director  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  was  the  first  pres- 
ident of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  which  was  organized  in  1910, 
Mr.  Bethard  becoming  its  first  chief  executive  officer.  He  is  now  the  chairman 
of  the  ways  and  means  committee  of  this  association,  on  which  committee  are 
serving  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  Peoria's  prominent  men.  His  fitness  for  the 
position   none  questioned,   as   his   reputation   in   commercial   circles   is   too   well 


34  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

established.  He  also  served  as  a  member  of  the  executive  committee  of  the 
Peoria  Association  of  Commerce.  He  is,  further,  the  first  president  of  the  Illi- 
nois Federation  of  Commercial  Organizations  and  from  1903  until  1908  served 
as  chairman  of  the  advisory  committee  of  the  Illinois  Wholesale  Grocers  Asso- 
ciation, resigning  to  become  president  of  the  national  body  called  the  National 
Wholesale  Grocers  Association,  of  which  he  was  president  for  one  year — the 
longest  term  for  which  a  president  may  hold  office  according  to  the  by-laws  of 
this  association.  He  has  also  been  a  member  of  the  executive  committee  since 
the  organization  of  the  association.  In  this  connection  he  has  become  known 
throughout  the  entire  country.  Business  is  after  all  necessarily  the  principal 
feature  in  a  man's  life  and  in  the  department  in  which  he  chose  to  concentrate 
his  energies  and  his  attention  Air.  Bethard  has  made  continuous  progress,  nor 
has  he  ever  sacrificed  to  success  the  high  ideals  which  he  holds  as  a  man  and 
citizen. 


WILLIAM  H.  SOMAIER. 

William  H.  Sommer,  vice  president  and  general  superintendent  of  the  Key- 
stone Steel  &  Wire  Company,  was  born  in  Tremont,  Illinois,  June  25,  1882,  a  son 
of  Peter  and  IMary  (Breisacher)  Sommer.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Peoria.  Illinois,  and  subsequently  entered  Brown's  Business 
College.  As  soon  as  he  had  completed  the  course  of  study  offered  at  that  institu- 
tion he  started  upon  his  independent  career  as  a  draftsman  and  pattern  maker.  He 
also  did  some  experimental  work  from  1901  until  1907  for  four  months  each 
year.  During  the  summer  he  went  west  to  L'tah  and  also  spent  six  years  in 
Colorado  where  he  superintended  improvements  on  the  various  ranches  the 
family  owned.  In  July,  1909,  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  assumed  management 
of  the  factory  of  the  Keystone  Steel  &  Wire  Company  and  was  elected  vice  pres- 
ident and  general  superintendent. 

At  Monte  \'ista,  Colorado,  on  the  nth  of  June,  191 1,  Mr.  Sommer  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Emma  Getz,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  'Mrs.  Henry  Getz.  The  former 
was  at  one  time  an  agriculturist  of  Tremont  but  is  now  living  retired  in  Colorado. 

Politically  ]\Ir.  Sommer  is  a  republican.  He  holds  membership  in  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club.     The  familv  reside  at  122  Columbia  terrace. 


TOHN  \\'ALKER. 


Among  the  enterprises  of  Peoria  which  are  being  successfully  conducted  and 
contribute  to  the  city's  material  growth  and  prosperity  as  well  as  to  individual 
success  is  the  large  industrial  concern  of  Walker  &  \Verner,  carriage  manufac- 
turers. The  scope  of  their  business,  however,  also  includes  the  building  of 
buggies,  automobiles  and  all  kinds  of  repair  work  appertaining  thereto.  Their 
establishment  is  one  of  the  important  industries  of  the  city  and  places  its  owners 
in  a  prominent  position  among  Peoria's  leading  business  men.  Air.  Walker  has 
resided  here  continuously  since  1 881.  He  is' a  native  of  England,  his  birth  having 
occurred  at  Stockport  on  the  5th  of  June,  1875.  His  parents  were  George  and 
Sarah  Ann  Walker,  who  in  1881,  when  their  son  was  a  little  lad  of  six  years, 
sailed  for  the  new  world  with  Peoria  as  their  destination. 

In  that  city  John  Walker  entered  the  public  schools  anil  when  he  had  mastered 
the  branches  of  learning  that  are  regarded  as  essential  in  laying  the  foundation 
for  success  in  later  life,  he  started  out  in  the  business  world  as  an  emplove  of 
E.  L.  Bigham  &  Company,  under  whose  direction  he  learned  the  carriage  trade. 
He  worked  for  three  years  in  the  paint  shop,  three  years  in  the  trimming  shop 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  35 

and  then  entered  the  blacksmith's  shop,  thus  acquainting  himself  with  all  the 
different  departments  of  carriage  and  wagon  making.  He  has  a  most  compre- 
hensive and  practical  knowledge  of  the  various  branches  of  the  trade.  1  lis  con- 
stantly developing  and  increasing  skill  made  him  in  time  an  expert  workman 
and  for  several  \ears  he  was  in  the  service  of  the  Enterprise  Carriage  Com]Kuiy, 
just  prior  to  the  establishment  of  his  present  business.  He  was  joined  by  Joseph 
P.  Werner  in  organizing  the  lirm  of  Walker  &■  Werner  for  the  manufacture  of 
carriages,  to  which  they  have  since  added  the  manufacture  of  buggies  and  auto- 
mobiles. They  do  all  kinds  of  repair  work  in  their  line  and  they  own  and  occupy 
a  fine  brick  building  which  they  erected  during  the  summer  of  1902  and  which 
was  ready  for  occupancy,  in  September  of  that  year.  It  is  located  at  Nos.  207-213 
Fayette  street  and  on  its  comi^letion  they  left  their  old  ciuarters  at  Nos.  211-215 
Hamilton  street,  where  they  had  started  in  business  in  igoo,  and  came  to  their 
present  location,  where  they  now  have  a  splendidly  ec|uipped  plant.  The  building 
is  a  brick  structure  two  stories  in  height,  with  well  ajijiointed  offices  and  a  factory 
su]i|ilied  with  all  modern  e(|uipments  and  improved  machinery  necessary  for  the 
successful  conduct  of  their  work.  It  covers  a  floor  space  one  hundred  by  seventy- 
two  feet  and  they  employ  about  twenty-five  men. 

Mr.  Walker  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Clara  Ulrich,  the  daughter  of 
John  Ulrich,  of  this  city,  and  they  now  have  one  child,  Neva  Luella.  Mr.  Walker 
belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  fraternity  and  also  to  the  Modern  Woodmen 
Camp  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  brethren  of  those  organizations  as  well  as 
by  his  business  colleagues  and  contemporaries. 


JOSEPH  P.  WERNER. 

For  a  period  of  twelve  years  Joseph  P.  Werner  has  been  jimior  [lartner  in  the 
well  known  firm  of  \\'alker  &  Werner,  carriage  and  automobile  builders.  He  was 
born  in  Peoria,  September  22,  1873,  and  is  the  son  of  N'alentine  and  Catharine 
Werner.  .\t  the  usual  age  he  entered  the  public  schools,  wherein  he  passed 
through  the  consecutive  grades  until  he  felt  it  incumbent  upon  him  to  provide  for 
his  own  support,  at  wdiich  time  he  entered  business  life.  He  was  then,  in  fact, 
ver_\-  young  to  assume  the  burdens  and  responsibilities  that  are  to  be  met  with  in 
the  business  world  but  necessity  and  ambition  both  urged  him  to  the  step  and  for 
ten  years,  from  the  age  of  eleven  to  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  was  employed  in  the 
office  of  the  Manhattan  Distilling  Company  of  Peoria.  On  leaving  that  position 
he  became  shipping  clerk  with  the  American  Glucose  Company,  with  which  he 
continued  for  six  years,  after  which  he  entered  into  partnership  with  John 
\\'alker,  in  1900,  under  the  present  firm  style  of  \\'alker  &  Werner.  They  have 
since  conducted  a  carriage  and  automobile  manufactory  and  repair  shop  and 
their  business  has  steadily  developed.  They  were  originally  located  at  Nos.  211- 
215  Hamilton  street,  where  they  remained  until  September,  1909,  when  the  new 
building  which  they  had  been  erecting  was  ready  for  occupancy.  Its  situation  is 
at  Nos.  207-213  Fayette  street  and  this  removal  to  a  larger  building  indicates 
something  of  the  growth  of  their  trade.  They  have  a  fine  modern  two-story  brick 
structure  well  ec|uipped  for  office  and  factory  purposes.  It  has  a  frontage  of  one 
hundred  feet  and  a  depth  of  seventy-two  feet  and  its  equiiiment  includes  all  that 
will  facilitate  their  trade.  Thoroughness  is  demanded  on  the  part  of  all  their 
employes  and  the  substantial  character  of  their  manufactured  goods  insures  them 
a  liberal  sale.  They  now  employ  twenty-five  workmen  and  the  business  returns 
to  them  a  gratifying  annual  income.  ^Mr.  Werner's  long  experience  as  an  office 
man  naturally  led  him  to  assume  the  office  management  of  the  business,  while  Mr. 
Walker,  trained  in  the  practical  lines  of  the  trade,  superintends  the  manufactur- 


36  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ing.    Thus  the  labors  of  the  one  ably  supplement  and  round  out  the  efforts  of  the 
other  and  their  interests  are  conducted  with  the  utmost  harmony. 

On  November  6,  1894,  Mr.  \\'erner  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Ida  Lane, 
of  Peoria,  and  they  now  have  two  children,  Ralph  and  Russell.  Mr.  Werner  is 
well  known  in  fraternal  circles,  holding  membership  with  \'ictor  Lodge.  K.  P., 
with  the  Modern  \\  oodmen  Camp,  the  Royal  Neighbors  and  the  Travelers"  Pro- 
tective Association.  He  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  this  city  and  his  record 
commands  the  admiration  of  those  who  know  aught  of  his  career,  for  he  started 
out  empty-handed  and  has  depended  entirely  upon  his  resources  and  ability  for 
the  attainment  and  achievement  of  success. 


OTHO  BOYD  WILL,  M.  D. 

Advancing  in  his  profession  to  a  point  where  scientific  research  and  investiga- 
tion have  supplemented  the  ordinary  knowledge  gained  from  the  te.xt-books,  Dr. 
Otlio  Boyd  \\'ill  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  eminent  ph)'sicians  of  Peoria,  spec- 
cializing  in  practice  in  gynecology.  He  has  known  equal  renown  as  a  medical 
writer  and  in  his  labors  as  a  member  of  the  State  Aledical  Society  has  done  much 
to  inspire  and  systematize  the  labors  of  the  profession. 

His  birth  occurred  in  Mercersburg,  Franklin  county,  Pennsylvania,  June  2"/, 
1846,  his  parents  being  William  S.  and  Elizabeth  (Baxter)  Will,  who  were  also 
natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  The  former  was  a  son  of  David  and  Elizabeth 
Will,  and  the  mother  was  a  daughter  of  William  Baxter,  a  native  of  Ireland, 
who  after  coming  to  the  new  world  served  an  apprenticeship  in  the  printing 
office  of  Benjamin  Franklin  in  Philadelphia.  In  the  year  1856  the  parents  of 
Dr.  Will  left  their  home  in  the  east  and  removed  with  their  family  to  Illinois, 
settling  at  Canton.  Fulton  county  where  the  residue  of  their  days  was  passed. 

Dr.  Will,  then  a  lad  of  ten  summers,  pursued  his  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  Canton  and  afterward  pursued  a  course  of  scientific  study  under  the 
direction  of  John  Wolf  and  other  private  tutors.  In  1866  he  entered  upon  the 
study  of  medicine  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  William  M.  Swisher,  of  Canton, 
and  the  following  year  was  enrolled  among  the  students  of  Rush  ]iledical  Col- 
lege of  Chicago,  in  which  he  completed  the  regular  course  and  won  the  M.  D.  de- 
gree at  his  graduation  with  the  class  of  1869.  He  afterward  did  post-graduate 
work  in  gynecology  and  nervous  diseases  in  New  York  and  all  through  his  pro- 
fessional career  he  has  sought  advancement  wherever  he  has  believed  that  knowl- 
edge would  promote  the  skill  and  efficiency  of  the  profession. 

In  1869  Dr.  \\'ill  located  for  practice  at  Kickapoo  and  in  addition  to  his  pro- 
fessional duties  assisted  in  Ijuilding  up  the  town  of  Dunlap  in  Peoria  county. 
In  1 88 1,  however,  after  pursuing  his  special  studies  in  the  east,  he  came  to  Peoria 
and  with  Dr.  J.  L.  Hamilton  and  Dr.  T.  M.  Mcllvaine  assisted  in  organizing  the 
Cottage  Hospital.  In  this  connection  his  work  has  been  of  a  most  important 
character  and  an  extensive  practice  has  been  accorded  him.  That  Dr.  Will  oc- 
cupies a  prominent  position  as  a  physician  and  surgeon  is  indicated  by  the  fact 
that  he  was  elected  in  1894  to  the  presidency  of  the  Illinois  State  Medical  So- 
ciety, of  which  he  has  been  an  active  member  for  a  number  of  years.  He  has 
also  been  president  and  secretary  of  the  Military  Tract  Medical  Society  and 
president  of  the  Rush  College  Alumni  Association.  He  belongs  also  to  the  North 
Central  Illinois  Medical  Society,  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Association,  the  Ameri- 
can Medical  Association  and  the  Chicago  Gynecological  Society. 

In  his  practice  he  has  made  a  specialty  of  gynecology  and  his  study  and  work 
along  that  line  have  carried  him  far  beyond  the  ranks  of  the  average  practitioner. 
He  has  always  been  deeply  interested  in  biology-  in  its  kindred  relation  to  the 
medical  profession.     He  has  spent  considerable  time  studying  abroad  under  emi- 


111!,  miiii  I'.,  w  ii.i. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  39 

nent  physicians  and  surgeons  of  the  old  world  and  in  investigating  the  leading 
hospitals  of  Europe.  For  a  number  of  years  he  was  editor  of  the  Peoria  Medical 
Journal  and  his  contributions  to  the  literature  of  the  profession  in  this  and  other 
connections  have  awakened  widespread  interest  and  consideration. 

On  the  14th  of  .\])ril,  1870,  Dr.  Will  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
Grant,  of  I'.rimtield.  this  county.  To  them  were  l)orn  four  children,  Maud,  ( )tho, 
Charles  and  Irene,  all  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  In  politics  the  Doctor  is  an 
independent  republican,  being  allied  with  that  movement  which  seeks  the  general 
welfare  rather  than  the  success  of  party.  Socially  as  well  as  professionally  he 
is  prominent. 


GEORGE  HOGG  McILVAIXE. 

Among  the  builders  and  promoters  of  Peoria  George  H.  Mcllvaine  was  num- 
bered. His  activities  touched  many  of  the  general  interests  of  society  and  proved 
a  factor  in  business  development  and  in  educational  and  moral  progress.  His 
name  was,  indeed,  an  honored  one  in  Ijanking  circles,  for  the  policies  which  he 
pursued  and  the  methods  which  he  inaugurated  as  vice  president  of  the  Peoria 
National  Bank  and  as  president  of  the  Clearing  House  and  liankers  Association 
commended  him  to  the  confidence  and  high  regard  of  all.  The  extent  of  his  use- 
fulness cannot  be  measured  until  the  many  interests  with  which  he  was  actively 
associated  have  reached  their  full  measure  of  fruition  in  the  world's  work, 

Mr.  Mcllvaine  was  a  native  of  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  born  August  10,  1834, 
his  parents  being  the  Rev.  W.  B.  and  Elizabeth  (Breading)  Mcllvaine,  who  were 
natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  The  mother  died  in  Pittsburg  in  1851  and  the 
father  was  afterward  for  many  years  a  resident  of  Peoria  but  eventually  passed 
away  here. 

In  his  native  city  George  H.  Mcllvaine  spent  his  youthful  days  and  there 
ac(|uired  his  preliminary  education,  which  was  supplemented  by  a  course  of  study 
in  Washington  College  of  Pennsylvania,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1853, 
winning  the  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree,  while  later  his  alma  mater  conferred 
upon  him  the  Master  of  Arts  degree.  His  collegiate  training  well  ciualified  him 
to  enter  upon  life's  practical  and  responsible  duties  and  in  1854  he  started  for 
Illinois,  hoping  to  find  better  business  opportunities  in  the  middle  west.  Estab- 
lishing his  home  in  Peoria,  he  here  became  connected  with  the  hardware  and  iron 
business,  becoming  the  successor  of  H.  Lightner  in  the  well  established  firm  of 
Walker  &  Lightner,  at  which  time  the  firm  style  was  changed  to  Walker  &  Mc- 
llvaine. They  conducted  business  along  both  wdiolesale  and  retail  lines  until 
1872,  success  attending  their  eiiforts  so  that  at  the  end  of  that  period  Mr.  Mcll- 
vaine found  himself  in  a  financial  position  to  enter  banking  circles.  Withdraw- 
ing from  commercial  pursuits,  he  became  connected  with  the  Second  National 
Bank,  of  which  he  was  the  manager,  vice  president  and  cashier  until  1883,  when 
its  charter  expired  and  the  bank  went  into  lic|uidation.  He  was  in  control  of  its 
interests  during  the  widespread  financial  panic  of  1872-3  and  such  was  the  con- 
servative business  policy  upon  which  he  conducted  its  interests  that  the  bank 
suffered  the  loss  of  not  a  dollar  during  that  period  and,  in  fact,  continued  upon 
its  progressive  course  and  paid  in  liquidation  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  dol- 
lars and  a  half  for  each  one  hundred  dollars  of  stock.  In  1883  the  Peoria  Na- 
tional Bank  became  the  successor  of  the  Second  National  Bank  and  with  the 
newly  formed  institution  Mr.  Mcllvaine  remained  as  cashier  until  the  ist  of 
November,  1888.  At  that  time  he  turned  over  the  active  management  to  others, 
although  retaining  official  connection  therewith  as  vice  president.  This  insti- 
tution prospered  from  its  organization,  being  based  upon  the  sound  and  con- 
servative methods  instituted  by   Mr.    Mcllvaine,   who  ever   recognized   tlie   fact 


40  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

that  the  bank  which  is  most  worthy  of  patronage  is  that  which  most  carefully 
safeguards  its  depositors.  His  standing  in  banking  circles  is  indicated  in  the 
fact  that  he  was  elected  president  of  the  Clearing  House  on  its  organization  and 
so  continued  until  a  few  years  prior  to  his  death,  when  he  retired. 

There  was  no  public  enterprise  of  Peoria  that  sought  in  vain  the  aid  and  co- 
operation of  Mr.  Mcilvaine.  if  his  judgment  deemed  it  worthy  of  support,  and 
at  all  times  he  was  actuated  by  a  public-spirited  devotion  to  the  general  good 
that  none  questioned.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Peoria  Library  As- 
sociation and  assisted  in  the  erection  of  the  building  which  stood  at  the  corner 
of  Jel?erson  and  Main  streets.  He  hgured  for  many  years  as  one  of  the  direc- 
tors of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  was  in  hearty  sympathy  with  its  projects 
for  furthering  the  trade  interests  and  promoting  the  welfare  of  the  city.  He 
dealt  quite  extensively  in  real  estate  and  erected  the  first  modern  building  on 
Adams  street,  a  three  story  brick  structure.  He  sought  success  along  legitimate 
lines  nor  failed  to  accomplish  what  he  undertook,  for  his  carefully  formulated 
plans  had  their  root  in  good  judgment  and  progressiveness. 

On  the  i8th  of  August,  1857,  Mr.  Mcllvaine  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Priscilla  I.  McClure,  a  resident  of  Peoria  and  a  sister  of  Colonel  John  Dixon 
2\IcClure."  She  was  born  in  Franklin  county.  Pennsylvania,  in  1834,  her  parents 
being  Josiah  E.  and  Jane  McClure,  who  became  early  residents  of  Peoria  county, 
the  father  engaging  in  pork  packing  here  during  the  pioneer  epoch  in  the  city's 
development.  The  names  of  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mcllvaine  are  enumer- 
ated below :  \\'illiam  B.  is  an  attorney  of  Chicago,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Wil- 
son, ^loore  &  Mcllvaine,  and  has  four  children,  Romain,  Madaline,  Priscilla  and 
William  B.  Elizabeth  is  the  wife  of  .\lbert  T.  Johnson,  formerly  of  the  Peoria 
National  Bank,  whose  children  are :  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Lincoln  J.  Scales  and 
the  mother  of  one  child,  Elizabeth  McClure  Scales ;  Harry  McClure ;  and  Albert 
T.,  Jr.  Emma  is  the  wife  of  Lewis  E.  Rollo,  of  Chicago.  Priscilla  became  the 
wife  of  Mack  Merriam,  of  Albion,  Michigan.  George  H.  makes  his  home  in 
Chicago. 

Mr.  Mcllvaine  provided  his  family  with  a  beautiful  home  at  No.  11 1  North 
Madison  street,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  fine  lawn,  rendering  this  one  of  the 
most  attractive  residences  of  the  city.  He  found  his  greatest  happiness  in  pro- 
viding for  the  welfare  of  his  family  and  spared  no  eii'ort  or  expense  if  he  could 
promote  their  best  interests.  He  was  a  man  of  broad  mind,  who  always  kept 
informed  concerning  the  current  events  and  vital  political  issues  of  the  day.  He 
had  no  ambition  for  office,  yet  kept  abreast  with  the  best  thinking  men  of  the 
age  in  his  understanding  of  political  conditions.  He  was  an  unwavering  advo- 
cate of  the  Union  cause  during  the  Civil  war  and  was  a  member  of  the  Christian 
and  Sanitary  commission  organized  by  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
of  Peoria.  To  this  he  gave  freely  of  his  time  and  means  and  to  other  Ijranches 
of  Christian  work  he  was  equally  loyal.  For  many  years  he  was  a  devoted  and 
faithful  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  was  an  earnest  worker  in  the  -Sunday 
school  and  for  a  number  of  years  served  as  its  superintendent.  He  was  also 
particularly  interested  in  the  fourth  ward  mission,  which  developed  into  Grace 
church  and  of  which  he  was  also  superintendent.  He  always  recognized  the 
truth  of  the  proverb  "train  a  child  up  in  the  way  he  shall  go  and  when  he  is 
old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  He.  therefore,  believed  most  firmly  in  educating 
the  young  that  their  moral  teaching  might  bear  fruit  later  in  life.  He  was  as 
jjersistent,  earnest  and  zealous  in  his  different  lines  of  church  work  as  he  was 
in  the  conduct  of  his  business  interests.  His  labors  were  never  actuated  merely 
by  a  sense  of  duty  but  rather  by  a  deep  interest  in  his  fellowmen  and  a  most 
earnest  desire  to  aid  them  to  reach  a  position  where  individual  worth  commands 
respect  and  honor.  He  regarded  a  promise  made  as  too  sacred  to  be  broken  and 
his  word  was  as  good  as  any  bond  ever  solemnized  by  signature  or  seal.  \\'hile 
his  ideals  of  life  w^ere  high,  he  never  manifested  a  spirit  of  superiority  and  his 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  41 

own  nobilitv  ut  character  was  manifest  in  its  very  simplicity.  He  regarded  life 
as  his  opportnnitv  for  doing  good,  for  furthering  progress  and  promoting  civ- 
ilization and  he  felt  that  all  this  was  best  conserved  through  a  close  conformity 
to  the  teachings  of  the  church. 


^VILFORD  C.  BLACK. 


Wilford  C.  Black  has  been  the  secretary  of  the  Peoria  Hotel  Keepers"  Associ- 
ation since  its  organization  in  1906.  He  was  born  in  Boone,  Iowa,  February  g, 
1872,  the  son  of  James  W.  and  Emma  Black.  The  father  was  a  well  known 
capitalist  and  live-stock  man  there  and  also  served  as  mayor  of  that  city.  During 
the  Civil  war  he  volunteered  and  after  one  year  of  service  was  mustered  out  on 
account  of  a  wound  which  he  had  received.  During  the  Spirit  Lake  uprising  of 
the  Indians  he  was  one  of  the  fifty  men  who  were  chosen  by  the  governor  of 
Iowa  to  control  that  part  of  the  country  for  one  year.  These  men  were  designated 
as  "tlie  fifty  brave  men  of  Iowa."  He  passed  away  in  1898  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
six.  His  wife,  who  preceded  him  by  a  number  of  years,  died  in  1874  at  the  age 
of  twenty-six.  Both  are  buried  in  the  Glcndale  cemetery  in  the  family  burial 
ground. 

Wilford  C.  Black  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone 
and  afterward  studied  at  the  Sacred  Heart  Academy,  from  which  institution  he 
was  graduated  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  He  then  studied  law  for  one  year,  after 
whifh  he  left  his  native  town,  going  to  Memphis,  Tennessee,  then  to  New  Orleans 
and  later  to  a  lunuber  of  cities  in  the  south.  Finally  he  located  in  Oklahoma 
City,  where  he  was  employed  in  a  farm  implement  house  as  a  bookkeeper  and 
general  man.  He  remained  in  that  position  until  \S()C\  when  he  became  a  trav- 
eling salesman  for  the  J.  I.  Case  Threshing  Machine  Company  at  Racine.  Wiscon- 
sin. During  that  same  year  he  was  transferred  to  Peoria,  where  he  became  local 
manager  of  that  firm.  In  1905  he  was  appointed  general  sales  manager  at  Racine 
but  resigned  his  position  after  two  months  to  purchase  the  Hotel  Black,  of  which 
he  is  today  the  proprietor.  Since  the  organization,  in  1906,  of  the  Peoria  Hotel 
Keepers'  Association,  which  has  its  offices  located  at  Xo.  100  Chestnut  street.  Air. 
Black  has  served  as  its  secretary.  He  has  been  very  successful  in  hotel  work  and 
also  in  other  Inisiness  affairs,  and  he  has  extensive  holdings  in  this  city. 

At  Milwaukee,  on  December  ig.  1905,  Mr.  Black  was  married  to  Miss  Jean 
Hollinghausen,  a  daughter  of  Julius  and  Jennie  Hollinghausen,  who  reside  at 
Austin,  Illinois.  The  father  was  engaged  in  the  shoe  business  in  Chicago.  In  poli- 
tics Mr.  Black  is  a  republican  and  fraternally  he  is  a  Mason,  having  attained  the 
thirty-second  degree  in  the  Scottish  Rite  and  belonging  also  to  the  commandery 
and  the  shrine  at  Peoria.  He  is  likewise  affiliated  with  the  Benevolent  Protective 
Order  of  Elks  and  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  resides  in  his  beau- 
tiful, modern  home,  which  was  erected  in  1909,  at  146  West  Parkside  drive.  An 
extremely  successful  and  enterprising  business  man,  Mr.  Black  has  rendered 
valuable  service  in  advancing  the  interests  of  and  in  improving  the  hotels  of  tliis 
citv. 


JOHN  E.  KEENE. 


Starting  out  in  life  without  any  vaulting  ambition  to  accomplish  something 
especially  great  or  famous,  John  E.  Keene  has  followed  the  lead  of  his  oppor- 
tunities, doing  as  best  he  could  anything  that  came  to  hand  and  seizing  legitimate 
advantages  as  they  have  arisen.  He  has  never  hesitated  to  take  a  forward  step 
when  the  way  was  open  and,  although  content  with  what  he  has  attained  as  he 


42  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

has  gone  along',  he  has  always  been  ready  to  make  an  advance.  Fortunate  in 
possessing  ability  and  character  that  have  inspired  confidence  in  others,  tlie 
simple  weight  of  his  character  has  carried  him  into  important  relations  with  large 
interests  until  he  is  now  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Kempshall  &  Keene,  managers 
of  the  General  Western  Agency  of  the  Aetna  Life  Insurance  Company,  and, 
moreover,  a  prominent  figure  in  financial  circles  as  the  vice  president  of  the 
Dime  Savings  &  Trust  Company  and  the  vice  president  of  the  Title  &  Trust 
Company. 

Mr.  Keene  was  born  March  28,  1853,  in  Loudoun  county,  \'irginia,  and  has 
been  a  resident  of  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  since  1858,  in  which  year  his  parents, 
Thomas  W.  and  Roberta  E.  A.  Keene.  removed  to  this  section  of  the  state.  Roth 
the  father  and  mother  were  natives  of  \'irginia  and  were  of  Scotch-Irish  descent. 
They  remained  continuous  residents  of  Peoria  and  Tazewell  counties  from  1858 
imtil  death,  the  father  passing  away  in  1902,  while  the  mother's  period  of  resi- 
dence covered  an  entire  half  century,  as  she  was  not  called  to  her  final  rest  until 

1908.  Thomas  \\'.  Keene  was  a  builder.  He  resided  in  Elm  wood  from  1861 
until  1878  and  afterward  in  Peoria  and  in  Washington,  Illinois. 

John  E.  Keene  has  been  practically  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria  county.  He 
supplemented  his  public-school  education  by  a  course  in  Asbury.  now  De  Pauw, 
University  at  Greencastle,  Indiana,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  June,  1877, 
with  the  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree.  Three  years  later  his  alma  mater  conferred 
upon  him  the  Master  of  Arts  degree.  He  represented  the  university  in  the  state 
oratorical  contest  of  1877  ^"d  was  chosen  to  deliver  the  master's  oration  in 
1880.  Immediately  following  his  graduation  he  entered  the  ministry  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  devoted  his  life  thereto  until  1884.  He  was 
pastor  of  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Peoria  from  C)ctober.  1882, 
until  October,  1884,  during  which  period  the  present  house  of  worship  was 
erected.  On  account  of  failing  health  he  gave  up  the  ministry  in  the  latter  year 
and  identified  himself  with  the  Aetna  Life  Insurance  Company,  of  which  he  is 
now  manager,  conducting  his  business  along  that  line  under  the  firm  name  of 
Kempshall  &  Keene.  While  he  has  thoroughly  acquainted  himself  with  insurance 
in  every  particular,  he  has  not  concentrated  his  energies  upon  this  business  to 
the  exclusion  of  all  other  interests,  having  extended  his  efl^orts  into  other  fields 
with  equal  success.  As  his  financial  resources  have  permitted  he  has  made  large 
investments  in  land  and  his  holdings  are  now  extensive.  Moreover,  he  occupies 
a  very  prominent  position  as  a  financier  of  Peoria,  being  an  extensive  stockholder 
and  the  vice  president  of  both  the  Dime  Savings  &  Trust  Company  and  the  Title 
&  Trust  Company  of  Peoria.  Well  balanced  mentally  and  physically,  he  pos- 
sesses sufficient  courage  to  venture  where  favoring  opportunity  is  jiresented  and 
his  judgment  and  even  paced  energy  have  carried  him  forward  to  the  goal  of 
success. 

Mr.  Keene  has  lieen  three  times  married,  losing  his  first  two  wives  by  death. 
In  Chicago,  on  the  8th  of  August,  1893,  he  wedded  Miss  Florence  M.  Overall,  a 
daughter  of  ?\lr.  and  Mrs.  James  G.  Overall,  of  Lewistown,  Illinois.  Her  father 
was  an  Englishman  by  birth  and  was  a  large  stock  dealer  but  died  about  forty 
years  ago.  Mr.  Keene's  children  are:  Dr.  Floyd  E.  Keene,  a  practicing  physician 
of   Philadelphia,   Pennsylvania :   and   Florence  R.,  who  on   the  25th  of   ^larch, 

1909,  became  the  wife  of  A.  \\'ilson  Oakford,  a  wholesale  grocer.  ]\Ir.  Keene  is 
a  member  of  the  First  Congregational  church,  deeply  interested  in  its  growth 
and  success,  as  is  evidenced  by  his  hearty  support  of  and  cooperation  in  its  vari- 
ous lines  of  work.  Since  1890  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Kniehts  of  Pythias 
lodge  and  is  a  oast  chancellor  of  \\'est  Blufif  Lodge,  No.  177.  He  also  belongs 
to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  Politically  he  is  a  believer  in  republican  principles 
but  does  not  hesitate  to  cast  an  independent  ballot,  if  his  judgment  so  directs. 
He  believes  that  in  politics  and  in  citizenship  the  interests  of  the  many  should 
be  regarded  before  the  welfare  of  the  few.  He  filled  the  office  of  school  in- 
spector of  Peoria  from  1900  until  1905  and  in  1900  he  was  also  appointed  a  mem- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  43 

ber  of  the  Library  board,  which  position  he  still  tills,  having  served  for  three 
years  as  its  president.  His  influence  has  always  been  on  the  side  of  progress, 
iinprovement  and  advancement.  He  has  never  believed  in  choosing  the  second 
best  in  business,  in  matters  of  citizenship  or  in  social  and  church  relations.  He 
is  a  de])endable  man  under  anv  condition  and  in  any  emergency.  His  quietude 
of  de])ortnient.  his  easv  dignity,  his  frankness  and  cordiality  of  address,  with 
the  total  absence  of  an'vthing  sinister  or  anything  to  conceal,  foretoken  a  man 
who  is  readv  to  meet  aiiv  obligation  of  life  with  the  confidence  and  courage  that 
come  of  conscious  personal  ability,  right  conception  of  things  and  an  habitual 
regard  for  what  is  best  in  the  exercise  of  human  activities. 


BENJAMIX  L.  S0:MAIER. 

Benjamin  L.  Sommer,  who  has  been  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Keystone 
Steel  &  Wire  Company  of  Bartonville  since  1904,  was  born  in  Livingston  county, 
Illinois,  on  the  17th  of  Jamiary,  1880,  his  parents  being  Peter  and  Mary  ( Breis- 
acher)  Sommer.  After"  pursuing  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Tremont, 
Illinois,  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  he  entered  Brown's  Business  College 
where  he  took  the  regular  course  of  study  to  prepare  him  for  a  Inisiness  career. 
After  having  graduated  from  that  institution  he  accepted  a  clerical  position  with 
the  concern  of  which  he  is  now  an  officer,  and  by  gradual  but  constant  promotion 
reached  the  position  he  now  holds.  His  business  ability  has  been  of  great  value 
to  the  company,  and  much  of  the  development  and  expansion  of  the  activities 
of  the  Keystone  Steel  &  Wire  Company  since  its  reorganization  in  1904  is  due 
to  Mr.  Sommer's  labors. 

In  politics  he  is  a  republican,  but  because  of  his  broad  views  he  casts  his  vote 
for  man  and  measure  rather  than  strictly  according  to  party  dictates.  He  holds 
membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  Although  still  a  young  man  he  has  won  a 
high  place  in  the  business  circles  of  Peoria. 


WILLIAM  DOLPHUS  DICKSOX. 

From  a  comparatively  humble  position  in  the  business  world  William  Dolphus 
Dickson  gradually  advanced,  overcoming  difficulties  and  obstacles  and  resolutely 
working  his  way  upward  to  success  and  prominence.  What  he  accomplished 
represented  the  fit  utilization  of  his  time,  talents  and  opportunities  and  was  the 
fitting  reward  of  laudable  ambition  and  persistent  energy.  He  was  born  in 
Millsborough.  Ohio,  .August  16,  1848.  and  was,  therefore,  in  his  sixty-third  year 
when  death  called  him  on  the  21st  of  January,  191 1.  His  parents  were  John  and 
Priscilla  (  Martin  )  Dickson,  who  carefully  guided  his  younger  years,  endeavoring 
to  plant  within  his  mind  the  seeds  that  would  in  time  In-ing  forth  rich  fruit  in 
all  that  makes  for  honorable  manhood.  His  education  was  acquired  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  city  and  he  started  in  the  business  world  as  a  tinner,  ac- 
quainting himself  with  that  trade  and  also  the  trade  of  a  furnace  worker.  Grad- 
ual advancement  brought  him  to  the  ownership  of  a  business  of  that  character 
and  in  time  he  extended  the  scope  of  his  business  to  include  hardware,  furnaces, 
heating  and  ventilating  and  eventually  a  plumbing  department  was  establislied. 
He  liuilt  up  a  good  business  in  all  those  lines,  keeping  abreast  of  the  progress  of 
the  times  and  doing  work  as  a  contractor  of  a  most  im[)ortant  character.  His 
sales,  too,  were  extensive  and  indicated  his  honorable,  straightforward  dealing. 
As  the  years  passed  he  became  identified  with  Iniilding  operations  in  Peoria,  of 
which  city  he  became  a  resident  in  1872.     He  erected  the  Observatory  building, 


44  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  .Majestic  Theater  and  also  the  present  business  house  occupied  by  the  Dickson 
Company  in  the  conduct  of  the  trade  which  had  its  inception  in  the  marked  en- 
terprise and  laudable  ambition  of  him  whose  name  introduces  this  review.  He 
was  a  man  of  marked  constructive  and  inventive  ability  and  was  the  inventor 
and  patentee  of  the  Dickson  Heating  and  \'entilating  Systems  and  the  Bifurcated 
Drain  Spout,  devices  which  have  been  accepted  and  adopted  by  the  trade  as 
valuable  improvements  in  their  respective  lines.  Each  forward  step  in  his  career 
brought  him  a  broader  outlook  and  wider  ojjportunities.  He  never  regarded  any 
position  as  final  but  considered  it  rather  as  the  starting  point  for  further  con- 
quests in  the  business  world.  In  addition  to  his  commercial  connections  he  was 
a  director  and  treasurer  of  the  Farmers  Loan  Association  and  aided  largely  in 
placing  this  upon  a  safe  and  substantial  basis. 

On  the  6th  of  October,  1884,  at  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  Mr.  Dickson  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella  Heyle,  a  daughter  of  John  C.  Heyle,  and  unto  them 
have  beenborn  three  children,  a  son  and  two  daughters.  \'ictor  Heyle,  Hazel  B. 
and  Nina.  Mr.  Dickson  was  a  member  of  several  clubs  and  trade  associations. 
He  belonged  to  the  Country  Club  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  his  high  stand- 
ing in  business  circles  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  was  president  of  the  Master 
Plumbers'  Association  and  also  president  of  the  Master  Tinners"  Association. 
His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  republican  party  and  his  religious  faith 
was  that  of  the  Congregational  church.  Life  to  him  meant  opportunity — the 
opportunitv  to  accomplish  substantial  results  in  business,  to  aid  his  fellowmen  and 
to  make  v/ise  use  of  his  time  and  talents.  He  never  faltered  in  the  performance 
of  any  dutv  and  met  every  obligation  and  situation  with  the  courage  that  comes 
from  personal  rectitude  and  an  understanding  of  one's  own  powers  and  capacity. 


^^T^■SLO^v  e\'axs. 


Since  the  inception  of  the  city,  Peoria  has  always  been  distinguished  for 
the  high  rank  of  her  bench  and  bar.  Each  decade  has  brought  new  recruits 
to  the  profession  and  many  have  developed  ability  which  places  them  in  a  fore- 
most position  among  those  who  are  protecting  in  the  courts  the  lives  and  liberty, 
the  property  and  the  rights  of  their  fellowmen.  To  this  class  belongs  Winslow 
Evans,  who'  has  practiced  continuously  in  I'eoria  since  1891.  Fifteen  years  be- 
fore he  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Marshall,  Illinois,  practicing  there  and 
in  the  surrounding  country  until  he  came  to  this  city  twenty-one  years  ago. 

Mr.  Evans  was  a  native  of  Marshall,  his  liirth  having  there  occurred  on  the 
19th  of  December,  1855.  His  parents  were  Albert  and  Harriet  (Springer) 
Evans,  who  established  their  home  in  Marshall  county  in  1830  upon  their  arrival 
in  Illinois  from  Newark,  Ohio.  The  grandfather,  Joshua  Evans,  was  a  native 
of  Loudoun  county,  \'irginia,  and  was  of  Welsh  descent,  but  in  pioneer  times 
had  removed  to  Ohio  and  later  the  family  became  represented  in  the  pioneer 
development  of  this  state.  Albert  Evans  was  a  farmer  by  occupation,  devoting 
his  entire  life  to  the  tilling  of  the  soil  after  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Marshall 
countv,  where  his  remaining  days  were  passed. 

Winslow  Evans  was  reared  upon  the  home  farm  until  he  reached  the  age 
of  twelve  years,  after  which  he  spent  a  number  of  years  in  Wenona,  Marshall 
county,  and  there  enjoyed  the  benefit  of  public-school  instruction.  Still  his 
ambition  for  an  education  was  not  satisfied  and  he  entered  the  Illinois  Wesleyan 
University  at  Bloomington.  from  which  he  was  graduated.  He  afterward  did 
post-graduate  work  and  pursued  the  law  course  and  in  the  intervals  of  his 
study  engaged  in  teaching  in  Marshall  county.  He  regarded  that,  however. 
merely  as  an  initial  step  to  other  professional  labor,  for  it  was  his  desire  to 
enter  upon  the  practice  of  law,  which  he  did  in  his  native  town,  having  been 


WINSLOW  E\-ANS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  47 

admitted  to  the  bar  in  September  iSji).  He  jiracticed  alone  for  a  lew  years 
and  then  Ijecame  a  member  of  the  tirm  of  Edwards  &  Evans,  being  thus  as- 
sociated until  he  withdrew  in  order  to  remove  to  Peoria  in  1891.  Since  that 
time  he  has  continued  in  private  practice  on  his  own  account.  He  remains  a 
general  practitioner,  well  versed  in  all  departments  of  jurisprudence,  yet  has  been 
connected  with  much  of  the  most  important  litigation  tried  in  the  courts  of  the 
district  during  the  last  two  decades.  For  four  years  he  was  judge  of  the  county 
court  of  Marshall  county.  He  has  ahvays  been  careful  to  conform  his  practice 
to  a  high  standard  of  professional  ethics  and  never  seeks  to  lead  the  court 
astrav  in  a  matter  of  fact  or  law.  He  has  ever  treated  the  court  with  the 
studied  courtesy  which  is  its  due,  nor  has  he  indulged  in  malicious  criticism 
because  it  arrived  at  a  different  conclusion,  in  the  decision  of  a  case,  from  that 
which  he  hoped  to  hear.  He  is  calm,  dignified  self-controlled  and  has  given  to 
his  clients  the  service  of  great  talent,  unwearied  industry  and  broad  learning. 

In  1883  Mr.  Evans  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eva  McCullough,  a  na- 
tive of  Henry  county,  Illinois,  and  they  now  have  one  son,  Donald  \V.,  who  is  a 
graduate  of  the  Xorthwestern  University,  at  Evanston,  Illinois,  where  he  pur- 
sued the  literary  and  law  courses.  He  was  graduated  from  that  institution  and 
in  the  fall  of  191 1  joined  his  father  in  practice.  Aside  from  his  law  work  Mr. 
Evans  is  serving  on  the  board  of  directors  of  the  First  National  Bank  and  the 
Savings  Bank  of  Peoria  and  for  both  of  these  is  attorney.  He  is  a  Knight 
Templar  Mason  and  is  a  charter  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  has 
now  been  a  member  of  the  Illinois  bar  for  more  than  thirty-five  years  and  his  work 
in  the  courts  has  placed  him  in  a  prominent  position,  while  his  individual  worth 
has  gained  him  the  friendship  and  warm  personal  regard  which  in  every  land  and 
clime  are  accorded  in  recognition  of  those  characteristics  which  work  for  honor- 
able manhood  and  citizenship. 


CHARLES  \V.  LUCAS. 

Among  the  leading  commercial  enterprises  of  Peoria  is  the  excellent  con- 
fectionery and  jobbing  house  of  Charles  W.  Lucas  who  is  successfully  carrying 
on  a  large  and  growing  business  at  No.  415  South  Washington  street.  To  this 
department  of  trade  he  has  devoted  his  energies  for  nineteen  years,  establishing 
the  enterprise  on  a  small  scale  but  gradually  developing  it  to  large  and  profit- 
able proportions  until  his  business  today  features  as  one  of  the  important  manu- 
facturing and  commercial  undertakings  of  the  citv. 

I'eoria  county  numbers  j\lr.  Lucas  among  her  native  sons,  his  birth  having 
occurred  in  Mossville,  January  31.  1873.  His  parents  were  J.  P.  and  Anna  M. 
( Schnebly )  Lucas,  both  of  whom  have  now  passed  away,  the  father's  death 
occurring  in  1910,  while  the  mother  survived  until  the  15th  of  October,  191 1. 
They  were  early  settlers  of  this  county,  J.  P.  Lucas  arriving  about  1850. 

Charles  W.  Lucas  was  only  a  year  old  when  the  parents  removed  from 
Mossville  to  Peoria,  which  was  then  a  town  of  some  size  and  importance,  yet 
gave  comparatively  little  indication  of  reaching  its  present  size  and  greatness. 
His  father  had  ])een  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  Mossville  butafter  re- 
moving to  Peoria  he  conducted  a  milk  dairy  for  a  time.  He  gave  to  his  son 
such  advantages  as  he  could  afford  and  the  boy,  after  acquiring  his  education  in 
the  city  schools,  began  to  earn  his  own  living  by  working  as  a  clerk  in  a  book 
store,  in  which  he  was  employed  for  a  year.  He  next  secured  a  position  in  a 
wholesale  candy  factory,  with  which  he  was  connected  until  he  started  in  busi- 
ness for  himself.  While  in  that  employ  he  acquainted  himself  with  every 
branch  of  the  trade,  learned  the  methods  of  manufacture  and  the  .best  process 
of  shipment  and  with  that  knowledge  as  a  foundation  he  has  builded  his  success. 


48  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

He  now  occupies  a  prominent  position  in  trade  circles  as  a  wholesale  confectioner 
and  jobber  of  candies.  He  is  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  hard  goods  of 
this  character,  including  peanut  candy  and  butterscotch,  having  a  splendidly 
etiuipped  establishment  at  Xo.  415  South  Washington  street.  He  started  in  busi- 
ness on  a  small  scale,  handling  a  stock  at  his  residence  and  doing  his  manufactur- 
ing there  but  in  1907  he  removed  to  his  present  location  and  he  now  occupies 
four  floors  of  the  building,  having  about  seven  thousand  square  feet  of  floor 
space.  In  the  conduct  of  the  business  in  Peoria  he  employs  ten  men  and  also 
has  two  traveling  salesmen  upon  the  road  and  one  city  salesman.  Shipments 
are  made  to  the  surrounding  territory  and  the  trade  is  constantly  growing. 

In  1904  'Mr.  Lucas  was  married  to  Miss  Cora  James,  of  Lincoln,  Illinois,  a 
daughter  of  D.  H.  James,  and  they  now  have  one  child,  Marjory.  -Mr.  Lucas 
belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  fraternity,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America 
and  the  Masonic  lodge  and  is  also  connected  with  the  Illinois  Commercial  Men's 
Association.  His  business  ability  is  demonstrated  in  the  success  which  he  has 
won.  He  had  no  special  advantages  to  aid  him  at  the  outset  of  his  career  but  he 
realized  that  energy,  determination  and  honest  dealings  are  indispensable  con- 
comitants of  success.  Through  the  employment  of  these  agencies  he  has  con- 
stantly advanced  and  his  business  is  one  which  adds  to  the  commercial  activity 
and  consequent  prosperity  of  the  city  as  well  as  to  his  individual  success. 


FRANK  J.  MILLER. 

Frank  J.  Miller  was  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria  and  it  will  be  long  ere  his 
friends  cease  to  remember  him,  for  he  had  a  firm  hold  on  the  aft'ectionate  re- 
gard and  respect  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  He  represented  busi- 
ness interests  of  the  city  as  a  member  of  Joseph  Miller  &  Sons  and  also  of  the 
Garside  Manufacturing  Company,  in  both  of  which  connections  he  manifested 
a  spirit  of  progress  that  found  tangible  expression  in  substantial  success.  He 
was  born  ]\Iarch  9,  1850,  in  this  city,  and  came  of  German  ancestry,  manifest- 
ing in  his  life  many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  the  people  of  the  father- 
land. He  was  a  son  of  Joseph  Miller,  a  native  of  Germany,  who  on  coming  to 
America  first  settled  in  Cincinnati  but  in  the  latter  "40s  came  to  Peoria,  where  he 
established  a  lumberyard,  continuing  in  that  business  for  many  years.  He  was 
one  of  the  early  lumber  merchants  of  the  city  and  is  classed  with  those  who  laid 
broad  and  deep  the  foundation  upon  which  has  been  builded  the  present  growth 
and  prosperity  of  this  section. 

His  son  Frank  J.  Aliller  was  sent  to  the  German  schools  of  Peoria,  in  which 
he  pursued  his  studies  to  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  when  he  began  working  for 
his  father  in  the  lumber  business.  He  studied  every  phase  of  the  trade,  mani- 
fested unfaltering  industry  in  performing  the  tasks  that  devolved  upon  him  and 
won  his  promotion  not  through  parental  influence  but  through  genuine  personal 
worth.  Eventually  he  was  admitted  to  a  partnership  under  the  firm  style  of 
Joseph  Aliller  &  Sons.  Following  the  death  of  the  father  he  was  associated 
with  his  brother  Joseph  Aliller,  who  is  also  now  deceased.  They  controlled  and 
enjoyed  an  extensive  trade,  their  sales  reaching  a  large  annual  figure.  They 
handled  building  materials  of  all  kinds,  sought  to  obtain  only  a  fair  profit  upon 
their  investment  and  in  all  of  their  dealings  were  strictly  relialjle.  Their  pro- 
gressiveness  was  tempered  by  a  safe  conservatism  that  never  countenanced  un- 
warranted risks  and  yet  they  steadily  forged  forward  along  the  path  of  success. 
In  addition  to  his  connection  with  the  lumber  trade  ^Ir.  ^filler  was  interested  in 
the  Garside  ^Manufacturing  Company  and  was  a  stockholder  in  the  Commercial 
German  National  Bank. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  49 

On  the  5th  of  Xovember,  1873,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  r^fillcr  and 
yUss  Franziska  Streibich,  a  daughter  of  Frederick  Streibich,  a  prominent  pioneer 
of  Peoria.  Unto  Air.  and  ]Mrs.  Aliller  were  born  seven  children :  Frank  J.,  who 
is  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Joseph  Miller  & 
Sons;  Joseph  F. ;  Fred  C,  who  is  also  associated  with  the  lumber  company; 
Charles  W'.,  who  is  a  practicing  physician  of  Peoria;  Edward  A.,  a  jewelry 
manufacturer  of  this  city;  Irma,  the  wife  of  William  J.  Fickeson,  of  Peoria;  and 
Olga,  at  home. 

]\Ir.  Miller  held  membership  in  St.  Joseph's  German  Catholic  church  and  his 
political  faith  was  that  of  the  republican  party,  his  ballot  always  being  given  for 
the  support  of  its  men  and  measures.  He  was  interested  in  all  the  uplifting  in- 
fluences of  life.  He  greatly  enjoyed  German  literature  and  was  a  home  man, 
devoted  to  the  welfare  of  his  family.  He  possessed  that  quality  which  for  want 
of  a  better  term  has  been  called  personal  magnetism,  having  the  happy  faculty 
of  dra'wing  men  to  him  by  reason  of  his  sterling  character,  his  geniality,  his 
kindlv  spirit  and  his  hospitality.  He  was,  indeed,  a  warm-hearted  and  great- 
hearted man  and  there  was  in  his  life  record  much  that  is  worthy  of  commenda- 
tion and  emulation. 


ROBERT  I.  EVANS. 


Robert  J.  Evans,  president  of  the  Duroc  Bulletin  Company,  founded  that 
paper  and  has  published  the  same  for  the  past  eight  years.  He  was  born  in  El 
Paso,  Illinois,  August  22,  1863,  and  is  a  son  of  Robert  and  Nancy  Evans.  The 
father  was  one  of  the  pioneer  agriculturists  of  Woodford  county,  and  as  he  was 
an  enterprising  and  progressive  man  he  became  one  of  the  foremost  citizens  of 
his  community,  efficiently  discharging  the  duties  of  various  township  offices. 
Both  parents  are  now  deceased,  the  father  having  passed  a\vay  in  1893  and  the 
mother  in  1906.  They  are  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  El  Paso.  The  Evans 
family  was  originally  of  Welsh  extraction,  but  they  have  been  residents  of 
America  for  practically  a  century,  the  fourth  generation  having  been  born  here. 

Reared  in  the  country  Robert  Evans  passed  his  early  years  in  a  manner  very 
similar  to  other  farmer  lads  of  that  period.  At  the  usual  age  he  entered  the 
common  schools,  completing  his  education  upon  his  graduation  from  the  El 
Paso  high  school  in  1883.  He  subsequentlv  engaged  in  teaching  in  Woodford 
county  for  two  years  and  then  went  to  Emporia,  Kansas.  There  he  turned  his 
attention  to  journalism,  beginning  his  newsjjaper  career  on  the  Emporia  News, 
of  which  he  was  city  editor  for  three  years.  Returning  to  El  Paso,  he  bought 
an  interest  in  one  of  the  local  papers,  which  he  edited  for  eighteen  years.  At 
the  expiration  of  that  time,  he  came  to  Peoria  and  founded  the  Duroc 
lUilletin.  Three  years  later  the  business  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of 
the  Peoria  Bulletin  Company,  and  his  plant  is  now  located  at  number  201-203 
South  Washington  street.  As  the  name  would  imply  his  paper  is  entirely  de- 
voted to  the  interests  of  the  Duroc  Jersey  hog,  and  it  is  the  only  publication 
issued  whose  columns  are  exclusively  confined  to  any  single  breed  of  hogs.  The 
paper  has  become  well  known  during  the  eight  years  Mr.  Evans  has  been  publish- 
ing it  and  not  only  has  a  large  circulation  but  has  become  recognized  as  a  valu- 
able advertising  medium.  His  early  agricultural  training  and  thorough  familiar- 
ity with  live  stock  well  qualified  him  for  this  undertaking  and  through  judicious 
management  the  paper  has  been  placed  on  a  paying  basis. 

At  Emporia.  Kansas,  on  the  15th  of  January,  1S89,  Air.  Evans  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Aliss  Nellie  Rooke,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  six  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Annie,  now  the  wife  of  Hugh  Aliller.  principal  of  the  schools 
of  Lockport,  Louisiana  ;  Walter  R.,  who  is  a  professional  athlete  and  associated 


50  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

with  his  father  in  business ;  Bernard  :  Esther ;  George :  and  Lawrence,  now  re- 
siding in   Chicago. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Evans  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  order  and  in  politics 
he  is  a  republican.  He  has  become  recognized,  since  publishing  The  Duroc 
Bulletin,  as  one  of  the  best  authorities  in  the  country  on  this  particular  breed  of 
hogs  and  from  1893  to  1906  he  was  secretary  of  The  National  Duroc  Jersey 
Recording  Association;  in  December,  191 1,  he  was  elected  secretary  of  the 
American  Duroc  Jersey  Swine  Breeders'  Association  and  maintains  an  office 
in  the  Live  Stock  Record  building,  stock  yards  of  Chicago.  He  has  become 
widelv  known  through  his  official  duties  and  also  through  the  columns  of  his 
paper  and  enjoys  a  favorable  acquaintance  among  agriculturists  and  stockmen 
throughout  the  United  States. 


GEORGE  PARKER.   M.  D. 

Dr.  George  Parker,  with  offices  at  427  Jefferson  building  in  Peoria,  acts  as 
medical  director  of  the  Peoria  Life  Insurance  Company  and  is  one  of  the  rising 
30ung  professional  men  of  this  city,  having  practiced  here  since  1905.  He  was 
born  in  Huntsville,  Illinois,  and  reared  in  Alount  Sterling,  this  state.  His  father. 
Dr.  William   Parker,  is  still  practicing  at  Mount  Sterling. 

George  Parker  received  his  early  education  in  the  graded  and  high  schools 
of  i\Iount  Sterling  and  following  his  graduation  entered  the  Illinois  College  at 
Tacksonville.  which  institution  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of 
"philosophy.  He  next  became  a  student  in  the  Northwestern  University  Medical 
School,  being  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1902  with  the  degree  of  M.  D. 
After  winning  his  M.  D.  degree  he  served  for  a  year  and  a  half  as  interne  in  the 
Cook  County  Hospital  of  Chicago  and  then  spent  one  year  in  post-graduate 
work  in  Menna  and  Berlin,  coming  direct  from  these  world-renowned  seats  of 
medical  learning  to  Peoria.  Dr.  Parker  does  a  general  practice,  making  a  spe- 
cialty of  diagnosis  and  the  treatment  of  internal  diseases.  He  is  on  the  staff  of 
St.  Francis  Hospital  and  in  1910-11  acted  as  president  of  that  staff.  As  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and 
the  American  Medical  Association,  he  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the  progress  that 
is  being  continuously  made  by  the  profession. 

Dr.  Parker  selected  as  his  life  helpmate  and  companion  Miss  Amy  Josey,  of 
Calumet,  Michigan.  To  them  were  born  two  sons,  William  and  George,  Jr. 
Aside  from  his  professional  activities  Dr.  Parker  finds  time  to  fraternize  with 
some  of  the  leading  social  institutions.  He  has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree 
of  the  Scottish  Rite  in  Masonry,  belongs  to  the  Mystic  Shrine  and  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  of  Peoria. 


ERNEST  H.  WAHLFELD. 

Ernest  H.  Wahlfeld  is  secretary  and  treasurer  of  The  Wahlfeld  Manufactur- 
ing Company,  which  fact  is  ample  assurance  of  his  being  entitled  to  mention 
among  the  capable  representatives  of  the  business  and  commercial  interests  of 
Peoria.  His  birth  occurred  in  this  city  on  the  4th  of  October,  1883,  and  he  is 
a  son  of  August  and  Anna  Wahlfeld,  who  are  mentioned  at  greater  length  else- 
where in  this  work, 

Peoria  has  always  been  the  home  of  Ernest  H.  Wahlfeld.  who  attended  the 
public  schools  until  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age,  in  the  acquirement  of  an  edu- 
cation.    Feeling  he  was  then  qualified  to  begin  preparation  for  his   life  voca- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  51 

tion.  he  laid  aside  his  text-ljooks  and  liecaine  a  worker  in  the  (ikint  with  which 
he  is  still  connected.  He  began  in  a  very  minor  capacity  and  won  his  promo- 
tion from  department  to  department  by  reason  of  the  energy  and  intelligence  he 
manifested  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  He  applied  himself  diligently  to  the 
mastery  of  every  detail  of  the  business,  becoming  thoroughly  familiar  with  its 
varying  needs  and  requirements,  thus  qualifying  himself  for  the  position  he 
now  holds  as  an  official  of  the  company.  The  \Vahlfeld  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany engage  exclusively  in  the  manufacture  of  interior  woodwork  and  fixtures, 
their  plant  being  located  at  Xos.  1101-1125  South  Washington  street.  ?klr. 
Wahlfeld  is  progressive  and  highly  intelligent  and  has  given  much  thought  and 
consideration  to  all  questions  relating  to  the  development  of  the  company's  en- 
terprise. He  is  widely  informed  on  all  matters  pertaining  to  industrial  or  com- 
mercial conditions  and  keeps  in  close  touch,  not  only  with  those  having  direct 
bearing  on  his  own  interests,  but  those  aiTecting  business  affairs  generally. 

This  city  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Wahlfeld's  marriage  in  1905  to  Miss  Clara 
Tappe.  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Marie  Tappe.  They  reside  at  No.  211  Moss  avenue, 
where  in  1900,  they  erected  a  very  attractive  and  comfortable  home,  thoroughly 
modern  in  all  of  its  appointments. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  \\'ahlfeld  are  members  of  .St.  Paul's  German  Lutheran  church 
and  his  allegiance  in  political  matters  he  accords  to  the  re])ublican  party.  He 
is  widely  known  in  the  city  and  highly  regarded  among  both  his  social  and  busi- 
ness accjuaintances.  the  majority  of  whom  have  known  him  from  early  child- 
hood, and  recognize  in  him  a  worthy  representative  of  an  honored  pioneer 
family. 


JOSEPH   MILLER. 

Joseph  Miller,  now  deceased,  figured  prominently  in  industrial  and  financial 
circles  of  Peoria,  and  owed  his  success  to  hartl  work  and  honest  methods.  In  all  his 
undertakings  he  put  forth  earnest,  persistent  effort,  realizing  that  the  source  of 
power  is  within  the  individual,  and  that  not  upon  environment  or  circumstances 
does  progress  depend.  He  became  well  known  in  connection  with  the  lumber 
trade  of  the  city,  also  with  its  manufacturing,  insurance  and  banking  interests, 
and  in  every  relation  commanded  the  trust  and  admiration  of  his  associates. 
He  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  March  25,  1848,  a  son  of  Joseph  Miller,  who 
was  a  native  of  Germany  and  became  one  of  the  early  residents  of  Peoria  after 
living  for  a  few  years  in  Cincinnati  subsequent  to  his  immigration  to  the  new 
world.  It  was  in  the  early  '50s  that  he  arrived  in  Illinois,  where  he  entered  the  lum- 
ber trade,  establishing  a  yard  which  constituted  the  nucleus  of  the  present  large 
lumber  business  now  conducted  under  the  name  of  Joseph  Miller  &  Sons.  He 
built  his  success  upon  a  broad  and  stable  basis,  and  the  reliability  of  his  methods 
commended  him  to  the  public  patronage. 

Joseph  Miller,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  was  but  three  years  of  age 
when  brought  by  his  parents  to  Peoria,  and  in  the  German  schools  of  this  city 
he  pursued  his  studies.  His  business  training  came  to  him  under  the  direction 
of  his  father  whom  he  joined  after  putting  aside  his  text-books,  thoroughly  ac- 
quainting himself  with  every  department  of  the  trade.  The  business  prospered 
year  after  year,  for.  to  the  broad  experience  and  sound  judgment  of  the  father 
were  added  the  enterprise  and  progressiveness  of  the  two  sons,  for  both  Joseph 
Miller  and  his  brother  Frank  were  admitted  to  a  partnership  in  the  business 
under  the  style  of  Joseph  Miller  &  Sons.  Following  the  father's  death  the 
brothers  continued  the  business  with  Joseph  Miller  as  the  senior  partner,  and 
thus  the  subject  of  this  review  was  closely  associated  with  the  lumber  business 
of  this  city  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.     The  business  of  the  house  constantly 


52  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

grew  in  volume  and  importance  for  they  carried  an  extensive  line  of  lumber  and 
all  kinds  of  building  material,  and  their  business  methods  measured  up  to  the 
highest  standard  of  commercial  ethics.  Joseph  ^ililler  was  well  known  also  in 
other  connections,  becoming  treasurer  of  the  Garside  Manufacturing  Company, 
vice  president  of  the  German  Fire  Insurance  Company  and  a  director  of  the 
Commercial  German  National  Bank.  He  found  ready  solution  for  intricate  bus- 
iness problems,  and  seemed  to  recognize  almost  intuitively  the  possibilities  and 
opportunities  of  a  situation.  He  was  also  prominently  identified  with  the  Board 
of  Trade  and  enjoyed  an  enviable  reputation  for  his  sound,  conservative  and 
reliable  business  methods  and  his  straightforward  dealing. 

On  the  loth  of  April,  1871,  occurred  the  marriage  of  ^Ir.  ^liller  and  Miss 
Mary  DeFries,  a  daughter  of  Charles  DeFries.  They  became  the  parents  of  four 
children:  Joseph,  who  is  identified  with  the  firm  of  Joseph  Aliller  &  Sons;  Mary 
M.,  Emma  J.  and  Oscar  W.  The  eldest  son  is  now  married  and  has  two  children, 
Joseph.  Jr.,  and  Helen  Elizabeth.  ;\Ir.  Miller  held  memebrship  in  the  St.  Jos- 
eph's Catholic  Church,  also  with  the  St.  Joseph's  Brothers  and  Knights  of  St. 
George.  His  political  support  was  given  to  the  republican  party  where  national 
questions  and  issues  were  involved,  but  in  local  elections  he  cast  an  independent 
ballot.  He  was  a  splendid  type  of  a  successful  German- American  citizen.  What- 
ever the  quiet  forces  and  influences  at  work  in  his  life  to  shape  his  destiny,  it 
was  evident  at  the  outset  of  his  business  career  that  he  understood  clearly  the 
fact  that  energy  and  unfaltering  perseverence  constitute  the  surest  basis  upon 
which  to  build  success.  Those  qualities  were  ever  numbered  among  his  salient 
characteristics  and  won  for  him  the  constant  promotion  and  advancement  which 
attended  him  in  his  business  career  and  gained  for  him  his  prominent  and  hon- 
orable position  in  the  trade  and  banking  circles  of  the  city. 


t 


^lARCUS  WHITING,  M.  D. 

In  the  twenty-nine  years  of  his  connection  with  the  medical  profession  in 
Peoria,  Dr.  INIarcus  \Miiting  has  made  continuous  progress,  keeping  in  touch  with 
the  advancement  that  has  characterized  the  medical  fraternity  in  its  search  for  the 
deep  scientific  truths  which  underlie  their  work.  He  came  to  this  city  in  April. 
1883,  then  a  young  man  of  nearly  twenty-three  years.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in 
Lafayette  county,  Missouri.  August  22,  i860,  a  son  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Whiting. 
D.  D.,  a  Baptist  minister,  who  devoted  forty  years  of  his  life  to  the  work  of  the 
church.  At  intervals  he  accepted  new  pastorates,  filling  Baptist  pulpits  in  Dover, 
Boonville  and  Springfield,  ^Missouri :  Fort  Scott,  Kansas ;  and  Quincy  and  Can- 
ton, Illinois.  Earnest  and  purposeful,  his  teachings  bore  fruit  in  the  lives  of 
those  who  came  under  his  guidance  and  he  continued  actively  and  successfully  in 
the  work  of  the  ministry  to  the  time  of  his  demise,  which  occurred  in  Canton.  Illi- 
nois, April  26,  1893.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Lucy  \\'ebb.  still 
survives  him  at  the  age  of  seventy-nine  years.  She  was  ever  in  hearty  sympathy 
with  him  in  his  work  in  behalf  of  the  church,  and  in  the  training  of  her  children 
in  the  home  she  gave  to  them  principles  which  have  been  effective  forces  in 
molding  their  lives  since  leaving  the  parental  roof. 

Dr.  Whiting,  whose  name  introduces  this  record,  acquired  his  primary  educa- 
tion in  the  different  towns  in  which  the  family  were  located.  He  was  a  student  in 
the  high  school  of  Ouincy,  Illinois,  and  was  graduated  therefrom  with  the  class  of 
1875.  He  continued  his  studies  for  four  or  five  years,  following  the  direction  of 
his  father,  who  was  a  man  of  liberal  education,  the  son  devoting  his  attention  to 
the  classics.  The  broad  knowledge  thus  ac<iuired  served  as  an  excellent  founda- 
tion upon  which  to  build  professional  learning.  Determining  to  make  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  his  life  work,  he  matriculated  in  Rush  Medical  College  at  Chi- 


DR.   JIARCUS   \\THITIN(1 


4 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  55 

cago  as  a  member  of  the  class  of  1880,  and  was  one  of  thirteen  in  a  class  of  one 
hundred  and  eightv-tive  to  pursue  the  full  three  years'  course  that  brought  him 
to  his  graduation  on  the  20th  of  February.  1883.  Throughout  his  entire  pro- 
fessional career  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria,  opening  an  ottice  in  this  city  on 
the  I  St  of  April,  at  Xo.  902  Xorth  Adams  street.  After  six  months,  however,  he 
removed  to  Soo  Xorth  Adams  street,  where  he  maintained  his  office  for  twenty- 
one  years.  During  that  period  his  practice  steadily  grew  as  the  public  came  to 
recognize  his  skill  and  ability,  which  were  continually  augmented  by  liis  further 
study  and  research.  For  five  or  si.x  years  he  had  his  office  in  the  Woolner  build- 
ing, from  which  he  removed  to  his  present  location  in  the  Jefferson  building,  in 
June,  iqio.  He  has  never  specialized  but  has  continued  in  general  practice  and 
throughout  the  entire  period  of  twenty-nine  years  has  been  accorded  a  liberal 
patronage.  His  work  has  been  eminently  satisfactory  and  resultant  and  his  close 
conformity  to  a  high  standard  of  professional  ethics  has  brought  him  the  regard 
and  confidence  of  his  brethren  of  the  medical  fraternity.  He  has  done  consider- 
able hospital  work,  serving  on  the  staff'  of  St.  Francis  Hospital,  also  of  the 
Deaconess  Hospital  and  the  Proctor  Hospital.  He  has  also  served  as  commis- 
sioner of  health  of  Peoria,  filling  the  office  from  188S  until  i8go,  inclusive.  He 
has  kei:)t  in  touch  with  the  advancement  made  by  the  medical  profession  not  only 
through  private  reading  and  research  but  also  through  the  proceedings  of  the 
Peoria  Cit)-  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  IMetlical  Society  and  the  American 
jMedical  Association,  in  all  of  which  he  holds  membership.  His  practice  has 
made  continuous  demands  upon  his  time  and  energies  and  yet  he  has  found  oppor- 
tunity for  cooperation  in  business  aft'airs  of  an  entirely  diff'erent  character.  He 
was  one  of  the  incorporators  and  original  stockholders  of  the  Interstate  Bank  & 
Trust  Company  of  Peoria  and  served  on  its  directorate  for  several  years,  retiring 
in  1910. 

On  lanuarv  24,  1888,  Dr.  Whiting  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha 
Elizabeth  Garthwait,  of  Indianapolis,  and  unto  them  has  been  born  a  daughter, 
Ethel,  who  is  the  wife  of  A.  B.  Scofield,  of  Peoria.  In  Alasonry  Dr.  Whiting  has 
attained  high  rank.  He  has  not  only  taken  the  degrees  of  the  lodge  but  has  also 
ac(|uainted  himself  with  the  work  of  capitular,  cryptic  and  chivalric  ^Masonry  in 
the  cha|.)ter.  council  and  commandery.  He  has  likewise  crossed  the  sands  of  the 
desert  with  the  nobles  of  the  'Mystic  Shrine  and  he  belongs  to  the  Knights  of 
Pvthias  fraternity,  to  the  Maccabees  Tent,  to  the  Royal  League  and  to  the  For- 
esters. His  political  allegiance  is  given  the  democratic  party  and  in  its  local  coun- 
cils he  is  a  man  of  considerable  influence,  holding  firmly  to  the  principles  which 
he  deems  of  vital  moment  in  good  government.  He  served  for  six  years,  or  for 
three  terms,  as  alderman  from  the  first  ward  of  Peoria,  being  called  to  the 
office  in  1003.  In  that  connection  he  exercises  his  official  prerogatives  in  support 
of  many  progressive  pul)lic  movements.  At  all  times  he  stands  for  advancement 
and  im|)rovement  whether  in  professional  relations  or  in  his  connections  with  the 
city's  best  interests.  He  is  a  man  of  broad  and  liberal  culture,  whose  friendship 
is  prized  wherever  he  is  known  and  most  of  all  where  he  is  best  known. 


BERNARD  MURNIGHAN. 

Bernard  ]Murnighan,  who  has  been  vice  president  and  manager  of  the  Peoria 
Bedding  Company  w-ith  factories  at  1500  North  Adams  street  since  its  incorpo- 
ration in  1910,  was  born  in  Bloomington,  Illinois,  on  the  8th  of  November,  1876. 
He  is  a  son  of  P.  J.  and  Margaret  ( ]\Iullins  )  Murnighan.  The  father  was  em- 
ployed as  gardener  by  Judge  Davis,  a  position  which  he  held  for  forty-two  years. 
His  death  occurred  on  the  5th  of  August,  1894,  when  he  was  eighty-two  years  of 


56  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

age.  Ills  wife  passed  away  in  1884  and  they  are  l)oth  buried  in  the  Catholic 
cemetery. 

Bernard  Alurnighan  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  Bloomington  until 
he  was  thirteen  years  of  age.  At  that  time  he  laid  aside  his  text-books  and 
began  earning  his  own  livelihood  by  work  as  a  farm  hand.  He  was  first  employed 
by  a  cousin.  A.  Williams,  for  eleven  months.  Afterw-ard  he  returned  to  Bloom- 
ington and  was  employed  for  some  time  in  the  labeling  department  of  a  packing 
house,  but  on  the  17th  of  January,  1890,  he  entered  his  present  line  of  business. 
He  started  with  the  firm  of  Robert  Thompson  as  an  apprentice,  but  in  about  four 
years  he  had  worked  up  to  the  position  of  foreman  of  the  mattress  department. 
He  served  in  that  capacity  until  iSgg,  when  he  removed  to  New  York  city  and 
became  foreman  of  the  Acme  Bedding  Company.  After  two  years  he  accepted 
the  position  of  superintendent  of  the  Bohnart  Brunsman  Company.  Three  years 
later  he  returned  to  Bloomington  and  remained  there  as  foreman  of  the  Dodge- 
Dickinson  Company  until  in  March,  1910,  he  formed  the  present  company.  He 
has  since  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  and  is  at  present  serving  as  vice  president  and 
manager  of  the  Peoria  Bedding  Company.  He  has  worked  his  way  upward 
from  a  position  of  minor  importance  to  the  head  of  a  concern  which  has  a  wide 
reputation  as  reliable  manufacturers. 

On  the  13th  of  July,  1900.  Mr.  Murnighan  was  married  to  !Miss  Jeannette 
Kirby,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Kirby,  the  former  a  prominent  agri- 
culturist of  his  locality.  In  politics  Mr.  Murnighan  gives  his  support  to  the 
republican  party,  and  although  he  has  never  sought  nor  desired  office,  he  main- 
tains a  citizen's  interest  in  the  issues  of  the  day.  He  holds  membership  in  the 
Association  of  Commerce.  His  life  has  been  an  extremely  busv  and  useful  one. 
and  while  his  interests  have  brought  him  great  success,  his  work  has  always  been 
of  a  nature  which  benefits  the  community  as  well.  The  family  residence  is  located 
at  1508  Xorth  Madison  street. 


PETER  COLCORD  BARTLETT. 

It  is  not  given  to  the  majority  of  men  to  attain  prominence  in  military  or 
political  circles,  but  the  possibilities  of  a  successful  career  in  business  are  before 
every  individual.  The  attainment  of  success,  however,  attests  the  possession  of 
certain  essential  qualities.  These  are  industry,  concentration,  close  application 
and  firm  purpose  and  with  all  these  requisites  Peter  Colcord  Bartlett  was  richly 
endowed.  By  their  exercise  he  gained  a  creditable  position  in  business  circles 
and,  moreover,  his  was  a  notable  career  in  that  he  remained  actively  in  business 
to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  when  he  was  about  eighty-five  years  of 
a,ge.  He  was  born  February  13,  1826,  in  Salisbury.  Xew  Hampshire,  and  departed 
this  life  in  Peoria.  April  5,  191 1.  As  a  pioneer  merchant  and  representative 
business  man  he  certainly  deserves  mention  in  this  volume.  His  parents  were 
Peter  and  Anna  (Pettengill)  Bartlett.  The  father  was  a  capable  and  learned 
physician,  who  in  1836  removed  to  Peoria,  becoming  one  of  the  earliest  prac- 
titioners of  medicine  in  this  city  which  at  that  time  contained  a  very  limited  pop- 
ulation. He  was  a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  Xew  England  families,  among 
whose  members  were  many  who  attained  prominence,  their  names  being  closely 
associated  with  a  number  of  the  leading  educational  institutions  of  Xew  England, 
also  wdth  the  records  of  the  bar  and  the  medical  profession. 

Peter  C.  Bartlett  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town  and  also 
of  Peoria,  following  the  removal  of  the  family  to  this  place.  He  first  sought 
employment  as  a  clerk  in  a  general  store  and  his  initial  business  experience 
qualified  him  for  larger  responsibilities  at  a  later  date.  He  soon  entered  the 
employ  of  Pettengill  &  Bartlett,  proprietors  of  a  general  mercantile  establishment, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  57 

the  junior  partner  being  a  cousin  of  Peter  C.  L5artlctt.  While  thus  enipluyecl  the 
latter  carefully  saved  his  earnings  until  his  industry  and  economical  expenditure 
had  brought  him  a  sufficient  sum  to  enable  him  to  engage  in  business  on  his  own 
account  He  then  opened  a  grocery  store,  which  he  conducted  successfully  for 
twelve  years.  His  trade  grew  during  that  period  and  brought  him  substantial 
success.'  He  afterward  turned  his  attention  to  the  dry-goods  business,  forming 
a  partnership  with  A.  P.  Bartlett,  who  had  previously  been  his  employer  when 
a  member  of  the  firm  of  Pettengill  &  l^artlett.  The  connection  between  the 
cousins  was  discontinued  in  1877.  when  A.  P.  Bartlett  retired  from  business. 
The  following  year  Peter  C.  Bartlett  entered  the  revenue  service,  in  which  he 
continued  for  seven  vears.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  once  more  lie- 
came  connected  with  the  grocery  trade,  in  which  he  continued  successfully  up  to 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a'business  man  of  the  highest  type  and  the  straight- 
forward, honorable  policv  which  he  followed  is  still  being  pursued  by  his  son 
Kdward  P.  Bartlett,  who  is  his  successor  in  commercial  circles.  Despite  his 
eighty-five  years  he  went  each  day  to  his  oflice  and  continued  actively  in  business 
to  the  time  of  his  demise. 

On  the  I2th  of  November,  1851,  Mr.  Bartlett  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss 
.■\higail  Thompson,  and  unto  the'm  were  born  four  .sons  but  Henry  T.  Bartlett 
is  the  only  one  now  living.  The  wife  and  mother  passed  away  September  2, 
1861.  and 'Mr.  Bartlett  afterward  wedded  Margaret  Culbertson,  by  whom  he  had 
five  children:  Sue  Herron,  Nancy  Culbertson.  Edward  P.,  Lucy  Ellen  and  Wil- 
liam C.  There  are  two  granddaughters:  Alice  C,  a  daughter  of  Henry  T.  Bart- 
lett: and  Margaret  C,  a  daughter  of  Edward  P.  Bartlett. 

The  parents  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  were  people  of 
broad  and  liberal  views  and  of  charitable  spirit,  ever  ready  to  extend  a  helping 
hand  to  one  in  need  or  to  speak  an  encouraging  word.  In  business  afTairs  \Ir. 
Bartlett  was  conservative  yet  never  allowed  this  to  interfere  with  progressive- 
ness.  He  clung  tenaciously  to  a  cause  which  he  believed  to  be  right  and  his 
opinions  were  founded  upon  through  understanding  of  every  vital  question.  He 
was  a  well  read  man  and  he  was  fond  of  music.  He  had  many  lovable  traits  of 
character,  was  alwavs  considerate  of  the  opinions  of  others  and  his  friendship 
was  much  prized  by  all  to  whom  it  was  given.  There  are  no  exciting  chapters 
in  his  life  record  but  it  is  that  of  a  man  who  ever  recognized  his  duties  and  met 
his  obliijations. 


JAMES  B.  DOOLEY. 


lames  B.  Dooley  is  the  jiresident  of  the  firm  of  Dooley  Brothers,  agents  for 
the  Dujjont  powder  and  dynamite  and  wholesale  and  retail  coal  merchants  in 
Peoria,  having  their  offices  at  C104  South  Adams  street.  He  was  born  in  Nova 
Scotia,  Tnne  21,  1856,  the  son  of  Edward  and  Johanna  Dooley.  The  father 
followed  the  occupation  of  coal  mining.  He  passed  away  in  this  city  in  1888 
and  is  buried  in  St.  Mary's  cemetery. 

lames  B.  Dooley  attended  school  in  Nova  Scotia  until  he  was  ten  years  of  age 
when,  to  help  toward  the  support  of  the  family,  he  began  working  in  a  coal  mine 
and  followed  that  line  of  work  until  1886.  During  that  time  he  won  promotion 
and  attained  a  remunerative  position  in  the  business.  In  1881  he  came  to  Peoria 
and  here,  in  1887,  he  was  appointed  by  Mayor  Kinsey  as  a  policeman,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  for  two  years.  Subsequently  he  was  appointed  bridge  tender, 
holding  that  office  for  three  years.  Then,  he  and  his  brother,  Richard  A.  Dooley, 
started  the  business  with  which  they  are  now  connected.  They  have  met  with 
excellent  success  and  in   iqoS  is  was  incorporated  into  the  present  firm.     They 


58  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

are  the  only  Diipont  agents  in  Peoria.     Mr.  Dooley  is  also  president  of  the  East- 
ern Coal  Company,  the  mine  being  owned  by  himself  and  his  brother. 

In  Peoria,  on  the  25th  of  February,  1884,  'Sir.  Dooley  was  married  to  Miss 
Fredericka  Schultz,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  I\Irs.  Henry  Schultz.  The  father  is 
a  farmer  in  Peoria  county  and  an  old  settler  here.  To  Mr.  and  Airs.  Dooley  has 
been  born  one  son,  Edward,  who  is  the  cashier  of  the  Dooley  Brothers  Company. 
The  family  lives  at  713  Garden  street  in  a  residence  that  was  erected  in  1897. 
In  politics  Mr.  Dooley  is  a  democrat  and  he  and  his  family  adhere  to  the  faith 
of  the  Catholic  church.  Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Foresters  and  of  the  Loyal  Americans.  ]\Ir.  Doolev's  success  in  life  is  due  to 
his  energy,  persistence  and  business  management. 


HEXRY  MEANS   PINDELL. 

Henry  Means  Pindell  whose  name  figures  prominently  in  the  history  of 
journalism  in  Peoria  being  now  and  for  many  years  owner  and  proprietor  of  the 
leading  paper  of  the  city — the  Peoria  Journal — was  born  in  St.  Joseph,  Missouri, 
December  23,  i860.  He  is  a  son  of  James  Morrison  and  Elizabeth  Pindell  and 
comes  of  an  ancestry  honored  and  distinguished,  various  representatives  of  the 
family  having  figured  prominently  in  connection  with  events  that  have  left  their 
impress  upon  American  annals.  His  great-grandfather.  Dr.  Richard  Pindell. 
served  on  the  staff  of  General  ^^'ashington  in  the  Revolutionarv  war  and  dressed 
the  wounds  of  Lafayette  when  the  French  patriot  was  injured  in  battle  and  when 
twenty  years  afterward  he  visited  America  for  the  second  time,  he  was  enter- 
tained in  Lexington,  Kentucky,  at  the  home  of  Alajor  Thomas  R.  Pindell  the 
Doctor's  son.  James  Morrison  Pindell  was  an  own  cousin  of  Senator  Thomas 
Hart  Benton,  of  Missouri.  He  became  a  warm  and  personal  associate  of  Henrv 
Clay  who  was  his  guardian  and  with  whom  he  was  closely  connected  through 
Clay"s  political  career.  In  fact,  the  Clays  and  Pindells  were  for  years  verv  in- 
timate and  their  burying  lots  in  the  Kentucky  cemetery  adjoined.  The  great- 
grandmother  of  Henry  M.  Pindell  was  a  relative  of  Virginia's  first  governor. 
James  M.  Pindell  made  the  practice  of  law  his  life  work  and  his  professional 
career  added  laurels  to  an  honored  family  name.  In  theory,  in  person  and  in 
character,  Henry  Means  Pindell  is  a  worthy  scion  of  his  race.  His  intellectual 
training,  so  far  as  the  work  of  the  schoolroom  went  was  completed  in  the  De  Pauw 
University  at  Greencastle,  Indiana,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class 
of  1884.  -'^11  through  his  life  he  has  followed  journalism,  and  during  President 
Cleveland's  first  administration  was  editor  of  the  Wabash  (Indiana)  Times. 
Later  he  was  connected  with  The  Chicago  Tribune  and  from  that  paper  went  to 
The  State  Register  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  as  its  city  editor.  \\'hile  residing  at 
the  capitol  he  was  elected  city  treasurer,  serving  from  1887  until  1889,  under 
Mayor  Charles  E.  Hay.  a  brother  of  the  late  Honorable  John  Hay,  secretary 
of  state  during  President  AIcKinley's  administration. 

jMr.  Pindell  removed  from  Springfield  to  Peoria  in  1S89  and  founded  The 
Peoria  Herald.  Subsequently  he  purchased  The  Peoria  Transcript  and  The 
Peoria  Times,  but  sold  the  latter  to  J.  B.  Barnes,  proprietor  of  The  Peoria  Jour- 
nal and  consolidated  The  Transcript  and  The  Herald  under  the  name  of  The 
Herald-Transcript.  On  the  13th  of  July,  1902,  he  purchased  The  Journal  and 
in  October  of  that  year  sold  The  Herald-Transcript  to  a  number  of  business 
men,  republicans.  ]\Ir.  Pindell  continued  the  publication  of  The  Journal  and  has 
developed  it  according  to  the  most  modern  and  progressive  methods  of  news- 
paper publication  until  it  is  today  the  strongest  Peoria  newspaper,  stalwart  and 
vigorous  in  its  policy  in  keeping  in  touch  with  the  advance  movements  resulting 
from  the  wise  and  careful  consideration  of  the  vital  and  significant  problems  of 


11.   M.  PDSIDELL 


I-IISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  61 

tliL-  (lav.  The  Journal's  plant  is  the  best  equipped  in  tlie  city.  The  policy  of  the 
liapcr  has  ever  been  characterized  by  fearlessness  and  this  quality  has  ever 
featured  in  the  journalistic  and  private  activities  of  Air.  Pindell.  In  iSg6  and 
again  in  1900,  associated  with  The  Herald  in  the  former  year  and  with  The 
Herald-Transcript  in  the  latter.  Mr.  Pindell  repudiated  \\'iniam  Jennings  IJryan 
and  became  an  independent  with  democratic  leanings.  He  fought  the  free  silver 
craze.  He  was  wholly  responsible  for  the  death  of  the  infamous  Illinois  Allen 
law  which  gave  corporations  the  right  of  the  use  of  the  streets  for  fifty  years. 
He  has  always  vigorously  opposed  corporate  greed.  He  stands  for  the  interests 
of  the  people  at  large,  holding  also  to  the  policy  that  political  organizations 
should  he  operated  for  the  benefit  of  the  majority  rather  than  for  the  few.  In 
fact,  at  all  limes,  Mr.  Pindell  has  been  a  cham]iion  of  j^rogress  and  im]:)rovement 
and  this  spirit  has  led  to  his  official  interest  in  the  Peoria  Public  Library  and  the 
Peoria  Association  of  Commerce,  in  both  of  which  he  is  a  director.  He  was 
active  in  the  management  of  the  movement  for  the  commission  form  of  govern- 
ment in  the  state  and  Governor  Deneen  gives  him  credit  for  putting  the  law  on 
tlie  statute  books  of  Illinois. 

On  the  29th  of  October.  1890,  Mr.  Pindell  married  Miss  Eliza  Adelia  Smith, 
a  daughter  of  Honorable  P.  W.  Smith  of  Springfield,  whose  people  were  early 
pioneers  of  Illinois,  representing  a  i)rominent  southern  family.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pindell  have  two  children,  Elizabeth  and  Frances,  both  attending  school  in  the 
east.     The  parents  hold  membership  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  church. 

Mr.  Pindell  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Peoria  Country 
Club.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  for  two  years  was  president  of  the 
Illinois  Daily  Newspaper  Publishers  Association.  For  years  he  was  a  member  of 
the  board  of  the  Western  Division  of  the  Associated  Press.  His  strongly  marked 
personal  characteristics  are  of  the  highly  sensitive  nature  of  the  southern  type ; 
a  keen  and  analytical  mind  that  recognizes  the  advance  features  and  phases  of 
any  subject  to  which  his  attention  is  closely  directed,  and  therefore  arrives  at  a 
largely  impartial  opinion ;  a  generous  appreciation  of  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  others ;  and  a  deep  and  commendable  interest  in  ancestral  and  historical  records 
as  well  as  in  modern  day  events.  He  is  a  lover  of  a  good  horse  and  all  manly 
out-door  sports.  He  enjoys  a  game  of  golf  and  in  fact,  likes  a  game  of  chance 
which  calls  forth  his  metal  and  his  ability.  His  is  the  success  which  comes  to 
those  who,  as  a  Chicago  journalist  has  put  it,  "are  willing  to  stand  by  their  stand- 
ards, who  are  ready  to  endure  the  siege  of  misjudgment,  who  are  prepared  to 
face  the  fire  of  criticism  and  to  accept  defeat  until  they  become  vaccinated 
against  it."     .Such  men  not  onlv  win  but  deserve  their  success. 


CAL\TN  C.  SCHNEBLY. 

Throughdut  the  years  of  his  residence  in  Peoria  county — years  that  covered 
his  entire  life  span — Calvin  C.  Schnebly  was  connected  with  agricultural  in- 
terests. He  was  a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  and  prominent  families  of 
this  part  of  the  state,  his  father,  Henry  Schnebly,  having  arrived  in  Peoria 
county  in  1833.  in  which  year  he  traveled  across  the  country  from  Pennslyvania 
to  Illinois.  He  found  that  all  this  section  of  the  state  was  largely  wild  and  un- 
improved, its  prairies  covered  with  its  native  grasses  and  starred  with  a  million 
wild  flowers  during  the  summer  months  while  in  the  winter  season  the  plain 
presented  the  appearance  of  one  dazzling  and  unbroken  sheet  of  snow.  Here 
and  there  a  hardy  ])ioneer  had  braved  the  difficulties  of  frontier  life  to  establish 
a  home  in  the  far  west,  and  Henry  Schnebly,  wishing  to  become  identified  with 
farming  interests  in  this  part  of  the  state,  secured  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of  land  adjoining  Peoria,  which  was  then  but  a  tiny  hamlet. 


62  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

It  was  upon  the  old  homestead  farm  that  Calvin  C.  Schnebly  was  born  and 
reared,  his  natal  day  being  March  lo,  1845.  His  education  was  largely  acquired 
in  the  district  schools  of  that  early  day,  although  for  a  short  time  he  attended 
Dixon  ( Illinois )  College.  In  the  meantime  he  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm, 
and  after  permanently  putting  aside  his  text-books  he  remained  on  the  old  home- 
stead, bearing  his  part  in  the  work  of  converting  the  tract  into  rich  and  productive 
fields.  Following  his  father's  death  he  became  owner  and  manager  of  the  prop- 
erty which  he  continued  to  cultivate  until  his  own  demise  on  the  15th  of  Septem- 
ber, 1905,  when  he  was  sixty  years  of  age.  He  was  a  progressive  agriculturist, 
following  modern  methods  of  tilling  the  soil  and  caring  for  the  crops,  and  in  his 
cultivation  of  the  fields  he  used  the  latest  improved  machines.  He  was  a  man  of 
rather  quiet  and  retiring  disposition,  yet  his  friends  ever  found  him  congenial 
and  hospitable,  extending  a  hearty  welcome  to  all  who  passed  his  threshold.  He 
enjoyed  nature  in  all  its  forms  and  life  in  the  open  fields  under  the  blue  sky  and 
in  the  clear  air  was  ever  a  source  of  joy  to  him. 

Mr.  Schnebly  was  twice  married.  He  first  married  Miss  Jennie  Chambers 
and  they  became  the  parents  of  five  children,  two  of  whom  reached  adult  years, 
namely,'  Lucy  C.  and  Alice  W.,  but  the  latter  is  now  deceased.  The  mother 
passed  away' September  18.  1890,  and  Mr.  Schnebly  afterward  married  her  sis- 
ter. Miss  Lucy  Chambers,  who  still  survives  him  as  does  his  brother.  Joseph 
Schnebly,  of  Peoria,  and  two  sisters,  Mrs.  T.  C.  Rounds,  of  Chicago,  and  Mrs. 
George  Treadwell,  of  Albany.  Xew  York. 

Politically  Mr.  Schnebly  was  a  republican,  indorsing  the  principles  of  the 
party  from  the  time  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  He  served 
as  school  trustee  for  many  years,  and  the  cause  of  education  ever  found  in  him 
a  stalwart  champion.  Shortly  before  his  death  he  was  elected  supervisor  of 
Peoria  county,  and  in  that  position  was  proving  capable  and  faithful.  He  was 
also  a  trustee'  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church  and  one  of  its  active  and  devoted 
members  to  the  time  of  his  death  which  occurred  when  he  was  sixty  years  of  age. 
He  had  always  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  county,  and  was  a  witness  of  or  par- 
ticipant in  many  events  which,  to  the  majority,  are  merely  matters  of  history. 


JOHN  CONRAD  WOELFLE. 

Among  the  highly  esteemed  pioneer  business  men  of  Peoria  who  are  now 
living  retired  must  be  numbered  John  Conrad  Woelfle,  who  has  resided  here  for 
fifty  years,  during  forty  of  which  he  owned  and  successfully  conducted  a  jewelry 
store'  He  was  born  iii  Baden,  Germany,  on  the  i6th  of  January,  1843.  and  is  a 
son  of  John  Jacob  and  Agnes  (Kienzle)  Woelfle,  likewi.se  natives  of  Baden, 
where  they  passed  away  during  the  early  childhood  of  our  subject. 

Reared  in  the  land  of  his  birth,  after  the  completion  of  his  studies  in  the  com- 
mon schools,  John  Conrad  Woelfle  was  apprenticed  to  the  watchmaker's  trade, 
which  he  followed  in  Germany  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  In  the  au- 
tumn of  1861,  together  with  his  sister.  Anna  Marie,  he  took  passage  for  the 
United  States  to  join  his  brother  John  J.,  who  had  emigrated  to  this  country 
about  three  years  previously.  John  J.  Woelfle  was  then  located  at  Peoria,  but 
he  subsequently  removed  to  Pekin,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  the  jewelry  busi- 
ness. Being  unfamiliar  with  the  language  and  customs  of  the  country,  John  Con- 
rad W'oelfle  followed  various  occupations  after  coming  to  this  country.  Finally 
he  took  a  position  with  his  brother  at  Pekin  as  watchmaker,  but  he  later  entered 
the  employ  of  John  C.  Wieting  of  Peoria.  It  was  his  ambition  to  have  an  estab- 
lishment of  his  own  and  with  this  thought  in  mind  he  practiced  the  most  rigid 
economy  until  he  had  accumulated  the  necessary  capital.  He  achieved  his  desire 
on  the    1st  of  Deceml)er,    1S71.   when  he  resigned   his  position   and   engaged   in 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  63 

Imsiness  for  himself  at  122  Adams  street,  this  city.  Owing  to  his  limited  means 
it  was  necessary  for  him  to  begin  in  a  small  way,  but  he  used  excellent  judgment 
in  investing  his  money,  and  when  he  threw  open  the  doors  of  his  little  shop  to 
the  holiday  trade,  he  had  on  dis])lay  an  attractive  assortment  of  silverware  and 
jewelry.  The  Peoria  of  forty  years  ago  bore  little  resemblance  to  the  thriving 
populous  city  of  today,  and  in  the  smaller  cmnmunity  the  e.xcellent  skill  and 
workmanship  that  Mr.  WoelUe  had  manifested  during  the  years  of  his  clerkship, 
had  made  him  favorably  known  and  enabled  him  in  winning  recognition  with 
little  diificulty  and  building  up  a  trade.  He  remained  at  his  original  stand  for 
thirty-two  years  and  then  removed  to  number  112  South  Adams  street.  Here 
he  continued  to  engage  in  business  until  the  8th  of  May,  191 1,  when  he  sold  his 
store  to  W'elte  &  Wieting  and  retired  from  active  business,  having  acquired 
during  the  long  period  of  his  connection  with  commercial  activities  sufficient 
means  to  warrant  his  retirement.  When  he  sold  out,  his  was  the  second  oldest 
jewelry  store  in  the  city,  the  oldest  being  that  of  Jacob  Faber.  As  he  had  l)ut 
limited  capital  when  he  started  out  Mr.  Woelfle  had  more  or  less  of  a  struggle 
to  get  his  business  established,  meeting  with  the  obstacles  and  difficulties  that 
confront  practically  every  young  man.  However,  he  possessed  the  determination 
of  purpose  and  optimism  that  enabled  him  to  forge  ahead  until  he  was  perma- 
nentlv  established  on  a  paying  basis.  The  methods  he  pursued  and  his  business 
policy  together  with  his  high  standards  of  commercial  integrity  won  for  him  the 
respect  and  cooperation  of  those  with  whom  he  had  transactions  and  enabled 
him  not  onlv  to  win  customers  but  to  retain  them,  so  that  many  of  the  names 
appearing  on  his  books  when  he  retired  bad  been  there  for  more  than  a  quarter 
of  a  century. 

On  the  1st  of  November,  1888,  Mr.  Woelfle  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
.Amelia  Hesler,  a  native  of  Peoria  and  a  daughter  of  .Vugust  Hesler,  who  was 
well  known  ;i.mong  the  early  settlers  in  Peoria  and  is  now  deceased.  One 
daughter  has  been  born  to  Air.  and  Mrs.  Woelfle.  Amelia,  who  is  eighteen  years 
of  age  and  a  junior  in  the  Bradley  Polytechnic.  The  family  home  is  located  at 
413  North  Jefferson  street,  where  they  own  a  very  comfortable  and  pleasant 
residence. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woelfle  hold  membership  in  the  Lutheran  church,  and 
fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  while 
in  ]3olitics  he  is  a  democrat.  During  the  long  period  of  his  connection  with  the 
business  interests  of  the  city.  Mr.  Woelfle  witnessed  ])ractically  a  transforma- 
tion in  commercial  methods  owing  to  the  advent  of  modern  inventions  and  ap- 
pliances that  have  revolutionized  trade  conditions  and  placed  the  United  States 
in  the  front  rank  among  the  nations  of  the  world.  Although  he  has  always  been 
loyal  to  the  land  of  his  birth,  which  he  dee])ly  admires,  Mr.  Woelfle  has  never 
had  occasion  to  regret  coming  to  America,  where  he  has  achieved  more  than  a 
moderate  degree  of  success. 


E.   E.    HARDING. 


E.  E.  Harding,  a  representative  of  the  legal  fraternity  in  Peoria,  with  offices 
at  No.  107  South  Adams  street,  has  here  practiced  his  ])rofession  continuously 
and  successfully  for  almost  three  decades.  His  birth  occurred  in  this  city  on  the 
13th  of  January,  1858,  his  parents  being  John  J.  and  Jane  (Greenough)  Hard- 
ing. In  1845  the  father  crossed  the  Atlantic  from  England  to  the  United  States, 
making  his  way  direct  to  Peoria.  He  came  here  with  less  than  a  dollar  in  his 
pocket  but  by  dint  of  unremitting  industry  and  careful  expenditure  gradually 
augumented  his  financial  resources  and  acquired  over  four  hundred  acres  of 
valuable  land  in  Peoria  county.     In  politics  he  was  a  stanch  rei^ublican,  loyally 


64  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

supporting  the  men  and  measures  of  that  party.  He  reared  six  sons,  one  of 
whom,  Robert  G.,  passed  away  and  was  buried  in  this  county.  All  of  the  others, 
with  the  exception  of  our  subject  are  agriculturists  by  occupation.  They  are 
as  follows:  John  J.,  who  acts  as  supervisor  of  Logan  township;  Henry  W.,  who 
was  formerly  supervisor  and  now  holds  the  office  of  assessor  of  Rosefield  town- 
ship ;  William  W.,  residing  in  Brimfield  township,  who  is  engaged  in  the  raising 
of  Duroc  Jersey  hogs ;  and  Judson,  who  resides  at  Trivoli,  near  where  is  located 
the  Texas  cemetery,  in  which  the  family  has  a  burial  lot. 

E.  E.  Harding  obtained  his  early  education  in  a  district  school  on  one  of  his 
father's  farms  and  remained  under  the  parental  roof  until  nineteen  years  of 
age.  He  then  came  to  Peoria  and  attended  the  Peoria  County  Normal  School 
until  graduated  from  that  institution  in  1879.  During  the  next  three  years  he 
followed  the  profession  of  teaching  in  this  county,  imparting  clearly  and  readily 
to  others  the  knowledge  he  had  acquired.  Subsequently  he  began  reading  law 
with  lulius  Star,  former  city  attorney,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  the  end 
of  two  years — on  the  26th  day  of  February,  1883.  From  that  time  to  the  present 
he  has  devoted  his  attention  to  the  practice  of  law  in  Peoria  and  has 
enjoyed  an  enviable  clientage.  At  no  time  has  his  reading  ever  been  confined 
to  the  limitations  of  the  question  at  issue.  It  has  gone  beyond  and  compassed 
every  contingency  and  provided  not  alone  for  the  expected  but  for  the  unex- 
pected, which  happens  in  the  courts  quite  as  frequently  as  out  of  them.  Mr. 
Harding  is  also  a  prominent  factor  in  business  circles,  acting  as  secretary  of  the 
W.  U.  Hanford  Company  and  the  E.  L.  Stevens  Company. 

On  the  28th  of  November,  1883,  at  Trivoli,  Air.  Harding  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Aliss  Emma  Linck,  daughter  of  Jacob  Linck,  a  pioneer  settler  of  Peoria 
county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harding  have  two  daughters  and  a  son,  namely:  Agnes, 
who  is  a  graduate  of  the  Whittier  school  and  also  has  an  excellent  musical  edu- 
cation, is  now  soloist  at  the  First  Baptist  church ;  Edith,  a  graduate  of  the  Tri- 
voli high  school ;  and  Jacob  Weston,  a  lad  of  seven.  The  family  residence  is  at 
No.  323  Pennsylvania  avenue,  our  subject  owning  the  property. 

At  the  polls  Air.  Harding  supports  the  men  and  measures  of  the  republican 
partv,  believing  that  its  principles  are  most  conducive  to  good  government.  For 
a  period  of  four  years,  from  1893  to  1897,  he  held  the  offices  of  justice  of  the 
peace.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Maccabees  and  the  Moose,  while 
in  the  line  of  his  profession  he  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  Bar  Association. 
In  the  county  where  his  entire  life  has  been  spent,  he  is  well  known  as  an  able 
attorney,  enterprising  lousiness  man  and  public-spirited  citizen. 


RUDOLPH    A.    SCHBIPFF. 

It  is  appropriate  that  mention  be  made  of  Rudolph  A.  Schimpff  among  the 
German-American  residents  of  Peoria,  for  through  an  extended  period  covering 
the  greater  part  of  his  life  he  resided  in  this  city  and  for  many  years  was  well 
known  here  as  a  leading  grocer,  in  which  connection  he  developed  a  business  of 
extensive  and  gratifying  proportions  that  enabled  him  to  spend  his  later  years 
in  quiet  retirement.  He  was  born  Alarch  13,  1836,  in  Landau,  Bavaria,  Germany, 
a  son  of  Carl  W.  and  Elizabeth  (Schimpff)  Schimpff,  who,  upon  coming  to 
America  in  1850,  at  once  made  their  way  into  the  interior  of  the  country  with 
Peoria  as  their  destination.  The  father  was  one  of  the  pioneer  grocers  of  this 
city  and  ranked  with  the  leading  business  men  of  that  earlv  dav. 

Rudolph  A.  Schimpff  began  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  land 
where  he  remained  until  fourteen  years  of  age  when  he  accompanied  his  parents 
on  their  immigration  to  the  new  world.  He  also  pursued  a  course  of  study  for 
a  short  time  in  the  schools  of  Peoria,  and  afterward  became  his  father's  assis- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  65 

tant  in  the  business,  working  for  him  until  1S59.  Desiring  to  enter  upon  an 
independent  career  he  then  opened  a  grocery  store  on  his  own  account  and  con- 
tinued in  that  hue  of  trade  until  a  few  years  prior  to  his  death.  As  time  passed 
on  he  developed  a  btisiness  of  large  and  growing  importance.  In  all  his  trade 
dealings  he  was  strictly  reliable,  never  taking  advantage  of  the  necessity  of  an- 
other, and  his  well  selected  line  of  goods  and  his  earnest  desire  to  please  his 
patrons  were  features  in  his  success.  He  was  justly  accounted  one  of  the  prom- 
inent and  well  known  merchants  of  Peoria  during  the  latter  part  of  the  nine- 
teenth century. 

On  the  Sth  of  February,  1S65,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Air.  Schimptif 
and  Miss  Henrietta  Haedicke,  who  was  born  in  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  on 
October  i,  1843,  a  daughter  of  Adolph  and  Hanna  (Brautigam)  Haedicke,  who 
were  early  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  state,  coming  from  Germany  to  the  new 
world.  Air.  and  Airs.  Schimpfif  became  the  parents  of  four  children,  of  whom 
Earnest  G.  and  Harriet  \V.  are  now  deceased.  Those  still  living  are  Louise, 
who  was  born  October  4,  1868,  and  Anna,  born  January  17,  1876,  both  yet  at 
home  with  their  mother.  Air.  Schimpit  was  devoted  to  his  family,  spending 
his  happiest  hotirs  at  his  own  fireside. 

Air.  Schimpff's  political  indorsement  was  given  to  the  republican  party,  yet 
the  honors  and  emoluments  of  office  had  no  attraction  for  him.  He  was  a  man 
of  unfaltering  honor  whose  word  was  as  good  as  his  bond.  He  died  August  18, 
1891,  when  fifty-five  years  of  age,  having  for  forty-one  years  been  a  resident 
of  Peoria.  He  had  witnessed  the  development  of  the  city  from  a  comparatively 
small  town  to  one  of  the  metropolitan  cities  of  the  middle  west,  and  as  the  years 
passed  on  he  cooperated  to  the  extent  of  his  opporttmitv  in  all  that  pertained 
to  public  progress  and  improvement.  At  the  same  time  he  carefully  conducted 
his  business  interests,  knowing  his  first  duty  was  to  his  fainily  for  whom  he  pro- 
vided a  comfortable  living  and  at  his  death  left  them  a  goodly  competence. 


JAMES  AI.  MORSE. 


Among  the  permanent  business  and  professional  men  of  Peoria  is  James  AI. 
Morse,  an  extensive  owner  of  real  estate,  with  offices  at  No.  105  South  Jefferson 
street,  who  has  been  operating  here  since  1884.  Air.  Alorse  was  born  in  Peoria, 
Illinois,  August  22.  1854,  a  son  of  John  H.  and  Almira  C.  (Childs)  Alorse.  The 
lather,  from  1844  to  1875,  was  a  well  known  jeweler  in  this  city.  He  was  born 
in  Dedham,  Alassachusetts,  Alarch  13,  1823,  and  was  reared  and  educated  in 
the  state  of  his  nativity.  His  tastes  and  inclinations  were  toward  the  jewelry 
business  and  he  became  a  goldsmith  while  yet  a  young  man.  Shortly  after  mas- 
tering the  details  of  his  trade  he  married  at  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  Alay  3,  1847, 
Miss  Almira  Childs  of  West  Woodstock,  Connecticut,  and  with  his  wife,  came 
to  Peoria  on  their  bridal  tour.  They  were  so  much  pleased  with  the  then  western 
city  that  they  decided  to  locate  here  and  remained  residents  of  Peoria  until  1875, 
when  they  moved  to  Evanston.  Illinois,  where  Air.  Alorse  was  made  superinten- 
dent of  Rose  Hill  cemetery,  a  position  which  he  held  until  his  death  in  1897. 
Subsequently  Airs.  Alorse  returned  to  Peoria,  where  he  is  now  making  her  home 
with  the  subject  of  this  review.  She  is  now  eighty-three  vears  of  age,  her  birth 
having  occurred  in  Connecticut  in  1829.  Her  husband,  John  H.  Alorse,  was  also 
well  known  in  Peoria  as  an  inventor  of  unusual  talent.  In  1858-1860  he  received 
from  the  government  patents  on  many  of  the  safe  and  vault  locks  of  that  day, 
some  of  which  are  still  in  u.se.  In  1872-1873,  he  patented  the  first  '■hollow-arm" 
twine  grain  binder. 

James  AI.  Alorse  was  reared  in  Peoria,  attending  the  graded  and  high  schools 
of  the  city  until  graduated  therefrom.     He  then  took  up  the  reading  of  law  with 


66 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 


Major  Wells,  with  whum  he  practiced  uniil  1884,  having  been  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1875.  In  1884  he  gave  up  the  practice  of  his  profession  to  enter  the  real  estate 
business  with  John  Comstock.  This  partnership  was  continued  until  the  death  of 
Mr.  Comstock  in  1905,  whereupon  Mr.  Morse  succeeded  to  the  entire  business. 
The  real  estate  activities  of  the  firm  included  practically  the  handling  of  their  own 
properties,  and  since  the  death  of  his  partner  Mr.  Alorse  has  handled  not  only 
his  own  affairs  but  also  the  former  business  interests  of  Mr.  Comstock.  His 
holdings  and  dealings  in  city  property,  which  has  always  been  his  specialty, 
are  extensive  and  varied. 

In  1875  Mr.  Morse  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Agnes  L.  Armstrong,  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  Alexander  Armstrong.  Mr.  Morse  is  identified  w^ith  the 
Masonic  fraternitv  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Peoria  Country 
Clubs,  being  active  and  prominent  in  these  organizations.  As  the  entire  life  of 
Mr.  Morse  has  been  passed  in  Peoria,  he  has  by  his  geniality  and  many  other 
good  qualities  attracted  to  himself  a  large  number  of  business  and  social  friends 
and  not  many  men  in  the  city  are  held  in  higher  esteem. 


CLIFFORD  U.  COLLINS,  M.  D. 

The  medical  and  surgical  profession  finds  one  of  its  most  eminent  and  capable 
representatives  in  Dr.  Clifford  U.  Collins,  whose  offices  are  located  in  the  Jeft"er- 
son  building  and  who  is  now  concentrating  his  energies  entirely  upon  surgical 
work,  in  which  connection  he  manifests  superior  skill  as  the  result  of  wide  study, 
thorough  research  and  long  experience.  He  was  born  in  Batavia,  Ohio,  Decem- 
ber 17,  1867,  and  is  a  son  of  John  D.  and  Martha  (Cox)  Collins.  His  father  was 
a  native  of  Clinton  county,  Ohio,  born  September  17.  1838,  and  was  a  son  of 
Samuel  P.  Collins,  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  who  wedded  Nancy  Dalton,  who 
was  also  born  in  the  old  Granite  state.  Removing  westward  he  settled  in  Clinton 
county,  Ohio,  in  1830,  becoming  one  of  the  pioneer  residents  of  that  district, 
which  was  then  a  wild  and  undeveloped  region  in  which  the  work  of  improvement 
had  scarcely  been  begun.  He  became  the  owner  of  a  large  farm  and  devoted  the 
greater  part  of  his  life  to  its  cultivation  and  improvement.  The  death  of  the 
grandfather  occurred  when  he  was  sixty-nine  years  of  age  and  his  wife  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  forty-two  years.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  Dr.  Collins  was 
Aaron  Cox,  who  was  born  in  Randolph  county,  North  Carolina,  June  6,  1800,  and 
whose  life  record  covered  the  intervening  span  of  years  to  the  3d  of  February, 
1883.  He  wedded  Mary  Bailey,  who  was  born  in  March,  1820,  and  died  at  the 
age  of  seventy-nine  years.  They  were  of  the  Quaker  faith  and  were  stanch  advo- 
cates of  the  abolition  cause. 

lohn  D.  Collins,  the  Doctor's  father,  acquired  a  good  education  while  spend- 
ing his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof,  and  having  arrived  at  years  of 
maturity  was  married,  on  the  23th  of  September,  1859,  to  Miss  Martha  Cox,  who 
was  born  in  Auglaize  county,  Ohio,  January  21,  1839.  The  young  couple  began 
their  domestic  life  in  Ohio  but  in  1862  John  D.  Collins  put  aside  all  personal  and 
business  considerations  in  order  to  prove  his  loyalty  to  the  Union  cause  by  active 
service  at  the  front.  The  country  was  then  engaged  in  Civil  war  and  he  felt  that 
it  needed  the  aid  of  all  loyal  citizens.  In  1862,  therefore,  he  enlisted,  becoming  a 
member  of  Company  K,  Seventy-Ninth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  with  which  he 
served  as  a  sharpshooter  for  three  years.  During  that  period  he  went  with  Sher- 
man on  the  celebrated  march  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea  and  when  the  war  was  over 
he  was  mustered  out  at  Washington,  D.  C.  He  participated  in  the  grand  review 
in  the  capital  which  was  the  most  celebrated  military  pageant  ever  seen  in  the 
western  hemisphere,  thousands  of  victorious  Union  soldiers  marching  down  Penn- 
svlvania  avenue  over  which  was  suspended  a  banner  bearing  the  words  "The  only 


CLIFFORD  V.  COLLINS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  69 

debt  wliicli  the  ciiuntrv  owes  that  she  canimt  pay  is  the  debt  which  she  owes  to 
her  solthers." 

The  war  over,  Mr.  Collins  returned  tu  his  home  in  Ohio,  where  he  remained 
until  1873,  when  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Vandalia,  Illinois.  He  became 
a  prominent  factor  of  Fayette  county,  this  state,  acting  as  principal  of  the  schools 
of  \andalia  and  also  of  Ramsey.  He  turned  from  professional  life  to  commer- 
cial pursuits,  however,  in  187S,  when  he  embarked  in  general  merchandising  at 
\'andalia,  where  he  successfully  continued  for  many  years.  John  Collins  and  his 
wife  were  people  of  sterling  worth  whose  influence  and  labors  were  always  given 
on  the  side  of  advancement,  reform  and  improvement.  They  were  especially 
active  in  support  of  the  temperance  cause,  Mr.  Collins  voting  for  many  years  with 
the  prohibition  party  of  which  he  was  an  active  worker,  while  his  wife  was  very 
prominent  in  the  Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union. 

Dr.  Clifford  U.  Collins  was  not  yet  six  years  of  age  when  the  family  removed 
from  Ohio  to  \'andalia,  where  he  pursued  his  education  until  graduated  from 
the  high  school  of  that  city  with  the  class  of  1885.  He  then  turned  to  the  pro- 
fession of  teaching  as  his  initial  experience  in  the  business  world,  devoting  five 
years  to  that  work.  He  was  first  employed  as  teacher  in  the  country  schools  but 
later  became  principal  of  the  \'andalia  schools.  However,  he  regarded  school 
teaching  merely  as  a  step  toward  other  professional  labor  and  with  a  desire  to  be- 
come an  active  member  of  the  medical  profession  he  entered  upon  a  course  of 
studv  in  the  Marion  Sims  College  of  Medicine  in  that  city.  Following  his  grad- 
uation there  in  1892  he  practiced  for  two  years  in  \'andalia  and  then  removed  to 
.\vervville,  Peoria  county,  on  the  ist  of  April,  1893.  Success  attended  him  in  his 
efforts  at  that  place  and  won  him  a  reputation  which  made  him  well  known  in 
Peoria.  Seeking  the  broader  field  of  labor  oft'ered  by  the  city  he  came  to  Peoria  in 
1904  and  after  continuing  in  general  practice  for  a  time  he  determined  to  devote 
his  energies  exclusively  to  surgical  work,  in  which  field  of  practice  he  displays 
marked  skill  and  ability,  having  comprehensive  knowledge  of  anatomy,  the  com- 
]ionent  parts  of  the  human  body  and  the  onslaughts  made  upon  it  by  disease. 
Cool  and  quiet  in  an  emergency,  he  is  well  adapted  for  the  difficult  and  arduous 
duties  that  continuously  devolve  upon  the  surgeon. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  1890,  in  Vandalia,  Dr.  Collins  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Belle  Henry  and  unto  them  has  been  born  a  daughter,  Constance.  Mrs. 
Collins  is  a  daughter  of  Judge  B.  W.  Henry,  who  was  born  in  Shelby  county  in 
1834  and  for  many  years  practiced  law  in  ^'andalia.  His  father,  the  Rev.  Bush- 
ford  Henrv,  who  for  an  extended  period  resided  in-  Shelbyville,  Illinois,  was  one 
of  the  ]5ioneer  preachers,  contributing  to  the  moral  progress  and  development  of 
that  district.  His  son,  B.  W.  Henry,  determined  to  devote  his  life  to  the  practice 
of  law  and  ultimately  attained  to  high  judicial  honors  in  that  connection.  He 
married  Sarah  Johnson,  who  was  born  in  Pocahontas,  Illinois,  in  1842. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Collins  are  well  known  socially  in  Peoria  and  throughout  the 
county  where  they  have  an  extensive  circle  of  warm  friends.  He  is  identified 
with  several  fraternal  organizations  including  the  Supreme  Court  of  Honor,  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  .America  and  the  Royal  Neighbors.  In  strictly  professional 
lines  he  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Med- 
ical Societv,  the  American  Aledical  Association  and  the  Western  Surgical  Asso- 
ciation. Through  the  proceedings  of  these  bodies  he  keeps  in  close  touch  with 
what  is  being  done  by  eminent  members  of  the  profession  and  in  his  work  em- 
ploys the  most  modern  and  scientific  methods.  There  has  been  marvelous  ad- 
vance in  the  practice  of  surgery  in  the  past  quarter  of  a  century  and  Dr.  Collins 
is  thoroughly  informed  concerning  the  work  of  the  most  eminent  members  of 
the  profession  throughout  the  country. 

Although  Dr.  Collins'  professional  duties  are  arduous,  yet  few  physicians  have 
their  time  better  systematized.  He  has  recently  added  to  his  activities  by  his  elec- 
tion to  the  presidency  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce,  a  position  which 

Vol.  n— 4 


70  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

he  entered  upon  the  resignation  of  Douglas  H.  Bethard.  On  March  25th  the 
directors  of  the  association  called  a  meeting  to  decide  upon  a  successor  to  the 
office.  A  few  hours  before  the  meeting.  Dr.  Collins  was  informed  that  he  had 
been  selected  as  the  dark  horse  candidate  for  the  presidency.  But  instead  of  being 
the  dark  horse  candidate,  when  the  meeting  was  called  to  order,  Dr.  Collins  was 
unanimously  proclaimed  head  of  the  big  association.  This  was  a  tribute  to  the 
acknowledged  executive  ability  of  the  Doctor,  and  to  the  complete  confidence 
which  his  fellow  citizens  repose  in  him. 


JOHN  J.  HARDING,  Jr. 

John  J.  Harding,  Jr.,  who  engages  extensively  in  agricultural  pursuits  in 
Logan  township,  was  born  in  Peoria  on  November  28,  1851.  He  is  the  son  of 
John  J.  and  Jane  (  Greenough)  Harding,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Eng- 
land, the  father  born  in  Bratton  Fleming,  Devonshire,  June  3,  1819,  and  the 
mother  in  Lancashire,  July  14,  1830.  The  paternal  grandparents,  John  and 
Mary  (Gill)  Harding,  were  also  natives  of  England  and  resided  there  all  their 
lives,  the  grandmother  dying  at  the  age  of  ninety.  John  J.  Harding,  Sr.,  left 
England  for  America  on  April  4,  1845,  landing  at  New  York,  and  thence  came 
to  Chicago  by  the  water  route  and  from  there  with  team  and  wagon  to  Peoria, 
where  he  arrived  June  24.  For  some  time  he  was  employed  as  clerk  in  a  com- 
mission house  but  in  1861  he  moved  to  Logan  township,  settling  on  a  tract  of 
eighty  acres  on  section  5.  Later  he  removed  to  Rosefield  township,  where  he 
purchased  eighty  acres  on  section  32  and  to  this  afterward  added  one  hundred 
and  fifty  acres  on  sections  30  and  31.  He  was  twice  married,  his  first  union 
being  with  JNIiss  Sarah  Tucker,  whom  he  wedded  in  England,  March  29,  1845, 
and  who  died  in  Peoria  in  September,  1847.  His  second  union  was  with  Aliss 
Jane  Greenough,  who  was  a  daughter  of  James  and  Jane  (Pilkington)  Green- 
ough, who  came  from  England  to  America  in  1842  and  settled  in  Brimfield  town- 
ship, Peoria  county.  To  John  J.  and  Jane  (Greenough)  Harding  were  born 
six  sons.  The  parents  celebrated  their  golden  wedding  January  9,  1901,  and 
the  father  died  just  six  days  later,  on  the  isth  of  January,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
one  years,  while  the  mother  passed  away  January  5,   1906. 

John  J.  Harding,  Jr.,  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  when  twenty- 
four  years  of  age  his  father  gave  him  forty  acres  of  land  which  was  then  valued 
at  sixty  dollars  an  acre  and  is  now  worth  one  liundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  acre. 
In  1891  he  purchased  another  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  for  which  he  paid 
thirty-eight  dollars  per  acre  and  which  is  now  valued  at  ninety  dollars  per  acre. 
He  engages  extensively  in  raising  grain  and  live  stock.  He  markets  yearly  from 
fifty  to  one  hundred  hogs,  has  sixteen  head  of  horses  and  yearly  raises  from  two 
to  five  colts  and  about  ten  head  of  cattle.  He  has  fifty-five  acres  in  corn,  twenty- 
five  acres  in  wheat,  forty-five  acres  in  oats  and  fifty  acres  in  pasture  land.  He 
now  sells  his  grain  at  Eden  but  when  he  first  came  to  his  present  farm  his  near- 
est market  was  Peoria. 

In  1875  ]\Ir.  Harding  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ida  A.  Green,  of  Rose- 
field  township,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  three  sons  and  one  daughter. 
The  eldest  son,  Ira  J.,  died  in  November,  1910.  The  daughter,  Laura  I\Iay,  was 
born  in  1878  and  is  at  home.  The  second  son,  Walter  E.,  was  born  in  1881  and 
remained  on  the  home  farm  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  when  he  went  to 
Hanna  City,  where  he  was  employed  as  engineer  for  the  Applegate  &  Lewis  Coal 
Company  until  November,  1910,  when  he  returned  to  the  farm.  In  1907  he 
married  Miss  Fay  Scott  and  they  have  one  child.  Harley  E.  William  C.  Hard- 
ing, who  completes  the  family,  was  born  in  1883  and  was  married  in  1907.     He 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  71 

engages   in   farming   in   Rosefield   township,   where   he   owns   one   hundred   and 
twenty  acres  of  land. 

In  poHtics  Mr.  Harding  is  a  repubhcan  and  he  served  as  assessor  of  Logan 
township  from  1907  to  191 1  and  in  April,  191 1,  was  made  township  supervisor. 
He  has  been  very  successful  and  besides  his  farming  interests  is  a  member  of  the 
Farmers'  Telephone  Association  and  of  the  Farmers'  Fire  &  Lightning  Insur- 
ance Company.  He  and  his  family  are  all  members  of  the  Baptist  church  at 
Trivoli.  Mr.  Harding  is  a  well  known  man  throughout  the  community,  has 
been  very  prosperous  and  is  highly  respected  by  all  his  acquaintances. 


EDWARD  WHITE. 


Edward  White,  president  and  manager  of  the  Amole  Soap  Company  of 
Peoria,  was  born  in  Purlington,  Iowa,  September  21,  185 1.  His  parents  were 
among  the  first  settlers  of  that  state,  his  father  emigrating  to  Michigan  territory, 
as  Iowa  was  then  called,  in  1833.  while  the  mother  became  a  resident  of  that 
territory  in  1835.  At  an  early  age  Edward  \Miite  entered  the  employ  of  the 
Burlington  Hawkeye  and  by  devoting  all  of  his  spare  time  to  study  and  reading, 
liecame  a  writer  as  well  as  a  practical  printer.  In  1874  he  went  to  Chicago  and 
soon  afterward  became  one  of  the  founders  of  the  first  literary  magazine  pub- 
lished west  of  the  Alleghany  mountains — The  Northwestern — its  publishers  be- 
ing the  firm  of  Street,  White  &  Bowen.  In  1876  ^Ir.  White  went  to  northwest- 
ern Missouri,  where  he  engaged  in  the  publication  of  a  country  newspaper,  being 
thus  connected  with  journalistic  interests  in  Missouri  and  Kansas  until  1884, 
when  he  returned  to  Chicago  and  ptirsued  literary  work  for  several  years.  In 
1892  he  went  to  New  York,  where  he  remained  for  several  years,  doing  editorial 
work  on  The  Bankers  Magazine,  The  Banking  Law  Journal,  Leslie's  Weekly, 
The  New  York  Commercial  and  other  publications.  In  1903  he  established  the 
Monetary  Record  of  St.  Louis  and  in  1907  founded  the  industrial  magazine. 
Industry,  at  Pittsburg.  He  has  edited  and  published  several  hooks  on  indus- 
trial and  financial  subjects  and  has  written  exhaustive  commercial  and  financial 
reviews  on  all  of  the  large  cities  of  the  United  States.  In  May,  191 1,  he  came 
to  Peoria  and  engaged  with  the  Amole  Soap  Company  as  financial  manager. 
Shortly  afterward  the  company  became  insolvent  and  ^Ir.  White  was  appointed 
receiver  by  Judge  Humphrey  of  the  United  States  district  court.  Two  months 
later  he  was  elected  trustee  by  the  creditors  and  within  thirteen  months  after 
his  appointment  as  receiver  succeeded  in  lic|uidating  every  dollar  of  unsecured 
indebtedness  through  cash  and  stock  payments  to  the  creditors.  Upon  the  re- 
organization of  the  Amole  Soap  Company  he  was  made  president  and  manager. 
This  company  was  estaljlished  in  1884  by  Abraham  Brayshaw,  who  was  later 
succeeded  as  proprietor  by  his  sons,  B.  W.,  W'.  W.  and  C.  W.  Brayshaw. 


ROBERT  McCOWAN. 


Robert  McCowan,  who  resides  in  Rosefield  township  and  is  actively  engaged 
in  general  farming,  was  born  in  Canada,  February  23,  1857.  He  is  the  son  of 
Robert  and  Hannah  (  Blake )  McCowan.  who  came  from  Canada  in  1865  and 
located  in  Elmwood  townshij)  where  they  resided  the  remainder  of  their  lives, 
the  father  dying  in  1873  at  the  age  of  forty-five  and  the  mother  in  1908  at  the 
age  of  sixty-six.  In  their  family  were  seven  children,  of  whom  Robert  of  this 
review  is  the  eldest.  Robert  McCowan  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until 
he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age  at  which  time  he  began  working  as  a  farm  hand 


72  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  was  thus  employed  until  1881.  At  that  date  he  removed  to  Iowa  where  he 
rented  and  operated  a  farm  of  forty  acres  for  two  years  and  then  returned  to 
Elmwood  township  and  was  again  employed  for  two  years  as  a  farm  hand.  In 
1887  he  removed  to  Kansas  and  remained  in  that  state  until  1890,  when,  return- 
ing to  Illinois,  he  located  in  Peoria  where  he  resided  for  ten  years,  during  four 
of  which  he  was  employed  on  a  United  States  mail  wagon.  In  1900  he  re- 
moved to  a  farm  of  ninety  acres  near  Oak  Hill,  and  in  1903  he  rented  a  two 
hundred  acre  farm  at  Harkers  Corner  where  he  resided  for  two  years.  In  IQ05 
he  removed  to  the  Johnson  farm  of  two  hundred  acres  and  operated  the  same 
for  four  years.  He  purchased  his  present  farm  of  eighty  acres  in  191 1,  and 
rents  in  addition  an  adjoining  one  hundred  and  thirty  acres.  He  engages  in 
raising  corn,  wheat,  oats  and  hay,  and  also  live  stock,  making  a  specialty  of 
hogs,  horses  and  cattle.  On  the  3'd  of  February,  1880,  Mr.  McCowan  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Vilena  Hutchinson,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Abraham  and  Sarah 
(McCoy)  Hutchinson.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCowan  have  been  born  four  chil- 
dren :  Mabel ;  Stella,  deceased ;  Robert ;  and  Luella. 

In  politics  Mr.  McCowan  is  a  stanch  republican  and  socially  he  is  identified 
with  the  Order  of  Maccabees.  He  is  highly  considerate  of  his  neighbors,  is 
greatly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  community,  and  is  known  as  a  straight- 
forward energetic  business  man. 


FRANK    T.   SHIVELY. 


Among  the  native  residents  of  Elmwood  is  Frank  J.  Shively,  who  is  a  suc- 
cessful contractor  and  builder.  He  was  born  October  6,  1871,  the  son  of  Wil- 
liam and  Celia  (Wilson)  Shively,  the  former  born  in  Greene  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  1847,  and  the  latter  in  Wisconsin,  in  1852.  The  maternal  grand- 
parents, Hiram  and  Julia  Wilson,  were  natives  of  the  state  of  New  York,  who 
removed  to  Wisconsin  and  about  i860  came  to  Elmwood.  The  grandfather 
operated  a  dredging  machine  in  the  Illinois  marshes  for  some  time  but  during 
the  later  years  of  his  life  lived  retired  in  Elmwood. '  The  father,  William  Shively, 
was  reared  in  his  native  state  and  when  only  a  youth  enlisted  in  a  company  of 
Pennsylvania  cavalry  and  served  for  nearly  four  years.  Af.ter  the  war  he  came 
to  Peoria  county,  settling  near  Elmwood.  where  he  worked  for  a  time  on  a 
farm.  He  then  married  and  moved  to  Elmwood  and  was  engaged  for  several 
years  in  a  paper  mill,  after  which  he  took  up  the  carpenter  trade  and  followed 
it  the  rest  of  his  life,  dying  in  1905.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were  members  of 
the  Methodist  church,  and  he  was  identified  with  the  blue  lodge  of  Masons  and 
with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.'  In  his  family  were  five  children,  of 
whom  Frank  J.,  of  this  review,  was  the  eldest.  The  others  are :  Edith :  Edward, 
now  living  in  Peoria ;  Harlan,  who  is  working  for  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and 
is  familiarly  known  by  the  nickname  of  Joe ;  and  Verna. 

Frank  J.  Shively  received  his  education  in  Elmwood  and  after  putting  aside 
his  text-books  was  employed  for  four  years  in  the  grocery  store  of  S.  R.  Henry 
and  then  for  two  years  in  the  grocery  store  of  Harry  Patterson.  Subsequently 
he  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  and  for  the  past  eight  years  has  been  engaged 
in  carpentering  and  contracting  for  himself.  His  patronage  is  constantly  grow- 
ing and  he  now  is  conducting  an  extensive  business.  He  formerly  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Shively  &  Lewis,  owners  of  a  five-acre  farm  upon  which  were 
raised  thoroughbred  Poland  China  hogs  of  the  large  type  for  breeding  purposes. 
In  191 1  their  hog  known  as  Senior  Yearling  took  the  first  prize  at  the  state  fair. 

On  the  5th  of  July.  1899,  Mr.  Shively  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Edna 
M.  Lawrence,  who  was  born  in  Elmwood  township,  August  3,  1873.  and  is  a 
daughter  of  Erastus  and  Emma  Lawrence,  of  whom  mention  is  made  on  another 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  73 

page  of  this  work.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shively  have  become  the  parents  of  four  chil- 
dren, Doris,  Roma,  Ruth  and  Francis.  In  politics  Mr.  Shively  is  a  republican 
and  has  served  as  city  alderman.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Knights 
of  Pythias  and  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  progressive  and 
energetic  in  his  contracting  and  building  business  and  is  meeting  with  excellent 
success. 


LEONARD  D.  JEFFRIES. 

The  machinery  of  government  in  Peoria  is  in  safe  hands  and  capable  men 
are  on  the  whole  filling  the  public  offices  and  directing  municipal  business.  In 
this  connection  Leonard  D.  Jeffries  deserves  mention.  He  is  serving  as  city 
engineer,  to  which  position  he  was  called  on  the  13th  of  December,  191 1,  as  the 
successor  of  Ross  J.  Canterbury,  who  resigned.  He  had  previously  had  two 
years'  experience  as  a  draftsman  in  the  city  engineering  department  and  his 
qualifications  were  such  as  to  commend  him  for  appointment  to  his  present  posi- 
tion, although  he  is  yet  a  young  man,  only  about  twenty-si.x  years  ago.  Peoria 
is  glad  and  proud  to  thus  honor  her  native  sons  whose  capability  entitles  them 
to  such  distinction.  Air.  Jeffries  was  born  here  November  29,  1886,  and  is  a 
son  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  (Woodson)  JeftVies.  His  father  is  still  a  resident  of 
this  city  and  is  one  of  the  oldest  boiler  makers  here.  He  was  born  in  England 
but  since  early  manhood  has  resided  in  the  new  world. 

Leonard  D.  Jeffries  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  public  schools, 
passing  through  consecutive  grades  until  graduated  from  the  Peoria  high  school 
with  the  class  of  1904.  He  then  started  out  to  earn  his  own  living  and  secured 
employment  in  a  gun  store,  working  as  a  gunsmith  and  locksmith,  thus  calling 
into  play  his  natural  mechanical  ingenuity  and  developing  his  latent  powers 
along  that  line.  That  he  was  ambitious  and  desired  to  prepare  himself  for  ad- 
vancement is  shown  in  the  fact  that  while  there  he  pursued  a  correspondence 
course  in  civil  engineering  and  thus  mastered  the  technical  and  scientific  phases 
of  the  business,  while  practical  experience  came  to  him  through  a  vear's  service 
in  the  sewer  department  of  the  city  of  Peoria,  in  which  he  was  employed  in  1908. 
In  the  following  year  he  entered  the  city  engineering  department,  where  he  spent 
two  years  as  a  draftsman,  becoming  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  duties  which 
constitute  the  work  of  that  department.  Therefore,  when  Ross  J.  Canterbury 
resigned  Mr.  Jeffries  was  called  to  fill  the  vacancy  and  is  giving  excellent  service 
in  this  connection. 

On  the  30th  of  June,  1909,  Mr.  Jeffries  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  lone 
Ford,  of  this  city.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Scientist  church.  He  is 
widely  known  in  the  city  where  his  entire  life  has  been  spent  and  his  social  and 
personal  qualities  have  gained  him  popularity  among  many  friends.  The  storv 
of  his  life  is  the  story  of  honest  industry  and  thrift  and  he  may  be  aptly  termed 
a  man  of  purpose. 


FREDERICK  MICHEAL   P.URRACH. 

Frederick  Micheal  Burbach,  filling  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  and  well 
known  for  thirty  years  as  a  representative  of  industrial  interests  in  Peoria,  was 
born  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  August  19,  1866.  His  father,  John  George  P>ur- 
bach,  was  a  native  of  Hessen-Darmstadt,  Germany,  and  married  Christina  Run- 
kel.  They  became  the  parents  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters,  and  the  father 
provided  for  the  support  of  his  family  by  the  manufacture  of  saddletrees. 


74  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Frederick  J\I.  Burbach  began  his  education  in  the  pubHc  schools  of  his  native 
city  and  in  the  mornings,  evenings  and  on  Saturdays  he  worked  for  his  father. 
The  necessity  of  his  assisting  in  the  manufacture  of  saddletrees  made  it  impos- 
sible for  him  to  attend  high  school.  To  that  work  he  gave  his  attention  until 
1882,  when  he  entered  upon  an  apprenticeship  at  the  pattern  maker's  trade  in 
St.  Louis,  jMissouri,  with  the  firm  of  Kupferle  Brothers.  On  the  27th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1900,  he  removed  to  Peoria,  at  the  solicitation  of  the  Brass  Foundry  & 
Heating  Companj',  to  make  brass  patterns  and  other  goods  for  the  Corning 
Distilling  Company.  He  continued  in  that  position  for  three  and  a  half  years 
and  then  went  to  the  Kinsey  &  Mahler  Company  as  pattern  maker.  Later  he 
was  employed  by  the  Bartholomew  Automobile  Company  and  spent  altogether 
thirty  years  at  the  bench  as  a  pattern  maker  and  brass  worker,  his  labors  being 
of  an  important  character  and  his  position  one  of  responsibility.  When  three 
decades  had  thus  passed  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  in 
which  he  is  now  serving  for  his  second  year  and  his  record  in  this  connection 
is  creditable,  for  his  decisions  are  strictly  fair  and  impartial,  being  based  upon 
the  law  and  the  equity  in  the  case. 

In  1887  Mr.  Burbach  was  married  to  Miss  Lizzetta  Shornhorst,  who  was 
born  in  St.  Louis.  They  have  become  the  parents  of  two  daughters,  Lilly  and 
Florence.  The  former  is  the  wife  of  Ernest  W'itherell  and  lias  one  child,  a 
daughter. 

Mr.  Burbach  is  prominent  in  ]\Iasonic  circles,  holding  membership  in  Peoria 
Lodge,  No.  15,  F.  &  A.  ^.L.  of  which  he  is  a  past  worshipful  master;  Peoria 
Chapter,  No.  7,  R.  A.  M.,  of  which  he  is  now  high  priest;  and  Peoria  Council, 
No.  II,  R.  &  S.  M.,  of  which  he  has  been  thrice  illustrious  master.  He  also  be- 
longs to  Electa  Chapter,  O.  E.  S.,  and  to  Peoria  Camp,  No.  812,  M.  W.  A., 
of  which  he  is  venerable  consul.  In  politics  he  has  always  been  a  stalwart  re- 
publican, active  as  a  worker  in  the  party.  He  does  not  go  ofif  on  a  tangent  after 
new  ideas  and  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  as  a  reward  for  party  service 
and  in  recognition  of  his  efficiency  as  a  citizen.  He  is  most  loyal  to  the  interests 
of  Peoria  and  he  led  an  annexation  fight  in  the  village  of  Mechanicsville  in  the 
one  hundred  thousand  population  campaign.  \\'inning,  he  thereby  added  three 
thousand  to  the  population  of  the  city.  In  1910  he  was  in  charge  of  the  cam- 
paign committee.  He  has  always  been  a  close  student  of  the  science  of  govern- 
ment and  he  is  now  studying  law — two  things  which  are  closelv  allied. 


FRED  H.  CA:^IP. 


The  name  of  Fred  H.  Camp  is  largely  known  throughout  the  country  because 
of  his  extensive  operations  in  realty,  particulary  in  farm  lands.  The  many  large 
property  transfers  which  he  has  negotiated  indicate  the  day  of  small  under- 
takings in  real-estate  dealings  is  past.  He  has  bought  and  sold  lands  through- 
out the  entire  Mississippi  valley  and  his  sound  judgment  is  manifest  in  his  care- 
ful investments  and  his  judicious  sales. 

^Ir.  Camp  claims  \'ermont  as  the  state  of  his  nativity,  his  birth  having  there 
occurred  on  the  7th  of  June,  1849,  Bennington  being  his  natal  city.  His  parents 
were  Harvey  and  Lydia  (Rounds)  Camp.  The  father  was  for  many  years  a  well 
known  farmer  and  land  owner  who  met  with  substantial  success  in  his  business 
undertakings,  and  while  he  loaned  thousands  of  dollars,  such  was  his  keen  judg- 
ment that  he  never  lost  a  cent  in  that  manner.  He  became  one  of  the  most  ex- 
tensive property  holders  in  Peoria  county,  owning  a  number  of  valuable  farms 
in  the  western  part  of  the  county,  north  of  Elmwood.  Much  of  this  property 
he  bought  at  a  low  figure,  paying  for  all  of  it  only  sixteen  dollars  and  a  half  per 
acre.     Gradually  it  increased  in  value  owing  to  the  rapid  settlement  of  this  part 


FKF.l)   II.  (AMI' 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  77 

of  the  state  and  also  to  the  many  improvements  which  he  placed  upon  it.  He 
sold  none  of  his  land  for  less  than  two  hundred  dollars  per  acre,  and  his  last 
sale  brought  him  two  hundred  and  sixty-two  dollars  and  a  half  per  acre.  He 
died  in  1897  at  the  venerable  age  of  eighty-six  years,  and  his  death  then  was  the 
result  of  an  accident,  a  fall  breaking  his  neck,  although  he  lived  for  three  days 
after  sustaining  that  injury.  His  widow  still  survives  and  is  now  eighty-six 
years  of  age. 

Fred  H.  Camp  was  a  lad  of  only  six  years  when  the  family  left  the  New 
England  states  and  came  to  Peoria,  settling  in  this  part  of  the  state  in  1855. 
Here  he  has  since  lived,  and  after  attending  the  local  schools  he  finished  his 
education  in  Knox  College  at  Galesburg.  from  which  he  was  graduated  when 
twentv-two  years  of  age.  He  then  started  out  in  the  drug  business  which  he 
followed  for  a  year,  after  which  he  secured  employment  in  connection  with  the 
commission  and  grain  trade.  A  year  later  he  removed  to  Brimfield,  Illinois, 
where  he  erected  a  brick  block  and  for  five  years  conducted  a  grocery  store.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  his  stock  was  destroyed  by  fire  and  he  returned  to  Peoria. 
He  then  accepted  a  position  as  bookkeeper  with  the  Avery  Planter  Company, 
where  he  continued  for  five  years  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  entered  the  employ 
of  the  Kingman  Company,  a  firm  which  he  represented  on  the  road  for  several 
years,  selling  their  plows  and  farm  implements.  He  afterward  made  settlements 
for  the  company,  collecting  for  them  thousands  of  dollars.  As  the  years  passed 
his  services  became  of  more  and  more  value  to  them  and  his  income  increased 
accordingly.  Thus  as  his  financial  resources  permitted  he  made  investments  in 
land,  and  for  the  last  five  years  he  has  concentrated  his  energies  upon  his  land 
dealings  all  over  the  United  States.  He  has  handled  property  in  almost  every 
state  in  the  Union.  He  is  now  the  proprietor  of  the  Florida  Land  Company  with 
offices  in  the  German  Fire  Insurance  building  and  he  also  handles  farm  lands 
on  an  extensive  scale,  not  only  in  Peoria  county  i)ut  throughout  Kansas,  Texas, 
Missouri,  Illinois,  Iowa,  North  and  South  Dakota,  Minnesota  and  Indiana.  It 
would  be  difficult  to  find  one  more  thoroughly  informed  concerning  land  values, 
or  whose  judgment  is  sounder  in  relation  to  the  possible  rise  or  diminution  in 
the  same. 

In  1876  ]\Ir.  Camp  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss  Mary  Cowles  who  was 
then  a  teacher  in  the  school  of  Brimfield.  She  was  born  and  reared  in  this 
county,  a  daughter  of  Lieutenant  \Y.  W.  Cowles,  who  won  his  rank  by  service  in 
the  Fourteenth  Illinois  Cavalry  in  the  Civil  war.  Both  he  and  his  wife  who, 
in  her  maidenhood  bore  the  name  of  Adelia  Woods,  are  still  living  at  the  age  of 
more  than  eighty  years,  making  their  home  with  their  daughter,  ]\Irs.  Camp,  in 
a  pleasant  and  attractive  home  at  1005  Knoxville  avenue. 

It  has  been  well  said  that  "There  is  no  royal  road  to  wealth,"  but  again  and 
again  there  is  found  verification  of  the  fact  that  the  road  of  opportunity  is  open 
to  all  and  that  the  rewards  of  labor  are  sure  and  certain.  Earnest,  persistent 
efl^ort,  well  defined  purjiose  and  intelligent  direction  of  his  investments  have  been 
the  prominent  features  in  the  business  career  of  Mr.  Camp,  making  him  one  of 
the  successful  and  widelv  known  land  dealers  of  Peoria  and  Illinois. 


M.  A.  \YAS.SON. 


M.  .-X.  Wasson,  who  is  a  prosperous  and  enterprising  farmer  of  Rosefield 
township,  was  born  in  Stark  county,  February  15,  1869.  He  was  the  son  of 
Jacob  D.  and  Louisa  (Bohanon)  Wasson,  the  former  born  in  Cayuga  county, 
New  York,  December  3,  1S43,  and  the  latter  in  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  March 
31,  1845.  In  1868  the  parents  located  in  Stark  county,  where  they  purchased 
eighty  acres  of  land  and  engaged  in  farming  for  ten  years.     In  1878  they  removed 


78  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  Peoria  county,  wliere  they  resided  on  an  excellent  farm  of  two  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  until  1894  when  they  retired  and  moved  to  Elmwood  where  they 
now  reside.  The  father,  Jacob  D.  Wasson,  deserves  special  mention  as  an 
honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  in  which  he  was  actively  engaged  and  during 
the  whole  time  of  which  he  was  never  sick,  wounded  or  taken  prisoner.  He 
was  in  many  of  the  miportant  battles,  among  which  are  Chickasaw  Bluff,  Ar- 
kansas Post,  ;\Iagnolia  Hills,  Champion's  Hill,  Black  River  Bridge,  the  battle  of 
\'icksburg,  the  siege  of  \'icksburg,  the  siege  of  Jackson,  and  the  battles  of 
Mansfield,  Kane  River,  Marksville,  Yellow  Bayou,  Fort  Gaines,  Fort  Morgan, 
Spanish  Fort,  Blakely,  and  Whistler  Station.  Air.  and  Mrs.  Jacob  D.  Wasson 
were  the  parents  of  three  children,  of  w-hom  M.  A.,  of  this  review,  w'as  the  eld- 
est. The  others  are:  Sarah  E.,  who  was  born  January  8,  1871,  and  is  now  the 
wife  of  C.  A.  Bartholomew^,  who  is  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  in  Elm- 
wood;  and  Esther  C,  who  was  born  December  13,  1874,  and  is  the  wife  of 
Henry  B.  Mack,  who  is  engaged  in  the  wholesale  hardware  business  in  New- 
York  city. 

M.  A.  Wasson  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  state  and 
remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  1892,  when  he  rented  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  of  land  from  his  father  and  began  farming  for  himself.  In  1905  he 
purchased  an  adjoining  eighty  acres,  making  in  all  two  hundred  and  forty  acres 
in  the  farm  which  he  now  operates,  and  he  engages  in  raising  grain  and  live 
stock.     He  is  a  very  progressive  and  successful   farmer  and  stock-raiser. 

On  the  28th  of  January.  1892,  Air.  Wasson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Nellie  S.  Walchli,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Catherine  ( Housier )  Walchli, 
who  reside  in  Hollis  township,  Peoria  county.  To  Air.  and  Airs.  Wasson  have 
been  born  two  children,  one  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  the  other  being  Alax  D. 
G.,  who  was  born  December  30,  1897.  Air.  Wasson  is  a  republican  in  politics 
and  has  served  as  road  commissioner.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of 
education  and  has  been  an  efficient  member  of  the  school  board  for  the  past 
twelve  years.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
church.  He  is  an  energetic,  prosperous  man  and  has  a  great  number  of  friends 
in  Peoria  county,  including  many  who  have  known  him  from  his  boyhood  days. 


CHARLES  L.  DUNCAN. 

One  of  the  highly  enterprising  and  progressive  citizens  of  Brimheld  is  Charles 
L.  Dungan,  president  of  the  Exchange  Bank  and  proprietor  of  the  local  lumber- 
yard. He  was  born  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town  where  he  now  resides  on  the 
30th  of  September,  1862,  and  is  a  son  of  John  AI.  Dungan,  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  Peoria  county.  The  father  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  whence  he 
came  to  Illinois  during  the  early  days,  locating  on  a  farm  in  Brimheld  town- 
ship. He  was  a  man  of  untiring  energ)-.  great  sagacity  and  determination  of 
purpose,  and  ultimately  became  one  of  the  extensive  property  owners  and  pros- 
perous agriculturists  of  the  county.  In  connection  with  farming  he  also  en- 
gaged in  the  grain  business,  making  a  financial  success  of  both  and  at  the  time  of 
his  death  was  one  of  the  influential  citizens  of  the  township.  The  mother,  whose 
maiden  name  was  Aliss  Ellen  A.  Burt  is  still  living  at  an  advanced  age  and  con- 
tinues to  make  her  home  in  Brimfield.  She  is  a  native  of  \'ermont  but  accom- 
panied her  parents  on  their  removal  to  Illinois  during  the  early  pioneer  days 
and  has  ever  since  made  her  home  in  Peoria  countv. 

The  education  of  Charles  U.  Dungan  was  pursued  in  the  district  schools  until 
he  was  twelve  years  of  age  and  continued  in  those  of  Brimfield  until  he  was 
eighteen.  After  leaving  high  school  he  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  for  four 
years,  thus  acquiring  a  thorough,  practical   knowledge  of  agricultural  methods 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  79 

that  has  been  of  inestimable  vakie  to  him  all  through  life.  In  18S7  he  became 
associated  with  his  father  in  the  grain  business  and  three  years  later  he  extended 
the  scope  of  his  activities  by  buying  an  interest  in  the  lumberyard  of  which  he 
is  now  the  sole  proprietor.  His  entire  attention  was  devoted  to  these  two 
activities  until  1899,  when  he  purchased  a  half  interest  in  the  Exchange  Bank. 
This  institution  was  founded  in  the  early  '80s  by  David  Herrier,  who  later  dis- 
posed of  it  to  H.  O.  Peters,  who  in  turn  sold  it  to  Walter  L.  Wiley.  The  latter 
took  j\Ir.  Dungan  in  partnership  with  him  and  they  were  associated  tagether  for 
seven  years.  In  March.  igo6,  Mr.  Dungan  bought  out  his  partner's  interest  and 
together  with  his  mother,  Mrs.  Ellen  A.  Dungan,  owns  all  of  the  stock.  Two 
years  prior  to  this,  in  1904,  Mr.  Dungan  sold  his  interest  in  the  grain  Inisiness 
and  now  is-  devoting  practically  his  entire  attention  to  his  bank  and  lumberyard. 

In  Peoria  county  on  the  i6th  of  March,  1887,  Mr.  Dungan  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Carrie  M.  Tucker,  a  daughter  of  Homer  C.  and  Emily  Tucker 
of  Brimtield  township.  Homer  C.  Tucker  came  to  this  county  from  Buffalo, 
New  \ork,  in  1845,  locating  on  some  land  that  had  been  purchased  from  the 
government  by  his  father,  who  settled  here  in  1832.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tucker  are 
now  deceased!  Five  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dungan,  as  fol- 
lows: Alma,  who  was  born  on  the  15th  of  ^Nlay,  1895;  Helen  L.,  whose_  birth  oc- 
curred on  May  20,  1897 ;  John,  whose  natal  day  was  the  2gth  of  November, 
1899:  Charles  F.,  who  was'born  on  July  13,  1901  ;  and  Ruth,  born  on  the  12th 
of   January,  1905. 

The  family  affiliate  with  the  local  Protestant  churches  and  Mr.  Dungan  votes 
the  republican  ticket.  For  six  years  he  served  on  the  board  of  supervisors  for 
Brimfield  township,  and  four  years  of  that  time  he  was  chairmcT,n  of  the  finance 
committee.  He  is  one  of  the  foremost  citizens  of  the  town,  in  the  uplmilding 
and  development  of  which  both  he  and  his  father  have  been  prominent  factors, 
through  their  successful  promotion  of  various  enterprises  that  have  added  to 
the  commercial  activity  of  the  community.  He  is  a  man  who  takes  an  en- 
thusiastic interest  in  every  progressive  public  movement  and  champions  every 
cause  that  he  feels  will  advance  the  welfare  of  the  municipality  either  morally, 
intellectually,   socially  or   financially. 


OSCAR  HEINRICH. 


For  eleven  years  Oscar  Heinrich  has  been  connected  with  the  county  clerk's 
office  in  Peoria'  county,  serving  first  as  deputy  while  later  he  was  elected  to  the 
office  of  county  clerk  and  is  now  in  his  second  term.  He  is  accounted  one  of 
the  leaders  of' the  republican  party  and  as  an  official  his  record  is  one  which 
has  brought  to  him  high  commendation  owing  to  the  prompt  and  faithful  man- 
ner in  which  he  has  discharged  the  duties  which  have  devolved  upon  him. 

Illinois  claims  Mr.  Heinrich  as  one  of  her  native  sons,  his  birth  having  oc- 
curred in  Peru,  January  4.  1856.  His  parents  were  Julius  and  Henrietta  Hein- 
rich, who  became  residents  of  LaSalle  county  in  pioneer  times.  The  father  was 
for  thirty-five  years  an  attorney,  justice  of  the  peace  and  notary  public  of  Peru, 
and  was  classed  with  its  leading  and  influential  citizens. 

It  was  in  that  town  that  Oscar  Heinrich  spent  his  boyhood  days  and  in  the 
public  schools  pursued  his  education  although  he  has  since  learned  many  valu- 
able lessons  in  the  school  of  experience.  He  was  early  apprenticed  to  the  mould- 
er's trade  in  an  iron  foundry  and  w^orked  at  that  for  many  years,  but  always 
found  clerical  work  congenial  and  at  various  times  temporarily  withdrew  from 
active  connection  with  his  trade  to  occupy  a  clerkship  in  some  office.  In  1875 
he  removed  to  Nebraska  and  spent  two  years  upon  a  farm  there.  He  then  re- 
moved to  IlHnois,  and  in   1877  became  a  resident  of  Peoria,  here  entering  the 


80  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

employ  of  Hart  &  Hitchcock,  foundrymen.  and  later  working  at  his  trade  of 
moulder  in  several  different  foundries.  He  afterward  served  as  shipping  clerk 
at  the  starch  works  in  Peoria  for  seven  years  and  left  that  position  to  enter  the 
employ  of  the  Avery  I'lanter  Company,  with  whom  he  remained  for  several 
years  or  until  he  entered  the  office  of  the  county  clerk  as  deputy.  He  is  now 
county  clerk,  having  been  twice  elected  on  the  republican  ticket,  and  on  both 
occasions  he  led  the  ticket,  a  fact  which  indicates  his  personal  popularity  and 
the  confidence  and  trust  reposed  in  him.  That  this  trust  has  never  been  be- 
trayed in  the  slightest  degree  is  manifest  in  the  fact  that  he  has  twice  been 
the'  choice  of  the  public  for  the  position,  the  duties  of  which  he  discharges  in  a 
most  careful  and  systematic  manner.  His  corps  of  assistants  is  efficient,  hav- 
ing been  carefully  selected  and  he  attempts  to  minimize  time  and  labor  in  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  of  the  office. 

In  1879.  in  Peoria,  Air.  Heinrich  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Kate  Trom- 
peter,  of  Peoria,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  seven  children,  namely :  Oscar, 
Jr.,  Alinnie,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  Herbert  Crowl ;  Annie,  who  married  Robert 
Koch;  Frederick,  who  is  deputy  county  clerk;  Henrietta,  Caroline  and  George. 

Fraternallv  Air.  Heinrich  is  a  Alason  and  is  also  connected  with  the  Alodern 
Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Knights  of  Alaccabees.  In  the  early  '70s  he 
joined  the  Aloulder's  L'nion  and  is  now  one  of  its  honorary  members.  His  posi- 
tion in  the  lodges  to  which  he  belongs  is  a  creditable  one  owing  to  his  fidelity 
to  the  principles  and  tenets  which  constitute  the  basic  elements  of  those  organi- 
zations. A  cordial,  genial  manner  wins  him  friends  wherever  he  goes,  and  he 
well  merits  the  political  honors  which  have  come  to  him. 


ELMER  M.  ECKARD.  M  D. 

Dr.  Elmer  M.  Eckard,  a  practicing  physician  and  surgeon  of  Peoria,  maintain- 
ing his  offices  at  Xo.  510  Main  street,  has  been  a  prominent  and  successful  repre- 
sentative of  the  medical  profession  here  for  the  past  sixteen  years.  His  birth 
occurred  in  Alason  county,  Illinois,  on  the  2d  of  Alarch,  1872,  his  parents  being 
W.  H.  and  Amelia  Eckard.  The  father  acted  as  station  agent  at  Topeka,  Illinois, 
where  he  also  conducted  business  as  a  coal  and  grain  merchant.  At  the  present 
time  he  resides  at  San  Jose,  Texas,  in  a  health  resort.  His  wife  passed  away  at 
Topeka,  Illinois,  in  igofe,  and  was  buried  in  Pekin  cemetery. 

Elmer  M.  Eckard  obtained  his  early  education  at  Jacksonville  and  was  gradu- 
ated from  Whipple  Academy  in  1892.  Subsequently  he  spent  three  years  as  a 
student  in  Illinois  College  at  Jacksonville  and  then  entered  Rush  Aledical  College 
of  Chicago,  winning  the  degree  of  AI.  D.  in  1S96.  Peoria  has  since  remained  the 
scene  of  his  professional  labors,  and  the  success  which  has  attended  him  is  ample 
evidence  of  his  skill  and  ability  in  the  field  of  his  chosen  life  work.  At  the 
end  of  the  first  year  of  his  professional  career  he  was  appointed  assistant  super- 
intendent of  the  Alma  Sanitarium  at  Alma,  Michigan,  and  while  serving  in  that 
capacity  attended  and  was  graduated  from  Alma  College,  which  institution  con- 
ferred upon  him  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Science  in  i8q8.  He  now  acts  as 
chief  surgeon  for  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  and  the  Chicago,  Peoria  &  St. 
Louis  Railroads.  Through  his  membership  in  the  Peoria  County  Aledical  Society, 
the  Illinois  State  Aledical  Society  and  the  American  Aledical  Association  he  keeps 
in  close  touch  with  the  progress  that  is  being  continually  made  by  the  fraternity. 
He  is  a  director  of  the  American  Association  of  Railway  Surgeons,  is  a  member 
of  the  staff  of  the  Proctor  Hospital  in  Peoria  and  holds  the  rank  of  lieutenant  in 
the  medical  corps  of  the  Illinois  National  Guard,  and  also  holds  a  commission  as 
Lieutenant  of  the  U.  S.  Army  Medical  Reserve  Corps. 

On  the  20th  of  October,  1895,  Dr.  Eckard  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss 


JJU.    I-:.    M,    K(  KAKI) 


f 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  83 

Agnes  Lillian  Dessot  Scars,  a  daughter  of  Alexander  Sears  and  a  representative 
of'an  old  Jacksonville  family.  The  wedding  ceremony  was  performed  at  Kenosha, 
Wisconsin.  Dr.  and  -Mrs.  Eckard  have  one  son,  Frederick,  who  is  attending 
school.  The  family  residence,  which  the  Doctor  built  in  1905,  is  a  beautiful  mod- 
ern home  at  Xo.  615  Indiana  avenue.  Our  subject  likewise  erected  seven  other 
houses. 

Since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise  Dr.  Eckard  has  supported 
the  men  and  measures  of  the  democratic  party.  From  1905  until  1907  he  served 
in  the  capacity  of  health  commissioner.  Fraternally  he  'is  identified  with  the 
Masons,  belonging  to  the  commandery  and  the  shrine.  He  is  also  an  esteemed 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  His  professional  labor  is  regarded  as  of  value 
by  the  general  community  and  he  enjoys  the  respect  of  his  brethren  of  the  medical 
fraternity  by  reason  of  his  strict  conformity  to  a  high  standard  of  profesional 
ethics. 


DA\ID  H.  MORTON,  jNI.  D. 

David  H.  ]\Iorton,  who  is  a  rising  young  physician  and  surgeon  of  Elm- 
wood,  was  born  at  Edgington,  Rock  Island  county,  Illinois,  December  19,  1880. 
He  is  the  son  of  Dr.  Archibald  J.  Morton,  who  formerly  was  a  practicing  phy- 
sician in  this  city.  Dr.  Archibald  J.  Alorton  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1855  and 
when  six  months  old  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  America,  locating  in  Rock 
Island  county.  Later  his  parents  removed  to  Colchester,  where  their  son  Archi- 
bald L  received  his  early  education  in  the  common  schools.  He  then  entered 
the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  Chicago  and  was  graduated  from  that 
institution  in  the  class  of  1889.  Subsequently  he  located  for  practice  in  Wil- 
liamsfield  but  after  five  years  removed  to  Elmwood,  where  he  purchased  the 
interests  of  Dr.  W.  T.  Sloan  and  entered  into  partnership  with  Dr.  J.  D.  C. 
Floit.  Unfortunately  Dr.  Morton  had  practiced  in  this  city  only  four  years 
when  he  passed  away,  July  i,  1898.  He  was  a  man  who  was  true  in  every  rela- 
tion of  life,  faithful  to  every  trust  and  devoted  to  his  profession.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  American  Medical  Association  and  the  Illinois  State  Medical 
Society,  and  fraternally  he  was  identified  with  the  Masons  and  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  His  wife,  Sidona  (Holmes)  Alorton,  the  mother  of 
our  subject,  was  born  in  i860  and  now  resides  in  Elmwood.  In  their  family 
were  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living. 

Dr.  David  H.  ^lorton  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Elm- 
wood, graduating  from  the  high  school  at  that  place.  He  then  entered  the 
medical  department  of  the  State  University  of  Illinois,  which  is  the  same  insti- 
tution his  father  attended,  and  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1904.  Subse- 
quently he  located  for  practice  in  Elmwood,  entering  into  partnership  with  Dr. 
T.  D.  C.  Hoit,  who  formerly  was  his  father's  partner.  Dr.  Hoit  was  one  of  the 
"well  known  ])hysicians  in  this  section  of  the  country.  He  practiced  at  Yates 
City  for  more  than  twenty-five  years  and  in  1891  moved  to  Elmwood,  where 
he  entered  into  partnership  with  Dr.  W.  T.  Sloan  and  later  was  in  partnership 
with  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  was  an  extremely  successful 
practitioner  and  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  most  prominent  physicians  in 
this  part  of  the  country.  He  belonged  to  the  county,  state  and  national  medical 
societies,  and  fraternally  was  a  Mascjn.  belonging  to  the  Knights  Templar,  and 
was  a  blaster  ]\Iason  for  about  seven  years.  The  partnership  of  Dr.  David  H. 
Alorton  with  Dr.  Hoit  lasted  only  about  two  and  one-half  years  and  since  then 
Dr.  Morton  has  practiced  alone.  He  has  worked  up  an  extensive  practice, 
which  includes  not  only  Elmwood,  but  a  radius  of  about  twelve  miles  in  the 
surrounding  country.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  Arcanus  Lodge,  No.  103, 
I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  in  politics  he  is  an  independent. 


84  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Although  yet  a  young  man  in  the  medical  world  Dr.  Alorton  by  his  labors, 
his  high  professional  attainments  and  his  sterling  characteristics  has  gained  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  associated  in  his  profes- 
sional work.  He  is  a  busy  and  successful  practitioner  and  is  rapidly  gaining  a 
leading  place  among  the  physicians  in  this  section  of  the  country. 


ROBERT  P.  JACK. 


Robert  P.  Tack  is  a  member  of  the  well  known  and  prominent  law  firm  of 
Jack,  Irvin,  Jack  &  Miles,  of  Peoria,  where  he  has  practiced  continuously  since 
1898.  He  is  comparatively  one  of  the  younger  members  of  the  bar  of  this  city 
and  has  made  substantial  progress  which  has  brought  him  to  a  prominent  posi- 
tion and  placed  his  work  on  a  par  with  that  of  many  older  representatives  of 
the  profession. 

Mr.  lack  is  one  of  Peoria's  native  sons,  his  birth  having  here  occurred  Sep- 
tember "30.  1872.  His  father  is  William  Jack,  a  distinguished  and  prominent 
citizen  of  Peoria.  While  spending  his  youthful  days  in  his  parents'  home  Robert 
P.  lack  mastered  the  branches  of  learning  taught  in  the  public  schools  until 
graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1889.  He  then  went  east  for 
his  college  course  and  entered  Princeton  University,  which  conferred  upon  him 
the  Bachelor  of  Arts  degree  upon  his  graduation  with  the  class  of  1894.  He 
took  up  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  and  under  the  direction  of  the  firm  of 
Jack  &  Tichenor,  of  which  his  father  was  the  senior  partner,  and  after  thorough 
preliminary  reading  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1898.  He  has  since  followed 
his  profession  in  Peoria  and  is  engaged  in  general  practice.  In  the  fourteen 
years  which  have  since  elapsed  he  has  done  good  work,  carefully  preparing  and 
presenting  his  cases,  his  logical  deductions  indicating  his  thorough  understand- 
ing of  the  points  in  controversy  while  his  correct  application  of  principle  or 
precedent  shows  his  comprehensive  knowledge  of  the  law.  He  is  well  known 
socially  in  this  city  and  is  now  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Ivy 
Clul),  while  of  the  Peoria  Country  Club  he  was  formerly  president. 


HALLER  E.  CHARLES. 

Haller  E.  Charles,  deputy  collector  of  internal  revenue  at  Peoria,  was  born 
in  Allegheny  City,  Pennsylvania,  January  12,  1848,  a  son  of  John  E.  and  Mar- 
garet (Oliver)  Charles.  He  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  and  the  academy 
at  Princeville,  Illinois,  and  completed  the  work  of  the  freshman  and  sophomore 
years  in  Hillsdale  College  of  Michigan.  In  early  manhood  he  taught  school  in 
the  vicinity  of  Princeville  and  later  took  up  the  study  of  law,  being  admitted  to 
the  bar  upon  examination  in  Peoria  in  187 1  and  to  the  bar  of  Arkansas  upon 
examination  in  1875.  While  official  duties  now  claim  his  time  and  attention,  he 
is  still  a  member  of  the  legal  profession  in  good  standing  and  entitled  to  prac- 
tice in  both  Illinois  and  Arkansas. 

Mr.  Charles'  first  active  work  in  behalf  of  his  country  followed  his  enlist- 
ment as  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war,  on  the  4th  of  January,  1864,  when  he  still 
lacked  a  few  days  of  being  sixteen  years  of  age.  He  joined  Battery  A  of  the 
Second  Illinois  Light  Artillery  and  was  continuously  on  active  duty  until  dis- 
charged July  27,  1865.  He  again  entered  the  active  service  of  his  country  when 
appointed  ganger  in  the  internal  revenue  department  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  in  1878. 
Seven  years  were  passed  in  that  position  and  from  1890  until  1894  he  was. deputy 
United  States  marshal  at  Chicago.     In   i8q8  he  was  appointed  deputy  collector 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  85 

of  internal  revenue  in  Peoria  and  has  since  lieen  thus  identified  with  the  lifth 
United  States  internal  revenue  district.  He  has  made  an  excellent  record  in 
all  public  connections,  being  systematic  and  methodical  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  and  loyal  at  all  times  to  the  trusts  reposed  in  him. 

On  the  21  St  of  January,  1880,  Mr.  Charles  was  married  to  Miss  Margaret 
Raymond,  a  daughter  of  Charles  Raymond.  They  now  have  one  living  child, 
Alice,  born  in  1881,  and  they  lost  a  son,  Raymond,  who  was  born  in  1885  and 
died  in  1906.  Mr.  Charles  has  held  membership  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic  since  its  organization  and  was  post  commander  of  Bryner  Post  during 
1903.  He  is  regarded  by  his  friends  as  a  steady,  substantial  citizen,  who  has 
served  Peoria  well  in  every  capacity  and  in  every  position  to  which  he  has  been 
called. 


EDWARD  C.  SPANGLER. 

Edward  C.  Spangler,  who  resides  on  his  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  on  section  thirty-si.x  of  Elmwood  township,  was  born  in  that  township  in 
1853.  His  parents  were  Henry  B.  and  Cynthia  A.  (Lawhead)  Spangler,  who 
came  from  Zanesville,  Ohio,  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  in  1848,  and  located  on 
a  farm  in  Elmwood  township.  In  their  family  were  four  children  of  whom 
Edward  C.  of  this  review  is  the  second  in  order  of  birth. 

Edward  C.  Spangler  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  remaining  at  home 
until  about  twenty  years  of  age,  when  he  began  working  out  as  a  farm  hand  in 
which  occupation  he  was  employed  for  about  six  years.  He  was  on  the  plains 
of  Texas  and  later  Wyoming  and  then  in  Colorado,  where  he  had  some  very  in- 
teresting experiences  in  the  hunting  of  buffalo.  In  1877  he  purchased  eighty 
acres  of  improved  land  in  Rosefield  township  and  resided  there  for  seventeen 
years,  after  which  he  rented  his  farm  and  was  engaged  for  eight  years  in  the 
real-estate  business  in  Elmwood  township.  In  1894  he  sold  his  farm  of  eighty 
acres  and  in  1895  his  wife  inherited  one  hundred  and  ninety-five  acres  which 
he  also  sold  the  same  year,  and  then  puchased  a  farm  of  two  hundred  and 
seven  acres  on  section  six  of  Logan  township.  In  the  spring  of  1912  he  sold 
that  and  bought  his  present  farm,  on  which  he  engages  in  general  farming. 

In  1883  Mr.  Spangler  wedded  Miss  Maggie  M.  Kershaw.  They  have  four 
children :  Eva  M.,  the  wife  of  Hayes  Corbett,  of  Elmwood ;  Clarence  H.,  at 
home;  Harold  L.,  who  is  in  business  at  Bowen,  Illinois;  and  Cecil  V.,  who 
is  working  for  his  brother  in  Bowen.  Mr.  Spangler  is  a  republican  in  politics 
and  fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  the  Court  of  Honor.  He  has  been  very 
successful  in  his  farming  interests  and  in  all  his  business  relations,  and  is  one 
of  the  prosperous  men  of  his  township. 


ROSCOE  J.  MORGAN. 


A  successful  real  estate  man,  well  known  in  Oklahoma  and  Illinois,  is  Roscoe 
J.  Morgan,  secretary  of  the  Mexican  Agricultural  Land  Company,  with  offices 
at  Nos.  16-19,  Mayer  building  Peoria.  Mr.  Morgan  has  been  prominently  iden- 
tified with  this  company  since  its  incorporation  in  1904.  He  was  born  in  Gallia 
county,  Ohio.  November  27,  1862,  a  son  of  Joseph  A.  and  Nancy  E.  Morgan. 
The  father  during  the  earlier  period  of  his  business  career  followed  agricultural 
pursuits  but  later  in  life  became  a  miller.  He  was  a  volunteer  in  the  Federal 
army  during  the  Civil  war,  serving  for  about  a  year.  He  passed  away  in  June, 
1890,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years.    His  wife  is  also  deceased  and  both  are  buried 


86  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

in  a  cemetery  at  \'alley  Falls,  Kansas,  where  they  had  resided  during  the  latter 
part  of  their  lives. 

Roscoe  J.  Morgan  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Ohio.  At  the  age 
of  fifteen  years  he  put  aside  his  text-books  and,  leaving  the  parental  roof,  went 
to  Iowa,  where  for  about  two  years  he  worked  as  a  farm  laborer.  At  the  end  of 
that  period  he  settled  in  Kansas  and  while  employed  at  various  occupations 
during  the  day,  began  studying  telegraphy  at  night.  Having  become  sufficiently 
proficient  in  the  art  of  telegraphy  to  enable  him  to  qualify  for  employment,  he 
secured  a  position  with  the  Santa  Fe  Railroad  Company  and  for  nineteen  years 
was  in  the  employ  of  that  company.  At  the  time  of  his  retirement  from  railroad 
work  he  resigned  his  position  as  agent  at  Norman,  Oklahoma,  to  engage  in  the 
real  estate  business.  He  was  very  successful  in  this  line  of  work  and  remained 
a  resident  of  Norman  until  1908,  during  which  period  he  organized  the  Oklahoma 
State  Investment  Company,  with  head(|uarters  in  Norman,  of  which  company  he 
was  president  from  the  time  of  its  organization  until  three  years  ago,  when  he 
came  to  Peoria. 

At  Wichita,  Kansas,  on  December  20,  1884,  'Sir.  ]\Iorgan  was  married  to  ^liss 
Lucretia  Snodgrass,  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Jane  Snodgrass,  and  to  this  union  three 
children  have  been  born :  Blanch,  now  the  wife  of  H.  P.  Allen,  of  the  .\llen- 
Wookey  Land  Company ;  Clarence,  at  home ;  and  ^luriel,  who  is  attending 
school. 

Mr.  ^Morgan  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  order  and  is  also  affiliated  with  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  having  been  a  member  of  the  latter  organi- 
zation for  about  twenty-five  years.  The  important  position  which  ]\Ir.  ^Morgan 
occupies  in  the  company  with  which  he  is  now  connected  has  fallen  into  good 
hands  and  by  tact  and  the  experience  which  he  has  gained  he  is  enabled  to  di=- 
charge  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  with  distinction  to  himself  and  satisfaction 
to  his  business  associates.  He  has  become  well'  known  in  real  estate  circles  in 
the  city  of  his  adoption,  where  his  opinions  and  judgment  are  given  the  most 
respectful  consideration.  Aside  from  his  business  duties  he  takes  time  to  culti- 
vate the  social  side  of  life  and  in  his  fraternal  connections  he  is  a  popular  and 
valued  member  of  the  organizations  to  which  he  belongs. 


GEORGE  W.  .MICHELL,  M.  D. 

Dr.  George  \V.  IMichell  is  a  specialist  in  the  treatment  of  mental  and  nervous 
diseases  and  is  proprietor  of  a  sanitarium  located  at  No.  106  North  Glen  Oak 
avenue.  He  has  done  important  work  and  has  not  only  followed  the  most  ad- 
vanced methods  as  promulgated  by  others  but  has  also  evolved  plans  of  practice 
\vhich  have  proven  eminently  effective  in  bringing  about  a  return  of  normal  con- 
ditions. He  has  been  located  in  Peoria  since  1904,  coming  to  this  city  two  years 
after  his  graduation  from  Rush  [Medical  College  in  Chicago.  That  period'  was 
spent  in  private  and  hospital  practice  in  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota,  after  which 
he  came  to  this  city,  with  whose  professional  interests  he  has  since  been  identified. 

Dr.  Michell  is  a  native  of  Gridley,  ^IcLean  county,  Illinois.  He  was  bom 
May  18,  1876,  of  the  marriage  of  James  M.  and  Cynthia  Ann  (Stokes)  Michell. 
The  father  erected  the  first  house  at  Gridley,  to  which  place  he  removed  from 
Boston,  Massachusetts.  He  was  born  in  Queens  county,  Ireland,  and  spent  the 
first  seventeen  years  of  his  life  in  that  country,  after  which  he  bad  adieu  to  friends 
and  native  land  and  sailed  for  America.  He  served  as  postmaster  at  Gridley  for 
a  quarter  of  a  century  and  also  engaged  in  general  merchandising  there  through 
an  extended  period,  figuring  to  the  time  of  his  death  as  one  of  the  prominent  and 
influential  residents  of  that  place.    He  was  called  to  his  final  rest  in  1891. 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEOlilA  COUNTY  87 

Dr.  Michell  was  reared  in  Gridley  and  attended  the  public  schools,  passing 
through  grade  after  grade  until  he  had  completed  the  high  school  course  with 
the  class  of  iSgy.  His  interest  in  the  medical  profession  determined  him  to  enter 
upon  practice  as  a  life  work  and  with  that  end  in  view  he  became  a  student  in 
Rush  :\ledical  College  at  Chicago,  in  which  he  completed  his  course  in  1902.  For 
a  time  he  was  located  in  professional  work  at  Dewey  Sanitarium  at  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  and  in  1903  went  from  there  to  the  Lenont  Mining  and  Railroad  Hos- 
pital at  \'irginia,  Minnesota,  and  the  following  year  became  identified  with  the 
State  Hospital  for  the  Insane  at  Eartonville,  this  county,  serving  as  chief  of  its 
medical  stat¥  from  1904  until  1910.  He  entered  upon  active  practice  in  Peoria 
in  the  former  year  and  during  the  entire  period  of  his  residence  here  has  con- 
centrated his  energies  and  etforts  upon  the  treatment  of  mental  and  nervous 
diseases.  The  profession  has  made  rapid  strides  in  this  branch  of  practice  and 
Dr.  Michell  has  kept  in  close  touch  with  the  work.  He  believes  in  studying  each 
individual  case,  learning  what  produces  injurious  and  beneficial  effects,  and  then 
safeguarding  the  patient  from  the  former,  brings  to  bear  all  that  can  promote  the 
latter.  In  estal)lishing  and  conducting  his  sanitarium  at  No.  106  North  Glen  Oak 
avenue,  he  is  doing  a  most  excellent  work  and  in  that  institution  have  been  ef- 
fected many  cures. 

In  December,  1910,  Dr.  Michell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  I\Iyrtle  Mc- 
Kee,  of  Aledo,  Illinois.  They  have  an  attractive  home  in  Peoria,  and  like  her 
husband,  ^Irs.  ]\Iichell  is  rapidly  winning  friends  here.  Dr.  Michell  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  his  professional  connections  are  with  the  Peoria 
City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  ^ledical  Society  and  the  American  Medi- 
cal Association.  Those  who  know  him  recognize  his  sterling  worth  as  a  man 
and  citizen  as  well  as  a  physician.  He  bases  his  labors  upon  the  broadest  scien- 
tific principles  and  holds  to  the  highest  standards  in  all  of  his  professional  duties. 


MICHAEL  McALEENAN. 

Success  may  awaken  admiration  but  kindness  and  geniality  win  the  still 
warmer  and  higher  tribute  of  friendship.  Michael  McAleenan  possessed  these 
qualities  in  large  degree  and  at  the  same  time  had  determination  and  energy, 
which  enabled  him  to  advance  steadily  in  the  business  world  until  the  prosperous 
owner  of  the  \'ulcan  Iron  Works  bore  little  resemblance  to  the  almost  penniless 
young  man  wdio  came  from  Ireland  to  America  in  1854.  He  was  born  in  County 
Down,  Ireland,  in  1S31,  a  son  of  Patrick  and  Sarah  Mcx\leenan.  He  attended 
the  schools  of  his  native  country  and  there  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade.  In 
1854,  however,  he  bade  adieu  to  the  Emerald  isle  and  sailed  for  the  United  States, 
having  heard  favorable  reports  concerning  the  opportunities  of  the  new  world. 
He  settled  at  Peoria  and  secured  a  position  at  the  head  of  the  blacksmithing  de- 
partment of  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  &  Pacific  Railroad  Company.  Later  he 
entered  the  employ  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  Railroad  Company  in  the 
same  capacity  but  was  not  content  with  that  business  connection,  as  he  wished 
to  become  interested  in  an  enterprise  of  his  own.  In  1867,  therefore,  he  became 
a  partner  in  the  foundry  firm  of  Nicol,  Burr  &  Company,  with  which  he  was  as- 
sociated for  ten  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  entered  into  partner- 
ship with  Joseph  Cody  in  the  boiler  making  business  and  afterward  he  bought 
out  his  partner,  conducting  his  plant  as  the  \'ulcan  Iron  Works.  In  this  business 
he  continued  with  gratifying  success  to  the  time  of  his  death  and  for  fifty  years 
he  was  a  notable  figure  on  the  commercial  and  industrial  stage  in  Peoria.  His 
was  the  industry  that  seemed  never  to  tire,  the  enterprise  that  knew  no  bounds 
and  the  determination  that  never  recognized  fatigue.  He  worked  on  persistently 
day  after  day,  his  interests  broadening  in  their  scope,  and  year  after  year  chron- 


88  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

icled  the  fact  that  he  was  far  in  advance  of  the  position  to  which  he  had  allaincci 
the  previous  year. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  1861,  in  Peoria,  Mr.  AIcAleenan  was  married  to  Miss 
Jane  Smith,  a  daughter  of  Bernard  and  -Mary  (Conlan)  Smith,  who  were  natives 
of  Ireland  and  in  1845  arrived  in  Peoria,  which  was  then  a  comparatively  small 
town  of  little  commercial  and  industrial  importance.  Her  father  engaged  m 
the  transfer  business  here  and  was  well  known  at  an  early  day.  Mr.  and  ^Irs. 
McAleenan  became  the  parents  of  six  children:  William  J.,  who  is  married  and 
has  two  sons,  Howard  and  Fred;  Margaret  A.;  Eugene;  Charles;  George  R., 
who  is  married  and  has  three  children,  Eugene,  Jane  and  Edward;  and  Walter  S. 
Mr.  McAleenan  was  a  member  of  the  Builders'  Exchange,  gave  his  political  al- 
legiance to  the  democratic  party  and  his  religious  support  to  St.  Patrick's  church. 
He  was  liberal  to  a  fault  and  as  he  prospered  contributed  generously  of  his  means 
to  the  support  of  the  church  and  to  the  aid  of  many  charitable  projects  and  in- 
stitutions. As  a  citizen  he  was  public  spirited,  seeking  ever  the  welfare  and  im- 
provement of  city  and  county.  He  justly  earned  the  proud  American  title  of  a 
self-made  man,  for  he  never  heedlessly  passed  by  any  opportunity.  He  won  his 
success  at  the  cost  of  earnest,  self-denying  labor,  but  in  the  end  found  that  the 
prize  was  worth  the  effort.  Fie  was  accounted  one  of  Peoria's  most  prosperous 
and  prominent  citizens  and  merited  as  well  the  high  reputation  which  he  won 
for  character  and  ability. 

The  Peoria  Daily  Transcript  in  its  editorial  columns  on  September  12.  1890, 
said :  "The  sympathy  of  The  Transcript  is  extended  to  the  family  of  the  late  Mich- 
ael McAleenan.  Peoria  has  lost  a  good  citizen ;  the  family  a  husband  and  father, 
who  leaves  the  legacy  of  a  good  name.  The  writer  has  known  him  well,  and  sor- 
rows with  those  who  have  a  better  right.  Mr.  McAleenan's  career  furnishes  an 
example  to  American  youth.  He  was  literally  a  self-made  man.  He  started  in 
life  with  nothing  but  a  good  trade,  but  by  hard  work  and  perseverance  had  become 
proprietor  of  the  iron  works  in  this  city.  His  habits  of  industry  clung  to  him 
after  he  had  built  up  his  business,  and  he  personally  superintended  even  the  minor 
details.  He  was  a  man  who  knew  not  what  it  was  to  be  discouraged.  In  hard 
times,  he  only  worked  the  harder.  When  his  plant  was  destroyed  by  fire,  he 
said  nothing,  but  quietly  went  to  work  again,  building  larger  and  better.  Such 
men  as  Air.  McAleenan  are  good  men  for  any  city  or  county.  They  are  splendid 
specimens  of  the  kind  of  men  America  turns  out  from  her  work-shops.  They 
are  an  example  to  the  young  of  what  hard  work  can  accomplish.  Mr.  Mc- 
Aleenan was  somewhat  abrupt  and  brusque  in  his  manner,  but  a  kinder  heart 
never  dwelt  in  human  bosom.  Xo  one  who  was  deserving  ever  asked  a  favor  of 
him  and  was  refused.  For  a  positive  man  he  leaves  very  few  enemies,  while  his 
friends — warm  friends  who  looked  beneath  the  surface,  are  numbered  by  the 
hundred." 


JOSEPH  A.  MERCER. 


Joseph  A.  Mercer  lived  a  life  that  in  its  good  influences  can  be  measured 
not  by  time  but  by  eternity.  If  success  is  reckoned  by  worldly  gains  he  was 
not  a  successful  man  for  no  fortune  crowned  his  efforts.  Some  one  has  said : 
"Not  the  good  that  comes  to  us  but  the  good  that  comes  through  us  is  the 
measure  of  our  success,"  and  judged  by  this  standard  Joseph  A.  Mercer  was  a 
highly  successful  man.  Fie  ever  held  with  Kant  that :  "The  object  of  education 
is  to  train  each  individual  to  reach  the  highest  perfection  possible  for  him," 
and  it  was  this  spirit  which  actuated  him  in  all  of  his  career  as  a  teacher.  The 
memory  of  such  a  man  can  never  die  while  living  monuments  remain  upon 
which   were  inYprinted  the  tcnich  of  his  noble  soul. 


1 


PROF.  JOSEPH  A.  JIERCER 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  91 

Professor  Mercer  was  born  in  Princeton,  Illinois,  November  12,  1844,  and 
after  mastering  the  elementary  branches  of  learning  in  the  public  schools  of  his 
native  town  he  entered  Dover  Academy,  six  miles  north  of  that  place.  He 
came  of  sturdy  Scotch  descent  and  was  surrounded  in  his  youth  by  some  of 
Illinois'  most  renowned  citizens,  notably  Owen  Lovejoy  and  the  LJryants.  Reared 
amid  such  an  environment  it  was  but  natural  that  the  growing  boy  should  be- 
come a  strong  lover  of  the  right  and  an  opponent  of  all  that  savored  of  evil 
or  oppression.  He  was  ambitious  to  acquire  a  college  education  and  was  cjual- 
itied  to  enter  college  at  the  age  of  sixteen  but  limited  financial  resources  made 
this  step  impossible.  He  then  began  teaching  in  the  district  schools,  following 
the  profession  for  two  years,  during  which  period  he  carefully  saved  his  wages 
and  thus  opened  the  way  for  further  study.  Matriculating  in  the  University 
of  .Michigan,  he  remained  at  Ann  Arlior  until  his  funds  were  exhausted  and  he 
was  again  compelled  to  resort  to  teaching  to  replenish  his  depleted  exchequer. 
Two  years  later  he  was  again  able  to  enter  the  university  and  this  time  he  took 
with  him  to  Ann  Arbor  his  bride,  Elizabeth  (Kinsman)  Mercer,  a  "woman  of 
marked  sweetness  of  character  and  purity  of  life,"  whose  personality  must  surely 
have  contributed  largely  to  his  successful  career.  Two  more  years  at  Ann 
Arbor  completed  his  course,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  accepted  the  position 
of  principal  of  schools  at  Sheffield,  Illinois,  thereby  returning  to  his  native  county. 
For  fifteen  years  he  occupied  that  ])osition  and  in  1882  was  elected  principal 
of  the  Lincoln  school  in  Peoria.  For  twenty-seven  years  he  continued  as  its 
head,  resigning  because  of  ill  health  in  March,  1909.  During  that  period  he 
declined  more  remunerative  positions,  including  the  chair  of  Latin  in  the  State 
University,  preferring  rather  to  remain  where  his  home  and  friends  were 
than  to  earn  a  higher  salary  in  a  strange  environment.  It  would  have  meant 
much  for  him  to  have  broken  home  ties  for  he  loved  his  city  and  fellowmen 
to  an  unusual  degree  and  they  came  to  admire  and  love  him  as  few  men  are 
loved.  I  lis  abilitv  and  his  upright  life  ever  compelled  the  admiration  of  a_  con- 
stantlv  growing  acquaintanceship.  Men  of  affairs  often  deferred  to  his  judg- 
ment, recognizing  its  soundness,  for  his  opinions  had  their  bases  in  wide  infor- 
mation and  in  the  habit  of  looking  at  things  judicially.  He  did  not  have  to 
ponder  long  over  any  situation  to  form  an  opinion  because  there  was  a  reserve 
store  of  knowledge  that  had  usually  already  acquainted  him  with  the  principles 
that  were  involved  in  a  specific  situation.  His  earnestness  of  speech  carried 
conviction  to  his  hearers  and  from  early  manhood  he  was  accorded  a  position 
of  leadership.  One  writing  of  him  in  this  connection  said :  "Joseph  Mercer 
was  always  a  leader.  At  the  university,  president  of  his  class  and  one  of  seven 
chosen  from  one  hundred  to  speak  on  Commencement  Day :  on  the  athletic 
field,  at  the  head  of  his  baseball  team  as  catcher ;  in  Sunday  school,  a  successful 
teacher  of  the  most  advanced  class  for  many  years;  in  the  leading  Congregational 
church  of  his  city,  a  deacon  for  life,  in  recognition  of  his  character  and  worth ; 
in  prayer  meeting,  an  occupant  of  the  front  seat,  most  eloquent  in  speech  and 
fervent  in  jjetition ;  in  professional  gatherings,  an  active,  earnest  worker  and 
the  recipient  of  numerous  offices  of  trust  and  honor." 

No  matter  how  strenuous  were  his  duties  nor  how  imjjortant  the  work  that  en- 
gaged his  attention.  Professor  Mercer  always  felt  that  his  chief  interest  was  his 
home  and  family.  The  relation  that  there  existed  was  largely  an  ideal  one.  Unto 
him  and  his  wife  were  born  two  daughters :  Clara,  who  is  the  widow  of  Fred- 
erick R.  Avery,  of  whom  mention  is  made  elsewhere  in  this  work;  and  Mrs. 
Edith  Ro.sbrook.  Disease  fastened  itself  upon  Professor  Mercer  and  though 
unable  for  several  months  to  give  more  than  a  part  of  the  day  to  his  school 
work,  the  board  of  education  and  the  public  in  general  were  loath  to  lose  his 
services,  preferring  him  as  principal  to  anyone  else.  In  the  Lincoln  school,  of 
which  he  had  charge  for  twenty-seven  vears,  he  had  the  high  respect  and  warm 
regard  of  teachers  and  pupils  alike.     The  boys  and  girls  felt  that  they  had  his 


I 

92  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  | 

sympathy  and  that  his  interest  in  them  was  unfailing.  His  Hfe  and  work  were 
ever  an  inspiration  to  fellow  members  of  his  profession.  For  many  years  he 
served  as  treasurer  of  the  Central  Illinois  Teachers'  Association  and  at  one 
time  acted  as  its  president.  For  several  terms  he  was  a  director  of  the  State 
Pupils'  Reading  Circle.  In  1903  he  was  vice  president  of  the  Illinois  State 
Teachers'  Association  and  in  1906  was  its  president.  When  the  time  for  the 
convening  of  the  meeting  came  ill  health  prevented  his  attendance.  One  of  his 
friends  said:  "It  was  mv  privilege  to  be  with  him  on  the  day  the  message  of 
re°-ret  and  sympathy  came  from  the  State  Association,  then  in  session  at  Spring- 
field, and  I  am  sure  it  comforted  and  cheered  him  greatly  to  know  his  friends 
had  given  him  a  passing  thought  of  kindness  and  love."  It  is  not  from  the 
few  conspicuous  duties  of  life  that  the  blessings  chiefly  come  which  make  the 
world  better,  sweeter,  happier;  but  from  the  countless  little  ministries  of  the 
everydays  ;  the  little  faithfulnesses  that  fill  long  years.  So  it  was  with  the  life  of 
Professor 'jMercer,  who  day  after  day  in  the  performance  of  the  duties  of  his 
profession  sought  to  inspire  and  encourage  others  and  to  make  the  young  realize 
what  life  is  with  its  meaning  and  its  opportunities.  His  career  was  indeed  an 
inspiration  to  many  and  his  work  yet  bears  fruit  in  the  lives  of  those  who 
came   under  his  influence. 


! 


WILLIAM  :m.  cooley,  m.  d. 

Dr.  William  AI.  Cooley  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  among  the  younger 
physicians  of  Peoria.  While  he  has  practiced  here  only  since  1905,  or  for  a 
period  of  about  seven  years,  he  has  demonstrated  his  ability  to  cope  with  the  in- 
tricate and  complex  problems  which  confront  the  physician  and  his  professional 
labors  have  been  attended  with  a  gratifying  measure  of  success  when  viewed 
from  the  health  and  the  financial  standpoints.  Dr.  Cooley  is  a  native  of  Toulon, 
Stark  county,  Illinois,  born  March  2,  1879.  His  parents  were  Jonathan  B.  and 
Lucy  (Parrish)  Cooley,  the  former  a  shoe  dealer  who  is  now  deceased,  having 
passed  away  in  1892.  He  had  for  a  number  of  years  survived  his  wife,  who 
died  in  1884. 

In  his  native  city  William  M.  Cooley  was  reared  and  he  supplemented  his 
public-school  education  by  a  course  of  study  in  Toulon  Academy.  He  then 
started  out  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world,  securing  a  position  in  a  hardware 
store,  in  which  he  remained  for  a  year.  Desirous,  however,  of  entering  the 
medical  profession,  he  then  matriculated  in  Northwestern  Medical  College, 
of  Chicago,  in  which  he  pursued  a  four  years'  course,  being  graduated  there- 
from with  the  class  of  1903.  During  his  residence  in  that  city  he  was  interne 
at  iNIichael  Reese  Hospital  for  two  years  and  in  his  broad  hospital  experience 
and  practice  gained  wide  knowledge  and  skill  which  have  proven  of  immense 
benefit  to  him  in  the  conduct  of  his  private  practice  in  Peoria.  On  coming  to 
this  city  in  1905  he  opened  an  office  at  426  Main  street  and  is  now  pleasantly 
located  in  the  JeiTerson  building,  in  the  conduct  of  a  general  practice. 

Dr.  Cooley's  home  relations  are  attractive  and  pleasant.  He  was  married  in 
February,  1906,  to  Miss  Ella  V^.  Engstrom,  of  this  city,  and  they  now  have  two 
children,  Elizabeth  and  William.  Dr.  Cooley  and  his  wife  have  many  friends 
here  and  the  hospitality  of  a  large  number  of  the  best  homes  is  extended  them. 

The  Doctor  is  a  thirtv-second  degree  ^lason  and  a  member  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine  and  has  many  friends  among  the  brethren  of  this  order.  He  possesses 
a  social,  genial  nature,  which  endears  him  to  those  with  whom  he  comes  in  con- 
tact but  he  never  allows  siocial  or  outside  interests  to  interfere  with  the  faithful 
performance  of  his  professional  duties.  He  is  now  serving  on  the  staff  of  the 
Deaconess  Hospital  and  he  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  IMedical  Society,  the  Illi- 


t 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  93 

nois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association.  He  served 
for  three  years  on  the  board  of  censors  of  the  tirst  named  and  was  chairman  of 
the  board  in  1910.  He  believes  in  holding  high  the  standards  of  the  profession, 
realizing  fully  how  great  are  the  obligations  and  responsil)ilities  that  devolve 
upon  the  medical  practitioner. 


ROLAND  L.  AIAHER. 


Roland  L.  Malicr.  president  of  The  Peoria  Engraving  Company,  has  been 
identified  with  the  business  interests  of  Peoria  for  the  past  twelve  years.  He 
was  born  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  on  the  i8th  of  January,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of 
Patrick  and  Ellen  Maher,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  The  father  was  for 
many  years  a  meat  inspector  in  Louisville,  and  there  he  and  the  mother  passed 
away  and  were  laid  to  rest  in  a  Catholic  cemetery. 

The  education  of  Roland  L.  Maher  was  acquired  in  the  public  schools  of 
Louisville,  which  he  attended  until  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age.  He  then  laid 
aside  his  text-books  and  became  a  wage  earner,  his  first  position  being  that  of 
a  messenger  boy  with  the  \\"estern  L'nion  Telegraph  Company.  Two  years  later  he 
withdrew  from  this  and  became  an  apprentice  in  an  engraving  establishment. 
After  completing  his  period  of  service  he  followed  this  occupation  at  various 
places  until  1900,  and  in  January  of  that  year  he  came  to  Peoria  to  become  iden- 
tified with  The  S.  F.  Hallock  Company.  He  was  a  most  capable  and  efficient 
workman  and  was  subsequently  made  a  partner  in  the  business,  and  later  when 
the  ct)m])any  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  The  Peoria  Engraving  Com- 
pany, Mr.  Maher  was  made  president.  In  this  capacity  he  has  manifested  more 
than  average  executive  ability  and  powers  of  organization,  and  under  his  capa- 
ble supervision  and  direction  the  company  has  developed  in  a  most  gratifying 
manner  and  is  now  one  of  the  thriving  and  highly  prosperous  enterprises  of  the 
city.  Employment  is  given  to  a  large  corps  of  skilled  workmen  and  their  receipts 
show  a  marked  increase  from  year  to  year,  which  must  largely  be  attributed  to 
the  intense  diligence  and  systematic  methods  employed  bv  ^Ir.  Maher  as  chief 
executive  of  the  company. 

^Ir.  Maher  resides  at  No.  310  North  street,  while  his  office  is  in  the  factory 
at  No.  107  Main  street,  where  the  company  have  been  located  since  the  2d  of 
I\Iay,  1901.  In  matters  of  religious  faith  he  is  a  Roman  Catholic  and  in  politics 
he  is  independent,  giving  his  support  to  such  men  and  measures  as  he  deems  best 
qualified  to  subserve  the  highest  interests  of  the  majority.  Mr.  Maher  is  highly 
regarded  in  local  business  circles,  as  he  possesses  the  (jualities  that  command 
the  resjiect  the  commercial  fraternity  generally  and  in  his  transactions  he  con- 
ducts himself  in  a  manner  that  entitles  him  to  the  esteem  and  confidence  of 
those  with  whom  he  has  dealings. 


GEORGE  W.  PRINGLE. 


George  \V.  Pringle  is  the  Peoria  manager  for  the  Inter-state  Indeiiendent 
Telephone  &  Telegraph  Company,  formerly  known  as  the  Northwestern  Tele- 
phone Company,  with  offices  located  at  No.  125  South  Jefferson  street.  His 
birth  occurred  at  Green  Bay,  Wisconsin,  on  the  loth  of  September,  1862,  and 
he  is  a  son  of  Thomas  W.  and  Rose  Pringle.'  The  father,  who  has  always  been 
more  or  less  actively  identified  with  agricultural  pursuits,   is  a  veteran  of  the 


94  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Civil  war,  having  gone  to  the  front  as  a  private  in  the  First  Regiment  of  JUinois 
Light  Artillery.  He  saw  considerable  active  service,  having  participated  in  some 
of  the  notable  conflicts  of  the  war,  and  was  incarcerated  for  a  time  in  Libby 
prison.  His  health  suffered  from  the  hardships  and  privations  incident  to  camp 
life  and  he  was  honorably  discharged  at  the  close  of  his  period  of  enlistment 
with  the  rank  of  corporal. 

The  boyhood  and  early  youth  of  George  \V.  Pringle  were  passed  on  his 
father's  farm  in  the  cultivation  of  which  he  assisted  until  he  was  eighteen  years 
of  age.  His  education  was  acquired  in  the  common  schools  of  Duck  Creek, 
Brown  county,  Wisconsin,  and  after  laying  aside  his  text-books  he  entered  the 
office  of  a  local  dentist,  with  the  expectation  of  adopting  this  profession  for  his 
life  vocation.  He  remained  there  for  two  years  and  was  subsequently  com- 
pelled to  give  up  the  work  owing  to  the  state  of  his  health.  For  several  years 
thereafter  he  was  employed  at  Battle  Creek,  Michigan,  going  from  there  to 
Minneapolis,  where  he  entered  the  service  of  the  Northwestern  Telephone  Com- 
pany. His  next  removal  was  to  Detroit,  Michigan,  to  assume  the  duties  of  line 
foreman  with  the  Michigan  Bell  Telephone  Company.  He  continued  in  their 
service  for  four  years,  and  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  became  line  foreman 
with  the  Bell  Telephone  Company  at  Chicago.  He  subsequently  was  employed 
in  the  same  capacity  by  the  Chicago  Telephone  Company,  after  which  he  accepted 
the  position  he  now  holds.  Mr.  Pringle  has  proven  very  efficient  and  capable  in 
his  present  position,  discharging  his  duties  in  a  manner  highly  satisfactory  both 
to  his  employers  and  their  patrons. 

At  Glencoe,  Illinois,  on  the  15th  of  September,  igoi,  Mr.  Pringle  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Lena  Micholson,  a  daughter  of  John  Micholson,  a  retired 
farmer  of  Allegan,  Michigan.  One  daughter  has  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Pringle,  Helen  M.,  who  is  attending  school.  The  family  reside  at  No.  2165^ 
Fourth  avenue. 

Mr.  Pringle  votes  with  the  republican  party,  but  he  has  never  sought  political 
preferment.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  for  eleven  years  and  enjoys  the 
regard  of  a  large  circle  of  acquaintances,  many  of  whom  are  held  in  the  more 
intimate  bond  of   friendship. 


WILLIAM  R.  ALLISON,  M.  D. 

Dr.  William  R.  Allison  is  a  general  practitioner  of  medicine  of  Peoria  with 
office  in  the  Observatory  building.  He  has  practiced  here  since  1892  and  the 
years  have  chronicled  his  continuous  progress.  Indeed  advancement  has  been 
the  watchword  of  his  life.  He  is  largely  a  self-educated  as  well  as  a  self-made 
man  and  has  depended  upon  his  own  resources  and  ability  for  the  attainment 
of  success.  lie  is  a  highly  intellectual  man,  of  c|uick  perceptions  and  sharp  dis- 
crimination, of  great  eloquence,  and  always  speaking  to  the  point.  His  being 
possessed  of  a  thorough  classical  and  medical  education  in  combination  with 
his  innate  talents,  explains  also  why  he  is  a  very  successful  practitioner.  He 
loves  science  for  science's  sake ;  is  a  hard  student ;  and  is  enthusiastic  in  his 
efforts  to  cultivate  and  elevate  the  standard  of  the  medical  profession.  He  is 
also  a  public-spirited  man,  and  has,  by  word  and  deed,  done  much  for  the  benefit 
of  our  city.  He  is  a  gentleman  of  fixed  principles — a  man  in  the  full  sense 
of  the  W'ord. 

Illinois  claims  Dr.  Allison  as  a  native  son,  his  birth  having  occurred  upon  a 
farm  in  McDonough  county,  January  16,  1863.  His  parents  are  Andrew'  and 
Louisa  (Russell)  Allison,  who  were  farming  people  of  that  section  of  the  state. 
The  son  was  reared  on  the  old  home  place  and  his  experiences  were  those  which 
usually  fall  to  the  farm  lad  who  divides  his  time  between  the  acquirement  of 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  95 

an  education  and  the  work  incident  to  the  development  of  the  tields.  Me  at- 
tended the  rural  schools  and  afterward  became  a  student  in  Lincoln  University, 
at  Lincoln,  Illinois.  He  was  eighteen  years  of  age  when  he  left  college  and 
faced  a  situation  which  called  forth  all  his  latent  energies,  determination  and 
ambition.  He  knew  that  he  must  depend  upon  his  own  labor  for  advancement 
and  he  purchased  a  run-down  creamery,  which  he  operated  for  two  years,  placing 
the  business  upon  a  substantial  Ijasis.  His  close  application,  his  unremitting  in- 
dustry and  his  careful  management  enabled  him  to  acquire  in  that  time  a  capital 
sufficient  to  pay  his  expenses  while  pursuing  a  course  in  Rush  ]\Iedical  College 
of  Chicago.  He  had  resolved  upon  the  practice  of  medicine  as  a  life  work  and 
for  three  years  was  a  student  in  that  institution,  being  graduated  therefrom  in 
1886.  Immediately  afterward,  he  located  for  practice  at  Good  Hope,  Illinois, 
where  he  resided  for  six  years,  or  until  he  came  to  Peoria  in  1892.  Twenty 
years  have  since  come  and  gone  and  each  year  has  seen  him  at  a  higher  point 
than  he  had  reached  the  preceding  year.  He  has  been  a  close  and  discriminating 
student  of  his  profession,  has  been  most  conscientious  and  faitliful  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  professional  duties  and  at  all  times  has  held  to  a  high  ethical 
standard  in  his  work. 

In  1887  occurred  the  marriage  of  Dr.  Allison  and  Miss  Carrie  Potter,  of 
Macomb,  Illinois,  and  they  now  have  one  child,  Cora  Belle.  Extending  his  social 
and  fraternal  connections  as  the  years  have  passed  on.  Dr.  Allison  has  become 
a  thirty-second  degree  Mason  and  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  belongs 
also  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  no  party, 
keeping  at  all  times  well  informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  and 
supporting  the  men  and  measures  which  were  in  his  judgment  to  the  best  in- 
terests of  citv.  state  and  nation.  He  has  held  some  local  offices,  representing  the 
fourth  ward  on  the  board  of  aldermen,  and  he  has  served  as  commissioner  of 
health  of  the  city  of  Peoria. 

As  a  man  and  a  citizen,  he  has  yet  to  be  viewed  from  another  standpoint. 
Of  large  and  liberal  views  in  all  matters  of  business,  full  of  enterprise  and  be- 
lieving much  in  jnish  and  perseverance,  he  can  always  be  found  in  the  van  of 
every  movement  looking  toward  the  accomplishment  of  real  and  practical  good. 
Of  extensive  acc|uaintance  and  very  popular  socially:  charitable  to  an  extent  al- 
together disproportionate  to  his  means;  unostentatious  in  everything:  one  of 
the  truest  men  to  his  friends  that  ever  lived  :  still  in  the  vigor  and  prime  of  a 
remarkably  eventful  life,  the  work  before  him  to  do  and  yet  unaccomplished  is 
immense,  but  to  the  fulfillment  of  his  destiny  he  will  carry  in  the  future  as  in 
the  past,  the  matured  and  strengthened  elements  and  accessories  of  a  character 
that  ultimately  is  to  triumph  over  all  obstacles  and  survive  to  be  made  stronger 
and  better.  He  is  no  partisan.  Cultivated  and  intelli.gent.  he  rises  to  the  dignity 
of  true  statesmanship:  no  narrow,  or  prejudicial  or  sectional  opinions  ever  con- 
trol his  conduct.  He  believes  in  our  American  nationality,  and  in  his  policies 
for  the  development  of  the  physical,  moral  and  intellectual  improvement  of  the 
country,  he  embraces  the  whole  of  it.  and  all  its  parts. 

Dr.  Allison  is  an  ex-president  and  was  also  at  one  time  secretary  of  the 
Peoria  City  Medical  Society  and  he  belongs  to  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society 
and  the  .American  Medical  Association.  He  is  now  serving  on  the  staf?  of  the 
Proctor  Hosiiital  and  is  its  secretary.  This  connection  indicates  plainly  his 
high  standing  among  his  professional  brethren,  as  well  as  in  the  re.gard  (if  the 
public.  He  certainly  deserves  nnich  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished.  He 
liravely  and  resolutely  met  the  difficulties  and  obstacles  and  overcame  these  by 
determined  and  resolute  i)urpose.  thus  qualifying  for  the  highest  position  in  his 
profession  and  as  a  citizen,  in  both  of  which  capacities  he  has  made  continuous 
advancement. 

Dr.  Allison  is  still  in  the  visjor  of  manhood,  and  it  is  hoped,  will  be  spared 


I 


96  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

many  years  to  witness  the  prosperity  of  the  city  he  has  already  done  so  much 
for.     His  life  record  finds  embodiment  in  the  words  of  Pope : 

"Statesman,  yet  friend  to  truth ;  of  soul  sincere, 
In  action  faithful  and  in  honor  clear; 
Who  broke  no  promise,  served  no  private  end; 
Who  gained  no  title,  and  who  lost  no  friend.'' 


W.  T.  SLOAX,  M.  D. 


Records  show  that  early  in  the  history  of  the  ancient  Egyptians,  there  were 
men  of  science — priests — who  were  professed  medicine  men  and  certainly  their 
art  of  embalming  demonstrates  that  they  were  familiar  with  methods  unknown  to 
us  today.  The  East  Indians  believed  in  the  virtue  of  certain  amulets  worn  under 
direction  of  the  priests.  The  Mosaic  laws  gave  specific  directions  regarding  med- 
icine and  their  being  administered,  but  perhaps  the  first  eminent  name  that  has 
come  down  to  us  today  as  a  synonym  for  matters  medical,  is  that  of  the  Greek 
god  of  medicine.  Aesculapius,  the  son  of  Apollo  and  Coronis.  Pythagoras,  the 
famous  Greek  philosopher  and  mathematician,  who  lived  from  about  582-500 
B.  C.,  is  believed  to  have  promulgated  the  study  of  anatomy,  but  the  father  of 
Greek  medicine  was  Hippocrates,  who  lived  from  about  460-377  B.  C.  The 
greatest  Roman  physician  was  Galen,  who  was  born  about  A.  D.  130.  From  the 
seventh  to  the  tenth  century,  the  Arabs  began  the  study  of  medicine  as  a  science, 
and  then  progressed  no  further,  their  greatest  physician  being  Avicenna  (Ibn 
Sina)  surnamed  the  "Prince  of  Physicians,"  who  lived  about  A.  D.  1020.  Later 
came  upon  the  field  Paracelsus,  1493-1541,  the  German-Swiss  physician  and  al- 
chemist, and  \^esalius,  15 14- 1564,  the  Flemish  anatomist  and  court  physician  to 
Charles  \\  and  Philip  II.,  but  the  discovery  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood  by 
Harvey,  1578-1657,  expounded  in  his  chief  work  "Essay  on  the  Alotion  of  the 
Heart  and  the  Blood,"  1628,  gave  the  first  great  impulse  to  medicine  as  a  science. 

However,  all  of  this  research  and  study,  while  it  prepared  the  way  for  the 
wonderful  discoveries  which  came  later,  did  little  to  enlighten  the  minds  of  the 
physicians  as  to  the  real  causes  and  effects  of  disease. 

Dr.  Sloan  whose  name  heads  this  biographical  record  has  devoted  his  life  to 
this  profession,  and  he  has  been  deservedly  crowned  with  its  choicest  rewards. 
To  attain  the  success  which  he  has  reached,  he  has  never  resorted  to  extraneous 
means  or  influences,  or  any  of  the  arts  by  which  popularity  is  sometimes  pur- 
chased at  the  expense  of  science  and  of  truth.  He  has  risen  simply  by  the  same 
means  which  woidd  have  enabled  any  other  person  to  have  risen  to  his  place,  and 
without  which  no  man,  in  any  of  the  professions,  but  especially  in  that  of  medi- 
cine, can  hope  to  achieve  permanent  distinction.  There  are  heights  to  which 
even  genius  cannot  soar,  which  can  only  be  reached  by  patient,  arduous,  unre- 
mitting toil,  unfaltering  courage  and  inflexible  determination  to  succeed.  Dr. 
Sloan  is  a  highly  intellectual  man,  of  quick  j^erceptions  and  sharp  discrimination. 
Flis  being  possessed  of  a  thorough  classical  and  medical  education  in  combina- 
tion with  his  innate  talents,  explains  also  why  he  is  a  very  successful  practitioner. 
He  loves  science  for  science's  sake;  js  a  hard  student,  and  is  enthusiastic  in  his 
efforts  to  cultivate  and  elevate  the  standard  of  the  medical  profession.  He  is 
also  a  public-spirited  man,  and  has  by  word  and  deed,  done  much  for  the  benefit 
of  our  city.  He  is  a  gentleman  and  a  man  of  fi.xed  principles — a  man  in  the  full 
sense  of  the  word. . 

No  general  practitioner  of  Peoria  is  accorded  a  more  extensive  or  important 
practice  than  is  given  Dr.  W.  T.  Sloan,  a  fact  at  once  indicative  of  his  broad  skill 
and  ability  and  his  unfaltering  devotion  to  the  duties  of  the  profession.     He  has 


l)i:.   \V.  T.   SLOAN 


1 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  99 

practiced  medicine  in  this  city  since'  1894,  and  previously  had  twenty  years'  ex- 
perience as  a  general  practitioner  in  Elmwood,  so  that  he  has  been  connected  with 
the  medical  fraternity  of  Peoria  county  for  thirty-seven  years. 

Pie  was  born  in  Clarion  county,  Pennsylvania,  September  2S.  1849.  ^'I'l  i^  I'le 
son  of  John  J.  Sloan.  His  boyhood  and  youth  were  spent  upon  his  father's  farm, 
where  his  experiences  were  those  that  usually  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  lad  who 
divides  his  time  lietween  the  work  of  the  school  room,  the  pleasures  of  the  play- 
ground and  such  tasks  as  are  assigned  by  parental  authority.  After  attending  the 
country  schools  he  engaged  in  teaching  to  some  extent  in  his  own  county  and  later 
resumed  his  own  education  as  a  pupil  in  summer  normal  schools.  He  has  always 
been  a  student  of  life's  problems  as  well  as  of  the  literature  of  the  different  ages, 
and  his  knowledge  has  thus  been  continually  augmented  and  broadened.  He 
took  up  the  study  of  medicine  in  Pellevue  Hospital  Medical  College  at  New  York 
city,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  the  spring  of  1874.  His  training  was  thor- 
ough and  comprehensive  and  well  (jualified  him  for  the  onerous  and  responsible 
duties  which  have  since  devolved  upon  him  in  general  practice.  Following  his 
graduation,  he  came  at  once  to  Elmwood,  Peoria  county,  and  opened  an  office. 
The  early  cases  which  were  given  him  proved  him  to  be  capable  of  solving  the 
intricate  problems  that  contiiuially  confront  the  physician  and  his  practice  steadily 
grew  in  volume  and  importance.  For  twenty  years  he  continued  at  Elmwood  and 
then  removed  to  Peoria  in  1894.  His  reputation  had  preceded  him  and  he  was 
not  long  in  becoming  well  estalilished  in  business  here,  having  today  the  largest 
general  practice  in  Peoria,  his  patronage  coming  from  among  the  best  families  of 
the  city.  In  addition  to  his  general  practice  he  is  now  serving  on  the  staff'  of 
Proctor  Hospital  and  he  has  also  extended  his  connections  to  commercial  inter- 
ests, becoming  a  director  and  the  secretary  of  the  Allaire-Woodward  Company, 
manufacturing  chemists  of  this  city.  He  belongs  to  several  professional  societies, 
whereby  he  keeps  al)reast  with  the  onward  march  of  professional  progress,  hold- 
ing memliership  in  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical 
Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association.  Of  the  tirst  named  he  was  at  one 
time  president. 

In  1876  Dr.  Sloan  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Bertha  \'andervoort,  of 
Elmwood.  a  daughter  of  J.  A.  \'andervoort,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren, of  whom  two  are  living,  John  and  Helen,  the  latter  the  wife  of  James  C. 
McRae  of  Indiana])olis.  Their  daughter  Eleanor,  the  wife  of  S.  M.  Russell, 
superintendent  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  Railroad,  died  in  1908.  John 
is  a  graduate  of  the  Law  Department  of  the  University  of  I'oston  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  of  Massachusetts.  The  family  is  very  prominent  socially  and 
theirs  is  one  of  the  attractive  homes  of  the  city,  justly  celebrated  for  its  warm- 
hearted hospitality. 

Dr.  Sloan  is  well  known  in  ^Masonic  connections,  having  taken  various  degrees 
in  the  York  and  Scottish  Rites  and  is  now  a  consistory  Alason  and  a  member  of 
Mohammed  Temjile  of  the  Alystic  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  past  eminent  commander 
of  the  Knights  Templar  commandery,  and  in  his  life  exemplifies  the  beneficent 
spirit  of  the  craft.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  is  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  of  which  he  served  on  the  building  committee 
during  the  erection  of  its  fine  club  house.  His  position  as  a  citizen  and  in  pro- 
fessional and  social  relations  is  a  most  enviable  one,  personal  worth  and  acquired 
ability  gaining  for  him  well  merited  honor  and  esteem. 

It  is  an  appreciable  fact  that  no  man  is  held  in  higher  esteem  or  nearer  and 
dearer  to  the  hearts  of  those  comprising  the  home  circle  than  the  familv  physi- 
cian, and  no  one  is  called  upon  to  make  greater  sacrifices  than  the  medical  man. 
Xo  one  who  is  so  compelled  to  ]nit  aside  all  personal  pleasures  and  convenience 
than  he.  It  is  also  true  of  the  family  physician  that  many  of  his  patients  have 
paid  him  only  in  love  and  gratitude  for  he  never  stops  to  ask  if  his  fee  is  forth- 


100  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

coming,  but  visits  the  penniless  as  cheerfully  as  the  millionaire.  Such. is  the 
record  of  Dr.  Sloan,  who  has  practiced  in  Peoria  county  for  nearly  four  decades. 

Upon  many  occasions  Dr.  Sloan  was  called  in  the  dead  of  night  to  attend  a 
patient  who  lived  many  miles  away.  In  those  days  there  were  no  automobiles,  no 
electric  cabs,  and  many  of  the  roads  were  in  a  terrible  condition.  The  physician 
was  forced  to  trust  to  the  instinct  of  his  faithful  horse  and  left  matters  lilindly 
with  him  as  the  little  sulky  went  swaying  along  in  the  midnight  darkness.  Often- 
times the  good  ph}-sician  worn  out  with  the  worries  and  work  of  the  day  would  be 
suffering  from  nervous  headache,  his  great  heart  torn  over  the  sufferin,gs  of 
others  who  needed  him  so  badly.  Once  arrived  at  the  home  of  the  sick  one,  he 
not  only  was  the  family  doctor,  but  the  family  friend,  the  family  confes.sor  and 
confidant,  and  oftentimes  the  family  financier.  The  modern  physician  who  con- 
fines himself  to  an  office  practice  has  no  conception  of  the  hardships  of  such  a  pro- 
fessional life  as  Dr.  Sloan  led,  in  the  early  days  of  his  practice  in  Peoria  county, 
nor  does  he  experience  the  intense  joy  that  falls  to  the  lot  of  the  old  physician 
when  he  realized  how  dependent  his  people  were  upon  his  skill  and  cheering 
words. 

Sometimes  his  visits  led  him  so  far  from  home  that  he  went  on  horesback  and 
would  be  away  from  his  own  home  and  its  comforts  for  many  hours  and  even 
days  at  a  time.  His  family  dreaded  these  trips,  for  he  never  spared  himself,  and 
would  return  exhausted  from  overwork  and  long  riding.  His  sympathy  was  so 
great  that  he  always  suffered  with  his  patients,  fully  entering  into  their  lives,  and 
the  strain  told  upon  him  both  in  mind  and  body.  Few  properly  consider  what 
toil,  what  a  wealth  of  expense,  zeal,  watchfulness,  knowledge  and  supremacy  of 
skill  and  talent  was  required  in  those  olden  days.  It  took  patience  and  persever- 
ance, backed  by  estimable  character  and  homely  virtues  to  bring  the  physician  of 
half  a  century  ago  out  of  the  difficulties  with  which  he  was  beset.  What  modern 
physician,  fresh  from  his  school  and  hospital,  imbued  with  all  the  latest  theories 
regarding  germology,  fixed  in  his  ideas  regarding  antiseptics,  used  to  every  con- 
venience and  appliance  could  battle  successfully  against  the  odds  that  confronted 
this  brave  pioneer  in  the  medical  field?  Dr.  Sloan  had  no  hospital  to  which  to 
send  his  patient  when  he  felt  he  had  exhausted  his  skill.  He  had  no  knowledge 
of  so  many  recent  discoveries  to  aid  him,  and  yet  he  has  seldom  failed  to  save  the 
life  of  a  patient  unless  the  disease  was  one  no  human  power  could  arrest. 

To  have  lived  as  he,  to  have  done  what  he  did,  to  have  accomplished  so  much 
of  good  and  so  little  of  evil,  is  to  have  worked  out  the  great  problem  given  all  to 
solve,  successfullv  and  brilliantlv,  and  no  man  can  do  more. 


HERBERT  T.  LAXDAUE-R. 

Among  the  well  established  attorneys  at  law  in  Peoria  is  Herbert  T.  Land- 
auer,  who  has  offices  at  60 1  Observatory  building,  having  been  engaged  in  gen- 
eral practice  in  this  city  since  1896.  He  was  born  in  Canton,  Illinois.  May  15, 
1869,  a  son  of  Moses  and  Sarah  Landauer.  The  father  was  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  for  many  years  and  the  mother  was  a  daughter  of  Squire 
Thomas  M.  Hamilton,  who  was  one  of  the  first  white  men  to  settle  in  Fulton 
county,  Illinois.  The  mother  died  in  1882  at  the  age  of  forty-eight  years,  being 
interred  at  the  Greenwood  cemetery.  Canton,  Illinois.  The  father  is  now  resid- 
ing in  Jersey  City,  New  Jersey. 

The  public  schools  of  Canton  furnished  Herbert  T.  Landauer  with  his  primary 
education  and  he  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  of  that  place  in  1890. 
After  his  graduation  from  that  institution  he  entered  the  University  of  Mich- 
igan, taking  the  law  course,  and  after  one  year  was  graduated  with  honors,  re- 
ceiving the  degree  of  LL.  B.     Upon  his  return  from  Ann  Arbor  he  practiced 


HISTORY  OF  PEORTA  COUNTY  101 

law  at  Canton.  Illinois,  in  partnership  witli  lion.  (  ).  j.  Hover,  when  he  removed 
to  Fine  Bluff,  Arkansas,  for  the  jiraetiee  (jt  his  profession,  which  he  iiursued  at 
that  point  ior  three  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  Canton,  remaininij  there 
for  a  short  time,  later  coming  to  P'eoria  with  Meredith  Walker,  with  whom  he 
had  formed  a  partnership  while  in  Canton.  This  i)artnership  was  continued  in 
this  city  for  two  years  and  was  then  dissolved,  Mr.  Landauer  succeeding  to  the 
firm's  business  in  Penria.  Since  that  time  he  has  remained  alone  in  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  which  he  has  prosecuted  with  uniform  success.  He  holds 
certificates  entitling  him  to  practice  in  Illinois,  Michigan,  Arkansas  and  the 
United  States  courts.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  County  Pjar  Association 
and  hv  constant  reading  keeps  pace  with  the  constantly  changing  legal  enact- 
ments and  supreme  court  decisions.  His  jiolitical  allegiance  is  given  to  the  re- 
publican party  and  he  is  at  present  chief  inspector  of  the  city  streets  and  pave- 
ments under  Sherman  W.  Eckley,  commissioner  of  public  works  of  the  city  of 
Peoria.  During  nearly  the  score  of  years  which  have  marked  the  residence  of 
Mr.  Landauer  in  Peoria  he  has  formed  a  large  acquaintance  in  this  city  and 
throughout  the  county  and  has  built  up  a  very  satisfactory  law  practice.  His 
clients  are  representatives  of  practically  all  classes  and  the  attention  which  he 
gives  to  business  entrusted  to  him  and  the  success  which  he  has  before  courts  and 
juries  give  him  an  excellent  standing  in  the  community  where  he  is  greatly 
respected. 


WIIJJAM  HEXRY  EASTAIAN. 

Throughout  much  of  his  life  William  Henry  Eastman  was  connected  with 
public  office  and  the  record  which  he  made  placed  his  name  high  on  the  list  of 
those  who  in  positions  of  political  preferment  have  conferred  honor  and  dignity 
upon  the  communities  which  they  represented.  For  fifty  years  he  was  a  prom- 
inent and  well  known  citizen  of  Peoria. 

He  was  born  in  New  York  in  1831  and  died  in  this  city  on  the  20th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1902,  being  then  about  seventy-one  years  of  age.  His  education  was  ac- 
quired in  the  schools  of  the  Empire  state  and  in  1851,  when  a  young  man  of 
twenty  years,  he  came  westward,  establishing  his  home  in  Peoria.  The  follow- 
ing year  he  accepted  a  position  as  engineer  on  the  first  railroad  that  entered  the 
city — the  old  Peoria  &  Oquawka  road,  which  is  now  a  part  of  the  Rock  Island  & 
Pacific  Railroad  system.  He  followed  that  occupation  for  many  years  and  finally 
removed  to  Yates  City,  where  he  invested  his  savings  in  a  mercantile  enterprise, 
continuing  as  proprietor  of  that  store  for  several  years. 

In  1861;,  however,  Mr.  Eastman  withdrew  from  independent  business  con- 
nections and  entered  the  government  service  as  a  ganger,  occu])ying  that  posi- 
tion for  nine  years,  or  until  1S78.  The  greater  part  of  his  life  from  that  time 
on  was  spent  in  public  office.  He  served  as  alderman  of  Peoria  for  one  term, 
re])resenting  the  first  ward  in  iS'iti.  In  1804  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace 
and  continued  in  that  position  mitil  iSi|8.  ITe  then  retired  from  active  life  at 
the  age  of  si.xty-seven  years,  spending  his  remainine  days  in  the  enjoyment  of 
well  earned  rest.  In  all  oublic  jiositions  he  was  loyal,  his  duties  were  prrnuptly 
performed  and  his  faithfulness  and  integrity  were  ever  bevond  question.  He 
was  a  well  known  advocate  of  republican  principles,  kept  well  informed  on  the 
questions  and  issues  of  the  day  and  took  a  deep  and  helpful  interest  in  everv- 
thing-  pertaining  to  the  welfare  of  his  city. 

Mr.  Eastman  was  married  twice.  His  first  wife  died  in  i8g8  and  the  three 
children  of  that  marriage  have  also  nassed  away.  On  the  lOth  of  October,  1899, 
occurred  his  marria.ge  to  Miss  Lydia  Knupp.  a  daughter  of  Frederick  and  Ann 
Knn|)]i,  who  were  natives  of  Switzerland  and  on  coming  to  .America  settled  in 


102  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Phihulelpliia.     In   1870  they  became  residents  of   Peoria,  where  the   father  en- 
gaged in  carpet  manufacture. 

Air.  Eastman  was  a  great  reader  and  had  a  well  selected  library.  He  also 
loved  music  and  travel  and  along  those  lines  secured  rest  and  recreation.  He 
was  a  prominent  Mason,  holding  membership  in  Illinois  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  AI.; 
Peoria  Chapter,  R.  A.  M. :  Peoria  Commandery.  K.  T. ;  Peoria  Consistory,  A. 
A.  S.  R. ;  and  Alohamnied  Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  was  likewise  a 
member  of  Electa  Chapter  of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star  and  extended  his 
menabership  relations  to  the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees,  belonging  to  Peoria  Tent. 
His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  denomination,  his  membership  be- 
ing in  the  Madison  Avenue  church.  His  life  was  ever  honorable  and  upright, 
in  harmonv  with  his  professions,  and  he  endeavored  to  choose  only  that  which  is 
best  in  the  develojiment  of  character,  which  he  recognized  as  the  most  highly 
prized  possession  that  is  given  to  man. 


i 


LEWIS  M.  HIXES.  ■ 


Lewis  M.  Hines  has  since  1906  been  numbered  among  the  county  officials  of 
Peoria  county,  filling  the  office  of  treasurer  at  the  present  time.  He  was  previous 
to  that  time  identified  with  agricultural  interests  and  in  both  connections  has 
made  a  creditable  record.  Peoria  county  numbers  him  among  her  native  sons,  his 
birth  having  occurred  May  30,  185S.  His  father.  John  Hines,  came  from  Coshoc- 
ton county,  Ohio,  to  Illinois,  in  1835,  when  a  lad  of  ten  years,  making  the  trip  in 
company  with  his  father.  John  Hines,  who  settled  in  Richwood  township,  where 
he  spent  his  remaining  days,  his  time  and  energies  being  given  to  farming.  To 
the  same  work  his  son  and  namesake  turned  his  attention  and  for  a  long  period 
was  a  representative  of  agricultural  interests  in  Richwood  township,  where  he 
carefully  directed  his  labors  and  won  a  substantial  measure  of  success  in  tilling 
the  soil.  He  was  a  public-spirited  citizen,  active  in  support  of  all  the  measures 
and  projects  which  he  believed  would  prove  beneficial  to  the  community.  In 
politics  he  was  a  stanch  republican,  never  faltering  in  his  support  of  the  party, 
which  he  believed  was  most  likely  to  conserve  the  interests  of  good  government. 
Wherever  he  was  known  he  was  held  in  high  regard  and  a  long  and  useful  life 
brought  him  to  an  honored  old  age,  which  was  terminated  by  death  in  1903.  He 
married  Laura  Corrington.  a  native  of  Hamilton  county,  Ohio,  a  daughter  of 
Washington  Corrington,  who  was  a  farmer  by  occupation.  Mrs.  John  Hines  still 
survives,  as  do  all  of  her  nine  children,  namely:  Lewis  M. ;  John  B.,  who  is  living 
in  Peoria  county;  -Mary  E.,  who  makes  her  home  with  her  mother;  Charles  W., 
a  resident  of  Peoria  county,  Illinois ;  Walter  Sherman,  living  in  Peoria ;  Gilbert 
B.,  who  is  located  in  Dunlajj,  Illinois;  Mrs.  Laura  A.  Sammis,  of  Chillicothe,  Illi- 
nois ;  and  Everett  and  Winfrcd,  both  of  whom  are  residents  of  Richwood  town- 
ship. 

The  public  schools  afforded  Lewis  M.  Hines  the  educational  privileges  which 
he  enjoyed  and  which  qualified  him  for  responsible  duties  in  later  life.  He 
worked  upon  his  father's  farm  when  not  busy  with  his  text-books,  continuing  on 
the  old  homestead  until  twenty-one  years  of  age,  when  he  started  out  in  life  on 
his  own  account  as  a  farmer  of  Richwood  township.  He  was  itlentified  with  gen- 
eral agricultural  pursuits  until  he  reached  the  age  of  forty-eight  years  but  now 
leases  his  land  to  one  of  his  sons.  He  became  a  prosperous  agriculturist  because 
his  labors  were  practical  and  his  industry  unfaltering.  He  added  to  his  place  all 
modern  improvements  and  equipments  and  as  he  prospered,  increased  his  hold- 
ings until  he  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  substantial  residents  of  his  community. 

Mr.  Hines  has  never  neglected  his  duties  of  citizenship  and  at  all  times  has 
contributed  to  public  progress  to  the  extent  of  his  ability.     For  nine  years  he 


LEWIS  Jl.  HIXK.S 


HISTORY  Ol-    I'l'OKlA  COUNTY  105 

served  as  school  director  in  his  township  and  was  also  school  trustee  for  three 
years.  The  cause  of  education  has  ever  found  in  him  a  warm  friend,  and  he  did 
all  in  his  powder  to  uphold  the  standard  of  the  schools.  For  two  years  he  Hlled 
the  office  of  supervisor  and  in  1906  he  was  made  the  candidate  of  his  party  for 
the  office  of  sheriff,  to  which  he  was  elected  for  a  four  years'  term.  He  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  that  office  fearlessly  and  faithfully  and  the  excellent  record 
which  he  made  in  that  connection  commanded  for  him  further  official  honors,  so 
that  in  1910  he  was  elected  countv  treasurer  and  is  now  the  incumbent  in  that 
position.  He  is  proving  equallv  faithful  as  a  custodian  of  the  \mh\k  funds,  his 
record  being  at  all  times  characterized  bv  faithfulness  and  promptness  in  the 
discharge  of  his  official  duties.  He  has  been  an  active  supporter  of  the  republican 
party  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise  and  keeps  well  in- 
formed concerning  the  salient  questions  and  issues  of  the  day. 

In  March,  1881,  in  Peoria  county,  Mr.  Hines  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Laura  A.  Pierce  of  this  countv,  a  daughter  of  Hiram  H.  and  Harriet  (Lockwood) 
Pierce,  the  latter  a  native  of  the  state'of  Xew  York.  Her  father  belonged  to  one 
of  the  earlv  families  of  this  part  of  the  state  and  for  a  long  period  was  a  repre- 
sentative of  industrial  interests,  conducting  a  brick  manufacturing  plant,  ^nto 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hines  were  born  five  children,  of  whom  three  are  yet  living, 
namely:  Mrs.  Belle  Moore,  of  Peoria;  W.  C,  residing  in  Richwood  town.ship : 
and  Harrison,  who  is  a  resident  farmer  of  Brimfield  township.  The  parents  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  church  and  Mr.  Hines  is  a  prominent  ]\Iason.  He 
belongs  to  the  blue  lodge  and  the  chajiter,  has  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree 
in  the  commanderv  and  the  thirty-second  degree  in  the  Scottish  Rite.  In  his  life 
he  exem])lifies  the'  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft  and  holds  to  the  teachings  con- 
cerning the  universal  brotherhood  of  mankind.  He  is  at  all  times  approachable 
and  genial  and  wishes  to  be  ranked  by  his  genuine  worth  rather  than  by  any  false 
standards. 


HENRY  MANSFIELD,  Jr. 

The  identification  of  Henry  Mansfield,  now  senior  member  of  the  law  lirm 
of  Mansfield,  Cowan  cS:  Boulware,  with  the  legal  fraternity  of  Peoria  dates  from 
1888.  Mr.  Mansfield  was  born  in  Peoria,  March  4,  1864,  the  son  of  Henry  and 
Isabelle  I".  Mansfield.  The  father  came  to  Peoria  in  1839  and  was  one  of  the 
first  settles  here.  His  Inisiness  was  that  of  a  druggist  and  soon  after  settling  in 
Peoria  he  formed  a  ])artnership  with  Dr.  N.  S.  Tucker,  which  relationship  was 
continued  until  shnrtly  after  the  close  of  the  Civil  war,  when  the  firm  sold  out 
and  Mr.  Mansfield  invested  a  portion  of  his  capital  in  real  estate  and  also  did  a 
considerable  loan  business.  .After  selling  the  drug  store  he  confined  his  atten- 
tion to  looking  after  his  holdings,  which  under  his  wise  management  accumu- 
lated so  that  at  the  time  of  his  death  in  1893,  when  he  attained  the  age  of 
seventy-three  years,  he  was  in  affluent  circumstances.  His  remains  were  laid  to 
rest  in  Springdale  cemetery.  The  mother  survives  and  occupies  the  old  home- 
stead at  the  corner  of  Perry  street  and  Hamilton  boulevard,  Peoria.  The  Mans- 
field familv.  which  is  of  English  extraction,  was  founded  in  the  new  world  at  a 
very  early  day  and  comprises  eleven  generations  in  America. 

In  the  public  schools  of  Peoria  Henry  Mansfield  secured  his  primary  educa- 
tion, later  entering  the  \'irginia  Military  Institute  at  Lexington,  Yirginia,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  1886.  He  then  became  a  student  in  the  law  de- 
partment of  the  L'niversity  of  Virginia,  pursuing  his  studies  in  that  institution 
for  two  vears.  In  1888  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  by  the  supreme  court  of 
Illinois  and  immediately  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Peoria.  After 
a  short  time,  however,  he  went  to  Lincoln,  Nebraska,  where  he  labored  in  his 
chosen  profession  for  five  years.     In  1894  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  has  since 


106  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

been  continuously  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  this  city,  where  he 
is  meeting  with  gratifying  success.  In  January,  1910,  Mr.  Mansfield  entered 
into  partnership  with  David  J.  Cowan,  former  state's  attorney  of  Johnson  county, 
and  Jefferson  R.  Boulware,  former  state  representative  from  Peoria  county, 
forming  the  law  firm  of  Mansfield,  Cowan  &  Boulware.  JNIr.  Mansfield  is  a 
member  of  the  P^eoria  and  the  State  Bar  Associations,  being  active  in  his  con- 
nection therewith. 

On  March  4,  1909,  occurred  the  marriage  of  ]\Ir.  Mansfield  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
J.  Bruninga.  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Bruninga.  Mr.  Alansfield  gives 
his  political  adherence  to  the  democratic  party  and  he  has  taken  an  active  in- 
terest in  the  promotion  of  those  principles  and  policies  for  which  democracy 
stands.  In  1897  '""^  '^'^'''s  appointed  assistant  city  attorney  and  held  that  position 
until  December,  1901.  In  April  of  the  succeeding  year  he  was  elected  city  attor- 
ney and  satisfactorily  filled  that  position  for  two  years.  He  was  appointed  as 
special  counsel  by  the  mayor  and  the  city  coimcil  of  Peoria  to  conduct  the  litiga- 
tion pending  at  the  time  of  his  appointment  between  the  city  of  Peoria  and  the 
Peoria  Gas  Light  &  Coke  Company.  As  a  result  of  this  litigation  the  price  of 
gas  to  consumers  was  reduced  to  ninety  cents  per  thousand  cubic  feet.  In  1906 
he  was  appointed  corporation  counsel  of  the  city  of  Peoria,  a  position  which  he 
held  for  three  years. 


J.  M.  BELCK. 


J.  M.  Belck,  who  has  been  practically  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria,  is  now 
the  president  of  The  B.  F.  Adams  Company,  dealers  in  farm  implements,  seeds, 
automobiles,  etc.,  at  Nos.  114-116-118  South  Washington  street.  This  enter- 
prise owes  its  development  and  prosperity  in  no  small  measure  to  the  efforts 
of  him  who  stands  at  its  head,  for  Mr.  Belck  is  a  farsighted,  sagacious  and  pro- 
gressive business  man,  whose  plans  are  carefully  formulated  and  promptly  ex- 
ecuted. 

He  was  born  near  Mansfield,  Ohio,  in  1851,  a  son  of  Martin  Belck,  a  har- 
ness maker  who  came  to  Peoria  with  his  family  during  the  infancy  of  his  son, 
J.  M.  Belck.  For  many  years  the  father  was  engaged  in  the  harness-making 
business  in  Peoria  in  connection  with  H.  M.  Frederick  under  the  firm  style  of 
Frederick  &  Company,  this  being  one  of  the  early  business  concerns  of  the  city. 
The  father  died  about  the  time  his  son  J.  M.  Belck  attained  his  majority  but  the 
mother  had  passed  away  while  he  was  a  schoolboy.  His  education  was  ac- 
quired in  the  public  schools  and  in  the  high  school  when  it  was  located  at  the 
old  state  house  square.  He  likewise  attended  Brown's  liusiness  College  and 
thus  became  well  equipped  for  the  practical  and  responsible  duties  which  have 
devolved  upon  him  in  his  later  years. 

His  identification  with  his  present  business  dates  from  1886,  at  which  time 
he  secured  the  position  of  bookkeeper  and  clerk  with  The  George  M.  Moore 
Company.  Later  the  business  was  reorganized  under  the  name  of  the  Peoria 
Implement  Company,  in  which  B.  F.  Adams  became  interested  in  1894.  The 
business,  however,  was  conducted  under  the  old  style  until  1907,  when  it  was 
incorporated  under  the  name  of  The  B.  F.  Adams  Company,  with  J.  M.  Belck 
as  the  president  and  manager.  In  the  meantime  he  had  continuously  worked 
his  way  upward,  acquainting  himself  with  the  various  branches  of  the  business, 
his  powers  growing  through  exercise.  The  business  is  conducted  at  Xo.  1 16- 
118  South  Washington  street,  which  is  probably  the  oldest  stand  for  an  imple- 
ment concern  in  Peoria.  They  occupy  the  entire  building,  which  is  three  stories 
in  height,  has  a  frontage  of  thirty-four  feet  and  a  depth  of  one  hundred  and 
seventy-two  feet.  They  also  occupy  the  entire  two-story  building  at  114  South 
Washington  street,  which  is  twenty-four  by  one  hundred  and  seventv-two  feet. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  107 

They  are  extensive  dealers  in  farm  implements  and  yet  their  largest  trade  is  in 
the  jobbing  of  seeds.  In  that  connection  they  have  built  up  a  business  of  mam- 
moth proportions  and  their  output  covers  a  wide  territory.  The  business  methods 
of  the  house  are  such  as  will  bear  the  closest  investigation  and  scrutiny,  for  at 
all  times  their  interests  have  conformed  to  a  high  standard  of  commercial  ethics. 
Mr.  Belck  was  married  in  1884  to  Miss  Alice  Couch  at  Camp  Point,  Indiana. 
The  social  phases  of  his  life  are  further  represented  in  his  connection  with  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  in  which  he  has  taken  the  degrees  of  the  lodge,  chapter, 
council,  commandery  and  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  in  thorough  sympathy 
with  the  purposes  and  teachings  of  the  craft.  Moreover,  he  is  a  member  of 
the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  is  interested  in  its  various  projects  for 
the  welfare  of  the  city,  its  adornment,  improvement  and  business  development. 
Mr.  Belck  is  a  typical  business  man  of  the  present  day,  alert,  enterprising,  prompt 
and  notablv  relial)le.  He  early  realized  the  truth  of  the  old  adage  that  "honesty 
is  the  best  policy"  and  it  has  been  through  the  employment  of  progressive,  reli- 
able methods  that  he  has  gained  the  presidency  of  one  of  the  important  com- 
mercial concerns  of  the  city. 


ROSS  S.  W  ALLACE. 


The  popular  and  efficient  manager  of  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company, 
with  offices  at  No.  316  Jetferson  street,  is  Ross  S.  Wallace,  who  has  filled  that 
position  with  this  company  since  1908.  He  came  to  Peoria  in  1900  and  ob- 
tained the  position  of  chiei  engineer  for  the  concern  of  which  he  is  now  serving 
as  general  manager.  His  ability  soon  won  him  promotion  and  at  the  end  of  three 
years  he  was  made  department  superintendent  and  later  general  superintendent. 
Mr.  Wallace  was  born  in  Chatsworth,  Illinois,  December  9,  1869,  the  son  of 
Robert  R.  and  Louise  (Strawn)  Wallace.  The  father  is  now  a  practicing  at- 
torney at  Pontiac,  Illinois,  where  he  has  followed  his  profession  for  a  number 
of  years.  He  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  serving  four  years  and  retiring  with 
the  rank  of  captain.  He  has  long  been  associated  with  the  professional  and 
political  affairs  of  Livingston  county,  having  for  twenty  years  filled  the  position 
of  county  judge.  The  Wallace  family  came  originally  from  the  north  of  Ire- 
land, its  first  representatives  emigrating  to  the  new  world  in  or  about  1750. 
They  participated  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  representatives  of  the  family 
on  the  maternal  side  were  identified  with  the  "boys  of  '76." 

Ross  S.  Wallace  received  his  preliminary  education  in  the  public  and  high 
schools  of  Pontiac  and  later  entered  the  University  of  Illinois  at  Urbana.  being 
graduated  from  the  mechanical  engineering  department  of  that  institution  in 
1891  with  the  degree  of  B.  S.  After  his  graduation  he  gave  his  entire  atten- 
tion to  mechanical  engineering  and  was  employed  at  this  work  in  various  cities 
previous  to  settling  in  Peoria  in  1900,  when  he  became  chief  engineer  of  the 
Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company,  of  which  company  he  is  now  filling  the  posi- 
tions of  second  vice  president  and  general  manager.  He  is  also  serving  as  vice 
president  of  the  Citizens'  Gas  &  Electric  Company  of  Pekin,  Illinois,  and  holds 
the  same  position  with  the  Washington  Light  &  Power  Company  of  Washington, 
Illinois.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Society  of  Mechanical  Engineers, 
the  American  Institute  of  I'^lectrical  I'.ngineers  and  the  National  Electric  Light 
Association. 

On  June  i,  1898,  Mr.  Wallace  was  married  to  Miss  Jessie  Waring,  a  daugh- 
ter of  E.  S.  and  Helen  Waring.  Two  daughters  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wallace,  Margaret  and  Helen,  both  of  whom  are  attending  the  White 
school.  In  his  political  faith  Mr.  Wallace  adheres  to  the  principles  of  the  re- 
publican party.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Peoria  Country 


108  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Club  and  the  Kickapoo  Golf  Club.  In  his  religious  associations  he  is  a  member 
of  and  deacon  in  the  First  Presbyterian  church.  The  family  reside  at  No.  2i6 
North  street  and  here  their  many  frientls  are  assured  of  a  cordial  greetmg. 
Possessing  unusual  ability,  Mr.  W'allace  has  by  careful  education,  training  and 
experience  acquired  a  broad  knowledge  along  electrical  and  engineering  hues 
and  is  universally  respected  and  admired  for  his  ability  and  business  capability. 


ABRAHAM  P.  COLVIN. 

Abraham  P.  Colvin,  treasurer  and  cashier  of  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Com- 
pany, with  offices  at  316  Jefferson  street,  has  been  with  this  concern  since  1899 
in  the  capacity  of  cashier  but  since  1909  has  also  filled  the  office  of  treasurer. 
He  was  born 'at  Maysville.  Kentucky.  October  29.  1856,  a  son  of  William  and 
Martha  Ann  (Crow'ell)  Colvin.  The  Colvin  family  has  been  established  in 
America  for  many  generations,  the  ancestrv  being  easily  traced  to  colonial  days. 
The  father  for  many  years  conducted  a  paint  and  decorating  establishment  at 
Maysville,  where  most  of  his  life  was  spent.  He  was  a  stanch  supporter  of  the 
democratic  party,  although  never  becoming  a  politician  in  the  office-seeking  sense 
of  the  term.  His  death  occurred  in  1879,  when  he  was  fifty-three  years  of  age. 
His  wife  survived  him  for  many  years,  passing  away  on  the  28th  of  April,  191 1,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-three  years,  and  both  were  buried  at  Maysville. 

Abraham  P.  Colvin  was  reared  and  received  his  education  in  the  city  and 
state  of  his  nativity.  Putting  aside  his  text-books  at  the  early  age  of  thirteen, 
however,  he  went  to  work  as  a  clerk  in  a  book  and  stationery  house  at  Mays- 
ville and  with  various  firms  handling  the  same  line  continued  in  that  business 
until  1898.  He  first  came  to  Peoria  in  1882  and  remained  a  short  time,  re- 
turning later  to  Kentucky.  In  1897  he  settled  permanently  in  this  city  since 
■which  time  he  has  made  this  his  home.  Two  years  later,  in  1899,  he  became 
connected  with  the  I'eoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company  as  its  cashier,  a  position 
which  he  has  since  held.  Owing  to  his  ability  and  the  tact  shown  in  the  hand- 
ling of  his  official  duties  he  was  ten  years  later  given  the  additional  responsi- 
bility of  treasurer  of  the  company,  retaining  also  the  cashiership  which  he  had 
so  long  held. 

Mr.  Colvin  was  married,  in  Peoria,  September  18,  1895,  to  Miss  Anna  Rulon. 
a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peter  Rulon.  and  they  reside  at  478  North  Park- 
side  Drive  in  a  beautiful  modern  home  which  he  erected  in  igog.  The  business 
career  of  Mr.  Colvin  has  been  distinguished  from  the  beginning  by  those  es- 
sential traits  of  integrity,  strict  attendance  to  business  and  ambition,  without 
which  no  young  man  makes  a  success  in  life  or  rises  in  the  esteem  and  respect 
of  his  fellows.  In  the  responsible  positions  which  he  has  held  he  has  by  his 
efficiency  made  himself  almost  indispensable  and  at  the  same  time  has  extended 
his  acquaintance  in  business  and  social  circles  until  he  is  now  well  known 
throughout  the  city  where  he  has  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 


FREDERICK  A.  LAMMERS. 

Although  many  years  have  passed  since  Frederick  A.  Lammers  was  called 
to  his  final  rest,  he  is  yet  remembered  as  a  progressive,  prominent  business  man 
of  Peoria  and  one  whose  labors  contriliuted  to  the  material  development  of  the 
city.  He  was  here  born  in  1853,  his  parents  being  Henry  and  Sophia  Lam- 
mers, who  had  come  to  Peoria  the  previous  year  from  Hanover,  Germanv.  and 
resided  in  this  citv  until  called  to  their  final  rest.     Their  son  Frederick  A.  Lani- 


ii 


]11S'1-()RV  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  109 

mers  pursued  his  early  education  in  St.  Joseph's  school  of  Peoria  and  afterward 
attended  Cole's  Business  College  and  the  Pio  Xono  College  at  Mdwaukee,  Wis- 
consin. For  an  extended  period  he  was  connected  with  the  grocery  busuiess, 
becoming  the  leading  grocer  in  the  southern  part  of  Peoria.  He  conducted  his 
store  in  the  building  at  the  corner  of  Cedar  and  Adams  streets,  which  had  been 
built  i)y  his  father,  Henry  Lammers.  He  carried  a  large  and  well  selected  line 
of  staple  and  fancy  groceries  and  his  straightforward  business  methods,  his 
reasonable  prices  aiid  his  earnest  desire  to  please  his  patrons  secured  to  him  a 
very  gratifying  trade,  from  which  he  annually  derived  a  good  profit.  About 
two'  years  prior  to  his  death  he  sold  his  grocery  business  to  his  brother  Henry 
and  turned  his  attention  to  the  furniture  trade,  establishing  the  store  which  is 
now  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Banner  Furniture  Company  at  No.  141 1 
South  Adams  street.  Sound  judgment  guided  his  activities  and  his  energy  en- 
abled him  to  overcome  all  the  difficulties  and  obstacles  in  his  path.  He  met 
competition  by  straightforward  methods  and  made  for  himself  a  most  credit- 
able name  in  business  circles.  Aside  from  his  mercantile  interests  he  was  a 
stockholder  in  the  German  Fire  Insurance  Company  of  Peoria. 

In  St.  Joseph's  German  Catholic  church  of  Peoria  Mr.  Lammers  was  mar- 
ried to  ^iiss  Elizabeth  'SL  Rubel.  of  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  and  unto  them  were  born 
three  daughters,  Lillian  \'era.  Martha  Henrietta  and  Maria  Sophia,  all  yet  liv- 
ing at  home  with  their  mother  at  No.  1029  North  Madison  avenue.  In  his 
political  views  Mr.  Lammers  was  a  democrat  and  labored  earnestly  and  effect- 
ively for  the  welfare  and  growth  of  his  i)arty.  In  April.  1887,  he  was  elected 
tow'nshi])  assessor  for  Peoria  township  but  had  little  desire  for  public  office, 
preferring  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  interests.  Something 
of  the  nature  of  his  recreation  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  was  a  member  of 
the  Peoria  Gun  Club  and  the  Peoria  Rifle  Club.  He  held  membership  in  St. 
Joseph's  German  Catholic  church  and  he  belonged  to  St.  Joseph's  Benevolent 
"Society  and  the  Knights  of  St.  George.  There  are  no  unusual  or  spectacular 
features  in  his  life  record  but  it  is  none  the  less  valuable  and  none  the  less 
essential,  for  his  history  contains  many  lessons  that  may  well  be  learned  by 
those  who  seek  to  win  honorable  success  and  who  never  neglect  duty  but  find 
in  each  day's  tasks  the  courage  and  inspiration  for  the  labors  of  the  succeeding 
day. 


JOHN  C.  RAMBO. 


John  C.  Rambo  is  the  secretary  of  the  Commercial  Travelers'  Loan  and 
Homestead  Association,  with  which  he  has  been  connected  continuously  since 
November,  1894,  serving  for  fourteen  years  as  its  secretary.  He  came  to  this 
city  in  the  previous  July  and  has  maintained  a  place  among  the  prominent  rep- 
resentatives of  financial  and  business  interests  here,  proving  his  worth  in  every 
connection  and  manifesting  his  ability  in  carefully  formulated  plans  for  the 
growth  of  the  business  of  which  he  is  a  leading  e.xecutive  ofiicer. 

Mr.  Rambo  was  born  ui^on  a  farm  near  Keokuk,  Io\ya,  October  7,  1868,  and  is 
the  son  of  H.  C.  and  Isabel  Rambo,  who  were  agriculturists  of  that  part  of  the 
state.  The  son  early  became  familiar  with  the  best  methods  of  tilling  the  soil 
and  caring  for  the  crops.  He  worked  in  the  fields  during  the  summer  months 
and  when  educational  opportunities  offered,  attended  the  country  schools  and 
finally  became  a  high-school  student  at  Farmington.  Io\ya.  Later  he  attended 
the  Baptist  College  at  Pella,  Iowa,  and  in  his  broad  and  liberal  education  laid  the 
foundation  for  his  later  success.  He  also  jnirsued  a  course  in  Pierce's  Business 
College  in  Keokuk.  Iowa,  and  for  a  time  was  a  teacher  in  that  institution.  He 
then  taught  in  a  business  college  in  Fairfield,  Iowa,  and  became  acquainted  with 


110  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  methods  pursued  in  banking  circles  while  acting  as  cashier  and  bookkeeper 
in  a  bank  is  Farniington.  Iowa.  On  leaving  that  position  he  came  to  Peoria, 
where  he  arrived  in  July,  1894,  and  in  the  following  November  he  entered  upon 
his  present  connection  With  the  Commercial  Travelers'  Loan  and  Homestead 
Association.  His  efforts  have  been  a  feature  in  the  continued  growth  and  pros- 
perity of  the  business.  On  the  30th  of  June,  191 1,  the  forty-fifth  semi-annual 
statement  of  the  association  was  issued,  indicating  the  continuous  growth  and 
substantial  condition  of  the  association  at  the  present  time.  Its  assets  on  the 
1st  of  Tuly,  1900,  were  one  hundred  and  seventy-one  thousand,  six  hundred  and 
thirty-two' dollars,  and  on  the  ist  of  July,  191 1,  were  four  hundred  and  ninety 
thousand,  one  hundred  and  eighty-seven  dollars. 

In  1892  Mr.  Rambo  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss  J\latie  Eddy,  of  Farm- 
ington,  Iowa.  They  have  gained  many  friends  during  the  period  of  their  res- 
idence in  Peoria  and  are  widely  and  favorably  known.  They  hold  membership 
in  the  First  Baptist  church  and  in  its  work  and  kindred  interests  take  an  active 
and  helpful  part.  Mr.  Rambo  is  the  president  of  the  Peoria  County  Sunday 
School  Association,  is  superintendent  of  the  Olive  Street  Mission  Sunday  School 
and  is  a  trustee  of  the  First  Baptist  church.  While  he  has  closely  confined  his 
efforts  and  attention  to  business,  he  has  never  allowed  this  to  preclude  his  active 
participation  in  eft'orts  for  the  moral  uplift  of  the  race  and  his  work  in  behalf 
of  the  church  and  Sunday  School  has  been  effective,  beneficial  and  far  reaching. 


ED\\'ARD  \\'.  BURDICK. 

Among  the  men  whose  business  activities  have  contributed  to  public  progress 
as  well  as  to  individual  prosperity,  Edward  W.  Burdick  was  numbered.  He  lived 
a  quiet,  uneventful  life  if  judged  by  some  standards,  and  yet  his  years  were 
fraught  with  usefulness,  and  his  labors  resulted  largely  for  the  benefit  of  others. 
His  friends,  therefore — and  they  were  many — came  to  regard  him  as  one  of  the 
leading  residents  of  his  community,  and  rejoiced  in  the  success  which  enabled  him 
in  his  later  years  to  live  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil. 
He  was  born  on  the  i6th  of  January,  1826,  and  was  therefore  seventy-eight  years 
of  age  when  he  passed  away  November  11,  1904.  His  birthplace  was  in  Allegany 
county.  New  York,  and  his  parents  were  Jabez  and  Abigail  (Millard)  Burdick, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Berlin,  Rensselaer  county.  New  York.  Upon  the 
father's  farm  the  boy  was  reared.  He  early  became  acquainted  with  the  best 
method  of  tilling  the  soil  and  caring  for  the  crops,  and  when  not  busy  with  the 
work  of  the  fields  he  attended  the  district  school.  After  attaining  his  majority  he 
came  west,  settling  first  in  Farniington,  Fulton  county,  Illinois.  There  he  became 
identified  with  agricultural  pursuits,  tilling  the  soil  in  that  locality  until  1862  when 
he  sold  his  property  there  and  removed  to  Peoria  county,  settling  in  Akroii  town- 
ship. There  he  successfully  followed  farming  for  many  years,  converting  his 
land  into  rich  and  productive  fields  from  which  he  annually  gathered  rich  and 
abundant  harvests.  His  methods  were  of  a  most  practical  character  that  were 
based  upon  modern  scientific  principles.  Moreover,  he  owned  a  third  interest  in 
the  West  Hallock  Cheese  Factory,  one  of  the  largest  concerns  of  the  kind  in  this 
part  of  the  country,  its  extensive  output  annually  returning  to  its  owners  a  very 
substantial  and  gratifying  income.  As  the  years  passed  and  success  rewarded  his 
labors  Mr.  Burdick  felt  he  was  justified  in  putting  aside  the  more  active  duties  of 
life,  and  during  his  last  years  lived  retired,  his  financial  resources  being  suflicient 
to  supply  him  with  all  the  comforts  and  many  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  In  earlier 
years  he  had  practiced  frugality  and  economy,  and  his  careful  expeditures  and 
judicious  investments  constituted  the  foundation  upon  which  his  fortunes  were 
built. 


MR.  AXn   .MRS.    K.   \V.   RlRDIeK 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COL"XTY  113 

At  Farmington,  on  the  12th  of  April,  1852,  :\Ir.  Burdick  was  married  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  Saunders,  a  native  of  Berlin,  New  York,  who  died  on  the  29th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1882.  Mr.  Burdick  was  again  married  on  the  29th  of  November,  1888,  his 
second  union  being  with  Mrs.  Ophelia  Partridge,  a  daughter  of  Reuben  and 
Delight  (I'almer)  I'.rown,  and  the  widow  of  Albert  I'artridge  who  died  November 
4,  1882.  Her  parents  were  natives  of  Rhode  Island,  and  upon  removing  west- 
ward settled  first  in  Illinois  but  afterward  went  to  Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Burdickwas 
the  third  in  a  family  of  four  children  and  was  born  in  Ellisburg,  New  York, 
March  18.  1828.  Although  she  is  now  eighty-four  years  of  age  she  enjoys  re- 
markablv  good  health  and  is  splendidly  preserved  both  physically  and  mentally. 
She  is  a  member  of  the  Seventh  Day  Baptist  church  to  which  Mr.  Burdick  also 
made  them  reach  out  a  helping  hand  to  those  in  need  of  a  parental  roof  and 
lives.  Thev  never  had  any  chddren  of  tlieir  own,  but  their  kindness  of  heart 
made  them  reach  out  a  helping  hand  to  those  in  need  of  a  parental  roof  and 
protection.  They  reared  five  chikiren  to  whom  they  gave  their  name,  these  being 
Joseph,  Charles,  Dorcus  E.,  Lillie  J.,  and  Cora  A.  Burdick.  Dorcus  became  the 
wife  of  William  Bavington,  who  is  now  deceased.  They  had  one  child,  Betsy 
Bavington.  Cora  A.  became  the  wife  of  Frank  Rotterman  and  died  leaving  one 
child.  Francis  Rotterman.  By  her  first  marriage  Mrs.  Burdick  had  four  children, 
but  the  eldest,  James  H.,  and  the  youngest,  Mary,  are  now  deceased.  Harvey  E. 
Partridge  is  married  and  has  two  children,  William  and  Ida,  the  latter  being  the 
wife  of  Jesse  Scholes  and  the  mother  of  one  child,  Ida  Scholes.  Charles  A.  Part- 
ridge is  married  and  has  three  children,  Albert,  Robert  and  liugene.  Mrs.  Bur- 
dick also  has  two  great-grandchildren,  Ruth  and  Lulu  Partridge. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Burdick  was  ever  an  earnest  republican,  stanchly 
advocating  the  principles  of  the  party,  although  he  did  not  seek  the  rewards  of 
office.  He  was  always  actively  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  community  and 
no  other  man  of  the  community  did  more  in  developing  the  county.  For  more 
than  fortv  years  he  resided  in  Peoria  county  and  gained  for  himself  an  enviable 
reputation  as  an  agriculturist  and  as  a  citizen.  It  has  been  said,  "Not  the  good 
that  comes  to  us  but  the  good  that  comes  to  the  world  through  us  is  the  measure 
of  our  success,"  and  judged  in  this  way  Mr.  Burdick  was  a  most  successful  man. 
Giving  homes  to  five  orphan  children  would  alone  entitle  him  to  distinction  as 
one  of  the  world's  benefactors.  In  other  ways  too  he  lived  out  a  life  of  useful- 
ness and  his  good  deeds  will  long  be  remembered  and  cause  his  memory  to  be 
honored. 


NEWTON  MEREDITH  LO\'E. 

In  presenting  to  the  public  the  representative  men  of  the  city  of  Peoria,  and 
the  state  of  Illinois,  who  have  by  a  superior  force  of  character  and  energy  to- 
gether with  a  combination  of  ripe  (jualities  of  ability  and  excellency,  made 
themselves  conspicuous  and  commanding  in  private  and  public  life,  we  have 
no  example  more  fit  to  present,  and  one  more  worthy  a  place  in  this  volume 
than  Newton  Meredith  Love.  Not  only  does  he  rise  above  the  standard  of  his 
line  of  business,  but  he  also  possesses  in  a  high  degree  the  excellences  of  human 
nature  that  make  men  worthy  of  regard  among  their  fellows.  He  is  a  high- 
minded  and  liberal  business  man ;  one  who  is  keenly  alive  to  all  the  varying  re- 
quirements of  trade,  and  one  of  those  who  conduct  operations  of  the  most  ex- 
tended and  weighty  character  and  who,  above  all  others,  have  succeeded  in 
making  Peoria  a  great  commercial  center. 

Newton  Meredith  Love  was  born  in  this  city,  September  21,  1869,  his  par- 
ents being  Newton  B.  and  Sarah  (Candee)  Love.  The  Love  family  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  origin  and  the  founder  of  the  family  in  this  country,  John   Love, 


i 


114  HISTORY  OF  i'EORIA  COUNTY 

came  from  Ireland  about  1720.  Thomas  Love,  who  was  the  great-great-grand- 
father of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  an  officer  in  the  Revolutionary  war, 
and  in  the  American  army  at  that  time  were  other  members  of  the  Love  family. 
John  Love,  the  original  American  ancestor,  was  a  member  of  the  first  general 
synod  and  descendants  of  the  name  were  ruling  elders  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  in  this  country.  The  Candee  family  is  of  French  origin  and  members  of 
it  were  fugitives  from  the  Huguenot  persecutions.  This  family  was  also  estab- 
lished in  the  new  world  at  a  very  early  day — about  1740 — and  various  members 
were  soldiers  in  the  Revolution  and  following  wars  which  have  been  waged  in 
America.  The  original  name  was  Conde,  but  shortly  after  the  establishment  of 
the  family  in  this  country  the  present  form  was  adopted.  The  maternal  uncle 
of  our  subject,  George  W.  Candee,  was  deputy  paymaster  general  of  the  United 
States  army  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Newton  B.  Love  was  a  railroad  man  of 
ability  and  for  many  years  was  the  representative  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Quincy  Railroad  Company  at  Peoria.  His  death  occurred  in  1888.  at  the  age  of 
sixty-one  years,  and  that  of  his  wife  in  1907,  the  latter  passing  away  at  the  age 
of  seventy-six  years.  Both  were  buried  in  Hope  cemetery  at  Galesburg,  Illi- 
nois, which  is  the  Candee  family  burial  place.  He  was  an  elder  in  the  First 
Presbyterian  church  in  Peoria  and  a  commissioner  to  the  general  assembly  of 
that  denomination.  Mr.  Love  is  related  through  his  mother's  family  to  the 
Gales  from  whom  the  city  of  Galesburg  was  named. 

Newton  Meredith  Love  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria, 
and  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1886.  He  then  went  to  Knox  Col- 
lege at  Galesburg,  where  he  studied  a  few  years,  and  in  1888  entered  the  service 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  his  first  position  being  that  of  office  clerk.  He 
proved  an  intelligent  and  efficient  worker,  and  was  promoted  from  time  to  time 
until  he  was  appointed  freight  solicitor  for  this  division  of  the  road.  In  1903 
he  succeeded  M.  W.  Goss,  who  was  retired,  as  agent  at  Peoria,  Illinois.  This 
position  he  still  retains.  Possibly  there  is  no  wider  known  or  more  popular  man 
in  the  middle  west  in  railroad  traffic  circles  than  Mr.  Love.  He  has  been  ever 
\eady  to  advance  the  interests  of  his  state  and  city  in  this  line  and  was  one  of 
the  chief  promoters  of  the  Transportation  Club,  of  which  he  is  now  the  second 
vice  president. 

In  his  political  faith  he  is  a  member  of  the  republican  party.  Fraternallv  he 
is  a  Scottish  Rite  Mason,  belonging  to  the  consistory,  and  is  also  a  Shriner. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  director  of  the  Peoria  Canoe  Club,  a 
member  of  the  Kickapoo  Club,  and  is  also  affiliated  with  the  college  fraternity 
Beta  Theta  Pi.  Although  he  was  not  a  dealer  in  grain  or  what  may  be  termed 
a  grain  man,  still  his  enthusiasm,  energy  and  untiring  efforts  in  behalf  of  the 
promotion  of  the  traffic  and  business  interests  of  the  grain  trade  gained  for  him 
the  unsolicited  honor  of  appointment  to  the  vice  presidency  of  the  Peoria  Board 
of  Trade,  and  he  is  still  a  member  of  that  organization. 

Mr.  Love  resides  at  301  Ellis  street  with  his  sister,  Mrs.  Anna  L.  Archer, 
who  is  assistant  librarian  of  the  Peoria  Public  Library.  He  has  been  a  life-long 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  is  an  elder  of  the  First  church  of  Peoria, 
and  was  a  commissioner  to  the  genera!  assembly  of  that  denomination.  He 
has  been  an  enthusiastic  supporter  of  the  Y.  ^I.  C.  A.  and  a  liberal  financial  con- 
tributor towards  its  building.  He  is  a  true  son  of  Peoria,  where  he  has  lived 
all  his  days,  his  prominence  in  commercial,  social  and  church  circles  making 
him  a  representative  citizen.  Throughout  the  history  of  the  world,  mere  success 
has  never,  save  in  rare  instances,  been  the  cause  of  any  man  being  remembered 
by  his  fellows  after  he  has  passed  from  life,  and  never  has  the  mere  accumula- 
tion of  wealth  won  honor  for  any  individual.  The  methods  emploved  in  the 
attamnient  of  prosperity  however,  may  awaken  approval  and  admiration,  for 
the  world  pays  its  tribute  to  him  who  through  enterprise,  unfailing  effort  and 
clear-sighted  judgment  makes  substantial  advance  in  the  business  world  without 


I 


I 


HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY  115 

infringing  on  the  rights  ami  privileges  of  others.  Such  is  the  record  of  Mr. 
Love  who  throughout  liis  entire  business  career  never  deviated  from  a  course 
that  he  believed  to  be  right,  but  stands  through  many  years  as  a  leading  represen- 
tative of  Peoria. 

He  was  early  taught  to  comply  with  the  Biblical  injunction  "Be  diligent  in 
business,"  and  the  religious  and  moral  training  which  he  received,  coupled  with 
his  honorable  lineage,  caused  him  to  early  develop  those  essential  traits  of  char- 
acter, integrity,  stamina  and  perseverance — which  have  contributed  to  make  his 
business  career  an   honorable  and   successful  one. 

yir.  Love  is  still  a  young  man,  full  of  the  fire  of  youth,  of  wonderful  energy 
and  tireless  diligence,  learned  in  his  profession,  gifted  preeminently  with  engag- 
ing social  qualities  which  draw  around  him  numbers  of  friends  wherever  he 
goes.  He  has  all  that  straightforward  courage  and  sincerity,  that  unfaltering 
integrity  of  purpose  and  whole-hearted  generosity  of  impulse  which  fit  a  man 
for  leadership ;  he  is  welcomed  and  appreciated  in  every  circle,  social  and  polit- 
ical, and  his  hold  upon  the  hearts  of  the  people  at  large  is  growing  firmer  and 
stronger  with  the  flight  of  vears. 


RUDOLPH  H.  ILAMMEL. 

Rudolph  H.  Hammel,  local  commercial  agent  for  the  Central  States  Dispatch 
and  also  vice  president  of  the  Workingmen's  Loan  &  Homestead  Association, 
was  born  in  Peoria  on  the  3d  of  August,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of  Heni-y  and  Eliza- 
beth Hammel.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Germany  and  there  he  was  reared 
and  educated.  At  the  usual  age  he  entered  the  army,  remaining  in  the  service 
during  the  German-.Xustrian  war.  He  suljsequently  decided  to  become  a  citizen 
of  America  and  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Peoria,  and  here  for 
thirty  years  he  engaged  in  the  hay  and  grain  business.  He  was  a  man  of  sterling 
worth  and  high  integrity  and  made  many  friends  during  the  long  period  of  his 
residence  in  this  city.  He  passed  away  on  the  25th  of  July,  1905,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-five  years,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  family  lot  at  Springdale  cemetery. 
The  mother  is  still  living  and  now  makes  her  home  at  Xo.  611  Lincoln  avenue. 

Practically  the  entire  life  of  Rudolph  H.  Hammel  has  l>een  passed  in  this 
city.  He  attended  the  public  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education  until  he 
was' fifteen  years  of  age  and  having  com|)leted  his  grammar-school  course,  he  then 
enrolled  in  the  Brown  liusiness  College,  where  he  studied  shorthand  and  bookkeep- 
ing. In  1892  he  became  a  wage  earner,  his  employers  being  the  North  Chemical 
Company,  whom  he  served  for  eighteen  months  in  the  capacity  of  manager.  He 
subsequently  took  a  special  course  in  penmanship  at  the  General  Business  Col- 
lege at  Quincy.  Illinois,  after  which  he  became  a  teacher  of  this  art.  On  the 
20th  of  April,  1896.  he  took  a  position  as  stenographer  with  the  Big  Four  Rail- 
road Company,  serving  in  this  capacity  for  about  a  year.  At  the  expiration  of 
that  time  he  became  a  freight  solicitor  for  the  same  company,  contiiniing  to 
discharge  the  duties  of  this  position  until  the  1st  of  October,  1906.  He  resigned 
from  their  service  on  the  latter  date  in  order  to  take  the  position  he  now  holds 
with  the  Central  States  Dispatch.  In  addition  to  his  duties  in  this  connection 
since  October,  1910,  Mr.  Hammel  has  been  vice  president  of  the  Workingmen's 
Loan  &  Homestead  Association  with  offices  at  No.  31  Arcade  building.  119  North 
Jefl^erson  avenue. 

Peoria  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Hammel's  marriage  on  the  2d  of  October,  1901, 
to  Miss  Lizzie  Kasjens,  and  to  them  have  been  born  three  daughters,  as  fol- 
lows :  Hilda  E.  and  Florence  M.,  who  are  attending  the  German  school ;  and 
Verna  T.,  who  is  two  years  of  age.  The  family  home  is  located  at  704  Lincoln 
avenue. 


116  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hammel  are  memljers  of  the  German  Lutheran  EvangeHcal 
church,  in  the  faith  of  which  they  are  rearing  their  family.  Fraternally  he  is 
identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  while  his  political  indorse- 
ment is  given  to  the  republican  party.  Mr.  Hammel  is  well  and  favorably  known 
throughout  the  community  as  a  reliable  business  man,  public-spirited  citizen  and 
trustworthy  friend. 


EDWARD  L.  SPURCK. 

Edward  L.  Spurck  is  treasurer  of  the  ^Mexican  Agricultural  Land  Company 
in  the  organization  of  which  he  assisted  in  1905.  They  have  met  with  success 
in  the  development  of  their  interests  during  the  seven  years  they  have  been  pro- 
moting the  organization  and  have  every  reason  to  feel  gratified  with  their 
achievements.  The  birth  of  Edw-ard  L.  Spurck  occurred  in  this  city  on  the  9th 
of  June,  1867,  and  he  is  a  son  of  Peter  E.  and  Ellen  P..  Spurck.  The  parents 
are  now  both  deceased,  the  mother  having  passed  away  in  June  1889.  at  the  age 
of  forty-nine  years,  while  the  father  was  sixty-six  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which 
occurred  on  the  23d  of  March,  1897.  They  were  communicants  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  church  and  were  interred  in  the  family  lot  in  St.  Joseph's  cemetery. 
The  father  was  one  of  the  successful  pioneer  business  men  of  this  city  and  was 
at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  had  been  for  many  years  previous,  treasurer  of  the 
Peoria  Distilling  Company.  The  Spurck  family  originally  came  from  Germany 
and  upon  their  arrival  in  this  country  located  in  Pennsylvania.  They  subse- 
quently removed  to  Ohio,  whence  the  grandparents  came  to  Peoria  in  1846. 

The  education  of  Edward  L.  Spurck  was  begun  in  St.  Patrick's  parochial 
school,  and  there  he  pursued  his  studies  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age.  He 
then  supplemented  the  knowledge  there  acquired  by  a  course  in  one  of  the  local 
commercial  colleges  thus  qualifying  himself  for  the  practical  duties  of  a  business 
career.  After  completing  his  education  his  father  put  him  in  charge  of  his  real 
estate  interests,  the  duties  thus  involved  engaging  his  entire  attention  until  1889. 
In  the  latter  year  he  acquired  some  stock  in  the  Peoria  Paving  Block  Company, 
and  continued  to  be  identified  with  this  enterprise  in  the  capacity  of  secretary 
and  treasurer  until  1893.  He  next  became  associated  with  others  in  the  organi- 
zation of  the  Spurck  Street  Paving  Brick  Company,  the  manufacturers  of  the 
first  large  brick  used  in  Peoria,  their  yards  being  located  across  the  river. 
Mr.  Spurck  was  superintendent  of  their  plant  until  they  sold  it  in  1898  to  Mr. 
Carter.  After  disposing  of  this  he  withdrew  from  business  activities  for  a  year, 
but  at  the  expiration  of  that  time,  in  1899.  he  bought  an  interest  in  the  Union 
Corn  Planter  Company.  His  uncle.  M.  D.  Spurck,  was  for  many  years  promi- 
nently identified  with  this  industry,  which  was  founded  by  James  Selby  &  Com- 
pany. They  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  various  farming  implements  and 
were  the  second  concern  in  the  L^nited  States  to  put  out  a  corn  planter.  Mr. 
Spurck  was  connected  with  this  company  for  four  years,  and  during  that  time 
acquired  a  very  thorough  and  practical  knowledge  of  the  business.  In  1903  the 
plant  was  sold  and  he  then  embarked  in  the  real  estate  business.  Two  years 
later,  in  1905.  he  became  associated  with  others  in  the  purchase  of  large  land 
tracts  in  Mexico  and  they  organized  the  Mexican  Agricultural  Land  Company  to 
promote  the  development  of  their  holdings.  The  company  was  incorporated 
under  the  laws  of  the  state  of  Oklahoma  with  a  capital  stock  of  one  hundred  and 
fiftv  thousand  dollars.  Its  officials  are  all  well  known  and  thoroughly  responsible 
business  men  and  as  a  result  the  company  has  been  a  financial  success  from  its 
incipiencv  and  is  now  recognized  as  a  firmly  established  and  stable  enterprise. 
Their  offices  are  located  in  the  Mayer  building. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  117 

On  the  5th  of  luiic,  1907,  Mr.  Spurck  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Laura 
:M.  Steffen.  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Louise  StetTen.  The  father  was  for  many 
years  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  in  Scott  county,  Iowa,  but  is  now  de- 
ceased, his  death  having  occurred  in  Davenport,  that  state.  The  mother  is 
still  living,  however,  and  now  makes  her  home  at  Eldridge,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Airs. 
Spurck  live  at  No.  147  Glenwood  avenue,  where  he  erected  a  residence  in  1910 
that  is  in  every  way  a  credit  to  the  community. 

In  matters  of  religious  faith  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spurck  are  members  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  church  and'he  also  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  while  his  po- 
litical allegiance  he  gives  to  the  democratic  party.  He  is  a  very  capable  man  and 
attributes  his  success  in  business  to  the  fact  that  he  has  always  concentrated  his 
entire  efforts  upon  anything  he  undertook  and  has  made  it  a  principle  not  to 
identify  himself  with  any  activity  that  did  not  conduct  its  transactions  in  a 
perfectly  legitimate  and  honorable  manner.  Mr.  Spurck  has  passed  his  entire  life 
in  this  city  and  has  always  been  identified  with  its  business  interests,  as  was  like- 
wise his  father.  Also  like  him  he  has  maintained  a  reputation  that  is  above 
question,  both  being  men  of  incorruptible  integrity  and  upright  principles. 


WILLIAM  E.  BRUNINGA. 

William  E.  Bruninga,  who  ranked  with  Peoria's  most  prominent  and  well 
known  business  men,  occupying  for  many  years  the  position  of  general  manager 
with  the  F.  Meyer  Furnace  Company,  was  born  March  29,  1871,  in  the  city  which 
was  ever  the  scene  of  his  labors.  Here  he  lived  until  death  called  him  on  the 
3d  of  March,  191 1,  representing  one  of  the  old  families  of  Peoria.  His  parents 
were  John  and  Elizabeth  Bruninga,  natives  of  Germany,  who  settled  in  Peoria 
at  an  early  period  in  the  city's  history.  The  son  pursued  his  education  in  the 
public  and  high  schools  and  in  a  business  college  and  when  he  started  out  in  life 
for  himself  he  obtained  a  position  in  a  bank,  in  which  he  remained  for  several 
years.  He  next  became  connected  with  the  coal  trade,  being  employed  by  a  local 
coal  company  for  several  years,  and  in  1890  he  entered  into  active  association 
with  the  F.  Meyer  Furnace  Company,  gradually  working  his  way  upward  with 
that  firm  until  his  persistent  effort  and  ability  brought  him  to  the  position  of 
general  manager,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  a  number  of  years,  thus  occu- 
pying a  prominent  place  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city.  He  was  thoroughly 
reliable  as  well  as  progressive,  manifested  good  judgment  in  business  affairs  and 
was  devoted  to  the  interests  and  welfare  of  the  company  which  he  represented. 

On  the  25th  of  June,  1894,  Mr.  Bruninga  was  married  to  Miss  Matilda  Meyer, 
a  daughter  of  Frank  and  Anna  Marie  (Janssen)  Meyer.  Her  father  was  a 
native  of  Norden.  Germany,  and  with  his  parents  came  to  America,  landing  at 
New  Orleans,  while  on  the  28th  of  May,  1858.  he  arrived  in  Peoria.  He  was 
closely  identified  with  the  business  development  and  progress  of  the  city  for  a 
long  period.  He  became  the  founder  of  the  F.  Meyer  Furnace  Company  which 
bears  his  name  and  as  one  of  Peoria's  pioneer  lousiness  men,  capable,  resource- 
ful and  reliable,  he  occupied  a  high  position  in  public  regard.  He  not  only  con- 
tributed materially  to  the  business  development  of  the  citv  but  also  to  its  edu- 
cational progress,  doins;  effective  service  in  behalf  of  the  public  schools  in  four 
years'  service  on  the  school  board.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bruninga  were  born  two 
children,  \\'^illiam  and  Frank,  who  are  yet  attending  school. 

The  father  was  a  democrat  in  his  political  views  and  kept  well  informed  on 
the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  althousjh  he  was  never  an  aspirant  for  office. 
His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  German  Lutheran  church,  to  which  he  was 
ever  most  loyal.  He  was  also  a  valued  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Clul)  and  he 
possessed   a  genial   nature  that   was   manifest  in   the   hospitality  and   cordiality 


118  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

which  were  marked  features  of  his  home.  He  was  a  great  reader,  loved  music 
and  possessed  no  little  ability  in  that  direction  himself.  In  fact,  he  found  his 
greatest  pleasure  in  the  enjoyment  of  those  interests  which  are  of  an  ennobling 
and  uplifting  character.  He  always  chose  the  better  part  nor  was  he  ever  con- 
tent with  the  second  best.  He  achieved  success  and  it  came  to  him  as  the  reward 
of  earnest  effort.  He  felt  life's  sorrows,  its  shadows  and  its  sunshine  but  in 
every  relation  he  was  found  as  a  man  among  men  and  he  leaves  behind  him  the 
priceless  heritage  of  an  untarnished  name. 


ANDREW  JAMES  HODGES. 

Through  almost  three-quarters  of  a  century  Andrew  James  Hodges  was  con- 
nected with  the  upbuilding  and  the  progress  of  Illinois,  being  closely  associated 
with  its  industrial  and  manufacturing  interests.  His  labors  constituted  an  impor- 
tant element  in  the  work  of  general  progress  and  improvement  and  he  always 
rejoiced  in  what  was  accomplished  as  the  state  forged  forward  and  took  its  place 
with  the  leading  commonwealths  of  the  Union.  It  was  in  the  town  of  Norton, 
Massachusetts,  on  the  31st  of  October,  1815,  that  the  birth  of  Andrew  J.  Hodges 
occurred  and  following  the  acquirement  of  his  education  he  learned  the  car- 
penter's trade  in  Boston.  The  opportunities  of  the  growing  west  attracted  him  in 
18^7  and  when  a  young  man  of  twenty-two  years  he  arrived  in  Illinois,  taking  up 
his  abode  at  Delavan,  where  for  eighteen  years  he  was  connected  with  building 
operations,  working  as  a  master  carpenter.  He  was  first  employed  upon  the 
building  of  the  well  known  Delavan  House  and  during  his  residence  in  that  town 
he  was  also  engaged  on  the  construction  of  the  courthouse  at  St.  Louis.  Missouri. 
Experience  developed  his  skill  and  in  course  of  time  he  came  to  be  recognized  as 
one  of  the  foremost  builders  of. central  Illinois.  He  established  his  home  in 
Peoria  in  the  spring  of  1848.  occupying  a  residence  on  Third  street,  which  he  had 
erected  in  the  spring  of  that  year.  Here  he  was  closely  identitied  with  building 
operations  for  a  long  period  and  gained  a  position  among  the  leading  contractors 
of  the  city,  erecting  a  number  of  the  substantial  buildings  that  are  still  standing, 
including  the  Dobbins  House,  which  was  afterward  used  as  the  Creve  Coeur  Club, 
the  LIniversalist  church  and  the  Cox  building  at  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Fulton 
streets.  From  the  time  of  his  arrival  in  the  city  until  his  demise  he  figured  as  one 
of  its  representative  and  prominent  business  men,  his  activities  contrii)Uting  not 
only  to  individual  success  but  also  to  public  progress  and  prosperity.  In  1864  he 
took  charge  of  the  Ilarker  &  Hawley  works  at  Decatur,  which  some  years  later 
were  consolidated  with  the  plant  owned  by  the  same  company  at  Pekin.  Not  long 
afterward  Mr.  Hodges  became  proprietor  of  the  business,  which  he  conducted 
under  the  firm  style  of  A.  J.  Hodges  &  Company  until  1S90,  when  he  disposed  of 
his  interests  in  that  enterprise  to  the  Acme  Harvester  Company.  In  the  mean- 
time he  had  become  well  established  as  a  leading  manufacturer  of  agricultural 
implements  in  this  state.  He  built  what  is  known  as  the  Haines  Illinois  harvester, 
developing  from  the  original  wooden  machine  the  I  lodges  steel  header — a  machine 
used  extensively  in  the  United  States  and  also  well  known  in  South  .America.  He 
displayed  great  care  and  insight  in  developing  his  l)usiness,  was  watchful  of  every 
opportunity  relating  to  the  trade,  and  constantly  improving  the  output  of  his  fac- 
tory, was  able  to  command  a  very  liberal  patronage,  making  his  business  one  of 
the  profitable  enterprises  of  central  Illinois.  It  has  been  said  of  him :  "He  was 
not  only  a  competent  but  a  reliable  mechanic  and  executed  every  contract  with  the 
utmost  fidelity.  He  needed  no  superintendent  or  watchman  to  see  that  any  work 
undertaken  by  him  was  honestly  done.  He  ranked  deservedly  high  in  his  com- 
munity !)ecause  of  his  integrity,  his  uprightness,  his  singleness  of  purpose  and  his 
public  spirit." 


ANDEKW  J.   lIolHiKS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  121 

(Jn  the  1st  of  August,  1S44.  was  celebrated  the  uiarriage  of  Mr.  i  lodges  and 
Miss  Sarah  E.  Grant,  of  Delavan,  Ilhuois,  formerly  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island, 
who  is  still  living  at  the  age  of  ninety  years,  a  remarkably  well  preserved  woman, 
both  physically  and  mentally.  Unto  this  marriage  there  were  born  live  children, 
of  whom  the  second  died  in  infancy.  Anna  E.  became  the  wife  of  H.  P.  Wilber 
i)ut  is  now  deceased.  Her  children  are :  Belle,  who  is  the  wife  of  Charles  H. 
Thorne,  of  Winnetka,  Illinois,  and  has  three  children,  Elizabeth,  Hollett  and 
Leslie;  Xellie,  who  is  the  wife  of  Xorman  Borland;  and  Florence,  the  wife  of 
William  Heckler.  Mittie  is  the  wife  of  E.  E.  Arnold,  of  Providence,  Rhode 
Island,  and  has  live  children,  Mittie,  Dorothy,  Edwin,  Henry  and  Elizabeth.  The 
other  members  of  the  family  are  Jennie  G.  and  Charles  A.,  who  reside  with  their 
mother  in  a  beautiful  liome  on  Perry  avenue  in  Peoria,  which  was  erected  by  Mr. 
Hodges.  His  death  occurred  on  the  9th  of  October,  1900,  when  he  had  almost 
reached  the  age  of  eighty-five  years.  His  political  allegiance  was 
given  to  the  rej)ublican  party  from  the  time  of  its  organization  and  his  re- 
ligious opinions  were  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  attended  the  Universalist 
church.  It  has  been  well  said  that  he  deserved  the  tribute  that  "an  honest  man  is 
the  noblest  work  of  God."  His  life  was,  indeed,  well  spent.  He  was  fair,  re- 
liable, enterprising  and  progressive  in  business,  faithful  in  citizenship.  lo_\-al  in 
friendship  and  most  devoted  to  his  home  and  family.  All  the  qualities  that  men 
most  admire  in  the  individual  were  his  and  yet  he  never  took  any  special  credit 
to  himself  for  what  he  accomplished.  He  was  free  from  ostentation  or  display 
but  the  breadth  of  his  nature  and  the  ui)rightness  of  his  character  placed  him  high 
in  public  regard. 


JOHN  DALTON. 


John  Dalton  is  the  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  S.  C.  Bartlett  Company, 
grain  commission  merchants,  with  offices  in  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  building. 
His  identification  with  this  concern  dates  from  April,  1872,  when  he  became 
ofifice  boy  for  the  firm  then  operating  under  the  name  of  S.  C.  Bartlett  &  Com- 
pany. In  this  connection  he  has  gradually  worked  his  way  upward  and  one  of  the 
elements  of  his  success  is  that  he  has  concentrated  his  efforts  along  a  single  line 
to  the  exclusion  of  outside  interests.  His  fidelity  to  the  house  is  manifest  in 
his  long  connection  therewith  and  his  ability  is  attested  by  the  promotions  which 
have  brought  him  to  his  i)resent  official  ])osition.  Mr.  Dalton  was  born  in  Peoria, 
June  29,  1857,  his  parents  being  Martin  and  Catharine  (Cashin)  Dalton,  who 
came  to  this  city  in  1848.  They  were  natives  of  Ireland  and  on  sailing  from  that 
country  to  the  United  States  landed  at  New  Orleans,  whence  they  made  their 
way  northward  to  Chicago  and  from  that  point  came  to  Peoria.  The  city  by  the 
lake  was  then  a  small  town  of  comparatively  little  industrial  and  commercial  im- 
portance and  Peoria,  too,  had  scarcely  entered  upon  the  era  of  growth  and  de- 
velopment which  has  brought  it  to  its  present  i)osition  as  a  commercial  and  man- 
ufacturing center. 

John  Dalton  was  here  reared  and  the  public  schools  afforded  him  his  educa- 
tional privileges.  He  started  out  in  life  for  himself  at  a  compartively  early  age 
and  whatever  success  he  has  achieved  is  attributable  entirely  to  his  industry, 
perseverance  and  resourcefulness.  He  first  entered  the  employ  of  Robert  A. 
King  in  the  produce  commission  business  and  nine  months  later  became  an  em- 
ploye of  S.  C.  Bartlett  &  Company,  his  initial  position  with  the  house  being  that 
of  office  boy.  This  was  in  April,  1872.  Forty  years  have  since  passed  and  he 
has  had  no  occasion  to  change  his  vocation  for  he  found  the  work  congenial  and 
it  gave  to  him  the  opportunities  which  his  ambition  sought.  He  early  recognized 
the  fact  that  industry  and  trustworthiness  meant  promotion  and  gradually  he 


122  HiSiURV  UF  i'EURlA  COUNTY 

was  advanced  through  intermediate  positions  until  he  was  called  to  the  office  of 
secretary  and  treasurer.  The  business  with  which  he  is  now  officially  connected 
had  its  inception  in  i86y,  having  been  organized  by  S.  C.  and  W.  H.  Bartlett, 
brothers.  Operations  were  begun  under  the  name  of  S.  C.  Bartlett  &  Company 
and  were  so  continued  until  1890,  when  W.  H.  Bartlett  went  to  Chicago  and 
entered  the  firm  of  Bartlett,  Frazier  &  Company.  In  1892  S.  C.  Bartlett  also 
removed  to  Chicago  and  entered  the  same  firm,  continuing  an  active  factor  in  the 
grain  trade  in  this  city  until  his  death  in  March,  1893.  The  brothers  still  re- 
tained their  interests  in  Peoria,  however,  until  the  life  labors  of  S.  C.  Bartlett 
were  terminated  in  death.  On  the  ist  of  July.  1908,  the  business  in  Peoria  was 
incorporated  under  the  style  of  the  S.  C.  Bartlett  Company  with  a  capital  stock 
of  three  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Its  present  officers  are :  J.  H.  Riggs,  presi- 
dent; Norman  W.  Bartlett,  vice  president;  and  John  Dalton,  secretary  and  treas- 
urer. Mr.  Dalton  was  also  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Northwestern  Com- 
pany before  it  was  merged  with  the  S.  C.  Bartlett  Company.  The  main  offices 
of  this  company  are  in  Peoria  and  they  have  a  line  of  elevators  along  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  Railroad  between  Peoria  and  Sterling  and  between  Peoria  and 
Keithsburg  on  the  Iowa  Central  Railroad.  Their  operations  are  now  very  ex- 
tensive, making  them  one  of  the  leading  grain  firms  of  eastern  Illinois.  They 
largely  control  the  grain  trade  in  the  cities  where  they  operate  and  their  business 
has  become  one  of  magnitude. 

In  1880  Mr.  Dalton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rose  Mary  Mooney,  of 
this  city,  a  daughter  of  Thomas  Mooney,  who  served  as  circuit  clerk  in  Peoria 
during  the  Civil  war  and  later  was  police  magistrate.  He  was  one  of  the  hon- 
ored pioneer  residents  of  the  county,  having  taken  up  his  abode  in  ]\Iedina  town- 
ship in  1834  in  what  is  know-n  as  the  Mooney  settlement.  He  bought  up  hun- 
dreds of  acres  of  land  there  and  for  many  years  was  one  of  the  extensive 
property  holders  of  that  district.  Unto  -Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dalton  have  been  born 
six  children :  Lucy  Frances,  the  wife  of  Charles  Charvat,  of  Chicago ;  Anna 
L. ;  Marie ;  Francis  F. ;  Edwin  and  Willard.  The  family  are  commtmicants  of 
St.  Mark's  Catholic  church  and  Mr.  Dalton  also  belongs  to  the  Knights  of 
Columbus.  He  has  comparatively  few  outside  interests  beyond  his  business 
yet  is  loyal  and  progressive  in  all  matters  of  citizenship  and  gives  his  cooperation 
to  many  measures  contributing  to  the  general  good.  In  the  grain  trade  his  name 
is  indeed  widely  known  and  the  success  of  the  large  enterprise  of  which  he  is 
now  an  officer  is  attributable  in  no  small  measures  to  his  efforts  and  his  interest. 
As  an  employe  he  worked  diligently  and  perseveringly  and  since  coming  to  a 
position  of  executive  control  he  has  bent  his  energies  to  administrative  direction 
and  his  well  formulated  and  carefully  executed  plans  have  wrought  for  success. 


GEORGE  A.  UMDEN STOCK. 

George  A.  Umdenstock,  secretary  of  The  Central  Stone  Company,  was  born 
on  a  farm  in  the  vicinity  of  Peoria  on  the  8th  of  September.  1875.  He  is  of 
German  extraction  and  is  a  son  of  Christian  and  Mary  Umdenstock,  both  of 
whom  are  now  deceased.  His  father  was  the  first  undertaker,  in  the  city  of 
Pekin,  but  he  subsequently  withdrew  from  this  business  and  turned  his  attention 
to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  was  living  retired  on  his  farm  in  this  county  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1882  at  the  age  of  fifty-one  years.  The 
mother,  who  survived  him  until  1901,  was  sixty-eight  at  the  time  of  her  death. 
Both  were  laid  to  rest  in  the  cemetery  at  Pekin.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten 
children,  seven  girls  and  three  boys,  George  A.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  being 
the  ninth  child  in  order  of  birth. 


GAEDNER  T.  BARKER 


HISTORY  OF  I'EORIA  COUNTY  125 

The  education  of  George  A.  Umdenstock  was  begun  in  the  district  schools 
and  completed  in  those  of  Peoria,  his  student  days  being  terminated  at  the  age 
of  sixteen  years.  He  then  started  out  to  ht  himself  for  the  graver  responsibili- 
ties of  life,  and  entered  the  plant  of  the  Peoria  Marble  Works,  where  he  learned 
the  stone  cutters'  trade.  He  continued  in  the  employ  of  this  company  for  seven- 
teen years,  and  during  that  period  became  thoroughly  familiar  with  every  detail 
of  the  business.  Not  being  satisfied  to  continue  in  the  service  of  others  all  of 
his  life  he  resigned  his  position  in  1907,  antl  became  associated  with  Henry  F. 
Bremer  in  the  organization  of  The  Central  Stone  Company.  They  engage  in  the 
manufacture  of  building  stone  at  No.  1710  South  Water  street,  this  city,  where 
their  plant  has  been  located  ever  since  the  company  was  organized.  J\Ir.  Bremer, 
who  is  mentioned  at  greater  length  elsewhere  in  this  work,  is  president  of  the 
company  and  Air.  Umdenstock  is  secretary,  and  as  they  are  both  thoroughly 
familiar  with  every  phase  of  the  business  and  are  men  of  wide  experience,  they 
have  met  with  little  difficulty  in  building  up  a  good  trade.  They  have  adopted  a 
policy  in  the  conduct  of  their  indsutry  that  fully  entitles  them  to  the  confidence 
of  all  who  have  dealings  with  them,  and  thus  not  only  have  the  faculty  of  winning 
patrons  but  of  retaining  them.  During  the  five  years  they  have  been  operating 
this  plant  they  have  been  awarded  some  excellent  contracts  and  as  they  strive 
never  to  turn  out  an  order  that  does  not  reflect  credit  on  themselves  and  their 
establishment  they  are  rapidly  winning  patrons,  and  are  recognized  as  the  owners 
of  one  of  the  thriving  and  prosperous  activities  of  the  city. 

The  7th  of  June,  iSqq,  vvas  the  wedding  day  of  Mr.  Umdenstock  and  Miss 
Barbara  Dinkey,  a  daughter  of  Alelchoir  and  Elizabeth  Dinkey.  The  father  who 
is  now  living"  retired,  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  having  served  in  Company  I, 
Fortieth  Missouri  Infantry.  He  was  mustered  out  in  St.  Louis.  Three  children 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Umdenstock,  as  follows :  Clarence  and  Edna, 
both  of  whom  are  attending  school;  and  George  A.,  Jr.,  who  is  four  years  of  age. 
The  family  home  is  located  at  No.  414  Arago  street,  where  Mr.  Umdenstock 
erected  a  very  pleasant  residence  with  thoroughly  modern  appointments  in  igo2. 

Mr.  Umdenstock  and  his  wife  are  members  of  Grace  Evangelical  church, 
and  Mr.  Umdenstock  is  on  the  board  of  trustees  of  this  organization.  He  is  a 
man  of  progressive  ideas  in  matters  of  citizenship,  but  is  not  partisan  in  his 
views,  casting  his  ballot  for  those  candidates  he  deems  best  qualified  to  serve 
the  highest  interests  of  the  municipality.  .As  a  business  man  he  has  always 
manifested  the  diligence  and  persistency  of  purpose  that  win  success  and  is  now 
making  marked  progress  in  this  direction. 


GARDNER  THURSTON  BARKER. 

W  hilc  ( iardner  Thurston  Barker  became  a  conspicuous  and  honorable  figure 
on  the  stage  of  business  activity  in  Peoria,  he  played  other  ]iarts  in  the  drama  of 
life  with  ec|ual  ability.  He  was  recognized  as  a  leader  in  public  altairs  and  sev- 
eral times  as  chief  executive  of  the  city  administered  its  municipal  interests. 
Over  the  record  of  his  public  career  as  well  as  his  private  life  there  fell  no  shadow 
of  wrong  or  suspicion  of  evil,  for  he  held  to  high  standards  and  neither  fear  nor 
favor  could  swerve  him  from  a  course  which  he  believed  to  be  right.  With  a 
nature  that  could  never  be  content  with  mediocrity,  he  made  constant  advancement 
in  business  and  for  a  long  period  controlled  important  commercial  and  financial 
interests  of  the  city. 

Air.  Barker  was  a  native  of  New  York,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Moriali, 
Essex  county,  January  10,  1814.  His  parents  were  Gardner  T.  and  Harriet 
(Lyon)  Barker  and  wdiile  spending  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof  he 
pursued  his  education,  seeking  a  home  and  fortune  in  the  west  in  1838,  when  a 


126  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

young  man  of  t\vent)--four  years.  At  that  time  Peoria  was  a  tiny  town,  contain- 
ing very  few  inhabitants  and  giving  but  httle  promise  of  future  greatness.  His 
business  abihty,  however,  was  soon  manifest  here  and  with  the  growth  of  the 
city  he  was  continuously  identified,  his  individual  efforts  constituting  an  important 
factor  in  jiromoting  the  commercial  and  industrial  activity  and  prosperity  of 
Peoria.  Pie  was  first  associated  with  Almeran  S.  Cole  in  a  general  mercantile 
enterprise  under  the  st3de  of  Cole  &  Barker,  and  a  change  in  the  partnership 
afterward  led  to  the  adoption  of  the  firm  name  of  Barker  &  Steams.  Still  later 
Mr.  Barker  became  sole  proprietor.  In  1867  he  entered  into  active  connection 
with  the  distilling  business,  which  has  been  one  of  the  chief  sources  of  Peoria's 
upbuilding  and  prosperity.  He  also  extended  his  efforts  into  various  other  lines 
of  business  and  all  of  his  dififerent  investments  proved  successful,  indicating  his 
sound  judgment  and  keen  discrimination.  He  never  allowed  pleasure  or  outside 
interests  to  interfere  with  the  management  of  his  business  affairs  and  gradually 
he  advanced  to  a  position  of  leadership,  enjoying  the  prosperity  which  was  his  by 
reason  of  intelligently  directed  effort  and  indefatigable  energy-.  He  retired  in 
1887  from  the  active  management  of  his  different  interests  and  thereafter  gave 
his  attention  solely  to  his  duties  as  president  of  the  Commercial  Xational  Bank 
and  as  president  of  the  Allaire-Woodward  Chemical  Company.  In  all  of  his 
business  affairs  he  found  ready  solution  for  intricate  and  involved  problems.  He 
seemed  to  recognize  almost  intuitively  the  opportunities  and  possibilities  of  a 
situation  and  he  so  directed  forces  as  to  produce  a  harmonious  and  resultant 
whole.  As  one  of  the  wealthy  residents  of  Peoria  he  took  up  the  bonds  when  the 
city  borrowed  large  sums  of  money  and  negotiated  them  in  New  York. 

Business,  however,  was  but  one  feature  of  the  intensively  active  career  of  Mr. 
Barker.  His  deep  interest  in  Peoria  and  her  welfare  and  his  thorough  under- 
standing of  the  political  c|uestions  and  issues  of  the  day  led  him  to  cooperate 
heartily  with  the  democratic  party,  for  he  was  an  earnest  believer  in  the  principles 
which  constitute  its  platform.  In  local  political  circles,  therefore,  he  figured 
prominently.  In  1852  he  was  elected  to  the  city  council  and  ten  years  later  was 
chosen  mayor  of  Peoria.  His  first  term  received  indorsement  in  a  reelection  so 
that  he  served  in  1870  and  1871.  He  gave  to  the  city  a  businesslike  and  pro- 
gressive administration,  characterized  by  retrenchment  in  useless  expenditures  yet 
marked  by  progressiveness  where  the  best  interests  of  the  city  were  to  be  con- 
served.    His  word  could  always  be  relied  upon  whether  in  business  or  in  politics. 

On  the  20th  of  August,  1840,  Mr.  Barker  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss 
Helen  White,  of  Champlain,  New  York,  a  daughter  of  Elial  and  Alary  B.  (Lewis) 
W'hite,  who  were  natives  of  Massachusetts,  the  former  born  at  Medway,  Decem- 
ber 21,  1794,  and  the  latter  at  Amherst,  February  9,  1799.  The  marriage  cere- 
mony of  her  grandparents  was  celebrated  by  the  Rev.  Daniel  Morton,  the  father 
of  Vice  President  Levi  P.  Morton.  The  death  of  Mr.  Barker  occurred  October 
26,  1894.  He  was  succeeded  in  business  by  his  son  Walter,  who  became  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Commercial  National  Bank,  and  he  is  also  survived  by  a  daughter, 
I\Irs.  Ellen  B.  AIcRoberts,  and  her  two  sons,  Walter  and  W.  G.  i\IcRoberts,  and  a 
grandson,  Jesse,  who  was  the  son  of  Mr.  Barker's  youngest  daughter  and  was  left 
motherless  during  his  infancy,  at  which  time  he  was  adopted  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Walter  Barker.  Three  years  after  the  demise  of  her  husband  Mrs.  Helen  (\\'hite) 
Barker  passed  away.  They  had  figured  prominently  in  the  social  life  of  the  city, 
where  ]\Ir.  Barker  made  his  home  for  fifty-six  years.  He  had  watched  the 
development  of  Peoria  from  a  small  town  to  a  city  of  metropolitan  proportions 
and  had  proven  a  most  important  factor  in  this  work  of  transformation.  In  all  that 
he  undertook,  whether  of  a  public  or  private  nature,  whether  in  business  or  in 
office,  he  put  forth  earnest,  persistent  effort,  realizing  that  the  source  of  power  is 
within  the  individual  and  that  not  upon  any  environment  or  circumstance  does 
progress  depend.  Whatever  the  quiet  forces  and  influences  at  work  in  his  life 
to  shape  his  destiny,  it  was  evident  at  the  outset  of  his  business  career  that  he 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  127 

iinderstood  clearly  the  fact  that  energ)-  ami  unfaltering  ijurpose  constitute  the 
surest  basis  upon'which  to  build  success.  He  was  a  well  balanced  man  mentally 
and  physically,  possessed  sufficient  courage  to  venture  where  favoring  opportunity 
presented  and  his  judgment  and  even-paced  energy  carried  him  forward  to  the 
goal  of  prosperity. 


HENRY  SCHWABACHER. 

The  life  record  of  Henry  Schwabacher  covered  seventy-five  years,  through- 
out which  period  his  industry  and  determination  constituted  the  strong  motive 
forces  of  his  advancement.  He  deserved  all  the  credit  implied  in  the  term  a  self- 
made  man,  for  when  he  reached  the  new  world  his  capital  consisted  of  less  than 
a  dollar.  Gradually  he  advanced  as  the  years  passed  by  until  he  occupied  a 
prominent  position  on  the  plane  of  affluence.  He  was  for  thirty-three  years  one 
of  Peoria's  most  prominent  capitalists  and  successful  business  men.  during  which 
period  he  followed  various  pursuits,  his  last  years  being  spent  in  honorable  re- 
tirement. 

He  was  born  in  P>llheim.  Bavaria,  Germany,  June  ii,  1829.  and  acquired 
his  education  in  the  schools  of  that  country.  In  1848.  when  a  youth  of  nineteen 
years,  he  came  to  the  new  world,  leaving  his  native  country  at  the  time  of  the 
German  revolution  of  1848.  When  he  reached  New  York  city  his  cash  an(l  cap- 
ital has  been  reduced  to  ninety-five  cents,  but  with  the  aid  of  friends  he  soon 
secured  a  position,  and  in  business  circles  he  demonstrated  his  worth,  proving 
most  diligent,  capable  and  determined.  In  this  way  he  gradually  won  advance- 
ment that  brought  him  increased  salary,  and  when  his  industry  and  careful  ex- 
penditure had  provided  him  with  a  small  capital  he  invested  in  a  little  line  of 
goods  which  he  sold  from  house  to  house.  In  time  his  attention  was  attracted 
to  the  middle  west  with  its  growing  liusiness  ojiportunities.  For  a  brief  period 
he  engaged  in  the  sale  of  goods  in  Cleveland  and  then  continued  on  his  way 
westward  to  Keokuk.  Iowa,  in  1853.  There  he  o])ened  a  small  store,  carrying 
a  little  line  of  dry  goods  until  four  years  had  passed,  when  he  disposed  of  his 
business  interests  there  and  in  1857  came  to  Peoria.  Here  at  different  times  he 
was  connected  with  various  business  enterprises.  In  1861  he  entered  the 
wholesale  liquor  trade  and  soon  afterward  admitted  his  brother  Jacob  to  a 
partnership  under  the  firm  style  of  H.  &  J.  Schwabacher.  Some  time  afterward 
they  formed  a  partnership  with  Philip  Zell  and  Ijuilt  a  distillery,  which  they 
operated  under  the  firm  style  of  Zell,  Schwabacher  &  Company.  The  house 
became  widely  known  and  they  conducted  the  business  along  successful  lines  for 
over  twenty  years,  when  they  sold  out  to  the  trust.  Henry  Schwabacher  then 
retired  from  active  life  and  his  brother  Jacob  at  that  time  removed  from  Peoria 
to  Chicago.  The  record  of  Henry  Schwabacher  indicates  what  may  be  accom- 
plished in  America  where  excellent  business  opportunities  are  afforded  each  in- 
dividual but  where  worth  and  merit  must  win  aflvancement.  He  had  but  ninety- 
five  cents  when  he  arrived  in  the  new  world  and  at  his  death  left  an  estate  valued 
at  over  eight  hundred  thousand  dollars.  His  judgment  was  sound,  his  insight 
keen  and  his  energy  unfaltering.  After  the  distillery  had  lieen  purcliased  by  the 
trust  the  wholesale  liquor  business  of  the  firm  was  continued  by  Julius  and  Louis  H. 
Schwabacher,  sons  of  him  whose  name  introduces  this  review.  Within  the  last 
few  years,  however,  this  business  has  also  been  sold  and  the  sons  are  now  devot- 
ing their  attention  to  the  management  of  the  estate  left  by  their  father.  As  he 
prospered  in  his  undertakings  Henry  Schwabacher,  Sr..  made  extensive  and  im- 
portant investments  in  real  estate,  becoming  the  owner  of  nuich  valuable  projierty 
in  Peoria  and  in  Chicago,  It  seemed  that  his  judgment  was  never  at  fault  in 
making  purchases,   for  the  realty  which  came  into  his  possession  rose  steadily 


128  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

in  value  with  the  growth  and  development  of  the  city.  His  opinions  came  to  be 
relied  upon  as  most  substantial  factors  in  business  and  he  was  accorded  a  position 
as  one  of  Peoria's  most  progressive  business  men. 

In  1857  Mr.  Schwabacher  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  \'irginia  Ancker, 
a  representative  of  a  pioneer  family  of  Peoria,  and  they  became  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  Julius  and'  Louis  are  both  residents  of  Peoria.  The 
former  married  and  has  "a  daughter,  Jeanie,  w-hile  the  latter  has  three  children, 
Virginia,  Florence  and  Louis  H.  Leo  is  a  resident  of  Bahimore,  Maryland. 
Hattie  is  the  wife  of  Samuel  I.  Reichman,  of  New  York  city,  and  they  have  two 
children,  \'irginia  and  Stanley  Reichman.  Maud  is  the  wife  of  Joseph  A.  Wilde, 
of  Peoria.  Florence  is  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  A.  J.  Messing,  of  Bloomington, 
Illinois,  and  their  children  are  Allen,  Fannie.  \'irginia  and  Elizabeth  Messing. 
Bertha  is  the  wife  of  ]\Iyron  H.  Greisheim,  of  Bloomington.  and  they  have  two 
children,  Henry  and  Katherine.  Jacob  died  leaving  a  widow.  Mrs.  Henrietta 
Schwabacher,  and  three  children:  Fannie,  the  wife  of  Harry  Hexter,  by  whom 
she  has  one  child,  Myron  H. ;  Hart  J. ;  and  Helen  Schwabacher.  Nathan  Schwab- 
acher, the  eldest  of  the  family,  died  leaving  a  son,  Herbert  J.  Mrs.  Henry 
Schwabacher,  the  mother  of  this  family  is  still  residing  at  the  old  home  at  No. 
204  North  Perry  avenue. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Schwabacher  was  a  republican  where  national 
questions  and  issues  were  involved  but  cast  an  independent  local  ballot,  support- 
ing the  candidate  whom  he  regarded  as  best  qualified  for  office.  He  was  a  man 
of  refined  taste,  was  most  genial  and  hospitable  and  greatly  enjoyed  entertaining 
his  many  friends  at  his  own  fireside.  He  loved  art  and  music  and  greatly  en- 
joyed travel,  utilizing  much  of  his  leisure  time  in  that  way.  He  was  very  firm 
in  his  convictions  and  his  determinations  and  was  regarded  as  a  conservative, 
farsighted  business  man.  He  stood  as  a  splendid  type  of  the  German  American 
citizen  of  Peoria,  his  record  being  creditable  alike  to  the  land  of  his  birth  and 
the  land  of  his  adoption.  Moreover,  his  life  history  proves  wdiat  may  be  ac- 
complished when  determination  and  energy  lead  the  way  and  when  firm  purpose 
overcomes  difficulties  and  obstacles. 


HARRY  C.  BEEBE. 


Harry  C.  Beebe  is  the  sole  proprietor  of  The  Beebe  ^Mill  Works,  located  at 
No.  1007  and  1009  South  Adams  street.  Although  he  has  been  identified  with 
the  industrial  interests  of  Peoria  for  only  a  brief  period,  Mr.  Beebe  is  well  known 
in  local  business  circles,  as  for  eighteen  years  he  was  manager  of  the  firm  of 
■  Cartwright  &  Russell.  He  was  born  in  Chillicothe.  this  county,  on  the  19th  of 
May,  1861.  and  is  a  son  of  Reuben  and  Josephine  Beebe,  well  known  pioneer  set- 
tlers of  that  town.  The  father,  who  was  a  carpenter  by  trade,  was  actively  en- 
gaged in  contracting  and  building  in  Chillicothe  for  more  than  fifty  years.  He 
was  a  man  of  marked  loyalty  and  patriotism  and  went  to  the  front  as  a  private 
in  the  Eighty-sixth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  during  the  Civil  war,  being  hon- 
orably discharged  at  the  close  of  his  period  of  enlistment.  In  matters  of  citizen- 
ship he  was  enterprising  and  progressive  and  during  a  large  portion  of  his  life 
was  actively  identified  with  municipal  afi'airs  and  on  several  occasions  was 
called  to  fill  the  mayor's  chair.  He  lived  to  attain  a  ripe  old  age,  passing  away 
in  1904.  and  is  buried  in  the  cemeterv  at  Chillicothe.  The  mother  is  still  "living 
and  continues  to  make  her  home  in  the  latter  place,  where  she  is  widely  known 
and  held  in  high  regard,  as  was  likewise  the  father. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  Harry  C.  Beebe  were  passed  in  his  native  town, 
in  whose  public  schools  he  pursued  his  education  until  he  had  attained  the  age 
of  sixteen  years,  terminating  his  student  days  before  he  had  completed  his  high- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  129 

school  course.  After  la3'ing  aside  his  text  books  he  worked  for  his  father  for 
four  years  and  during  that  period  thoroughly  mastered  the  details  of  the  car- 
penters' trade.  He  next  entered  the  employ  of  The  St.  John  Marsh  Company 
as  their  traveling  representative,  and  during  the  succeeding  five  years  he  went 
through  the  western  states  seeking  locations  and  establishing  lumber  yards  for 
this  firm.  They  discontinued  business  in  1886  and  JMr.  Beebe  went  to  Denver, 
Colorado,  and  engaged  in  contracting  and  building  for  six  years.  In  i8()2,  he 
returned  to  Peoria  and  became  manager  for  Cartwright  &  Russell,  remaining 
in  their  service  until  1909,  when  he  resigned  his  position  in  order  to  establish 
the  enterprise  he  is  now  conducting.  This  proved  to  be  a  very  lucrative  imder- 
taking.  and  at  the  end  of  his  first  year  Mr.  P)eebe  erected  the  fine  brick  factory 
building  he  is  now  occupying  on  South  Adams  street.  It  is  sixty  by  one  hundred 
and  eighty  feet,  thoroughly  modern  in  its  construction  and  equipped  with  every 
appliance  and  machine  essential  to  a  plant  of  this  kind.  The  growth  of  this 
activity  has  not  been  remarkable  in  any  way,  but  its  development  has  been 
characterized  by  the  substantial  and  permanent  progress  that  manifests  stability. 
The  receipts  have  shown  a  marked  annual  increase  from  year  to  year  and  em- 
ployment is  now  given  to  eight  skilled  workmen. 

Hudson,  Kansas,  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  P>eel)e's  marriage  on  the  6th  of  April, 
1886,  to  Miss  Addie  F.  Cole,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Cole,  the  father 
a  highly  respected  agriculturist  of  Reno  county.  Kansas.  One  daughter  has  been 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beebe,  Rtith,  who  is  now  at  home  with  her  parents.  The 
family  home  is  located  at  No.  502  Bigelovv  street,  where  they  own  a  very  j)leasant 
and  comfortable  residence. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Beelie  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  W'oodmen  of  America. 
He  is  energetic  in  his  methods  and  directs  his  efforts  along  well  defined  lines 
with  the  determination  of  purpose  that  invariablv  wins  success,  and  in  the  or- 
ganization and  concentration  of  his  forces  in  the  development  of  his  industry  is 
manifesting  the  same  powers  that  cliaracterizcd  him  when  working  under  the 
supervision  and  direction  of  others. 


HENRY  HEDRICH. 


No  account  of  the  financial  interests  of  Peoria  would  be  complete  without 
extended  and  personal  reference  to  Henry  Hedrich,  the  president  of  the  Savings 
Bank  and  also  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  the  city.  He  has  occupied 
the  presidency  of  the  former  institution  since  December,  1906,  when  he  succeeded 
to  the  position  left  vacant  by  the  death  of  W.  A.  Herron.  Throughout  his  entire 
business  career  he  has  been  associated  with  banking  interests,  having  served  as 
cashier  of  the  Savings  Bank  from  the  ist  of  February,  1872.  He  was  born  in 
the  dukedom  of  Hessen,  Germany,  September  25,  1845,  his  parents  being  Chris- 
topher and  Catharine  Hedrich,  who  spent  their  entire  lives  in  the  fatherland. 
The  son  Henry  pursued  his  education  there  and  in  1865  bade  adieu  to  friends 
and  native  country  and  sailed  for  the  new  world,  making  his  way  direct  to  Peoria 
where  he  arrived  when  twenty  years  of  age.  He  was  first  emploved  by  Dr. 
McGee  in  a  grocery  store,  in  which  he  remained  for  a  year,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  his  employer  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Peoria  and  made  Mr.  Hedrich  a 
clerk  in  the  postoffice.  He  remained  there  for  five  years  and  during  the  last 
year  served  as  assistant  postmaster.  Pie  then  entered  the  Savings  Bank  as 
cashier  and  has  been  continuously  connected  with  the  financial  interests  of  the 
city  in  an  executive  capacity  to  the  present  time.  From  the  position  of  cashier 
he  was  called  to  the  presidency  in  December,  1906.  For  six  years  he  has  remained 
chief  officer  of  this  bank  which  is  one  of  the  strong  financial  centers  of  eastern 
Illinois.     The  policy  pursued  commends  it  to  the  patronage  of  all  and  back  of  it 


130  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

stand  a  corps  of  officers  who  are  widely  recognized  as  progressive  and  reliable 
business  men.  In  addition  to  his  interest  in  the  Savings  Bank  Mr.  Hednch  was 
elected  to  the  directorate  of  the  First  National  Bank  in  January,  191 1.  He  has 
become  a  recognized  power  in  financial  circles  here  and  his  reputation  has  been 
gained  no  less  by  his  business  integrity  than  by  his  success.  In  point  of  con- 
tinuous service  he  is  today  the  dean  of  the  banking  profession  in  the  county.  His 
other  activity  in  financial  circles  covered  nineteen  years'  service  as  secretary  of 
the  Clearing'House  of  Peoria— from  1879  until  1898. 

Mr.  Hedrich  was  married  in  Peoria  in  1869  to  Miss  Jeanette  Christens,  of 
this  city,  with  whom  he  traveled  life's  journey  for  about  thirty-nine  years.  Mrs. 
Hedrich  was  then  called  to  the  home  beyond  and  at  hqr  death  left  four  children: 
Ida,  now  the  wife  of  Leaton  Boggess,'  of  Peoria :  Alice,  the  wife  of  Howard 
Bill's;  Blanche,  the  wife  of  Albert  Trubel ;  and  Edward,  who  resides  in  Chicago. 
Mr.  Hedrich  is  prominent  in  Masonry  and  has  served  for  four  years  as  master 
of  Schiller  Lodge,  of  Peoria.  He  has'also  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree  in 
the  commandery  and  is  a  member  of  the  Alystic  Shrine.  He  is  treasurer  of  the 
Old  Settlers'  Union  of  Peoria  county  and  in  1906  he  succeeded  Mr.  Herron  to  the 
position  of  treasurer  in  this  society,  as  he  did  in  the  presidency  of  the  bank.  He 
has  for  forty-seven  years  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  and  is  everywhere  spoken 
of  in  terms  of  respect  and  high  regard  because  he  has  never  deviated  from  what 
his  judgment  has  regarded  as  right  between  himself  and  his  fellowmen.  His 
life  has  been  actuated  l)y  high  and  honorable  principles  and  his  record  is  an  indi- 
cation of  the  fact  that  success  and  an  honored  name  may  be  won  simultaneously. 


I 


WILLIS  E\'ANS. 


Willis  Evans,  residing  at  No.  803  Bradley  avenue,  in  Peoria,  his  native  city, 
was  born  January  16,  1872.  His  parents,  Isaac  and  Phoebe  (Waggoner)  Evans, 
were  natives  of  Ohio  and  came  to  Peoria  about  i860.  The  son  attended  the  old 
Fifth  Ward  school,  later  called  the  Franklin  school,  on  Moss  avenue,  but  instead 
of  entering  the  high  school  he  became  an  assistant  in  his  father's  grocery  store 
at  West  Blut^'.  Almost  immediately  he  began  newspaper  work,  thus  following 
the  advice  of  his  mother.  C.  E.  Nixon  began  the  publication  of  the  West  BlulY 
Budget,  a  local  weekly  paper,  and  Willis  Evans  contributed  articles,  written  for 
it  from  a  stool  behind  the  counter  in  the  grocery  store.  Later  he  wrote  for  the 
West  Bluff  Herald,  also  a  Nixon  publication,  and  while  still  connected  with  the 
store  he  did  valuable  work  for  Edward  Francis  Younger,  managing  editor  of  the 
Peoria  Transcript,  who  was  Mr.  Evans'  journalistic  mentor.  In  1890  the  latter 
became  a  regular  contributor  to  the  Transcript  at  the  same  time  carrying  for 
the  West  Blufl:'  Bureau.  Later  in  the  same  year  he  became  regularly  associated 
w^ith  the  Transcript  and  afterward  became  a  member  of  the  staff  of  the  Peoria 
Herald,  owned  by  Henry  :M.  Pindell.  Eventually  the  two  papers  were  consoli- 
dated under  the  name  of  the  Herald-Transcript,  their  publication  being  con- 
ducted under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Pindell.  P.  J.  Rennick  and  Charles  H.  May. 
Starting  as  a  reporter,  Mr.  Evans  was  advanced  through  successive  promotions, 
becoming  city  editor,  managing  editor,  editor  and  Washington  correspondent. 
He  has  long  since  won  for  himself  a  creditable  position  in  journalistic  circles, 
not  only  as  a  writer  but  one  who  has  adopted  the  most  progressive  methods  of 
newspaper  publication. 

.\lr.  Evans  was  named  by  Representative  Joseph  \'.  Graft'  as  clerk  of  the 
committee  on  claims  in  the  house  of  representatives  at  the  opening  of  the  fifty- 
sixth  congress  in  1899  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  three  terms.  He  after- 
ward acted  as  secretary  to  Mr.  Graff  to  the  close  of  his  term  of  office  on  the  4th 
of  March,  191 1,  and  at  the  same  time  remained  in  active  connection  with  news- 


WILLIS  EVANS 


I 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTV  •  Kil 

pai>er  work,  being  Washington  correspondent  of  the  Peoria  Herald-Transcript. 
During  the  sessions  of  congress  he  also  acted  as  assistant  to  Charles  P.  Keyser. 
chief  of  the  St.  Louis  Globe-Democrat  I'.ureau. 

In  politics  Mr.  Evans  has  ever  been  a  republican  and  in  1898  was  the  candi- 
date of  his  party  for  city  clerk  of  Peoria,  easily  winning  the  nomination  o\ct 
old-time  leaders  'of  the  party  in  the  big  city  convention.  He  met  defeat  at  the 
polls,  however,  at  the  hands  of  Robert  M.  Orr,  the  incumbent,  who  was  an  old 
and  tried  official.  . 

On  the  27th  of  August,  1895,  JNIr.  Evans  was  married  to  Miss  Leoti  Runyan, 
a  daughter  of  Washington  and  Martha  Runyan.  They  became  the  parents  of  two 
children:  Marguerite,  who  was  born  June  23.  1896.  and  is  a  student  in  the 
Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute  of  Peoria;  and  Melody,  who  died  January  20,  1908, 
when  six  and  a  half  years  of  age.  Mr.  Evans  is  connected  with  most  of  the 
representative  organizations  of  Peoria.  He  belongs  to  the  Illinois  Farmers 
Club,  the  Peoria  and  Illinois  Historical  Associations,  is  secretary  of  the  Peoria 
County  Old  Settlers  Association,  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Com- 
merce, the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Peoria  Transportation  Club,  National  Imple- 
ment S:  \'ehicle  Show,  and  the  Child's  Welfare  League.  These  memljershij)  rela- 
tions indicate  much  of  the  nature  of  his  interests  and  the  line  of  his  thought  and 
activitv  aside  from  that  already  indicated  as  his  chosen  life  work.  On  Feb- 
ruary i.  1912,  Mr.  Evans  was  unanimously  chosen  executive  secretary  of  the 
Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  secretary  and  a  director  of  the  National 
Implement  &  Vehicle  Show,  which  organizations  are  flourishing  under  his  direc- 
tion. There  is  something  in  a  journalistic  career  that  keeps  the  individual  in 
close  touch  with  the  world's  work  and  progress,  and  Mr.  Evans  has  ever  been 
stimulated  bv  the  s]Mrit  of  advancement  and  in  turn  has  made  liberal  contribu- 
tion to  that  progress  which  awards  Peoria  a  first  place  as  a  typical  city  of  the 
middle  west,  utilizing  the  best  that  the  east  has  to  ofifer  and  at  the  same  time 
possessing  the  initiative  that  produces  advancement  along  original  lines. 


OSCAR  ALLEN,   ^I.  D. 


Dr.  Oscar  Allen,  now  a  jiracticing  physician  and  surgeon  of  Chillicothe,  Illi- 
nois, is  one  of  the  foremost  men  in  Peoria  county  in  the  ranks  of  his  profession. 
He  was  born  in  Medina  township,  this  county,  twelve  miles  north  of  Peoria,  in 
1867.  His  father,  William  H.  Allen,  was  a  native  of  Rhode  Island  but 
lived  for  seventy-five  years  in  Illinois  and  for  seventy  years  in  Peoria  county. 
He  w'as  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  district  and  carried  on  and  operated 
an  extensive  farm  for  many  years.  He  is  now  living  retired  on  the  old  home- 
stead. During  a  portion  of  his  life  he  was  engaged  in  brickmaking,  and  his 
father  was  the  first  brickmaker  in  Peoria  county.  He  married  Miss  Sarah  E. 
Xuttall.  of  England,  who  came  to  this  country  when  she  was  eighteen  years 
of  age  and  settled  in  Peoria  county.  They  have  four  other  children  besides  Dr. 
Oscar  Allen  of  this  sketch. 

Oscar  .Mien  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  the  county,  and  the  Peoria 
high  school.  Fie  gained  his  medical  education  in  the  College  of  Physicians 
and  Surgeons  at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  and  took  his  post-graduate  course  in  Chicago. 
Immediately  after  his  graduation  from  college  he  went  to  Lawn  Ridge.  Illinois, 
and  practiced  there  for  two  and  one  half  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time 
he  removed  to  Dunlap.  Illinois,  and  remained  there  for  fifteen  years.  He  spent 
two  years  in  Chicago  jiracticing  his  profession,  and  on  January  I,  191 1,  removed 
his  office  to  Chillicothe.  in  the  ^^"escott  building  where  he  is  at  present  located. 
During  his  long  period  of  activity  in  the  medical  profession  Dr.  Allen  has  at- 
tained a  degree  of  efticiency  wdiich  can  only  be  the  result  of  per.sonal  experience. 


132  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

He  regards  his  calling  as  a  sacred  obligation  and  has  a  full  appreciation  of  the 
duties  of  a  physician  to  his  fellowmen. 

In  i8q2.  Dr.  Allen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Linnie  Waite,  who  was 
born  in  Topeka,  Kansas,  but  spent  most  of  her  life  in  Peoria  county.  She  is  a 
granddaughter  of  Loren  Wilder,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  district.  To 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  .Allen  four  children  have  been  born,  Donald  M..  Robert  B.  and 
Willadell,  and  an  infant  son  all  living  with  their  parents  at  home. 

Politically  Dr.  .Allen  keeps  himself  entirely  independent  of  lines  and  parties. 
He  is  a  liberal  thinker  on  all  subjects  and  prefers  to  keep  his  judgment  free  and 
his  principles  unbiased  by  any  partisanship.  Both  his  father  and  his  uncle  were 
prominent  in  democratic  politics  in  Peoria  county  for  many  years,  but  Dr.  Allen, 
although  he  takes  an  active  interest  in  public  afifairs,  has  never  sought  office. 
Fraternallv  he  belones  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  is  prominent  in 
the  affairs  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Most  of  his  time  and  at- 
tention is  ffiven  to  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  the  extensive  practice  which 
he  has  built  up  in  Chillicothe  and  throughout  the  county  is  ample  evidence  of  his 
proficiency  and  skill. 

MATHEW  HENEBERY. 

So  important  and  valued  were  the  business  connections  of  Mathew  Henebery 
as  to  gain  him  classification  with  the  prominent  and  representative  citizens  of 
Peoria.  He  was  associated  with  manufacturing,  commercial  and  financial  inter- 
ests, all  of  which  constituted  features  in  the  city's  development  and  progress  as 
well  as  his  individual  success.  His  determined  purpose  enabled  him  to  carry  for- 
ward to  a  successful  completion  whatever  he  undertook.  However,  he  never 
regarded  anv  position  as  final  but  rather  as  the  starting  point  for  still  further 
accomplishment,  and  each  forward  step  brought  him  a  l^roader  outlook  and  wider 
opportunities.  He  was  born  in  County  Kilkenny,  Ireland,  September  8,  i^?,4.  a 
son  of  Nicholas  and  Anastasia  (Carroll)  Heneberv.  He  was  a  youth  of  fifteen 
years  when,  in  the  spring  of  1849,  he  was  brought  bv  his  parents  to  America. 
They  landed  at  Montreal,  Canada,  and  by  way  of  Bufifalo  and  Chicago,  pursued 
their  way  to  La  Salle,  Illinois,  where  they  stopped  for  a  brief  period  and  then 
continued  their  journev  to  Peoria. 

Mathew  Henebery  had  been  a  pupil  in  the  schools  of  Ireland  before  coming  to 
America,  and  soon  after  reaching  this  country  he  began  earning  his  own  living, 
being  employed  as  superintendent  of  a  line  of  drays  for  about  two  years.  He 
afterward  worked  upon  the  telegraph  line  between  Peoria  and  Chica.go,  and  m 
185 1  became  connected  with  the  liquor  business  as  an  employe  of  Napoleon  B. 
Brandamour.  His  ability  soon  led  to  his  admission  to  a  partnership  in  the  busi- 
ness, and  the  firm  built  an  alcohol  distillery  and  continued  the  conduct  of  their 
enterprise  for  two  years.  .At  the  end  of  that  time  business  relations  were  dis- 
solved, I\Ir.  Brandamour  taking  over  the  alcohol  still  while  Mr.  Heneberv  became 
the  owner  of  the  wholesale  branch  of  the  business.  From  that  time  until  his  death 
Mr.  Henebery  continued  in  that  line  of  trade,  and  yet  it  would  be  unfair  to  speak 
of  him  only  in  this  connection.  His  business  interests  were  of  a  most  varied  and 
important  character,  and  many  of  the  leading  commercial  and  financial  concerns 
of  Peoria  profited  by  his  keen  sagacity,  his  unfaltering  enterprise  and  his 
capability  in  coordinating  forces.  Aside  from  his  connection  with  the  Branda- 
mour liquor  business,  he  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  builders  of  the  Great 
Eastern  Distillery,  and  for  a  long  period  was  president  of  the  Peoria  Pottery 
Company  and  took  an  active  part  in  formulating  its  business  policies.  He  was 
likewise  largely  instrumental  in  establishing  the  Peoria  Stock  Yards  and  in  organ- 
izing and  conducting  the  Peoria   Packing  &-   Provision   Company.     Tie  became 


i 


MATiiKw  iikm:i;ki;^ 


HISTORY  OF  PF.ORIA  COUXTV  135 

president  of  the  Peoria  Opera  House  Company,  and  in  financial  circles  lif,'nrcd 
prominently  as  vice  president  and  one  of  the  directors  of  the  First  National  Bank 
of  the  city  for  many  years.  As  he  prospered  in  his  undertakings,  he  made  exten- 
sive and  judicious  investments  in  property,  becoming  the  owner  of  several  val- 
uable farms  in  Illinois  and  Nebraska.  He  remained  in  active  connection  with  both 
the  r.randamour  licjuor  trade  and  with  banking  interests  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death  which  occurred  November  4,  1907. 

On  the  loth  of  May,  TS57,  ^^i"-  Henebery  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Daniels,  and  their  union  was  a  long  and  happy  one.  Mrs.  Henebery  sur- 
vived her  husband  about  five  years.  She  died  on  March  12,  1912,  at  the  ripe  old 
age  of  seventv-seven  years,  one  of  the  best  loved  women  in  the  city  of  Peoria. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henebery  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children.  Those  still  living 
are :  Richard  I.  Heneljery,  of  Peoria,  manager  of  the  Henebery  estate ;  Josephine, 
the  wife  of  E.  J.  Cashin'of  Peoria;  Nellie,  the  wife  of  Samuel  H.  Cummings  of 
Peoria ;  '^lary,  the  wife  of  Robert  De  \\'a\d  of  Fort  Wayne ;  Lida,  married  to 
Charles  B.  -\iuhler,  also  of  Fort  Wayne;  Theodosia,  the  wife  of  Edwin  Muir  of 
Detroit ;  and  Miss  Lucy  Henebery,  of  Peoria.  There  is  still  living  a  brother  of 
Mrs.  Henebery,  Mr.  John  Daniels  of  San  Antonio,  Texas. 

.Mr.  Henebery  was  a  member  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  and  his  political 
faith  was  that  of  the  democratic  party.  He  held  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur 
Club,  and  was  identified  with  various  public  interests,  some  of  a  social,  others  of 
a  benevolent  nature.  Any  project  that  liad  for  its  object  the  welfare  and  upbuild- 
ing of  the  city  received  his  indorsement  and  his  liberal  financial  support.  He 
served  as  one  of  Peoria's  aldermen  at  an  early  day,  and  was  afterward  a  member 
of  the  school  board.  Since  his  death  the  Mathew  Henebery  Memorial  school  has 
been  erected  as  a  monument  to  his  memory.  The  cause  of  education  ever  found 
in  him  a  warm  friend,  and  he  was  an  earnest  and  zealous  champion  of  the  public 
library,  having  served  as  a  director  from  the  time  of  its  organization  until  1894, 
Fie  gave  liberally  in  support  of  the  hospitals  of  the  city  and  coo]3erated  with  many 
organized  charities,  while  his  individual  charitable  gifts  were  almost  innumerable. 
He  had  a  deep  and  al)iding  love  for  his  fcllowmen  and  was  therefore  interested  in 
all  that  tended  to  ameliorate  hard  conditions  of  life  for  the  unfortunate,  or  sought 
to  further  the  uplifting  and  ennobling  influences  which  work  for  an  advanced  civ- 
ilization. His  advice  was  often  sought  and  always  freely  given.  He  was  loving 
and  kind,  and  his  many  friends  found  him  a  congenial  companion  who  was  always 
considerate  of  the  words  and  wishes  of  another.  His  advancement  in  the  busi- 
ness world  was  the  righteous  outcome  of  his  energy  and  determination. 


J.  N.  HECKARD. 


T.  N.  Heckard,  a  man  of  enterprise  and  of  marked  force  of  character,  who 
through  his  business  life  has  made  good  use  of  his  time  and  opportunities,  is 
now  the  owner  of  a  general  merchandise  store  at  Oak  Hill,  He  was  born  March 
17,  1858,  in  Illinois,  his  parents  being  Peter  J.  and  Margaret  (Wilson)  Heck- 
ard, wlio  came  to  Peoria  county  in  1863.  In  the  father's  family  were  five  chil- 
dren, of  whom  J.  N.  of  this  review,  is  tlie  third  in  order  of  birth. 

T.  N.  Heckard  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  remained  at  home 
until  1882,  when  he  began  working  for  the  Monarch  Brewery  firm  of  Peoria, 
where  he  remained  until  i8gi.  For  the  following  six  years  he  was  employed  in 
the  Peoria  Malt  House  and  in  1897  he  jiurchased  forty  acres  of  land  in  Rose- 
field  township,  on  which  he  followed  farming  until  1902.  He  then,  on  selling 
this  tract  of  land,  bought  fifty-six  acres  in  Elmwood  township,  which  he  owned 
until  T906,  when  he  engaged  in  the  general  mercantile  business  at  Oak  Hill, 
where  he  now  has  a  well  stocked  store. 

Vi.i.  II— 7 


136  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

On  the  22d  of  January,  1882,  Air.  Heckard  was  united  in  marriage  with  Airs. 
Mayme  Fash,  a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Sarah  Aloore.  The  father,  Charles 
Aloore,  was  killed  in  battle  in  the  Civil  war,  and  his  widow  subsequently  became 
the  wife  of  Thomas  Clark.  Air.  and  Airs.  Heckard  are  the  parents  of  two  chil- 
dren: Frank  R.,  who  was  born  June  16,  1886,  is  married  and  is  a  blacksmith 
for  the  Star  Alining  Company  at  Peoria.  Goldie  R.,  aged  nine,  is  attending 
school.  In  politics  Air.  Heckard  is  a  stanch  democrat.  He  gives  much  time  to 
the  cause  of  education  and  is  now  serving  as  president  of  the  school  board.  He 
is  an  energetic,  public-spirited  man,  well  liked  both  as  a  merchant  and  in  a 
social  way  and  is  meeting  with  excellent  success  in  his  business  career. 


AIARTIN  \'.  B.  CUAIERFORD. 

In  a  history  of  the  successful  men  of  Peoria  mention  should  be  made  of  Mar- 
tin \'.  B.  Cumerford  inasmuch  as  personal  effort,  intelligently  directed,  consti- 
tuted the  basis  of  a  growing  and  gratifying  success  that  enabled  him  in  his  later 
years  to  live  retired.  Within  the  period  of  his  close  connection  with  business 
interests  in  Peoria  he  ever  commanded  the  good  will  and  confidence  of  those  with 
whom  he  had  dealings  and,  therefore,  was  spoken  of  in  terms  of  high  regard 
wherever  known.  He  was  born  in  Aluncie,  Delaware  county,  Indiana,  February 
24,  1841,  a  son  of  George  and  Harriet  ( Collis )  Cumerford.  The  father,  a 
native  of  Virginia,  was  a  cabinet  maker  by  trade  and  followed  that  pursuit 
throughout  the  greater  part  of  his  life.  His  political  allegiance  was  ever  given 
to  the  democratic  party. 

Alartin  V.  B.  Cumerford  was  the  eldest  of  a  family  of  eight  children  and 
was  early  called  upon  to  contribute  to  their  support  because  of  the  invalid  con- 
dition of  his  father.  His  education  was  acquired  in  the  public  schools  and  in  the 
Aluncie  Seminary,  and  wdien  fifteen  years  of  age  he  became  a  post  boy,  carry- 
ing the  mail  between  Aluncie  and  Alarion,  Indiana,  a  distance  of  thirty-three 
miles.  While  thus  engaged  he  never  missed  a  trip  summer  or  winter.  In  1859  he 
secured  the  position  of  bell  boy  in  the  Spencer  House  at  Indianapolis  and  was 
acting  in  that  capactiy  at  the  time  of  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war.  His  patri- 
otic spirit  prompted  his  enlistment  and  he  became  a  bugler  with  a  cavalry  com- 
pany under  Captain  Bracken.  He  soon  ceased,  however,  to  act  as  musician  and 
went  into  the  ranks,  participating  in  many  hotly  contested  engagements,  in  the 
long  marches  and  in  the  hard  campaigning  which  led  to  the  final  victory  that 
crowned  the  Union  arms.  His  was  the  first  cavarly  company  organized  in 
Indiana  and  was  later  mustered  in  as  Company  K,  First  Indiana  \'olunteer  Cav- 
alry. The  regiment  was  assigned  to  General  Siegel's  force  whose  corps  was  in 
the  middle  of  the  line  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  on  which  occasion  Air.  Cumerford 
was  one  of  General  Siegel's  orderlies,  accompanying  him  in  that  capacity  in 
several  other  engagements.  In  August,  1862,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year, 
he  was  recommended  because  of  brave  and  meritorious  service  for  promotion 
to  the  rank  of  lieutenant,  but  owing  to  the  confused  condition  of  affairs  this  was 
not  agreed  upon.  He  went  through  the  several  campaigns  in  Tennessee  and  was 
then  mustered  out  at  Nashville.  In  October,  1864,  he  returned  to  Indianapolis, 
where  he  cast  his  first  vote  for  Oliver  P.  Alorton  for  governor  and  a  month 
later  supported  Abraham  Lincoln   for  the  presidency. 

This  was  an  eventful  year  in  the  life  of  Air.  Cumerford,  for  it  was  on  the 
15th  of  November,  1864.  that  he  married  Jennie  E.  Tout.  They  started  on  a  trip 
southward  and  after  two  years  returned  to  Indianapolis,  where  Air.  Cumerford 
accepted  a  clerkship  in  a  grocery  store.  He  also  held  the  office  of  clerk  in  the  In- 
diana house  of  representatives  during  1866  and  1867.  In  the  latter  year  he  came 
to  Peoria  and  entered  business  circles  of  this  city  as  bookkeeper  in  the  planing 


I 


HISTORY  OF  I'EORIA  COUNTY  137 

mill  of  Truesdale  &  Conijxiny.  Two  years  later  he  became  manager  of  Ballard's 
lumber  yard  and  subsequently  was  employed  in  the  freight  office  of  the  Indiana, 
Bloomington  &  Western  Railroad.  In  1874  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  business, 
retiring  in  1890.  During  his  sixteen  years'  connection  with  that  trade  he  secured 
a  good  patronage  and  the  business  was  one  of  the  profitable  enterprises  of  that 
character  in  the  city,  a  large  and  carefully  selected  line  of  goods  bringing  to 
him  a  well  merited  trade.  In  1893  he  entered  the  undertaking  business  with  his 
son,  Harry  E.,  at  No.  708  JMain  street.  In  this  connection  they  built  up  a  large 
estal:)lishment,  lieing  among  the  foremost  in  their  line  in  central  Illinois.  The 
father,  however,  practically  lived  retired  in  his  later  years,  leaving  the  manage- 
ment and  active  work  of  the  business  entirely  to  his  son. 

In  poHtics  Mr.  Cumerford  was  always  a  stalwart  republican  but  was  not  a 
politician  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  term.  He  was  never  a  seeker  after  office, 
yet  in  1875  he  was  elected  alderman  of  the  new  eigth  ward.  He  belonged  to  Bry- 
ner  Post,  No.  67,  G.  A.  R.,  and  to  Fort  Clark  Lodge,  I.  O:  O.  F.  He  passed 
away  on  the  2gth  of  April,  1912,  being  then  seventy-one  years  of  age,  and  thus 
was  ended  a  life  of  usefulness  and  honor — one  which  gained  for  him  the  high 
respect  of  all  with  whom  he  had  been  brought  in  contact.  He  was  independent 
in  character,  fearless  in  action  and  was  a  splendid  type  of  the  high-minded,  pro- 
gressive citizen,  whose  fidelity  to  every  cause  in  which  he  believed  gained  for 
him  the  respect  and  confidence  of  those  who  knew  him.  His  personal  charac- 
teristics were  such  as  made  him  well  liked  and  highly  regarded  and  his  record 
indicates  what  may  be  accomplished  when  determination  and  energy  lead  the 
way. 


THOMAS  FORBES. 


Thomas  Forbes,  who  now  lives  retired  in  Ilanna  City,  was  liorn  in  New 
Tersey.  May  3,  1830.  His  parents  were  William  and  Susan  (  Cjraham)  Forljes, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ireland  and  came  from  that  country  in  1828,  set- 
tling in  New  Jersey,  where  the  father  was  employed  in  the  iron  works.  In  1836 
the  parents  removed  to  Philadelphia  and  the  following  year  came  to  Peoria 
county,  locating  in  Logan  township,  which  was  then  called  the  middle  precinct, 
where  the  father  entered  eighty  acres  of  government  land  and  later  purchased 
an  adjoining  forty  acres.  In  their  family  were  four  children,  of  whom  Thomas, 
of  this  review,  was  the  eldest.  The  others  are:  John,  of  Lincoln,  Nebraska;  Mrs. 
Nancy  Shepherd,  a  widow  of  W'ashington  county,  whose  husl)and  was  a  physi- 
cian and  was  drowned  while  crossing  a  creek'  in  Tazewell  county,  on  his  way 
to  see  a  patient :  and  \\'illiam,  who  lives  in  Peoria. 

Thomas  Forbes,  being  only  seven  years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed 
to  Logan  township,  was  reared  and  educated  here  and  remained  under  the  par- 
ental roof  until  1856.  At  that  date  he  began  farming  a  tract  of  forty  acres  of 
land  which  he  and  his  father  together  had  innxhased.  Later  he  l)ought  an  ad- 
joining one  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  making  in  all  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
in  tlie  tract  which  he  cultivated.  At  the  time  of  the  purchase  of  this  tract  the 
greater  part  of  it  was  under  timber  but  a  few  acres  of  it  were  ready  for  cultiva- 
tion. At  the  beginning  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  the  Seventy-seventh  Illinois 
Regiment,  under  General  D.  P.  Greer,  and  remained  in  service  for  three  years. 
During  this  time  he  w'as  taken  prisoner  and  lay  for  thirteen  months  and  nine- 
teen days  in  prison  at  Camp  Ford.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  his  farm 
and  resided  on  the  same  until  1892  when  he  sold  it  and  removed  to  Hanna  City, 
where  he  now  owns  an  excellent  home  and  is  living  retirefl. 

On  the  first  of  May,  1856,  Mr.  Forbes  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Catherine   Cox   and   to   them   have  been   born    five   children.      They   are:    Mrs. 


138  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

lantha  Louila  Foster,  of  Washington,  Illinois ;  Mrs.  Susan  Stewart,  who  resides 
on  a  farm  in  Logan  township;  ]\Irs.  Ida  I\Iary  Patton,  of  Lenox,  Iowa;  Charles, 
who  is  engaged  in  farming  near  Mount  Pleasant,  Iowa;  and  Mrs.  E.  M.  Pat- 
ton,  who  resides  on  a  farm  near  Cleartield,   Iowa. 

Politically  Mr.  Forbes  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  He  has 
served  as  road  commissioner  and  also  as  township  tax  collector.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  his  life  is  faithfully  guided  by  its  teachings. 
He  has  done  efficient  work  in  citizenship,  being  at  all  times  public-spirited  and  pro- 
gressive. He  has  now  attained  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-one  years,  has  resided 
in  Peoria  countv  for  over  seventy-four  years  and  has  been  an  interested  witness 
to  the  changes  that  have  here  occurred.  Wherever  he  is  known  he  is  held  in  the 
highest  esteem  and  is  most  warmly  regarded  where  he  is  best  known. 


HEYE  DIEKEX. 


Heye  Dieken,  who,  since  1894,  has  been  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  in 
Logan  township,  was  born  in  Norden,  Hanover,  Germany,  on  May  14,  1856.  In 
early  youth  he  decided  to  seek  a  home  in  America,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
he  arrived  in  Peoria  county  where  for  eight  years  he  was  employed  as  a  farm 
hand.  He  then  visited  his  native  country,  but  after  four  months  was 
again  in  Peoria  county  where  he  became  employed  on  the  poor  farm,  and 
after  two  years  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  assistant  superintendent  of 
the  insane  department,  which  office  he  filled  for  five  years.  Subsequently  he 
purchased  in  Limestone  township  two  hundred  acres  of  land  which  was  known 
as  the  Walter  Booth  farm.  Seven  years  later  he  sold  the  same  and  bought 
his  present  farm  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-two  acres  on  sections  17  and  8  in 
Logan  township.  He  has  now  resided  here  for  seventeen  years.  He  has  an  ex- 
cellently improved  farm  and  employs  the  latest  methods  in  tilling  the  soil,  one 
hundred  and  forty  acres  of  the  land  being  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and 
thirty-two  acres  in  blue-grass  pasture.  He  engages  in  raising  corn,  oats,  wheat 
and  alfalfa,  and  also  raises  quite  extensively  horses,  cattle  and  hogs. 

On  the  26th  of  October.  1885,  Mr.  Dieken  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss 
Mary  Davis,  a  resident  of  Limestone  township.  To  this  union  have  been  born 
five  children.  They  are :  Minnie,  now  Mrs.  Richardson ;  Adeline,  the  wife  of 
Lester  Quin;  and  Delitha,  George  and  Carl  Otto,  all  of  whom  are  at  home. 

In  politics  Mr.  Dieken  gives  his  support  to  the  democratic  party  and  has 
served  in  the  capacity  of  road  commissioner  for  three  years  and  as  town- 
ship supervisor  for  four  years.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation, is  now  a  school  trustee,  and  has  efficiently  filled  that  office  at  previous 
times.  He  is  a  member  of  the  German  Lutheran  church,  and  in  the  country  he 
has  chosen  to  make  his  home  he  is  a  most  useful,  valued  and  highly  honored 
citizen. 


TOHX  A.  READ. 


Among  Peoria's  representative  citizens  John  .A.  Read  is  numbered.  He  has  re- 
sided continuously  here  since  1878  and  is  today  proprietor  of  the  largest  auc- 
tion and  furniture  house  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Aside  from  his  business  con- 
nections he  is  well  known  as  a  republican  leader  and  one  whose  advocacy  of  the 
party  and  its  principles  is  based  upon  comprehensive  and  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  political  issues  and  questions  of  the  day.  He  was  born  in  Hannibal,  Os- 
wego county,  New  York,  July  16,  1850,  and  traces  his  ancestry  back  to  Amos  and 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  139 

Mary  (Rennett)  Read,  who  were  married  about  1776.  Their  second  child. 
Caleb,  was  born  at  Lisbon,  Connecticut,  November  24,  1780,  and  died  in  W'est- 
morcland,  Onieda  county.  New  York,  ^[arch  15,  1849.  He  had  been  married  at 
Alontville.  Connecticut.  September  6.  1804,  to  Miss  Mary  Leffingwell,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Benjamin  and  Lettis  (Camp)  Lelifingwell.  Her  birth  occurred  at  Alont- 
ville or  at  Bosw-ell.  Connecticut,  January  17,  1782.  and  she  passed  away  September 
30,  1825.  Dwight  Ripley  Read,  the  father  of  John  A.  Read,  was  a  son  of  Caleb 
and  Alary  Read  and  was  born  at  Rrooktield,  Aladison  county.  New  York.  He 
wedded  Aliss  Alargaret  J.  Wasson,  who  was  born  at  Little  Sodus  Bay,  Cayuga 
county.  New  York,  in  1825.  and  was  a  daughter  of  George  and  Sallie  (Brew- 
ster) Wasson,  wlio  were  natives  of  New  York,  born  in  the  \icinity  of  Schenec- 
tady. 

When  a  little  lad  of  twelve  years  John  A.  Read  began  to  earn  his  own  liveli- 
hood and  from  that  time  to  the  present  has  been  dependent  entirely  upon  his  own 
resources.  Whatever  success  he  has  achieved  is  the  reward  of  his  own  labors. 
In  1867  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  Peoria,  and  two  years  later,  having  reached 
the  age  of  nineteen,  he  went  to  Kansas  where,  in  1872,  he  .settled  on  a  govern- 
ment claim  in  Alorris  county,  remaining  there  for  two  years.  After  some  time 
spent  in  Iowa  he  returned  to  Illinois  and  for  a  year  made  his  home  in  Elmwood, 
Peoria  countv,  where  he  engaged  in  auctioneering.  He  became  an  auctioneer  and 
furniture  dealer  in  Peoria  in  1878  and  is  now  proprietor  of  the  largest  auction 
and  furniture  house  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Recently  he  has  extended  the  scope 
of  his  business  by  the  establishment  of  a  large  storage  and  warehouse,  and  is 
accorded  a  liberal  patronage  in  these  different  connections.  He  has  labored  dili- 
gently, basing  his  advancement  upon  the  safe,  substantial  qualities  of  unfaltering 
industry  and  determination.  He  helped  to  organize  the  Illinois  .Auctioneer  .Asso- 
ciation  and    for   years   served   either  as   its   ])resident   or   secretary. 

In  Alay,  1887.  in  Brimfield,  Peoria  county,  Mr.  Read  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Aliss  Alary  E.  Barlow  and  they  now  have  five  children,  Mary  Lillie,  Emma 
.Alice,  Stella,  John  Wilbur  and  Sala  Hamilton.  J.  Wilbur  is  engaged  in  business 
with  his  father  as  an  auctioneer  and  Sala  H.  is  connected  with  the  express  and 
storage  department  of  the  business. 

In  politics  Air.  Read  has  always  been  a  republican  since  obtaining  the  right 
of  franchise  and  is  today  recognized  as  one  of  the  active  workers  of  the  party  in 
this  portion  of  the  state.  He  is  a  speaker  of  al)ility  and  prominence;  is  a  wide 
reader  of  books,  magazines  and  papers  that  deal  with  the  chief  political  ques- 
tions of  the  day  and  is  a  student  of  political  economy.  In  1899  he  was  appointed 
sealer  of  weights  and  measures  for  Peoria  but  otherwise  has  held  no  public 
ofifice,  preferring  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  interests  that, 
continually  growing  in  volume  and  importance,  make  heavy  demands  on  his 
time  and  energies. 


E.  H.  BRADLEY,  M.  D. 

Peoria  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  the  personnel  of  her  medical  profession  and 
the  ability  displayed  in  the  various  lines  of  practice.  This  is  an  age  of  speciali- 
zation and  the  man  who  attains  high  skill  is  he  who  concentrates  his  efforts  along 
a  single  line  of  activity,  acquainting  himself  with  everything  that  pertains 
thereto.  This  Dr.  E.  H.  Bradley  has  done  and  his  work  in  the  treatment  of  dis- 
eases of  the  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat  has  brought  him  much  more  than  local 
reputation  and  fame.  He  has  resided  in  Peoria  continuously  since  1892  and  in 
the  intervening  period  of  twenty  years  has  confined  his  efforts  alone  to  the  par- 
ticular work  in  which  he  is  still  engaged.  He  was  born  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Ontario,  Canada,  September  18,  1861,  and  is  a  son  of  J.  A.  Bradley.  The  father 
was  a  leading  citizen  of  his  town,  where  he  carried  on  merchandising  and  also 


140  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

served  as  postmaster  for  about  fifty  years.  There  Dr.  Bradley  was  reared  and 
attended  the  public  schools,  continuing  his  education  in  the  Sydenham  (Ontario) 
high  school,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1880.  Thinking  to 
find  broader  and  better  business  opportunities  elsewhere,  he  then  went  to  the 
Canadian  northwest  and  was  one  of  the  first  homesteaders  in  Saskatchewan, 
where  he  spent  two  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  the  place  of  his  nativity. 
Having  determined  to  enter  upon  a  professional  career  and  thinking  to  find  the 
practice  of  medicine  a  congenial  vocation,  he  soon  afterward  matriculated  in  the 
University  of  the  City  of  New  York  as  a  medical  student.  Later  he  entered  the 
University  of  Vermont  at  Burlington  and  was  graduated  therefrom  in  1891  with 
the  M.  D.  degree.  He  conducted  a  general  practice  in  Canada  for  some  time  and 
won  success  in  that  way.  His  attention  was  more  and  more  largely  concentrated, 
however,  on  diseases  of  the  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat.  He  found  that  branch  of 
the  profession  a  most  interesting  one  and  his  reading  and  study  were  directed 
largely  along  that  line.  In  1802  he  came  to  Peoria  as  assistant  to  Dr.  Dombrow- 
ski,  a  specialist  in  the  treatment  of  the  eye,  ear  nose  and  throat.  A  year  later 
he  •  was  admitted  to  a  partnership  and  the  business  connection  between  them 
continued  for  three  more  years.  He  then  entered  upon  an  independent  practice, 
opening  an  office  on  his  own  account,  and  to  further  qualify  himself  for  the  work 
in  which  he  was  especially  interested  he  took  a  post-graduate  course  in  New  York 
city  at  the  Eye,  Ear,  Nose  and  Throat  College.  He  is  now  oculist  and  aurist  at 
the  St.  Francis  Hospital  and  in  addition  he  has  a  large  private  practice,  which  is 
constantly  growing  in  volume  and  importance.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City 
Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  ^Medical  Society,  the  American  Academy  of 
Ophthalmology  and  Oto-Laryngology,  and  the  American  Medical  Association, 
and  has  served  both  as  secretary  and  as  president  of  the  first  named. 

Not  only  in  professional  lines  has  Dr.  Bradley  proved  his  worth  as  a  valued 
and  representative  resident  here.  His  labors  in  other  connections  have  been  of 
an  important  character.  He  has  served  for  four  years,  or  for  two  terms,  as  super- 
visor of  Peoria,  the  nominati(in  for  the  office  being  given  him  without  his  knowl- 
edge or  consent.  He  made  no  canvass  for  the  position  but  his  personal  worth 
secured  his  election.  He  served  for  one  year  as  chairman  of  the  finance  committee, 
which  converted  the  debt  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  Peoria  county 
into  bonds,  thus  placing  the  finances  of  the  county  upon  a  business  basis.  He 
keeps  w^ell  informed  concerning  all  the  significant,  vital  political  problems  and 
is  an  earnest  and  unfaltering  advocate  of  the  republican  party. 

Dr.  Bradley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Maud  Matthews,  of  Peoria,  a 
daughter  of  Newton  Matthews,  of  this  city.  He  belongs  to  the  Illinois  \'alley 
Yacht  Club,  of  which  he  is  serving  as  a  director,  and  he  has  also  filled  the  office 
of  club  commodore.  He  likewise  holds  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club 
and  is  a  prominent  Mason,  having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the 
Scottish  Rite,  while  of  the  Mystic  Shrine  he  is  also  a  representative.  His  inter- 
ests and  his  activities  are  wide  and  varied.  There  is  nothing  narrow  nor  self- 
centered  in  his  life.  Fie  reaches  out  along  the  lines  of  usefulness  and  his  work 
in  manv  directions  has  been  most  serviceable  in  the  world. 


HENRY  MANSFIELD. 


\\'ith  the  passing  away  of  the  late  Henry  Mansfield,  Peoria  lost  one  of  her 
most  substantial  and  prominent  citizens,  whose  active  connection  with  commer- 
cial affairs  and  extensive  business  enterprises  for  more  than  half  a  century,  made 
him  one  of  the  dominant  factors  in  promoting  the  progress  and  development  of 
the  city.    The  greater  part  of  his  life  was  passed  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  his  birth 


HENRY  MANSFIELD,  SR. 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  143 

haviiiL;  occurred  in  New  Haven.  Connecticut,  on  the  22(1  of  ^Nlarch.  i8i(i.  lie 
was  a  son  of  Leverett  and  Sarah  ( Sanford )  r^Iansheld,  both  natives  of  Connecti- 
cut. The  father  was  born  in  North  Haven  in  ijSh,  and  the  mother  in  New  Haven 
on  :March  8.  1789.  They  were  married  in  Connecticut  and  subsequentlv  went  to 
Esperance,  New  York,  •^'ir.  Alansfield  being  one  of  the  prominent  and  influential 
citizens  of  that  community  until  1843.  He  then  disposed  of  his  interests  there 
and  removed  to  Illinois,  then  considered  to  be  the  far  west.  Upon  his  arrival  in 
this  state  he  first  located  in  the  vicinity  of  Elgin,  but  he  later  went  to  Princeville, 
Peoria  countv,  and  there  he  passed  away  on  the  23d  of  December.  1868,  just  three 
davs  after  the  death  of  his  wife.  They  had  both  lived  to  attain  a  ripe  old  age. 
being  eightv-two  and  seventy-nine  years  respectively.  In  the  paternal  line  Henry 
Mansfield  belonged  to  one  of  the  early  colonial  families  of  Massachusetts,  being 
a  direct  descendant  of  Richard  Mansfield,  who  came  to  America  from  Devon- 
shire, England,  in  1639,  and  located  near  Hampden,  Massachusetts.  He  was  the 
father  of  a  large  family,  among  his  sons  being  one  Joseph  Mansfield,  who  became 
an  extensive  property  holder  and  the  owner  of  the  famous  Mansfield  farm.  His 
son  Titus,  the  great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  married  Mabel  Todd,  and  they 
became  residents  of  North  Haven,  Connecticut,  and  there  their  son  Richard  was 
born.  He  chose  for  his  wife  .Mary  Styles  and  they  in  turn  liecame  the  parents  of 
Leverett  Mansfield,  the  father  of  Henry  Mansfield. 

Reared  at  home,  in  the  acquirement  of  his  education  Henry  Mansfield  attended 
the  local  schools.  While  still  in  his  early  youth  he  left  home  and  went  to  Albany, 
New  York,  obtaining  a  position  in  one  of  the  leading  drug  stores  of  that  city. 
There  he  learned  the  business,  continuing  to  remain  until  his  health  became 
affected  to  such  an  extent  by  the  close  confinement  that  it  was  necessary  for  him 
to  procure  outdoor  employment  and  seek  a  change  of  climate.  He.  therefore, 
joined  a  party  of  government  surveyors  and  went  to  northern  Michigan  in  the 
Chippewa  Indian  section,  a  hundred  miles  from  a  white  settlement,  where  he 
remained  for  four  years.  While  his  general  health  was  greatly  improved  by  the 
vigorous  climate  of  the  north,  the  air  and  severe  cold  brought  on  throat  and  lung 
troubles  that  made  it  advisable  for  him  to  go  to  a  warmer  climate,  so  he  started 
for  St.  Louis.  The  accommodations  for  travelers  in  those  days  bore  little  resem- 
blance to  the  luxurious  trains  of  the  present  period,  particularly  in  the  more 
sparselv  settled  portions  of  the  middle  west,  and  the  journey  southward  was  not 
onlv  slow  and  tiresome  but  it  proved  to  be  most  exhausting.  Therefore,  when 
Mr'.  Mansfield  reached  Peoria  he  stopped  over  for  a  rest  and  to  seek  professional 
advice.  He  was  referred  to  Dr.  N.  S.  Tucker,  a  nephew  of  Dr.  E.  J.  Dickinson, 
and  thus  began  the  acquaintance  that  developed  into  a  lifelong  intimacy  and  a 
business  connection  that  covered  a  period  of  practically  half  a  century,  having 
been  terminated  by  the  death  of  Dr.  Tucker  in  1S88.  just  forty-nine  years  and 
nine  months  after  they  first  engaged  in  lousiness.  As  his  health  began  to  improve 
Mr.  'Mansfield  considered  the  advisability  of  locating  in  Peoria,  and  recognizing 
that  there  was  an  excellent  opening  He  and  Dr.  Tucker  established  a  drug  store, 
that  under  their  efficient  management  became  one  of  the  leading  concerns  of  the 
kind  in  the  city.  This  enterprise  thrived  from  its  incipiency,  and  yielded  to  its 
proprietors  a  most  gratifying  income.  Mr.  Mansfield  early  began  to  invest  his 
suri)lus  income  in  real  estate,  which  proved  to  be  most  lucrative,  his  returns  from 
this  and  his  business  together  with  the  property  that  came  to  him  by  inheritance, 
making  him  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  in  the  city.  In  the  direction  of  his  enter- 
prises he  always  manifested  the  highest  standards  of  commercial  integrity. 

Mr.  ]\Iansfield  was  twice  married.  His  first  union  was  with  Miss  Harriet  .\. 
Elting,  a  native  of  Red  Hook,  Dutchess  county.  New  York,  who  came  west  with 
her  people  in  the  early  pioneer  days.  They  located  in  Peoria  and  here  ]\Irs.  Mans- 
field was  residing  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  Three  children  were  born  to  them, 
two  of  whom  are  deceased ;  the  third.  Fannie,  who  Ijecame  the  wife  of  O.  B. 
Blakeslee,  lives  in  San  Gabriel,  California,  and  has  two  children,  Henry  M.  and 


144  HISTORY  OJ-   PEORIA  COUNTY 

Denison.  In  1856,  Mr.  Alansfield  married  Miss  Isabelle  F.  Servoss,  a  native  of  the 
city  of  New  York,  and  a  daughter  of  Thomas  L.  Servoss,  and  a  granddaughter  of 
John  Jr'intard,  L.L.  D.,  also  of  New  York  city.  Eight  children  were  born  of  this 
marriage,  seven  of  whom  are  still  living:  Louise  P.,  who  married  C.  W. 
Mosher,  formerly  of  Chicago,  now  of  Portland,  Oregon  :  Henry,  an  attorney  of 
Peoria ;  Nathaniel  S. ;  Eleanor  T.,  who  married  J.  Harold  Ross ;  Isabelle  P.,  the 
wife  of  J.  Lee  Newton;  Margaret  E.,  the  widow  of  F.  J.  Green;  Sarah  Sanford, 
who  became  Mrs.  George  H.  Newton  and  died  November  29,  1902;  and  Eliza  H., 
who  is  living  with  her  mother.  ^Ir.  Mansfield  passed  away  ^lay  29,  1893,  and  is 
survived  by  his  widow,  who  resides  at  112  Perry  avenue,  this  city. 

During  a  residence  here  that  covered  a  period  of  more  than  fifty  years,  Mr. 
Mansfield  made  many  close  and  stanch  friends  who  admired  him  for  his  wonder- 
ful business  ability  and  the  enterprising  and  progressive  spirit  he  at  all  times 
manifested  in  matters  of  citizenship,  but  most  of  all  they  esteemed  him  because 
of  his  high  sense  of  honor,  fine  personality  and  kind,  generous  nature. 


MARSHALL  T.  LOTT. 


Marshall  T.  Lott,  a  member  of  the  banking  firm  of  Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lett 
of  Elmwood,  is  a  native  resident  of  this  city,  born  February  22,  1863.  He  is  a 
son  of  William  H.  and  Catherine  (\'ansickle)  Lott,  the  father  a  native  of  Canada 
and  the  mother  of  New  Jersey.  The  father  as  a  young  man  came  to  Illinois, 
locating  at  Elmwood,  where  he  was  married.  He  was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and 
later  was  engaged  in  the  grain  business  at  Chillicothe,  Illinois,  where  he  re- 
mained for  ten  years.  He  then  moved  to  Hoopeston,  Illinois,  where  he  also 
was  engaged  in  the  grain  business,  but  after  two  years  he  returned  to  Elmwood 
where  he  purchased  a  farm  and  resided  until  his  death.  He  was  an  excellent 
business  man  and  was  an  assignee  with  Mr.  Thomas  Clinch  and  \\'alter  A. 
Clinch  of  the  H.  P.  Tracy  bank  of  Elmwood  at  the  time  of  its  failure.  He  and 
Mr.  Clinch  then  organized  the  present  bank  with  which  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  now  connected.  Mr.  Lott  was  killed  in  1887  in  the  Chatsworth  wreck. 
His  wife  is  still  living.  In  their  family  are  two  sons  and  three  daughters,  all 
of  whom  are  now  living. 

Marshall  T.  Lott  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Hoopes- 
ton and  Elmwood,  completing  a  high-school  course.  Also  for  six  months  he  at- 
tended the  Burlington  Business  College.  He  then  worked  on  the  farm  until 
1887,  when  he  became  connected  with  the  lianking  lousiness.  He  has  been  very 
successful  in  the  business  world,  and  the  Ijank  of  Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lott  is  now 
one  of  the  well  known  banks  of  Peoria  county. 

In  1889  Mr.  Lott  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lucy  P.  Wiley,  a  native 
of  Elmwood,  and  daughter  of  Wilson  and  Rebecca  Wiley,  vi'ho  were  early  set- 
tlers in  this  section  of  Illinois.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lott  have  been  born  two 
children :  Clifford,  the  elder,  is  a  graduate  of  the  Elmwood  high  school  and  was 
for  two  years  a  student  at  Knox  College.  He  is  now  teaching  at  Lowpoint, 
Illinois.  Alice  is  a  graduate  of  the  Elmwood  high  school,  was  for  one  year 
a  student  at  Knox  College  and  for  one  half  year  a  student  in  the  University  of 
Wisconsin.     She  is  now  engaged  in  teaching  at  Farmington,  Illinois. 

Politically  Mr.  Lott  is  a  republican,  and  he  served  as  first  city  treasurer  tui- 
der  the  new  corporation  which  was  established  in  1892.  Also  he  was  a  member 
of  the  board  of  city  aldermen  for  ten  years.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with 
the  ^Masons,  being  a  member  of  the  Shrine  at  Peoria.  He  belongs  to  the  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  was  identified  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
at  Elmwood  until  the  lodge  gave  up  its  charter.  He  is  well  known  in  the  bank- 
ing world,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Bankers  Association  of  Illinois,  also  of  the 


1 1  IS  TORY  Ol-    I'I'.okIA  COUNTY  145 

Anu-ricaii  r.ankers  Association.  -Mr.  I.ott  is  a  man  of  a(lniiral)le  characteristics, 
and  his  banking  and  all  his  business  etYorts  have  ever  been  conducted  on  a  high 
mental  and  moral  i)lane.  Tliroughout  his  entire  residence  in  Elmwood  he  has 
always  been  classed  with  the  valued  citizens  in  this  commnnitv. 


AAJES  DR(.)\VN  PECK. 


Though  not  a  politician.  James  Drown  Peck  has  been  an  influential  factor  in 
relation  to  matters  of  public  importance,  particularly  in  his  advocacy  of  the  in- 
terests of  the  people  in  the  fifty  year  franchise  campaign.  Through  many  years 
he  has  maintained  a  creditable  position  in  business  circles  and,  although  now 
seventy-three  years  of  age,  is  engaged  in  dealing  in  paints,  oils  and  artists'  su]> 
plies  as  well  as  doing  contract  painting.  lie  was  born  in  Rhode  Island,  Sep- 
tember 3,  1839,  his  parents  being  Leonard  and  Harriet  (Scott)  Peck,  who  were 
also  natives  of  that  state  and  are  now  deceased.  The  son  was  born  upon  a  farm 
but  pursued  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  and  there 
learned  the  painter's  trade,  which  he  followed  in  that  city.  After  the  outbreak 
of  the  Civil  war,  however,  he  put  aside  business  and  personal  considerations 
that  he  luight  oft'er  his  aid  to  the  government,  enlisting  as  a  member  of  Com- 
pany I,  Eleventh  Rhode  Island  \'olunteer  Infantry.  He  served  for  one  year  as 
a  private  and  was  brevetted  sergeant  of  his  company  at  the  close  of  the  war. 
During  the  last  year  of  the  war  he  came  to  Peoria,  having  determined  to  make 
his  home  in  the  middle  west.  At  the  corner  of  Jackson  and  Hale,  now  Glen- 
dale  streets,  he  was  located  for  ten  years.  He  then  established  a  paint  shoji  in 
Dr.  Troyer's  building  on  Hamilton  street,  where  the  Mayer  office  building  now' 
stands,  and  there  he  conducted  a  painting  business  in  connection  with  his  partner, 
Charles  Frazier.  He  then  estalilished  an  independent  enterprise  on  South  Adams 
street  and  later  purchased  a  store  at  Nos.  104  and  106  Main  street.  There  for 
a  number  of  years  he  conducted  a  general  painting  business,  also  dealing  in 
paints,  oils  and  artists'  supplies.  At  length  he  removed  to  No.  208  Main  street, 
where  he  continued  the  sale  of  paints  and  artists'  materials  for  twenty  years. 
Recently  he  has  removed  to  No.  211  South  Madison  avenue.  The  old-time  paint- 
ers of  Peoria  are  James  D.  Peck,  John  A.  Bush  and  Richard  McBurnie — all 
veteran  business  men  of  the  city  whose  activity  has  been  a  factor  in  the  in- 
dustrial develojMiient  here.  For  years  Mr.  Peck  has  been  a  large  employer  of 
labor,  utilizing  the  services  of  a  number  of  men  in  the  execution  of  his  paint- 
ing contracts.  His  work  is  seen  in  various  sections  of  the  city  and  he  is  at  all 
times  accorded  a  very  liberal  patronage,  which  is  well  merited. 

Mr.  Peck  has  been  married  twice.  In  1864  he  wedded  Miss  Harriet  .\. 
Woodberry.  This  was  after  he  had  enrolled  as  a  soldier  of  the  Union  army 
and  he  ran  away  in  order  to  wed  the  lady  of  his  choice.  Thev  adopted  three 
children  but  two  died  in  childhood.  The  other,  Nellie  June,  became  the  wife  of 
Oliver  lioynton,  of  St.  Ignace,  Michigan,  and  departed  this  life  seven  years 
ago,  being  survived  by  her  husband  and  two  sons.  Having  lost  his  first  wife, 
Mr.  Peck  married  Mrs.  Louisa  Demorest.  and  they  now  reside  at  No.  229  North 
Elizabeth  street. 

Mr.  Peck  has  never  been  a  club  man  but  he  maintains  pleasant  relations  with 
his  old  army  comrades  through  his  memi)ership  in  Brvner  F^ost,  G.  A.  R.  He 
has  never  been  a  politician  in  the  usually  accepted  sense  of  that  term,  yet  he 
was  elected  and  served  for  two  years  as  a  member  of  the  city  council  from  the 
fifth  ward  during  the  time  of  the  fifty  year  franchise  camjiaign,  in  which  he 
fully  demonstrated  his  loyalty  to  the  people  and  their  interests.  He  has  ever 
closely  studied  vital  and  significant  questions  of  the  day  and  has  given  his  sup- 
port to   many   measures   which   he   has   believed   to   have   appreciable   values   in 


146  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY 

municipal  affairs.  He  belongs  to  the  First  Congregational  church  and  has 
served  on  both  the  board  of  trustees  and  the  board  of  deacons.  He  has  thus 
worked  earnestly  for  material,  political  and  moral  progress  and  a  well  spent 
life  has  established  him  high  in  pulilic  regard,  while  his  record  as  a  citizen  has 
proven  him  to  be  as  true  and  loyal  to  the  welfare  of  his  country  in  days  of 
peace  as  he  was  in  times  of  war. 


CAPTAIN  HEXRY  DET\VEILLER. 

Captain  Henry  Detweiller,  deceased,  who  was  the  founder  of  the  Detweiller 
Ice  Company,  which  has  its  offices  at  io8  South  Adams  street,  has  been  a  resi- 
dent of  this  city  since  1837.  He  was  born  June  19,  1825,  in  Lorraine,  which 
was  then  a  province  of  France  but  now  belongs  to  Germany.  His  parents  were 
Christian  and  Catherine  ( Shertz )  Detweiller,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
France.  The  father  was  engaged  in  farming,  milling  and  in  the  transportation 
business  there,  in  which  occupations  he  accumulated  a  large  fortune.  He  owned 
three  large  estates,  situated  in  different  parts  of  the  province,  at  which  he 
lavishly  entertained  the  gentry  and  nobility  for  weeks  at  a  time,  according  to 
the  custom  of  that  day.  During  the  War  of  1812  and  1813  he  met  with  great 
reverses,  and  he  passed  away  in  1832,  a  poor  man. 

Henry  Detweiller  remained  in  his  native  country  until  1837.  when  he  came 
to  America  together  with  his  mother  and  three  sisters,  reaching  Xew  York 
after  a  voyage  of  sixty-eight  days.  Then  the  family  made  their  way  to  Peoria 
to  join  a  brother,  John  Detweiller,  who  had  located  in  this  city  in  1833.  Their 
journey  from  Xew  York  to  Peoria  covered  a  period  of  forty-two  days.  They 
traveled  from  New  York  to  Rochester  and  thence  to  Buffalo  by  canal,  from  there 
bv  way  of  the  lakes  to  Cleveland  and  then  to  Cincinnati  by  canal.  From  there 
they  went  by  boat  down  the  Ohio  river  to  the  ^Mississippi  and  then  up  the  Illinois 
to  Peoria,  which  at  that  time  was  a  village  of  about  twelve  hundred  inhabitants. 
During  the  following  year  the  mother  and  one  sister  passed  away.  After  coming 
to  Peoria.  Mr.  Detweiller  attended  school  and  clerked  for  his  brother,  who 
kept  the  St.  Croix  tavern  on  \\'ater  street,  which  was  then  the  principal  street 
in  Peoria.  Afterward  he  clerked  in  a  shoe  store  for  Charles  W.  McClellan  and 
later  for  Samuel  A'oris  &  Company,  receiving  as  compensation  six  dollars  per 
month.  The  business  of  Peoria  with  the  outside  world  was  at  that  time  chiefly 
transacted  by  water,  and  ^Ir.  Detweiller  conceived  a  strong  desire  to  become  a 
pilot  on  the  river.  Accordingly  he  entered  the  employ  of  John  Frink.  of  the 
firm  of  Frink  &  Walker,  and  became  employed  on  the  steamer  Frontier,  which 
was  then  running  as  a  mail  and  passenger  packet  from  Peoria  to  Peru.  Through 
the  kindness  of  Mr.  Frink,  the  captain  instructed  Mr.  Detweiller  in  the  work  of 
operating  the  boats  and  he  was  soon  appointed  as  second  pilot.  He  was  upon  this 
boat,  the  Frontier,  when  it  was  sunk  by  the  steamer  Panama,  which  ran  into  it  at 
the  "Towhead"  above  The  Xarrows.  This  occurred  in  the  early  morning  of  Sep- 
tember 2,  1842,  just  after  the  Frontier  had  left  the  village  of  Little  Detroit,  which 
was  then  situated  oh  the  eastern  shore  of  the  river  but  which  has  since  entirely  dis- 
appeared. By  running  the  boat  ashore  at  the  "Towhead."  the  forty  or  fifty  pas- 
sengers who  were  on  board,  escaped  with  their  lives,  but  the  boat  was  a  total  loss. 

The  companv  then  built  a  new  steamer  which  was  christened  Chicago,  on  which 
Captain  Detweiller  became  second  pilot  under  his  old  instructor.  He  remained 
with  that  boat  until  it  was  withdrawn  from  the  river  in  the  spring  of  1844.  He  then 
continued  as  second  pilot  on  other  boats  for  a  year.  In  1847  he  was  made  captain 
of  the  Governor  Briggs,  which  then  carried  the  St.  Louis  and  Alton  trade.  At  that 
time,  owing  to  the  war  with  ^Mexico,  the  boat  carried  many  troops  and  much 
equipment   from  Alton   to   Jeft'erson   Barracks,  below   St.  Louis.     In   1848  and 


I 


« 


A 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  149 

1849  he  acted  as  first  jiilot  on  ditTerent  lioats.  The  latter  year  was  remarkable 
for  the  epidemic  of  cholera  which  broke  out  in  St.  Louis  and  hundreds  were 
dving  there  daih'.  People  were  leaving  the  city  upon  boats  as  rapidly  as  possi- 
ble and  Captain  Detweiller  continued  at  his  post  until  one  night,  while  taking 
the  steamer  Danube  to  St.  Louis,  he  was  suddenly  stricken  with  cholera,  super- 
induced by  overwork  and  loss  of  sleep,  and  had  just  time  to  ring  the  stopping 
bells  before  he  fell  to  the  floor  of  the  pilot  house.  Fortunately,  a  pilot  on  the 
Mississippi  was  on  board  and  he  took  charge  of  the  boat.  Captain  Detweiller 
was  then  removed  to  Peoria,  where  for  nine  months  he  was  unable  to  resume 
his  duties.  His  captain  at  that  time  was  stricken  with  cholera,  died  from  the 
effects  and  was  buried  in  Pekin. 

From  1850  to  i860  the  river  business  between  the  north  and  the  south  was 
very  large.  During  these  years  'Mr.  Detweiller  acted  in  the  capacities  of  pilot 
and'  captain  on  a  number  of  boats  on  the  Illinois  and  ^lississippi  rivers.  In 
1856  he  became  part  owner  of  the  steamer  Alovastar  and  in  1857  becanie  the 
sole  owner  of  the  steamer  Minnesota.  During  his  last  years  upon  the  river  he 
frequently  had  Abraham  Lincoln  as  a  jiassenger  and  came  to  know  him  _  well. 
In  1862  he  offered  his  services  to  the  goverimicnt  and  was  sworn  into  service  at 
St.  Louis.  He  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  L'nited  States  steamer  Jen- 
nie Lind  and  was  ordered  to  Cairo  to  await  the  arrival  of  the  fleet  with  General 
Pope's  troops  from  Island  No.  10.  The  Jennie  Lind  was  detailed  as  a  dispatch 
boat  to  the  flagship,  accompanying  the  fleet  up  the  Tennessee  river  to  Pittsburg 
Landing.  Later  on  Captain  Detweiller  was  with  the  fleet  at  Memphis.  In  1863 
he  was  transferred  to  the  United  States  steamer  Yankee,  of  which  he  had  charge 
until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was  attached  to  the  fleet  at  the  fall  of  Vicksburg. 
While  managing  the  government  transports  he  performed  much  important  and 
often  hazardous  service.  So  great  was  the  danger  to  which  his  boat  was  ex- 
posed during  these  perilous  years  that  Captain  Detweiller  was  compelled  to 
adopt  various  schemes  to  evade  the  enemy  and  often  his  boat  was  disguised 
as  a  gunboat.  The  Yankee  was  never  seriously  disabled,  although  often  fired 
upon,  and  the  last  important  service  of  the  boat  was  to  take  a  cargo  of  horses, 
mules  and  stores,  valued  at  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  from  St. 
Louis  to  New  Orleans.  The  boat  was  fired  upon,  but  the  cargo  was  at  length 
safelv  delivered  in  New  Orleans.  After  the  war  Captain  Detweiller  was  in 
charge  of  the  steamer  lieaver  until   1874. 

Captain  Detweiller  abandoned  the  work  on  the  river  in  order  to  give  his 
entire  attention  to  the  ice  business,  in  which  he  had  engaged  in  1870  in  partner- 
ship with  N.  L.  Woodruff'.  In  December,  1876,  Captain  Detweiller  severed  his 
connection  with  \lr.  Woodruff  and  the  business  has  been  conducted  ever  since, 
either  in  his  own  name  or  under  the  name  of  the  Detweiller  Ice  Company. 

(;)n  the  5th  day  of  Noveml^er,  1848,  Captain  Detweiller  wedded  JMagdalena 
Bachman,  the  marriage  l)eing  celebrated  at  the  home  of  his  sister  in  Woodford 
county,  Illinois.  Mrs.  Detweiller  was  also  a  native  of  France.  To  this  union 
seven  children  were  born,  three  of  whom  are  yet  living;  Thomas  H.,  Amelia 
]\I.,  and  Mathilda  E.  The  son,  Thomas  H.  Detweiller,  has  since  1903  been  the 
president  and  manager  of  the  Detweiller  Ice  Company,  and  under  his  capable 
direction  the  business  has  steadily  increased.  Mrs,  Detweiller  passed  away 
December  10,  1888,  and  her  death  was  a  severe  blow  to  her  husband,  as  she 
had  ever  been  in  all  respects  his  true  helpmate.  She  was  in  her  home  not  onl}" 
a  devoted  wife  and  mother,  but  was  a  useful  member  of  society,  kindly,  chari- 
table and  helpful  to  all  who  were  in  trouble  or  in  want.  She  was  active  in 
charitable  work  and  was  connected  with  the  Women's  Christian  Home  Mission 
and  with  the  Women's  Relief  Corps. 

Captain  Detweiller  died  in  Peoria  on  April  2,  1903.  He  had  taken  no  active 
part  in  his  business  for  some  years  before  his  death,  leaving  everything  to  the 
management  of  his  son.     His  life  was  a  laborious  one;  and  beset  wnth  as  many 


150  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

hardships  as  fall  to  the  lot  of  most  pioneers,  ^'et,  through  it  all  he  bore  himself 
honorably  and  with  characteristic  geniality  and  maintained  that  pleasant  kindly 
character  which  endeared  him  to  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  As  an  evi- 
dence of  the  confidence  his  fellow  citizens  placed  in  his  integrity,  he  was  elected 
SIX  times  to  the  office  of  city  treasurer  without  his  seeking  and  even  against 
his  personal  desire.  Fraternally  he  belonged  to  the  Odd  Fellows  and  was  a 
charter  member  of  the  I'ryner  Post,  No.  67,  G.  A.  R.  and  was  an  active  member 
of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  For  thirteen  years,  he  was  president  of  the  Old 
Settlers'  Association  of  Peoria.  He  cast  his  first  vote  for  General  Taylor  for 
president  in  1848  and  since  the  organization  of  the  republican  party  was  ever 
one  of  its  ardent  supporters,  believing  its  principles  most  conducive  to  good 
government.  He  resided  in  Peoria  for  over  three-quarters  of  a  century,  and 
during  that  time  he  witnessed  its  development  from  a  village  to  the  present 
beautiful  city  and  during  his  life-time  contributed  his  full  part  :o  the  genera' 
growth.  It  may  be  said  of  him.  as  of  very  few  men,  that  he  had  not  a  single 
enemy  in  the  city  of  Peoria,  or  anyone  who  entertained  aught  but  the  kindest 
sentiments  toward  him.  His  disposition  was  genial  and  kindly  and  his  efforts 
were  to  help  rather  than  to  mar  the  fortunes  of  any  man  or  woman.  He  was 
a  man  of  decided  character  and  strong  convictions,  but  willing  that  other  men 
should  enjoy  the  same  right  and  freedom  of  thought  and  action  which  he 
claimed  for  himself.  Such  evenly  balanced  characters  are  rare,  and  when  we 
see  them,  we  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  our  appreciation  of  them  and  our 
commendation  of  the  men  or  women  who  bear  them.  If  there  were  more  men 
like  Captain  Detweiller,  it  would  be  better  for  the  community,  for  the  state 
and  for  the  nation. 


EDWARD  E.  BARBOUR,  M.  D. 

There  is  probably  no  calling,  either  in  business  or  the  professions  which 
necessitates  the  possession  of  so  much  strict  integrity,  scruplousness  and  thorough 
mastery  of  detail,  on  the  part  of  its  members,  as  does  the  practice  of  medicine. 
The  physician  often  holds  the  lives  of  his  patients  in  his  hands.  Upon  his  skill, 
his  fertility  of  resource,  his  calmness  in  a  crisis,  life  itself  depends.  Therefore, 
a  doctor  should  regard  his  profession  as  a  high  and  honorable  one,  and  his 
worthy  practice  of  it,  a  sacred  debt  which  he  owes  to  humanity.  A  doctor  of 
this  high  class  is  Edward  E.  Barbour,  one  of  the  most  able  physicians  of  this 
city. 

Dr.  Barbour  has  offices  at  427  Jefferson  building,  Peoria,  and  has  since  1903 
done  a  general  practice,  specializing  in  obstetrics.  He  was  born  on  the  farm  of 
his  father  in  Carroll  county,  Indiana,  January  10,  i86g,  his  father,  Reuben  D. 
Barbour,  being  a  prominent  agriculturist.  Here  he  was  reared  close  to  the  heart 
of  nature,  and  grew  to  manhood.  He  attended  the  public  schools  and  attained 
proficiency  in  the  common  branches  of  English  learning.  Later  he  extended 
his  education  l)v  attending  night  school  in  Indianapolis  and  when  he  had  fitted 
himself  to  do  so.  took  up  the  study  of  medicine  on  September  15,  1895,  which 
he  diligently  pursued  until  March  22,  1899,  when  he  was  graduated  from  the 
Physio  Medical  College  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana.  .'Mter  his  graduation,  he  be- 
gan the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Putnam  county,  Illinois,  where  by  his  pro- 
fessional skill  he  achieved  success  and  by  his  personal  magnetism  formed  many 
lasting  and  pleasant  acquaintanceships.  Desiring  a  larger  field  for  his  chosen 
life  work,  in  1903  he  settled  in  Peoria.  During  that  year,  he  took  post-graduate 
work  in  the  Chicago  Polyclinic  and  since  that  time  has  been  engaged  profes- 
sionally in  this  city.     He  is  on  the  stafl^  of  St.  Francis  Hospital  of  Peoria,  acts 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  151 

as  health  officer  at  Averyville,  a  suburb  north  of  Peoria,  and  is  also  jiresidcut  of 
the  Averyville  board  of   education. 

On  August  25,  1892,  Dr.  Barbour  was  married  to  Aliss  Sadie  M.  Kendall 
of  Indiana])olis,  Indiana,  a  daughter  of  John  AI.  and  Mary  (Willetts)  Kendall. 
They  became  the  parents  of  one  son,  Orville  E.,  who  was  born  in  Indianapolis, 
Indiana,  on  June  25,  1893,  and  who  graduated  from  Western  Military  Academy, 
at  Alton,  Illinois,  in  June,  1912.  Dr.  Barbour's  first  wife  died  March  22,  1900, 
and  on  December  24,  igoi  he  was  again  married.  His  second  wife  was  Miss 
Cleopatra  Axtell  of  Tipton,  Indiana,  a  daughter  of  John  \\'and  and  Sarah  (  Mc- 
Farland)    Axtell. 

The  Doctor  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois- 
State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  ^Medical  Association.  He  has  attained 
the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  in  Masonry  and  is  also  a  member 
of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Khoras.san,  and 
is  past  chancellor  commander  of  Calanthe  Lodge,  No.  43  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  He  is  active  in  the  Independent  Order  of  Red  Men  and  several  other 
fraternal  orders,  Ijesides  being  a  prominent  member  of  the  Y.  'M.  C.  A.  and 
the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce.  As  a  citizen.  Dr.  Barbour  is  universally 
esteemed,  always  sustaining  the  character  of  a  true  man.  His  business  trans- 
actions, like  his  professional  duties,  are  always  conducted  on  the  principles  of 
strict  integrity,  and  he  is  kind  in  his  relations  and  conduct  towards  all. 


lOHX  R.  GRANT. 


John  R.  Grant,  who  is  serving  in  his  third  year  as  superintendent  of  streets  of 
Peoria,  has  made  his  home  in  this  city  for  twenty-six  years.  He  has  been  a  life- 
long resident  of  the  county.  He  was  born  on  his  father's  farm  in  Limestone 
township,  July  19,  1861,  and  is  a  son  of  Peter  and  Catharine  (Ritchie)  Grant. 
The  father  not  only  was  an  agriculturist  and  owned  and  cultivated  a  tract  of 
land  in  Limestone  township  but  also  owned  and  operated  coal  mines  there.  In 
1858  he  removed  from  Belleville,  Illinois,  to  this  county  and  was  thereafter 
closely  and  prominently  associated  with  business  interests. 

The  usual  experiences  of  farm  life  came  to  John  R.  Grant  in  his  boyhood 
and  youth  while  spending  the  period  of  his  majority  upon  his  father's  farm. 
He  attended  the  country  schools  and  also  a  night  school  but  as  soon  as  old  enough 
to  begin  work  he  was  assigned  certain  duties  on  the  farm  which  he  performed 
through  the  summer  seasons  and  in  the  winter  months  worked  in  his  father's 
coal  mines.  His  boyhood  was  therefore  a  period  of  earnest  and  unremitting  toil 
and  brought  to  him  an  understanding  of  the  value  and  efifectiveness  of  earnest 
labor.  He  has  devoted  a  number  of  years  of  his  life  to  public  service  and  for 
some  time  was  employed  by  the  Park  board  of  Peoria  before  entering  upon  his 
present  position  as  superintendent  of  streets.  He  has  done  excellent  work  in 
this  connection  and  during  his  administration  many  improvements  have  been  made 
in  the  thoroughfares  of  the  city. 

In  1886  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Grant  and  Miss  Catharine  Botzenhardt, 
also  a  native  of  this  county.  They  have  become  parents  of  five  children  but  Ben, 
the  eldest,  was  drowned  at  the  age  of  ten  years  and  Elsie,  the  youngest,  died 
when  about  nine  months  old.     Those  still  living  are  Fred,  Joseph  and  Janet. 

Mr.  Grant  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  fraternitv  and  his  political 
allegiance  has  always  been  given  to  the  republican  party.  He  has  ever  taken  an 
active  interest  in  city  and  county  politics  and  was  a  delegate  to  the  famous  "lock- 
out" convention  at  Springfield  in  1904.  He  served  on  the  village  board  of  trus- 
tees of  South  Peoria  in  1895-6  and  through  his  efforts  and  influence  the  village 


152  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

was  annexed  to  the  city.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  throughout  the  entire 
county  and  his  circle  of  friends  is  an  extensive  one  for  his  reliability  and  personal 
worth  and  his  social,  genial  nature  have  gained  for  him  the  warm  regard  of  all 
with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact. 


JOHN  A.  SCHNEIDER. 

lohn  A.  Schneider  is  commissioner  of  buildings  at  Peoria  and  for  a  long  period 
has" been  identified  with  building  operations  in  this  city.  He  has  filled  his  pres- 
ent position  since  Alay  4,  1909,  under  appointment  of  Mayor  Woodruff,  and  the 
record  which  he  has  made  in  this  connection  is  most  creditable.  He  was  born 
in  1849,  soon  after  his  parents  landed  in  America  on  their  immigration  to  this 
country  from  Germany.  He  is  a  son  of  Bernard  and  Anna  Schneider,  who 
established  their  home  in  the  Empire  state,  where  the  son  was  reared.  He  pur- 
sued his  education  in  the  schools  of  New  York  city  and  of  Albany,  New  York. 
He  was  a  youth  of  seventeen  years  when,  in  1866,  he  came  to  the  middle  west 
with  his  parents,  settling  in  Peoria,  at  which  time  he  began  providing  for  his 
own  support  by  working  at  the  leather  trade.  He  spent  two  years  in  that  way 
and  then  began  work  at  the  builder's  trade,  serving  an  apprenticeship  with  his 
brother-in-law,  \'.  Jobst.  After  completing  this  apprenticeship  he  worked  as  a 
contractor  and  builder  in  Chicago  and  in  the  west  for  five  years  but  returned  to 
Peoria  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  and  for  twenty  years  was  foreman  for 
his  brother-in-law  in  the  contracting  and  building  business.  He  then  embarked 
in  the  same  line  of  business  on  his  own  account  and  was  well  known  in  that  con- 
nection at  the  time  that  he  accepted  his  present  office.  He  has  erected  many 
substantial  structures  here  and  his  labors  have  brought  him  excellent  returns. 
His  knowledge  of  the  trade  in  all  of  its  departments  well  qualifies  him  for  the 
duties  that  devolve  upon  him  as  commissioner  of  buildings. 

In  1880,  in  St.  Louis,  ^lissouri,  Mr.  Schneider  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Elizabeth  Renth  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  sons,  George  and  Oscar. 
Fraternally  !Mr.  Schneider  is  connected  with  the  Alasons  and  the  ]\Iaccabees  and  is 
loyal  to  the  teachings  and  tenets  of  those  organizations.  He  started  out  in  life 
with  no  special  advantages  and  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward  by  his  own 
merit  and  capability,  reaching  a  creditable  position  in  business  and  official  circles. 


CLYDE  E.  STONE. 


Judicial  honors  have  come  early  to  Clyde  E.  Stone  but  public  opinion  is 
unanimous  in  that  they  are  well  deserved.  Nature  equipped  him  with  keen  men- 
tality and  he  has  wisely  and  conscientiously  used  the  talents  which  came  to  him 
as  a  birthright.  No  outside  aid  or  influence  has  favored  him  and  in  a  profession 
where  advancement  depends  solely  upon  individual  merit  he  has  gained  distinc- 
tion and  honors.  On  the  8th  of  November,  1910,  popular  suft'rage  called  him  to 
the  office  of  county  judge  and  on  the  3d  of  December  following  he  took  his  place 
upon  the  bench  and  has  since  administered  the  law  in  the  county  court. 

Judge  Stone  is  yet  a  young  man.  having  been  born  in  Mason  City,  Illinois, 
March  23,  1876.  Plis  paternal  grandfather,  William  A.  Stone,  was  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  this  state,  settling  in  Menard  county  in  1835  upon  his  removal  to 
Illinois  from  Kentucky.  He  was,  however,  a  native  of  Virginia.  During  the 
period  of  his  residence  in  this  state  he  followed  farming  and  aided  in  replacing 
the  evidence  of  frontier  life  by  the  improvements  of  modern  civilization.     His 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  153 

son,  Claudius  L.  Stone,  was  born  and  reared  in  JMenard  county  and  for  thirty- 
five  years  engaged  in  farming  in  Mason  county,  after  which  he  put  aside  the  work 
of  the  fields  and  retired  to  Mason  City  where  he  is  now  filling  the  position  of 
postmaster.  He  has  ever  been  a  respected,  worthy  and  honored  resident  of  his 
community,  influential  in  public  affairs.  He  wedded  Mary  Marot,  a  native  of 
Jllinois,  and  unto  them  were  born  six  children  of  whom  four  are  vet  living:  Wil- 
liam E.,  a  practicing  attorney  of  Mason  City;  Arthur  L.,  who  is  agent  for  the 
Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad  at  Peoria ;  Clyde  E.,  of  this  review ;  and  Hal  M.,  who 
is  master  in  chancer}-  at  Bloomington,  Illinois. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  on  his  father's  farm  the  rural  schools  afforded 
Judge  Stone  his  early  educational  advantages  which  were  supplemented  by  a 
course  of  study  in  the  high  school  of  Alason  City,  from  which  he  was  in  due  time 
graduated.  Pie  afterward  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching  which  he  followed 
altogether  for  six  years  in  Alason  county,  but  regarded  this  merely  as  a  prepara- 
tory field  for  the  practice  of  law.  Thinking  to  find  the  work  of  the  legal  pro- 
fession more  congenial  and  hoping  also  to  find  it  more  profitable,  he  entered 
the  University  of  Illinois  for  a  law  course  and  was  graduated  therefrom  on  the 
lOth  of  June,  1903.  In  May  of  that  year  he  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar  and 
in  less  than  a  month  after  his  graduation  came  to  Peoria,  arriving  in  this  city 
on  the  1st  of  July.  Plere  he  entered  into  partnership  with  I.  L.  Fuller,  the  pro- 
fessional relations  between  them  continuing  until  the  ist  of  January,  1906,  when 
Judge  Stone  entered  into  partnership  with  Joseph  \\  Graff,  who  for  sixteen 
years  was  a  member  of  congress.  They  practiced  together  until  Judge  Stone's 
election  to  the  bench  on  the  8th  of  November,  1910.  From  the  ist  of  June,  1906, 
until  the  1st  of  January,  1909.  he  had  been  first  assistant  state's  attorney.  While 
in  college  he  was  a  member  of  the  Phi  Kappa  Sigma,  the  Phi  Delta  Phi  law  fra- 
ternity and  the  Scholarship  fraternity,  Theta  Kappa  Nu,  membership  in  which 
dejjcnds  upon  the  grades  made  in  the  class  roorn.  As  a  lawyer  Judge  Stone  soon 
demonstrated  his  ability  to  handle  intricate  and  involved  problems  of  jurispru- 
dence and  to  accurately  apply  the  principles  of  the  law  to  the  points  in  litigation. 
His  preparation  of  a  case  was  ever  thorough  and  comjjrehensive,  his  presenta- 
tion clear  and  forceful  and  his  deduction  logical.  He  is  seldom,  if  ever,  at  fault 
in  the  citation  of  principle  or  precedent  and  his  success  is  due  above  all  other 
things  to  his  indefatigable  industry.  He  enjoyed  a  large  and  distinctively  rep- 
resentative clientage  until  his  election  to  the  bench,  since  which  time  lie  has 
presided  in  able,  dignified  manner  over  the  sessions  of  the  court.  His  decisions 
indicate  strong  nientalit}-,  careful  analysis,  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  law  and 
an  unbiased  judgment  and.  moreover,  he  possesses  that  self-control  which  enables 
him  to  lose  his  individuality,  his  personal  feelings,  his  prejudices  and  his  peculiar- 
ities of  disposition  in  the  dignity,  impartiality  and  equity  of  the  office  to  which  life, 
probity,  right  and  liberty  must  look  for  protection. 

On  the  14th  of  November.  1900,  Judge  Stone  was  united  in  marriage  at 
Havana,  Illinois,  to  ]\Iiss  Jessie  Browning,  a  daughter  of  the  late  Joseph  and 
Lucy  E.  (Harpham)  Browning.  Pier  father  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts  and 
was  educated  in  an  eastern  university  and  also  in  study  abroad.  For  some  years 
he  was  a  professor  of  languages  in  different  educational  institutions  but  later 
took  up  the  study  and  afterward  the  practice  of  medicine.  His  wife  is  a  native 
of  Mason  county,  Illinois,  and  is  still  living  in  the  old  home  in  which  she  was 
born.  Judge  and  j\Irs.  Stone  have  become  the  parents  of  two  children:  Claudia 
E.,  four  years  of  age;  and  Inez  Browning,  who  is  but  two  years  of  age.  Both 
Judge  and  Mrs.  Stone  are  people  of  benevolent  spirit  and  he  is  serving  as  a 
member  of  the  hoard  of  directors  of  the  Associated  Charities.  His  recognition  of 
the  universal  brotherhood  of  mankind  is  manifest  in  his  membership  in  the 
Masonic  fraternity  in  which  he  has  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree  and  has 
also  become  a  member  of  the  ]\Iystic  Shrine.  He  is  further  connected  with  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,   the  Knights  of   Pythias  and  the   Modern 


154  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Woodmen  of  America,  and  is  popular  in  all  those  organizations.  When  Judge 
Stone  arrived  in  Peoria  on  the  ist  of  July,  igoo,  he  knew  no  one  in  this  city 
save  his  law  partner.  His  individual  worth  and  ability  soon  won  him  the  respect 
and  confidence  of  the  people  of  the  county  and  led  to  his  selection  for  judicial 
honors.  He  early  demonstrated  his  ability  as  an  organizer  and  leader  and  in 
his  campaign  for  county  judge  showed  that  he  could  lead  what  others  regarded  as 
a  forlorn  hope  and  achieve  victory.  The  same  qualities  have  made  him  a  promi- 
nent factor  in  republican  circles.  He  is  aggressive  yet  never  to  the  point  of  in- 
fringing on  another's  rights ;  it  is  an  aggressiveness  of  an  enterprising  spirit  and 
a  firm  belief  in  the  course  which  he  has  followed.  That  his  mind  has  a  strong 
judicial  cast  is  indicated  by  the  work  which  he  has  thus  far  done  on  the  bench  and 
which  indicates  a  masterful  grasp  of  every  problem  presented  for  solution. 


COLONEL  JAAIES  POWELL. 

A  picturesque  and  interesting  figure  on  the  stage  of  action  in  Peoria  for  many 
years  was  Colonel  James  Powell  of  the  L'nited  States  army,  who  was  a  veteran 
of  the  Alexican  and  Civil  wars  and  one  of  the  noted  Indian  fighters  in  the  cam- 
paigns which  subjugated  the  red  race  and  led  to  the  extention  of  civilizing  influ- 
ences into  the  west.  His  life  history  if  written  in  detail  would  prove  a  thrilling 
one,  giving  a  picture  of  every  phase  of  warfare  in  which  this  countrv  engaged 
save  that  which  brought  independence  to  the  nation. 

Colonel  Powell  was  a  native  of  ElHcotts  Mills.  Maryland.  He  was  liorn  May 
12,  1831,  of  the  marriage  of  Samuel  and  Mary  ( Kelley )  Powell,  the  former  an 
arcliitect  and  bridge  builder.  The  son  pursued  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his 
native  state  and  from  early  youth  was  interested  and  stirred  by  tales  of  military 
prowess.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  therefore,  he  enlisted  in  the  Eleventli 
United  States  Infantry  for  service  in  the  Mexican  war,  going  to  the  front  during 
the  last  year  of  that  struggle  in  the  land  of  ^lontezuma.  Again  his  patriotic 
spirit  rose  paramount  to  all  else  when  the  country  became  involved  in  Civil  war 
and  in  'May,  1861,  he  was  appointed  second  lieutenant  in  the  Eighteenth  Ohio 
Infantry,  ^\'ith  that  command  he  went  to  the  front  and  on  the  21st  of  October, 
1862,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant.  Subsequentlv  he  was 
brevetted  for  gallant  and  meritorious  service  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  on  the 
29th  of  September,  1863.  He  participated  in  the  Atlanta  and  Jonesboro  cam- 
paigns and  on  the  ist  of  September,  1864,  was  brevetted  major  for  distinguished 
gallantry.  He  was  given  his  captaincy  on  the  9th  of  September  of  the  same  year. 
His  military  duty  was  of  a  varied,  important  and  arduous  character.  At  the 
close  of  the  war  he  ranked  as  major  and  continued  in  the  service  of  the  regular 
army.  In  August,  1867,  he  was  brevetted  lieutenant  colonel  for  braverv  dis- 
played during  the  engagement  with  the  Indians  at  Fort  Philip  Kearnv  in  Dakota 
territory.  In  1868  he  was  retired  on  account  of  wounds  received  in  battle  with 
the  red  men.  He  was  one  of  the  most  noted  officers  of  the  army  who  participated 
in  the  campaigns  against  the  Indians.  In  General  Dodge's  Thirty  Years  of  In- 
dian War  are  found  several  accounts  of  engagements  in  which  Colonel  Powell 
was  the  commanding  officer.  Experience  not  only  taught  him  how  to  meet  his 
fellow  countrymen  on  the  battlefields  of  the  south,  where  was  established  the 
supremacy  of  the  federal  government,  but  also  how  to  meet  the  wily  savage  who 
seldom  faces  his  foe  in  the  open  but,  skulking  liehind  trees,  bushes  and  rocks. 
takes  his  enemy  unawares  if  possible.  Colonel  Powell  became  thoroughlv 
acquainted  with  the  methods  of  warfare  as  followed  by  the  Indian  and  it  was  this 
which  made  his  work  on  the  western  frontier  so  successful.  \Miile  guarding  a 
fort  in  ^^'yoming  he  was  attacked  by  a  band  of  Indians  and  made  breastworks  of 
wagon  beds  behind  which  his  men  fought  for  hours.  The  official  report  savs  that 
over  two  hundred  Indians  were  killed  but  a  surveying  party  says  that  the  Indian 


f 


*  # 


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(III..   .I.\\1K>    W  .    I'dWKLL 


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to 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  157 

losses  were  fully  eight  hundred.  It  was  soon  after  this  engagement  that  Colonel 
Powell  was  retired  on  full  pa\'.  Thus  was  ended  his  military  service,  w'hich  dis- 
played many  brilliant  features,  while  at  the  same  time  he  was  connected  with 
much  of  the  difficult  and  arduous  campaigning  on  the  western  frontier. 

After  his  retirement  Colonel  Powell  paid  a  visit  to  Peoria,  intending  only  to 
remain  a  short  time,  but  he  and  his  wife  were  so  pleased  with  surroundings  and 
conditions  in  this  part  of  the  state  that  they  resolved  to  remain  and  he  purchased 
a  farm  in  Putnam  county,  on  which  he  resided  for  a  few  years.  Later  he  disposed 
of  that  iM-operty  and  came  to  the  city  of  Peoria,  where  he  lived  retired  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  on  the  i6th  of  April,  1903.  It  was  wounds  which  he  sus- 
tained at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  that  practically  caused  his  retirement  from 
the  army. 

On  the  i6th  of  August,  1861,  occiu'red  the  marriage  of  Colonel  Powell  and 
Miss  Anna  M.  Stewartson,  a  daughter  of  Richard  and  Anna  (Mitcheson)  Stew- 
artson,  who  were  natives  of  England  and  on  coming  to  America  settled  in  New- 
buryport,  Massachusetts,  while  subsequently  they  established  their  home  at  Union- 
town.  F'ennsylvania.  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Powell  had  an  extensive  circle  of  warm 
friends  in  Peoria. 

His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  republican  party,  which  was  the 
defense  of  the  Union  in  the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  war  and  which  he  always 
regarded  as  the  party  of  reform  and  progress.  He  never  ceased  to  feel  the 
deepest  interest  in  military  affairs  and  held  membership  in  the  Army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee, in  the  Old  Sailors  and  Soldiers  Union  and  in  the  Grand  .Krmy  of  the  Re- 
public. He  ever  maintained  his  soldierly  bearing  and  air  of  command  and  yet 
he  was  a  most  genial  gentleman,  winning  friends  wherever  he  went  and  gaining 
high  regard  b_\-  reason  of  his  fidelity  to  all  those  (jualities  which  in  every  land  and 
clime  awaken  respect  and  confidence.  His  record  is,  indeed,  a  creditable  one — 
veteran  of  two  of  the  most  important  wars  of  the  country  and  four  times  brev- 
etted  and  promoted  by  the  government  for  gallant,  meritorious  service  during 
the  contest  between  the  north  and  the  south.  He  was  also  an  active  participant 
in  the  campaigning  against  the  Indians  in  Colorado  and  Wyoming.  Then  he 
retired  to  enter  u]ion  the  pursuits  of  civil  life  and  the  same  spirit  of  fidelitv  to 
dulv  characterized  him  in  everv  relaiton  to  the  end. 


WILLIAM   H.  .MOORE. 

William  H.  Moore,  member  of  the  Peoria  l:)ar,  has  for  three  terms  filled  the 
office  of  city  attorney,  being  elected  to  that  position  for  the  term  lieginning  in 
May,  1005,  and  retiring  from  the  office  in  May.  191 1.  Si.x  years  before  he  was 
first  called  to  the  position,  he  began  practice  in  Peoria,  having  been  admitted  to 
the  bar  on  the  7th  of  June,  1899.  Five  days  later  he  arrived  in  this  city  and 
has  since  been  a  representative  of  the  legal  profession  here.  Mr.  Moore  was 
born  on  a  farm  in  Douglas  county,  Illinois,  December  31,  1870,  and  is  a  son  of 
George  ^\'.  and  Martha  (  Shields)  Moore.  The  father  is  a  farmer  by  occuiJa- 
tion  and  still  makes  his  home  in  Douglas  county,  where  for  many  years  he  has 
carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits. 

The  usual  experiences  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farmer  boy  came  to  William 
H.  Moore  in  his  boyhood  and  youth,  .\fter  attending  the  country  schools  he  be- 
came a  pui)il  in  the  Xormal  school  at  Dixon,  Illinois,  and  during  the  periods  of 
vacation  he  worked  upon  the  home  farm,  early  becoming  familiar  with  the  duties 
and  labors  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  agriculturist  as  he  plows  and  plants  the  fields 
and  cultivates  the  crops.  He  felt  that  he  would  prefer  a  professional  to  an 
agricultural  life,  however,  and  with  this  end  in  view  he  became  a  student  in 
the  Kent  College  of  Law.  at  Chicago,  where  he  remained  for  a  year.  He  also 
studied  under  James  'SI.  Rice,  a  lawyer  of  Iowa,  for  three  years,  and  also  spent 


158  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

two  years  as  a  law  student  in  Dixon,  Illinois.  As  previously  stated,  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  on  the  7th  of  June,  1899,  and  immediately  afterward  came  to 
Peoria.  Here  he  began  practice,  proving  his  merit  and  ability  in  the  resultant 
work  which  he  did  in  connection  with  the  courts.  After  about  six  years'  prac- ' 
tice  he  was  called  to  the  office  of  city  attorney  and  the  excellent  work  which  he 
did  in  that  position  is  manifested  in  the  fact  that  he  was  twice  reelected.  In 
^lav,  191 1,  he  retired  from  the  office  as  he  had  entered  it — with  the  confidence 
and  good  will  of  the  great  majority.  He  then  joined  the  law  firm  of  Sucher  & 
McXemar,  already  well  established  in  business,  and  to  the  firm  style  his  name  was 
added,  so  that  the  partnership  is  now  known  as  Sucher,  McXemar  &  Moore. 
They  are  engaged  in  general  practice  and  their  work  in  the  courts  has  given  them 
an  enviable  reputation. 

On  the  22d  of  August,  1906,  Mr.  ^loore  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Grace  Aldrich,  who  died  on  the  12th  of  March.  1910.  His  fraternal  relations 
are  with  the  Masons,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows.  In  the  first  named  he  has  advanced  to  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the 
Scottish  Rite  and  he  is  also  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  likewise  be- 
longs to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  is  well  known  socially  in  Peoria,  where  he 
has  an  extensive  circle  of  warm  friends. 


COLONEL  FREDERICK  H.  SMITH. 

A  republican  leader  of  Illinois,  a  financier  and  business  man  of  large  and 
varied  interests  and  factor  of  equal  importance  in  social  circles,  Colonel  Fred- 
erick H.  Smith  belongs  to  that  class  of  American  citizens  who  are  making  his- 
tory. He  was  born  in  Buftalo,  New  York,  a  son  of  \\'!lliam  Henry  Smith,  who 
was  for  many  years  general  manager  of  the  Lackawanna  Railroad  Company  and 
a  leading  figure  in  railroad  circles.  Liberal  educational  privileges  were  accorded 
him  and  following  his  graduation  from  De  ^'eaux  College  at  Niagara,  New 
York,  he  decided  to  start  out  independently  and  test  the  worth  of  his  own  force. 
He  came  to  Peoria  in  1888  and  was  soon  established  in  business  as  the  general 
agent  of  a  fast  freight  line  representing  eastern  railroads.  In  the  fall  of  1897 
he  retired  from  that  business  but  it  was  only  to  take  up  work  of  a  more  extended 
and  important  character.  He  is  the  vice  president  of  the  Dime  Savings  &  Trust 
Company,  vice  president  of  the  Alerchants  National  Bank,  a  director  of  the 
Peoria  Railway  Terminal,  a  director  of  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company  and 
a  director  of  the  ^IcCoy  Wholesale  Grocery  Company  of  Peoria.  He  is  also 
heavily  interested  in  timber  lands  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin  and  in  Washington  as 
well  as  being  a  director  in  a  number  of  large  lumber  interests  in  the  north.  He 
has  done  much  as  a  promoter  and  the  practical  force  of  his  well  formulated  plans 
has  brought  substantial  results  of  value  to  the  city  as  well  as  to  himself.  Colonel 
Smith  is  very  widely  known  in  political  circles.  He  became  interested  in  local 
politics  in  early  manhood  and  his  opinions  have  carried  weight  w-ith  the  repub- 
lican leaders  of  this  state.  In  1897  he  was  selected  a  member  of  the  staff  of 
Governor  Tanner  and  was  commissioned  with  the  rank  of  colonel.  Governor 
Yates  reappointed  him  to  the  position  and  in  that  connection  he  widened  his  ac- 
quaintance among  the  political  leaders.  In  1900  when  the  republican  state  con- 
vention convened  in  Peoria  he  was  selected  as  a  delegate  from  the  fourteenth 
congregational  district  to  the  republican  national  convention  of  that  vear  and  was 
made  a  member  of  the  committee  on  rules  and  order,  in  which  connection  his  serv- 
ice awakened  general  commendation  and  satisfaction  among  the  party  throughout 
this  state.  In  1908  he  was  named  as  a  presidential  elector  from  Illinois  and  cast 
his  vote  for  Theodore  Roosevelt.  In  1908  his  executive  ability  in  politics  was 
recognized  bv  his  selection  as  chairman  of  the  finance  committee  of  the  national 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  159 

republican  central  committee,  a  position  which  he  filled  so  ca])ably  that  he  re- 
ceived national  prominence  in  the  party  councils.  Governor  Yates  in  1901  ap- 
pointed him  commissioner  to  the  Charleston  Exposition  and  he  was  elected  pres- 
ident of  the  commission,  having  charge  of  the  Illinois  department  during  the 
continuance  of  the  exposition.  He  was  awarded  a  gold  medal  for  distinguished 
services  by  the  directors  of  the  exposition. 

He  has  served  as  chairman  of  the  republican  central  committee  and  chairman 
of  the  judiciary  committee  of  the  fifth  district  and  in  both  connections  has  ren- 
dered excellent  service  to  his  party.  One  of  Colonel  Smith's  marked  character- 
istics is  the  fact  that  he  sees  things  to  do  and  does  them.  He  is  clear-sighted 
and  far-sighted.  He  has  a  firm  grasp  on  the  great  questions  before  the  people 
today  and  possesses  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  needs  of  his  congressional  dis- 
trict. Colonel  Smith  has  received  the  nomination  for  congressman.  No  man 
is  better  fitted  to  capably  and  intelligently  represent  his  district.  He  has  never 
before  been  a  seeker  for  office  but  has  assisted  scores  of  other  men  to  election. 

On  the  27th  of  May.  1891.  Colonel  Smith  was  married  to  ^liss  Sarah  Brock- 
wav,  of  Saginaw,  ^Michigan.  It  would  seem  that  Colonel  Smith's  intense  activ- 
ity in  business  and  political  lines  would  leave  him  little  opportunity  for  other 
interests  and  yet  he  is  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  social  and  especially  the  club 
life  of  Peoria.  He  was  president  of  the  Kickapoo  Club,  is  president  of  the 
Country  Club,  has  also  been  similarly  honored  two  times  with  the  presidency  of 
the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  at  the  ending  of  the  last  term  was  tendered  a  compli- 
mentary banquet  by  three  hundred  of  Peoria's  leading  business  men  and  the  pres- 
ident of  the  Illinois  Country  Club  Association.  He  acted  as  the  first  vice  president 
and  in  iqoi  became  president  of  the  Peoria  Commercial  Exposition  and  Carnival 
.\ssociation.  The  fine  home  which  he  purchased  on  the  bluff  has  been  the 
scene  of  many  attractive  social  functions  over  which  Airs.  Smith  has  presided 
with  gracious  hospitality,  while  Colonel  Smith  ably  plays  the  part  of  genial,  cor- 
dial host.  Perhaps  no  better  estimate  of  his  character  and  his  ability  can  be 
given  than  in  the  words  of  one  who.  writing  for  the  local  press,  said :  "In  the 
ability  to  adapt  himself  to  every  important  situation,  social,  political,  civic  and  in 
those  aft'airs  involving  a  state  and  national  interest.  Colonel  Frederick  H.  Smith 
occupies  a  position  all  his  own.  It  was  conceded  to  him  years  ago  by  the  people 
of  Peoria  and  he  has  continued  to  maintain  it  without  a  shadow  of  a  question. 
He  has  tact,  the  grace,  the  faculty  of  meeting  every  emergency,  the  diplomacy  that 
wins  over  every  difficulty,  the  aggressiveness  wdiich  knows  no  defeat  and  all  the 
manly  qualities  that  count  in  summing  up  the  constituents  of  a  leading  character 
such  as  every  community  absolutely  requires.  For  many  years  Colonel  Smith  has 
by  popular  consent  occupied  this  position  and  is  todav  in  line  for  greater  oppor- 
tunities. Thus  far  his  career  has  been  one  of  uninterrupted  success  and  the 
C|ualities  that  have  made  it  so  are  still  dominant  and  insure  its  continuation." 
All  this  is  due  to  the  fact  that  he  is  a  man  of  highly  balanced  capabilities  and 
powers,  with  a  strong  character  that  inspires  confidence  in  others. 


SHERMAN  W".  ECKLEY. 

The  excellent  condition  of  Peoria's  streets  is  due  in  no  small  measure  to 
Sherman  W.Eckley,  who  has  been  the  promoter  of  much  of  the  paving  done  in 
this  city  in  the  last  few  years.  He  brings  to  his  public  work  the  energy  and  en- 
terprise of  a  keen  business  man  combined  with  the  jjatriotic  devotion  to  duty 
that  has  always  been  one  of  his  characteristics.  Moreover,  he  enjoyed  the  public 
confidence  and  regard  as  a  leading  business  man  of  this  city  for  many  years. 
He  was  here  born  February  27,  1866,  the  son  of  Jacob  W.  and  Barbara  (Weid- 
nerj   Eckley.     The  father  was  born  at  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  July   12,   1834, 


160  mSTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  his  life  record  spanned  the  intervening  years  to  the  29th  of  October,  1899, 
when  he  passed  to  his  tinal  rest.  His  wife  was  a  native  of  Reading,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  thev  were  married  in  Philadelphia,  removing  westward  to  Peoria  in 
1855.  The  father  was  a  carpenter  by  trade,  becoming  senior  partner  of  the 
firm  of  Eckley  &  JMcKinzie,  in  which 'connection  he  was  active  in  the  building 
of  most  of  the  houses  on  the  blulT.  They  erected  the  Griswold,  Cooper  and  other 
fine  residences,  well  known  in  those  days,  and  were  prominent  factors  in  building 
operations.  About  twenty  years  prior  to  his  death  the  father  retired,  the  fruits 
of  his  former  toil  supplying  him  with  all  of  the  necessities  and  many  of  the 
comforts  of  life,  in  llie' family  were  four  children:  Oscar,  Lillie,  Sherman  W. 
and  Kate,  the  eklcr  daughter  liecoming  the  wife  of  Thomas  West. 

After  leaving  the  high  school  of  Peoria  Sherman  Eckley  became  a  pupil  in 
Cole's  Business  College  and  then  turned  his  attention  to  the  contracting  busi- 
ness, especially  in  the  line  of  brick  work.  He  devoted  fifteen  years  to  that  in- 
dustry and  then  turned  his  attention  to  the  jewelry  business  at  No.  1305  South 
Adams  street.  He  not  only  thoroughly  acquainted  himself  with  that  trade  but 
also  pursued  a  complete  course  in  the  Horological  School  of  Peoria  and  has  con- 
tinued in  that  field  of  endeavor  to  the  present  time. 

Aside  from  winning  a  place  among  the  successful  and  resourceful  business 
men  of  the  city  Mr.  Eckley  has  become  well  known  in  political  circles  as  a  re- 
publican leader.     He   has  always   served  as  a  committeeman   from  his   district 
and  has  been  particularly  active  in  the  efiforts  to  better  conditions  along  many 
lines.     His  practical  knowledge  of  brick  laying  was  one  of  the  features  which 
secured  his  appointment  to  the  position  of  sewer  inspector  under  Mayor  Wood- 
rufif    during    his    first    term.     He    served    in    that    position    during    the    mayor's 
first  and  second  terms  and  during  his  present  or  third  term  received  the  a])point- 
ment  of  commissioner  of  public  works.     He  is  president  of  the  board  of  local 
improvements  and   in  that   connection  has   exercised   his   oiificial   prerogative   in 
support  of  many  works  of  value  to  the  city.     Under  his  guidance  the  greatest 
amount  of  work  on  the  streets  within  a  given  period  has  been  done.     Under  his 
direction  Harrison,  Aladison  and  Perry  streets  and  Baker  avenue  have  all  been 
paved  with  asphalt,  covering  sixty-four  thousand,  one  hundred  and  twenty  square 
yards  in  paving  three  and  three-fifths  miles.     Repair  work  to  the  extent  of  ten 
hundred  and  sixty-three  square  yards  has  also  been  done  and  sixty-six  thousand, 
two  hundred  and  eighty  square  yards  of  brick  pavement  has  been  laid  in  different 
parts  of  the  city.     The  creosote  block  pavement  put  down  under  the  direction 
of   Mr.    Eckley   covers   fifteen   thousand,    six   hundred   and    forty-seven    square 
yards,  but  perhaps  the  greatest  work  accomplished  under  his  direction  has  been 
the  laying  of  eighteen  miles  and  eleven   hundred  and  twenty   feet  of   six-foot 
cement  sidewalk.     The  bridges  are  under  his  official  care  and  the  most  rigid  in- 
spection is  being  put  on  the  new  bridge,  Mr.  Eckley  paying  a  daily  visit  thereto 
in  order  to  inspect  and  pass  upon  the  work  and  the  materials  used.     In  the  near 
future   University  street   will  be  opened  up.     The  hill   is  being  leveled  from  a 
seventy-five-foot  embankment  and  a  roadway  will  be  built  opening  up  University 
street  to  Mechanicsville  over  a  concrete  bridge  which  for  years  has  stood  thirty- 
five  feet  in  the  air.     In  the  summer  of  1912  Mr.  Eckley  expects  to  build  a  levee 
that  will  be  modern  in  every  particular  and  will  cost  about  fifty  thousand  dollars. 
To  this  he  also  expects  to  give  his  personal  supervision,  seeing  that  the  citv  shall 
receive  full  value  for  money  expended.     He  is  also  considering  the  wishes  of  the 
people  concerning  paving  to  be  done  on  East  Bluft"  and  is  carrying  forward  the 
work  as  rapidly  as  practicable.     In  the  paving  work  he  has  changed  all  of  the 
old  forms  of  continuous  mixers  of  concrete  which  must  now  be  so  mixed  as  to 
produce  uniform  values  and  give  to  the  property  owners  the  best  for  their  money. 
The  opening  of  Jellfer.son   avenue   is  another  of   the  most  important  improve- 
ments that  have  come  before  the  local  board,  and  Mr.  Eckley  may  be  called  the 
father  of  this  i^roposal.     He  has  been  agitating  tliis  jiublic  measure  on  various 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  Kil 

occasions  in  public  gatherings  as  a  long-felt  want  and   its  realization  must   be 
largely  credited  to  his  efforts. 

Air.  I'x-kley  is  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life.  lia\ing  in  i<)i  i  wedded 
Mrs.  Margaret  Reitz,  of  Peoria.  He  has  a  very  wide  acquaintance  in  this  city 
where  his  entire  life  has  been  passed  and  where  his  sterling  personal  worth  has 
gained  him  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends.  No  better  testimonial  of  his  efficient 
public  service  could  be  given  than  the  fact  that  the  mayor  has,  during  the  three 
years  of  his  term,  called  him  to  pul)lic  office,  placing  him  in  positions  of  trust 
and  responsibility. 


J.\.MES  A.  CAMERON. 

James  A.  Cameron  is  the  senior  member  of  the  law  lirm  of  Cameron  &  Cameron, 
his  associate  being  his  son,  Glen  J.  Cameron.  The  father  is  one  of  the  older  and 
most  honored  members  of  the  Peoria  bar,  where  he  has  practiced  since  the  8th 
of  September,  1873.  He  was  that  year  admitted  to  the  state  bar  and  in  August 
arrived  in  this  city.  He  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  this  volume, 
because  his  professional  labors  and  iiis  devotion  to  high  standards  of  citizenship 
have  made  him  well  known  here.  He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Fulton  county, 
Illinois,  October  16,  1845,  ''"'^  is  a  son  of  John  and  Isabella  (TuUochj  Cameron, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Scotland.  They  became  pioneer  settlers  of  this 
state,  establishing  their  home  in  Fulton  county  in  1834,  just  two  years  after  the 
Black  Hawk  war  had  put  a  termination  to  Indian  supremacy  in  Illinois.  I'ron- 
tier  conditions  were  everywhere  prevalent  and  the  family  shared  in  the  hard- 
ships and  privations  of  pioneer  life  in  an  attempt  to  establish  a  home  in  a  new 
and  undeveloped  region.  In  1847,  when  James  A.  Cameron  was  two  years  of 
age,  his  parents  removed  to  a  farm  about  ten  miles  west  of  Peoria,  settling  in 
Limestone  township.  The  mother  died  during  the  infancy  of  her  son  and  the 
father  was  afterward  married  in  Peoria  county,  to  Isabella  Cameron,  who, 
though  of  the  same  name,  was  not  a  relative. 

James  A.  Cameron  was  reared  on  the  old  homestead  in  this  county  and  the 
experiences  of  farm  life  early  became  familiar  to  him,  as  he  assisted  in  the 
work  of  field  and  meadow.  He  attended  the  country  schools  and  afterward  had 
the  benefit  of  instruction  in  Monmouth  College,  thus  laving  a  good  foundation 
for  his  legal  knowledge  in  his  broad  literary  course.  He  read  law  at  Ottawa, 
Illinois,  under  the  direction  of  Alexander  T.  Cameron,  a  cousin  and  also  in  Peoria 
with  J.  K.  Cooper  as  his  preceptor.  As  previously  stated,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  September,  1873,  and  has  been  in  continuous  practice  in  this  city  ever 
since.  He  continues  in  the  general  practice  of  law,  is  strong  in  argument  and 
logical  in  his  deductions,  while  in  the  application  of  a  legal  principle  he  is  sel- 
dom if  ever  at  fault. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1873.  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Cameron  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Amelia  Trial,  of  this  county,  her  father  being  William  D.  Trial,  a 
very  early  settler  of  Hollis  township,  who  arrived  here  in  the  '20s.  The  only 
child  of  this  marriage  is  Glen  J.,  who  attended  the  public  schools  and  entered 
Valparaiso  College,  of  Indiana.  He  afterward  studied  in  the  Law  University 
at  Champaign.  Illinois,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  iqo6.  He  then  re- 
turned home  to  enter  into  partnership  with  his  father  and  the  law  firm  of  Came- 
ron &  Cameron  ranks  among  the  foremost  representatives  of  the  profession  in 
Peoria.  Their  work  has  been  marked  by  unfaltering  devotion  to  the  interests 
of  their  clients  and  yet  they  have  never  forgotten  that  they  owe  a  still  higher 
allegiance  to  the  majesty  of  the  law.  James  A.  Cameron  is  a  member  of  the 
Beta  Theta  Phi,  a  college  fraternity.  His  interests  are  broad  because  his  read- 
ing has  been  wide  and  because  his  recognition  of  the  responsibilities  and  oppor- 


162  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

tunities  of  life  is  a  correct  one.  He  never  fails  to  cooperate  in  public  measures 
where  the  welfare  of  the  city  is  involved  or  where  the  interests  of  the  individual 
citizen  might  be  advanced.  He  commands  the  respect  of  all  who  know  him  and 
is  best  liked  where  he  is  best  known. 


HON.  BERNARD  CREMER. 

Prominent  among  the  citizens  w'ho  have  contributed  to  the  upbuilding  and 
prosperity  of  Peoria  is  Bernard  Cremer,  who  came  with  his  parents  to  America 
from  Germany  in  1854,  settling  first  in  Wisconsin.  Ten  years  later  Peoria  en- 
rolled him  as  one  of  her  citizens  and,  associated  with  four  of  his  brothers,  he 
took  charge  of  the  Peoria  Demokrat,  of  which  he  has  since  been  editor  and  busi- 
ness manager.  The  paper  had  then  been  in  existence  for  four  years,  having 
been  established  by  Alvis  Zotz  in  i860.  That  it  is  a  leading  German  paper  of 
central  Illinois  has  become  a  recognized  fact.  It  has  been  made  both  the  mirror 
and  the  molder  of  public  opinion.  Typographically  correct  from  the  modern 
standpoint  of  progressiveness,  its  influence  is  what  has  made  it  a  great  journal, 
its  editorial  discussions  of  vital  questions,  and  its  principles  constituting  a  dynamic 
force  in  shaping  public  thought  and  action  among  the  German-American  res- 
idents of  this  part  of  the  state. 

In  business  circles,  too,  I\Ir.  Cremer  is  equally  well  and  widely  known  and 
has  contributed  in  substantial  measures  to  the  financial  development  of  the  city 
as  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  German  Bank,  which  has  since  developed  into  the 
German- American  National  Bank,  of  which  he  was  president  for  twelve  years.  He 
became  one  of  the  directors  of  the  jNIerchants  National  Bank  and  in  1886  greatly 
assisted  that  institution  in  tiding  over  a  serious  crisis  in  its  aftairs,  growing  out 
of  the  depletion  of  its  capital  through  embezzlement  by  a  trusted  employe.  He 
was  the  organizer  of  the  German  Fire  Insurance  Company  of  Peoria  in  1876  and 
since  1883  has  been  its  president.  This  company  paid  over  a  half  million  dollars 
for  fire  losses  in  the  San  Francisco  disaster.  Mr.  Cremer  was  one  of  the  orig- 
inators of  the  company  which  built  the  Grand  Opera  House  and  in  other  fields 
his  labors  have  been  equally  efifective  and  far  reaching  in  results. 

As  a  political  leader  'Sir.  Cremer  has  long  been  widely  known  and  his  party 
made  him  its  nominee  in  1878  for  the  legislature.  Following  the  election  he 
took  his  seat  as  a  member  of  the  twenty-second  genera!  assembly  and  was  ap- 
pointed to  some  of  the  most  important  committees  of  the  house.  ^Ir.  Cremer  is 
interested  in  philanthropic,  church  and  hospital  work  and  is  an  adherent  of  the 
Catholic  church.  He  serves  as  secretary  of  the  library  board  and  is  the  only 
living  member  of  the  original  board.  As  journalist,  as  financier  and  as  citizen 
Bernard  Cremer  has  made  a  record  which  might  well  be  emulated  by  others  who 
in  so  doing  would  produce  a  higher  standard  of  manhood  and  of  citizenship. 


ISAAC  W.  DONMEYER. 

Whether  standing  in  life's  sunshine  or  its  shadows,  whether  meeting  ad- 
versity or  prosperity,  Isaac  W.  Donmeyer  faced  every  condition  as  a  man. 
Strong  and  noble  were  his  purposes  and  lofty  his  principles  and  yet  he  never 
took  to  himself  especial  credit  for  what  he  had  accomplished.  He  lived  his  life 
day  after  day  content  to  do  the  duties  that  devolved  upon  him  to  the  best  of  his 
ability  and  as  the  years  passed  the  simple  weight  of  his  character  and  abilitv 
carried    him    into    important   public    relations.      For    fifty-six  years    he   figured 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  165 

actively  in  connection  with  the  milHng  business,  spending  much  of  this  time 
in  Peoria,  where  as  one  of  the  members  of  the  firm  of  Donmeyer.  Gardner  & 
Company  he  developed  the  extensive  interests  of  the  \'ienna  mills. 

A  native  of  Pennsylvania.  Isaac  W.  Donmeyer  was  born  in  Lebanon  county, 
April  22,  1838.  and  came  of  German  ancestry.  His  parents  were  Michael  and 
Barbara  (Wolf)  Donmeyer.  The  family  was  established  in  America  in  colonial 
davs  and  the  great-,s:rand father  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  The 
father  was  a  scholarly  man.  who  devoted  his  life  to  the  profession  of  teaching 
and  gave  his  children  the  best  educational  opportunities  possible  although  finan- 
cial conditions  made  it  imperative  that  they  start  out  in  the  business  world  at  an 
early  age.  Isaac  W.  Donmeyer  was  a  lad  of  only  ten  years  when  he  took  up 
the  task  of  self-support.  He  filled  such  positions  as  he  could  secure  and  about 
the  time  he  attained  his  majority  sought  the  opportunities  of  the  growing  middle 
west,  believing  that  his  chances  for  advancement  were  better  there  than  in  the 
older  and  more  thickly  settled  states  of  the  east.  He  had  first  been  employed  at 
the  age  of  ten  years  as  a  boy  on  the  towpath  of  the  Schuylkill  canal  and  at 
sixteen  years  of  age  had  worked  his  way  upward  to  bowman.  The  following 
year  he  entered  upon  an  apprenticeship  to  the  miller's  trade  and  thoroughly 
acquainted  himself  with  the  business,  which  was  the  source  of  his  prosperity 
throughout  his  after  life.  Removing  westward  to  Indiana,  he  rented  a  small 
flouring  mill  and  in  its  operation  secured  good  financial  returns.  Subsequently 
he  removed  to  Ouincy,  Alichigan.  where  he  continued  in  the  milling  busmess, 
and  later  he  became  a  resident  of  Woodbine,  Iowa,  where  he  owned  and  operated 
a  mill  that  was  afterward  destroyed  by  fire,  causing  him  considerable  loss.  He 
then  returned  to  Quincy.  Michigan,  and  later  went  to  Terre  Haute.  Indiana, 
where  he  formed  a  partnership  with  \\'illard  Kidder,  with  whom  he  operated  a 
mill  for  three  years.  In  June.  1879,  he  became  a  resident  of  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
and  established  the  Broadwav  mills,  of  which  he  was  proprietor  until  the  fall 
of  1882, 

That  date  witnessed  the  arrival  of  I\Ir.  Donmeyer  in  Peoria,  for  he  had  here 
purchased  the  \'ienna  mills  from  George  Cox.  In  the  following  year  he  was 
joined  in  business  by  R.  G.  Gardner  and  Washington  Gates  under  the  firm  name 
of  Donmeyer,  Gardner  &  Gates  and  thus  continued  for  ten  years,  when  Mr. 
Gardner  purchased  the  interest  of  i\Ir.  Gates,  after  which  the  business  was  con- 
ducted under  the  firm  style  of  Donmeyer,  Gardner  &  Company.  One  of  the 
local  papers  said  of  .Mr.  Donmeyer  at  the  time  of  his  death :  "He  was  one  of 
the  best  equipped  men  for  the  milling  business  in  this  state.  He  was  a  practical 
miller,  a  sagacious  business  man  and  familiar  with  every  detail  of  the  milling 
processes  from  the  growing  of  the  grain  to  the  delivery  of  flour  to  the  consumer. 
As  one  of  the  proprietors  of  an  extensive  industry  and  a  member  of  the  Board 
of  Trade  for  twenty-eight  years  he  was  a  moving  force  in  the  commercial  life 
of  Peoria  and  his  unswerving  integrity  and  conscientious  business  methods 
commanded  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  was  brought  in  contact 
and  assisted  materially  in  the  progress  of  the  citv.  In  his  passing,  the  city  of 
Peoria  as  well  as  those  who  are  associated  with  him  in  business  and  social  and 
fraternal   organizations  have   sustained  a  heavv   loss." 

During  the  first  period  of  his  residence  in  Ouincy,  Michigan,  Mr.  Donmeyer 
was  united  in  marriage  on  the  7th  of  August.  1865,  to  ^fiss  Ellen  M.  Clizhc, 
who  still  survives  him,  together  with  two  sisters,  iIMrs.  Angeline  Rohland,  of 
Lelianon,  Pennsylvania,  and  Mrs.  Katherine  Gingrich,  of  Reading,  Pennsylvania. 
Mr.  Donmeyer  was  a  prominent  ]\Iason.  being  identified  with  the  craft  for  forty- 
three  years.  He  held  membership  in  Illinois  Lodge,  No.  263,  F.  &  A.  ^I. ;  at- 
tained the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  in  Peoria  Consistory;  and 
was  also  a  Knight  Templar  of  Peoria  Commandery  and  a  noble  of  Mohammed 
Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  likewise  held  membership  in  Electa  Chapter. 
O.  E.  S.,  to  which  Mrs.  Donmeyer  still  belongs.     Since  the  death  of  her  husband 


166  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Airs.  Donmever  has  made  arrangements  whereby  she  will  make  a  bequest  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars  for  the  erection  of  a  memorial  to  his 
memory.  This  sum  is  to  be  given  to  the  local  chapters  of  the  Eastern  Star  for 
a  permanent  home,  the  only  request  accom])anying  the  gift  being  that  the  ashes 
of  her  husband,  herself  and  their  one  child,  a  daughter,  may  always  be  kept  in 
that  shrine  as  long  as  the  building  shall  stand.  In  their  travels  Mr.  and  -Mrs. 
Donmeyer  had  been  most  cordially  received  and  entertained  by  members  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity  in  various  cities. 

In  his  life  Mr.  Donmeyer  exemplified  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft,  which 
recognizes  the  brotherhood  of  mankind  and  the  fatherhood  of  God.  His  ])oliti- 
cal  indorsement  was  given  to  the  republican  party  upon  questions  of  national 
importance  but  at  local  elections  he  cast  an  independent  ballot.  He  belonged 
to  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade  and  was  active  in  support  of  many  measures  and 
movements  instituted  for  the  welfare  and  upbuilding  of  the  city.  In  his  youth 
he  was  confirmed  in  the  German  Lutheran  church  but  later  he  and  his  wife  be- 
came members  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church  of  Peoria  and  for  eighteen 
years  he  served  as  one  of  its  trustees  and  during  his  last  two  terms  was  president 
of  the  board.  He  contributed  generously  to  the  support  of  the  church  and  did 
everything  in  his  power  to  advance  its  upbuilding  and  extend  its  influence.  All 
who  knew  him  admired  his  rugged  honesty  and  his  upright  character.  He  was 
generous  to  a  fault  and  many  have  reason  to  bless  him  for  his  timely  assistance  in 
an  hour  of  need.  He  proved  himself,  indeed,  a  friend  to  the  poor  and  needy 
and  it  was  well  known  that  he  never  turned  one  from  his  door  empty  handed  if 
he  was  worthv  of  aid.  Mr.  Donmeyer  was  firm  in  his  determination  and  con- 
victions and  strict  and  exacting  in  his  business  dealings.  He  was  never  known 
to  take  advantage  of  another  in  any  trade  transaction  and  he  required  the  same 
strict  honest v  from  others.  To  his  employes  he  was  not  only  just  but  kind  and 
considerate  and  they  had  for  him  the  greatest  admiration  and  respect.  Of  him 
it  may  be  said  that  he  was  a  lover  of  truth,  a  doer  of  deeds  and  a  devotee  of 
manlv  principles.  He  passed  away  on  the  loth  of  February,  191 1,  and  press  and 
people  united  in  speaking  of  him  in  terms  of  praise  and  honor.  His  friends 
were  many  and  the  high  regard  tendered  him  was  the  expression  of  an  appre- 
ciation of  the  upright,  honorable  life  he  had  lived  and  his  sterling  principles 
of  manhood  and  of  character. 


FREDERICK  BREWSTER  TRACY. 

Frederick  B.  Tracy,  serving  for  the  second  term  as  city  clerk  at  Peoria,  has 
in  public  office  made  an  excellent  record,  characterized  by  thorough  understand- 
ing of  the  duties  that  have  devolved  upon  him  and  promptness  and  efficiency  in 
their  execution.  To  him  a  public  office  is  a  public  trust,  and  it  is  well  known 
that  no  trust  reposed  in  Frederick  B.  Tracy  has  ever  been  betrayed. 

Mr.  Tracy,  who  is  one  of  New  England's  native  sons,  was  born  in  Ellington, 
Tolland  county,  Connecticut,  September  3,  1852.  His  parents  were  Addison  L. 
and  Ann  L.  (Chester)  Tracy,  who  were  residents  of  Tolland  county  in  which 
the  town  of  Ellington  is  located.  In  the  year  of  their  son  Frederick's  birth, 
however,  they  sought  a  home  in  the  middle  west,  taking  up  their  abode  at  Elm- 
wood,  Illinois,  where  the  father  engaged  in  merchandising.  Some  years  after- 
ward he  and  his  wife  went  to  Florida  where  they  spent  their  remaining  days. 

Frederick  B.  Tracy  is  the  only  surviving  child  of  that  marriage.  The  public 
schools  of  Elmwood  afforded  him  his  early  educational  privileges  which  were 
supplemented  by  a  course  in  Knox  Academy  at  Galesburg,  Illinois.  He  entered 
business  life  in  the  capacity  of  clerk  in  a  general  store  at  Elmwood,  and  came 
to  Peoria  in  1890  to  fill  the  position  of  deputy  circuit  clerk,  in  which  capacity  he 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  1G7 

remained  for  one  term.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  the -insurance  business 
which  he  followed  in  connection  with  other  lines  of  activity  until  elected  city 
clerk  of  Peoria  in  the  spring  of  1909.  That  his  course  was  creditable  and  com- 
mendable is  evidenced  in  the  fact  that  he  was  reelected  in  191 1,  and  is  the  present 
incumbent  in  the  office.  He  is  methodical  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  and  has 
carefully  systematized  the  work  of  the  position.  He  is  a  stalwart  advocate  of  the 
re|)ublican  principles  and  along  legitimate  lines  does  all  he  can  to  further  the 
interests  and  promote  the  success  of  his  party. 

In  1878,  at  Elmw'ood,  Mr.  Tracy  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  l'>. 
Rogers,  a  daughter  of  Henry  P.  Rogers  of  Peoria  county,  who  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business  at  Elmwood.  Her  mother  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Annie  Wilkin- 
son and  was  a  resident  of  Farmington,  Illinois,  prior  to  her  marriage,  having 
come  to  this  state  from  New  York.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tracy  have  been  born 
two  children :  Annie  C,  who  is  now  a  teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria ; 
and  Frederick  B.,  Jr.,  connected  with  the  public  utilities  at  Muncie.  Indiana,  as 
a  member  of  the  Central  Indiana  Gas  Company. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Tracy  is  identified  with  the  Masons,  and  has  attained  high 
rank  in  that  order.  In  1901  he  served  as  master  of  Illinois  Lodge,  No.  263, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.  at  Peoria.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Ancient  and  Accepted 
Scottish  Rite,  \'alley  of  Peoria,  and  of  Mohammed  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S. 
In  his  life  he  exemplifies  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft  which  recognizes  the 
truth  of  universal  brotherhood.  He  has  attractive  social  qualities  which  render 
him  a  companionable  man  and  the  circle  of  his  friends  is  constantlv  increasing 
as  the  circle  of  his  ac(|uaintance  broadens.  He  is  well  known  as  a  leading  re- 
publican of  Peoria  county,  and  one  to  whom  the  public  mav  look  with  confidence 
and  trust  as  an  able  official. 


SAMUEL  WOOLNER.  Jr. 

As  a  prominent  representative  of  real-estate  holdings,  of  banking  investments 
and  of  distilling  interests  Samuel  Woolner,  Jr.,  is  well  known.  He  is  capable  of 
controlling  important  and  mammoth  business  concerns,  of  formulating  well 
defined  plans  and  of  executing  these  with  results  that  add  not  only  to  individual 
success  but  also  to  general  prosperity.  His  business  activities  on  the  whole  have 
been  features  in  the  growth  and  material  progress  of  Peoria,  where  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  has  been  passed.  He  was  born  July  4,  1866.  in  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky, a  son  of  Adolph  and  Antonia  Woolner.  The  removal  of  the  family  to  this 
city  enabled  him  to  pursue  his  education  in  the  ward  and  high  schools  here  until 
his  graduation  from  the  latter  with  the  class  of  1883.  He  afterward  went  to 
Ithaca,  New  York,  where  he  entered  Cornell  University,  and  was  graduated  with 
the  class  of  1888.  He  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  distilling  business  and  in 
other  enterprises.  He  entered  upon  the  former  in  connection  with  his  father, 
the  founder  of  the  Woolner  Distilling  Company,  under  which  name  an  enter- 
prise of  extensive  proportions  has  been  developed.  He  acquainted  himself  with 
the  trade  as  a  factor  in  executive  and  administrative  control  and  eventually  was 
called  to  the  presidency  of  the  company.  He  is  likewise  a  director  in  various 
other  business  concerns  which  are  features  in  the  commercial,  industrial  and 
financial  activity  of  the  city.  He  has  made  extensive  investments  in  real  estate 
and  in  banking  and  at  one  time  was  a  director  of  the  Alerchants  National  liank 
of  Peoria  and  also  was  vice  president  of  the  Central  Railway  Companv. 

In  Scranton.  Pennsylvania,  on  the  12th  of  Octolier.  1898,  Mr.  Woolner  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha  Moses,  a  daughter  of  B.  Moses,  and  they 
now  have  two  children,  Gladys  T.  and  Adolph  M.  In  social  circles  the  family 
is  well  known  and  the  hospitality  of  their  home  is  most  attractive.     Mr.  Woolner 


168  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

is  prominent  in  democratic  circles  and  has  done  much  to  shape  the  policy  of  his 
party  here.  lie  was  formerly  chairman  of  the  city  and  county  committee,  also 
a  memher  of  the  democratic  state  central  committee  and  has  been  a  delegate  to 
state  and  national  conventions  of  his  party.  At  all  times  he  keeps  thoroughly 
informed  concerning  the  vital  and  significant  problems  of  the  country  and  in 
this  connection  stands  abreast  with  the  best  thinking  men  of  the  age.  His  posi- 
tion in  business  circles  is  further  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  has  been  honored 
by  the  election  to  the  presidency  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade ;  nor  is  he  neglectful 
of  his  religious  duties,  being  vice  president  of  the  congregation  of  Anshai  Ameth. 
lie  is  likewise  a  prominent  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  B'nai  Brith,  of 
which  he  several  times  served  as  president.  He  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  and 
the  Country  Clubs  of  Peoria  and  to  the  Illinois  Athletic  Clul5  of  Chicago.  He 
is  vice  president  of  the  National  Wholesale  Liquor  Dealers'  Association  and  is 
now  serving  his  third  term.  He  is  a  man  of  most  courteous  manners  yet  firm 
and  unyielding  in  what  he  believes  to  be  right.  In  various  lines  he  has.  indeed, 
won  success  and  distinction,  vet  in  all  he  wears  his  honors  with  becoming  modestv. 


HENRY  ^^'ARD  WELLS. 

Plenry  Ward  Wells,  a  distinguished  lawyer,  lawmaker  and  author,  whose 
contriijutions  to  the  literature  of  the  profession  are  regarded  as  of  a  most  valu- 
able nature,  entered  into  active  connection  with  the  Illinois  bar  in  1853  and  from 
the  close  of  the  war  until  his  death  was  a  prominent  practitioner  of  P'eoria.  He 
was  born  in  Pulaski,  New  York,  June  20,  1833.  His  father.  Colonel  Wells,  an 
Englishman  by  birth,  married  Julia  Tracy,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  E.  Tracy,  of  !Middle- 
town,  Connecticut,  and  granddaughter  of  General  Artemas  Ward. 

In  his  youthful  days  Henry  W.  Wells  became  a  resident  of  Illinois,  pursuing 
his  education  in  the  schools  of  Galesburg.  When  still  quite  young  he  came  to 
Peoria  and  entered  the  employ  of  Pettingell  &  Babcock,  with  whom  he  remained 
for  a  year,  receiving  a  hundred  dollars  as  compensation  for  his  services.  It  was 
his  ambition,  however,  to  enter  upon  a  professional  career  and  in  1850  he  attended 
the  National  Law  School  at  Ballston  Spa.  New  York,  where  he  was  graduated 
with  the  class  of  1853.  He  then  returned  to  Illinois  and  further  continued  his 
law  studies  by  entering  the  office  of  Johnston  &  Blakesley,  well  known  attorneys 
of  Peoria,  in  the  spring  of  1854.  The  period  there  passed  brought  to  him  practi- 
cal as  well  as  theoretical  knowledge  and  experience,  and  in  1855  he  opened  a  law 
office  in  Cambridge,  Henry  county,  Illinois,  where  he  continued  in  active  practice 
imtil  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war. 

At  the  second  call  for  troops  ]\Ir.  Wells  ofl:"ered  his  aid  to  the  government, 
enlisting  as  a  member  of  Company  D.  One  Hundred  and  Twelfth  Illinois  Infan- 
try. He  v\'as  promoted  to  the  rank  of  major  on  the  staff  of  General  Tillson,  who 
commanded  the  defense  at  Knoxville.  He  afterward  served  on  the  staff  of  Gen- 
eral J.  D.  Cox,  of  Ohio,  and  took  part  in  all  the  battles  from  Buzzards  Roost  to 
the  capture  of  Atlanta.  He  was  thus  often  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight  and  was 
always  faithful  and  loyal  to  his  duty,  whether  on  the  firing  line  or  the  lonely 
picket  line. 

At  the  close  of  the  Civil  war  ^Ir.  \\'ells  established  his  home  in  Peoria  and 
from  that  time  forward  until  his  death  was  a  distinguished  representative  and 
honored  member  of  the  bar  of  this  cit}'.  His  practice  was  of  a  most  important 
character  and  indicated  his  thorough  and  comprehensive  knowledge  of  various 
departments  of  the  law.  Furthermore,  he  was  called  to  aid  in  framing  the  laws 
of  the  state,  being  elected  a  member  of  the  convention  which  formed  the  Illinois 
constitution  of  1870.  His  authorship  included  a  work  entitled  Mechanics"  Lien, 
also  a  volume  on  Patent  Law  and  another  entitled  Wells  on  Replevin.    He  stood 


II.   W.   WKI.LS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  171 

ainung  the  foremost  representatives  of  the  ilhnois  bar.  his  abiHt\'  cuniinanding 
the  admiration  of  his  colleagues  and  contemporaries.  While  he  was  most  faithful 
to  the  interests  of  his  clients  he  never  forgot  that  he  owed  a  still  higher  allegiance 
to  the  majesty  of  the  law.  He  won  his  success  through  wisely  and  conscientiously 
using  the  talents  with  which  nature  had  endowed  him,  ever  recognizing  the  fact 
that  careful  preparation  must  precede  the  successful  presentation  of  a  cause  in 
the   courts. 

While  a  resident  of  Cambridge,  Illinois.  !\lr.  Wells  was  married,  on  the  8th 
of  September,  1859,  to  i^Iiss  Demaris  C.  Showers,  a  daughter  of  Alexander  Hardy 
and  Lucy  M.  Showers,  who  are  now  deceased.  She  holds  membership  in  the 
First  Congregational  church  and  also  in  the  Peoria  W'oman's  Club,  the  motto  of 
which  is  "To  help  another  from  what  one  has  or  is.  is  the  most  noble  deed." 
The  club  works  for  the  best  interests  of  Peoria  in  meeting  its  needs  and  beautify- 
ing the  city,  and  with  this  work  Mrs.  Wells  is  in  hearty  sympath}-. 

In  his  ]iolitical  views  Mr,  W'ells  was  an  earnest  republican,  feeling  that  the 
platform  of  the  party  contained  the  best  principles  and  elements  of  good  govern- 
ment. He  belonged  to  the  Alasonic  fraternity  and  he  was  a  man  of  kind  and 
gentle  nature  who  ever  wished  to  do  justice  to  all.  He  was  very  fond  of  chil- 
dren and  took  great  interest  in  them.  He  loved  art  and  was  considered  an  expert 
judge  on  art  works.  For  eighteen  years  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  library 
board  and  was  greatly  interested  in  all  that  tended  to  improve  the  literary  tastes 
of  the  general  public.  In  fact,  his  intlucnce  was  always  on  the  side  of  progress 
and  improvement  and  his  symi)athies  and  aid  were  given  to  those  activities  which 
work  for  the  material,  intellectual,  social  and  moral  uplift  of  humanity.  His 
character  and  reputation  were  above  reproach  and  he  was  honored  no  less  for 
his  personal  traits  than  for  the  position  of  prominence  to  which  he  attained  in 
his  profession. 


JUDGE  HEZEKIAH  MORSE  WEAD. 

Illinois  has  always  been  distinguished  for  able  jurists  and  attorneys,  many 
of  whom  have  achieved  distinction.  Among  those  who  were  well  known  at  an 
early  day  and  who  labored  persistently  and  conscientiously  for  the  upbuilding 
of  the  state,  especially  in  its  educational  and  judiciary  systems,  was  Judge  Heze- 
kiah  ^I.  Wead.  for  many  years  a  prominent  lawyer  of   Peoria,  Illinois. 

Judge  Wead  possessed  an  analytical  mind,  a  comprehensive  knowledge  of 
the  fundamental  principles  of  law,  a  clear  judgment,  which  made  him  not  only  a 
formidable  adversary  at  the  bar,  but  also  gave  him  distinction,  while  on  the  bench. 
Fie  cultivated  the  talent  of  expressing  himself  clearly  in  few  words,  a  habit 
which  enabled  him  to  present  an  argument  forcibly  and  convincingly. 

Judge  \\'ead  was  born  in  Sheldon,  \"ermont,  June  1,  1810.  His  ancestor, 
Samuel  W^ead,  of  huguenot  descent,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Danbury, 
Connecticut,  a  member  of  the  general  court  and  a  iirominent  citizen.  After  the 
burning  of  Danbury  by  the  British,  the  family  removed  to  New  York,  where  in 
one  of  the  many  "[jatent"  disagreements  of  that  state,  they  lost  nearly  every- 
thing and  settled  at  Lanesboro,  Massachusetts,  on  Silver  street,  where  the  house, 
built  by  Jacob  Wead,  grandfather  of  Hezekiah.  still  stands.  Jacob  took  part 
in  the  Revolutionary  war,  but  later,  boundary  controversies  drove  the  family  to 
\'ermont,  where  Samuel  Wead,  son  of  Jacob,  married  Rebecca  Morse,  daughter 
of  Rev.  Daniel  Moss,  whose  ancestors  were  prominent  in  the  uj)building  of 
New  Haven,  Connecticut.  They  incorporated  the  town  of  Wallingford.  and  at 
least  two  of  them  fought  in  King  Philip's  war.  while  another  joined  the  crusaders 
and  assisted  in  the  cajiture  of  Jerusalem. 

Having  learned  what  he  could  at  the  public  schools  of  Sheldon,  Judge  Wead 
took  a  short  course  at  Castleton  Academy,  \'ermont,  and  then  engaged  in  teach- 


172  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

iny,  wliile  preparing  for  his  chosen  profession  of  law.  In  1832  he  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  both  in  \'ermont  and  New  York  and  in  1840,  in  search  of  wider  op- 
portunities, he  went  to  Illinois  and  settled  at  Lewiston.  Here  he  won  distinc- 
tion as  an  able  practitioner,  was  elected  judge  of  the  circuit  court  and  became  a 
member  of  the  state  constitutional  convention  of  1847,  aiding  by  his  legal  knowl- 
edge in  framing  the  organic  laws  of  the  state  and  assisting  materially  in  solving 
many  of  the  problems  which  came  before  the  convention.  In  1855  he  removed 
to  Peoria,  where  he  soon  gained  a  large  and  representative  practice  and  where 
he  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  capable  lawyers  of  central  Illinois.  In  civic 
affairs,  he  always  took  a  keen,  vital  interest,  and  throughout  life  manifested  a 
spirit  of  zealous  participation  in  the  larger  affairs  of  the  community. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  1876,  he  published  in  the  Peoria  Daily  Trans- 
cript a  series  of  articles  in  which  he  earnestly  advocated  the  submission  of  state 
laws,  and  particularly,  of  all  city  ordinances,  to  a  vote  of  the  electors  to  be 
affected  therebv  before  they  should  become  valid;  a  theory  of  legislation  now 
much  discussed,  and  growing  steadily  in  popular  esteem,  but  then  quite  generally 
regarded  as  an  impracticable  theory. 

In  1841,  fudge  W'ead  married  Miss  Eliza  Young  Emery,  a  scion  on  her 
father's  side  of  an  old  family,  running  back  through  colonial  days  to  England 
and  thence  to  Normandy ;  on  her  mother's  side  she  is  a  descendant  of  Elder 
William  Brewster,  of  ]\Iayfiower  fame.  Of  this  imion  four  children  survive, 
two  daughters  and  two  sons,  one  of  whom.  Judge  S.  D.  Wead,  has  followed  in 
his  father's  footsteps  in  the  practice  of  the  law.  Judge  H.  M.  Wead  died  May 
10,  1876,  and  his  wife,  February  10,  1887. 


JONATHAN  L.  PLUMMER,  M.  D.,  axd  AMZI  S.  PLUM.MER.  AI.  D. 

The  history  of  Drs.  Jonathan  L.  and  Amzi  S.  Plummer  is  unique  in  that 
father  and  son  pursued  their  college  medical  course  at  the  same  time,  were 
graduates  in  the  same  class  and  have  since  practiced  together  in  Peoria  for  a 
period  of  fourteen  years,  having  well  equipped  offices  in  the  German  F"ire  In- 
surance building  and  also  an  office  at  13 15  Main  street.  Both  father  and  son, 
in  the  course  of  their  long  career  as  practitioners,  have  achieved  distinct  success, 
and  are  now  looked  upon  as  among  Peoria's  most  able  and  prominent  physicians. 

Dr.  Jonathan  L.  Plummer  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Westmoreland  county, 
Pennsylvania,  near  West  Newton,  November  18.  1847,  and  is  a  son  of  William 
and  Sarah  Elizabeth  (  Robertson )  Plummer.  The  father  disposed  of  his  farm 
during  the  boyhood  days  of  his  son  and  removed  with  his  family  to  a  farm  in 
Jeft'erson  coimty,  Ohio,  near  Steubenville.  There  the  boy  was  reared,  meeting 
with  the  usual  experiences  that  come  to  the  lad  who  spends  his  youth  amid  rural 
surroundings.  He  attended  the  district  schools  and  in  the  summer  months  aided 
in  the  work  of  plowing,  planting,  and  harvesting.  He  then  pursued  an  academic 
course  at  Richmond  College  at  Richmond,  Ohio.  He  also  studied  medicine  with 
his  brother.  Dr.  T.  R.  Plummer,  at  Trivoli.  Illinois,  and  later  under  two  pre- 
ceptors in  Ohio.  Two  of  his  brothers  died  while  surgeons  in  the  army  during 
the  Civil  war.  Owing  to  poor  health,  he  was  obliged  to  discontinue  his  studies 
and  adopted  farming  as  a  temporary  vocation  to  give  him  the  benefit  of  outdoor 
life,  that  he  might  recuperate  his  health  for  the  furtherance  of  his  future  pro- 
fessional work.  In  the  fall  of  1895.  he  entered  the  college  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  at  St.  Louis,  accompanied  by  his  son,  both  taking  up  the  study  of  medi- 
.cine  and  graduating  together  with  the  class  of  1898. 

On  the  6th  of  February,  1873,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Dr.  Jonathan  L. 
Pkmimer  and  ]Miss  Alice  R.  Worthington,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  who.  how- 
ever, was  a  resident  of  Peoria  when  they  were  married.     They  have  but  one 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  17:] 

child,  Dr.  Amzi  S.  Plummer,  who  was  born  December  20,  1873,  in  ihis  city.  He 
attended  school  here  and  also  pursued  a  course  in  Hedding  college  at  Abmgdon, 
Illinois,  and  in  Brown's  Business  College  at  Peoria.  He  then  spent  three  years 
as  pharmacist  for  Charles  Fisher  &  Company,  prominent  druggists  of  this  city. 
He  subsequently  accompanied  his  father  to  St.  Louis,  where  they  entered  the 
college  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  father  and  son  pursuing  the  full  three  years' 
course  together,  after  which  they  were  graduated  in  1898,  this  being  the  only 
case  on  record,  so  far  as  is  known,  where  father  and  son  completed  a  full  course 
together.  They  then  opened  an  office  in  Peoria,  where  they  have  since  en- 
gaged in  practice.  Dr.  Jonathan  L.  Plummer  had  previously  had  some  exper- 
ience as  a  general  practitioner  in  Kansas.  Their  work  in  this  city  has  been 
crowned  with  a  substantial  measure  of  success,  they  being  now  accorded  a  liberal 
practice  which  brings  to  them  good  returns. 

Dr.  Amzi  S.  Plummer  was  married  in  September,  191 1,  to  Miss  Bessie  I. 
Pitney  of  Peoria,  a  daughter  of  I.  R.  and  Alary  Hopkins  (Hall)  Pitney,  the 
former  a  conductor  on  the  Rock  Island  &  Peoria  Railroad.  Both  father  and  son 
are  members  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  Dr.  Amzi  S.  Plummer  also  belongs 
to  the  I'eoria  City  and  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Societies.  They  are  also  mem- 
bers of  the  First  Presbyterian  church  and  their  lives  are  guided  by  high  and 
honorable  principles.  They  are  in  hearty  sympathy  in  their  purposes,  plans  and 
ambitions  and  since  coming  to  Peoria  they  have  made  continuous  progress  along 
professional  lines. 


MILO  T.  EASTON,  .M.  D. 

Dr.  Milo  T.  Easton,  physician  and  surgeon,  who  is  also  city  bacteriologist, 
came  to  the  starting  point  of  his  career  well  equipped  by  thorough  training,  and 
in  the  intervening  years  has  been  a  close  and  discriminating  student,  quickly 
adopting  those  methods  and  measures  which  his  judgment  sanctions  as  of  value 
in  the  work.  He  is  proud  of  his  native  city,  and  on  the  other  hand,  Peoria  is 
glad  to  number  him  among  her  native  sons.  He  was  born  September  29,  1884, 
of  the  marriage  of  O.  M.  and  Delia  (Tripp)  Easton,  both  of  whom  were  rep- 
resentatives of  old  American  families  that  were  early  established  in  Peoria. 
Here  Milo  T.  Easton  was  reared,  his  boyhood  and  youth  being  uneventfully 
passed,  his  time  being  largely  given  to  the  acquirement  of  his  education  in  the 
local  schools  until  he  was  graduated  from  the  Peoria  high  school  in  the  class  of 
1901.  He  worked  in  a  drug  store  in  the  city  for  about  a  year  and  then  entered 
the  Northwestern  Medical  College  when  but  little  more  than  seventeen  years  of 
age.  He  was  the  youngest  member  of  his  class  but  this  did  not  prevent  his 
thorough  and  systematic  work  leading  him  to  his  graduation  in  1906.  He  was 
afterward  house  physician  at  the  Cook  County  Hospital  in  Chicago  for  a  year 
and  a  half  and  during  that  time  also  engaged  in  teaching,  giving  instruction  con- 
cerning the  diseases  of  the  chest  at  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons.  His 
active  practice  in  the  hospital  and  his  work  as  an  educator  were  both  acceptable 
and  further  qualified  him  for  the  professional  duties  which  have  devolved  upon 
him  since  he  entered  u])on  active  practice  in  Peoria.  While  he  continues  in  gen- 
eral practice,  he  has  also  done  considerable  microscopic  work  and  his  skill  in  this 
particular  is  noted  by  the  profession,  as  well  as  by  the  general  public. 

On  the  i8th  of  Alay,  1910.  Dr.  Easton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Helen 
Blackburn,  a  daughter  of  George  M.  Blackburn,  and  unto  them  has  been  born 
one  child,  Alary  Elizabeth.  Dr.  Easton  holds  membership  with  the  Benevolent 
Protective  Order  of  Elks.  Politically  he  is  a  republican  and  from  Mayor  Wood- 
ruff in  1909  he  received  the  appointment  of  city  bacteriologist.  He  also  be- 
longs to  the  Phi  Beta  Phi,  a  medical  fraternity,  and  he  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria 


174  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

City   Medical   Society  and  of  the   Illinois   State   ^Medical   Society.  His   reading 

embraces  the  most  advanced  writings   concerning  the   profession,  especially  in 

the  line  of  his  specialty,  and  quick  to  adopt  new  and  improved  methods,  his 
work  is  at  all  times  thoroughlv  modern  and  scientific. 


J.  REX  SHOLL,  M.  D. 


Dr.  J.  Rex  Sholl,  commissioner  of  health  of  Peoria,  has  engaged  in  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  here  since  1903,  and  is  now  serving  for  the  second  term  in  the 
office,  his  appointment  coming  to  him  from  Mayor  Woodruff.  He  was  born  in 
Pekin,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  September  7,  1880,  and  is  therefore  one  of  the 
younger  representatives  of  the  profession  in  this  city.  His  parents  are  J.  M. 
and  Rosie  (Cluser)  Sholl,  who  removed  to  Peoria  when  their  son  Rex  was  but 
three  years  of  age,  so  that  he  was  reared  in  this  city  and  is  indebted  to  its  public- 
school  system  for  the  early  educational  privileges  which  he  enjoyed.  Gradually 
he  worked  his  way  upward,  passing  through  consecutive  grades  until  his  gradua- 
tion from  the  high  school  in  1897.  Thinking  then  to  make  the  practice  of  den- 
tistry his  life  work,  he  began  studying  with  that  end  in  view  in  Chicago  College 
of  Dental  Surgery,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1901,  receiving  the  degree 
of  D.  D.  S.  Two  weeks  later  he  was  made  a  member  of  the  faculty,  being 
appointed  professor  in  physiology.  During  the  two  years  which  he  occupied 
that  position  he  also  studied  medicine  and  thus  won  his  M.  D.  degree.  He  is  a 
graduate  of  the  Chicago  Homeopathic  Medical  College  of  the  class  of  1903  and 
of  Hahnemann  INIedical  College  of  the  class  of  1904.  In  April  of  the  latter  year 
he  opened  an  office  in  Peoria.  He  has  pursued  a  special  course  in  electricity 
and  X-ray  work  in  the  Illinois  School  of  Electro-Therapeutics,  of  Chicago,  and 
is  now  making  a  specialty  of  practice  of  that  character  and  also  of  internal 
medicine.  His  offices  are  in  the  Hamlin  building  and  in  the  city  hall.  He  main- 
tains the  second  office  by  virtue  of  his  position  of  commissioner  of  health,  which 
he  has  occupied  since  1909,  being  kept  the  incumbent  in  the  office  in  the  second 
term,  receiving  his  appointment  from  Mayor  Woodruff.  His  work  in  this  con- 
nection is  most  satisfactory  and  creditable  and  he  is  one  of  those  who  is  making 
his  present  administration  in  all  of  its  departments  an  honor  to  the  city.  He 
holds  to  high  standards  in  his  professional  work  and  is  most  conscientious  and 
capable  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Medical 
Society,  the  Peoria  County  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  ]kledical  Society, 
the  American  Medical  Association  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  American  Public 
Health  Association.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Benevolent  Protec- 
tive Order  of  Elks  and  socially  with  the  Country  Club,  the  Creve  Coeur  Club 
and  the  Peoria  Social  Athletic  Club.  His  advancement  for  one  of  his  years  is 
most  creditable,  showing  that  his  preparation  was  thorough  and  that  since  en- 
tering upon  practice,  his  diagnosis  of  cases  has  been  most  carefully  made,  so 
that  success  has  followed  his  administration  of  remedial  agencies. 


willia:\i  t.  ^^'HITIXG. 

William  T.  Whiting,  attorney  at  law,  and  also  prominently  known  as  a  worker 
in  local  political  circles,  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Kickapoo  township.  Peoria 
county.  May  4,  1850,  his  parents  being  William  and  Jane  ( Cunimings )  Whiting. 
The  father  came  to  this  county  in  1839  from  Kent.  England,  and  settled  upon  a 
farm,  casting  his  lot  with  the  pioneer  residents  of  this  part  of  the  state,  for  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  175 

work  of  development  and  improvement  had  scarcely  been  begun  here.  He 
aided  in  the  arduous  task  of  developing  new  land,  converting  wild  prairie  into 
productive  fields  and  for  manv  years  was  numbered  among  the  representative 
agriculturists  of  the  community.  It  was  in  this  county  that  he  was  married,  his 
wife  having  come  to  Illinois  in  1834  from  Ohio.  The  father  of  William  T. 
Whiting  remained  a  resident  of  Peoria  county  until  his  demise,  passing  away 
in  1896,  and  the  mother  is  still  living  on  the  old  homestead  farm,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-seven  years. 

As  a  boy  William  T.  \Miiting  worked  in  the  fields  and  did  the  chores  upon  the 
home  place.  In  the  winter  seasons  he  attended  the  public  schools  but  with  the 
opening  of  spring  took  his  place  behind  the  plow.  However,  in  early  manhood 
he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  did  not  care  to  pursue  agricultural  pursuits 
throughout  his  entire  life  but  preferred  a  professional  career  and  with  this  end 
in  view  he  began  reading  law  in  the  office  of  Judge  Nicholas  E.  Worthington, 
in  the  spring  of  1874.  Later  he  read  law  with  Lawrence  Harman  and  afterward 
spent  a  year  as  a  law  student  in  the  office  of  James  &  Jack.  He  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  in  1876  but  did  not  enter  at  once  upon  active  practice.  For  four 
years  thereafter  he  engaged  in  teaching  school  in  the  rural  districts  of  Peoria 
county.  He  then  took  up  the  work  of  the  profession  and  has  been  a  member  of 
the  Peoria  bar  since  the  ist  of  August,  1880.  Advancement  in  law  is  proverbially 
slow,  but  year  by  year  saw  an  increase  in  his  business  and  he  has  now  a 
large  clientage  of  distinctively  representative  character.  He  served  for  one 
term  as  city  attorney  under  Mayor  C.  C.  Clark,  having  been  called  to  that. office 
in  1 891,  and  something  of  his  personal  popularity  and  the  confidence  reposed  in 
him  by  his  fellow  townsmen  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  was  elected  alderman 
on  the  democratic  ticket  in  the  fifth  ward,  which  usually  gives  a  strong  repub- 
lican majority.  He  has  always  practiced  independently  in  the  general  field  of 
law,  is  attorney  for  the  Savings  Bank  of  Peoria,  has  been  attorney  for  the  park 
district  of  Peoria  since  its  organization  and  has  been  an  advocate  on  many  im- 
portant cases.  He  marshals  his  evidence  with  the  precision  of  a  military  com- 
mander and  never  fails  to  give  due  prominence  to  the  important  point  in  the  case. 

Mr.  Whiting  was  united  in  marriage  to  j\Iiss  Linda  Craig,  of  Peoria,  who 
died  in  1895,  leaving  two  children:  Alida,  and  Doctor  William  T.  Whiting,  Jr., 
who  was  a  physician  and  surgeon  in  the  mines  at  Lafayette,  Colorado.  While 
returning  in  his  automobile  from  a  professional  call.  Dr.  Whiting  was  instantly 
killed  at  an  interurban  railway  crossing  on  the  2d  of  January,   1912. 

;\Ir.  Whiting  holds  membership  with  the  ]\Iasons  and  with  the  Modern  Wood- 
rnen  of  America.  He  has  never  sought  to  figure  prominently  in  public  life  out- 
side his  profession  and  yet  is  interested  in  the  duties  of  citizenship  to  the  extent 
of  _  giving  his  aid  wherever  it  is  needed.  He  is  a  firm  believer  in  democratic 
principles  and,  as  every  true  American  citizen  .should  do,  keeps  well  informed 
on  the  issues  of  the  day  and  votes  for  the  candidates  and  the  principles  of  his 
party. 


GEORGE  B.  SUCHER. 


In  the  twenty  years  in  which  he  has  practiced  law  in  Peoria,  George  B. 
Sucher  has  made  continuous  progress  and  has  now  a  good  clientage  which  attests 
his  position  as  an  able  and  well  read  member  of  the  bar.  He  began  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Cassidy  &  Sucher.  On  a  farm  in  Putnam  county.  Illinois,  his 
birth  occurred  on  the  ifith  of  March,  1865,  his  parents  being  Jacob  and  Catharine 
Sucher.  The  usual  experiences  which  fall  to  the  lot  of  a  farm  bov  were  his.  He 
attended  the  country  schools  and  afterward  the  public  schools  of  Granville,  Illi- 
nois, prior  to  entering  Knox  College,  at  Galesburg.  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  1889.     He  worked  upon  the  home  farm  in  the  summer  seasons  and  for  three 


176  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

years  engaged  in  teaching  school  in  the  winter  months,  sjiending  a  year  as  teaclier 
of  a  rural  school  and  two  years  as  a  teacher  in  Auburn.  Illinois.  It  was  his 
desire,  however,  to  become  a  member  of  the  legal  profession  and  with  this  end 
in  view  he  read  law  in  offices  in  Galesburg  and  Springfield.  He  was  admitted  to 
practice  at  JMount  \'ernon.  Illinois,  in  August,  1892,  and  immediately  afterward 
came  to  Peoria.  Here  he  entered  into  partnership  with  Lysander  Cassidy,  un- 
der the  firm  style  of  Cassidy  &  Sucher  and  together  they  so  continued  until  Mr. 
Sucher  was  called  to  the  office  of  police  magistrate,  which  he  filled  from  1S95 
until  1903.  He  made  a  creditable  record  in  that  position  and  on  his  retirement 
he  formed  a  partnership  with  Joseph  Wilhelm,  who  is  now  deceased.  Mr. 
Sucher  has  not  only  been  active  in  the  practice  of  law  but  has  also  been  a  recog- 
nized leader  in  local  political  circles.  In  1904  he  was  the  candidate  of  his  party 
for  the  ofifice  of  state  senator.  He  was  declared  elected  but  the  election  was 
contested  and  early  in  1905  the  contest  was  decided  in  favor  of  his  opponent.  He 
served  as  assistant  city  attorney  under  \V.  H.  Moore.  In  1909  he  formed  his 
present  law  partnership  with  C.  E.  McXemar,  and  in  the  spring  of  191 1,  upon  the 
expiration  of  ^Nlr.  Moore's  term  as  city  attorney,  he,  too,  entered  the  firm,  under 
the  present  style  of  Sucher,  McNemar  &  Moore.  They  conduct  a  general  law 
practice  and  are  accorded  a  fair  share  of  the  litigation  held  in  the  courts  of  tht 
district. 

Mr.  Sucher  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Clara  Gunn,  of  Putnam  county, 
Illinois,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  four  children.  Bertha.  Jocoli,  Ralph  and 
Robert.  Mr.  Sucher  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  to  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  lodge.  Outside  of  the  strict  path  of  his  profession,  however,  he  has 
been  most  active  in  political  circles,  especially  in  connection  with  local  govern- 
ment. He  has  always  stood  on  the  side  of  progress  and  improvement  and  he 
took  a  very  prominent  part  in  the  contest  for  the  commission  form  of  govern- 
ment in  Peoria  in  the  spring  of  191 1.  He  believes  that  political  power  should 
be  exercised  for  the  benefit  of  the  people  at  large  and  not  in  favor  of  a  certain 
class  and  has  done  all  in  his  power  to  further  good  government  in  city  affairs. 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  HARRY  HALL. 

Whatever  success  came  to  Captain  John  H.  Hall  in  his  long  and  well  spent 
life  was  the  merited  reward  of  his  earnest  and  persistent  labor,  for  he  started  out 
empty-handed,  earning  his  own  living  from  an  early  age.  He  became  one  of 
Peoria's  pioneers  and  was  always  interested  in  her  welfare  and  upbuilding.  His 
spirit  of  patriotism  was  manifest  too  when,  at  the  alarm  of  war,  he  offered 
his  services  to  the  government  in  defense  of  the  L'nion. 

He  was  born  in  Pittslnirg,  Pennsylvania,  May  12,  1828,  a  son  of  Captain  Wil- 
liam A.  and  Prudence  (Spaulding)  Hall,  who  were  natives  of  Connecticut  and 
became  pioneer  residents  of  Chicago,  Illinois,  traveling  overland  in  1822,  and 
taking  up  their  abode  in  the  tiny  hamlet  which  was  known  as  Fort  Dearborn. 
There  occurred  the  birth  of  their  eldest  child  on  the  12th  of  June,  1823,  and  it  is 
believed  that  this  is  the  first  white  child  born  in  Chicago.  The  little  daughter 
grew  to  womanhood  and  became  the  wife  of  Auren  Garrett  of  Peoria.  In  1824 
the  parents  left  the  frontier  Illinois  town  and  returned  westward  as  far  as  Cha- 
grin Falls,  Ohio.  A  year  later  they  took  up  their  abode  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  they  resided  until  1829.  That  year  witnessed  the  establishment  of 
their  home  in  Cincinnati,  Oliio,  and  in  1833  they  came  to  Peoria,  arriving  on  the 
1st  of  September.  They  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  here.  The  town  con- 
tained only  a  few  inhabitants.  The  Black  Hawk  war  had  occurred  the  previous 
year,  settling  forever  the  question  of  Indian  supremacy  in  this  state.  However, 
there  were  still  many  evidences  of  Indian  occupancy  in  Illinois,  and  only  the 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  H.  HALL 


« 


HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY  179 

southern  section  of  the  state  was  at  all  thickly  populated.  To  the  north  lay  great 
uninhabited  and  unimproved  prairies,  save  that  here  and  there  a  little  settlement 
had  been  established,  constituting  the  nucleus  of  the  great,  enterprising  cities  of 
the  present  day.  The  Hall  family  bore  their  part  in  the  hardships,  trials  and  pri- 
vations of  pioneer  life,  and  contributed  to  the  early  development  and  progress 
here.  The  mother,  Mrs.  Prudence  Hall,  died  in  1852,  but  the  father  long  surviv- 
ing her,  passed  away  .August  11,  1881,  having  for  almost  a  half  century  been  a 
resident  of  this  city. 

Captain  Hall  pursued  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria,  and  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  years  began  clerking  in  the  drug  store  of  Tucker  &  Mansfield 
with  whom  he  remained  for  four  years.  He  afterward  went  to  St.  Louis  and  be- 
came salesman  in  the  employ  of  Charles  &  Blow,  druggists.  A  year  later,  how- 
ever, he  became  a  clerk  on  boats  plying  between  St.  Louis  and  New  Orleans,  con- 
tinuing in  that  work  until  1849,  at  which  time  attracted  Jjy  the  discovery  of  gold 
in  California,  he  started  for  the  Pacific  coast,  hoping  to  win  a  fortune  in  the 
mines.  He  was  one  of  a  party  of  sixteen  who  left  Salt  Lake  City  on  a  trail  over 
which  a  wagon  -had  never  traveled.  They  carried  with  them  forty  days'  rations 
but  were  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  days  in  making  the  trip.  Two  days  before 
reaching  the  great  desert  five  of  the  party,  including  Captain  Hall,  were  sent  as 
a  folorn  hope  to  secure  aid  for  the  others.  This  little  band  almost  starved  to 
death  ere  they  secured  assistance.  They  were  obliged  to  eat  a  crow  and  a  dog 
which  attended  them.  At  length,  however,  they  saw  a  deer  which  they  killed  and 
which  furnished  them  food  until  they  arrived  at  the  mission  at  San  Bernardino, 
California.  From  that  point  they  sent  back  supplies  to  the  others  of  the  party. 
Captain  Hall  did  not  meet  with  the  success  in  the  mines  that  he  had  anticipated 
and  resolved  he  would  depend  upon  the  business  conditions  of  the  middle  west 
for  a  living.  Accordingly  he  started  homeward  by  way  of  Central  America,  pass- 
ing through  Nicaragua.  At  Graytown  he  boarded  an  English  man-of-war  which 
sailed  for  New  Orleans,  and  from  that  point  he  pursued  up  the  Mississippi  and 
Illinois  rivers  to  Peoria.  For  two  years  thereafter  he  engaged  in  farming  and 
then  began  clerking.  In  1S56  he  took  charge  of  the  Springdafe  cemetery,  remain- 
ing in  that  position  until  .August,  1862,  when  he  opened  a  recruiting  station  on 
Adams  street.  On  the  29th  of  the  same  month  he  was  mustered  into  the  Union 
army  as  captain  of  Company  H  of  the  Eighty-sixth  Illinois  Infantry,  and  in  Octo- 
ber the  command  was  sent  to  Louisville,  Kentucky.  On  the  8th  of  the  month  they 
participated  in  the  battle  of  Perrysville.  and  in  September,  1863,  took  part  in  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  They  were  also  in  the  hotly  contested  engagements  at 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  and  in  the  entire  series  of  battles  before 
Atlanta.  After  the  fall  of  that  city  Captain  Hall  and  his  company  marched  with 
Sherman  to  the  sea  and  then  northward  through  the  Carolinas,  participating  in 
the  engagements  at  Averyboro  and  at  Bentonville,  the  latter  being  the  last  battle 
in  which  Captain  Hall  took  part.  He  participated  in  the  grand  review  at  Wash- 
ington on  the  6th  of  June,  1865,  where  thousands  of  victorious  Union  soldiers 
marched  through  the  streets  of  the  capital  and  passed  the  stand  from  which  the 
president  reviewed  the  army. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  Captain  Hall  returned  home  and  resumed  his  position 
in  connection  with  the  Springdale  cemetery,  having  charge  thereof  until  1873.  In 
that  year  he  became  president  and  general  manager  of  the  old  Fort  Clark  Street 
Railway,  continuing  at  its  head  for  many  years,  or  until  a  few  years  prior  to  his 
death,  when  he  retired. 

On  the  i6th  of  March,  1854,  Captain  Hall  was  married  to  Miss  Janet  G.  Cov- 
entry, a  native  of  Scotland,  who  .still  survives.  They  were  the  parents  of  four 
children,  of  whom  two  are  living,  Willis  and  John  D.  The  former  is  married  and 
has  five  children.  Harry,  Howard,  Leslie,  Bernice  and  Murray. 

Captain  Hall  always  gave  his  political  support  to  the  republican  partv  from 
the  time  of  its  formation,  recognizing  that  it  was  not  onlv  the  defense  of  the 
Union  during  the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  war  but  that  it  ever  remained  a  party  of 

Trtl     TT n  ' 


180  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

reform  and  progress.  His  fraternal  relations  were  with  the  Masons  and  the  Odd 
Fellows,  and  the  beneficent  spirit  of  those  organizations  found  exemplification  m 
his  life.'  He  never  sought  to  do  anything  especially  great  or  famous  but  was  con- 
tent to  follow  the  lead  of  his  opportunities,  and  came  in  time  to  a  prominent 
position  among  the  business  men  of  the  city  in  his  connection  with  the  street 
railway.  He  was  ever  as  loyal  and  devoted  in  his  citizenship  as  when  he  followed 
the  old  flag  on  southern  battlefields,  and  the  same  spirit  of  fidelity  characterized 
him  in  every  relation  through  the  long  years  of  an  active  and  useful  life  which 
was  brought  to  a  close  on  the  13th  of  August,  1909,  when  he  had  reached  the  age 
of  eighty-one  years. 

WILLIAM  TRAVIS  IRWIX. 

Throughout  the  greater  part  of  his  professional  career,  which  had  its  begin- 
ning in  his  admission  to  the  bar  in  1881,  William  Travis  Irwin  has  practiced 
in  Peoria  and  has  gained  recognition  as  one  of  the  able  and  learned  lawyers  of 

this  citv. 

The"  careful  preparation  of  his  cases  has  been  one  of  the  strong  and  salient 
features  of  his  success,  together  with  the  recognition  of  the  responsibility  which 
devolves  upon  the  lawyer  in  his  efforts  to  protect  life,  liberty,  right  and  property. 
:Mr.  Irwin  was  born  in  Dayton.  Armstrong  county,  Pennsylvania,  June  i,  1856, 
his  parents  being  Joseph  t.  and  Marv  J.  (Travis)  Irwin.  The  family  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  lineage  on  the  paternal  side,  the  ancestry  being  traced  back  to  Ben- 
jamin Irwin,  the  great-grandfather  who  was  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland.  He 
became  the  leader  of  the  family  to  America,  settling  in  Cumberland  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, where  his  son  and  namesake,  Benjamin  Irwin,  was  born  and  reared. 
There  the  latter  married  Miss  Margaret  Marshall,  a  native  of  Armstrong  county, 
Pennsylvania.  Although  born  under  the  British  flag  Benjamin  Irwin,  Sr.,  be- 
came a  soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  rendered  valiant  aid  to  the  cause  of 
independence.  The  maternal  grandparents  of  William  Irwin  were  William  and 
Jane  Travis,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Indiana  county,  Pennsylvania. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  in  his  parents'  home  William  T.  Irwin  began 
his  education  in  tlie  public  schools  of  his  native  town  and  afterward  entered  the 
Glade  Run  Academy  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1878.  Dur- 
ing vacation  periods  he  assisted  his  father  in  the  work  of  the  home  farm,  and 
when  his  educational  training  was  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  win  a  certificate  he 
took  up  the  profession  of  teaching  in  the  graded  schools  of  Dayton,  and  in  1879 
came  to  Illinois,  where  he  began  the  study  of  law  with  Judge  .Alfred  Sample,  at 
Paxton.  Ford  county.  His  preliminary  reading  was  thorough  and  comprehensive 
and  enabled  him  to  successfully  pass  examination  which  won  him  admission  to 
the  bar  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  in  May.  1881.  In  the  succeeding  autumn  he  came 
to  Peoria,  and  for  more  than  thirty  years  has  practiced  in  the  courts  of  this  city 
and  district.  He  entered  into  partnership  here  with  Judge  J.  W.  Cochran,  and 
the  association  was  maintained  until  Judge  Cochran  removed  to  Fargo,  North 
Dakota.  Mr.  Irwin  then  practiced  alone  until  1896,  when  he  formed  a  partner- 
ship with  W.  I.  Slemmons.  His  preparation  of  his  cases  is  thorough  and  ex- 
haustive, his  presentation  of  his  cause  clear,  forcible  and  logical.  He  is  seldom 
if  ever  at  fault  in  the  citation  of  principle  or  precedent,  and  the  strength  of  his 
defense  is  found  in  his  correct  application  of  legal  principles  to  the  point  at  issue. 
In  1891  he  was  elected  city  attorney  of  Peoria  and  was  reelected  two  years  later, 
notwithstanding  that  he  was  a  republican  candidate  in  a  city  which  usually  gives 
a  strong  democratic  majority.  The  vote  given  him  was  indeed  complimentary 
to  his  popularity  and  to  the  confidence  reposed  in  his  ability,  and  his  record  in 
office  is  one  which  gained  for  him  high  encomiums. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  181 

On  the  1st  of  June,  1880,  ^Lr.  Irwin  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Ida  M. 
W'oodrutT,  a  daughter  of  Nelson  L.  Woodruff.  Air.  Irwin  was  called  upon  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  his  w'ife,  who  passed  away  in  Peoria,  on  the  7th  of  August, 
1899,  leaving  one  son,  Joseph  W". 

Air.  Irwin  has  long  been  a  faithful  memlier  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and 
the  principles  which  govern  his  conduct  are  further  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he 
has  attained  the  thirty-third  degree  in  Alasonry.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  fraternity,  and  enjoys  the  highest  regard  of  his  brethren  in 
those  orders.  He  is  always  interested  in  matters  of  progressive  citizenship  and 
is  a  cooperant  factor  in  many  projects  for  the  general  good,  yet  he  regards  the 
practice  of  law  as  his  real  life  work,  and  in  his  chosen  field  of  labor  has  won 
continuous  advancement  through  merit  and  ability  which  has  placed  him  with 
the  leadin"-  lawvers  of  Peoria. 


G.  L.  A\'ERY. 


G.  L.  Avery  occupies  a  position  of  leadership  as  a  representative  of  industrial 
activity  in  Peoria,  being  secretary  of  the  Avery  Company,  owning  and  controlling 
one  of  the  most  extensive  manufacturing  plants  in  this  city.  It  is  true  that  he 
entered  upon  a  business  already  established,  but  he  has  contributed  to  its  en- 
largement and  to  its  successful  management  and  today  there  is  no  resident  of 
Peoria  who  occupies  a  more  honorable  or  enviable  position  in  trade  circles  here. 
He  has  proven  his  worth  in  every  connection,  has  learned  the  lessons  which 
each  day  brings  and  has  used  the  knowledge  thus  acquired  for  the  furtherance 
of  a  business  which  is  a  feature  in  the  general  prosperity  as  well  as  in  individual 
success.  Air.  Avery  was  born  in  Galesburg,  Knox  county,  Illinois,  in  1879,  and 
is  descended  in  the  eighth  generation  from  Christopher  Avery,  the  ancestral 
line  being  traced  down  through  James,  Thomas,  Abraham,  Nathan,  William 
and  George  to  Cyrus  Alinor  Avery,  his  father.  George  .Avery  was  the  founder 
of  the  family  in  the  west,  establishing  his  home  in  Galesburg  in  1837.  There 
he  built  the  second  house  in  what  was  then  known  as  Log  City,  in  the  midst  of 
a  tract  that  came  to  be  called  the  Avery  farm.  He  married  Saraphena  Princess 
Alary  Phelps,  who  came  to  the  west  with  her  brother  and  mother,  settling  in 
Knoxville,  Illinois,  where  she  married  Air.  Avery.  For  many  years  Air.  Avery 
continued  to  engage  in  general  farming  but  at  length  retired  and  took  up  his 
aliode  within  the  limits  of  Galesburg,  living  on  North  Cherry  street.  There  the 
fruits  of  his  former  toil  supplied  him  with  all  of  the  necessities  and  many  of 
the  comforts  of  life  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  first  of 
January,  1884.  His  wife  also  died  at  the  Cherry  street  home.  They  were  mem- 
bers of  the  First  Congregational  church,  in  the  work  of  which  they  took  active 
and  helpful  part.  Air.  Avery  serving  as  deacon  for  many  years.  His  political 
indorsement  was  given  to  the  republican  party.  In  the  family  were  six  children : 
Robert  H.,  who  died  September  13,  1892;  Mary,  the  wife  of  W.  R.  Butcher, 
Hving  at  Roodhouse,  Illinois;  John  T.,  who  died  August  11,  1905,  at  Galesburg; 
Cyrus  AI.;  Phoebe  T.,  who  is  living  in  Biloxi,  Ali.ssissippi ;  and  George,  also  of 
Biloxi.  The  first  named  and  his  brother,  Cyrus  M.  Avery,  uncle  and  father  of 
our  subject,  were  the  founders  of  the  business  now  conducted  under  the  name 
of  the  Avery  Company.  Cyrus  AI.  Avery  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of 
Galesburg  and  Knox  College,  and  after  working  with  his  father  on  the  farm  for 
a  time  engaged  in  manufacturing.  It  was  early  in  the  '70s  that  he  joined  his 
brother,  Robert  Hanneman  Avery,  in  the  establishment  of  a  plant  for  the  manu- 
facture of  agricultural  implements  in  Galesburg  under  the  style  of  R.  H.  &  C.  AI. 
Avery.     They  conducted  the  business  there  until  1882,  when  they  removed  their 


182  HiSTUUV  UF  I'EOKIA  COUNTY 

factory  to  Peoria.  The  following  year  the  Avery  Planter  Company  was  or- 
ganized with  a  capital  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Ten  years  afterward 
the  authorized  capital  was  increased  to  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  and 
in  1900  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Avery  jManufacturing  Company,  at  which 
time  the  capital  stock  was  increased  to  one  million  dollars.  After  the  business 
was  incorporated  R.  H.  Avery  became  its  president  and  so  continued  tmtil  his 
death,  which  occurred  on  the  13th  of  September,  1892.  At  that  time  C.  M. 
Avery,  who  was  vice  president,  succeeded  to  the  presidency  and  remained  at 
the  head  of  the  business  until  his  death.  From  the  time  of  the  removal  of  the 
plant  to  Peoria  he  divided  his  time  between  that  city  and  Galesburg.  In  the 
latter  he  was  married,  October  4,  1877,  to  Miss  Minnie  Evalena  Bartholomew, 
who  was  born  at  Elmwood,  Illinois,  February  25,  1856,  and  is  a  daughter  of 
Luzerne  and  Sarah  Elvira  (Payne)  Bartholomew.  They  became  the  parents 
of  five  children:  Elvira  Princess,  born  September  25,  1878;  George  Luzerne; 
Grace  Ophelia,  born  October  8,  1883;  Harriette,  June  20,  1886;  and  Cyrus 
Minor,  May  29,  1899.  The  mother  is  still  a  resident  of  Galesburg  but  the 
father  died  on  the  15th  of  September,  1905.  He  occupied  a  most  honored  and 
prominent  position  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city  and  his  son,  G.  L.  Avery, 
has  followed  in  his  footsteps. 

The  latter  was  largely  reared  in  Peoria  but  was  graduated  from  Knox 
College  at  Galesburg  in  1902.  He  has  since  been  connected  with  the  Avery 
Company  and  is  today  occupying  an  executive  position  as  its  secretary.  After 
his  graduation  in  1902  he  became  connected  with  the  business  as  private  secre- 
tary to  his  father,  who  was  then  president  of  the  company,  and  following  his 
father's  demise  was  appointed  secretary  and  also  was  made  one  of  the  directors 
of  the  company.  His  associate  officers  are :  J.  B.  Bartholomew,  president ;  H.  C. 
Roberts,  vice  president ;  and  Ellwood  Cole,  treasurer.  The  first  two  have  been 
connected  with  the  company  for  thirty-three  consecutive  years  and  the  last  named 
for  three  years,  so  that  the  different  officers  are  thoroughly  acquainted  with 
their  departments  of  the  business.  The  plant  of  the  Avery  Company  covers  a 
total  of  twenty-seven  and  five-hundredths  acres  and  the  main  factory  building, 
together  with  the  various  warehouses,  have  a  total  floor  space  of  six  and  a  half 
acres.  The  various  departments  of  the  factory  are  united  by  an  improved  type 
of  trolley  system  of  the  company's  manufacture  which  greatly  facilitates  the 
rapid  handling  of  both  finished  and  unfinished  goods  at  a  minimum  of  expense. 
That  harmonious  and  notable  relations  exist  between  the  company  and  its  em- 
ployes is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  labor  troubles  are  unknown  in  their  factory. 
The  company  manufactures  steam  and  gasoline  traction  engines,  self-lift  plows, 
traction  steam  shovels,  traction  hauling  wagons,  threshing  machinery  and  all 
its  various  attachments,  mounted  steel  water  tanks,  farm  wagons,  corn  planters, 
riding  and  walking  cultivators,  single  and  double  row  stalk  cutters  and  gaso- 
line tracts — both  farm  and  city.  Their  output  is  sent  to  all  parts  of  the  country 
and  into  foreign  lands  as  well.  They  have  branch  houses  located  at  Omaha, 
Des  Moines,  Kansas  City,  Minneapolis,  St.  Louis,  Indianapolis,  Grand  Forks 
and  Fargo,  North  Dakota,  and  Aberdeen,  South  Dakota.  They  have  a  large 
traveling  force  upon  the  road  and  their  Canadian  trade  is  handled  from  Winni- 
peg. Their  foreign  shipments  go  to  Mexico,  Argentine  Republic,  Brazil,  Russia, 
Austria-Hungary,  the  Philippines,  Portugal,  China,  Sweden,  Cuba  and  Egypt. 
The  foreign  trade  gives  an  outlet  for  much  machinery  at  a  time  when  the  ship- 
ping season  for  the  home  trade  is  lightest.  The  officials  of  the  companv  work 
together  in  the  utmost  harmony  and  their  relation  is  one  of  close  social  as  well 
as  business  interests. 

Mr.  Avery  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Miriam  Hunter,  of  Chillicothe, 
Illinois,  a  daughter  of  E.  F.  Hunter,  and  theirs  is  one  of  the  attractive  and 
hospitable  homes  of  the  city.  Mr.  Avery  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and 
is  recognized  aside   from  other  connections  alreadv  mentioned  as  a   citizen  of 


HISTORY  OF  TF.ORIA  COUNTY  183 

wortli,  cooperating  heartily  and  generously  in  support  of  many  projects  which 
have  constituted  valuable 'features  in  the  city's  growth  and  improvement,  lie 
is  a  broad  and  liberal-minded  man  of  progressive  spirit,  keeping  m  touch  with 
the  tendency  of  the  times  and  always  holding  to  the  high  standards  which  have 
made  the  name  of  Avery  the  synonym  not  only  for  enterprise  but  for  incorrupt- 
ible integrity  in  business  circles. 


HORACE  CLARK. 


I 


Horace  Clark  is  the  secretary  and  general  manager  of  the  Clark  Coal  & 
Coke  Company,  with  offices  on  the  ninth  floor  of  the  Jeft'erson  building.  In 
this  connection  he  is  prominently  identified  with  the  trade  and  business  inter- 
ests of  Peoria,  yet  he  does  not  allow  commercial  affairs  to  monopolize  his  time 
and  energies  to  the  exclusion  of  other  interests  and  duties.  He  takes  an  active 
part  in  jsromoting  the  moral  progress  of  the  city  and  is  now  president  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  He  was  born  in  this  city  July  13,  1863, 
and  is  a  son  of  Horace  and  Mary  (Kingsbury)  Clark.  His  father  was  one  of 
the  early  pioneers  of  eastern  Illinois.  He  came  from  the  state  of  New  York 
and  settled  in  the  town  of  Morton,  in  Tazewell  county,  in  1843.  His  wife  also 
arrived  in  this  city  from  New  York  in  the  same  year.  They  became  acquainted 
at  Morton  and  were  there  married,  and  in  t86i  they  removed  from  Tazewell 
county  to  Peoria.  Here  the  father  established  the  Horace  Clark  &  Sons  Com- 
pany, owners  of  flour  mills,  in  1862.  This  is  today  one  of  the  leading  concerns 
of  the  kind  in  the  county,  o\yning  and  operating  an  elevator  and  flour  mills  in 
the  conduct  of  a  growing  business  that  is  already  extensive  in  its  proportions 
and  profitable  in  its  sales.  Of  this  company,  Horace  Clark,  whose  name  intro- 
duces this  review,  is  now  secretary.  The  father  died  in  1902,  and  Peoria  thus 
lost  one  of  its  representative,  well  known  and  honored  business  men.  For  a 
long  period  he  survived  his  wife,  who  died  in  1889. 

Their  son,  Horace  Clark,  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  graded 
and  high  schools  here,  being  graduated  from  the  latter  with  the  class  of  1882. 
He  then  went  east  to  continue  his  education  and  was  a  member  of  the  Dart- 
mouth College  class  of  1886.  When  his  college  days  were  over  he  returned  to 
Peoria  and  for  five  years  thereafter  was  a  traveling  salesman  in  the  employ  of 
Clark,  Quien  &  Morse,  a  firm  which  has  recently  changed  its  name  to  the  Clark- 
Smith  Hardware  Company,  of  which  his  brother,  Charles  D.  Clark,  is  the  presi- 
dent. On  severing  his  connection  with  that  house  Horace  Clark  organized  the 
Clark  Coal  &  Coke  Company,  of  which  he  is  the  secretary  and  general  manager. 
They  have  offices  on  the  ninth  floor  of  the  Jefferson  building  and  they  operate 
the  Fmiiire  mines  west  of  Peoria,  on  the  Minneapolis  &  .St.  Fouis  Railroad,  and 
handle  the  output  of  many  other  mines.  In  fact  they  have  branches  all  over 
the  middle  west  and  their  business  is  one  of  notable  magnitude.  Since  the  estab- 
lishment and  incorporation  of  the  business  in  April,  1892,  it  has  grown  continu- 
ously under  the  capable  management  and  active  control  of  its  founder.  It  was 
in  1901  that  the  company  opened  the  Empire  mines  west  of  Peoria,  where  they 
have  about  twentv-threc  hundred  acres  of  the  best  coal  land  in  the  state,  and 
employ  three  hundred  and  fifty  miners.  The  officers  of  the  company  are: 
George  C.  Clark,  president ;  Charles  D.  Clark,  vice  president :  Horace  Clark, 
secretary  and  general  manager ;  and  George  Arthur  Clark,  a  nephew,  treasurer. 

In  1887  occurred  the  marriage  of  Horace  Clark  and  Miss  Jennie  M.  Robin,son. 
a  dau.^hter  of  E.  J.  Robinson,  of  Brimfield,  Illinois.  Mrs.  Clark  was  born  and 
reared  in  Peoria  county,  and  by  this  marriage  there  are  two  children,  Thomas 
and  Robert.     ^Ir.  Clark  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  also  of  the 


18i  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Country  Club,  and  is  well  known  socially.  Outside  of  his  business,  however, 
his  greatest  activity  is  perhaps  in  the  line  of  the  Young  .Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation work  and  he  is  now  president  of  the  Peoria  organization.  In  this  his 
labors  are  very  elTective.  He  realizes  the  necessity  of  proper  environment  for 
young  men  at'  the  critical  period  of  their  lives  and  is  doing  all  in  his  power 
through  organized  effort  to  surround  them  with  such  interests,  advantages  and 
opportunities  as  will  awaken  in  them  an  earnest  and  masterful  desire  for  the 
best  physical,  mental  and  moral  development.  His  business  activities  and  his 
labors  along  this  line  constitute  well  balanced  forces  in  his  life. 


FRIEDRICH  STREIBICH. 

Among  the  prominent  German-American  citizens  of  Peoria  was  Friedrich 
Streibich.  He  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  on  June  12,  1827,  a  son  of  Joseph 
Streibich,  and  on  coming  to  America  in  1847  made  his  way  to  Peoria,  then  a 
young  man  of  twenty  years.  Here  he  improved  his  opportunities  for  advance- 
ment and  in  1850  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  while  the  following  year  he  be- 
came proprietor  of  the  William  Tell  House  which  he  conducted  until  1853.  In 
that  year  he  built  the  Washington  House  which  he  managed  until  1857  when  he 
sold  out  and  built  the  summer  resort  at  the  corner  of  Smith  and  McReynolds 
streets.  At  that  place  he  continued  until  1865  when  he  established  vineyards 
and  a  wine  garden  at  1006  Moss  avenue.  This  became  a  popular  resort  and 
speedily  proved  to  be  a  very  profitable  enterprise.  Mr.  Streibich  possessed  the 
native  characteristics  of  the  German  race — thrift  and  diligence — and  so  con- 
ducted and  managed  his  aiifairs  as  to  win  success.  He  understood  the  German 
people  and  their  desires  and  gave  to  them  a  resort  that  was  attractive  to  all  his 
nationality. 

In  Peoria,  on  the  loth  of  June,  1851,  ^h.  Streibich  was  married  to  Miss 
Sarah  Bauer,  and  they  became  "the  parents  of  four  children,  Joseph,  Francisca, 
Frederick  F.  and  Tohn  C.  i^Ir.  Streibich  was  for  many  years  a  Mason  and  one 
of  the  first  members  of  Schiller  lodge.  He  gave  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
democratic  partv,  studying  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day  with  the  result 
that  his  ballot  gave  indorsement  to  democratic  principles.  He  never  had  occasion 
to  regret  his  determination  to  come  to  the  new  world  for  here  he  found  the  op- 
portunities which  he  sought  and  which  he  improved  as  the  years  passed  by, 
gaining  at  length  a  creditable  position  among  the  substantial  residents  of  his 
adopted  city. 


]MRS.  ELLEX   (BARKER)  IMcROBERTS. 

Mrs.  Ellen  (Barker)  McRoberts  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  this 
volume,  for  her  entire  life  has  been  passed  in  Peoria,  and  she  has  been  for  many 
years  a  leading  figure  in  social  circles.  She  was  born  in  this  city  October  29,  1843, 
a  daughter  of  Gardner  Thurston  and  Helen  (White)  Barker.  Her  father  came 
to  this  city  in  1838,  casting  in  his  lot  with  the  pioneer  settlers  of  a  tiny  town 
that  was  destined  to  rise  to  greatness  owing  to  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Barker  and  his 
business  associates  and  contemporaries.  He  stood  as  a  splendid  type  of  all  that  is 
admirable  in  citizenship  and  in  manhood  and  a  tribute  to  his  worth  and  his  memory 
is  to  lie  found  on  another  page  of  this  volume. 

■Mrs.  McRoberts  was  sent  to  the  east  to  continue  her  education,  begun  in  the 
schools  of  Peoria,  pursuing  a  course  of  study  at  Maplewood  in  Pittsfield,  Massa- 
chusetts.    She  then  returned  to  her  parents'  home  in  Peoria.    Here  in  early  worn- 


M1!S.    EIJ.KX    llAKKKi;    McROBERTS 


j 

I 


'w 

C01 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  187 

anhiiod  Iicr  liaiul  was  sought  in  marriage  by  William  AIcRohcrts,  a  native  of 
Ireland,  who  was  born  near  Belfast,  in  Aug;ust,  1824.  His  father,  William  .Me- 
Roheris,  Sr.,  was  also  a  native  of  the  Emerald  isle.  William  ]\IcRoberts.  Jr., 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  early  manhood,  making  his  way  to  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  where  he  secured  a  situation  in  the  distillery  of  Boyle,  Miller  &  Company. 
From  a  comparatively  obscure  beginning  he  worked  his  way  u]nvard,  advancing 
through  intermediate  ]iositions  until  he  was  at  length  admitted  to  a  partnership, 
having  in  the  meantime  gained  a  masterful  knowledge  of  the  distilling  business. 
Following  his  marriage  he  became  a  partner  of  his  father-in-law.  Clardner  Thurs- 
ton Barker,  in  the  distilling  business  and  so  continued  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  January,  1876.  He  left  to  his  widow  the  care  of  two  young  sons, 
\\'illiam  Gardner  and  Walter.  The  former  is  a  graduate  of  Cornell  University 
and  is  now  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  in  Peoria,  while  the  latter  is  well  known 
as  a  traveler  and  author.  Mrs.  McRoherts  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of  the 
American  Revolution  and  her  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Episcopal  church.  She 
has  a  verv  wide  aci|uaintance  in  Peoria  and  is  esteemed  by  all  who  know  her. 
The  work  of  her  father  and  her  husband  has  connected  her  closely  with  the  city's 
development  and  she  has  felt  a  keen  personal  interest  in  all  that  has  pertained  to 
its  progress  and  prosperity.  Moreover,  she  has  been  a  witness  of  many  of  the 
events  which  have  shaped  its  history  and  she  has  done  not  a  little  to  mold  and 
maintain  its  high  social  standard.  Her  own  home  has  ever  been  the  abode  of 
warm-hearted  hospitality  and  good  cheer,  its  doors  ever  being  open  for  the  recep- 
tion of  her  man\'  friends. 


C.  E.  McXEMAR. 


The  legal  profession  of  Peoria  finds  a  worthy  representative  in  C.  E.  Mc- 
Nemar,  who  is  practicing  as  a  member  of  the  well  known  firm  of  Sucher,  Mc- 
Nemar  iX:  Moore.  He  has  been  identified  with  the  Peoria  bar  since  the  fall  of 
1902,  at  which  time  he  was  admitted  to  practice.  Still  a  young  man.  he  has 
before  him  a  successful  future  if  we  argue  by  what  he  has  accomplished  in 
the  past.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  \IcLean  county,  Illinois,  about  eight- 
een miles  north  of  Bloomington,  on  the  i8th  of  August,  1877,  his  parents  being 
C.  J.  W.  and  Mary  (  Pirtle )  McXemar.  The  father  was  a  farmer,  and  amid 
the  environments  of  rural  life  the  son  was  reared.  He  early  began  assisting 
in  the  work  on  the  farm,  and  throughout  the  school  year  pursued  his  education 
until  graduating  from  the  Iiigh  school  of  Gridley.  He  afterward  continued  his 
education  in  the  high  school  of  Lexington,  Blinois,  of  which  he  is  also  a  graduate, 
and  then  entered  the  Eureka  College  at  Eureka,  Illinois,  where  he  completed  a 
course  of  study,  receiving  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Science.  He  then  became 
a  student  in  the  law  school  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  which  institution  he 
entered  in  the  fall  of  189(3  and  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1902.  He  had 
determined  to  make  the  jiractice  of  law  his  life  work,  and  with  this  end  in  view 
he  pursued  a  very  thorough  course  of  study  and  bent  every  energy  toward  the 
mastery  of  the  principles  of  jurisprudence,  that  he  might  thus  become  well 
equipped  for  the  onerous  and  responsible  duties  of  the  profession.  In  the  fall 
following  his  graduation  he  entered  upon  active  practice  in  Peoria,  and  for 
six  months  was  associated  with  the  firm  of  Sheen  &  Miller.  At  the  expiration 
of  that  period  he  became  assistant  state's  attorney  under  W.  V.  TeiTt,  filling  the 
position  until  the  end  of  Mr.  Teflft's  term  of  office.  He  also  practiced  law  with 
Mr.  Teft't  for  about  a  year  and  was  assistant  city  attorney  for  a  year.  At  the 
end  of  that  time  he  became  associated  with  George  T.  Page  and  S.  D.  Wead, 
with  whom  he  continued  for  three  years.  In  1907  he  formed  his  present  part- 
nership with  George  Sucher.  and  on  the  ist  of  May,  191 1,  Mr.  Moore  entered  the 


188  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

firm,  leading  to  the  adoption  o£  the  present  hrni  style  of  Sucher,  McXeniar  li 
Moore.  They  are  now  well  established  in  practice  and  their  business  is  con- 
tinually growing  in  volume  and  importance.  The  labors  of  one  are  supple- 
mented and  rounded  out  by  the  ef^^orts  of  the  others  and  they  are  thus  well  pre- 
pared to  take  charge  of  all  kinds  of  law  practice  and  win  success  in  the  different 
fields  of  jurisprudence.  Mr.  McXemar  has  never  feared  that  laborious  atten- 
tion to  office  work  which  must  precede  the  strong  and  forcible  presentation  of 
a  case  in  court.  He  is  ever  ready  for  defense  as  well  as  attack,  and  the  strength 
of  his  argument  results  from  his  careful  analysis  and  his  logical  reasoning 
combined  with  ability  to  accurately  apply  the  principles  of  the  law. 

In  1906  Mr.  jNIcXemar  was  married  to  Miss  M.  H.  Bower,  of  Manton,  Mich- 
igan. They  are  well  known  socially  in  the  city  where  thev  reside  and  Mr.  Mc- 
Xemar is  a  worthy  representative  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  which  he  has 
attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  rite.  He  is  also  a  member  of 
the  ]\Iystic  Shrine,  and  in  his  life  exemplifies  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft. 
He  also  holds  membership  in  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Knights  of  Khoras- 
san,  and  has  held  all  the  offices  in  both.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  the  World  and  enjoys  the  high  regard  of  his  brethren  of  this  or- 
ganization. He  possesses  a  genial  nature  which  makes  him  popular,  while  his 
laudable  ambition  and  earnest  efforts  have  gained  him  prominence  in  the  profes- 
sion where  advancement  depends  solely  upon  individual  merit. 


H.  C.  ROBERTS. 


The  leaders  are  few.  The  great  majority  of  men  are  content  to  follow  in 
the  paths,  that  others  have  marked  out.  Only  here  and  there  is  found  one  who 
has  the  initiative  to  venture  beyond  the  point  that  others  have  reached  and 
branch  out  into  broader  fields  where  favoring  opportunity  leads  the  way.  H.  C. 
Roberts,  however,  is  one  whose  even-paced  energy  and  sound  judgment  have 
brought  him  into  prominent  business  relations  and  in  enlarging  the  scope  of  the 
great  productive  industry  with  which  he  is  connected  he  has  shown  much  of  the 
pioneer  spirit  in  formulating  new  plans  which  with  the  assistance  of  his  fellow 
officers  he  has  been  able  to  carry  forward  to  successful  completion  in  the  con- 
trol and  management  of  the  Avery  Company,  of  which  he  is  the  vice  president. 
Theirs  is  the  leading  manufacturing  plant  of  Peoria  devoted  to  the  building  of 
farm  implements  and  traction  engines.  Mr.  Roberts  entered  into  active  con- 
nection with  this  business  as  an  employe,  Ijut  gradually  worked  his  way  upward 
until  long  since  he  has  had  voice  in  its  management. 

He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Henry  county.  Illinois,  in  1857.  His  father, 
N.  K.  Roberts,  became  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war  and  was  one  of  the  thousands 
that  marched  to  the  scene  of  conflict.  The  boy  went  to  live  with  his  grand- 
father who  was  a  prominent  farmer  of  Henry  county  and  there  spent  his  boy- 
hood days,  attending  the  country  schools  and  meeting  with  such  experiences  as 
usually  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  lad  who  is  reared  on  the  farm.  He  started  out  for 
himself,  eager  to  make  his  way  in  the  world,  and  practically  his  first  steady  posi- 
tion was  with  R.  H.  &  C.  M.  Avery,  then  located  in  Galesburg,  given  over  to 
the  manufacture  of  farm  implements  and  agricultural  machinery.  He  began 
work  in  the  erection  shop  and  later  went  upon  the  road  as  an  expert,  being  sent 
all  over  the  country  to  demonstrate  and  put  in  operation  the  machinery  which 
was  made  by  them  at  that  time.  Subsequently  he  went  upon  the  road  as  a  sales- 
man and  occupied  that  position  for  about  twenty  years,  making  good  at  every 
point.  He  was  afterward  promoted  to  the  position  of  sales  manager  and  in  1905 
becaiue  vice  president  of  the  company.  The  business  was  established  by  R. 
H.  and  C.  ]\I.  Avery  at  Galesburg  but  after  some  years  was  removed  to  Peoria 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  189 

where  it  lias  steadily  i;ri)\vn.  The  plant  has  been  enlarged  from  time  to  time 
and  is  a  most  extensive  one,  covering  twenty-seven  acres  with  six  and  a  half 
acres  of  floor  space  in  its  principal  buildings.  It  is  thoroughly  equipped  with 
the  latest  improved  machinery  and  is  now  devoted  to  the  manufacture  of  farm 
implements  and  traction  engines,  in  which  connection  employment  is  furnished 
to  twelve  hundred  skilled  mechanics.  It  was  in  Deceniljer,  1879.  tli'it  Mr. 
Roberts  first  became  connected  with  the  company,  little  dreaming  then  that  he 
would  one  day  be  one  of  its  chief  executive  officers,  yet  ambitious  at  all  times 
to  progress.  He  soon  proved  his  worth,  demonstrated  his  ability  and  by  reason 
of  his  faithfulness  and  able  service  worked  his  way  steadily  upward. 

In  1892  Mr.  Roberts  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella  L.  Robinson,  who 
was  born  in  Brimfield,  Peoria  county.  They  have  two  children,  Helen  and  jud- 
son  Edwin.  Mr.  Roberts  is  a  member  of  the  ]\Iasonic  fraternity  and  exempli- 
fies in  his  life  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft.  He  has  been  president  of  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club  of  Peoria,  the  leading  social  organization  of  the  city,  and  he 
belongs  also  to  the  Peoria  Country  Club,  the  Illinois  N'alley  Yacht  Club,  the 
Chicago  Automobile  Club  and  the  Peoria  .Automobile  Club,  now  serving  as  the 
president  of  the  last  named.  He  is  furthermore  connected  in  membership  re- 
lations with  the  First  Congregational  church  of  Peoria  and  he  never  promotes 
business  interests  at  the  sacrifice  of  his  obligations  to  citizenship.  On  the  con- 
trary he  finds  time  and  opportunity  for  cooperation  in  those  things  which  foster 
the  intellectual,  social  and  moral  progress  of  the  city  and  within  his  extensive 
circle  of  friends  is  held  in  the  higliest  esteem.  It  is  said,  however,  that  the  in- 
dividual may  best  be  judged  bv  the  way  in  which  he  treats  those  below  him  in 
the  social  scale.  If  judgment  is  passed  upon  Mr.  Roberts  in  this  connection  the 
\cr(lict  will  be  one  which  establishes  him  in  even  a  higher  position  in  public 
regard.  It  is  well  known  that  the  Avery  Company  is  not  only  just  but  gener- 
ous in  its  treatment  of  its  employes,  which  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  labor 
troubles  are  an  unknown  thing  in  their  factories.  The  humblest  employe  may 
approach  Mr.  Roberts  with  the  certainty  of  securing  a  courteous  hearing  and 
the  greater  part  of  his  employes  he  can  call  by  name.  He  is  a  man  of  strong 
and  forceful  individuality  who  has  left  and  is  leaving  the  impress  of  his  per- 
sonality  upon   the  commercial   and   industrial   development   of   this   city. 


GEORGE  W.  CAMPBELL. 

Among  the  younger  members  of  the  Peoria  bar  who  have  attained  success 
is  (ieorge  W.  Campbell,  who  is  now  practicing  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Covey, 
Campbell  &  Covey,  with  which  he  has  been  identified  since  December,  1910. 
He  has,  however,  practiced  law  in  Peoria  since  1900,  or  the  year  following  his 
admission  to  the  bar.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  five  miles  west  of  Belvidere, 
in  Boone  county,  Illinois,  February  11,  1874.  and  is  a  son  of  George  \V.  and 
Charity  (\\'akefield)  Campbell,  who  were  farming  people,  and  upon  the  home 
farm  the  son  spent  his  boyhood  and  youth.  He  supplemented  his  education 
acf|uired  in  the  country  schools  by  study  in  the  high  .school  at  North  Belvidere, 
from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1891.  He  afterward  engaged  in 
teaching  for  a  year  in  the  country  schools  but,  still  ambitious  for  other  educa- 
tion, he  entered  the  Beloit  College  at  Beloit,  Wisconsin,  where  he  took  up  the 
study  of  Latin  and  Greek.  He  afterward  spent  a  year  in  the  L^niversity  of 
Illinois,  pursuing  the  literary  course,  and  with  this  Ijroad  foundation  upon  which 
to  build  the  superstructure  of  his  professional  learning  entered  upon  the  study 
of  law  in  Belvidere  in  the  office  of  the  Hon.  Charles  E.  Fuller,  member  of  con- 
gress. He  was  also  associated  with  the  firm  of  Covev  &  Covey  in  Peoria  for 
a  year,  devoting  his  evening  hours  to  the  study  of  law,  after  which  he  returned 


190  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  Belvidere  and  spent  another  year  as  a  law  student  in  the  office  of  Congress- 
man Fuller.  He  then  successfully  passed  the  examination  in  Chicago  which 
secured  hmi  admission  to  the  bar  in  May,  1899.  For  a  year  thereatter  ne  prac- 
ticed in  Belvidere  and  then  came  to  Peoria  where  he  has  remained  continuously 
since  1900.  He  was  associated  with  the  Covey  brothers  from  1900  until  1904 
and  then  opened  an  office  in  the  Young  IMen's  Christian  Association  building 
which  he  shared  with  Congressman  Joseph  \'.  Graff.  After  several  years  he 
took  offices  in  the  Jefferson  building  and  practiced  there  until  he  entered  the 
present  firm  of  Covey.  Campbell  &  Covey  in  December.  19 10.  with  offices  in 
the  W'oolner  building. 

In  June,  1909,  Air.  Campbell  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss  Mary  C.  Clark, 
of  Peoria,  and  they  are  well  known  socially  in  this  city,  their  circle  of  friends 
continuously  increasing.  Mr.  Campbell  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and 
other  social  organizations.  He  is  recognized  as  a  rising  young  attorney,  well 
known  and  well  liked  in  Peoria,  and  his  increasing  professional  ability  is  in- 
dicated bv  a  growing  practice  which  in  later  years  has  connected  him  with 
much  of  the  important  litigation  tried  in  the  courts  of  this  district. 


RUFUS  A.  DU  MARS,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Rufus  A.  Du  Mars,  physician  and  surgeon,  who  has  practiced  in  Peoria 
continuously  since  1877,  was  born  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania,  about  live 
miles  east  of  Harrisburg,  on  the  6th  of  December,  1849,  ^  son  of  G.  W.  Du  Mars. 
His  mother  died  when  he  was  only  a  year  old,  after  which  the  father  married 
Sarah  Ainsworth  Allen  who,  indeed,  filled  a  mother's  place  in  her  care  for,  at- 
tention to  and  love  of  the  boy,  who  could  have  no  deeper  or  more  filial  affection 
for  an  own  mother.  He  was  five  years  of  age  when  the  father  removed  with 
his  family  to  Illinois  with  Peoria  county  as  his  destination.  He  settled  upon 
a  farm  in  Logan  township  and  there  Dr.  Du  Mars  was  reared,  early  becoming 
familiar  with  all  the  experiences  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  boy.  He  at- 
tended the  country  schools  and  in  the  further  pursuit  of  his  education  afterward 
entered  the  W'esleyan  University  at  Bloomington,  Illinois,  in  which  he  spent 
four  years.  He  then  took  up  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  Frye,  who  directed 
his  reading  for  some  time  and  afterward  admitted  him  to  a  partnership,  their 
business  and  professional  connections  continuing  until  the  death  of  his  erst- 
while preceptor.  Following  the  demise  of  Dr.  F'rye,  Dr.  Du  Mars  began  practice 
independently.  He  pursued  his  reading  with  Dr.  Frye  in  1874  and  1875  and  at 
the  same  time  attended  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  at  Philadelphia.  In  the 
following  year  he  entered  the  Medical  College  at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  1876.  He  then  returned  to  the  University  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  completed  the  medical  course  in  that  institution  in  1877.  Imme- 
diately afterward  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  has  since  been  numbered  among 
the  capable  and  successful  general  practitioners  here.  Dr.  Du  Alars  has  been 
for  the  past  thirty-five  years  on  the  medical  staff'  of  St.  Francis  Hospital  and 
for  the  past  thirty-one  years  has  been  physician  and  surgeon  for  the  Peoria  & 
Pekin  Union  Railroad  and  is  at  present  District  Surgeon  for  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  Railroad.  His  ability  enables  him  to  quickly  solve  the  intricate 
problems  which  confront  the  physician.  He  is  most  careful  in  the  diagnosis  of 
his  cases  and  his  judgment  is  seldom,  if  ever,  at  fault  in  determining  the  out- 
come of  disease.  He  now  enjoys  a  large  practice  and  is  the  beloved  family 
physician  in  many  of  Peoria's  best  households. 

In  this  city,  in  1879,  Dr.  Du  Mars  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nellie  B. 
Frye,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  C.  Frye,  who  established  his  home  in  Peoria  in  1834. 
Three   children  have  been   born   of   this  marriage:   Eliza    Sterling,    who   is   the 


DR.  R.  A.  and  DR.  E.  C.  TiV  MARS 


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HISTORY  OI'  I'KORIA  COUNTY  193 

widow  of  Frank  C.  Bourscheide ;  Dr.  Eliot  C,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  W'asli- 
ington  University  of  St.  Louis  and  practices  medicine  with  his  father :  and 
Fahian  R.,  who  is  residing  in  Chicago. 

Dr.  Du  ilars  is  a  member  of  the  ]\Iasonic  order  and  also  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  He  belongs  to  the  Crave  Coeur  Club  and  his  professional  connections 
are  with  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society  and  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society. 
His  religious  views  are  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Second  Presbyterian 
church.  He  served  as  health  commissioner  of  Peoria  during  the  administration 
of  Mayor  Miles.  Thirty-five  years'  residence  in  this  city  has  made  him  very 
ividely  known  and  his  upright  "life  has  gained  for  him  the  respect  and  good-will 
of  the  general  public,  while  his  methods  of  practice  and  his  conscientious  service 
have  won  for  him  the  un(|ualified  regard  of  his  professional  brethren. 


FRANK  P.  LEWIS. 


Frank  P.  Lewis,  a  cigar  manufacturer  of  Peoria,  who  has  engaged  in  this 
line  of  business  since  1880  and  has  conducted  his  Peoria  establishment  since 
1885,  ranks  today  as  a  most  prominent  and  valuable  re])resentative  of  industrial 
activity  in  this  city.  Along  well  defined  lines  of  trade  and  ctMiimerce  he  has 
developed  the  second  largest  cigar  factory  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  the  enterprise 
being  the  visible  and  tangible  evidence  of  his  well  defined  and  carefully  executed 
plans. 

Mr.  Lewis  is  a  native  of  Portland,  Oregon,  his  birth  having  occurred  on 
the  Pacific  coast  on  the  25th  of  January,  i860.  His  father  was  the  Rev.  Wil- 
liam S.  Lewis,  a  missionary  and  presiding  elder  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  of  I\irtland,  where  he  died  in  1865.  His  wife  bore  the  maiden  name  of 
Julia  Pierce  and  following  her  husband's  death  she  returned  to  the  ^Iississip])i 
valley,  accompanied  by  her  son  Frank,  establishing  her  home  in  Havana,  Illinois. 
Jt  was  there  that  the  subject  of  this  review  was  reared  and  the  local  schools 
afforded  him  his  educational  privileges.  After  leaving  school  he  learned  the 
cigarmaker's  trade  in  that  city  and  when  he  felt  that  his  experience  and  capital 
were  sutificient  to  justify  the  step  he  opened  a  factory  on  his  own  account  in 
Havana  in  1880.  He  made  cigars  and  conducted  a  small  cigar  store  and  grad- 
ually worked  his  way  upward  in  that  connection.  For  five  vears  he  continued 
in  business  in  Havana  and  then  sought  the  broader  opportunities  offered  in  the 
larger  city  of  Peoria.  When  he  arrived  here  he  employed  less  than  ten  people. 
In  the  quarter  of  a  century  which  has  since  elapsed  his  business  has  con- 
stantly grown  along  substantial  lines  and  something  of  the  extent  of  his  trade 
is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  now  employs  about  two  hundred  people.  His 
leading  cigar  is  called  the  Lewis  Single  P.inder  cigar.  His  factory  is  the  second 
in  size  in  the  state  and  the  output  brings  to  him  a  substntial  financial  return 
annually.  Since  igoo  he  has  occujiied  his  own  building,  which  was  formerly 
the  residence  of  Colonel  Robert  G.  Ingersoll.  using  the  entire  structure  for 
factory  purposes.  He  has  a  well  equipped  establishment,  one  of  the  few  fac- 
tories of  the  United  States  making  all  hand-made  cigars.  He  always  holds  to 
a  high  standard  of  excellence  in  his  output  which  is  sold  not  only  largely  in 
Peoria  but  in  thirty-eight  difl:'erent  states  in  the  Union.  During  the  past  twelve 
years  his  employes  have  earned  more  than  one  million,  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  thousand  dollars,  this  vast  wage  sum  going  into  general  circulation  and  thus 
becoming  a  benefit  to  the  entire  city.  The  excellence  of  the  manufactured 
product,  combined  with  Mr.  Lewis'  thorough  business  rectitude,  has  constituted 
the  salient  feature  in  the  attainment  of  his  success.  In  addition  to.  his  manu- 
facturing interests  he  is  connected  with  the  Commercial  German  National  Rank 


194  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

as  one  of  its   directors  and   stockholders,  and  he   is  also  a   stockholder  of   the 
Central  National  Bank. 

Mr.  Lewis  was  married,  in  1895,  to  Miss  Violet  Phelps,  of  Elmwood,  Illi- 
nois, a  daughter  of  the  Hon.  W.  E.  Phelps,  and  they  now  have  three  children, 
Richard.  William  and  Margaret.  Mr.  Lewis  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur 
Club  and  also  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce.  His  activities  are  wide 
and  varied,  touching  the  general  interests  of  society  in  all  that  relates  to  pro- 
gressive citizenship.  His  "worth  in  this  direction  is  widely  acknowledged  for 
it  is  known  that  his  cooperation  can  be  counted  upon  in  support  of  any  move- 
ment or  project  for  the  general  good.  What  he  -has  accomplished  in  a  business 
way  represents  the  fit  utilization  of  the  innate  talents  and  powers  which  are  his 
and  the  improvement  of  the  opportunities  which  come  to  every  individual. 
Xo  unusually  favorable  circumstances  aided  him  at  the  outset  but  through  his 
energy  and  close  application  has  he  worked  his  way  upward  to  the  conspicuous 
and  enviable  position  that  he  now  fills. 


JOHN  P.  McMAHAX.  M.  D. 

During  twenty-eight  years'  practice  in  Peoria,  Dr.  John  P.  ^NIcMahan  has 
maintained  a  foremost  position  as  a  physician  and  surgeon.  Aside  from  his 
study  in  colleges  of  this  country,  he  has  pursued  his  investigation  and  researches 
in  Paris  and  \'ienna,  and  corning  under  the  instruction  of  some  of  the  most 
eminent  members  of  the  profession  in  the  old  world,  he  became  particularly 
well  qualified  for  the  duties  which  have  devolved  upon  him  in  his  daily  prac- 
tice. He  maintains  his  office  at  No.  105  Elizabeth  street,  being  located  on 
the  Bluff,  which  is  the  finest  residence  section  of  Peoria.  He  came  to  this  city 
the  year  after  his  graduation  from  Rush  Medical  College,  arriving  in  the  sprmg 
of  1884.  He  was  born  in  Pike  county,  Illinois.  The  family  removed  to  Logan 
county,  Illinois,  during  the  infancy  of  Dr.  MciNIahan  and  he  was  reared  upon  a 
farm,'  meeting  the  usual  experiences  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farmer  boy  who 
attends  the  public  schools  in  the  winter  seasons  and  works  in  the  fields  through 
the  summer  months.  He  was  ambitious  to  secure  better  educational  advantages 
than  could  be  obtained  in  the  rural  schools  and  therefore  entered  the  Lincoln 
University,  at  Lincoln.  Illinois,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1881.  He  im- 
mediately began  preparation  for  a  professional  career,  entering  Rush  Medical 
College,  of  Chicago,  in  which  he  pursued  a  three  years"  course  and  was  graduated 
in  1S83'.  In  the  "spring  of  the  following  year  he  opened  an  office  on  the  plank 
road  in  Peoria  and  about  a  year  later  removed  to  141 5  South  Adams  street, 
where  he  continued  for  twelve  years.  He  afterward  spent  a  year  in  post- 
graduate study  and  in  general  hospital  work  in  Europe,  dividing  his  time  be- 
tween \'ienna,  Austria,"  and  Paris,  France.  He  was  absent  altogether  from 
Peoria  for  six  years,  Ijeginning  in  1900,  but  in  1906  returned  to  this  city.  In  the 
interim  he  engaged  in  teaching,  in  igoi  and  1902,  in  the  Post  Graduate  ^led- 
ical  School,  at  Chicago,  after  which  he  went  to  Colorado  and  New  Mexico, 
spending  some  time  in  the  southwest.  Six  years  were  thus  passed  and  he  once 
more  located  in  Peoria,  opening  his  office  in  this  city. 

Dr.  ]\Ic;Mahan  is  now  serving  on  the  stafif  of  Proctor  Hospital  and  he  be- 
longs to  the  Peoria  Citv  Medical  Society  and  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society. 
His  professional  work 'is  actuated  by  high  ideals  and  his  practice  comes  from 
among  the  best  families  in  the  city.  He  is  ever  faithful  and  conscientious  in 
the  performance  of  his  duties  and  in  his  practice  he  finds  many  opportunities 
to  exemplify  the  principles  of  the  ?kIasonic  fraternity,  of  which  he  is  a  \vorthy 
and  prominent  representative,  having  taken  the  Knight  Templar  degree  m  the 
York  Rite  and  the  thirt\--second  degree  in   the   Scottish  Rite.     He  is  also  con- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COL'XTY  19j 

nected  with  the  Mystic  Shrine  and  Eastern  Star.  He  believes  that  no  other 
fraternity  approaches  the  IMasonic  in  its  ethical  teachings  and  its  high  purposes 
and  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  order  in  these  connections.  Those  who 
know  him,  and  his  friends  are  many,  find  him  a  genial,  cordial  gentleman,  whose 
personal  qualities  as  well  as  his  professional  skill  entitle  him  to  the  high  re- 
gard in  which  he  is  uniformly  held. 


ALBERT  E.  LEISY. 


Albert  E.  Leisy  is  well  known  in  connection  with  the  brewing  interests 
<vhich  for  many  years  have  been  a  chief  source  of  revenue  for  Peoria.  He  is 
now  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company,  yet  does  not  con- 
fine his  attention  alone  to  this  line,  being  also  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the 
Jefferson  Deposit  Company  and  a  factor  in  the  promotion  of  other  business 
concerns.  He  was  born  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  July  i8,  1868,  and  is  a  son  of  John 
and  Christina  Leisy.  His  youthful  days  were  spent  in  his  native  state  until 
1884,  when  the  family  came  to  Peoria.  Throughout  the  entire  period  of  his 
residence  here  the  name  of  Leisy  has  been  associated  with  brewing  interests  in 
this  city.  He  comes  of  a  family  that  through  many  generations  has  been  con- 
nected with  this  line  of  business.  For  two  hundred  years  members  of  the  family 
were  brewers  of  Germany  and  after  coming  to  the  new  world  his  father,  John 
Leisy,  established  a  brewery  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where  his  sons  learned  the  de- 
tails of  the  business  from  the  purchase  of  hops  and  the  making  of  malt  to  the 
art  of  brewing  and  the  disposal  of  the  product.  They  sought  a  broader  field 
of  labor,  however,  than  Keokuk  offered  and  found  it  in  Peoria.  They  became 
identified  with  the  business  in  this  city  in  the  purchase  of  the  first  brewery 
plant  established  here.  From  the  beginning  of  their  operations  in  this  city 
they  have  met  with  continuous  and  growing  success  until  their  enterprise  is 
today  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago,  their  plant  having 
a  capacity  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  barrels  annually.  Their  barrel 
and  keg  trade  extends  throughout  Illinois,  Iowa  and  Missouri  and  their  bottled 
products  are  shipped  clear  to  the  Pacific  coast,  one  firm  in  Los  Angeles  hand- 
ling nothing  beside  the  Leisy  goods.  They  have  increased  their  bottling  plant, 
erecting  an  extensive  addition  thereto  and  equipping  it  w'ith  the  latest  improved 
machinery,  including  two  machines  which  fill,  cork  and  label  ninety  bottles  a 
minute  each,  or  one  hundred  and  eight  thousand  in  a  day's  work  of  ten  hours. 
During  the  busy  season  the  plant  is  operated  night  and  day  with  two  shifts  of 
men  and  turns  out  two  hundred  thousand  bottles  in  the  twenty-four  hours. 
They  are  also  manufacturers  of  Leisy's  Malt  Ease  tonic,  a  special  brew  which 
is  recommended  by  physicians  for  its  particularly  nourishing  (|ualities.  In  this 
department  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company  spends  annually  thirty-five  thousand 
dollars  for  bottles  and  eight  thousand  dollars  a  year  for  cases.  Their  barrel 
and  keg  shipments  have  reached  equally  large  proportions  and  it  is  a  matter 
of  record  that  the  Leisy  Brewing  Company  has  the  biggest  switching  interest 
on  the  Rock  Island  track,  distributing  twenty-eight  carloads  daily.  The  num- 
ber of  their  employes  exceeds  three  hundred  and  sixty  and  two  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  is  yearly  paid  out  in  salaries.  Seventy-five  wagons  and  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  horses  are  used  in  delivering  the  product  in  and  around  Peoria 
and  the  plant  covers  a  tract  on  the  river  front  in  the  upper  end  of  the  city  four 
hundred  and  ninety  by  three  hundred  and  forty-six  feet.  It  comprises  a  num- 
ber of  buildings,  all  of  which  are  necessary  in  the  conduct  of  their  growing 
trade.  The  brothers  who  are  at  the  head  of  this  enterprise.  E.  C.  and  A.  E. 
Leisy,  are  both  progressive,  energetic  men.  who  regard  obstacles  simply  as  an 


196  HISTURY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

impetus   for  renewed  effort.     They  accomplish   what  they  undertake  and  their 
business  methods  are  at  all  times  characterized  by  progressiveness. 

This  sketch  would  not  be  adequate  if  it  represented  Albert  E.  Leisy  merely 
in  this  one  connection.  He  has  been  interested  in  many  other  business  enter- 
prises, all  of  which  have  benefited  by  his  cooperation  and  his  sagacity.  He  and 
his  brother  have  proven  benefactors  in  many  cases  in  aiding  business  interests 
that  were  passing  through  hard  straits.  They  have  become  stockholders  in 
many  a  concern  that  needed  a  little  financial  aid  and  their  response  to  calls  of 
this  character  are  really  too  numerous  to  mention,  but  it  is  well  known  that  they 
have  produced  magnificent  results.  The  Leisy  brothers  have  come  to  be  relied 
upon  in  crises  of  this  sort  and  the  encouragement  and  aid  which  they  have 
given  have  invariably  proven  to  be  the  prime  incentive  to  further  endeavor. 
They  were  the  builders  of  the  Jefierson  building  at  the  corner  of  South  Jeffer- 
son avenue  and  Fulton  street,  a  strictly  modern  office  building  of  steel  construc- 
tion, twelve  stories  in  height.  They  also  became  large  stockholders  in  the 
Jefferson  hotel  and  they  erected  the  Orpheum  theater  on  iladison  street.  This 
is  a  beautiful  structure,  equipped  and  furnished  at  a  cost  of  two  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  dollars,  and  it  will  compare  favorably  with  the  finest  theaters 
ot  the  middle  west.  Albert  E.  Leisy.  moreover,  is  president  of  the  Peoria 
Baseball  Club  and  has  been  connected  with  the  team  as  one  of  its  promoters 
for  fifteen  years.     He  gave  Peoria  the  first  pennant  it  ever  received  in   191 1. 

In  1899  '^^'^s  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Albert  E.  Leisy  and  Miss  Jennie 
Thobe,  of  Peoria,  a  daughter  of  John  Thobe.  His  social  interests  are  further 
manifest  in  his  connection  with  a  number  of  the  leading  clubs  and  fraternities 
of  the  city.  He  holds  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Illinois  \'alle)' 
Yacht  Club,  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  the  Social  Athletic  Club  of  Peoria. 
He  likewise  belongs  to  the  Chicago  Automobile  Club  and  the  Travelers  Pro- 
tective Association  and  his  name  is  on  the  membership  rolls  of  a  number  of 
the  leading  fraternities,  including  the  Red  ^len,  the  Eagles,  the  Elks,  the  For- 
esters and  the  National  L^nion.  He  is  one  of  the  best  known  men  in  this  part  of 
the  state  and  is  an  advocate  of  Peoria,  doing  everything  in  his  power  to  enhance 
its  growth  and  improvement.  His  influence  has  proven  a  vital  support  in  many 
public  projects  and  without  invidious  distinction  he  may  be  termed  one  of  the 
foremost  residents  of  the  city.  He  is  yet  a  young  man  and  undoubtedly  the 
future  holds  in  store  for  him  larger  opportunities,  for  he  never  regards  any  posi- 
tion as  final.  \\'hen  he  once  attains  an  object  he  passes  on  with  the  desire  to 
reach  out  along  further  lines.     It  seems  with  him  that 

"In   sweat  of  toil  he  found   life's   zest. 
The  moment's  work  was  mastering  lord. 
The  long  day's  call  a  two-edged  sword 
To  fight  one's  way  to  well  earned  rest; 
The  joy  of  work  was  work's  reward." 


GEORGE  H.  WEBER,  M.  D. 

In  the  days  of  Peoria's  early  development  the  name  of  Weber  was  closely 
associated  with  pioneer  industrial  interests  for  the  grandfather  was  proprietor 
of  a  flour  mill  here.  Today  the  name  is  synonymous  with  skill  and  ability  in 
the  medical  profession  for  Dr.  George  H.  Weber  has  attained  a  prominent  posi- 
tion as  a  physician  and  surgeon,  having  been  an  active  practitioner  of  this  city 
since  1900.  He  is  one  of  Peoria's  native  sons,  his  birth  having  here  occurred 
on  the  2d  of  November,  1876.  As  indicated  the  family  home  was  established 
here  at  a  verv  early  day  and  the  grandfather  proved  a  valued  factor  in  business 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  HIT 

circles  in  the  conduct  oi  a  tlour  mill  at  the  foot  of  South  street.  His  son,  (ieorge 
F.  Weber,  the  father  of  Dr.  Weber,  died  in  Peoria  in  1901  but  the  mother,  who 
bore  the  maiden  name  of  Kate  Herschberger,  is  still  living. 

In  the  attainment  of  his  education  Dr.  Weber  attended  the  pulilic  schools, 
comjjleting  a  high-school  course  by  graduation  with  the  class  of  1896.  In  the 
meantime  he  had  determined  to  make  the  practice  of  medicine  his  life  work  and 
inmiediately  afterward  entered  upon  preparation  for  the  profession,  becoming 
a  student  of  the  Louisville  Medical  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with 
the  class  of  March,  1900.  He  put  his  theoretical  knowledge  to  the  practical 
test  as  interne  of  the  Louisville  City  Hospital,  where  he  remained  for  a  year, 
gaining  the  broad  experience  which  comes  only  in  the  varied  work  oi  hospital 
l)ractice.  In  igoi  he  returned  to  his  native  city  where  he  opened  an  office.  For 
several  years  he  has  been  associated  with  Dr.  C.  U.  Collins  in  the  practice  of 
surgery  and  now  devotes  his  attention  exclusively  to  that  branch  of  the  pro- 
fession. He  is  serving  on  the  staff  of  the  St.  Francis  Hospital  and  in  addition 
he  has  an  extensive  private  practice,  which  is  of  an  important  character  and 
estalilishes  his  position  as  one  of  the  leading  surgeons  of  the  city.  He  belongs 
to  the  Peoria  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  Amer- 
ican Medical  Association,  and  the  proceedings  of  those  bodies  keep  him  thoroughly 
informed  concerning  the  most  advanced  work  being  done  in  the  country. 

In  1901  Dr.  Weber  was  united  in  marriage  to  I\Iiss  Edna  Comegys,  of  Peoria, 
a  daughter  of  Samuel  C.  Comegys.  They  are  well  know'n  in  this  city  where 
the  Doctor  has  spent  his  entire  life  and  where  his  sterling  worth  has  gained 
for  him  a  large  circle  of  friends.  He  has  attained  high  rank  in  Masonry,  being 
now  a  member  of  the  consistory  and  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  mem- 
lier  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Dramatic  Order  of  the  Knights  of  Khor- 
assan.  lie  is  loyal  to  the  teachings  of  these  fraternities  which  he  exemplifies 
in  his  life  and  in  matters  of  citizenship  he  manifests  a  progressive  and  public- 
spirited  interest,  yet  he  devotes  the  greater  part  of  his  attention  to  his  profes- 
sional duties  which  are  constantly  growing  in  volume  and  importance. 


T.  W.  GILLESPIE,  \L  D. 

Dr.  T.  W.  Gillespie,  physician  and  surgeon  of  Peoria,  is  engaged  in  general 
practice  yet  his  tendency  is  toward  specialization  in  the  treatment  of  genito- 
urinary diseases.  He  is  one  of  the  younger,  though  successful,  members  of 
the  profession  here,  having  practiced  in  this  city  only  since  December,  1907. 
Rush  Medical  College  numbers  him  among  its  alumni  of  the  class  of  1896.  He 
is  a  native  of  Sauk  county,  Wisconsin,  his  birth  having  occurred  September  10. 
1869,  upon  a  farm  just  across  the  river  from  Kilbourn.  Wisconsin,  not  far  from 
that  beautiful  scenic  district  known  as  The  Dells.  His  parents  were  Thomas 
and  Martha  (Simpson)  Gillespie,  who  gave  to  their  son  such  advantages  as  they 
could  afford  and  instilled  into  his  mind  lessons  that  have  since  borne  good  fruit 
in  high  and  honorable  manhood.  He  attended  the  rural  schools  and  afterward 
continued  his  studies  in  the  high  school  at  Kilbourn.  Later  he  pursued  a  two 
years'  course  in  Lawrence  University  and  afterward  took  up  the  profession  of 
teaching,  which  he  followed  for  a  year  in  Clark  county,  U'isconsin.  He  re- 
garded this,  however,  merely  as  an  initial  step  to  further  professional  labor,  for 
it  was  his  desire  to  become  a  physician,  and  with  this  purpose  in  view,  in  the 
fall  of  1893  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College,  at  Chicago,  and  completed  a  three 
years'  course,  being  graduated  in  1896.  He  then  accepted  a  salaried  position 
with  Dr.  A.  C.  Gotten,  who  was  at  that  time  city  jihysician  of  Chicago.  For  a  year 
Dr.  Gillespie  had  charge  of  the  emergency  and  surgical  work  at  practically  all 
of  the  police  stations  of  Chicago.     After  a  year  devoted  to  that  work  he  located 


198  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

at  Lostant,  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  where  he  engaged  in  general  practice  until 
the  fall  of  1907,  when  he  came  to  Peoria.  Since  then  he  has  acted  as  assistant 
to  Dr.  C.  U.  Collins  in  his  surgical  work.  He  displays  considerable  skill  in 
surgical  work  and  is  greatly  interested  in  genitro-urinary  surgery  and  his  studies 
and  researches  along  that  line  incline  him  to  special  practice  in  that  field. 

'  Dr.  Gillespie  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society  and  also  be- 
longs to  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion. His  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Masons.  He  is  now  serving  on  the 
staff  of  St.  Francis  Hospital  and  in  addition  is  accorded  a  good  private  practice 
which  is  indicative  of  the  confidence  which  the  general  public  repose  in  his  pro- 
fessional skill. 


THORNTON  GILMORE  MURPHY. 

Not  all  days  in  the  business  career  of  Thornton  G.  Murphy  were  equally 
bright.  At  times  storm  clouds  threatened  disaster,  but  with  persistent  purpose 
and  unfaltering  energy  he  made  the  best  use  of  his  opportunities  and  in  time  rose 
to  a  position  among  the  prominent  representatives  of  insurance  interests  in  the 
middle  west,  becoming  the  founder  and  promoter  of  several  insurance  companies 
of  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  Adams  county,  Illinois,  April  26,  1858,  and  died 
August  27,  191 1.  His  education  was  acquired  in  the  district  schools  near  Ouincy 
and  in  early  life  he  studied  medicine  for  a  year  in  Chicago,  thinking  then  to 
engage  in  practice  some  day.  A  year's  preparation,  however,  convinced  him  that 
he  did  not  wish  to  enter  upon  the  profession  as  a  life  work  and  he  turned  from 
that  line  of  study  to  a  commercial  course.  He  afterward  went  to  Kansas  City, 
where  he  invested  heavily  in  real  estate  and  also  engaged  in  the  nursery  business. 
The  citv  was  then  enjoying  a  boom  but  in  time  there  was  a  reaction  in  realty 
values  and  Mr.  Murphy  suffered  heavy  losses  through  his  real-estate  investments. 
Gathering  together  what. he  could  of  his  wrecked  fortunes,  he  came  to  Peoria  in 
1890  and  sought  to  again  upbuild  his  business.  Here  he  began  dealing  in  nursery 
stock  and  for  seven  years  devoted  his  time  to  that  line  of  activity.  Success 
attended  his  efforts  atid  in  1897  he  sold  out  to  embark  in  still  another  line.  He 
entered  the  field  of  life  insurance  and  again  his  business  ability  and  enterprise 
proved  adequate  to  the  situation.  He  organized  and  developed  the  Peoria  Life 
Insurance  Company,  making  it  a  profitable  undertaking.  He  worked  with  untir- 
ing eft'ort  and  personally  secured  all  the  charter  members  necessary  to  make  the 
concern  a  success.  From  the  beginning  its  business  and  patronage  grew,  Mr. 
Murphv  continuing  to  serve  as  secretary  until  1904,  when  he  resigned.  He  after- 
ward organized  the  Corn  Belt  Life  Insurance  Company,  which  was  later  merged 
into  the  La  Salle  Life  Insurance  Company  of  Chicago.  He  was  a  man  of  excep- 
tionally strong  business  ability  and  w^as  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  successful 
life  insurance  organizers  in  this  part  of  the  county.  As  a  salesman  he  had  no  su- 
perior and  his  thorough  understanding  of  every  feature  of  the  business  and  the 
real  value  of  life  insurance  made  him  very  successful  in  founding  and  promoting 
such  an  undertaking. 

On  the  22d  of  October,  1890,  Mr.  Murphy  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss 
Iva  L.  Tarr,  a  daughter  of  James  F.  and  Elizabeth  (Hughes)  Tarr,  of  Mendon, 
.■\dams  county,  Illinois,  where  they  were  pioneer  settlers,  the  father  there  devot- 
ing his  attention  to  farming.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  !\Iurphy  were  born  five  chil- 
dren: Charles  T.,  who  was  born  September  17,  1891,  and  died  in  September, 
1894;  Leo  D.,  born  July  14,  1894;  James  F.,  who  was  born  on  the  nth  of  Janu- 
ary, 1897,  and  passed  away  in  September,  1897;  and  Helen  and  Harold,  twins, 
born  December  23,  1901. 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  201 

In  his  political  \'ie\vs  'Slv.  Murphy  was  an  earnest  democrat  but  never  an  office 
seeker.  He  held  membership  with  the  Modern  \\'oodmen  of  America  and  also 
in  the.  Christian  Science  church.  He  was  well  read,  keeping  in  touch  with  the 
world's  thought  and  progress  and  becoming  also  conversant  with  the  best  writings 
of  past  ages.  He  had  a  wide  acquaintance  in  various  sections  of  the  state  and 
was  honored  and  respected  wherever  known  and  most  of  all  where  he  was  best 
known.  I'~irm  and  determined  in  his  convictions,  he  never  faltered  in  his  alle- 
giance to  what  he  believed  to  be  right  and  the  course  and  policies  which  he  pur- 
sued gained  him  the  trust,  confidence  and  good-will  of  his  fellowmen. 


CHARLES  J.  OFF. 


To  characterize  Charles  J.  C)fi:'  in  a  single  sentence  would  be  impossible,  for 
so  many  and  varied  are  his  activities  and  so  important  has  been  his  work  that 
extended  mention  is  necessary  to  give  an  adequate  account  of  what  he 
has  accomplished.  It  is  an  acknowledge  fact,  however,  that  public  spirit  with 
him  constitutes  an  even  balance  to  individual  ambition,  and  in  the  attainment  of 
notable  success  he  has  found  time  and  opportunity  to  cooperate  in  many  proj- 
ects for  the  general  welfare.  He  is  perhaps  best  known  to  the  citizens  of 
Peoria  as  a  wholesale  merchant,  having  for  many  decades  been  connected  with 
that  line  of  trade,  although  in  191 1  he  retired  from  that  field;  throughout  the 
state  he  is  jierhaps  more  widely  known  because  of  his  extensive  real-estate  oper- 
ations, for  he  is  today  one  of  the  largest  land  owners  of  Illinois  and  his  atten- 
tion is  now  largely  given  to  the  supervision  of  his  property. 

Charles  J.  Off  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  county  since  the  nth  of  May, 
1855,  and  of  this  city  since  the  spring  of  1856.  He  was  born  in  Wurteriiburg, 
Germany,  October  24,  1843,  and  is  the  son  of  John  Jacob  and  Christina  (  Straes- 
ser)  OfT.  He  was  eleven  years  of  age  when  in  1855,  he  accompanied  his  parents 
on  their  emmigration  from  the  fatherland  to  the  new  world.  They  went  by  rail 
to  Havre,  France,  from  there  by  sailing  ship  to  New  Orleans  and  from  there  by 
boat  to  Peoria.  They  settled  near  the  present  site  of  the  Insane  Asylum  at 
Piartonville,  but  the  following  year  took  up  their  abode  in  the  city.  The  father 
was  a  stone  mason  and  a  builder  and  continued  to  work  at  his  trade  here  for  a 
number  of  years.  He  maintained  his  residence  in  Peoria  until  the  time  of  his 
death. 

Charles  J.  Oft'  began  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  countrv  and 
mastered  the  English  language  as  a  pupil  in  the  schools  of  Peoria.  He  started 
in  business  as  a  clerk  in  a  grocery  store  here  and  was  continuously  conected 
with  that  branch  of  trade  from  the  12th  of  September,  1850.  until  the  nth  of 
February,  1911.  so  that  his  name  is  synonymous  with  the  history  of  the  grocery 
business  of  this  city.  He  was  employed  first  as  a  clerk  in  a  wholesale  and  retail 
grocery  house  until  the  Tst  of  January.  1873,  within  which  period  he  steadily 
advanced,  his  capability,  industry  and  reliable  luethods  winning  him  promotion 
from  time  to  tiiue  with  a  proportionate  increase  in  salarv.  At  length  he  deter- 
mined to  engage  in  business  on  his  own  account  and  on  the  istof  January,  1873. 
entered  into  partnership  with  Henry.  Oakford  &  Fahnestock,  a  well  established 
wholesale  grocery  firm  of  the  city.  For  five  vears  he  continued  in  that  connec- 
tion and  then  retired  from  the  firm  and  in  1877  erected  the  building  where  the 
Charles  J.  Off  Companv  wholesale  grocery  house  is  now  located.  The  following 
year  he  occtipied  that  building  with  a  large  stock  of  groceries  and  continued  in 
the  wholesale  trade  as  the  head  of  that  concern  until  191 1.  The  business  grew 
year  by  year,  its  ramifying  trade  interests  covering  a  constantlv  broadening  ter- 
ritory and  the  house  taking  rank  with  the  leading  wholesale  establishments  of 
the  state  and  for  fifteen  consecutive  vears  Mr.  Off  served  as  president  of  the 

AVholesale  Grocers  Association  of  Illinois, 
Vol.  n— 1  n 


202  HISTORY  OF  PEORTA  COUNTY 

As  AJr.  Off  prospered — and  his  success  increased  year  by  year — he  extended 
his  efforts  into  other  fields  of  business  and  placed  not  a  little  of  his  earnings  m 
the  safest  of  all  investments — real  estate.  He  became  a  large  owner  of  city 
property,  and  farm  lands  in  Alacon,  Tazewell,  Knox.  Wayne  and  Peoria  counties. 
He  now  owns  aliout  thirty-five  hundred  acres  of  valuable  farm  land  of  which 
a  noted  lecturer  on  the  natural  resources  of  the  country  has  said:  "There  is  no 
better  investment  in  all  America."  This  property  is  divided  into  several  farms 
including  one  very  extensive  farm  of  eighteen  hundred  acres  in  Macon  county. 
He  also  has  five  hundred  and  fifty  acres  in  two  farms  in  Tazewell  county  and 
ninety-six  acres  of  Richwoods  township,  Peoria  county.  Upon  his  large  farm  in 
^lacon  county  he  conducts  an  extensive  canning  business  for  the  canning  of  corn, 
and  this,  as  all  other  undertakings,  in  which  he  has  engaged,  is  proving  a  profitable 
enterprise.  He  is  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  East  Peoria,  is  the 
owner  of  a  large  coal  mine  known  as  the  Phoenix  upon  his  farm  in  Tazewell 
county  and  has  other  business  which  are  profitable  sources  of  revenue.  The 
first  land  which  he  ever  owned  was  a  tract  in  Nebraska  which  he  purchased  of 
the  government.  He  became  owner  of,  that  property  soon  after  the  w^ar  but 
traded  it  afterward  for  land  in  Macon  county,  Illinois.  While  few  men  are  so 
extensively  connected  with  farming  interests  in  this  state  as  Mr.  Oft',  he  has  al- 
ways maintained  his  residence  in  this  city,  having  for  fifty-seven  years  made  his 
home  in  Peoria. 

On  the  28th  of  October.  1879,  Mr.  Off  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  ^Mar- 
garet  Fey  of  this  city,  a  daughter  of  David  and  Barbara  Fey.  They  have  five 
children :  Charles  David,  who  married  Miss  Elsie  Wrenn  of  Washington,  and 
has  one  child.  Charles  J.  II.:  Robert  F. :  Walter,  who  married  Matilda  Huver- 
stuhl,  and  has  a  daughter,  Margaret :  Clift'ord,  who  wedded  Helen  C.  Willock, 
of  Pittsliurg.  Pennsylvania ;  and  Clarence,  now  at  school.  Four  of  his  sons  are 
now  associated  with  him   in  business. 

Mr.  Off  is  a  Knight  Templar  and  thirty-second  degree  consistory  Mason,  and 
has  crossed  the  Sands  of  Desert  with  the  Nobles  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is 
also  a  Red  Cross  Knight  of  Constantine.  He  is  prominent  in  Episcopal  church 
circles  and  has  always  taken  a  keen  interest  in  his  church.  His  religion  is  un- 
assuming, kindly,  very  charitalile.  and  charged  with  a  keen  realization  of  the 
universal  brotherhood  of  man.  He  is  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  church  in  Peoria. 
Mr.  Off's  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party  and  in  early  man- 
hood he  served  as  supervisor  for  one  year  and  has  been  alderman  from  the 
third  ward.  In  more  recent  years,  because  of  the  rapid  growth  and  extent  of 
his  business,  he  has  not  taken  an  active  part  in  politics,  yet  is  never  remiss  in 
the  duties  of  citizenship,  his  aid  and  influence  being  given  in  support  of  worthy 
project  for  the  benefit  of  the  city  and  state.  He  has,  indeed,  been  an  important 
factor  in  business  life  and  his  prosjierity  is  well  deserved,  as  in  him  are  embraced 
the  characteristics  of  an  unbending  integrity,  unabating  energy  and  industry  that 
never  flags. 


EAIMET  C.  MAY. 


Emmet  C.  May,  attorney  at  law  and  the  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Life 
Insurance  Company,  has  in  both  connections  estalilished  himself  in  a  creditable 
position  as  a  representative  business  man  of  the  city  of  Peoria  and  one  whose 
life  record  is  w'orthy  of  more  than -passing  notice.  His  birth  occurred  in  Salyers- 
ville,  Kentucky,  October  5,  1875,  '"s  parents  being  Dr.  William  A.  and  Fannie 
E.  (Holderby)  May.  The  father  has  been  a  life-long  physician  and  is  still  en- 
gaged in  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Kentucky.  In  his  native  town  the  son  was 
reared  and  the  usual  experiences  of  lads  of  that  locality  and  age  were  his.     He 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  203 

attended  the  public  schools  to  his  graduation  from  the  high  school  at  Salvers- 
ville.  then  jn  further  pursuit  of  his  education  entered  the  Xorthern  Indiana 
University,  at  \  alparaiso.  where  he  devoted  two  years  to  the  scientific  course. 
He  then  took  up  the  study  of  law  which  he  finished  in  the  same  institution  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  March,  tSgri. 

The  following  Septeml)er  Mr.  May  located  for  practice  in  Peoria,  where  he 
has  since  remained,  lie  became  junior  partner  of  the  law  firm  of  \\'olfenbcrger 
&  May,  his  partner  coming  to  this  city  with  him.  They  have  since  been  closely 
connected  in  their  professional  interests,  conducting  a  general  law  practice,  and 
their  standing  is  indicated  in  the  importance  of  the  litigated  interests  which  they 
have  safeguarded  in  the  courts.  Mr.  May  is  a  deep  thinker  and  logical  reasoner 
and  is  seldom  if  ever  at  fault  in  the  application  of  legal  principle  or  precedent  to 
the  point  involved  in  his  case.  He  has  always  prepared  his  cases  with  great 
thoroughness  and  care  and  his  clear  and  forceful  presentation  has  been  the 
means  of  gaining  many  favorable  verdicts  for  his  clients.  Moreover,  he  is  gen- 
eral counsel  for  the  Peoria  Life  Insurance  Company  and  its  active  vice  president, 
having  been  connected  with  this  company  since  its  organization. 

In  1898  Mr.  May  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nellie  O'Hara,  of  Chenoa, 
Illinois,  and  they  now  have  one  child,  Walter  E.  Mr.  May  is  a  member  of  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  is  an  excellent  type  of  the  southern  gentleman  and  at 
the  same  time  possesses  the  progressive  spirit  so  characteristic  of  the  present 
age.  He  ever  keeps  before  him  a  high  standard  of  jjrofessional  service  and  at 
the  same  time  is  ever  mindful  of  his  duties  and  obligations  of  citizenship  and 
of  his  responsibilities  as  a  man  among  his  fellowmen. 


GUY  C.  GOODFELLOW. 

Guy  C.  Goodfellow  is  general  agent  at  Peoria  for  the  Connecticut  Mutual 
Life  Insurance  Company  and  in  this  connection  has  jurisdiction  over  several 
counties  in  central  Illinois.  Since  entering  business  circles  his  attention  has 
been  given  exclusively  to  insurance  and  few  men  have  wider  knowledge  con- 
cerning its  possibilities  or  the  scope  of  the  business.  Laboring  earnestly  and 
indefatigably  in  the  interests  of  the  company  which  he  has  represented  he  has 
gradually  worked  his  way  upward  and  now  occujiies  a  position  of  large  respon- 
sibility. 

He  was  born  on  a  plantation  at  Courtland,  Alabama,  on  the  30th  of  August, 
1867,  his  parents  being  Thomas  Miles  and  Elizabeth  (Milton)  Goodfellow. 
The  father  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  in  ante-bellum  days  established  his 
home  in  the  south.  He  was  a  minister  of  the  gospel  and  at  the  time  of  the  Civil 
war  enlisted  for  service  as  a  chaplain  in  the  northern  army,  liecause  of  his 
sympathy  with  and  support  of  the  Union  cause  he  was  driven  out  of  the  south 
by  the  Ku  Klux  Klan,  establishing  his  home  in  Chicago  when  his  son  ( luy  was 
but  a  year  and  a  half  old. 

Near  that  city  the  boy  was  reared,  acquiring  his  education  in  the  public 
schools  and  entering  business  life  in  connection  with  insurance  interests.  I  le 
was  first  employed  by  the  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company  of  New  York  and 
has  continuously  been  connected  with  the  insurance  business  since  1883.  or  for 
a  period  of  more  than  twenty-eight  years.  He  made  it  his  jnirpose  to  thoroughly 
acquaint  himself  with  every  jihase  of  the  business  and  his  close  application, 
study  and  energv  were  the  features  which  gained  him  advancement.  He  came 
to  Peoria  in  1889  as  a  representative  of  the  company  with  which  he  was  then 
connected,  and  ten  years  later,  or  in  1899,  he  entered  the  emjiloy  of  the  Con- 
necticut Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company,  which  he  represented  in  the  capacity 
of  agent  until   June,    iQio,   when   he  was  advanced  to  the   position  of  general 


204  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

agent,  having  under  his  direction  the  work  of  the  company  in  six  counties — 
Peoria,  Knox,  Fulton,  Tazewell,  Alason  and  Woodford.  In  this  connection  he 
directs  the  labors  of  a  number  of  sub-agents  and  has  thoroughly  and  carefully 
systematized  the  work  of  his  district  so  that  the  best  possible  results  are  being 
obtained. 

Mr.  Goodfellow  was  married  in  1893  in  Peoria  to  ]Miss  Ella  Chuse,  a  daugh- 
ter of  ]\Iarion  X.  Chuse.  They  have  become  the  parents  of  four  children, 
Marion,  Thomas,  Sarah  and  Ferdinand.  Air.  Goodfellow  is  well  known  socially 
in  this  city,  being  accounted  a  valued  member  of  a  number  of  leading  clubs  and 
fraternities.  He  is  now  the  secretary  of  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  has  also 
taken  various  degrees  in  i\Iasonry,  becoming  a  Knight  Templar  and  a  member 
of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  possesses  a  genial  nature,  is  appreciative  of  the  value 
of  friendship  and  his  unfeigned  cordiality  has  won  for  him  many  friends. 


FRANKLIX  S.  DA\TS,  M.  D. 

The  science  of  homeopathy  has  made  remarkable  strides  in  the  past  half 
centurv,  and  is  rapidly  gaining  in  the  medical  field  the  place  which  was  for  a 
long  time  denied  it.  The  extraordinary  results  which  have  been  obtained  by 
its  followers,  and  its  now  unquestioned  efficiency  have  raised  homeopathy  to  a 
recognized  science.  A  prominent  physician  of  this  branch  of  medicine  in  Peoria 
is  Dr.  Franklin  S.  Davis,  who  has  his  offices  at  712  Hamilton  boulevard.  Dr. 
Davis  has  attained  a  reputation  in  Peoria  for  his  skill  in  the  treatment  of  the 
diseases  of  little  children. 

He  was  born  in  Lacon,  Illinois,  June  12,  1869,  the  son  of  Dr.  George  and 
Emily  (Sheaff)  Davis  of  that  city.  His  father  was  a  practicing  physician  in 
Lacon  for  many  years  but  came  to  Peoria  for  a  wider  field  in  1872  and  remained 
in  active  practice  here  up  to  the  time  of  his  death  in  1873,  when  his  son  was 
only  four  years  old.  Dr.  Davis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  received  his  early 
education  in  the  grammar  grades  of  Lacon,  and  was  graduated  from  the  high 
school  of  that  city  in  1887.  He  spent  the  following  year  teaching  school  and  in 
1888  entered  the  LVbana  L'niversity  of  Urbana,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  for 
one  vear,  coming  to  Peoria  in  1889  to  read  up  on  the  subject  of  medicine.  He 
entered  the  Chicago  Homeopathic  Medical  College  soon  after,  and  was  gradu- 
ated from  this  institution  in  1893.  He  returned  immediately  to  Peoria,  and 
opened  his  office,  and  his  practice  has  increased  in  a  gratifying  manner  year  by 
year.  Dr.  Davis  is  well  known  in  this  city,  and  his  remarkable  success  in  the 
treatment  of  the  ailments  of  small  children  has  gained  for  him  a  local  reputa- 
tion which  is  well  deserved.  He  does  a  general  medical  practice,  but  takes  a 
great  interest  in  the  subject  of  obstetrics  and  pediatrics,  in  which  field  he  has 
been  verv  successful. 

Dr.  Davis  was  married  in  1894  to  Aliss  :NLaude  Alexander  of  Sterling,  Illi- 
nois, a  daughter  of  Hon.  J.  W.  Alexander,  a  prominent  attorney  of  that  place. 
Fraternally"  Dr.  Davis  is  a  ]\Iason,  and  is  prominent  in  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America  and  the  North  American  Union.  He  is  very  active  in  medical 
circles  in  this  city,  and  his  ability  and  success  have  been  recognized  by  the  pro- 
fession as  well  as  the  citizens  of  Peoria  county.  Since  1901  he  has  been  at- 
tending phvsician  for  the  Home  of  the  Friendless  of  this  city,  is  on  the  staff 
of  the  Deaconess  Hospital  and  is  attending  physician  for  the  Crittenton  Home. 
Dr.  Davis  takes  a  great  interest  in  the  afi'airs  of  his  profession,  keeps  his  knowl- 
edge up  to  date  and  his  methods  modern,  and  is  in  every  respect  an  able  and 
worthy  phvsician.  He  served  as  city  medical  inspector  of  schools  for  the  last 
two  vears.'and  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society.     IMrs.  Davis  is 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  205 

secretary  of   the   Peoria   Women's  Clul)  of   which   she   has  been  a   iiiemher    for 
many  years. 

During  all  the  years  of  his  practice  in  Peoria  Dr.  Davis  has  kept  his  ideals  un- 
tarnished and  his  professional  conscience  clear.  Me  keeps  abreast  of  the  times  and 
is  thoroughl)-  acquainted  with  the  most  modern  professional  discoveries.  The 
life  of  any  doctor  who  is  enterprising  and  scrupulous  in  the  various  relations 
of  his  life  is  not  an  easy  one,  but  Dr.  Davis"  has  always  been  an  honor  to  the 
city  he  has  made  his  home. 


FRANK  1'.  KLXSEY. 


Frank  P.  Kinsey,  superintendent  and  director  of  the  Avery  Company  of 
Peoria,  has  been  actively  connected  with  it  since  1882.  .When  the  Avery  Com- 
pany, which  has  grow-n  so  wonderfully  in  the  twenty  years  which  have  since 
elapsed,  first  located  in  Peoria  in  the  big  shop,  Mr.  Kinsey  came  with  them  as 
foreman  of  the  machine  shop.  All  during  the  years  of  his  connection  with 
the  great  im[)lenient  firm,  his  work  has  been  of  a  high  order,  showing  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  the  details  of  the  machinist  trade,  and  expert  workmanship. 

Mr.  Kinsey  was  born  in  Scranton,  Pennsylvania,  the  son  of  Thomas  P.  and 
Ellen  Kinsey.  The  family  early  removed  to  Reading,  where  Frank  Kinsey  re- 
ceived his  education,  and  where  he  served  his  time  as  a  machinist  apprentice  in 
the  general  shop  of  Millert  &  Kinsey  of  which  his  father  was  at  that  time  a 
partner.  The  ejder  Kinsey  was  an  expert  mechanical  engineer,  and  brought  his 
son  up  to  an  appreciation  of  the  value  of  honest  and  expert  workmanshi]),  and 
to  a  knowledge  of  what  the  qualities  of  hard  work  and  intelligent  industry  will 
gain  for  a  man  in  the  world  of  business.  Frank  Kinsey  subsequently  worked 
in  Iowa  shops,  the  last  place  being  the  Reading  Iron  Works.  He  came  to  Peoria 
in  October,  1882,  to  take  the  position  as  foreman  of  the  machine  shop  of  the 
Avery  Company.  His  promotion  was  rapid  and  well  deserved.  In  1894  he  was 
appointed  assistant  superintendent,  and  was  made  a  director  in  the  company  in 
1904,  rising  to  his  present  position  of  superintendent  two  years  later  in   1906. 

Mr.  Kinsey  is  a  prominent  man  in  Peoria  today.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  actively  interested  in  the  Association  of  Commerce.  His 
position  of  responsibility  in  a  firm  einploying  over  thirteen  hundred  inen,  and 
doing  an  immense  amount  of  business  in  farm  implements  of  all  kinds,  and 
whose  market  comprises  the  whole  civilized  w^orld,  is  not  a  sinecure.  Mr.  Kin- 
sey has  a  constant  call  upon  his  business  initiative  and  his  abilitv  in  the  manage- 
ment of  men,  and  the  call  never  goes  unanswered. 


R.  R.  BOURLAXD. 


The  name  of  Bourland  has  been  a  synonym  for  over  a  half  century  in  Peoria 
for  all  that  is  honorable  and  worthy  in  business  life  and  all  that  is  charming  in 
social  circles  in  this  city.  The  family  is  now  represented  by  B.  L.  T.  Bourland, 
the  first  of  the  name  to  settle  in  this  city,  who  is  eighty-seven  years  old 
and  is  still  prominent  and  active  in  commercial  circles,  and  by  his  son,  R.  R. 
Bourland,  who  has  been  identified  with  the  firm  of  Bourland  &  Bailey,  dealers 
in  real  estate  and  investments,  for  over  thirty  years.  B.  L.  T.  Bourland  is  the 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  w^hich  R. 
R.  Bourland  is  now  manager.  There  is  no  more  active  or  public-spirited  citizen 
in  Peoria  today  than  the  elder  Mr.  Bourland  and  the  qualities  of  energy,  sound 


206  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY 

business  judgment  and  keen  discrimination  which  were  the  foundations  of  his 
success  he  has  handed  down  as  a  heritage  to  his  son. 

R.  R.  Bourland  was  born  in  Peoria,  March  12,  1856,  and  received  his  early 
education  in  the  pubUc  schools  of  this  city.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  left  Peoria 
to  enter  the  Rensselaer  Polytechnic  Institute  at  Troy,  Xew  York,  where  he  re- 
mained one  year  and  then  entered  the  University  of  Illinois  at  Champaign,  where 
he  continued  his  civil  engineering  course.  He  followed  the  profession  of  en- 
gineering for  about  five  years  or  until,  in  1879,  he  entered  into  the  employ  of 
the  real-estate  firm  of  Bourland  &  Bailey,  and  is  now  occupying  the  position  of 
manager  of  that  concern. 

In  1879  Mr.  Bourland  married  Miss  Ida  \'.  Bailey,  of  Plainville,  Michigan, 
a  sister  of  Oliver  J.  Bailey.  They  have  three  children :  Morrison  B.,  now  a 
prominent  printer  of  Peoria;  Julia  Preston,  who  married  Arthur  G.  Clark: 
and  Fred  B.,  an  engineer  and  farmer  of  southern  California.  Mr.  Bourland  be- 
longs to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  is  also  actively  identified  with  the  Royal 
League.  During  the  entire  course  of  his  business  life  R.  R.  Bourland  has  mani- 
fested the  honorable  traits  of  high-minded  business  dealing  and  strict  integrity 
which  distinguished  His  father  for  so  many  years,  and  has  gained  a  position  in 
the  business  and  social  circles  of  this  citv  not  unworthy  of  his  name. 


ROBERT  SCHOLES. 


Robert  Scholes.  serving  for  the  second  term  as  state's  attorney,  has  made  a 
most  creditable  record  in  defense  of  the  interests  of  Peoria  county  before  the 
bar.     He  holds  to  the  highest  standards  of  professional  service  and  has  never 
deviated  from  the  course  which  he  believes  to  be  right.    Peoria  is  therefore  proud 
to  number  him  among  her  native  sons  and  accords  him  rank  with  her  representa- 
tive and  honored  citizens.     He  was  born  here  in  1866,  the  son  of  Richard  and 
Anna  Scholes,  and  has  always  resided  in  Peoria,  save  for  a  brief  period  of  a  few 
years  which  the  family  spent  in  Pekin  during  his  boyhood  days.    He  attended  the 
grammar  schools  of  that  city  and  upon  his  return  to  Peoria  entered  the  high 
school,  where  he  pursued  the  Latin  course  and  was  graduated  with  honors.     A 
liberal   literary   education  thus   constituted   the   foundation    for   his  professional 
knowledge.     In  preparation  for  the  bar  he  became  a  student  in  the  law  office  of 
Kellogg  &  Cameron  and  was  admitted  to  practice  on  the  21st  of  November,  1889. 
He    had  displayed  great  thoroughness  in  the  mastery  of  the  principles  of  jurisprud- 
ence and  thus  took  up  his  professional  duties  well  equipped  for  the  work  which 
has  since  claimed  his  time  and  energies.     It  was  soon  manifest  that  his  ideals  of 
professional   service   were   very  high.      From  the  beginning  of  his   practice  he 
declared  that  he  would  never  take  a  disreputable  case  or  descend  to  trickery  or 
chicanery  and  to  this  rule  he  has  always  strictly  adhered  throughout  his  active 
career.     He  believes  in  the  honesty  and  fair  dealing  of  the  lawyer  just  as  thor- 
oughly as  he  believes  in  that  of  the  business  man.  and  it  soon  became  evident  that 
the  word  of  Robert  Scholes  was  to  be  relied  upon.     Moreover,  he  gave  to  his 
clients  the  benefit  of  well  developed  talents  and  of  unwearied  industry,  yet  never 
has  forgotten  that  he  owes  a  still  higher  allegiance  to  the  majesty  of  the  law. 
Success  came  to  him  because  his  preparation  of  a  case  was  comprehensive  and 
exhaustive    and    his    presentation    of    his    cause   before   the    court    was    strong, 
logical  and  forceful. 

It  was  not  long  before  ^Ir.  Scholes  was  entrusted  with  much  litigation  in 
which  the  city  was  interested.  He  served  as  municipal  attorney  for  three  terms 
in  the  villages  of  South  Peoria,  Peoria  Heights  and  Bartonville.  being  called  to 
the  last  named  on  the  organization  of  the  village.  Still  higher  political  honors 
awaited  him,  involving  work  of  even  greater  importance,  for  in   1904  he  was 


ROBERT   SCHOLES 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  209 

elected  by  a  !arge  majority  to  the  position  of  state's  attorney  for  Peoria  county. 
His  record  won  the  confidence  and  gained  for  him  the  honor  and  respect  of  re])re- 
sentatives  of  every  poiUical  faith  and  at  the  close  of  his  term  there  was  practi- 
callv  no  other  candidate  in  the  field  against  him.  On  his  reelection  he  received 
the  umiualitied  indorsement  of  a  majority  of  the  voters  of  the  county.  During 
his  first  term  the  emoluments  of  the  office  were  on  the  fee  basis  but  by  an  act  of 
the  legislature  at  its  recent  session  the  position  has  been  given  a  fixed  salary. 

.Mr.  Scholes'  success  in  his  profession  affords  the  best  evidence  of  his  capa- 
bilities in  this  line.  lie  is  a  strong  advocate  with  the  jury  and  concise  in  his 
appeals  before  the  court.  His  seems  to  be  a  natural  discrimination  as  to  legal 
ethics  and  he  is  so  thoroughly  well  read  in  the  minutia  of  the  law  that  he  is  able 
to  base  his  arguments  upon  a  thorough  knowledge  of  and  familiarity  with  prece- 
dents and  to  present  a  case  upon  its  merits,  never  failing  to  recognize  the  main 
point  at  issue  and  never  neglecting  to  give  a  thorough  preparation.  His  pleas  have 
been  characterized  by  a  terse  and  decisive  logic  and  a  lucid  presentation  rather 
than  by  flights  of  oratory,  and  his  power  is  the  greater  before  the  court  or  jury 
from  the  fact  that  it  is  recognized  that  his  aim  is  ever  to  secure  justice  and  not  to 
enshroud  the  cause  in  a  sentimental  garb  of  illusion  which  will  thwart  the  princi- 
ples of  right  and  ec|uity  involved.  A  strong  mentality,  an  invincible  courage,  a 
most  determined  individualit}-  have  so  entered  into  his  niakeu])  as  to  render  him  a 
natural  leader  of  men  and  a  director  of  public  opinion. 


JACOB  WACHENHEIMER. 

One  of  the  more  prominent  business  men  of  Peoria  is  Jacob  Wachenheimer, 
who  was  born  in  New  York  city.  At  an  early  age  Air.  Wachenheimer  removed 
from  the  American  metropolis  to  Peoria,  Illinois,  where  he  received  his  educa- 
tion and  initial  business  training.  He  started  as  a  clerk,  when  quite  a  young  man, 
with  the  insurance  firm  of  Robinson  &  Callender  and  his  services  were  so  efficient 
and  so  much  appreciated  by  his  employers  that  after  a  few  years'  time  he  was 
called  to  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  by  the  general  manager  of  the  Franklin 
Fire  Insurance  Company  of  that  city,  where  he  served  in  the  home  office  of  that 
company  for  six  years  as  assistant  to  the  general  manager — a  position  which  he 
filled  very  creditably.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Robinson,  Mr.  Wachenheimer 
returned  to  Peoria,  where  he  became  associated  with  Eliot  Callender.  Although 
the  business  of  Mr.  Callender  before  Mr.  Wachenheimer  became  associated  with 
him  was  very  gratifying,  it  has  expanded  I)y  leaps  and  bounds  since  the  forma- 
tion of  the  firm  of  Callender  &  Company,  which  is  now  by  far  the  largest  con- 
cern of  its  kind  in  Peoria  and  the  largest  in  Illinois  outside  of  Chicago,  and  is 
doing  a  constantly  increasing  insurance  business.  Mr.  Wachenheimer  is  the 
managing  partner  of  his  firm,  his  executive  ability  as  well  as  grasp  of  detail 
being  among  his  strong  business  qualifications.  He  was  for  two  years  president 
of  the  Illinois  Association  of  Fire  Insurance  Agents,  a  fact  which  clearly  in- 
dicates the  esteem  and  confidence  placed  in  him  by  his  fellows.  He  is  one  of 
the  directors  of  the  Commercial  German  National  P»ank  of  Peoria,  is  president 
of  the  Peoria  Livery  Company  and  vice  jiresident  of  the  I'urlington  P^levator 
Company  and  a  stockholder  in  a  number  of  other  local  business  concerns. 

Mr.  Wachenheimer  was  married  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  to  Miss  Susie 
E.  Hood,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  A.  Hood.  Mrs.  Wachenheimer  comes  of 
a  very  old  and  highly  respected  family  of  Philadelphia,  which  at  one  time  owned 
all  the  property  between  that  citv  and  Chester,  Pennsylvania. 

In  his  political  views  and  activities  Mr.  Wachenheimer  is  a  republican.  .  He 
has  been  a  trustee  of  the  Peoria  park  board,  intimating  very  clearly  not  only  hi» 
public  spirit  but  his  consideration  for  the  needs  of  his  fellow  citizens  along  lines 


210  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  recreation  and  also  his  eye  for  the  beautiful  as  well  as  for  the  useful  in  city 
life.  His  standing  among  the  business  men  of  Peoria  is  evidenced  by  the  fact 
that  he  was  for  some  time  president  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  a  position  in  which 
he  was  very  active,  filling  the  place  with  credit  to  himself  and  much  satisfac- 
tion to  his  business  associates  and  friends.  He  is  a  worthy  exemplar  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  the  l)lue  lodge,  the  chapter,  the  consistory  and 
the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  memljer  of  the  Country  Club  of  Peoria,  and 
was  its  president  and  governor  for  eleven  years.  The  Creve  Coeur  Club  is  for- 
tunate in  numbering  among  its  members  Mr.  Wachenheimer,  who  served  as  its 
president  and  on  its  board  of  directors  for  several  terms.  He  likewise  belongs 
to  the  Illinois  \^alley  Yacht  Club.  The  business  and  fraternal  activities  of  Mr. 
Wachenheimer  in  Peoria  have  made  him  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  highly 
respected  residents  of  this  city.  His  sterling  integrity  is  a  quality  known  and 
appreciated,  while  his  genial  manner  has  won  for  him  a  host  of  friends. 


PETER  F.  JAMES,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Peter  F.  James,  whose  residence  and  office  are  at  Xo.  2106  South 
Adams  street  in  Peoria,  has  been  a  general  practitioner  of  medicine  here  since 
June,  1910.  On  coming  to  this  city  he  established  himself  in  the  Jefferson  build- 
ing, there  maintaining  an  office  until  February,  1911,  when  he  removed  to  his 
present  location,  having  taken  over  the  practice  of  the  late  Dr.  Norval,  who 
had  for  over  thirty-three  years  practiced  in  this  block  on  South  Adams  street. 
Dr.  James  was  born  near  Louisville,  Kentucky,  January  8.  1882,  a  son  of  John 
and  Mary  M.  James.  He  was  reared  in  Chicago  and  in  the  public  schools  he 
received  a  common  and  high  school  education.  He  then  attended  the  \'alparaiso 
(Ind.)  University,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1905,  having  taken  the 
scientific  course.  Subsequently  he  entered  the  Chicago  College  of  Medicine 
and  Surgery,  which  institution  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  M.  D.  in  igio. 
During  the  last  vear  of  his  studies  in  Chicago  he  acted  as  interne  at  the  West 
Side  Hospital,  leaving  for  Peoria  upon  his  graduation.  Dr.  James  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Peoria  County  and  Illinois  State  Medical  Societies  and  the  American 
Medical  Association.  He  is  building  up  a  very  satisfactory  practice  and  in- 
dications are  that  he  will  attain  a  prominent  place  among  the  professional  men 
of  the  city  of  his  adoption. 

Dr.  James  was  married  in  1909  to  ^liss  Alice  Ryan,  of  Chicago,  and  to  them 
one  child,  Frances,  has  been  born.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Mac- 
cabees and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 


\MLLIAM  MAJOR.  M.  D. 

Since  1906  Dr.  William  IMajor  has  practiced  in  Peoria,  maintaining  his  office 
at  No.  3028  South  Adams  street.  He  was  born  on  the  farm  of  his  father  in 
Woodford  county.  Illinois,  December  17,  1873,  his  parents  being  Joseph  and 
Mary  F.  (Jones)  Major.  He  was  reared  on  the  home  farm  and  received  a 
common-school  education  at  the  country  schoolhouse,  after  which  he  entered 
Eureka  College,  from  which  he  w-as  graduated  in  1896.  Subsequently  he  en- 
tered the  Chicago  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  winning  the  degree  of 
yi.  D.  in  1901.  He  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Mexico,  where  he 
went  as  surgeon  for  the  American  Smelting  &  Refining  Company,  now  the 
American  Products  &  Refining  Company.  This  position  he  held  with  distinc- 
tion to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  his  employers  until  1906,  after  which  he  re- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  211 

moved  to  Peoria,  entering  upon  a  general  practice.  The  Doctor  is  enjoying  an 
extensive  and  lucrative  patronage,  particularly  in  South  Peoria,  which  is  grow- 
ing year  by  year  as  his  professional  skill  is  coming  to  be  more  generally  recog- 
nized and  as  his  acquaintance  is  being  extended.  He  served  for  the  two  years 
of  1909  and  1910  as  assistant  county  physician,  a  ])osition  which  he  filled  with 
much  credit. 

On  October  7,  1903,  Dr.  Major  married  Miss  Maud  Meacham,  of  hlureka, 
Illinois,  and  they  reside  at  2416  South  Adams  street.  Fraternally  he  is  a  Mason, 
exemplifying  in  his  life  the  beneficent  teachings  of  the  craft.  Dr.  Major  is 
well  and  favorably  known  among  the  members  of  the  medical  fraternity  here 
and  in  his  practice  has  ever  conformed  to  the  highest  ])rofessional  ethics. 


WILLIAM  T.  DOWDALL,  M.  D.,  B.  A. 

Occupying  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  professional  galaxy  of  Peoria  stands 
Dr.  William  T.  Dowdall,  a  ]ihysician  and  surgeon  whose  natural  ability,  educa- 
tion and  training  have  secured  for  him  not  only  a  fine  general  practice  but  also 
numerous  appointments  of  trust  and  honor  by  various  life  insurance  companies 
and  fraternal  orders  and  by  one  of  the  greatest  railroad  corporations  in  this 
state.  The  Doctor  has  practiced  in  Peoria  since  1905.  He  is  a  native  of  this 
city,  born  August  18,  1872,  a  son  of  William  T.  and  Delle  (Mason)  Dowdall. 
His  father  for  twenty-five  years  was  a  newspaper  man  in  Illinois.  During  his 
professional  career  he  published  two  papers  in  Peoria — the  Peoria  Daily  National 
Democrat  (succeeded  later  by  the  Herald)  and  the  Evening  Review.  He  like- 
wise published  the  Pekin  (111.)  Times,  the  \'irginia  Enquirer  and  the  Jackson- 
ville Daily  Courier.  William  T.  Dowdall  was  also  the  first  postmaster  to  oc- 
cupy the  present  fine  postofifice  building  of  this  city,  serving  four  years  during 
President  Cleveland's  first  term  of  ofifice.  He  is  now  living  retired  in  Memphis, 
Tennessee,  with  another  son,  Paul  Mason  Dowdall,  an  attorney. 

William  T.  Dowdall,  Jr.,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  received  his 
early  education  in  the  common  and  high  schools  of  the  citv  of  his  nativity.  He 
became  the  first  special  delivery  messenger  in  Peoria.  Wishing  to  augment  his 
knowledge,  he  entered  the  Illinois  College  at  Jacksonville,  there  taking  the 
preparatory  course,  and  afterward  attended  the  Wabash  College  at  Crawfords- 
ville,  Indiana,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1895  with  the  degree  of  Bachelor 
of  Arts.  In  the  fall  of  that  year  he  entered  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  in  Chicago,  being  graduated  with  honors  from  that  institution  in  1898. 
Subsequently  he  had  over  one  year's  experience  as  interne  at  the  West  Side 
Hospital  in  Chicago  and  then  secured  a  civil  service  appointment  placing  him 
on  the  board  of  health  in  that  city,  a  position  which  he  held  from  1899  until 
1903.  During  that  time  he  was  on  the  smallpox  staff  and  also  was  commissioned 
to  the  care  of  scarlet  fever  and  diphtheria  cases.  After  the  valuable  profes- 
sional experience  thus  secured  in  Chicago.  Dr.  Dowdall,  with  his  brother.  Dr. 
Guy  Dowdall.  now  chief  surgeon  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  went  to  Clin- 
ton, Illinois,  in  1903,  there  practicing  in  partnership  with  his  brother  until  1905, 
when  he  came  to  Peoria.  During  the  period  of  their  residence  in  Clinton  the 
brothers  were  division  surgeons  for  the  Illinois  Central.  On  coming  to  Peoria, 
Dr.  \\'illiam  T.  Dowdall  opened  offices  at  No.  105  South  JefTer.son  street  and 
later  removed  to  suite  232,  Woolner  building,  where  he  is  now  located.  In 
addition  to  discharging  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  by  reason  of  his  large 
general  practice,  Dr.  Dowdall  acts  as  local  surgeon  for  the  Illinois  Central  Rail- 
road, examiner  for  the  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Company,  the  Central  Union 
Life  Insurance  Company,  the  Hartford  Life  Insurance  Company,  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of   America,   Independent   Order  of    Foresters,    Mystic   Workers   of 


212  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  World  and  Fraternal  Reserves.  He  is  a  member  of  the  National  Railroad 
Surgeons  Association,  the  American  Medical  Association  and  the  Peoria  City 
and' Illinois  State  Medical  Societies. 

Dr.  Dowdall  was  united  in  marriage,  in  1901,  to  Miss  Anna  Connole  of  Car- 
roUton,  Illinois,  and  to  them  has  been  born  one  child,  Annadelle  :\Iason  Dow- 
dall. Mrs.  Dowdall  is  a  leader  in  musical  circles  of  the  city  and  with  her  rich 
soprano  of  a  peculiarly  soft  timbre  and  sweetness,  of  remarkable  power  of  ex- 
pression, and  precision  and  clearness  of  tone,  even  in  the  upper  registers,  often 
delights  enraptured  audiences  with  her  renditions.  The  Doctor  is  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Kickapoo  Golf  Clubs. 


EBERHARD  GODEL. 


A  country  has  but  one  ruler,  be  he  emperor,  president  or  king.  Few,  there- 
fore, have  the  opportunity  of  attaining  to  the  highest  administrative  position 
and  the  prizes  in  military  life,  too,  are  comparatively  few.  The  field  of  business, 
however,  is  limitless  and  its  prizes  are  many ;  they  may  be  won  by  earnest,  per- 
sistent and  intelligently  directed  efifort  and  as  one  passes  beyond  the  starting 
point  of  his  career  he  tinds  that  competition  is  less  and  his  chances  more  certain. 
Eberhard  Godel  is  numbered  among  those  whose  prosperity  had  its  root  in  de- 
termined, persistent  effort  and  sound  business  judgment.  Moreover,  his  dealings 
were  at  all  times  in  conformity  with  the  high  standard  of  commercial  ethics  and 
thus  when  death  called  him  he  left  to  his  family  the  priceless  heritage  of  an 
untarnished  name  as  well  as  a  most  substantial  competence.  He  was  one  of  the 
worthy  citizens  Germany  furnished  Peoria,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Feuer- 
bach,  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  :\Iay  26,  1836.  He  was  a  youth  of  fourteen  years 
when  he  came  with  his  mother  and  younger  sister  to  America.  He  served  a  four 
years'  apprenticeship  to  the  hatters'  trade  in  Hoboken,  New  Jersey,  and  in  1854 
came  with  his  mother  and  sister  to  Peoria  where  he  became  connected  with  the 
butchers'  trade.  For  two  years  he  was  associated  in  that  business  with  Charles 
Breier  and  then  removed  to  Burlington,  Iowa,  where  he  engaged  in  the  business 
of  slaughtering  and  of  selling  meat.  In  1857  he  became  a  resident  of  Monmouth, 
Illinois,  where  he  conducted  a  similar  business  and  in  May,  1858,  he  returned  to 
Peoria.  For  nine  years  thereafter,  he  devoted  his  attention  to  buying  and  selling 
stock  and  won  a  measure  of  success  in  that  business  that  enabled  him  to  start 
out  along  another  line.  In  1867  he  bought  an  interest  in  the  firm  of  Ullman  & 
Gebhardt  at  wdiich  time  the  firm  style  of  Godel  &  Gebhardt  was  assumed.  This 
relation  continued  for  ten  years  and  in  1877  Mr.  Godel  purchased  his  partner's 
interest  and  bent  his  energies  to  the  conduct  of  his  business  which  he  continually 
enlarged  in  scope  and  volume.  He  began  pork  packing  in  addition  to  slaughtering 
and  selling  meats  and  his  jjatronage  steadily  increased.  In  1882  his  son.  George 
G.,  joined  him  in  a  partnership  under  the  firm  name  of  E.  Godel  &  Son  and  in  1885 
Frank  G.  Godel  joined  them  under  the  firm  style  of  E.  Godel  &  Sons,  the  firm 
being  incorporated  in  1888.  ]\Ir.  Godel  was  successful  in  his  chosen  business 
and  became  the  leading  slaughterer  and  vendor  of  meats  in  the  city  of  Peoria, 
and  so  continued  for  many  years.  He  was  fairly  successful  in  his  business  and 
accumulated  a  fair  fortune,  which,  with  his  good  name,  he  left  to  his  family 
as  their  inheritance.  In  1882  he  erected  a  brick  business  block  on  North  Adams 
street,  where  he  conducted  the  office  and  retail  departments  of  the  business. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  1857.  in  Burlington,  Iowa,  occurred  the  marriage  of 
Mr.  Godel  and  Miss  Elizabeth  Renz,  who  was  born  September  15,  1832.  in  Liver- 
pool, Perry  county,  Pennsylvania.  Her  father.  John  Renz,  was  born  in  Schoen- 
dorf,  Wurtemberg,  Germany.  June  9,  1782,  and  died  the  year  of  his  arrival  in 
Peoria — 1858.     His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Alary  Elizabeth  Smith, 


EBERHAltn  GODEL 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  215 

was  born  in  Liver])ool,  Perry  county,  Pennsylvania,  September  12,  1804,  and 
in  1858  came  to  Peoria  where  she  passed  away  in  1880.  Seven  children  were 
born  unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Godel :  George  G.,  deceased ;  Frank  G. ;  Henry,  who 
has  departed  this  life;  Henry  E. ;  Albert,  also  deceased;  Theodore  A.;  and 
Louisa.  Mr.  Godel  met  death  in  the  great  railroad  wreck  at  Chatsworth  on  the 
loth  of  August,  1887.  He  was  spoken  of  as  a  "man  of  quiet,  unostentatious 
manners,  diligent  in  business,  a  faithful,  devoted  friend  and  honorable  and  up- 
right in  all  the  relations  of  life."  His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  re- 
publican party  and  while  he  never  sought  office  he  was  always  loyal  in  citizenship 
and  devoted  to  the  best  interests  of  the  community  in  which  he  lived.  He  held 
member.ship  in  the  Alethodist  church,  was  an  advocate  of  temperance  and  a 
supjiorter  of  all  those  i)rojects  and  measures  which  he  deemed  essential  to  honor- 
able, upright  manhood.  Peoria  recognized  that  in  his  death  she  had  lost  one  of 
her  representative  and  valued  citizens  and  many  of  his  friends  in  this  city  still 
cherish  his  memorv. 


GEORGE  J.  JOBST. 


One  who  bears  the  name  of  Jobst  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of 
this  volume,  for  the  name  has  figured  prominently  and  honorably  in  connection 
with  building  interests  here  and  is  a  synonym  for  all  that  is  most  progressive  in 
that  field  of  labor.  Under  the  firm  name  of  \'al  Jobst  &  Sons  a  contracting  busi- 
ness is  conducted  that  is  second  to  none  in  Illinois.  In  addition  to  his  connec- 
tion with  this  firm  George  J.  Jobst  is  a  director  in  the  Dime  Savings  Bank,  fig- 
uring in  financial  circles  of  Peoria  in  this  capacity  since  1909. 

He  was  born  in  this  city  in  September,  1875,  and  pursued  his  education  in 
the  public  schools.  His  business  training  came  to  him  from  his  father,  \'alen- 
tine  Jobst,  Sr.,  after  he  had  graduated  from  the  Peoria  high  school  and  also 
from  the  Uni\-ersity  of  Illinois,  in  which  he  pursued  a  course  as  a  civil  and  ar- 
chitectural engineer.  The  broad  scientific  training  thus  received  has  been  a  feat- 
ure in  the  success  of  the  firm,  for  after  leaving  school  he  at  once  joined  his 
father  and  brothers  in  the  conduct  of  a  business  of  great  magnitude.  Their 
efforts  extend  beyond  the  limits  of  Peoria  and  their  reputation  places  them  in  a 
foremost  position  as  leading  contractors  of  central  Illinois. 

George  J.  Jobst  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Laura  E.  Nelson,  of  Cham- 
paign, Illinois,  and  in  the  social  circles  of  Peoria  they  occupy  a  prominent  place. 
Mr.  Jobst  belongs  to  the  Delta  Tau  Delta,  a  college  fraternity,  also  to  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club  and  the  Country  Club  of  Peoria  and  to  the  University  Club  of  Chi- 
cago. He  is  a  typical  young  business  man  of  the  present  age — wide-awake, 
energetic  and  resourceful,  finding  his  opportunities  in  prevailing  conditions, 
which  he  wisely  utilizes  in  the  upbuilding  of  his  own  fortunes  and  in  the  im- 
provement of  the  city  of  his  nativity. 


HARRY  T.  TRUE. 


Among  the  young  men  of  Peoria  who  undeniably  exercise  a  percei)tible  in- 
fluence in  the  business  world  of  the  city,  is  Harry  J.  True.  Without  tletracting 
from  the  inerits  of  thousands  of  other  young  men,  who  have  .gained  hoimrable 
distinction  and  enduring  names  for  themselves  in  the  jiaths  of  honest  industrv 
ill  this  city,  we  may  safely  say  that  few  men  of  his  years  have  interwoven  their 
names  with  as  many  projects  and  enterprises  as  has  Mr.  True.     He  belongs  to 


216  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Peoria,  whose  citizens  claim  him  as  their  own,  and  who  dehght  in  honoring  his 
intelhgence  and  business  energy  on  any  possible  occasion. 

Mr.  True,  a  young  business  man  of  ability  and  sterling  integrity,  was  born 
on  the  home  farm  in  Saratoga  township,  Marshall  county,  Illinois,  January  25, 
1884.  and  his  father,  Albert  True,  is  now  living  retired  in  Henry,  this  state. 
Harry  J.  True  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  and  began  his  education  in 
the  common  schools,  taking  later  on  a  high-school  course  in  Marshall  county, 
and  then  attended  the  Illinois  Normal  School  of  Dixon  and  completed  his 
education  in  Brown's  Business  College  of  Peoria.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he 
left  the  home  farm  and  came  to  Peoria,  here  becoming  identified  with  the  imple- 
ment trade.  In  1908  he  secured  a  half  interest  in  the  old  established  imple- 
ment, transfer  and  storage  business  of  the  Kircher  Company,  a  concern  founded 
twenty-five  or  thirty  years  ago  by  Henry  C.  Kircher,  now  deceased.  The  com- 
pany handles  carriages,  buggies,  implements,  horse  supplies  and  accessories,  and 
does  a  large  business  in  those  lines.  The  transfer  and  storage  of  household 
goods  is  an  equally  important  part  of  their  business,  to  which  they  give  careful 
attention  with  the  result  that  they  do  a  very  satisfactory  business  in  those  lines. 
Harry  J.  True  was  the  very  efficient  manager  of  this  concern  until  January  i, 
191 2,  and  not  a  little  of  their  success  was  due  to  his  careful  management  and 
capable  business  ability.  On  the  first  of  January,  1912,  he  sold  his  interest  in 
the  above  company,  to  take  up  the  duties  of  oiifice  manager  of  the  Domestic 
Vacuum  Sweeper  Company.  This  sweeper  was  invented  by  Dr.  Quist  of  Wor- 
cester, Massachusetts,  who  sold  the  right  to  patent  and  manufacture  the  same 
to  the  present  owners.  On  February  i,  1911,  was  organized  the  Domestic 
\'acuum  Sweeper  Company  with  headquarters  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  and  factories 
at  Worcester.  Massachusetts.  The  business  has  grown  wonderfully.  The  out- 
put which  at  first  was  about  thirty  per  day  has  now  reached  six  hundred,  and 
the  factories  are  being  rebuilt  to  increase  the  output  to  over  one  thousand  per 
day.  The  product  is  sold  throughout  America  and  Europe  and  many  salesman 
are  employed.  The  sweeper  is  designed  especially  for  cleaning  carpets  and 
rugs.  However,  it  can  be  used  most  successfully  for  cleaning  walls,  draperies, 
upholstered  furniture,  bedding,  etc..  by  use  of  special  attachments.  There  is 
nothing  to  get  out  of  order,  and  nothing  to  wear  out — shortly,  it  is  an  article 
that  is  almost  indispensable  to  the  housewife.  This  industry  is  bound  to  prove 
one  of  the  greatest  in  the  middle  west.  The  officers  of  the  company  are,  Silas 
Ropp,  president;  B.  C.  Koch,  secretary  and  treasurer;  J.  E.  Gerber,  vice  pres- 
ident and  general  manager;  Harry  J.  True,  office  manager. 

During  Mr.  True's  ten  years'  residence  in  this  city  he  has  demonstrated  that 
he  not  only  has  good  business  qualifications  but  also  social  qualities  which  indicate 
that  he  will  achieve  a  prominent  place  in  our  business  and  social  circles.  In 
business  transactions,  he  exhibits  a  quick  appreciation  and  prompt  decision 
which  are  as  necessary  to  the  successful  merchant  as  the  successful  general,  but 
tempered  with  a  courtesv  which  wins  the  esteem  of  all  who  come  into  contact  with 
him.  In  private  life,  his  amiable  and  generous  disposition  have  endeared  him 
to  numbers  of  friends.  Mr.  True  has  the  rare  gift  of  imbuing  his  followers 
w-ith  an  enthusiasm  that  never  wearies  nor  is  mercenary.  Especially  do  the 
young  men  take  service  under  him  and  do  an  incredible  amount  of  work  in- 
spired by  that  dvnamic  force  of  their  leader.  Add  to  these  qualities,  an  unabating 
energy,  a  perfect  grasp  of  detail,  an  intensity  of  purpose  that  never  takes  any- 
thing for  granted,  and  a  boldness  in  planning,  and  a  rapidity  of  execution  that 
leaves  between  the  flash  and  the  report  scarcely  the  interval  of  a  second,  and 
you  have  Mr.  True  in  an  almost  perfect  light. 

As  a  life  companion,  Mr.  True  chose  Miss  Josephine  Cline,  of  Canton,  Illi- 
nois, their  union  occurring  November  18,  1909,  and  to  them  has  been  born  a 
daughter,  ]Marie  Catherine,  on  November  28,  191 1.  Social  diversions  Mr.  True 
finds  as  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Travel- 


HISTORY  OF  PF.ORIA  COUNTY  217 

ers"  Protective  Association.  Mr.  True's  thorough  business  (|uahlications  and 
his  well-known  executive  ability  have  always  been  in  great  demand  in  the  com- 
mercial activities  of  Peoria,  and  his  strict  probity  in  all  his  relations,  have  met 
with  that  return  of  warm  ])ersonal  regard  and  financial  success  which  such  dis- 
tinguishing qualities  richly  merit. 


CHAUNCEY  G.  COLE. 

Among  the  many  successful  business  men  of  Peoria  who  have  won  place 
and  fortune  as  the  direct  result  of  their  own  untiring  diligence  and  unfailing 
integrity,  we  find  occupying  a  prominent  position  Chauncey  G.  Cole,  sales  man- 
ager and  director  of  the  Jobst-Bethard  Company,  the  largest  and  best  known 
wholesale  grocery  house  in  this  city.  Mr.  Cole,  wdio  is  one  of  Peoria's  own 
sons,  was  born  on  the  13th  of  January,  1874,  his  parents  being  Johnson  L.  and 
Louisa  A.  Cole.  The  father  is  one  of  Peoria's  most  prominent  and  influential 
men.  He  is  a  pioneer  banker  and  a  thirty-third  degree  Mason  and  his  name  is 
a  household  word  in  this  city.  More  extended  mention  is  made  of  him  on 
another  page  of  this  work. 

Chauncey  G.  Cole  was  reared  and  educated  in  Peoria.  lie  attended  its  jjublic 
schools,  where  his  diligence  fitted  him  at  the  early  age  of  fifteen  years  to  accept- 
ably fill  a  position  with  the  great  wholesale  establishment  with  which  he  has 
been  for  twenty-three  consecutive  years  actively  connected.  Beginning  at  the 
foot  of  the  ladder,  he  worked  himself  up  through  the  various  subordinate  de- 
partments until  he  became  sales  and  pricing  manager  for  this  mammoth  con- 
cern, which  has  in  its  emjjloy  more  than  a  score  of  traveling  salesmen,  dispens- 
ing its  output  throughout  the  central  west.  In  addition  to  the  management  of 
his  departments,  his  voice  is  heard  as  a  director  in  all  the  affairs  and  details 
concerning  the  policy  of  the  business.  PTaving  grown  up  in  the  atmosphere  of 
the  wholesale  grocery  trade,  he  is  well  qualified  to  give  advice  on  every  detail 
of  its  affairs,  and  his  alertness  to  the  needs  of  the  trade,  gained  through  his 
close  connection  with  the  travelers  representing  the  company,  renders  his  counsel 
invaluable  along  all  lines.  The  concern  of  Jobst-Bethard  Company  owes  to  him 
in  no  small  degree  the  large  success  which  it  is  enjoying. 

Mr.  Cole  chose  for  his  life  partner  ]\Iiss  Lillian  C.  Best  of  Peoria,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Herman  Best.  One  child,  Louisa  A.  Cole,  has  been  born  to  them.  Mr. 
Cole  occupies  a  prominent  place  in  the  fraternal  life  of  the  city.  Pie  is  a  Knight 
Templar  Mascin,  belongs  to  the  Mystic  Shrine  and  is  at  present  eminent  com- 
mander in  the  commandery.  Long  a  member  of  the  Travelers'  Protective  Asso- 
ciation, he  is  one  of  the  state  directors  of  that  body  and  also  chairman  of  the 
state  board.  The  city  of  Peoria  has  few  young  men  of  greater  promise  and 
of  more  real  value  to  its  business,  social,  civic  and  fraternal  life  than  Chauncev 
G.  Cole. 


JOHN  H.  DUNLAP. 


Among  those  who  are  active  in  managing  city  affairs  in  official  capacities  is 
.numbered  John  H.  Dunlap,  who  is  now  serving  as  alderman  from  the  Fourth 
ward.  At  the  same  time  he  is  carrying  on  a  successful  business  as  a  contractor 
and  builder,  and  in  this  connection  has  secured  an  extensive  and  growing 
patronage.  He  has  resided  in  Peoria  continuously  since  1894  and  since  181)7 
has  been  identified  with  its  building  interests.  He  was  born  at  Chenoa,  Illinois, 
on  the  17th  of  February,  i86g.  His  father,  John  Dunlap,  was  also  a  carpenter 
and   contractor,   who    for   a   long   period    was   engaged    in   building   in    Chenoa, 


218  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

where  John  II.  Dunlap  spent  his  boyhood  and  youth  and  acquired  his  educa- 
tion as  a  public-school  student.  He  afterward  learned  the  carpenter's  trade 
under  the  direction  of  his  father,  with  whom  he  worked  until  his  removal  to 
Chicago,  Illinois,  where  he  resided  for  eight  years,  later  coming  to  Peoria.  His 
training  was  thorough  and  practical  and  he  came  to  this  city  well  qualified  to 
win  advancement.  His  work  has  ever  commended  him  to  the  public  patronage, 
for  he  is  straightforward  and  reliable  in  his  dealings.  After  two  or  three  years 
spent  in  this  city  in  the  employ  of  others  he  started  in  business  on  his  own 
account  and  is  today  well  known  as  a  general  contractor,  evidences  of  whose 
handiwork  are  seen  in  some  of  the  fine  structures  of  the  city.  He  erected  the  res- 
idences of  Charles  Ulrich,  A.  C.  Pffeifer,  \V.  J.  Balzer  and  a  number  of  others, 
and  also  remodeled  the  Lyceum  Theater  and  Onken's  Laundry.  During  the  busy 
season  he  has  employed  as  many  as  fifty  carpenters.  He  gives  to  all  of  the 
work  his  general  supervision  and  sees  to  it  that  the  labor  is  thoroughly  done, 
that  the  buildings  are  constructed  in  a  substantial  manner  and  at  the  same  time 
close  attention  is  paid  to  comfort  and  convenience. 

In  1903,  in  Peoria.  ^Ir.  Dunlap  was  united  in  marriage  to  IMiss  Nettie  Wil- 
liamson, and  thev  have  become  the  parents  of  an  interesting  little  daughter, 
Ruth.  ^Ir.  Duniap  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  also  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  In  the  former  organization  he  has  taken 
the  degrees  of  the  chapter  and  council  and  has  filled  all  of  the  chairs  in  the  differ- 
ent Masonic  organizations  with  which  he  has  been  identified.  His  political 
allegiance  is  given  to  the  Republican  party,  which,  recognizing  his  fitness  for 
office,  made  him  its  nominee  for  the  position  of  city  councilman  in  the  spring 
of  1908.  He  was  elected  on  that  occasion  and  after  two  years'  service  received 
indorsement  of  his  course  in  office  in  reelection.  In  1912  he  again  was  elected 
to  the  office,  so  that  he  is  now  serving  for  the  third  term.  He  does  everything 
in  his  power  in  this  connection  to  further  the  best  interests  of  the  city  and  his 
practical  and  beneficial  ideas  concerning  good  government  are  recognized  by 
his  associates  in  the  council  and  the  general  public. 


benja:\iin  d,  brewster. 

Benjamin  D.  Brewster  is  vice  president  of  the  Brewster-Evans  Coal  Com- 
pany, producers  and  wholesalers  of  coal,  with  offices  at  1028  Jefferson  build- 
ing, Peoria.  j\Ir.  Brewster  was  born  in  Peru,  Illinois.  November  24.  18^14. 
His  father,  Theron  D.  Brewster,  went  to  Peru  in  1835  and  in  1836-7  laid  out 
the  site  of  that  city.  The  Brewsters  still  own  considerable  property  in  Peru 
and  vicinity.  After  a  long  and  successful  business  life  Theron  D.  Brewster 
died  in  1897.  after  which  event  Benjamin  D.  Brewster  took  up  the  work  where 
it  had  been  laid  down.  The  senior  Brewster  was  one  of  the  first  directors  of 
the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  &  Pacific  Railroad  Company  and  also  a  prominent 
banker  in  his  day. 

Benjamin  D.  Brewster  was  reared  in  Peru,  where  he  received  his  early  edu- 
cation, but  while  yet  only  a  boy  he  became  identified  with  the  Chicago  Board 
of  Trade.  His  experience  as  a  coal  dealer  and  operator  covers  a  period  of  about 
fifteen  years.  For  many  years  during  his  early  business  career  he  paid  a  great 
deal  of  attention  to  locating  and  selling  coal  mines.  In  1909  Mr.  Brewster  be- 
came the  senior  member  of  the  coal  firm  of  Brewster  &  Evans,  which  was  con- 
ducted and  continued  in  Peoria  until  February,  191 1,  when  was  incorporated 
the  Brewster-Evans  Coal  Company.  The  base  of  the  supplies  of  this  company 
is  principally  near  South  Bartonville,  Peoria  county.  \\'allace  C.  Evans  being 
president  of  the  corporation.  Their  mine  and  coal  are  named  the  "\\'alben." 
Messrs.   Brewster   and  Evans   were   interested   in.  the   Crescent   Coal    Company 


HISTORY  ()!•    l'I-:()RI A  COUNTY  'J19 

about  one  year.  Previous  to  his  locating;  in  Peoria.  .Mr.  I'.rewster  had  been  in 
the  coal  business  many  years.  Fie  is  a  business  man  of  sterhng  intei,'rity.  with 
a  large  circle  of  associates  and  friends.  He  is  vice  president  an<l  chairman  of 
the  board  of  directors  of  the  Peru  Plow  &  Wheel  Company  of  Peru,  Illinois, 
a  concern  doing  an  extensive  business  and  retjuiring  consideraljle  attention  at 
the  hands  of  Mr.  Brewster. 

As  a  companion  and  helpmate  on  the  journey  of  life  Mr.  Brewster  chose 
Miss  Anna  Detweiller,  of  Peoria,  daughter  of  John  and  Louisa  Detweiller.  ( )ne 
son  was  born  to  them,  Ik'njamin  1)..  Jr.  The  family  reside  at  Xo.  1015  North 
Jefferson  avenue  in  Peoria. 


JOHNSON  LAFAYETTE  COLE. 

There  are  few,  if  any.  residents  of  Peoria  of  Mr.  Cole's  age — seventy-eiglit 
years — who  can  claim  as  long  a  connection  witli  the  city  and  its  development 
as  he,  for  he  was  but  two  years  of  age  when  brought  to  the  little  frontier  village 
that  has  now  become  the  second  city  in  size  in  Blinois.  He  has,  therefore, 
witnessed  the  development  of  this  district  from  the  days  of  the  primitive  past 
to  the  progressive  present  when  Peoria  has  every  advantage  and  opportunity 
known  to  the  older  east.  To  its  development  and  jirogress  he  has  made  valu- 
able contribution  through  his  identification  in  business  affairs  and  in  every  rela- 
tion he  has  commanded  the  unc|ualified  regard  of  his  fellow  townsmen. 

Mr.  Cole  was  born  in  Cheshire.  Berkshire  county,  Masachusetts,  January 
19,  1834.  The  ancestral  line  is  traced  back  to  Hugh  Cole  of  English  birth  who 
I)ecame  the  father  of  the  American  branch  of  the  family,  settling  at  Plymouth, 
Massachusetts,  in  1632.  and  in  1634  he  wedded  INIary  F"oxhall  and  from  him  the 
line  of  descent  is  traced  down  to  Benjamin  Cole,  who  was  born  in  Swansea, 
Massachusetts,  in  1678;  Israel  Cole  in  Swansea,  in  1709;  Israel  Cole  (11),  born 
at  Rehoboth  in  1735:  David  Cole,  born  in  Cheshire,  in  1781  :  and  .Mmiran  S. 
Cole,  born  in  Cheshire  in  1803.  The  founder  of  the  family  in  the  new  world 
was  a  man  of  prominence  in  his  community,  filling  various  important  positions 
in  connection  with  the  colonial  government  such  as  deputy  of  the  general  court, 
selectman  of  his  town,  and  others.  In  September,  1835,  Almiran  S.  Cole  left 
Lanesboro.  Massachusetts,  and  after  spending  sixty  days  in  traveling  across 
the  country  reached  Peoria.  In  the  embryo  city  he  established  a  store  on  Main 
street  but  after  two  vears  sold  out  to  Gardner  T.  Barker  who  had  been  a  clerk 
in  his  employ.  Through  the  succeeding  two  years  Mr.  Cole  ran  the  steamer 
"Frontier"  as  a  passenger  packet  between  La  Salle  and  St.  Louis.  This  was 
one  of  the  first  boats  of  its  class  on  the  Illinois  river.  Later  Mr.  Cole  again, 
embarked  in  merchandising,  erecting  a  building  in  which  to  conduct  his  store. 
In  1844  he  built  the  first  distillery  in  Peoria,  conducting  it  for  two  and  one  half 
years  after  which  he  sold  out  to  Sylvanus  Thompson.  In  1847  he  began  the 
erection  of  a  much  larger  establishment — a  four  story  structure  which  was  huih 
at  a  cost  of  thirty-eight  thousand  dollars  and  had  a  capacity  of  sixteen  hundred 
busliels  of  grain  ]K'r  da\-.  In  a  history  ])ublished  in  1831  this  is  spoken  of  as 
one  of  the  largest  Iniildings  in  the  Mississippi  valley.  .Mr.  Cole  had  previously 
built  the  first  wareliouse  in  Peoria  on  the  site  of  old  Fort  Clark,  .-\fter  dis- 
posing of  his  second  distillery  in  1868  he  removed  to  a  farm  in  East  Peoria 
upon  which  he  spent  his  remaining  days  in  practical  retirement  save  for  his 
supervision  of  his  large  real-estate  interests.  He  was  married  at  Pownall.  \'cr- 
mont.  January  18,  1833,  to  Chloe  M.  Brown  of  Cheshire.  Mas.sachusetts.  who 
died   February    ig.    1882.     In   their   familv   were  nine  children. 

Johnson  L.  Cole,  one  of  the  two  surviving  of  this  family,  was  liut  two  years 
of  age  at  the  time  of  ihc  removal  to  Peoria  which  occurred  four  vears  after  the 


220  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Black  Hawk  war.  He  was  one  of  the  first  pu|)ils  in  the  schools  of  this  town, 
and  in  his  youth  he  became  assistant  to  his  father  who  was  then  conducting  a 
distillery.  In  that  connection  he  worked  his  way  upward  and  in  i860  became 
general  manager,  thus  acquiring  a  wide  acquaintance  with  practical  business 
affairs.  The  distillery  was  sold  in  1862  and  Air.  Cole  afterward  became  an 
accountant  in  the  office  of  a  provost  marshal  at  Peoria  which  position  he  con- 
tinued to  fill  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1865  he  then  accompanied  Adjutant 
Norton  to  Jacksonville  and  assisted  in  closing  up  the  affairs  of  the  office  at  that 
point,  .\bout  1868  he  became  accountant  in  the  wholesale  grocery  house  of 
S.  H.  Thompson,  with  whom  he  remained  until  the  business  was  closed  out  in 
1881.  He  then  became  accountant  in  the  banking  house  of  Callender,  Ayres  i& 
Company,  predecessors  of  the  Commercial  National  Bank  and  remained  with 
the  institution  through  all  its  various  changes  until  1908  when  he  resigned.  He 
is  still,  however,  a  director  in  the  bank  but  at  the  present  time  gives  his  atten- 
tion to  no  active  business  duties.  The  rest  that  he  is  enjoying  is  well  merited 
for  through  many  years  he  continued  a  prominent  factor  in  business  circles  of 
the  city.  Mr.  Cole  has  been  married  twice.  His  first  wife,  Louisa  A.  Mason, 
was  a  daughter  of  William  and  Anne  Mason  of  Peoria.  The  children  of  this 
marriage  are:  Lafayette,  who  spent  seven  years  in  Japan,  but  is  now  located  at 
San  Diego,  California;  Annie,  who  died  in  infancy;  Elwood  Andrew,  cashier 
of  the  Commercial  National  Bankj  William  Edmund,  cashier  in  the  bank  of 
Zell,  Hotchkiss  &  Company;  Alice  Thompson,  who  died  in  infancy;  Chauncey 
Guth,  connected  with  the  grocery  house  of  the  Jobst-Bethard  Company ;  and 
Thaddeus  Elv,  who  died  in  infancy.  The  wife  and  mother  passed  away  June 
4,  1876.  Mr.  Cole  was  later  married  to  Mrs.  Emma  L.  Harlow  of  Peoria, 
who  by  her  former  marriage  had  three  daughters :  Mrs.  Mary  Beckenhaupt, 
Jessie  T.  and  Ruth  M. 

Mr.  Cole  is  a  prominent  Mason,  stalwart  in  his  support  of  the  principles  and 
purpose  of  the  fraternity.  He  belongs  to  Peoria  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M. ;  also  the 
chapter,  council  and  commandery  of  which  he  is  a  past  eminent  commander.  In 
the  consistory  he  has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  and  he  belongs  to  Mo- 
hammed Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.,  and  to  St.  Helena  Conclave  of  the  Knights 
of  Constantine  in  Peoria.  On  September  7,  1907,  at  Boston,  Massachusetts, 
the  thirty-third  degree  in  Masonry  was  conferred  upon  Mr.  Cole.  He  is  most 
loyal  to  the  teachings  of  the  craft  and  has  held  office  in  many  of  its  branches. 
His  entire  life  has  been  spent  in  harmony  with  its  basic  principles  for  he  has 
ever  recognized  the  brotherhood  of  man  and  has  labored  untiringly  to  secure 
their  adoption. 


HARRY  B.  MAGEE,  M.  D. 

The  medical  profession  has  many  worthy  representatives  in  Peoria  county — 
men  who  have  been  well  trained  for  the  onerous  and  responsible  duties  which 
now  devolve  upon  them  and  who  are  most  conscientious  in  their  performance. 
To  this  class  belongs  Dr.  Harry  B.  iNIagee.  who  is  one  of  the  best  known  and 
most  successful  among  the  yoimger  physicians  of  the  city.  He  has  practiced 
here  only  since  October  3,  1910,  coming  to  this  city  after  a  year's  private  prac- 
tice in  Pennsylvania  and  a  year's  service  as  interne  in  the  Williamsport  ( Penn- 
sylvania) Hospital.  He  is  a  native  son  of  the  Keystone  state,  his  birth  having 
occurred  in  Clarion  county,  April  28,  1884,  his  parents  Ijeing  John  A.  and  Anna 
Eliza  (Sloan)  Magee.  The  father  died  in  1900.  He  was  a  prominent  hardware 
merchant  of  Clarion  and  his  enterprise  ancl  energy  were  important  factors  in 
promoting  the  business  activity  of  that  place. 


DR.  11.   II.    M,\i;KK 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTV  223 

Dr.  Magec  was  reared  in  his  native  town  and  at  the  usual  age  entered  the 
Clarion  pubHc  schools,  wherein  he  pursued  his  studies  until  graduated  from 
the  high  school  with  the  class  of  igoi.  He  was  ambitious,  however,  to  acquire 
a  broader  knowledge  and  in  liucknell  University,  of  Pennsylvania,  he  pursued 
a  special  course  in  biology  and  chemistry,  thus  preparing  himself  to  enter  upon 
the  study  of  medicine,  which  he  pursued  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
completing  a  four  years"  course  at  his  graduation  from  the  medical  department 
of  that  institution  in  the  spring  of  1908.  His  standing  won  him  appointment 
to  the  pt)sition  of  interne  in  the  W'illiamsport  Hospital  of  Williamsport,  Penn- 
sylvania, where  he  remained  for  a  year,  after  which  he  returned  to  his  native 
town,  where  he  opened  an  otifice  and  continued  in  practice  for  a  year.  On  the 
^d  of  October,  1910,  however,  he  arrived  in  Peoria  and  has  since  engaged  in 
general  ])ractice  here.  His  patronage  has  steadily  increased  anil  the  demands 
upon  his  time  and  skill  are  now  many. 

In  1910  Dr.  IMagee  was  married  to  Miss  Cora  Estelle  Moore,  of  Clarion, 
Pennsylvania,  and  during  the  period  of  their  residence  in  this  city  they  have 
made  many  friends.  Dr.  IMagee,  however,  is  closely  concentrating  his  energies 
and  attention  upon  his  profession.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Medical 
Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  the  American  Medical  Association, 
and  the  John  1!.  Deaver  Surgical  Society,  which  is  connected  with  the  L'niversity 
of  Pennsylvania.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Sigma  Chi,  a  college  fraternity, 
and  is  a  ^lason.  He  finds  ample  opportunity  to  exemplify  the  spirit  of  the  craft 
in  his  practice  and  again  and  again  in  a  professional  connection  extends  a  help- 
ing hand  to  the  poor  and  needy,  thus  recognizing  the  fundamental  principles 
U])on  which  Masonry  is  f(^unflcd — the  l)rotherhood  of  mankind. 


WILLIAM  H.  WILLIS,  M.  D. 

Dr.  William  11.  Willis  is  a  very  successful  general  medical  practitioner  of 
Peoria,  where  he  has  followed  his  profession  since  the  1st  of  April,  1898.  His 
ability  is  displayed  in  the  liberal  patronage  accorded  him,  for  the  worth  of  the 
l^hysician  is  at  once  manifest  in  the  results  which  attend  his  labors.  Added  to 
broad  scientific  knowledge  he  has  a  sympathetic  manner  and  a  spirit  of  human- 
itarianism  that  constitute  features  of  his  growing  and  well  deserved  success. 
He  has  been  a  representative  of  the  profession  in  Illinois  since  1881,  although 
a  resident  of  Peoria  only  since  1898.  He  was  born  at  Ipava,  Fulton  county, 
Illinois,  January  20,  i8C)0,  a  son  of  Dr.  Amos  Q.  Willis,  who  practiced  medicine 
at  Ipava  until  his  death,  which  occurred  when  his  son  William  was  but  thir- 
teen months  old.  The  lioy  was  reared  in  Fulton  county  and  there  attended  the 
public  scliools  until  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  medicine,  pursuing  a  course 
in  the  ^Missouri  Medical  College,  at  St.  Louis,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  the  class  of  188 1.  Immediately  afterward  he  opened  an  office  in  Eureka, 
Illinois,  where  he  remained  for  five  years,  removing  in  1886  to  Marshall  county, 
Illinois,  where  he  continued  in  active  practice  for  eleven  years.  Desirous  of 
]iromoting  his  knowledge  and  skill  he  then  entered  the  Xew  York  Polyclinic, 
where  he  inirsued  his  studies  in  1897  and  1898,  iieing  in  due  lime  graduated 
therefrdm.  With  this  added  equipment  he  resolved  to  seek  the  broader  op- 
l)ortunitics  offered  in  the  city  and  came  to  Peoria.  He  has  a  large  general 
practice  but  also  specializes  to  a  considera1)le  extent  in  surgery  and  displays 
rare  training  and  ability  in  that  line.  He  has  a  comprehensive  knowledge  of 
the  anatomy  and  the  component  parts  of  the  human  body  and  possesses  that 
cool  and  quiet  nerve  necessary  in  emergency  cases.  He  has  served  on  the  staff 
of    Proctor   Hosj^ital   and   is   a   member   of    the    Peoria    Citv   and    Illinois    State 

Medical    Societies   and   the    American    Medical    Association. 
Vol.  n— 11 


224  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

At  Eureka,  Illinois,  in  1884,  Dr.  Willis  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Dycie 
Van  Dyke,  of  that  city,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  three  children : 
Ethel,  who  is  the  wife  of  E.  A.  Brown,  a  resident  of  Elmwood,  Illinois;  and 
Hazel  and  Harold,  twins,  the  former  the  wife  of  Charles  E.  Smith,  of  Elm- 
wood,  and  the  latter  now  managing  the  farming  interests  of  his  father,  in  south- 
eastern Missouri. 

.\si(le  from  his  professional  interests.  Dr.  \\"illis  is  connected  with  agriculture 
in  Illinois,  and  is  the  owner  of  valuable  farm  property  which  returns  him  a  sub- 
stantial and  gratifying  annual  income.  He  is  also  meeting  with  a  large  measure 
of  success  in  his  practice  and  his  position  as  a  representative  of  the  medical 
fraternity  of  Peoria  is  most  creditable.  Several  years  ago,  prior  to  his  removal 
to  this  city,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Illinois  National  Guard  and  was  accounted 
one  of  the  best  marksmen  of  the  state,  at  which  time  Colonel  Rice  was  inspector 
for  the  state.  Dr.  Willis  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  has  many  friends 
among  its  members.  He  is  also  widely  and  favorably  known  in  other  connec- 
tions, possessing  the  social,  genial  qualities  which  everywhere  gain  friendship 
and  win  confidence. 


HARRY  BATES. 


Commercial  progress  and  prosperity  are  conserved  through  the  efforts  of 
such  enterprising  and  reliable  business  men  as  Harry  Bates,  who  occupies  a 
creditable  position  in  the  business  circles  of  Peoria  as  a  manufacturer  of  office, 
store  and  bank  fixtures,  his  establishment  being  located  at  Nos.  612  to  618 
Alonroe  street,  inclusive.  He  has  been  connected  with  this  line  of  business 
for  twenty-six  years  and  for  twenty-two  years  has  been  owner  of  his  present 
concern.  Twenty-eight  years'  residence  in  t^eoria  has  brought  him  a  wide  ac- 
quaintance, and  the  wise  use  which  he  has  made  of  his  time  and  opportunities 
during  this  period  has  gained  for  him  the  favorable  regard  of  all  with  whom 
he  has  come  in  contact. 

yLr.  Bates  is  a  native  of  the  neighboring  state  of  Indiana,  his  birth  having 
occurred  in  the  town  of  Attica,  August  16.  1859.  His  father,  Albert  Bates, 
was  a  blacksmith,  who  removed  from  Indiana  to  Illinois,  settling  with  his  family 
in  the  eastern  part  of  this  state  just  after  the  close  of  the  Civil  war.  Harry 
Bates  was  therefore  reared  in  Illinois  and  is  indebted  to  its  public-school  system 
for  the  educational  privileges  which  were  accorded  him.  He  began  learning  the 
trade  of  manufacturing  office  and  store  fixtures  in  1877  but  afterward  worked 
at  the  trade  in  Chicago,  in  Denver,  Colorado,  and  in  other  cities.  Eventually 
he  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  has  now  made  his  home  for  twenty-eight  years. 
He  entered  the  employ  of  the  Tucker  Furniture  Company  of  this  city  in  the 
capacity  of  cabinet-maker  and  afterward  was  connected  with  the  firm  of  Castle 
&  Son,  manufacturers  of  and  dealers  in  office,  store  and  bank  fixtures.  About 
twenty-two  years  ago  he  started  in  business  on  his  own  account,  opening  his 
factory  at  213  INIain  street,  whei'e  he  remained  until  he  removed  to  the  corner 
of  Fulton  and  Madison  streets,  remaining  there  until  he  removed  to  his  present 
location  about  1896,  in  which  year  he  erected  the  building  he  now  occupies. 
This  is  a  two-story  brick  structure  with  basement,  well  equipped  for  the  manu- 
facture of  office,  store  and  bank  fixtures.  It  is  supplied  with  the  latest  im- 
proved machinery  and  he  employs  about  fifteen  workmen  in  the  manufacture 
of  all  classes  of  store,  bank  and  office  furniture.  The  business  has  steadilv  grown 
and  has  reached  gratifying  proportions,  the  high-grade  work  and  moderate 
prices  bringing  a  good  trade. 

Mr.   Bates  was  married   in  Peoria,   in    1894,  to   ^liss  Alice   Thompson,   who 
was  born  and  reared  in  this  city  and  is  a  daughter  of  Joseph  Thompson,  now 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 


zso 


deceased,  whi.)  was  one  of  Peoria's  early  settlers.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Pates  have  a 
daughter,  Ruth.  Mr.  Pates  belongs  to  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club,  which 
indicates  something  of  the  nature  of  his  recreation.  Plis  interests  are  wide  and 
varied,  covering  those  activities  which  relate  to  the  city's  welfare  as  well  as  to 
individual  enterprise  and  social  affairs.  Laudable  ambition  has  brought  him  to 
his  present  position  in  manufacturing  circles  and  his  success  proves  what  may 
be  accomplished  when  determination  and  energy  are  unremittingly  employed  to 
overcome  obstacles  and  difficulties  and  to  meet  competition. 


S.  L.  NELSON. 


Prominent  among  the  energetic,  far-sighted  and  successful  business  men  of 
Peoria  is  S.  L.  Nelson,  whose  w^ell  formulated  plans,  executive  ability  and  in- 
itiative spirit  have  carried  him  into  important  relations  and  brought  him  to  a 
position  of  leadership  in  connection  with  business  affairs  of  this  cty.  He  is 
today  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Railway  Company  and  also  a  director  of  the 
Dime  Savings  &  Trust,  Title  &  Trust,  and  the  Merchants'  National  Banks.  His 
identification  with  the  Peoria  Railway  Company  dates  from  1906,  but  for  thirty- 
five  years  he  has  been  connected  with  railway  and  lighting  interests.  He  was 
horn  upon  a  farm  near  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  June  23,  1859,  and  there  resided 
until  fourteen  years  of  age,  attending  the  country  schools  and  meeting  the  usual 
experiences  of  farm  life.  At  that  early  period  he  started  out  to  make  his  own 
way  in  the  world  and  his  first  position  was  that  of  water  boy,  carrying  water 
to  the  men  working  on  the  construction  of  the  Chicago  division  of  the  lialtimore 
&  CJhio  Railroad  along  the  boundary  line  between  the  states  of  Indiana  and 
Ohio.  Subsequently  he  engaged  in  driving  a  team  and  also  in  building  fences  in 
connection  with  the  construction  of  the  same  road,  but  he  was  ambitious,  ener- 
getic and  industrious  and  gradually  worked  his  way  upward,  at  length  becom- 
ing telegraph  operator  on  the  Chicago  division  of  the  road.  For  ten  years  he 
handled  the  key  and  also  became  interested  in  the  telephone  business  to  which 
he  later  directed  his  entire  attention.  He  constructed  one  of  the  first  telephone 
exchanges  in  Illinois,  outside  of  Chicago  ( Cham])aign-Urbana)  and  promoted 
many  of  the  early  long-distance  lines.  In  April,  1885,  he  became  identified 
with  W.  B.  AIcKinley,  now  president  of  the  Illinois  Traction  system,  and  similar 
interests,  whose  residence  is  in  Champaign,  Illinois.  Mr.  AIcKinley  was  at 
that  time  largely  interested  in  banking,  real-estate  and  mortgage  brokerage  en- 
terprises and  also  purchased  the  electric  light,  street  raihvay  and  w'ater  works 
at  Champaign,  Illinois,  of  which  Mr.  Nelson  became  manager  and  treasurer. 
The  interests  of  the  company  were  continuously  extended  into  Ohio,  Michigan, 
Indiana  and  Kansas  and  about  1905  they  jnirchased  the  Peoria  Street  Railway. 
I'ntil  1909  Air.  Nelson  was  in  full  charge  of  the  business  but  in  that  year  re- 
tired from  the  active  management,  continuing  as  vice  president.  He  removed 
to  Peoria  in  1906  and  under  his  guidance  the  street  railway  system  of  this  city 
was  greatly  improved,  making  it  thoroughly  modern  and  up-to-date  in  its  equip- 
ment and  in  its  operation.  As  previously  stated,  he  is  one  of  the  directors  of 
the  Merchants' National  Bank  of  Peoria  and  he  was  until  January  i,  1912.  pres- 
ident of  the  Atchison  (Kansas)  Light  &  Power  Company.  Tie  is  also  a  director 
of  the  Trade-Mark  Title  Company  of  New  York  and  I'ort  Wayne,  an  institu- 
tion having  representatives  in  every  important  city  in  the  world.  Gradually 
since  starting  out  in  life  on  his  own  account,  he  has  worked  his  way  u])ward 
and  the  circumstances  and  conditions  of  his  business  career  have  called  forth 
strong  purpose,  have  developed  his  powers  and  made  him  one  of  the  forceful 
factors  in  the  control  of  interests  w^hich  have  had  most  important  bearing  upon 
the  city  and  its  progress. 


226  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mr.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Carrie  Lupton,  of  Champaign. 
Illinois,  and  imto  them  have  been  born  six  children:  Elgie,  now  the  wife  of  K. 
M.  Cressler,  of  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana ;  Jeannette ;  William  O.,  a  lieutenant  of 
cadets  at  the  Culver  Military  Academy;  Grace;  Elizabeth;  and  Charlotte.  Mr. 
Nelson  is  identified  with  several  fraternal  organizations  and  is  a  prominent 
Mason,  holding  membership  in  Fort  Wayne  Consistory,  and  also  in  .Mizpah 
Temjjle  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  likewise  connected  with  the  Elks,  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  is  ever  loyal 
to  these  diflferent  organizations.  He  is  likewise  one  of  the  directors  of  the 
Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club  and  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  of  the 
Peor'a  Country  Club.  These  associations  indicate  something  of  the  nature  of 
his  hiterests  and  recreation  and  also  place  his  social  standing  which,  like  his 
business  position,  is  of  the  highest. 


JOSEPH  A.  \\"EIL 


Twenty  years'  connection  with  the  Peoria  bar  has  well  established  Joseph 
A.  Weil's  position  as  a  capable  lawyer.  He  has  gained  distinction,  especially  in 
the  field  of  criminal  law  in  the  middle  west,  and  is  perhaps  without  a  peer  in 
this  branch  of  the  profession  in  Peoria,  his  native  city.  He  was  born  ^lay  30, 
1870,  and  is  a  son  of  I.  A.  and  Barbetta  (Heroldj  Weil.  His  youthful  days  were 
here  passed  without  any  event  of  special  importance.  Like  most  boys,  his 
youth  was  largely  devoted  to  the  acquirement  of  an  education  and  in  mastering 
the  branches  of  learning  in  the  various  grades  he  won  promotion  until  he  en- 
tered the  Peoria  high  school,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of 
1886.  In  the  meantime  he  had  resolved  to  enter  upon  the  practice  of  law  as 
a  life  work  and  with  this  end  in  view  he  began  reading  in  the  office  and  under  the 
direction  of  Michael  O'Shaughnessy.  He  afterward  became  a  student  in  the 
law  office  of  I.  C.  Edwards  and,  following  his  admission  to  the  bar.  in  1891. 
joined  Mr.  Edwards  in  a  partnership,  becoming  junior  member  of  the  law  firm 
of  Edwards  &  Weil.  That  connection  was  continued  for  about  three  years,  or 
until  March  i,  1894,  when  Mr.  Weil  withdrew  and  has  since  practiced  in- 
dependently. 

His  success  in  a  professional  way  affords  the  best  evidence  of  his  capabilities 
in  this  line.  He  is  a  strong  advocate  with  the  jury  and  clear  and  concise  in  his 
appeals  before  the  court.  In  no  calling  is  there  a  career  more  open  to  talent  than 
in  that  of  the  law  and  in  no  field  of  endeavor  is  there  demanded  a  more  careful 
lireparation,  a  more  thorough  appreciation  of  the  absolute  ethics  of  life  or  of  the 
underlving  principles  which  form  the  basis  of  human  rights  and  privileges.  Un- 
flagging application  and  intuitive  wisdom  together  with  a  determination  to  fully 
utilize  the  means  at  hand  are  the  concomitants  which  insure  personal  success 
and  prestige  in  this  great  profession  which  stands  as  the  stern  conservator  of 
justice.  Possessing  all  the  requisite  qualities  of  the  able  lawyer,  Mr.  Weil  has 
made  continuous  advancement  since  entering  upon  jiractice  and  is  today  the 
strongest  criminal  lawyer  of  Peoria,  nor  is  his  reputation  limited  by  this  city. 
He  is  called  to  try  criminal  cases  throughout  the  United  States  and  seldom 
fails  to  win  the  verdict  desired.  He  is  strong  and  forceful  in  argument,  impas- 
sioned and  eloquent  in  his  ])leading  and  logical  in  his  deductions. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Weil  to  Miss  Maud  Schwabacher,  a  member  of  one 
of  the  wealthiest  and  most  prominent  families  of  Peoria,  was  celebrated  in  i8c)8 
arid  they  have  become  the  parents  of  two  children,  Albert  and  Josephine.  Mr. 
Weil  is  a  prominent  Mason,  having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the 
consistory  in  the  Scottish  Rite  and  also  becoming  a  member  of  the  Mvstic 
Shrine.     He  is  likewise  a  past  master  of  \'ictor  Lodge.   No.  370.  K.   P.     He 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  227 

is  regarded  as  one  of  the  leading  members  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  for 
years  served  on  its  board  of  directors,  but  fmally  resigned.  The  nature  of  his 
recreation  is  further  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  belongs  to  the  Illinois  \  alley 
^'acht  Club.  In  politics  he  is  an  influential  factor  and  is  now  representing  this 
district  on  the  democratic  state  central  commitee  and  is  serving  on  its  executive 
board.  All  these,  however,  are  merely  side  issues  in  a  life  that  is  largely  de- 
voted to  his  personal  activities  and  duties.  He  throws  himself  easily  and  natur- 
ally into  the  argmuent  in  the  trial  of  a  case,  showing  a  self-possession  and  a 
deliberation  with  no  straining  after  etYect.  On  the  contrary  there  is  precision 
and  clearness  in  his  statetuent,  an  acuteness  and  strength  in  his  argmiient  which 
speak  a  luind  trained  in  the  severest  school  of  investigation  and  to  which  the 
closest  reasoning  has  become  habitual. 


EZRA  TOPJAS. 


One  of  the  leading  insurance  agencies  of  Peoria  and  eastern  Illinois  is  that 
conducted  under  the  firm  style  of  Tobias  &  Company,  in  which  Ezra  Tobias  is 
the  senior  partner.  He  has  been  continuously  connected  with  insurance  in- 
terests since  1896  and  there  are  few  who  are  more  thoroughly  and  intimately 
acquainted  with  every  de])artment  of  insurance,  its  aims  and  its  possibilities  than 
he.  He  claims  Ohio  as  his  native  state,  his  birth  having  occurred  near  Circle- 
\ille  on  the  nth  of  October,  1847.  His  parents  were  James  and  Caroline 
(Hittell)  Tobias,  who  removed  with  their  family  from  the  Buckeye  state  to 
Washington,  Illinois,  during  the  early  boyhood  of  their  son  Ezra.  There  the 
father  engaged  in  merchandising  but  did  not  confine  his  attention  solely  to  com- 
mercial pursuits,  for  he  also  carried  on  farming.  After  a  number  of  vears  he 
and  his  wife  removed  to  Peoria,  where  the  mother  died,  and  the  father  subse- 
(|uentl}'  went  to  Chicago,  where  his  last  days  were  passed. 

I-'zra  Tobias  acc|uired  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Washington, 
Illinois,  and  also  spent  a  year  as  a  student  in  Northwestern  College,  then  lo- 
cated at  Plainfield,  Illinois,  but  now  at  Naperville,  this  state.  He  had  thus  com- 
pleted his  college  work  w-hen  he  came  to  Peoria,  arriving  here  in  1865.  when  a 
youth  of  seventeen  years.  To  provide  for  his  own  su])])ort  he  at  once  sought 
employment,  which  he  obtained  in  the  wholesale  and  retail  dry-goods  estab- 
lishment of  Day  P)rothers  &  Company.  His  position  was  that  of  stock  bov,  but 
he  did  not  long  continue  in  that  humble  capacity,  for  his  industry  and  diligehce 
won  recognition  that  led  to  promotion.  He  remained  with  Day  Brothers  & 
Company  for  six  years,  acting  for  some  time  as  clerk  in  the  retail  department. 
On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  removed  to  Gilman,  Illinois,  where  he  spent 
a  few  years  on  the  farm  with  his  parents.  He  then  proceeded  to  Assumption, 
Illinois,  where  he  engaged  in  merchandising  for  several  years,  after  which  he 
returned  to  Peoria.  Here  he  was  in  the  coal  business  for  several  years,  and 
was  also  in  the  employ  of  Kingman  &  ComiJany  in  one  of  their  branch  stores  in 
Peoria.  The  firm  dealt  extensively  in  farm  implements  and  Mr.  Tobias  acted 
as  bookkeeper  and  cashier.  Pie  continued  in  that  position  for  several  years, 
after  which  he  went  upon  the  road  as  traveling  salesman,  representing  an  agri- 
cultural implement  factory.  While  thus  engaged  he  made  his  headquarters  in 
Peoria  and  was  for  thirteen  years  on  the  road  and  at  length  entered  the  insur- 
ance field,  with  which  he  has  been  connected  since  1896.  He  organized  the 
present  firm  of  Tobias  &  Company,  handling  all  known  kinds  of  insurance, 
including  fire,  tornado,  plate  glass,  elevator,  rent,  accident,  health,  automobile, 
steam  boiler.  liability,  burglary,  fraternal  and  contract  bonds.  The  firm  repre- 
sents the  leading  companies  not  only  of   this  country  liut  of   Kurtipc  and  they 


228  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

have  developed  an  extensive  business,  writing  a  large  amount  of  insurance  of 
various  kinds  each  year. 

Mr.  Tobias  has  not  only  made  a  creditable  position  in  business  circles,  but 
has  also  long  been  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life.  He  married  Aliss  Linda 
Bramble,  a  daughter  of  James  Brainble,  who  for  many  years  was  a  prominent 
contractor  of  this  city,  but  is  now  deceased.  Unto  this  marriage  has  been  born 
a  son,  Walter  W.  Tobias,  who  is  a  special  insurance  agent  for  Indiana  and 
Ohio,  with  headquarters  at  Indianapolis.  He  married  Miss  Anna  Mcllvaine,  a 
daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  \\".  Alcllvaine,  of  Peoria,  and  they  now  have  one 
child,  Walter  jNIcIlvaine  Tobias.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tobias  reside  at  No.  901  Glen 
Oak  avenue  and  the  hospitality  of  their  home  is  greatly  enjoyed  by  their  many 
friends.  He  has  a  very  wide  acquaintance  not  only  in  this  city,  but  throughout 
the  state  in  those  regions  which  he  visited  as  a  traveling  salesman.  His  geniality, 
social  disposition  and  personal  worth  have  made  him  popular  wherever  he  has 
gone.  He  is  always  considerate  of  the  opinions  of  others  and  without  bigotry, 
sham  or  pretense' he  has  gained  respect  which  is  the  merited  recognition  of 
genuine  personal  worth. 


HENRY  SANDMEYER,  Sr. 

Henry  Sandmeyer,  Sr.,  is  numbered  among  Peoria's  builders  and  promoters. 
He  has  been  identified  with  the  city's  interests  along  commercial,  industrial  and 
financial  lines  since  1849  and  his  activity  and  enterprise  have  brought  him  to 
a  most  prominent  position  in  connection  with  those  projects  and  movements 
which  have  constituted  important  factors  in  the  city's  growth.  Moreover,  the 
integrity  of  his  business  methods  has  commended  him  to  the  confidence  and 
respect  of  all  and  he  is  today  one  of  Peoria's  most  honored  and  valued  residents. 
He' was  born  in  Germany,  July  16,  1829,  and  has  therefore  passed  the  eighty- 
third  milestone  on  life's  journey. 

His  youthful  days  were  spent  upon  a  small  farm  in  the  fatherland  and  at  the 
age  of  twenty  years  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America,  attracted  by  the  favor- 
able reports  which  he  had  heard  concerning  the  business  conditions  and  oppor- 
tunities in  the  new  world.  He  did  not  tarry  on  the  Atlantic  seaboard  but  made 
his  way  at  once  to  Peoria,  arriving  here  sixty-three  years  ago.  His  financial 
condition  rendered  it  imperative  that  he  secure  immediate  employment  and  he 
began  working  in  a  hardware  store  conducted  by  Moore  &  Cooper.  That  he 
was  a  diligent  and  faithful  employe  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  remained  in 
that  establishment  in  the  capacity  of  assistant  for  several  years  and  then  pur- 
chased the  interest  of  ^Ir.  ^loore,  becoming  a  partner  of  ^Ir.  Cooper.  A  num- 
ber of  years  passed  in  that  connection,  after  which  he  entered  into  business 
with  the  firm  of  Culter  &  Proctor,  hardware  merchants.  Still  later  he  established 
an  independent  business  under  the  firm  name  of  H.  Sandmeyer  &  Company,  the 
location  of  the  store  being  on  South  Adams  street.  Their  establishment  became 
one  of  Peoria's  noted  commercial  enterprises,  enjoying  a  large  and  profitable 
trade  for  many  j-ears.  The  business  methods  of  the  house  were  such  as  com- 
mended them  to  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  public.  Straightforward 
dealing,  careful  management  and  a  progressive  spirit  were  the  salient  features 
in  the  business,  resulting  in  the  development  of  a  large  and  gratifying  trade.  A 
disastrous  fire  overtook  the  firm  in  1903.  since  which  time  Mr.  Sandmeyer  has 
not  reentered  the  trade  but  has  concentrated  his  energies  and  efl:'orts  upon  the 
management  of  his  invested  interests.  In  1906  Mr.  Sandmeyer,  in  connection 
with  his  son,  Henrv  Sandmever,  Jr.,  erected  the  Sandmeyer  apartments,  the  larg- 
est and  most  exclusive  of  the  kind  in  the  city,  located  at  the  corner  of  INIonroe 
and  Fayette  streets.     All  of   the   attractive   features  of  the  modern  apartment 


HENIIV  bAXDilEVEK 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  231 

house  have  been  introduced  and  the  interior  finishing  vies  with  the  pleasing 
style  of  architecture  which  has  been  eni])loyed  in  the  construction  of  the  build- 
ing. Mr.  Sandme\er  is  at  present  connected  with  the  building  interests  of  the 
city  as  president  of  The  Peoria  Stone  &  Mari)le  Company  and  he  also  occupies  an 
important  place  in  financial  circles,  filling  the  position  of  vice  president  of  the 
Merchants  National  Bank. 

In  1855  Mr.  Sandmeyer  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Deitwig,  also 
of  German  lineage,  and  for  a  long  period  they  traveled  life's  journey  together 
but  were  separated  by  the  death  of  the  wife  in  1896.  Of  their  four  children, 
George,  the  third,  is  now  deceased,  the  others  being  Elizabeth,  ^lary  and  Henry. 

^I^.  Sandmeyer  has  given  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  jwrty  and 
while  he  has  not  been  active  as  an  office  seeker  he  has  always  been  deeply  in- 
terested in  whatever  has  pertained  to  the  welfare  and  progress  of  his  adopted 
city.  coo]5erating  heartily  in  various  movements  for  the  general  good.  He  is  one 
of  the  oldest  Masons  of  Peoria  and  his  life  has  been  an  exemplification  of  the 
beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft.  While  his  success  has  been  such  as  to  place  him 
upon  a  plane  far  above  the  majority  of  his  fellowmen,  he  is  thoroughly  demo- 
cratic in  s])irit  and  has  never  allowed  the  accumulation  of  wealth  to  in  anv  way 
affect  his  relations  toward  those  less  fortunate.  Indeed,  he  is  a  broad,  liberal- 
mindecl  man,  generous  in  thought,  considerate  in  spirit  and  kindly  in  action,  and 
Peoria  honors  him  as  one  of  her  representative  and  valued  pioneer  citizens. 


JOSEPH  MILLER  &  SONS. 

No  history  of  Peoria's  industrial  and  commercial  progress  would  be  complete 
and  satisfactory  were  there  failure  to  make  reference  to  the  enterprise  long 
conducted  under  the  name  of  Joseph  Miller  &  Sons.  This  firm  manufactures 
and  handles  lumber  and  building  materials,  its  plant  being  at  South  Washing- 
ton, Walnut  and  South  Water  streets.  The  yards  extend  from  South  Wash- 
ington to  South  Water  at  the  corner  of  Walnut  and  the  office  is  at  No.  530 
South  Washington.  This  business  was  established  in  1848  by  Joseph  Miller, 
one  of  the  pioneer  lumbermen  of  the  city.  Later  his  two  sons,  Joseph  and 
Frank  J.,  joined  him  in  a  partnership  under  the  firm  style  of  Joseph  ^filler  & 
Sons,  but  all  three  are  now  deceased,  the  business  being  conducted  as  a  part  of 
the  estates  of  Joseph  and  Frank  J.  Miller.  It  is  in  active  charge  of  Joseph  Mil- 
ler, a  son  of  Joseph  Miller  II,  and  Frank  J.  and  Frederick  C.  Miller,  who  are 
sons  of  Frank  J.  Miller,  Sr.  All  three  are  grandsons  of  Joseph  Miller,  the 
founder  of  the  business,  wdiich  stands  as  a  monument  to  the  enterprise  and 
])rogressive  spirit  of  the  promoter. 

Joseph  ^Miller  w-as  a  native  of  Baden-Iiaden.  Germany,  and  came  to  America 
in  the  '40s.  He  resided  for  a  short  time  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  about  1846 
came  to  Peoria,  where  two  years  later  he  established  a  lumberyard  and  also 
entered  upon  the  contracting  business.  His  elder  son,  Joseph  Miller,  was  born 
in  Cincinnati  and  the  younger  son,  Frank-  J.  Miller,  in  Peoria.  Thev  were 
reared  and  educated  here  and  on  attaining  manhood  entered  the  lumber  and 
contracting  business  with  their  father,  forming  the  firm  of  Josepli  Miller  & 
Sons.  Joseph  ?ililler,  Jr.,  became  very  prominent  in  industrial  and  bankin,g 
circles  and  was  a  director  of  the  Commercial  German  National  Bank  of  Peoria 
at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  October  4,  1905.  Frank  J.  Miller  was 
also  a  leading  figure  in  business  circles  here  and  passed  away  January  24,  1904. 
Both  are  mentioned  at  length  elsewhere  in  this  volume. 

The  three  grandsons  of  the  original  proprietor,  who  are  now  active  in  the 
management  of  the  business,  are  also  well  known  as  leadinsj  factors  in  trade 
circles  in  Peoria.     Of  these  Joseph  Miller  married  Theresa  K.  ^IcDermott,  of 


232  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Elmwood,  Illinois,  and  they  have  two  children,  Joseph  and  Helen  E.  Joseph  Mil- 
ler III  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  of  the  Illinois  X'alley  Yacht  Club  and 
also  a  prominent  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  Frank  J.  Miller  II  married 
Anna  R.  Prenger  and  his  brother,  Frederick  C.  ^^liller,  wedded  Alice  Yingst. 
Like  their  cousin,  they  are  memljers  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  all  three 
hold  membership  in  the  Roman  Catholic  church.  They  are  all  active,  enterpris- 
ing, energetic  young  business  men,  who  were  born  and  reared  in  this  city  and 
who  have  made  for  themselves  a  substantial  and  creditable  position  in  its  busi- 
ness life.  Thev  are  now  proprietors  of  one  of  the  most  extensive  lumberyards 
of  central  Illinois,  the  volume  of  their  trade  having  reached  a  large  figure  annu- 
ally. Thev  possess  the  same  stable  and  creditable  business  characteristics  which 
characterized  their  grandfather  and  their  fathers,  and  in  the  further  dcAelop- 
ment  of  their  business  are  proving  their  right  to  rank  with  the  leading  young 
men  of  the  city. 


COLONEL  JOHN  E.  STOUT. 

Colonel  John  E.  Stout  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  this  volume 
and,  indeed,  is  widely  known  throughout  the  country  as  one  of  the  leading 
auctioneers.  In  this  connection  he  has  gained  a  reputation  which  extends  almost 
from  coast  to  coast  and  manifests  ability  that  has  given  him  preeminence  in  this 
field.  For  six  years  he  has  made  his  home  in  Peoria  and  is  a  native  son  of  Taze- 
well county,  Illinois,  having  been  born  and  reared  on  a  farm  about  three  miles 
from  Tremont,  his  natal  day  being  ]\Iay  19,  1857.  Flis  father  was  the  Rev. 
Isaac  Stout,  one  of  the  oldest  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  state.  At  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1900  he  had  been  a  resident  of  Tazewell  county  for  seventy-four 
years.  He  was  born  in  Ohio  but  removed  to  Illinois  in  early  manhood  and  'took 
an  active  and  helpful  part  in  the  work  of  reclaiming  the  wild  region  for  the 
purposes  of  civilization.  Much  of  the  land  in  this  district  was  still  unclaimed 
and  uncultivated  at  the  time  of  his  arrival  and  with  its  agricultural  development 
he  was  closely  associated.  He  was  equally  active  and  his  labors  were  equally 
restiltant  in  connection  with  the  moral  progress  of  the  community.  He  became 
a  pioneer  preacher  of  the  Christian  church  and  his  labors  and  teachings  did 
much  toward  influencing  many  to  choose  the  better  path  of  life.  He  erected 
the  Concord  church,  took  subscriptions  for  its  building  and  then  utilized  his  own 
skill  as  a  carpenter  in  the  erection  of  the  hotise  of  worship.  There  were,  indeed, 
few  things  which  the  Rev.  Stotit  could  not  do.  He  was  a  man  of  marked 
ingenuity  and  was  the  inventor  of  the  first  riding  cultivator.  Whatever  he 
undertook  he  seemed  to  carry  forward  to  successful  completion  and  liis  life 
was,  indeed,  a  servicable  one  in  the  world's  work.  His  wife,  who  bore  the 
maiden  name  of  Rebecca  Smith,  passed  away  in  1882,  and,  like  her  husband, 
she  was  held  in  high  esteem  because  of  her  many  sterling  traits  of  character. 

Colonel  J.  E.  Stout  was  reared  upon  the  home  farm  and  in  early  manhood 
supplemented  his  public-school  education  by  attending  Eureka  College  at 
pAireka,  Illinois,  working  his  way  through  college  for  two  years.  He  then 
entered  the  grain  business  at  Mackinaw,  Illinois,  where  he  conducted  an  ele- 
vator for  four  vears,  after  which  he  removed  to  Pekin.  Illinois.  While  living 
in  that  locality  he  was  appointed  deputy  sheriff  of  Tazewell  county  and  served 
for  four  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  was  elected  sheriff'  and  con- 
tinued in  the  ofifice  for  a  similar  period,  discharging  his  duties  with  prompt- 
ness and  fidelity.  Again  he  was  called  to  public  office  in  his  appointment  by 
Governor  Yates  as  live  stock  inspector,  with  headquarters  at  the  Peoria  Stock 
Yards,  which  position  he  filled  for  a  part  of  two  years,  making  his  home,  how- 
ever, during  that  period  in  Pekin.     In  early  manhood  he  entered  the  auctioneer- 


IIISTURV  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  233 

iny  field  ami  of  late  years  has  more  and  more  largely  concentrated  his  efforts 
upon  this  business.  He  became  well  known  as  a  crier  of  land  sales  and  has 
won  a  reputation  as  one  of  the  best  known  auctioneers  of  the  country.  He  is 
apt.  ready,  resourceful  and  the  success  that  has  attended  his  labors  has  placed 
him  in  a  foremost  jiosition  among  the  auctioneers  of  Illinois.  He  cried  the 
Russell  sale,  which  was  the  largest  ever  held  in  Illinois.  He  also  made  the 
record  on  that  occasion  for  the  l)est  prices  and  shortest  time,  his  sales  amount- 
ing to  twenty-two  thousand,  one  hundred  dollars  in  three  hours  and  fourteen 
minutes.  This  was  held  in  1908.  He  has  always  made  a  specialty  of  farm 
sales  and  has  auctioneered  many  farms,  together  with  their  equipments.  His 
high  standing  in  the  profession  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  he  was  elected  the 
first  secretary  of  the  Auctioneers  Association  of  the  State  of  Illinois  and  was 
continued  in  that  position  for  ten  years.  He  also  served  as  treasurer  of  the 
organization  and  was  elected  treasurer  of  the  International  Auctioneers  Asso- 
ciation of  the  World,  tilling  that  position  for  four  years.  Since  1906  he  has 
liecn  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  congressional  committee  of  the  International 
Auctioneers  Association  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  one  in  his  line  of  busi- 
ness who  has  a  wider  acquaintance  throughout  the  country. 

Colonel  Stout  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ruth  Chajjman.  of  Mackinaw. 
Illinois,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  three  children,  \'elde  E..  and  Lola  Ruth 
and  Lela  Clara,  twins.  Lola  is  now  the  wife  of  Harry  Giblin.  treasurer  of  the 
Orpheum  Theater  of  Peoria.  The  son,  \'elde.  has  a  wide  reputation  as  a 
bowler,  having  made  first  record  in  the  state  bowling  contest  of  igo8,  while  in 
1910-1911  he  was  accorded  first  place  as  Peoria's  best  bowler.  He  is  now  a 
member  of  the  Leisy  League.  Having  lost  his  first  wife,  Mr.  Stout  has  been 
again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Nettie  Brown,  of  Pirimfield, 
Illinois,  a  daughter  of  Clark  and  Nancy  lirown,  of  that  [ilace.  Their  wedding 
was  celebrated  in  November.   igo6. 

Colonel  Stout  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  .America  and  the 
Court  of  Honor,  being  affiliated  as  a  charter  member  with  the  local  organization 
at  Pekin.  The  title  of  "Colonel"  which  he  bears  is  an  honorary  one,  expressive 
of  the  high  regard  and  good-will  entertained  for  him  by  those  with  whom  he 
comes  in  contact.  On  various  occasions  Colonel  Stout  has  been  called  upon 
to  render  his  services  in  political  campaigns  and  he  has  given  valuable  assistance 
in  the  campaigns  of  such  prominent  men  as  Colonel  Smith,  Governor  Deneen 
and  Governor  Yates  when  they  were  running  for  ofifice.  In  this  way  as  well 
as  through  his  business  relations  he  has  naturally  become  one  of  the  best  known 
men  in  the  state  and  wherever  he  is  known  he  is  highly  esteemed  and  api^re- 
ciated.  He  possesses  a  social,  genial  nature,  has  a  faculty  of  placing  any  one 
at  ease  in  his  presence,  always  has  ready  the  apt  word  and  the  fitting  answer 
and  at  the  same  time  he  possesses  a  marked  executive  force  and  business  abil- 
ity that  have  enabled  him  to  far  outstrip  manv  others  in  the  race  of  life  on  the 
same  road  on  which  his  course  has  been  run. 


LLEWEL^'N   OWEN. 


Llewelyn  Owen  is  superintendent  of  the  electrical  department  of  the  Peoria 
( las  &  Electric  Comi^any.  with  which  he  has  been  connected  since  its  reorgani- 
zation. In  1899  he  became  assistant  superintendent  of  the  Peoples  Gas  &  I^lec- 
tric  ("ompany.  which  in  igoo  was  merged  with  the  General  Electric  Company 
unrler  the  name  of  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company.  Mr.  Owen  became 
assistant  superintendent  of  the  new  company  and  acted  in  tliat  capacity  for 
several  years,  w'hen  he  was  given  the  position  of  superintendent.  He  is  well 
qualified    by    thorough    collegiate    training   for   the   responsil)ilities   and    onerous 


234  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

duties  which  devolve  upon  him  in  this  connection,  and  in  the  management  of 
the  office  he  displays  most  careful  systematization.  together  with  keen  sagacity 
in   the  control  of   affairs. 

Mr.  Owen  is  a  native  of  ^Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  His  boyhood  and  youth 
were  spent  in  that  city  and  he  attended  the  public  schools,  after  which  he 
entered  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  wherein  he  pursued  the  electrical  engineer- 
ing course,  which  he  completed  with  the  class  of  1897.  ^6  h^s  since  been 
engaged  in  the  electrical  business  and  practical  experience  has  constantly  pro- 
moted his  skill  and  ability.  He  came  to  Peoria  in  1891)  and  has  since  made  this 
city  his  home.  He  is,  therefore,  well  known  as  a  representative  of  electrical 
interests  here,  acting  as  assistant  superintendent  of  the  Peoples  Gas  &  Electric 
Company  and  continuing  in  the  position  after  the  merger  with  the  General 
Electric  Company.  He  is  thoroughly  acqtiainted  with  every  phase  of  the  elec- 
trical engineering  and  is  yet  an  interested  student  of  the  literature  of  the  pro- 
fession, keeping  in  touch  with  the  rapid  strides  that  are  being  made  in  the 
electrical  field. 

Mr.  Owen  was  united  in  marriage,  in  1905,  to  Miss  Abigail  Blair,  of  Peoria, 
a  daughter  of  Richard  M.  Blair,  of  this  city,  and  they  now  have  two  children, 
David  Blair  and  Robert  Llewelyn,  Mr.  Owen  belongs  to  the  Delta  Upsilon,  a 
college  fraternity.  Something  of  his  social  standing  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that 
he  is  a  valued  and  popular  member  of  the  Creve  Coetir  Club.  He  also  belongs 
to  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  its  pro- 
jects and  purposes  for  the  benefit  of  Peoria  and  the  development  of  its  growth 
along  progressive  and  substantial  lines. 


THOMAS  ATHERTOX  GRIER. 

Thomas  Atherton  Grier  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  this  volume, 
for  his  long  connection  with  the  grain  trade  of  Peoria  has  made  him  well  known 
and  his  efforts  have  ever  been  of  a  character  which  have  contributed  to  public 
progress  and  prosperity  as  well  as  to  individual  success.  He  has  done  much  to 
give  Peoria  its  present  standing  as  one  of  the  leading  grain  markets  of  the  great 
Mississippi  valley  and  in  all  his  business  alYairs  has  followed  constructive  meth- 
ods, never  seeking  success  at  the  cost  of  another's  failure  btit  winning  ad\ance- 
ment  through  fair  competition  and  straightforward  dealing.  He  was  born  in 
W'ilkes-Barre,  Pennsylvania,  March  i,  1850,  and  the  following  year  his  parents, 
John  C,  and  Elizabeth  (Perkins)  Grier,  left  the  Keystone  state  and  made  their 
way  westward  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Peoria.  The  father  was  a  son  of  the  Rev. 
Isaac  Grier,  a  Presbyterian  clergyman  who  at  one  time  was  president  of  the 
Northinnberland  College  in  eastern  Pennsylvania,  where  he  died  in  1814.  John 
C.  Grier  was  born  in  Northumberland,  Pennsylvania,  in  1808,  and  in  1819  went 
to  Danville,  that  state,  where  he  entered  a  mercantile  house,  ^^'ith  knowledge 
thus  acquired  and  as  his  capital  permitted  he  entered  that  line  of  business  on  his 
own  account,  continuing  in  acth-e  connection  with  mercantile  interests  in  Danville 
until  1846,  when  he  removed  to  Wilkes-Barre,  Pennsylvania,  remaining  there 
until  185 1.  In  the  latter  year  he  removed  westward,  settling  in  Peoria,  where  he 
engaged  in  pork  packing  and  in  the  lumber  trade.  From  the  time  of  his  location 
in  this  city  he  took  an  active  part  in  its  upbuilding  and  improvement.  He  was 
also  prominent  in  advancing  its  moral  and  financial  interests  and  manifested  an 
extraordinary  earnestness  and  zeal  in  whatever  he  undertook.  He  served  the 
city  for  two  terms  as  a  member  of  the  county  board  of  supervisors,  actuated 
only  by  his  public  spirit  and  with  no  desire  for  public  prominence.  He  was  a 
thorough  Christian  gentleman  and  practiced  his  religion  seven  days  in  the  week. 
He    is   a    devoted    inember    of   the    Presbvterian    church    and    with    his    familv 


THOMAS  A.  CIIIKR 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  237 

took  a  keen  interest  and  active  part  in  its  work.  He  served  as  one  of  the  original 
directors  of  the  Northwestern  Theological  Seminary,  now  the  AlcCorniick  Theo- 
logical Seminary  at  Chicago,  Illinois,  and  for  years  was  a  memljer  of  its  board. 
He  married  Elizabeth  Perkins,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  they  became  the  parents  of 
five  sons  and  six  daughters. 

In  the  local  schools  of  Peoria  Thomas  Atherton  Grier  pursued  his  education 
to  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  when  he  put  aside  his  text-books  that  he  might  become 
a  factor  in  the  business  world.  He  secured  a  clerical  position  in  the  Mechanic's 
National  Bank,  and  six  years  later  he  left  that  institution  to  enter  the  employ  of 
his  brothers,  Robert  C.  and  David  P..  grain  merchants.  The  name  of  Grier  has 
been  inseparably  interwoven  with  the  history  of  the  grain  trade  in  Peoria  and 
with  the  development  of  the  local  board  of  trade.  The  brothers  erected  the  first 
elevator  here.  It  was  a  small  concern  but  constituted  the  nucleus  of  the  immense 
grain  business  which  has  been  developed  in  this  city,  making  Peoria  one  of  the 
prominent  grain  markets  of  the  United  States.  Entering  the  employ  of  his 
brothers,  Thomas  A.  Grier  became  a  factor  in  developing  the  vast  business  which 
eventually  crowned  their  labors.  He  continued  with  the  firm  for  ten  years, 
spending  a  part  of  the  time  in  Boston,  looking^  after  the  eastern  interests  of  the 
business.  He  made  a  close  study  of  the  grain  trade  in  every  possible  relation, 
accjuainted  himself  with  the  markets  of  the  east  and  the  west  and  eventually 
embarked  in  business  on  his  own  account,  in  1886  organizing  the  present  firm  of 
T.  A.  Grier  &  Company,  for  the  conduct  of  a  grain  trade,  commission,  shipping 
and  elevator  business.  From  the  outset  the  new  undertaking  prospered  and  has 
grown  steadily  year  by  year  until  it  is  now  the  largest  of  the  kind  in  Peoria. 
In  this  connection  the  name  of  Thomas  A.  Grier  has  become  known  throughout 
the  country.  He  is  also  the  president  of  the  Burlington  Elevator  Company, 
which  owns  and  operates  one  of  Peoria's  largest  grain  elevators.  He  is  likewise 
the  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Railway  Terminal  Comjiany,  which  owns  and 
conducts  the  traction  line  running  between  Peoria,  South  Bartonville  and  I'ekin, 
Illinois.  W^hatever  he  undertakes  is  carried  forward  to  successful  completion. 
He  carefully  considers  his  plans  and  then  executes  them  with  determination. 
He  seems  to  realize  the  possibilities  of  any  undertaking  and  to  use  his  advan- 
tages in  the  best  manner.  Moreover,  his  name  is  recognized  as  a  synonym  for 
relialile  dealing  as  well  as  for  mammoth  operations  and  in  the  past  few  decades 
he  has  done  much  to  establish  the  grain  trade  of  the  state. 

On  the  fith  of  January,  1S76,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Grier  and 
Miss  I'lUa  Bancroft  Clarke,  anel  unto  them  have  been  born  five  children,  of  whom 
four  are  living,  Caroline  King,  Isabel  Hooker,  Thomas  Perkins  and  Samuel 
Clarke.  The  elder  daughter  was  graduated  from  Smith  College  with  the  class 
of  1900  and  in  October,  1901,  was  celebrated  her  marriage  to  Herbert  R.  Jami- 
son, of  Peoria.  The  second  daughter,  Isabel,  was  married  in  February,  iQio, 
to  William  A.  Jack  of  this  city.  The  family  is  very  prominent  socially  and  at 
their  home  are  held  many  of  the  most  attractive  social  functions  of  the  city. 
Mr.  Grier  has  been  honored  with  the  presidencv  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  acting 
as  its  chief  officer  in  1890-1900.  and  also  of  the  Countrv  Club.  His  aid  is  always 
counted  upon  where  the  public  interest  and  welfare  are  involved.  He  cooi:)erates 
heartily,  willingly  and  liberally  in  various  projects  for  the  general  good  and  his 
efl'orts  have  been  a  tangilile  element  in  the  city's  improvement  and  adornment  in 
many  ways.  He  was  the  president  of  the  Corn  Exposition  in  1900  and  he  has 
been  \-ery  ])roniinent  in  promoting  a  taste  for  and  love  of  music  in  this  city,  being 
widely  recognized  as  a  patron  of  that  art.  His  own  love  of  music  is  inherent.  He 
holds  to  the  religious  faith  of  his  ancestors  who  for  generations  have  been  loval 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  to  which  Mr.  Grier  also  belongs.  His 
political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party  and  he  was  appointed  by 
Governor  Yates  as  commissioner  from  Illinois  to  the  Pan-American  Exposition 
in  Buffalo  in  1901,  and  by  Governor  Deneen  as  one  of  the  board  of  three  trus- 
tees of  the  State  Hospital  for  the  Insane  at  .South  Bartonville  in  which  capacity 


238  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

he  served  until  the  state  institutions  were  all  placed  under  a  board  of  control. 
Political  honors  and  offices,  however,  have  had  no  attraction  for  him,  as  he  has 
preferred  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  affairs  and  in  their  de- 
velopment he  has  shown  himself  to  be  capable  of  managing  mammoth  interests 
which  are  alike  of  benefit  to  the  city  and  to  the  individual. 


WILLIAM  FREMONT  WOLFNER. 

No  matter  in  how  much  fantastic  theorizing  one  may  indulge  as  to  the 
causation  of  success  the  conclusion  must  eventually  be  reached  that  unabating 
energy,  straigtforward  dealing  and  industry  that  never  flags  are  the  indispensa- 
ble concomitants  in  attaining  prosperity,  these  have  figured  largely  in  the  life 
of  William  Fremont  Wolfner,  a  prominent  representative  of  the  distillery  inter- 
ests of  Peoria  and  the  first  vice  president  of  the  National  Cooperage  &  Wooden- 
ware  Company,  which  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  largest  concerns  of  its  kmd 
in  the  world.  As  these  connections  indicate,  Mr.  Wolfner  has  attained  to  a  posi- 
tion among  the  foremost  representatives  of  trade  and  manufacturing  interests  in 
the  city  and  at  the  same  time  he  has  figured  prominently  in  charitable  work,  few- 
men  realizing  more  fully  than  he  the  obligations  and  responsibilities  of  wealth. 

Mr.  Wolfner  was  born  on  the  loth  of  March,  1862.  His  parents  were  Isaac 
and  Josephine  (Saxel)  Wolfner,  who  were  natives  of  P.ohemia,  .\ustria,  which 
was  also  the  birthplace  of  his  grandparents,  Carl  and  Bertha  Wolfner,  and 
Joseph  H.  and  Francesca  Saxel.  In  his  life  record  William  F.  Wolfner  has  dis- 
played many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  an  ancestry  noted  for  industry 
and  enterprise. 

He  acquired  his  education  in  the  inililic  schools  of  Chicago  and  St.  Louis, 
and  in  1881,  when  a  vouth  of  nineteen  years,  came  to  Peoria.  Even  then  his 
business  ability  and  capacity  had  been  recognized,  for  he  became  assistant  secre- 
tary of  the  Great  Western  Distilling  Company  and  also  the  local  representative 
of 'the  cattle  interests  of,  Nelson  Morris,  the  well  known  Chicago  packer.  _  As 
the  years  passed  by  he  increased  in  his  business  capacity  and  knowledge  of  the 
trade  and  in  1887  was  made  manager  of  the  Great  Western  Distillery,  which  posi- 
tion he  continued  to  fill  for  ten  years,  or  until  July,  1897,  when  he  purchased 
an  interest  in  the  Mound  City  Distilling  Company  of  St.  Louis.  A  year  later, 
or  in  July,  1898,  he  became  associated  in  the  same  capacity  with  the  Standard 
Distilling' &  Distributing  Company  of  Peoria  and  has  since  been  recognized  as 
a  foremost  factor  in  connection  with  the  distillery  interests  of  this  city,  which 
are  a  chief  source  of  revenue  here.  Into  other  fields,  however,  he  has  extended 
his  efforts  and  as  vice  president  of  the  National  Cooperage  &  Woodenware 
Company  he  is  the  second  executive  officer  in  what  is  one  of  the  largest  con- 
cerns of  its  kind  in  the  world,  its  output  being  represented  by  mammoth  fig- 
ures. Mr.  Wolfner  is  also  financially  interested  in  other  business  concerns  and 
corporations  and  his  sound  judgment  has  proved  a  valuable  asset  in  their  suc- 
cessful management.  He  is  a  director  of  the  Commercial  German  National 
Bank  of  Peoria,  the  largest  bank  in  the  state  outside  Chicago.  He  readily 
recognizes  the  opportunities  of  a  situation  and  never  passes  an  opportunitv  by 
in  a  heedless  manner.  He  has  concentrated  his  energies  upon  his  business  affairs 
in  such  a  wav  as  to  insure  success  and  graduallv  has  advanced  in  his  trade  and 
financial  connections  until  he  stands  as  one  of  the  foremost  residents  of  his 
adoDted  citv. 

On  the  '26th  of  Januarv,  1887,  Mr.  W^olfner  married  to  Miss  Sophia  Wool- 
ner,  of  Peoria,  and  "unto  them  have  been  born  three  children.  Ira  W.,  Rose  and 
Josephine.  Mr.  Wolfner  rejoices  in  his  success  because  of  what  it  enables  him 
to  do  in  behalf  of  his  family  and  also  because  of  the  opportunity  it  gives  him 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  239 

lo  aid  his  fellowmeii.  He  has  been  most  generous  of  his  means  in  assisting 
otliers  and  both  his  individual  and  his  pubhc  charities  are  large.  lie  gives  most 
freely  and  generously  where  it  is  neetled  and  something  of  his  activity  in  this 
relation  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  for  many  years  he  has  held  the  position 
of  president  of  the  Hebrew  Relief  Association'  of  Peoria.  He  is  also  president 
of  the  .Vnshai  Amuth  congregation.  His  beneficence  and  his  benevolence  are 
entirely  free  from  ostentation  or  display  and  he  never  limits  his  charity  to 
people  of  his  own  nationality  and  religious  faith.  He  holds  to  the  belief  of  his 
fathers,  yet  is  liberal  and  tolerant  of  the  opinions  of  others  and  never  regards 
religious  faith  when  aid  is  needed.  In  politics  he  is  a  repuljlican  and  keeps 
thnniu.ghly  informed  concerning  the  vital  and  significant  questions  of  the  day. 
With  him  ])atriotism  is  above  partisanship  and  the  general  welfare  before  ])er- 
sonal  aggrandizement.  He  is  indeed  a  man  of  broad  sym|)athies  and  interests 
as  well  as  of  marked  business  capacity  and  with  him  commercial  activity  finds 
an  even  balance  in  his  broad  humanitarianism. 


W.  THO.MAS  TREWYX,  .M.  D. 

Dr.  W.  Thomas  Trewyn,  who  since  September,  1906,  has  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  medicine  in  Peoria,  his  office  being  located  at  No.  2522  South  Adams 
street,  came  to  the  starting  point  of  his  profesional  career  well  equipped  for 
the  duties  which  have  since  devolved  upon  him.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm 
in  jett'erson  county,  Wisconsin,  January  16,  1877,  his  parents  being  Thomas  T. 
and  Margaret  Chapman  (Bryant)  Trewyn,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased. 
The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  devoted  his  entire  life  to  the  work 
of  tilling  the  soil. 

It  was  upon  the  old  home  farm  that  Dr.  Trewyn  spent  his  boyhood  and 
youth  and  when  not  attending  the  country  schools  in  the  acciuirement  of  a  gen- 
eral education  he  devoted  his  attention  to  the  work  of  the  fields,  early  assisting 
in  the  labors  of  plowing,  planting  and  harvesting.  He  afterward  had  the  l)ene- 
fit  of  instruction  in  the  state  Normal  School  at  Whitewater,  Wisconsin,  and 
entered  upon  the  profession  of  teaching,  which  he  followed  for  ten  years, 
spending  four  years  of  that  time  as  an  instructor  in  the  State  Reform  School 
for  Boys,  in  Wisconsin.  He  also  engaged  in  teaching  in  the  public  schools  of 
Whitewater  and  Oconomowoc,  Wisconsin,  and  proved  an  able  educator 
imparting  clearly  and  readily  to  others  the  knowledge  which  he  had  acquired. 
He  felt  that  there  was  comparatively  little  future,  however,  in  that  profession 
and,  thinking  to  find  the  practice  of  medicine  more  congenial  and  hoping  alsit 
to  find  it  more  ]3rofitable,  he  entered  the  Northwestern  L'niversity  as  a  student 
in  the  medical  department,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1905. 
He  then  served  as  interne  in  St.  Luke's  Hospital  in  Chicago  for  a  year  and 
during  that  period  gained  a  broad  and  varied  experience  which  only  hospital 
practice  can  bring.  The  following  year,  or  in  September,  1906,  he  came  to 
Penria,  where  he  has  since  remained.  In  a  ]jrofession  where  advancement  de- 
jiends  entirely  upon  individual  merit  he  has  made  continuous  progress  and  is 
today  accounted  one  of  the  leading  ])hysicians  and  surgeons  of  South  Peoria, 
where  he  has  built  up  a  very  large  [practice.  His  is  now  serving  on  the  staff  of  St. 
Francis  Hospital  and  he  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the 
Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association,  which 
enables  him  to  keep  in  close  touch  with  what  is  being  done  by  eminent  members 
of   the    medical    fraternity. 

Dr.  Trewyn  is  ])leasantly  situated  in  his  home  life.  He  married  Gertrude 
Mary  Cross  of  Marshalltown,  Iowa,  and  they  have  one  son,  \'ictor  Cross.  In 
the  six  years  of  their  residence  in  Peoria  they  have  become  widely  known  and 


240  .  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

have  gained  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends.  Dr.  Trewyn  holds  to  high  profes- 
sional standards  and  puts  forth  conscientious  efforts  to  make  his  labors  of  the 
utmost  value  to  his  patients.  That  his  work  is  attended  by  gratifying  results  is 
manifest  in  his  constantly  increasnig  patronage  and  that  he  holds  to  high  profes- 
sional ethics  is  evidenced  in  the  fact  that  his  fellow  practitioners  always  speak  of 
him  in  terms  of  high  regard. 


WILLIAM  H.  C0LE:MAN. 

In  the  history  of  William  H.  Coleman  is  found  an  example  that  stands  in 
direct  contradiction  to  the  often  expressed  opinion  that  the  eminently  successful 
business  man  cannot  be  a  thoroughly  honest  man.     In  all  of  his  life  Mr.  Coleman 
has  never  been  known  to  take  advantage  of  another  in  a  trade  transaction.   On  the 
contrary,  he  has  held  to  the  highest  standards  of  justice  and  fairness  with  the 
result  that  his  business  has  grown  to  large  proportions,  but  no  matter  what  de- 
mands are  made  upon  his  time  and  energies  as  a  contractor  and  builder  he  has 
always  found  opportunity  to  aid  in  church  work  and  promote  the  moral  prog- 
ress of  his  community.     He  w-as  born  in  Ireland,  July  6,  1852,  and  was  sixteen 
years  of  age  when  he  came  alone  to  the  new  world.  Favorable  reports  had  reached 
him  concerning  the  opportunities  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.     He  had  a  brother 
and  sister  who  were  then  living  in  Haverstraw,   New  York,  and  he  made  his 
way  direct  to  that  place,  residing  there  for  about  four  years.     During  that  period 
he   learned   the   carpenter's   trade,   which   he  mastered   in   principle   and   detail, 
becoming  an  expert  workman.     Thinking  that  still  better  opportunities  were  to 
be  secured  in  the  Mississippi  valley,  he  made  his  way  to  Bloomington,  Illinois, 
in  1872,  and  during  the  year  there  passed,  also  followed  carpentering.     In  the 
later  part  of    1873  he   returned  to   Haverstraw  where  resided   the   lady  whom 
he  wished  to  make  his  wife.     In  that  state  he  wedded  Miss  Elizabeth  Kattyle, 
a  native  of  the  north  of  Ireland,  who  was  residing,  however,  in  New  York  city 
at  the  time  of  her  marriage.     The  young  couple  began  their  domestic  life   in 
Haverstraw,  where  ilr.  Coleman  worked  at  carpentering  until   1876,  when  he 
removed  westward  with  his  family  with  Peoria  as  his  destination.     After  follow- 
ing his  trade  in  the  employ  of  others  for  a  year  he  began  contracting  and  build- 
ing on  his  own  account.     The   first  contract   ever  accorded   him   was   for   the 
erection  of  a  building  on  First  street,  the  lower  floor  to  be  used  for  business 
purposes  and  the  second  floor  as  a  dwelling.     He  has  never  had  a  partner,  but  in 
time  his  ability  and  trustworthiness  gained  recognition  and  his  patronage   has 
steadily   increased.     He  has   done   much   important  contract   work   in   the  city, 
employing  a  number  of  workmen,  and  his  success  is  further  indicated  in  the 
fact   that   he   erected  his  own  business  building  at   Xos.   800-802   ^lain   street, 
a   two-story   frame   structure,   in    i8go,   and   also   residence  property   on   Green 
street.     In  addition  he  owns  his  own  home  on  East  Armstrong  street,  a  resi- 
dence on  Munson  avenue,  another  on  St.  James  avenue,  still  another  on  Indiana 
and  one  on  Behrends  streets.     He  has  thus  engaged  in  speculative  building  and 
from  his  properties  he  derives  a  good  annual  rental  which  constitutes  a  valua- 
ble addition  to  his  income.     His  work  has  always  been  characterized  by  thor- 
oughness and  reliability.     He  w'as  the  contractor  for  the  Kingman  Plow  Works, 
also  the  new  automobile  factory  for  the  Bartholomew  Company,  and  the  ware- 
house on  South  Washington  street  for  the  J.  I.  Case  Threshing  ^lachine  Com- 
pany.    These  and  many  other  important  structures  stand  as  monuments  to  his 
progressiveness,  his  business  abilitv  and  his  straightforward  dealing.     He  takes 
contracts  for  the  erection  of  buildings  from  the  ground  up,  including  the  plas- 
tering, plumbing,  etc.,  and  makes  a  specialty  of  heavy  buildings.     More  and  more 
largely  year  by  year  he  has  come  into  public  favor  as  a  contractor  until  his  pat- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  -211 

roiiage  is  now  extensive  and  he  is  one  of  the  foremost  representatives  of  build- 
ing interests  in  the  city. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Coleman  have  gained  a  large  circle  of  friends  during  their 
residence  in  Peoria  and  here  they  have  reared  their  family  of  two  sons :  William 
PL,  who  is  sales  agent  for  the  Standard  Oil  Company:  and  John  R..  who  is 
assistant  manager  at  Peoria  for  the  same  company.  The  family  are  members  of 
the  First  Congregational  church  and  have  long  been  most  active,  earnest  and 
effective  workers  in  behalf  of  the  denomination.  Mr.  Coleman  previously 
served  as  pastor  of  the  South  Peoria  Congregational  church  and  is  now  pastor 
of  the  Peoria  Heights  Congregational  church.  No  matter  how  extensive  or 
how  important  have  been  his  business  affairs  he  has  never  allowed  material 
things  to  interfere  with  his  religious  duties  and  in  fact  he  feels  that  he  has 
been  the  more  prospered  as  he  has  labored  the  more  earnestly  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  church.  He  has  organized  seven  different  missions  and  Sunday 
schools  in  and  near  Peoria  in  the  last  thirty  years,  and  who  can  measure  the 
influence  that  has  thus  been  exerted  for  good.  He  has  been  continuously  in 
missionary  work  since  coming  to  Peoria  and  in  all  of  his  efforts  to  advance  the 
cause  of  Christianity  he  is  ably  assisted  and  encouraged  by  his  wife,  who  has 
been  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday  school  and  an  active  helper  in  all  lines  of  church 
work  until  ill  health  has  forced  her  to  in  a  measure  put  aside  her  efforts  in  that 
direction.  Mr.  Coleman's  example  is  often  quoted  not  only  in  Peoria  but  in 
Cleveland  and  in  other  centers  as  one  who  has  found  that  it  was  possible  to 
lead  a  consistent  Christian  life  and  at  the  same  time  win  success.  He  has  felt 
that  he  has  been  all  the  more  prospered  when  his  devotion  to  the  church  has 
been  the  greatest.  His  life  demonstrates  the  fact  that  it  is  perfectly  possible 
to  conduct  a  good  business  and  at  the  same  time  give  much  assistance  to  the 
more  important  eft'ort  of  Christianizing  the  world.  He  never  believes  in  chos- 
ing  the  second  best  but  always  in  seeking  that  which  is  the  highest :  he  has 
never  compromised  with  evil  or  with  wrong-doing  in  the  slightest  degree,  but 
has  held  firmlv  to  the  standards  of  right,  justice  and  truth  and  today  enjoys 
that  untarnished  name  which  is  to  be  chosen  in  preference  to  great  riches. 


HAROLD  R.  WETHERELL. 

Gradually  working  his  way  upward,  undeterred  by  obstacles  and  difficulties 
in  his  path,  Harold  R.  \\'ctherell  is  now  superintendent  of  the  steam-heating 
department  of  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company,  with  which  he  has  lieen 
connected  for  nine  years,  having  charge  of  the  heating  system  for  about  six 
vears.  Peoria  claims  him  as  a  native  son,  his  birth  having  here  occurred  on 
the  29th  of  July,  1S84.  His  parents  are  E.  and  Caroline  Wetherell,  both  of 
whom  are  still  living.  The  father  was  engaged  in  the  electrical  business,  also 
conducting  an  awning  and  gear  works,  and  is  a  practical  mechanic.  For  half 
a  century  he  has  been  a  resident  of  this  city  and  has  become  known  as  a  leading 
representative  of  mechanical  pursuits. 

Harold  R.  \\'etherell  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  public  schools 
until  he  entered  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute,  from  which  he  was  in  due  time 
graduated.  He  afterward  worked  for  the  Acme  Harvester  Company  for  seven 
months  as  draughtsman  and  also  spent  several  months  with  the  McAleenan 
Boiler  Works  in  the  same  capacity.  He  next  entered  the  employ  of  what  is  now 
the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company  and  has  since  continued  with  this  corpora- 
tion. He  was  with  the  old  General  Electric  Company  as  draughtsman  and  later 
had  charge  of  construction  work,  steam  work,  etc.  He  continued  with  the 
Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company  when  it  took  over  all  of  the  business  of  the 
General   Electric   Company,  his   ability   being   recognized   by   the   new   manage- 


2J2  HISTORY  OF  TKORIA  COUNTY 

ment.  In  the  summer  months  he  has  at  times  from  fifty  to  lOO  men  under  his 
supervision,  but  in  the  winter  seasons  only  ten  or  fifteen  men  are  employed. 
He  is  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  great  scientific  principles  which  underly 
his  brancli  of  the  work  which,  added  to  his  practical  experience,  has  made  him 
particularly  well  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  that  now  devolve  upon  him. 
He  does  a  great  deal  of  steam  heating  work  and  engineering  on  the  outside 
and  it  was  he  who  made  the  plans  for  the  heating  system  in  the  new  Jefferson 
Hotel.  He  also  made  the  plans  for  the  separate  plant  to  heat  the  building  for 
the  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute. 

On  the  7th  of  November,  191 1,  Mr.  Wetherell  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Jean  Earnhardt,  of  this  city,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  Earnhardt.  In  his 
leisure  hours  Mr.  Wetherell  enjoys  manly  outdoor  and  athletic  sports  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Peoria  Canoe  Club.  He  stands  as  a  splendid  type  of  the  progres- 
sive young  business  man  who  at  the  outset  of  his  career  recognizes  the  fact 
that  there  is  no  royal  road  to  wealth.  He  felt  that  his  advancement  must  de- 
pend upon  individual  efforts  and  ability  and  he  has  concentrated  his  labors 
along  the  lines  that  have  been  the  most  resultant.  He  is  thoroughly  conver- 
sant with  the  various  lines  of  work  that  come  under  his  direction  and  his  long 
practical  experience  well  enables  him  to  direct  the  labors  of  his  subordinates. 


FRANK  G.  GODEL. 


Frank  G.  Godel  is  president  of  the  Eehrends  Ice  &  Fuel  Company  of  Peoria, 
his  place  of  business  being  at  the  corner  of  Apple  and  South  Washington  streets. 
His  identification  with  the  company  covers  three  years,  during  two  years  of 
which  period  he  has  served  as  president,  and  as  active  manager  has  so  directed 
its  interests  and  growth  as  to  win  substantial  success.  He  has  always  followed 
constructive  methods  in  his  business,  never  taking  advantage  of  the  necessities 
of  another  but  in  the  legitimate  lines  of  trade  winning  his  prosperity. 

Mr.  Godel  was  born  in  Peoria  on  the  7th  of  May,  1863.  his  father  bejng 
Eberhard  Godel.  a  native  of  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  and  for  many  years  a 
prominent,  influential  and  honored  resident  of  this  city.  He  came  to  Peoria 
in  185s  and  after  residing  here  for  two  years  removed  to  Eurlington,  Iowa. 
After  a  brief  period,  however,  he  returned  to  this  city  in  1867  and  became  the 
founder  of  the  large  Godel  Packing  Company,  one  of  the  important  manufactur- 
ing interests  of  the  city.  For  many  years  he  occupied  a  prominent  position  in 
business  circles  here  and  on  the  loth  of  August,  1887,  passed  to  the  life  beyond. 
His  wife,  who  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  survived  him  for  many  years,  her 
death  occurring  in  July,  1910,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years. 

Frank  G.  Godel  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  local  schools,  thus 
acquiring  a  fair  English  education  which  fitted  him  for  life's  practical  and 
responsible  duties.  He  then  entered  his  father's  packing  house  of  which  his 
eldest  brother,  George  Godel,  was  the  first  president  after  the  business  was  in- 
corporated. Upon  the  death  of  his  brother  Frank  G.  Godel  succeeded  to  the 
presidency  and  for  fifteen  years  remained  at  the  head  of  that  business,  his  capa- 
ble direction  of  its  affairs  proving  a  substantial  and  gratifying  source  of  success. 
He  mastered  the  business  in  principle  and  detail,  acquainting  himself  with  every 
feature  of  the  trade,  and  in  the  course  of  years  developed  a  business  that  reached 
extensive  and  gratifying  proportions.  At  length,  however,  he  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  the  ice  and  fuel  business,  becoming  interested  in  the  Eehrends  Ice  &' 
Fuel  Company  in  IQ08.  A  year  later  he  was  elected  to  the  presidency  and  has 
since  bent  his  energies  to  administrative  direction  and  executive  control.  His 
son  Walter  is  vice  president  of  the  company  with  J.  W.  Wickler.  secretary  and 
treasurer.     They  handle  both  natural  and  artificial  ice,  having  erected  their  plant 


FRANK  (1.  CiiDEI, 


HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY  245 

for  the  manufacture  of  ice  in  lyii.  They  also  handle  every  kind  of  fuel  and 
conduct  a  cold  storage  warehouse.  The  business  in  its  various  departments  is 
meeting  with  substantial  success,  the  energy  and  enterprise  of  the  owners  con- 
stituting a  feature  of  growth  that  makes  this  one  of  the  important  manufacturing 
and  cunnnercial  interests  of  Peoria. 

Mr.  Godel  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Emilv  Thiene.  of  this  city,  a 
daughter  of  John  Thiene.  and  unto  them  have  been  born  five  children,  namely: 
Edna,  the  wife  of  Herman  Stanhope,  of  Peoria;  and  Irma,  Walter.  Alma  and 
Olga,  all  yet  at  home.  Mr.  Godel  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  which  he 
has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  and  the  Knight 
Tem]ilar  degree  of  the  York  Rite.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine  and  also  holds  membership  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  h'ellows 
and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  His  life  has  been  one  of  continuous  activity  in 
which  he  has  been  accorded  due  recognition  of  labor  and  today  he  is  iunnl)ered 
among  the  substantial  citizens  of  his  count\-.  His  interests  are  thoroughly  identi- 
fied with  those  of  Peoria,  his  native  city,  in  which  his  entire  life  has  been  passed, 
and  at  all  times  he  is  ready  to  lend  his  aid  and  cooperation  to  any  movement 
calculated  to  benefit  this  section  of  the  countrv  or  advance  its  wonderful  de- 
velopment. 


MICHAEL  R.  HALLIGAN. 

Michael  R.  Halligan  is  the  sole  proprietor  of  the  business  conducted  under 
the  name  of  the  People's  Transfer  &  Baggage  Company,  with  offices  at  No.  115 
Depot  street,  Peoria.  Since  embarking  u])on  this  line  of  activity  he  has  met 
with  notable  success,  his  capable  management  and  unfaltering  enterprise  develop- 
ing a  business  of  large  proportions.  He  was  born  in  Peoria,  August  30,  1887,  a 
son  of  Michael  and  Julia  Halligan.  His  grandfather,  Stephen  Halligan,  came 
from  Ireland  to  .America  about  1<'^30  and  served  as  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  war.  His 
son,  Michael  Halligan,  Sr.,  father  of  our  subject,  was  a  boiler  manufacturer, 
operating  for  many  years  in  Peoria.  He  was  also  commissioner  of  public  works 
in  this  city  for  some  time,  and  in  politics  was  a  stanch  democrat.  His  death  oc- 
curred in  1894,  at  the  age  of  forty-seven  years,  and  he  was  buried  at  St.  Mary's 
cemetery,  Peoria.     His  wife  is  still  living  and  now  makes  her  home  in  this  city. 

Michael  R.  Halligan,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  was  reared 
in  Peoria,  here  attending  the  public  schools  until  his  graduation  from  Spaldmg 
Institute  in  1903.  He  then  entered  the  employ  of  the  Lake  Erie  &  Western 
Railroad  Company,  having  worked  his  way  up  in  the  business  world  from  the 
position  of  office  boy  to  an  assistant  casliiership.  .After  holding  that  position  for 
one  year  he  purchased  a  small  baggage  and  bus  i)usiness  from  W.  F.  Saurer  and 
from  that  small  lieginning  built  up  the  business  to  its  present  proportions,  it  Ise- 
ing  one  of  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  Peoria  at  the  present  time.  The  business 
was  established  only  three  years  ago.  at  which  time  he  tised  but  two  teams.  It 
is  now  the  second  largest  transfer  business  in  the  city,  using  twenty  teams  and 
transferring  freight  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  business  houses,  while  handling 
more  personal  trunks  than  any  firm  in  the  city.  Mr.  Halligan,  who  is  the  jjresi- 
dent  and  manager  of  the  concern,  is  contemplating  a  material  increase  in  the 
equipment  of  the  business,  and  what  he  has  already  accomplished  argues  well 
for  future  growth  and  success.  His  slogan  has  been  "two  men  to  every  trunk'." 
thus  avoiding  all  scratching  of  stairways  or  walls,  and  the  excellent  service  which 
he  has  rendered  has  been  the  prominent  feature  in  his  success,  winning  for  him 
a  constantly  increasing  patronage. 

Politically  Mr.  Halligan  is  indejiendent,  preferring  to  vote   for  those  candi- 


246  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

dates  for  political  office  who  seem  to  him  best  fitted  for  the  place  to  which  they 
aspire.  In  his  fraternal  relations  he  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus 
and  also  of  the  Elite  Club.  He  makes  his  home  with  his  mother  at  400  Third 
avenue.  In  building  up  the  large  and  successful  business  w^hich  he  now  enjoys 
he  attributes  his  success  principally  to  energ)-  and  ambition.  The  public  char- 
acter of  his  business  has  made  him  well  acquainted  throughout  Peoria  and  the 
careful  attention  which  he  gives  to  all  business  entrusted  to  him  has  served  in 
a  verv  large  degree  to  build  up  the  undertaking  to  its  present  proportions. 


•THEODORE  H.  PAGE,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Theodore  H.  Page  is  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Kruse  &  Page,  ocu- 
lists and  aurists  of  Peoria.  He  is  numbered  among  the  alumni  of  Rush  Medical 
College  of  Chicago  and  has  been  a  representative  of  the  medical  profession  in 
Peoria  since  igo6.  He  was  born  in  Jerseyville,  Illinois.  March  10.  1875.  a  son 
of  J.  M.  and  Sarah  M.  Page,  the  former  well  known  in  journalistic  circles.  His 
course  was  pursued,  as  previously  stated,  in  Rush  Medical  College,  from  which 
he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1897.  The  following  year  was  spent  in 
special  service  in  the  Cook  County  Hospital  and  in  the  Presbyterian  Hospital  of 
Chicago,  and  his  varied  experiences  there  made  him  particularly  well  qualified 
for  the  onerous  duties  of  private  practice.  He  came  into  contact  with  the  most 
eminent  and  capable  physicians  and  surgeons  of  the  city  and  acquainted  himself 
with  their  methods.  In  1899  he  entered  upon  general  practice,  opening  an  office 
in  St.  Louis,  where  he  remained  until  he  came  to  Peoria  in  1906.  He  holds  to 
the  highest  standards  of  the  profession  and  has  taken  post  graduate  work  in 
some  of  the  best  colleges  of  the  country.  He  is  now  devoting  his  time  and  atten- 
tion exclusively  to  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat  and 
has  been  very  successful  as  an  oculist,  aurist  and  laryngologist.  His  office  is 
in  the  Herald-Transcript  building  and  his  practice  is  now  very  extensive.  His 
suite  of  rooms  is  equipped  with  the  latest  appliances  to  further  his  work. 

In  1904  Dr.  Page  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mathilda  Heidrich.  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  Edward  C.  Heidrich,  president  of  the  Peoria  Coardage 
Company,  of  this  city,  and  they  have  two  children.  Frances  and  Theodore.  Dr. 
Page  has  high  social  as  well  as  professional  standing  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Creve  Coeur  and  the  Country  Clubs.  He  has  passed  through  various  degrees 
in  Masonry  to  the  thirty-second  degree  in  the  consistory  and  is  also  a  member 
of  the  ^lystic  Shrine.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  ^ledical  Society,  the  Illi- 
nois State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association,  and  is  thor- 
oughly conversant  with  the  work  of  those  organizations. 


CYRUS  MINOR  A\'ERY. 

In  the  city  of  Galesburg,  where  many  years  of  his  life  were  passed,  Cyrus 
Minor  Avery  was  widelv  known  and  his  many  attractive  social  qualities  and 
admirable  characteristics  gained  for  him  the  friendship  and  kindly  regard  of  all 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  He  was  one  of  Galesburg's  native  sons,  his  birth 
having  here  occurred  on  the  19th  of  June,  1846.  when  the  city  was  but  a  small 
town  and  outlying  districts  of  the  state  were  largely  undeveloped  and  unim- 
proved. His  parents  were  George  and  Saraphena  Princess  Mary  (Phelps) 
Avery,  both  natives  of  the  state  of  New  York.     The  father  was  born  in  New 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  247 

Lebanon  and  was  a  representative  in  the  seventh  generation  of  a  family  that 
traces  its  ancestry  back  to  Christopher  Avery,  the  line  coming  down  through 
James,  Thomas,  Abraham,  Nathan  and  William  Thomas  to  George.  As  a  young 
man  the  last  named  came  to  the  west,  arriving  in  Galesburg  in  1837.  Here  he 
built  the  second  house  in  what  was  then  known  as  Log  City.  Later  the  place 
of  his  abode,  now  on  \\'est  Main  street,  came  to  be  called  the  Avery  farm. 
There  he  followed  general  agricultural  pursuits  at  a  time  when  the  most  fore- 
sighted  could  not  have  dreamed  that  his  place  would  one  day  be  near  the  very 
heart  of  the  enterprising  city.  The  lady  whom  he  afterward  made  his  wife  came 
to  the  west  with  her  brother  and  mother,  settling  in  Knoxville,  where  they 
were  married.  For  many  years  Mr.  Avery  continued  to  engage  in  general  farm- 
ing but  at  length  retired  and  took  up  his  abode  within  the  limits  of  Galesburg, 
living  on  North  Cherry  street.  There  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil  supplied 
him  with  the  necessities  and  comforts  of  life  up  to  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  on  the  ist  of  January,  1S84.  His  wife  also  died  at  the  Cherry 
street  home.  They  were  members  of  the  First  Congregational  church,  in  the 
work  of  which  they  took  active  and  helpful  part,  Mr.  Avery  serving  as  deacon 
for  many  years.  His  political  indorsement  was  given  to  the  republican  party. 
In  the  family  were  six  children:  Robert  H.,  who  died  September  13,  1892; 
Mary,  the  wife  of  \V.  R.  liutcher.  living  at  Roodhouse.  Illinois:  John  T.,  who 
died  .August  11.  1905.  at  Galesburg;  Cyrus  M.;  Phoebe  T.,  who  is  now  living  in 
Biloxi,  Mississippi :  and  George,  also  of  Piiloxi. 

Cyrus  M.  Avery  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Galesburg  and  in 
Knox  College,  where  he  completed  his  course  with  the  class  of  1868.  He  work- 
ed with  his  father  on  the  farm  for  a  time  and  was  early  trained  to  habits  of 
industry  and  diligence.  He  afterward  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business 
and  made  for  himself  a  creditable  position  in  trade  circles  in  his  native  city. 
Early  in  the  '70s  he  joined  his  brother.  Robert  Hanneman  Averv,  in  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  plant  for  the  manufacture  of  agricultural  implements  in  Gales- 
burg. The  brother  had  been  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  War.  was  cajitured  and  was 
lield  as  a  prisoner  at  Andersonville,  where  he  spent  many  otherwise  idle  hours 
in  drawing  in  the  sand  of  the  prison  yard  designs  of  agricultural  implements 
which  he  began  to  make  soon  after  his  release,  the  first  being  a  stalk  cutter  and 
a  corn  planter.  When  the  plans  of  the  brothers  were  perfected  for  the  conduct 
of  an  agricultural  implement  manufactory,  they  began  business  under  the  style 
of  R.  H.  &•  C.  M.  Avery,  operating  their  jilant  at  Galesburg  until  1882,  when 
they  went  to  Peoria  and  made  arrangements  for  removing  their  factory  to  the 
latter  city.  There  the  enterprise  was  developed  into  a  very  large  corporation 
known  as  the  Avery  Comjjany.  In  1883,  after  the  removal  of  the  business  to 
Peoria,  the  Avery  Planter  Company  was  organized  with  a  capital  of  two  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars.  Ten  years  later  the  authorized  capital  was  incresed  to 
three  hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  in  1900  the  name  was  changed  to  the 
Avery  Alanufacturing  Company,  at  which  time  the  ca|)ital  stock  was  increased 
to  one  million  dollars.  The  business  continued  to  grow  and  is  now  capital- 
ized for  two  million,  five  humlred  thousand  dollars.  The  plant  is  one  of  the 
most  extensive  and  ])rominent  productive  industries  of  Peoria,  with  business 
connections  that  reach  out  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  C.  M.  Avery  continued 
active  in  the  management  and  control  of  the  interests  at  Peoria  until  1902,  when 
he  returned  to  his  native  city  and  erected  here  a  large,  comfortable  and  attractive 
modern  residence.  The  remainder  of  his  life  was  divided  between  the  two  cities 
of  Galesburg  and  Peoria,  although  he  regarded  the  former  as  his  home. 

It  was  here  on  the  4th  of  October,  1877.  that  Mr.  Avery  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  ]\Iinnie  Evalena  Bartholomew,  who  was  born  at  Elmwood.  Illinois, 
February  25,  1856,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Luzerne  and  Sarah  Elvira  (Payne) 
Bartholomew.  They  became  the  parents  of  five  children:  Elvira  Princess,  born 
September  25,  1878;  George  Luzerne.  September  12,  1879;  Grace  Ophelia,  Octo- 


248  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ber  8,  1S83;  Harriette,  June  20.  1886;  and  Cyrus  Elinor,  May  29,  iSyy.  The 
first  two  were  born  in  Galesburg,  the  last  three  in  Peoria.  George  Luzerne 
Avery  is  still  connected  with  the  Avery  Company  as  its  secretary.  The  enter- 
prise is  now  a  business  of  mammoth  proportions  and  includes  the  manufacture 
of  agricultural  implements,  farm  wagons,  engines,  threshers,  engine  gang  plows, 
gas  tractors  and  citv  and  farm  trucks.  While  the  factory  and  main  office  are  at 
Peoria,  branch  houses  are  maintained  at  Omaha,  Xel)raska ;  Des  Aloines,  Iowa ; 
Minneapolis,  Minnesota;  Fargo.  North  Dakota;  ISillings,  Montana;  Kansas 
City,  Missouri ;  Indianapolis,  Indiana ;  St.  Louis,  Missouri ;  Grand  Forks.  North 
Dakota ;  Sioux  Falls,  South  Dakota :  and  Aberdeen,  South  Dakota. 

The  family  circle  was  broken  by  death,  when  on  the  15th  of  September, 
1905,  in  Galesburg,  Cyrus  M.  Avery  passed  away.  His  life  record  has  been 
a  credit  and  honor  to  the  city  which  had  ever  honored  and  respected  him.  His 
business  career  was  notable  by  reason  of  its  successful  achievement  and  the  extent 
of  the  concern  which  was  developed  through  the  enterprise  and  under  the  able 
direction  of  himself  and  brother.  He  seemed  to  possess  a  faculty  for  devising 
and  executing  the  right  thing  at  the  right  time  and  this  was  joined  to  every  day 
common  sense.  He  seemed  easily  to  discriminate  between  the  essential  and  the 
non-essential,  to  see  the  possibility  for  the  coordination  of  forces  and  to  use 
each  opportunity  to  the  l)est  advantage.  Method  and  system  were  ever  features 
of  the  business^  together  with  the  employment  of  skilled  and  expert  workmen. 
In  matters  of  judgment  ^Ir.  Avery  was  seldom  if  ever  at  fault  and  what  he  ac- 
complished represented  the  fit  utilization  of  the  innate  powers  and  talents  which 
were  his.  As  prosperity  came  to  him  he  continually  reached  out  a  helping  hand 
to  those  less  fortunate  and  his  benevolence  was  manifest  in  generous  support  of 
manv  worthy  public  projects  and  charities.  Something  of  his  position  in  the  city 
of  his  birth'  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  at  his  demise  the  year  book  of  Knox 
College  for  1907  bore  the  following  inscription : 

"To   the    memory   of 

Cyrus  Minor  Avery, 
honored    alumnus,    valued    trustee,    successful   business    man,    up- 
right and  influential  citizen ;  whose  singular  nobility  of  character, 
loyal   friendship  and   warm-hearted,   open-handed  generosity,   his 
Alma  ]\Iater  holds  in  grateful  and  loving  esteem. 

This  Book  is  Dedicated." 

This  pictured  forth  the  feeling  entertained  for  him  not  only  in  Galesburg 
and  in  Peoria  but  wherever  he  was  known  and  no  higher  testimonial  of  his  char- 
acter could  be  given  than  the  fact  that  lie  was  most  honored  where  best  known. 


CHARLES  D.  CLARK. 


Charles  D.  Clark  has  occupied  a  central  place  on  the  stage  of  business  activ- 
ity in  Peoria  for  a  number  of  years.  He  is  today  widely  known  as  the  president 
of  the  Clark-Smith  Hardware  Company,  the  president  of  the  Western  Stoneware 
Company,  as  the  vice  president  of  the  Clark  Coal  &  Coke  Company  and  vice 
president  of  the  Horace  Clark  &  Sons  Company,  dealers  in  grain,  flour  and  feed. 
His  identification  with  the  hardware  trade  of  this  city  dates  from  1869  and 
his  name  is  svnonvmous  with  the  highest  standards  of  commercial  ethics.  He 
was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Tazewell  county,  September  22,  1848,  his  parents  being 
Horace  and  Marv  E.  (Kingsburv)  Clark.  ("Genealogical  records  of  the  two  fam- 
ilies are  transferring  in  tlie  paternal  line.  Charles  D.  Clark  is  descended  from 
a   certain   captain   of   the    Revolutionary   war.      The    Kingsbury   and    the    Clark 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  249 

record  shows  a  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  War  for  Independence.  The  children 
of  Charles  D.  Clark  on  their  mother's  side  are  also  descendants  of  Captain  David 
Blakely,   of    Connecticut. 

Horace  and  Mary  E.  (Kingsbury)  Clark  were  farming  people  of  Tazewell 
county,  who,  when  their  son  was  a  youth  of  thirteen  years  left  the  old  home- 
stead in  Tazewell  county  and  removed  to  the  city  of  Peoria,  so  that  his  prelim- 
inary education,  which  was  acquired  in  the  district  schools,  was  supplemented 
by  study  in  the  graded  and  high  schools  of  this  city.  The  training  thus  received 
well  qualified  him  for  the  practical  and  responsible  duties  which  have  devolved 
upon  him  in  later  life  and  gradually  iiis  broadening  experiences  have  developed 
his  powers  and  energies  until  he  stands  among  the  most  resourceful,  capable 
and  representative  business  men  of  central  Illinois.  He  crossed  the  threshold 
of  the  business  world  as  bookkeeper  for  the  firm  of  Ely,  Clarke  &  Comi)any, 
with  whom  he  remained  for  several  months  and  then  entered  the  hardware  trade 
in  i86g,  as  partner  in  the  firm  of  Clark,  Quien  &  Chalmers.  On  the  incorpora- 
tion of  the  business  in  1888  he  entered  the  corporation  under  the  style  of  Clark, 
Quien  iS:  Morse  and  was  elected  to  the  presidency  of  the  company,  which 
operated  under  that  name  until  1910,  when  a  reorganization  was  affected  under 
the  style  of  Clark-.Smith  Hardware  Company.  In  1903  was  erected  their  pres- 
ent large  brick  building  on  Commercial  street,  which  is  a  four-story  structure, 
one  hundred  and  thirty-one  by  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  feet.  There  they 
carry  an  extensive  line  of  hardware  of  every  description,  which  they  sell  to 
the  retail  trade,  ernploying  14  traveling  salesmen  and  in  connection  they  are  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacturing  of  eave  troughs  and  conductor  pipes.  The  business 
in  both  branches  has  grown  continuously,  making  theirs  one  of  the  leading  mer- 
cantile and  manufacturing  establishments  of  the  city.  He  has  largely  concen- 
trated his  energies  along  this  single  line  and  undoubtedly  one  of  the  strong  fac- 
tors of  his  success  is  the  fact  that  he  has  continued  in  that  department  of  busi- 
ness in  which  he  embarked  in  early  manhood.  He  has  achieved  success  be- 
cause he  has  labored  indefatigably  and  because  his  energy  and  perseverance 
have  enabled  him  to  meet  competition  and  overcome  all  the  difficulties  and  ob- 
stacles in  his  path.  Air.  Clark  has  recently  been  elected  president  of  the  West- 
ern Stoneware  Company,  the  largest  business  of  its  kind  in  the  world,  and 
will    have    the    full    management   of    this    firm. 

In  1875  Mr.  Clark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emily  Blakesley,  of  Peo- 
ria, a  daughter  of  Joel  and  Amy  Blakesley,  and  imto  them  have  been  born  five 
children:  Lucie  B.,  w-ife  of  H.  L.  Parkhurst,  of  Brooklyn,  New  York;  Marie 
V.  and  Richard  P.,  who  are  living  at  home;  and  Horace  and  Charles,  who  have 
passed  away.  In  1910  Air.  Clark  took  his  w'ife  and  children  on  a  trip  around 
the  world,  being  passengers  on  the  ship  Cleveland,  of  the  Hamburg-.American 
line,  which  visited  many  ports  and  from  these  the  party  made  their  way  to  many 
points  of  interest  in  the  interior  of  the  countries.  Mr.  Clark  wrote  a  series  of 
most  interesting  articles  concerning  tlie  trip  to  the  Peoria  Star.  His  letters  dis- 
play high  literary  merit  and  at  the  same  time  indicate  a  most  keen  observation 
and  retentive  memory.  He  seems  not  only  to  have  seen  those  things  which  are 
pointed  out  to  the  traveler,  but  also  to  have  noted  many  little  incidents  and  cus- 
toms which  indicate  something  of  the  life  of  the  people,  their  habits  and  trend 
of  thought  that  does  not  usually  aj^pear  in  works  of  travel.  From  his  letters  it 
would  appear  that  he  forgets  nothing  that  he  has  once  seen,  and  he  describes  with 
equal  clearness  the  great  temjiles  or  the  peculiar  kinds  of  foods  found  in  the 
markets  of  the  Orient,  the  clothing  of  the  people,  or  a  distant  mountain  range 
with  its  lights,  shadows  and  coloring.  He  was  as  interested  in  the  mat  weaving 
of  Java  as  in  the  burials  of  India  and  he  presents  to  the  reader  a  vivid  picture 
of  each.  Day  by  day  brought  something  new-  and  interesting,  all  of  which  he 
describes  most  graphicallv  until  the  reader  feels  that  he  himself  has  looked  upon 
the  scene  or  witnessed  the  action  told.     It  would  be  impossible  in  this  connec- 


250  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

tion  to  quote  at  length  from  Mr.  Clark's  description  of  the  lands  visited,  but 
something  of  his  style  of  writing  is  gathered  from  the  closing  words  of  one  of 
his  letters  which  read:  "The  experiences  of  such  a  trip  as  this  are  manifold. 
Xo  attempt  has  been  made  to  enumerate  the  many  little  incidents  that  enlivened 
the  trip  and  which  will  be  cherished  for  years  by  those  who  participated. 
Yet  no  matter  what  sights  were  seen  or  what  lands  were  visited,  no  sight  could 
so  thrill  their  hearts  and  cause  the  tears  of  joy  to  spring  unbidden  to  their  eyes 
as  the  sight  of  the  dear  old  flag  as  it  waved  a  glad  welcome,  from  the  heights 
of  I\Ianila. 

"Never  will  be  forgotten  the  golden  days  and  the  balmy  nights  when  the  good 
ship  went  gliding  smoothly  over  the  tropic  seas,  where  all  around,  for  limitless 
miles,  stretched  the  vast  ocean  with  its  mysteries.  Deep  below  the  waves  lie 
life  and  death  tcigether:  The  coral  builders  at  work  and  women  in  their  last 
sleep;  living  hshes  and  wrecks  of  ships;  lofty  mountains,  deep  valleys  and  wide 
deserts ;  sea  mosses,  shells  and  caverns ;  petrified  forests  and  the  mouths  of  dead 
volcanoes.  Every  ideal,  every  real,  every  hope,  every  faith ;  lessons  of  courage, 
heroism,  sacrifice ;  these  and  a  hundred  other  virtues  and  glories  spring  to  the 
mind  out  of  the  everlasting  fountains  of  the  sea. 

"  "Oh,  boundless  sweep  of  restless  deep,  what  secrets  dost  thou  hold 
Locked    safe    within    thy   heart   of    hearts    through   ages   manifold." " 

His  powers  of  description  and  his  ability  in  story  telling,  as  well  as  other 
individual  traits  of  character  have  made  ]Mr.  Clark  a  valued  and  well  known 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Country  Clubs,  with  both  of  which  he  has  been 
identified  for  some  time.  He  is  one  of  whom  the  word  citizenship  is  no  mere 
idle  term.  He  has  rendered  full  return  for  the  privileges  and  opportunities 
that  have  been  his  and  in  compensation  has  given  faithful  and  effective  service 
in  promoting  public  progress  and  advancing  the  general  good  in  many  lines. 
In  whatever  condition  of  life  he  has  been  found  he  has  sought  for  all  that  is 
best  in  American  manhood.  He  believes  that  every  citizen  should  exercise  the 
right  of  franchise  and,  moreover,  that  each  should  thoroughly  inform  himself 
concerning  the  political  conditions  and  the  significant  problems  of  the  age.  His 
mature  judgment  has  led  him  to  supjiort  republican  principles  and  while  never 
an  office  seeker,  he  has  served  as  chairman  of  the  republican  county  central 
commitee.  His  fellow  townsmen  recognize  his  merit  and  ability  and  his  business 
colleagues  and  contemporaries  entertain  the  warmest  admiration  for  his  many 
good  qualities. 


GUY  C.  PO\\"ELL,  M  D. 

During  the  years  of  his  residence  in  Peoria  Dr.  Guy  C.  Powell  occupied  a 
commanding  position  as  a  member  of  the  medical  profession,  especially  in  the 
field  of  his  specialty.  He  ever  fully  recognized  the  duties,  obligations  and  respon- 
sibilities of  his  chosen  life  work  and  put  forth  persistent  effort  to  make  his  labors 
valuable  in  checking  the  ravages  of  disease.  He  received  the  patronage  of  many 
of  the  best  families  of  the  city  and  in  addition  he  won  success  in  other  business 
undertakings.  He  was  born  September  23,  1S68,  in  Rockfield,  Indiana,  a  son  of 
Dr.  J.  W.  Powell.  Whether  parental  example,  early  environment  or  natural  ten- 
dency had  most  to  do  with  his  choice  of  a  life  work  it  is  impossible  to  determine. 
At  all  events,  however,  he  decided  to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  his  father,  who 
about  1878  removed  wath  his  family  from  Rockfield  to  Peoria,  Illinois.  The  boy 
had  previously  begun  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  city  and  here  he 
continued  his  studies,  attending  the  Greeley  school.  His  professional  training  was 
received  in  the  Louisville  ( Ky. )  Medical  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  1895.    He  then  returned  to  Peoria  and  practiced  as  a  specialist  for  ear,  eye  and 


UK.  ULV  C.  POWELL 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  253 

throat  troubles  and  soon  gained  poi)ularity  and  success,  becoming"  well  known  as  a 
representative  and  able  member  of  the  medical  fraternity  in  this  city.  As  he  jjros- 
percd  he  made  investments  in  land  in  Texas  and  became  the  owner  of  large  hold- 
ings there,  which  added  materially  to  his  income. 

On  the  17th  of  August,  1903,  Dr.  Powell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Dean 
Weaver,  a  daughter  of  Abraham  and  Eudora  (Jewett)  Weaver,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  \'ermont  and  on  removing  westward  became  residents  of  Illinois. 
Dr.  I'owell  held  membership  in  the  Episco[)al  church,  which  his  widow  also  attends. 
His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  republican  party,  for  he  believed  that  its 
princi])les  contained  the  best  elements  of  good  government.  He  held  membership 
with  the  -Masonic  fraternity  and  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree.  He  also 
belonged  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Benevolent  Protective 
Order  of  Elks  and  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Ivy  Yacht  Clubs,  and  was  loyal  to  each. 
In  fact,  fidelity  wis  one  of  his  marked  characteristics  and  was  evidenced  as 
strongly  in  his  devotion  to  these  fraternal  organizations  and  to  his  church  as  to 
his  profession.  His  ideals  of  life  were  high  and  he  never  lowered  the  standard 
which  he  set  up  at  the  outset  of  his  career.  Death  came  to  him  August  25.  191 1, 
when  he  was  scarcely  forty-three  years  of  age,  yet  within  that  period  he  had 
accom])lished  a  work  equal  to  that  which  crowns  the  lives  of  many  men  of  twice 
his  vears. 


HENRY  SAND]\IEYER,  Jr. 

Henry  Sandmeyer,  Jr.,  is  manager  of  the  Majestic  Theater,  the  leading  and 
highly  exclusive  show  house  of  Peoria,  presenting  the  best  attractions  know-n 
to  the  stage.  In  the  control  of  this  theater  he  displays  keen  business  judgment 
and  sagacity  and  substantial  success  has  crowned  his  labors.  He  needs  no  in- 
troduction to  the  readers  of  this  volume  for  he  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of 
Peoria  and  is  a  representative  of  one  of  its  oldest  families,  his  father,  Henry 
Sandmeyer,  Sr..  having  located  here  at  an  early  day.  He  was  a  well  known 
business  man  in  the  period  of  Peoria's  pioneer  develojiment  and  [jrogress,  be- 
coming well  known  as  a  manufacturer,  banker  and  capitalist.  He  is  today  one 
of  the  venerable  and  honored  residents  of  the  city  and  is  mentioned  at  length 
on  another  page  of  this  work. 

The  son  was  born  in  Peoria,  February  24,  1862,  and  at  the  usual  age  entered 
the  public  schools,  therein  mastering  the  common  branches  of  learning.  Start- 
ing out  in  the  business  world,  he  became  an  employe  in  his  father's  hardware 
store,  then  situated  in  the  Hundred  block,  on  South  Adams  street.  There  he 
remained  and  worked  his  way  upward  through  the  development  of  business 
cajJability  until  he  finally  became  manager,  retaining  that  position  until  the  time 
the  business  was  closed  out.  in  1905.  He  then  devoted  a  year  or  more  to  the 
erection  of  the  Majestic  Theater  and  also  to  the  building,  in  connection  with  his 
father,  of  the  elegant  Sandmeyer  apartments,  which  is  the  largest  and  most 
e.xclusive  apartment  building  of  the  city.  Every  modern  convenience  has  been 
introduced,  the  interior  finish  and  equipments  are  most  attractive  and  the  style 
of  architecture  thoroughly  pleasing.  On  tlie  completion  of  the  Majestic  Theater 
Mr.  Sandmeyer  assumed  its  management  and  has  never  deviated  from  the  high 
standard  which  he  set  up  in  assuming  control  here.  The  most  distinguished 
actors  and  actresses  not  only  of  this  country  but  of  England  have  here  appeared 
and  Mr.  Sandmeyer  has  given  to  the  city  a  list  of  attractions  equal  to  those  ap- 
pearing in  the  leading  houses  of  Chicago.  He  is  also  a  director  of  the  Peoria 
Stone  &  Marble  Works,  of  which  his  father  is  the  president,  and  he  is  a  stock- 
holder in  the  Merchants'  National  Bank,  of  which  his  father  is  the  vice  pres- 
ident.    In  many  other  of  Peoria's  prominent  business  concerns  he  is  financially 


254  HISTORY  OF  PEORU  COUNTY 

interested  and  is  recognized  as  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  keen  discrimina- 
tion whose  opinions  constitute  valuable  and  effective  forces  in  the  successful 
management  of  business  concerns. 

In  1887  Mr.  Sandmeyer  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma  C.  Singer, 
a  daughter  of  P.  J.  Singer,  and  theirs  is  one  of  the  attractive  and  hospitable 
■homesuf  the  city.  "  Mr.  Sandmeyer  is  a  very  prominent  Mason,  and  he  was  one  of 
the  original  members  and  of  Alohammed  Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  also 
belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  is  one  of  the  fifteen  life  members  of  the 
Peoria  Country  Club.  His  friends  are  many  in  the  city  in  which  he  has  always 
lived,  for  his  salient  qualities  have  endeared  him  to  those  with  whom  he  has  come 
in  contact.  He  enjoys  the  admiration  and  respect  of  his  colleagues  and  contem- 
poraries, the  good-will  of  acquaintances  and  the  strong  and  enduring  regard  of 
those  with  whom  he  has  been  more  intimately  associated. 


GEORGE  A.  ZELLER,  M.  D. 

Dr.  George  A.  Zeller,  occupying  the  responsible  position  of  superintendent 
of  the  Peoria  State  Hospital  at  South  Bartonville,  an  institution  caring  for  two 
thousand  patients,  entered  upon  this  connection  well  equip]:)ed  by  thorough  prelim- 
inary training  and  broad  e.xperience.  Indeed,  he  is  a  man  of  national  reputa- 
tion, whose  investigations  and  researches  have  gained  him  world-wide  prom- 
inence. Along  many  lines  of  professional  activity  he  has  manifested  the  spirit 
of  the  pioneer  in  that  he  has  advanced  beyond  the  majority  of  his  fellows  into 
new  and  untried  fields,  wherein  he  has  gleaned  many  facts  and  truths  of  im- 
mense value  in  professional  service. 

Dr.  Zeller  was  born  at  Spring  Bay.  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  just  across 
the  river  from  and  within  sight  of  the  city  of  Peoria,  in  1858.  His  father.  Dr. 
John  G.  Zeller,  was  one  of  the  best  known  physicians  of  central  Illinois  and, 
stimulated  by  his  example,  the  son  entered  upon  preparation  for  the  profession, 
which  he  has  made  his  life  work.  His  early  education  was  acquired  in  the 
public  schools  of  his  native  village,  wherein  he  displayed  special  aptitude  in  his 
studies,  entering  the  University  of  Illinois  before  he  reached  the  age  of  fifteen 
years.  He  continued  his  studies  in  that  institution  from  1873  until  the  close  of 
the  school  year  in  the  spring  of  187^1.  He  had  determined  upon  the  practice  of 
medicine  as  his  life  work  and  in  the  fall  of  the  latter  year  he  matriculated  in 
the  St.  Louis  ^ledical  College,  in  which  he  pursued  the  regular  three  years' 
course  and  was  graduated  in  1879.  He  then  entered  upon  active  practice  in  con- 
nection with  his  father,  Dr.  John  G.  Zeller,  at  Spring  Bay,  Illinois,  and  their  pro- 
fessional relation  continued  for  ten  years,  or  until  1889,  when  Dr.  George  A. 
Zeller  after  spending  a  year  in  European  clinics  removed  to  Peoria,  where  he 
continued  in  active  practice  until  1898.  He  was  then  appointed  superintendent 
of  the  Peoria  State  Hospital,  which  important  position  he  has  since  filled  save 
for  the  period  of  his  service  in  the  l'hili|)|)ines.  In  Xovember,  1899,  he  en- 
tered the  volunteer  medical  service  of  the  United  States  army  and  on  the  21st 
of  March,  1901,  he  was  promoted  captain  and  assistant  surgeon  of  volunteers 
while  in  the  field,  and  remained  in  the  government  service  until  November,  1902, 
spending  the  entire  time  in  the  Philippines.  He  then  returned  to  Peoria  and 
was  reappointed  superintendent  of  the  Peoria  State  Hospital.  The  l)uildings 
of  this  institution  were  in  process  of  erection  while  he  was  in  the  military  service 
of  the  country  and  he  was  excused  from  his  duties  as  superintendent  to  go  to 
the  front.  Today  the  Peoria  ."^tate  Hospital  is  one  of  the  best  equipped  and 
most  thoroughly  appointed  institutions  of  this  character  in  the  country,  and  its 
methods  of  caring  for  the  two  thousand  unfortunate  people  who  are  thus  wards 
of  the  state  there  embodv  the  most  advanced  and  scientific  principles  and   re- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  255 

ceive  the  indorsement  of  all  those  qualified  to  speak  intelligently  upon  the  sub- 
ject. Dr.  Zeller  holds  to  the  highest  standards  in  his  care  of  the  patients  and 
the  plans  utilized  in  an  attempt  to  effect  cures.  He  has  long  made  a  close  and 
thorough  study  of  mental  and  nervous  diseases  and  of  the  various  causes  which 
produce  mental  aiierration.  He  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  in  bringing  to 
the  scientific  world  a  knowledge  of  the  disease  now  known  as  pellagra  and  is 
the  general  secretary  of  the  National  Association  for  the  Study  of  Pellagra. 
He  also  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical 
Society,  the  American  Medical  .Association  and  the  National  .Association  of 
Military  Surgeons. 

In  1889  Dr.  Zeller  was  tmited  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sophie  Kline,  of  Henry, 
Illinois.  He  has  not  allowetl  his  interest  in  public  affairs  to  lag  and  has  been 
many  times  chairman  of  the  Peoria  county  and  city  republican  central  commit- 
tees, maintaining  a  leadership  that  had  the  united  support  of  the  party  and 
achieved  an  unbroken  line  of  victories.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the 
Masons  and  socially  with  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  Country  Club.  As  a 
scientist  his  contributions  to  the  world's  work  have  been  most  valuable  and  the 
advanced  methods  which  he  has  introduced  into  the  Peoria  State  Hospital  place 
him  with  the  foremost  representatives  of  the  profession  in  America.  His  brother. 
Rev.  Julius  C.  Zeller,  is  president  of  the  University  of  Puget  Sound,  of  Tacoma, 
W'ashintrton,, 


JOHN  MICHAEL  NIEHAUS. 

John  M.  Niehaus,  master  in  chancery  at  Peoria,  to  which  office  he  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  circuit  court  in  November,  1898,  exemplifies  in  his  life  many  of 
the  sterling  characteristics  of  his  German  ancestry,  and  his  record  is  another 
proof  of  the  fact  that  Peoria  is  largely  indebted  to  its  German  citizenship  for 
its  progress  and  development.  He  was  born  at  Warendorf,  Germany,  February 
C>  '855,  and  came  to  America  with  his  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frank  W.  Nie- 
haus, who  first  made  their  home  in  Pittsburg  for  about  one  year  and  then  re- 
moved to  Peoria  where  the  father  engaged  in  mercantile  business,  becoming  one 
of  the  early  and  representative  merchants  of  this  city.  In  his  native  country 
lie  had  engaged  in  the  hardware  business. 

John  M.  Niehaus  was  an  infant  at  the  time  of  the  migration  to  the  new 
\yorld  and  was  about  two  years  of  age  when  brought  to  Peoria  where,  later  he 
pursued  his  education  in  German  private  schools  and  received  special  instruc- 
tions in  Latin  and  the  classics.  He  also  attended  a  local  business  college  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  1871.  He  then  took  up  the  study  of  law  under  the 
preceptorship  of  the  firm  of  O'Brien  &  Harman,  well  known  Peoria  attorneys, 
who  directed  his  reading  until  his  admission  to  the  bar  in  1874.  He  did  not  begin 
active  practice,  however,  until  1877.  .\s  a  representative  of  the  legal  fraternity 
he  made  continuous  progress  and  the  ]utblic  recognition  of  his  ability  won  to 
him  a  large  clientage.  He  was  also  a  student  of  the  political  issues,  t|uestions 
and  conditions  and  in  1880  was  elected  on  the  democratic  ticket  to  the  state 
legislature  in  which  he  served  for  one  term.  In  1883  he  was  chosen  state's 
attorney  of  Peoria  county  to  fill  out  an  unexpired  term  and  was  elected  to  the 
office  in  1884  and  again  in  1S88,  serving  until  1892,  or  for  nine  consecutive  years 
in  that  position  during  which  time  he  carefully  safeguarded  the  legal  interests  of 
the  county,  conducted  much  important  litigation  and  won  many  favorable  ver- 
dicts. He  again  became  one  of  the  lawmakers  when  in  1S92  he  was  elected 
state  senator,  serving  for  four  years.  In  both  the  house  and  the  senate  he  gave 
careful  consideration  to  the  f|uestions  which  came  up  for  settlement  and  stanchly 
supported  those  measures  which  he  deemed  of  value  in  promoting  the  welfare  of 
the  commonwealth. 


256  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  1895  ■^'i'-  Xiehaus  was  married  to  Miss  Kathryn  L.  Gallagher,  and  the 
children  of  this  marriage  are  two  in  number — Kathryn  M.  and  John  M.  Mr. 
Niehaus  holds  membership  in  the  Uenevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  is 
also  prominent  in  club  circles,  belonging  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  of  Peoria  and 
the  Peoria  Country  Club.  He  has  gained  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends  in 
those  organizations,  also  among  his  professional  associates,  and  he  is  justly  ac- 
counted a  representative  member  of  a  bar  that  has  numbered  many  distinguished 
and  able  lawyers.  For  more  than  a  third  of  a  century  he  has  continued  in  active 
practice  and  the  excellent  work  he  has  done  in  behalf  of  his  clients  indicates 
liis  thorough  mastery  of  the  principles  of  jurisprudence  and  his  devotion  to  the 
legal  interests  of  those  who  retain  his  services. 


SANDOR  HOR\MTZ.  M.  D. 

The  story  of  the  Jewish  people  since  the  beginning  of  historv  has  been  a 
record  of  high  and  ennobling  sacrifice,  the  unmurmuring  acceptance  of  unde- 
served subservience  for  the  sake  of  standards  which  thev  loved  and  cherished. 
The  better  class  of  Jews,  the  class  which  has  written  its  story  upon  the  records  of 
time,  are  high-minded,  God-fearing,  upright  men.  honoring  their  own  people, 
loyal  to  their  own  religion  and  leaving  the  impress  of  this  honor  and  love  in 
tragic  history.  The  life  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Dr.  Sandor  Horwitz,  has 
its  roots  in  this  tragedy.  Before  his  babyhood  was  well  over  he  had  known 
hunger  and  homelessness,  and  the  loss  of  friends.  His  childish  years  were  filled 
with  work  for  food  and  shelter,  and  with  the  dread  need  of  money  to  purchase 
his  existence.  And  yet  through  it  all  he  kept  in  his  heart  his  loyalty  to  the 
faith  of  his  fathers,  and  his  burning  ambition,  which  he  has  todav  realized,  to 
be  a  learned  and  a  cultured  gentleman. 

Dr.  Sandor  Horwitz,  city  physician  of  Peoria,  enjoying  also  a  large  private 
practice  in  medicine  and  surgery,  was  born  in  Hungary,  August  11,  1867.  He 
traces  his  ancestry  back  to  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century,  when  the  first 
person  of  his  line  was  a  very  prominent  rabbi  in  Bohemia.  Today  his  relatives 
are  occupying  rabbinical  chairs  in  various  communities  in  Hungary.  His  father, 
Moses  Horwitz,  was  a  rabbi  in  the  Jewish  church  in  Hungary,  and  his  brother 
is  today  chief  rabbi  of  Jerusalem. 

Until  he  was  six  years  old.  Dr.  Horwitz  lived  happily  with  his  parents,  being 
trained  in  the  daily  exercise  of  Jewish  virtues,  and  acquiring  a  love  of  learning 
and  culture  which  has  never  left  him.  In  1873,  a  terrible  scourge  of  cholera 
Asiatica  broke  out  in  Hungary  and  raged  there  for  many  months,  and  among 
its  first  victims  were  Moses  Horwitz  and  his  wife,  the  parents  of  Dr.  Sandor 
Horwitz.  He  lost  both  father  and  mother  in  one  month,  and  was  left  with  one 
brother  and  two  sisters  dependent  absolutely  upon  the  bounty  of  relations,  who 
did  not  have  a  bountiful  enough  supply  of  this  world's  goods  themselves  to  keep 
their  own  families  in  comfort.  So  at  the  early  age  of  six  years.  Dr.  Horwitz's 
wandering  and  troublous  life  began.  He  was  sent  about  from  place  to  place, 
unable  to  find  any  of  his  relatives  who  could  take  care  of  him  properly.  .\nd 
yet,  despite  his  removal  from  one  town  to  another,  amid  constantly  changing 
surroundings.  Dr.  Horwitz  was  nevertheless  kept  in  school  as  much  as  possible 
by  his  relatives  who  had  been  trained  to  appreciate  the  value  and  uses  of  edu- 
cation. He  attended  the  public  and  religious  schools,  and  his  training  was  almost 
entirely  along  a  theological  line.  His  relations  were  poor,  but  they  managed  to 
keep  the  boy  in  school  until  the  age  of  twelve,  by  the  expedient  of  giving  him 
board  and  lodging  every  day  at  a  different  place. 

.At  the  age  of  twelve.  Dr.  Horwitz  was  obliged  to  take  his  career  into  his  own 
hands.     It  was  the  custom  in  Hungary,  for  the  citizens  of  little  villages  where 


OR.   SAXDOR   IIDIIWITZ 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY  259 

ihcy  had  nu  public  schools,  to  come  to  the  market  places  in  the  larger  cities,  and 
look  for  men  able  to  teach  their  children.  Dr.  Horwitz  entered  the  higher  rab- 
binical school,  in  one  of  the  larger  cities,  and  earned  his  board  and  tuition,  by 
hiring  himself  out  from  the  market  place.  During  the  first  winter  season  he 
received  for  his  services  the  sum  of  four  dollars  for  the  six  months"  work.  By 
dint  of  hard  work  and  much  saving,  however.  Dr.  Horwitz  managed  to  continue 
his  college  course  in  theology,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  had  the  good  fortune 
to  be  engaged  by  a  prominent  family  as  a  private  tutor  for  their  children.  This 
time  the  six  months'  work  earned  him  forty  dollars.  With  this  princely  sum  in 
his  pocket,  and  fired  by  tales  of  the  wonderful  wealth  to  be  found  in  America, 
the  boy  concluded  to  emigrate  to  the  new  country.  He  landed  in  New  York 
in  April,  1885,  with  three  pennies  in  his  pocket,  to  conquer  his  destiny. 

\Vith  true  Jewish  humble-heartedness,  this  young  boy,  descendant  of  a  long 
line  of  rabbincal  ancestors,  educated  in  the  high  and  uplifting  theology  of  his 
race,  cultured,  sensitive,  high-minded,  realized  that  the  way  to  success  was  along 
the  road  of  hard  work,  and  like  all  the  emigrants  of  his  day.  he  did  the  one  thing 
which  his  hand  found  to  do,  and  spent  the  first  three  months  in  New  '^'ork 
])eddling  in  the  streets.  He  earned  enough  in  that  length  of  time  for  a  ticket 
farther  west,  and  in  July  of  the  same  year  he  landed  at  St.  Louis.  Here  he  still 
pursued  his  occupation  of  peddling,  always  with  the  intention  of  earning  enough 
money  to  comjilete  his  already  fine  education  in  the  American  schools.  As  soon 
as  he  could  afford  it.  he  entered  the  grade  work  of  the  St.  Louis  public  schools, 
and  made  ci.ght  grades  in  one  year.  In  September,  1888,  he  passed  the  exami- 
nation for  the  high  school  and  pursued  the  four  years'  course  in  the  Central 
high  school  of  St.  Louis  and  was  graduated  therefrom  on  the  29th  of  January, 
1892.  During  this  time.  Dr.  Horwitz  supported  himself  and  paid  the  expenses 
of  his  education,  by  tutoring  in  German  and  Hebrew.  Coming  from  a  rabbinical 
line,  and  having  acquired  an  excellent  theological  course  in  Europe,  he  sup- 
I)lemented  this  tutoring  by  serving  as  rabbi  during  the  Jewish  holidays. 

During  the  last  year  of  his  high-school  course,  he  definitely  determined  upon 
his  life  work  and  in  i8qi  entered  the  Missouri  Medical  College,  continuing  his 
studies  therein  alon.g  with  his  senior  high-school  course.  This  medical  college 
is  now  the  medical  department  of  the  Washington  L^niversity.  His  medical 
course  at  the  ^Missouri  Medical  College  was  interrupted  in  1893  by  his  removal 
to  Richmond,  where  an  opportunity  came  to  him  to  combine  the  duties  of  rabbi 
with  an  excellent  medical  training,  thus  enabling  him  to  support  himself  more 
adequately.  However,  he  returned  to  St.  Louis  in  1894,  and  completed  his 
course,  receiving  his  medical  degree  in  March,  1895. 

\'aluable  exjierience  came  to  him  during  three  months'  connection  with  the 
St.  Louis  City  Dis])ensary  as  physician.  In  August.  1895,  he  came  to  Peoria 
after  practicing  in  the  interim  at  St.  Louis.  Here  he  opened  an  office  and  in 
connection  with  general  practice  makes  a  specialty  of  genito-urinary  diseases. 
He  pursued  a  post-graduate  course  in  the  ^lissouri  ^Medical  College  along  that 
line  in  1906  and  dis])lays  broad  skill  in  his  specialty.  His  professional  duties  are 
always  discharged  with  a  high  sense  of  conscientious  obligation  and  he  is  con- 
tinually reaching  out  along  broadening  lines  in  order  that  his  work  mav  l)e  of 
greater  benefit  to  humanity. 

On  May  20.  1897,  Dr.  Horwitz  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha  Horwitz,  a  dis- 
tant relative,  and  they  now  have  one  child.  Miriam  L.,  who  is  attending  the 
Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute.  Fraternallv.  Dr.  Horwitz  is  connected  with  the 
Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 
He  belongs  to  the  Monroe  Street  Temple,  sometimes  acting  temporarilv  as  rabbi. 
In  strictly  professional  lines  he  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  Medical  Society, 
the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  and  the  American  Medical  Association.  He  is 
now  examiner  for  the  Germania  Life  Insurance  Company  and  the  Prudential 
Insurance  Company,  and   he  has  held   several  public  offices   directly  connected 


260  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 


with  the  profession.  He  was  police  surgeon  under  .Mayor  Woodruff's  first  ad- 
ministration in  1903  and  the  same  year  was  assistant  county  physician.  In 
1907  Mayor  Woodruf  appointed  him  citv  physician,  which  office  he  is  stdl  filhng. 
He  is  now  physician  in  charge  of  the  Emergency  Hospital  and  surgeon  for  the 
police  department,  and  is  medical  examiner  for  the  police  and  fire  departments. 
The  record  which  he  has  made  is  most  creditable.  His  characteristics  of  deter- 
mination and  energy  were  strongly  manifest  in  the  \vay  in  which  he  mastered 
the  public-school  course  until  his  completion  of  the  high-school  work  and  then 
entered  upon  preparation  for  the  medical  profession.  Laudable  ambition  has 
actuated  him  in  all  of  his  career  and  brought  him  to  a  prominent  place  among 


the  physicians  of  Peoria. 


LOUIS  F.  MEEK. 


Louis  F.  Meek,  for  almost  a  quarter  of  a  century  a  representatiye  of  the 
Peoria  bar  and  admitted  to  practice  in  Illinois  in  1884,  is  now  accorded  a  large 
and  distinctiyely  representative  clientage  and  has  won  many  notable  successes 
in  the  courts.  His  careful  preparation  of  his  cases  is  one  of  the  elements  in 
his  advancement,  bringing  him  to  a  position  which  many  a  lawyer  might  %vell 
envy.  He  was  born  in  Eureka.  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  in  June,  1863,  and  is 
a  son  of  Basil  D.  Meek,  an  attorney  at  law  who  was  associated  with  Colonel 
Robert  G.  IngersoU  in  raising  the  Eleventh  Illinois  Cavalry,  of  %vhich  he  Ijc- 
came  lieutenant  colonel.  After  two  years"  service  he  resigned  and  returned 
to  Illinois,  where  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law.  He  was  regarded  as  one  of 
the  distinguished  and  able  members  of  the  bar  in  his  county  and  figured  prom- 
inently in  public  life,  serving  at  one  time  as  county  judge  and  on  other  occasions 
as  county  treasurer  and  as  county  superintendent  of  schools.  He  was  thus  a 
recognized  leader  in  professional,  educational  and  political  circles  and  his  high 
standard  of  manhood  and  citizenship  gained  for  him  the  warm  regard  and 
honor  of  his  fellowmen.     He  died   in   Eureka,  April  30,    1909. 

In  his  native  town  Louis  F.  Meek  was  reared  and  the  public  schools  alTorded 
him  his  preliminary  education,  which  was  supplemented  by  a  course  of  law  study 
in  the  Northwestern  University  of  Chicago.  He  was  there  graduated  with  the 
class  of  1884  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  that  year.  He  first  engaged  in  prac- 
tice in  Eureka,  where  he  remained  for  three  years,  becoming  a  partner  of  his 
father,  which  association  was  maintained  until  1888,  when  he  decided  to  seek 
the  opportunities  ot^'ered  by  a  larger  city  and  removed  to  Peoria.  Here  he 
opened  an  office  in  1888  in  connection  with  R.  J.  Cooney,  afterward  state's 
attorney  of  this  county,  with  whom  he  continued  for  two  years.  He  later  spent 
two  years  as  assistant  state's  attorney  under  John  Niehaus  and  later  practiced 
alone  until  he  was  joined  by  Mr.  El' wood  in  a  partnership  that  still  continues. 
He  is  a  general  practitioner  of  law,  of  superior  merit  and  wide  reputation.  This 
is  a  profession  in  which  outside  ?id  or  influence  have  little  avail.  The  indi- 
vidual must  depend  upon  his  own  merit  and  ability  for  advancement  and  Mr. 
Meek  has  won  his  success  by  reason  of  the  excellent  work  which  he  has  done 
in  the  courts.  He  is  strong  and  forceful  in  argument  and  logical  in  his  deduc- 
tions and  his  labors  place  his  name  high  on  the  roll  of  leading  attorneys  in  this 
city.  In  1907  Mr.  Meek  was  away  from  the  state  on  business  and  returned 
to  find  that  he  had  been  nominated  bv  the  democratic  party  for  congress  in  a  dis- 
trict that  had  never  given  his  republican  opponent  less  than  six  thousand  major- 
ity. Mr.  Meek  was  defeated  by  less  than  three  thousand  votes  but  made  a 
clean  race  and  gained  many  friends  in  his  canvass. 

In   1890  Mr  ]\Ieek  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella  Perry,  of  Indiana, 
and  they  have  three  children,  Elizabeth,  Perry  and  Louis.     They  are  well  known 


HISTORY  Ol'    1'1'.(M^I.\  COUNTY  261 

socially  in  this  city,  where  they  have  continuously  resided  since  their  marria;^c, 
and  the  hospitality  of  many  of  the  best  homes  is  freely  accorded  them.  Air. 
Meek  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  his  life  conforms  to  the  principles 
and  the  purpose  of  the  craft.  There  have  been  no  spectacular  phases  in  his 
career,  his  life  being  characterized  by  the  continuous  devotion  to  dut\-  that 
eventually  wins  success. 


CARL  JO! '..ST. 


What  the  name  of  Marshall  Field  &  Company  is  to  the  dry-goods  trade  of 
America,  that' of  the  Jobst-lJethard  Company  is  to  the  grocery  trade  of  I'eoria. 
This  great  wholesale  house  has  set  the  standard  for  commercial  activity  in  their 
line  in  the  city  and  the  development  of  the  business  is  the  outcome  of  the  sound 
judgment,  experience  and  laudable  amliition  of  the  men  who  are  at  the  head. 
In  this  connection  Carl  Jobst,  vice  president,  has  been  continuously  known  since 
the  business  was  taken  over  by  the  present  company  in  1890.  It  was  conducted 
as  a  ]3artnership  concern  for  about  twelve  years  and  in  iyo2  was  incorporated 
under  the  present  style.  .Mr.  Jobst  is  yet  in  the  prime  of  life  and  probably  has 
many  more  years  of  activity  before  him.  His  entire  career  has  been  marked 
by  a  continuous  progress  and  never  has  he  allowed  obstacles  and  difficulties  to 
bar  his  path  if  they  could  be  overcome  by  persistent,  earnest  and  honorable 
effort. 

Peoria  names  Mr.  Jobst  as  one  of  her  native  sons,  his  l)irth  having  here  oc- 
curred September  18,  1860.  His  parents  are  \'alentine  and  Susanna  ( .Schnei- 
der) Jobst,  both  of  whom  are  living,  l-'or  a  number  of  years  the  father  has 
enjoyed  the  well  earned  and  well  merited  rejiutation  of  being  one  of  the  best 
and  most  widely  known  building  contractors  of  central  Illinois,  and  is  mentioned 
at  length  elsewhere  in  this  work.  The  son  spent  his  youthful  days  under  the 
parental  roof,  without  any  special  advantages  or  opportunities  to  aid  him  when 
he  started  out  in  life.  He  began  to  earn  his  own  living  at  an  early  age,  working 
as  an  office  boy  at  the  meager  salary  of  a  dollar  and  a  half  per  week,  in  the  em- 
ploy of  the  firm  of  Oakford  &  Fahnestock,  wholesale  grocers.  He  laughingly 
tells  when  he  drew  his  first  week's  salary  he  ran  faster  than  he  ever  had  before 
or  has  since  in  order  to  give  the  money  to  his  mother.  For  ten  years  he  re- 
mained with  the  firm  of  Oakford  &  Fahnestock  but  did  not  long  remain  in  his 
original  position,  for  his  earnestness  and  industry  enabled  him  to  work  his  way 
upward  and  he  served  successfully  as  clerk,  assistant  bookkeeper  and  buyer. 
Then  on  account  of  the  confinement  which  was  undermining  his  health  he  went 
upon  the  road  as  a  traveling  salesman,  spending  five  years  in  that  way.  In 
1887  he  became  a  partner  in  the  wholesale  house  of  S.  H.  Thompson  S:  Com- 
pany, and  in  1890,  when  Mr.  Thomjison  wished  to  retire  from  business,  became 
associated  with  Douglas  H.  Rethard  and  Charles  E.  Fulks,  in  the  purchase  of 
the  business.  At  the  outset  there  were  also  two  other  partners,  W.  P.  Gauss 
and  Herbert  Simj^son,  and  at  that  time  the  firm  style  of  Gauss,  Jobst,  Bethard 
&  Company  was  assumed.  The  partnership  under  that  style  continued  for 
three  years,  when  Mr.  Gauss  retired,  selling  his  interest  to  Messrs.  Jobst,  Beth- 
ard &  Fulks,  and  in  1902  the  interest  of  Herbert  Simpson  was  purchased.  The 
other  three  original  partners  have  since  retained  their  connection  in  the  business, 
which  has  grown  along  substantial  and  gratifying  lines.  There  has  been  no 
esoteric  phase  in  the  history  of  the  house.  Its  business  methods  have  always 
been  such  as  would  bear  close  investigation  and  scrutiny  and  its  trade  has  in- 
creased because  of  the  honorable  methods  of  the  firm  and  tlie  excellent  line  of 
goods   carried   and    jiromptness   in    delivery.     From    time    to    time    it    has    been 


262  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

necessary  to  increase  their  facilities  in  order  to  meet  the  growing  demands  of 
the  trade.  Almost  each  year  they  were  compelled  to  seek  additional  room  until 
they  occupied  practically  the  entire  north  half  of  the  block  on  Alain  street,  be- 
tween Washington  and  Water  streets,  and  also  a  three-story  warehouse  at  No. 
io6  South  Washington.  Still  their  quarters  were  not  sufficient  to  enable  them 
to  handle  their  trade  to  the  best  advantage  and  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the 
case  they  determined  to  erect  a  building  which  was  begun  on  the  ist  of  June, 
1910.  and  was  ready  for  occupancy  on  the  ist  of  Alay,  191 1.  It  is  a  splendid 
reinforced  concrete  structure,  with  brick  exterior,  the  dimensions  being  one 
hundred  and  five  by  one  hundred  and  sixty-eight  feet.  The  building  rises  to 
the  height  of  six  stories  and  also  has  a  basement  underneath.  The  entire  floor 
space  is  one  hundred  and  fifteen  thousand,  one  hundred  and  ten  square  feet, 
and  the  equipment  of  the  building  is  most  complete  and  modern  .in  every  way, 
enabling  them  to  handle  their  business  in  the  best  possible  manner.  Since  the 
incorporation  of  the  company  in  1902  Air.  Jobst  has  been  the  vice  president, 
Mr.  Bethard  the  president,  and  Charles  E.  Fulks  the  treasurer,  and  associated 
with  them  as  directors  are  .Alexander  Furst,  George  \\'.  Fulks  and  C.  G.  Cole. 
The  three  men  who  are  the  principal  factors  in  the  business  have  alwavs  worked 
together  in  utmost  harmony,  the  labors  of  the  one  ably  supplementing  and 
rounding  out  the  labors  of  the  other. 

In  1886  Air.  Jobst  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Amalia  Aluller,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Jacob  Aluller,  of  Peoria,  and  they  have  one  child,  Natalie.  Fraternally 
Air.  Jobst  is  an  Elk  and  also  a  Alason  and  in  his  life  exemplifies  the  beneficent 
spirit  of  the  craft,  which  is  based  upon  the  truth  of  the  universal  brotherhood 
of  man.  He  is  also  prominently  known  to  the  membership  of  the  Creve  Coeur 
Club  and  the  Peoria  Country  Club,  both  of  which  claim  him  as  a  worthy  rep- 
resentative. He  also  belongs  to  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  co- 
operates in  all  its  various  movements  and  measures  to  advance  the  interests  of 
the  city  and  promote  its  trade  relations.  He  is  a  thorough-going,  enterprising 
business  man  and  one  who  merits  and  commands  the  respect  and  confidence  of 
his  fellow  townsmen. 


GUSTA\'  DREYAIEIER. 

Gustav  Breymeier  is  a  captain  of  the  Peoria  police  force  with  which  he  has 
been  identified  since  1902,  in  which  year  he  became  a  patrolman.  He  continued 
in  that  position  for  four  years  and  was  then  promoted,  having  served  as  captain 
for  six  years  in  charge  of  the  night  force.  His  birth  occurred  in  this  city, 
October  16,  1856,  his  parents  being  Barney  and  Elizabeth  Breymeier,  who  were 
natives  of  Germany.  They  settled  in  this  city,  but  when  their  son  was  two  and 
one-half  years  old  they  removed  to  El  Paso,  Illinois,  where  he  received  his 
schooling.  Starting  out  for  himself  he  engaged  with  a  farmer  named  Joe  Ellis, 
for  whom  he  worked  in  exchange  for  board  and  clothing,  meanwhile  attending 
school  during  the  winter  terms.  Thus  he  spent  a  year  and  a  half,  after  which 
he  went  to  work  for  Al.  Dimery,  proprietor  of  a  barber  shop.  Later  he  worked 
for  Joe  Widman,  driving  a  horse  w'hich  supplied  the  power  for  hoisting  brick 
and  mortar  used  in  the  construction  of  a  building.  .After  this  work  was  com- 
pleted he  returned  to  farm  labor  for  which  he  received  twelve  dollars  per 
month,  his  employer  being  a  Air.  Harper.  In  1876  he  returned  to  Peoria  with 
his  mother,  the  father  having  passed  away  when  his  son  Gustav  was  but  five 
years  of  age.  Here  he  entered  the  employ  of  Reuben  Armfield,  for  whom  he 
drove  an  express  wagon.  He  afterward  worked  for  one  season  in  the  old 
Reynolds  packing  house  and  later  secured  a  situation  in  the  blacksmith  shop  of 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  263 

William  Iluppie.  lie  next  turned  his  attention  to  the  tinner's  trade  whieh  he 
learned  in  the  establishment  of  Frank  Meyer  &  Brother,  working  at  that  until 
he  joined  the  poliee  force.  For  two  years  he  conducted  a  shop  of  his  own. 
He  first  became  identified  with  the  police  department  twenty-five  years  ago, 
but  severed  his  connection  with  the  force  soon  thereafter  and  worked  at  the 
tinners'  trade,  until  in  1902  he  again  entered  the  department.  No  special  ad- 
vantages W'ere  his  at  the  outset  of  his  career.  He  has  been  diligent  and  indus- 
trious and  to  these  qualities  he  owes  whatever  success  he  has  achieved. 

In  1880  Captain  Dreymeier  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alary  Schuster, 
a  native  of  Peoria  and  a  daughter  of  Adam  Schuster.  Five  children  were  born 
of  this  marriage  of  whom  three  are  yet  living:  Elizabeth,  the  eldest,  is  the 
wife  of  William  Metzell.  of  this  city,  and  they  have  two  children,  Harold  and 
Claude.  Pearl  is  the  wife  of  John  Herget,  of  Peoria.  Gustav  William  is  now 
a  high-school  student.  The  two  who  passed  away  were :  Theodor  Robert,  who 
was  the  second  in  order  of  birth  and  died  at  the  age  of  four  years ;  and  Hazel, 
who  died  when  an  infant  of  three  months. 

Captain  Breymeier  is  a  memlier  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  has 
many  warm  friends  in  that  organization.  He  is  very  popular  with  the  members 
of  the  police  force  and  in  iQio  they  presented  him  with  a  handsome  solid  gold 
policeman's  star  set  with  a  large  diamond  and  a  ruby.  During  his  identifica- 
tion with  the  department  the  force  has  been  increased  in  its  membership  from 
thirty-six  to  eighty-six  men,  a  fact  which  is  indicative  of  the  growth  of  the  city. 
There  have  also  been  many  improvements  made  in  its  equipment  and  the  work 
of  the  department  is  now  most  carefully  systematized  and  is  therefore  proving 
very  effective.  In  the  discharge  of  his  duties  Captain  Breymeier  is  most  earnest 
and  faithful  and  his  record  is  a  commendable  one. 


C.  W.  SPANGLER. 


C.  W.  Spangler,  who  since  1868  has  resided  on  his  farm,  on  section  18, 
Rosefield  township,  was  born  in  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  June  18,  1834.  His 
parents  were  Alathias  and  Sarah  (Wells)  Spangler,  who  settled  in  Elm  wood 
township  in  1851  on  a  farm  of  sixty  acres,  where  they  passed  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  In  their  family  beside  C.  W".  Spangler,  of  this  review,  were  the 
following  children  :  Eliza,  who  died  at  the  age  of  ninety-two ;  Airs.  Nancy  Har- 
per, who  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-two ;  Amanda,  who  died  at  the  age  of  ninety- 
one  ;  H.  B.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-five ;  Washington,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  eighteen  months;  O.  P.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-two;  Mrs.  Phoebe 
Sloan,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-six ;  Mrs.  Minerva  Kent,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  seventy ;  and  one  who  died  in  infancy  in  Ohio. 

C.  W.  Spangler  was  only  seventeen  years  of  age  when  he  removed  with  his 
parents  to  Elmwood  township  and  at  the  age  of  thirty-four  he  purchased  his 
present  home.  He  now  owns  three  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres  which  are  situ- 
ated in  Rosefield  and  Elmwood  townships  and  he  engages  extensively  in  raising 
grain  and  a  high  grade  of  live  stock.  He  has  seventy-five  acres  in  corn,  forty 
acres  in  wheat,  thirty  acres  in  oats,  sixty  acres  in  timothy,  fifteen  acres  in  al- 
falfa, and  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  pasture.  He  now  is  the  owner  of 
two  excellent  stallions,  one  an  imported  Percheron,  weighing  two  thousand 
pounds,  and  the  other  a  standard  bred  roadster,  weighing  twelve  hundred  pounds. 
He  also  has  forty  head  of  Poland  China  hogs,  fifteen  head  of  cattle  and  eight- 
een head  of  horses. 

_  On  the  6th  of  November.  1862.  Mr.  Spangler  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Rachel  Magee.  who  was  a  daughter  of  Deacon  John  and  Maria"  (Mus- 
kimins)   Alagee.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spangler  have  become  the  parents  of  two  chil- 


264  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

dren:  one  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Howard,  born  June  7,  1870.  Mr.  Spangler 
cast  his  first  vote  for  John  C.  Fremont  and  till  today  he  is  a  stanch  republican. 
He  takes  a  great  interest  in  local  party  work  and  has  served  as  township  super- 
visor. He  has  given  much  time  to  the  cause  of  education  and  has  been  a  very 
efficient  member  of  the  school  board.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the 
Masonic  order.  Mr.  Spangler  has  now  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  county  for 
over  sixty  vears  and  has  lived  on  his  present  farm  for  more  than  forty-four  years. 
In  that  time  he  has  not  only  been  a  witness  to  the  general  development  of  the 
community  but  has  borne  his  full  share  in  the  general  reform  and  progess  and 
he  stands  in  the  highest  regard  of  all  with   whom  he  is  associated. 


J.  W.  McALlSTER. 


J.  W.  McAlister  who  is  engaged  in  farming,  is  a  native  resident  of  Logan 
township,  born  on  September  i,  1855.  He  is  a  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Enos  Mc- 
Alister who  resided  on  their  farm  of  one  hundred  acres  in  Logan  township.  J. 
W.  McAlister  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  where  he  remained  until  he 
W'as  thirty  years  of  age.  When  he  was  twenty-one  years  old  he,  together  with 
his  father,  purchased  forty  acres  of  land  and  later  twenty  acres  more,  but  sell- 
ing the  same  J.  W.  McAhster  bought  one  hundred  and  forty  acres  on  section 
16  of  Logan  township  four  miles  from  Hanna  City  where  he  now  resides,  and 
is  farming  in  addition  another  sixty  acres,  making  in  all  two  hundred  acres 
which  he  is  now  cultivating.  He  engages  quite  extensively  in  raising  grain, 
and  also  live  stock,  making  a  specialty  of  hogs. 

On  the  25th  of  December,  1883,  Mr.  McAlister  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Drusilla  iNIcAvoy  of  Timber  township,  and  to  them  have  been  born  seven 
children.  Clarence  E.,  who  remained  on  the  farm  until  twenty-one  years  of 
age  is  now  married  to  Miss  P>ertlia  McMeen  and  is  engaged  in  farming  on  a  tract 
of  eighty  acres  in  Elmwood  township.  Ethel  Fern,  who  is  the  wife  of  John 
Gibbons  was  for  two  3'ears  engaged  in  teaching.  Roy  married  Blanche  Bitner, 
and  is  now  farming  in  Elmwood  township,  Xellie  is  at  home.  Grace  is  de- 
ceased.    Enos  and  Mary  are  both  at  home. 

In  politics  Mr.  McAlister  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party,  and 
fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He 
gives  much  time  and  attention  to  the  interests  of  education  and  has  served  as 
school  director.  He  has  ever  been  active  as  an  agriculturist  in  promoting  the 
growth  of  the  county,  and  its  material  improvement  and  his  well  directed  labors 
make  him  a  successful  farmer  of  his  native  township. 


WILLIAM  E.  PER.SONS. 

Prominent  among  the  energetic,  far-sighted  and  successful  business  men  of 
Peoria  is  William  E.  Persons,  now  manager  for  the  Larkin  Company  of  Illinois. 
He  has  been  connected  with  the  business  in  Peoria  since  the  company  established 
its  branch  here  on  the  ist  of  April,  1902,  and  in  the  ten  years  of  his  residence  in 
this  city  has  won  recognition  as  an  enterprising  business  man  and  progressive, 
public-spirited  citizen.  Fie  was  born  in  Bennington,  Xew  York,  on  the  1st  of 
December,  1868,  but  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been  spent  in  the  middle  west, 
for  he  was  reared  in  Wisconsin,  to  which  state  his  parents  removed  in  his  child- 
hood days.  His  public-school  course  was  supplemented  by  studv  in  the  Univer- 
sity of  Wisconsin  at  Madison,  from  which  he  was  graduated  on  the  completion  of 
a  four  years'  course  in  1889.    He  then  joined  his  father  who  was  engaged  in  the 


W.   ]•:.  I'ERSONS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  267 

lumber  business  and  for  ten  _\'ears  continued  in  that  line  of  trade.  This  brought 
him  to  the  period  of  his  connection  with  the  Larkin  interests.  He  came  to  Peoria 
as  their  representative  from  the  home  office  in  Buttalo,  New  York,  following  the 
establishment  of  their  business  at  this  point  on  the  1st  of  April,  1902.  He  was 
made  general  manager  in  Peoria  and  as  such  supervised  the  erection  of  the  large 
warehouse  in  this  city.  Something  of  the  extent  of  the  business  at  this  point  is 
indicated  by  the  fact  that  there  are  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  emploves  in  the 
Peoria  branch.  The  Larkin  company  is  the  largest  concern  of  its  kind  in  the 
world.  They  manufacture  soap,  perfumes,  etc.,  and  sell  their  j^roducts  through 
agencies.  They  give  attractive  premiums  of  furniture  and  many  kinds  of  mer- 
chandise and  the  business  has  had  a  phenomenal  growth.  They  keep  their  prod- 
uct up  to  a  high  standard  of  excellence  and  their  trade  now  covers  every  section 
of  this  country.  The  Peoria  house  controls  a  large  branch  of  the  trade  in  the 
middle  west  and  in  this  connection  ^Ir.  Persons  displays  excellent  executive 
ability. 

In  1907  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Persons  and  Miss  Katharine  Forbes, 
and  unto  them  has  been  l)orn  a  daughter,  Eleanore.  Mr.  Persons  is  a  member  of 
the  Masonic  fraternity  in  which  he  is  a  Knight  Templar  and  a  Noble  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine.  He  belongs  also  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Ivy  Club  and  is 
thus  well  known  in  the  leading  social  circles  of  the  city.  While  he  has  been  a 
resident  of  Peoria  for  only  a  decade  he  has  become  widely  known  here  and  his 
substantial  qualities  of  manhood  and  of  character  have  gained  for  him  an  enviable 
position  in  the  regard  of  those  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact. 


WILLIAM    lACK. 


No  class  of  citizens  has  borne  a  more  conspicuous  or  influential  part  in  giving 
to  Peoria  the  prominence  which  it  has  enjoyed  among  the  cities  of  the  state, 
than  has  its  lawyers.  These  have  numbered  among  them  men  who  have  not  only 
won  reputations  in  the  practice  of  their  profession  at  the  bar,  but  who  have 
achieved  distinction  upon  the  bench,  in  the  forum  and  in  the  councils  of  the 
state  and  nation.  Of  those  belonging  to  a  later  period,  no  name  stands  more 
prominent  at  the  present  time  for  actual  service  at  the  bar  than  that  of  William 
Jack,  of  the  firm  of  Jack,  Irwin,  Jack  &  Miles.  ^Ir.  Jack  is  a  native  of  West- 
moreland county,  Pennsylvania,  born  January  10,  1844,  his  parents,  Joseph  and 
H.  J.  (Herron)  Jack,  both  being  natives  of  that  state.  After  a  course  in  the 
Sewickley  Academy  in  his  native  state,  in  i860,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  he  came  to 
Peoria,  where  he  attended  the  high  school,  being  graduated  therefrom  in  1862. 
He  then  engaged  in  the  study  of  law,  at  first  with  the  late  Judge  Marion  Wil- 
liamson, and  later  in  the  ofifice  of  Judge  Hezekiah  M.  Wead,  upon  his  admis- 
sion to  the  bar  becoming  a  partner  of  the  latter. 

In  1873  he  was  appointed  master  in  chancery  for  the  Peoria  countv  circuit 
court,  serving  for  several  terms.  The  firm  of  \\'ead  &  Jack  having  been  dis- 
solved, in  January,  1874,  Mr.  Jack  formed  a  partnership  with  Judge  Lawrence 
W.  James,  which  was  continued  until  about  1882,  when  Mr.  James  having  l)een 
elected  county  judge  of  Peoria  county,  Nathan  G.  Moore,  now  of  the  firm  of 
Wilson,  Moore  &  Mcllvaine,  Chicago,  was  admitted  to  the  firm.  Mr.  ]\Ioore 
retired  about  1885.  when  Mr.  Jack  entered  into  partnership  with  F.  H.  Tichenor 
which  continued  for  many  years.  The  business  of  late  years  has  been  largely 
in  connection  with  incorporation  cases.  For  more  than  fifteen  years  Mr.  Jack 
has  been  one  of  the  attorneys  for  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincv  Railroad, 
and  has  also  been  identified  in  a  similar  capacity  with  several  of  the  banks  and 
other  corporations  of  the  city  of  Peoria.     In  politics  he  is  an  independent   (or 


268  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

goldj   democrat,  but  does  not  aspire  to  be  an  active  politician,  preferring  to  de- 
vote his  attention  to  the  practice  of  his  profession. 

Mr.  Jack  was  united  in  marriage  on  August  5,  1869,  to  IMiss  Annie  Grier,  a 
daughter  of  John  C.  Grier,  a  prominent  grain  and  commission  merchant  of 
Peoria,  and  has  four  children — two  sons  and  two  daughters.  The  older  son, 
Robert  P.,  is  now  a  practicing  attorney  of  Peoria.  The  other  children  are 
Sarah  G.,  W^illiam  J.  and  Elizabeth.  Mrs.  Jack  is  a  sister  of  the  late  General 
David  P.  Grier,  who  won  a  high  reputation  as  a  soldier  and  an  officer  during  the 
Civil  war.  Air.  Jack  is  a  member  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  and  is, 
in  the  language  of  the  Bench  and  Bar  of  Illinois,  a  valued  citizen  of  the 
community  who  gives  his  support  to  all  beneficial  measures,  and  lends  the  in- 
fluence of  his  opposition  to  all  movements  detrimental  to  the  public  good." 


P.  A.  KRATZER. 


P.  A.  Kratzer,  who  is  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  in  Rosefield  town- 
ship, has  resided  on  his  present  farm  since  1866.  At  that  date  he  purchased 
sixty-three  acres  of  land  and  later,  at  different  times,  added  adjoining  tracts  of 
forty  acres,  seven  acres,  eleven  acres,  forty  acres  and  eighty-two  acres,  making 
in  all  two  hundred  and  fifty-three  acres  that  he  now  owns.  He  makes  a  specialty 
of  raising  grain  and  live  stock.  He  has  fifty  acres  in  com,  forty  acres  in  wheat, 
thirty  acres  in  oats,  seventeen  acres  in  timothy,  twelve  acres  in  clover,  and  one 
hundred  and  forty  acres  in  pasture  land.  He  owns  one  registered  imported 
Percheron  stallion,  weighing  two  thousand  pounds,  and  has  one  hundred  Duroc 
Jersey  hogs,  thirty  head  of  cattle  and  twelve  head  of  horses. 

In  1889  Air.  Kratzer  was  united  in  marriage  with  Aliss  Katie  Streider  and 
they  have  become  the  parents  of  five  children :  Louis  C.  who  is  engaged  in 
farming  in  Rosefield  township ;  Lizzie,  who  died  in  November,  1907,  at  the  age 
of  seventeen  years ;  and  Philip,  Walter  and  Ethel,  all  of  whom  are  at  home  and 
are  seventeen,  fifteen  and  thirteen  years  respectively.  In  politics  Mr.  Kratzer 
votes  the  republican  ticket  and  he  has  served  as  road  commissioner.  .  He  is 
greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of  education  and  has  given  efficient  service  as 
school  director.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  attend  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Both 
in  raising  grain  and  live  stock  Mr.  Kratzer  has  had  excellent  success  and  he 
is  now  considered  one  of  the  substantial  farmers  of  his  township.  He  is  thrifty 
and  industrious  and  show^s  the  most  admirable  traits  of  character  in  both  busi- 
ness and  social  relations  and,  therefore,  has  the  highest  regard  of  all  who  know 
him. 


CHARLES  \\  AIILES. 


Charles  V.  Miles,  attorney  at  law,  is  practicing  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of 
Jack,  Irwin,  Jack  &  Miles,  and  has  been  an  active  member  of  the  Peoria  bar 
since  1901.  Nine  years  before  he  had  been  admitted  to  practice  at  Omaha, 
Nebraska,  and  since  entering  upon  his  professional  career  has  made  steady 
advancement  by  reason  of  his  close  study  and  strong  purpose.  He  was  born  in 
Jerseyville,  Illinois,  April  12,  1868,  and  is  a  son  of  George  S.  and  Alartha  (De 
Wolf)  Allies,  both  of  whom  are  now-  deceased.  The  father  was  a  dentist,  largely 
devoting  his  life  to  the  practice  of  that  profession.  The  son  spent  his  youthful 
days  in  his  native  town  and  at  the  usual  age  entered  the  public  schools,  wherein 
he  pursued  his  work  through  consecutive  grades  until  graduated  from  the  high 


HiSTURY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY  269 

school  with  the  class  of  1886.  He  then  entered  newspaper  work,  devoting  his 
energies  thereto  for  two  years.  In  1888  he  became  a  student  in  the  University 
(if  Michigan,  pursuing  an  academic  course  and  in  1891  was  graduated  from  the 
law  department.  He  ne.xt  went  to  Omaha,  Nebraska,  and  was  admitted  to  ])rac- 
tice  at  the  bar  of  that  state  and  remained  here  until  1901,  wdien  he  returned  to 
Illinois  and  opened  an  office  in  Peoria,  joining  Joseph  V.  Grafif,  under  the  lirm 
name  of  GraiY  &  Miles.  That  association  was  maintained  for  five  years,  at 
the  end  of  wdiich  time  Mr.  Miles  withdrew  and  entered  the  present  firm  of  Jack, 
Irwin,  Jack  &  Miles.  This  is  one  of  the  strongest  and  most  capable  law  firms  of 
the  city  and  the  litigation  entrusted  to  them  is  of  a  most  important  character. 
Their  clientage,  too,  is  very  extensive  and  makes  constant  demand  ujjon  the  time 
and  energies  of  the  different  members  of  the  firm.  Recognizing  the  fact  that 
careful  preparation  is  one  of  the  most  potent  elements  in  success  in  the  courts, 
Mr.  INIiles  has  never  failed  to  thoroughly  acquaint  himself  with  his  case  and 
careful  analysis  has  enabled  him  to  readily  determine  the  law  applicable  thereto. 
In  1899  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Miles  and  Miss  Josephine  Danforth, 
of  Washington,  Illinois,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  children :  Catherine, 
who  died  in  1906  at  the  age  of  six;  and  \N'arren.  Mr.  Miles  is  a  member  of 
the  Masonic  fraternity  and  has  advanced  to  the  Knight  Templar  degree  in  the 
York  Rile.  He  has  also  crossed  the  sands  of  the  desert  with  the  Nobles  of  the 
Ancient  Arabic  Order  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur 
and  to  the  Country  Clubs  and  in  all  these  different  organizations  is  well  known, 
having  a  circle  of  friends  which  attests  his  personal  worth  and  his  fidelity  to 
high  and  manly  principles. 


GEORGE  J.  JOCHEM. 


For  ten  years  George  J.  Jochem  has  been  a  practitioner  at  the  bar  of  Peoria, 
entering  upon  the  work  of  the  profession  here  immediately  after  being  admitted 
to  practice  by  the  supreme  court.  He  is  one  of  the  city's  younger  lawyers,  yet 
the  measure  of  success  he  has  attained  and  the  kind  of  work  he  handles  identify 
him  rather  with  the  old  and  tried  practitioners.  He  was  born  in  Peoria,  Octo- 
ber 14,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of  George  J.  and  Rosina  (Off)  Jochem.  His  father 
was  connected  with  the  brewing  interests  of  Pekin,  Illinois,  in  the  latter  '60s  and 
early  '70s,  and  died  in  1877.     His  mother,  however,  still  survives. 

Mr.  Jochem  acquired  his  education  from  the  public-school  system,  complet- 
ing a  four  years"  select  course  in  the  Peoria  high  school.  He  then  entered  the 
University  of  Michigan  for  the  study  of  law,  and  was  graduated  therefrom  in 
June,  1902,  having  pursued  the  regular  course.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he 
was  admitted  to  practice,  opened  an  office  in  Peoria,  and  entered  upon  what  has 
proved  a  most  successful  professional  career.  He  now  occupies  a  suite  of  rooms 
in  the  \\'oolner  building  and  his  clientage,  already  large,  is  steadily  growing. 
The  class  of  work  he  handles  is  eminently  satisfactory,  not  only  because  it  has 
brought  him  good  returns,  but  because  it  is  of  the  substantial  kind  of  which  the 
handling  is  a  guarantee  of  good  citizenship  and  progress.  His  fidelity  to  a  high 
standard  of  professional  ethics  and  his  adherence  to  straightforward  business 
methods  and  manly  ideals  has  gained  for  him  the  warm  regard  and  good  will 
of  the  legal  fraternity  and  business  men  in  general,  in  this  city,  .'\lthough  he 
attends  to  the  general  practice  of  law,  he  has  devoted  a  great  amount  of  time  to 
the  study  of  corporation  law,  and  handles  a  considerable  amount  of  that  sort  of 
work. 

George  Jochem  is  well  known  in  Masonic  circles,  having  attained  the  thirty- 
second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  in  Peoria  consistory  while  with  the  Nobles  of 
I  Mohammed  Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine,  he  has  also  crossed  the  sands  of  the 


270  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

desert.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  actively  interested  in 
various  legal  organizations.  He  is  widely  known  in  Peoria,  and  his  admirable, 
enduring  traits  of  character  have  won  him  the  regard  and  friendship  of  those 
with  whom  he  has  been  associated. 


ALMOX  METS  WHITNEY. 

The  sudden  death  of  Alnion  \'.  Whitney  on  the  29th  of  October,  191 1,  was 
the  occasion  of  deep  and  widespread  regret  in  Peoria.  He  was  at  the  time  fill- 
ing the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  to  which  he  was  elected  by  a  larger  vote 
than  given  to  any  candidate  of  the  party  except  Mayor  Woodruff.  Those  who 
knew  him — and  his  acquaintance  was  wide — found  him  a  genial  whole-souled 
man,  "fair  and  square"  in  his  dealings  and  popular  alike  with  young  and  old, 
rich  and  poor.  He  was  born  in  Geauga  county,  Ohio,  May  25,  1842.  His  father, 
the  Rev.  Jonathan  Ransaker  Whitney,  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts  and  be- 
came a  minister  of  the  Alethodist  Episcopal  church.  He,  his  father  and  his 
wife's  father  were  the  first  three  settlers  in  IMontville  township,  Geauga  county, 
Ohio.  The  district  there  was  an  unbroken  forest,  the  trees  standing  in  their 
primeval  strength.  The  greenwoods  were  the  haunt  of  many  wolves  and  pan- 
thers and  there  was  little  indication  that  the  work  of  civilization  had  been  begun 
in  all  the  surrounding  district.  Jonathan  R.  Whitney  wedded  Miss  Mary  Moore, 
also  a  native  of  Massachusetts.  She  died  when  her  son  Almon  was  but  two 
months  old,  the  father,  however,  surviving  until  he  had  reached  the  age  of 
eighty-five  years.  Almon  Whitney  was  the  youngest  of  twelve  children,  there 
being  nineteen  years'  difference  in  age  between  himself  and  his  oldest  brother, 
S.  E.  Whitney,  who  is  now  living  in  Portland,  Michigan. 

Almon  \^  Whitney  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools  and 
afterward  attended  the  Burton  (Ohio)  Academy,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
when  he  was  twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  engaged  in  teaching  in  the  rural 
schools  of  his  native  state,  and  while  following  that  profession  was  married 
on  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  his  birth,  to  Miss  Clara  E.  Coe,  of  Cleve- 
land, Ohio,  who  was  a  teacher  in  the  ])ublic  schools  of  that  state.  They  became 
the  parents  of  three  children,  but  their  first  born,  a  daughter,  Blanche  Maude, 
died  when  but  three  years  of  age.  Ernest  died  in  New  York  in  1898,  only  three 
months  after  his  marriage.  The  living  son,  Ray  A.,  is  an  efficient  representative 
of  the  firm  of  Bartholomew  &  Company  at  Peoria,  Illinois. 

Following  his  marriage  A.  V.  Whitney  continued  to  engage  in  teaching 
in  Ohio  for  several  years  and  then  came  to  Illinois,  accepting  the  position  of 
principal  of  the  public  schools  at  Sheridan,  LaSalle  county,  where  he  continued 
for  three  years.  He  then  purchased  a  newspaper,  the  Sheridan  News  Letter, 
which  he  conducted  for  three  years  and  then  sold.  At  the  expiration  of  that 
period  he  went  to  Burlington,  Iowa,  and  became  a  local  reporter  on  the  Bur- 
lington Hawkeye.  Subsequently  he  removed  to  Canton,  Illinois,  purchased  an 
interest  in  the  Canton  Republican,  which  he  edited  for  two  years.  He  came  to 
Peoria  in  1885  to  accept  a  position  on  the  old  Peoria  Morning  Transcript,  then 
published  by  Alexander  G.  Stone  at  Adams  and  Fulton  streets.  When  three 
years  had  passed  he  was  made  milk  inspector  for  the  city  and  continued  in 
that  position  for  several  years  during  which  time  he  revolutionized  the  milk 
business.  He  determined  that  the  milk  supi)ly  should  be  sanitary  and  placed 
the  public  on  its  guard  against  conditions  detrimental  to  the  end  in  view.  He 
was  known  as  the  "father  of  pure  milk"  in  this  city.  He  would  not  take  the 
word  of  venders  of  milk  but  obtained  samples  from  their  wagons  and  made 
careful  analvses  of  the  milk.  His  valuable  service  in  that  connection  led  to  his 
selection   for   still   other  political   duties  and  honors.      In    1903   he   was   chosen 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  271 

justice  of  the  peace  and  was  reelected  in  IQOQ  by  a  very  flattering  majority,  liis 
vote  exceeding  that  of  any  candidate  of  the  party  save  Mayor  Woodruff'.  Be- 
fore coming  to  Peoria  Mr.  Whitney  had  been  admitted  to  the  bar,  his  diploma, 
issued  in  LaSalle  county,  bearing  date  of  July  21,  1871. 

He  was  for  thirty  years  a  valued  member  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  United 
Workmen  and  held  all  the  offices  in  Peoria  Lodge,  No.  15,  being  secretary  and 
recorder  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a  high  degree  Mason,  holding  mem- 
bership in  Temple  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  ]\I.,  Peoria  consistory  and  Mohammed  Temple 
of  the  Mvstic  Shrine.  His  recreation  largely  came  to  him  through  driving 
horses,  lie  had  great  love  for  the  noble  steed,  owning  his  first  horse  when 
eighteen  vears  of  age,  and  always  keeping  one  or  more  from  that  time  forward. 
He  had  just  such  qualities  as  drew  men  to  him  and  won  for  him  their  high 
regard  and  confidence.  They  greatly  appreciated  his  many  sterling  traits,  his 
unfeigned  cordiality,  his  genial  disposition  and  his  wdiolehearted  interest  in 
others.  His  death,  therefore,  brought  a  sense  of  personal  bereavement  to  many 
outside  of  his  immediate  family,  and  many  years  will  pass  ere  his  memory  ceases 
to  1)6  cherished  liv  those  who  were  in  any  wav  associated  with  him. 


CHARLES  lOITXSOX. 


Mastering  the  lessons  of  life  day  by  day  until  his  post-graduate  work  in  the 
school  of  experience  has  placed  him  with  the  men  of  ability  and  enterprise 
in  the  business  circles  of  Peoria,  Charles  Johnson  now  figures  prominently  as 
president  of  the  Johnson  Plardware  Company,  and  has  conducted  business  since 
March,  1885,  at  2023  South  Adams  street.  The  mammoth  enterprise  of  the 
present  dav'had  Irnt  a  small  beginning  but  it  has  gradually  developed  and  im- 
proved until  it  now  stands  foremost  among  the  most  enterprising  concerns  of 
this  character  in  the  city. 

Mr.  lohnson  was  born  in  Peoria,  January  i,  1862.  a  son  of  John  H.  John- 
son, a  native  of  northern  Germany  who,  in  1852,  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  new 
world  and  came  to  Peoria.  Here  he  followed  the  blacksmith's  trade  which  he 
had  ]5reviouslv  learned  in  his  native  land,  continuing  in  that  line  of  activity  until 
1867.  He  then  removed  to  Farmington,  Illinois,  where  he  conducted  a  shop 
until  1886  in  which  year  he  returned  to  Peoria  where  he  lived  retired  in  the  en- 
joyment of  a  well  earned  rest  until  the  time  of  his  death  in  1890.  His  wife, 
who  in  her  maidenhood  was  Mary  C.  Reiker,  was  also  a  native  of  Germany, 
and  of  their  marriage  eleven  children  were  born,  eight  of  whom  are  still  living: 
George,  Charles,  Peter  A.,  John,  William,  Mrs.  Alma  Spindler,  Mary  Johnson 
and  Mrs.  T.  England.  Of  "this  family  Peter  A.  Johnson  is  now  city  treasurer 
of   Peoria,  and  is  mentioned  on  another  page  of  this  work. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  Charles  Johnson  were  divided  between  Peoria, 
Elmwood  and  Farmington,  as  his  parents  resided  in  the  different  places.  How- 
ever, he  returned  to  Peoria  when  a  lad  of  thirteen  years  and  soon  afterward 
started  out  to  earn  his  own  livelihood,  securing  a  position  in  the  employ  of  the 
Meyer  Hardware  Company  where  he  remained  for  several  years,  his  long  con- 
nection therewith  enabling  him  to  not  only  thoroughly  learn  the  hardware  busi- 
ness but  also  prove  his  fidelity,  capability  and  trustworthiness.  He  was  ambi- 
tious to  engage  in  business  on  his  own  account  and  carefully  saved  his  earnings 
until  the  sum  was  sufficient  to  purchase  a  small  stock  of  hardware.  This  he 
offered  for  sale  at  2023  South  Adams  street  in  March,  1885,  and  from  that 
small  beginning  he  has  developed  one  of  the  largest  hardware  trades  in  central 
Illinois.  In  1888  he  purchased  the  site  whereon  he  was  conducting  his  business 
and  erected  there  a  substantial  two-story  brick  building,  both  floors  of  which 
are  occupied  with   an   extensive   stock  of   shelf   and   heavy  hardware.     A  good 


272  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

addition  has  been  erected  in  the  rear  across  the  alley  and  in  this  is  conducted 
the  tin,  sheet  metal  and  cornice  department  of  the  business.  In  1891  the  Charles 
Johnson  Hardware  Company  was  incorporated  with  Charles  Johnson  as  pres- 
ident, Peter  A.  Johnson,  vice  president,  and  a  third  brother,  William  Johnson, 
secretary  and  treasurer.  The  three  still  remain  actively  interested  in  the  business 
and  they  contract  for  all  kinds  of  tin  and  sheet  metal  work  such  as  roofing, 
spouting  and  cornice  work.  Their  trade  is  conducted  along  wholesale  and  retail 
lines,  and  the  volume  of  their  business  has  grown  annually  so  their  yearly  sales 
have  reached  a  gratifying  figure. 

]\Ir.  Johnson  was  married  in  1889  to  Miss  Anna  Tjarks  of  Peoria,  and  they 
have  five  children,  Anna,  Carl,  Lucile,  Ruth  and  Cecilia.  The  life  history  of 
Charles  Johnson  is  that  of  a  self-made  man.  When  determination,  persever- 
ance and  capability  are  arrayed  against  drawbacks,  poverty  and  trials,  the  result 
is  almost  absolutely  certain ;  the  former  qualities  are  invincible,  they  know  no 
defeat,  and  such  have  been  the  elements  which  have  constituted  the  chief  features 
in  the  success  or  him  whose  name  introduces  this  review. 


COLONEL  ISAAC  TAYLOR. 

Peoria  county  numbered  Colonel  Isaac  Taylor  as  a  valued  citizen.  His  life 
was  one  of  usefulness.  He  served  for  many  years  in  public  office,  filling  the 
position  of  county  treasurer  for  eleven  years,  and  he  rendered  his  country  val- 
uable aid  as  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war.  His  life  record  in  every  phase  com- 
mended him  to  the  confidence  and  respect  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact. 
He  was  born  April  22.  1836,  in  Saratoga,  Xew  York,  and  his  parents,  Isaac  Put- 
nam and  Martha  G.  ( Scidmore )  Taylor,  were  also  natives  of  that  place,  whence 
they  removed  to  Illinois  in  1837,  settling  in  Canton,  Fulton  county.  After  two 
years  they  became  residents  of  Trivoli  townshi]).  Peoria  county,  where  the 
father  devoted  his  attention  to  farming,  and  Colonel  Taylor  was,  therefore, 
reared  to  agricultural  life,  assisting  in  the  w^ork  of  plowing,  planting  and  har- 
vesting throughout  the  period  of  his  youth.  His  early  education  was  acquired 
in  the  district  schools  and  he  afterward  spent  a  year  in  Jonesville  Academy, 
Ballston  Springs,  in  Saratoga  county,  Xew  York.  He  then  returned  to  this  state 
and  devoted  four  years  to  the  study  of  law  under  the  direction  of  Henrv  Grove 
and  two  years  under  Elbridge  G.  Johnson,  of  Peoria.  \\'hile  engaged  in  studying 
law  he  taught  school.  Ill  health,  however,  prevented  him  from  securing  admis- 
sion to  the  bar  at  that  time,  and  in  the  hope  of  finding  benefit  in  a  change  of 
climate  he  removed  to  Minnesota  and  at  St.  Paul  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Almost 
immediately  his  health  improved  so  that  by  the  8th  of  October.  1861,  he  was 
able  for  military  duty  and  his  patriotic  spirit  prompted  his  enlistment  for  service 
in  the  Civil  war.  At  Fort  Snelling  he  enrolled  as  a  member  of  Company  H, 
Third  Regiment  of  Minnesota  Infantry,  of  which  he  became  second  lieutenant, 
while  subsequently  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant  and 
afterward  to  that  of  captain.  He  served  until  the  fall  of  1864  under  his  first 
term  of  enlistment  and  then  veteranized,  continuing  with  the  Same  regiment 
until  April  27,  1865,  when  he  resigned.  His  was  a  brilliant  military  record, 
characterized  by  marked  bravery  in  times  of  intense  danger.  At  the  battle  of 
Murfreesboro,  Tennessee,  in  July,  1862,  the  Third  Minnesota  Infantry  was  cap- 
tured by  the  rebel  forces  under  General  Forest,  but  Colonel  Taylor  with  a  com- 
rade escaped  and  later  was  placed  in  command  of  a  convalescent  camp  at  Nash- 
ville, where  he  was  located  during  the  siege  of  that  city.  At  length  his  regiment 
was  paroled  and  transferred  to  Alinnesota,  where  it  was  engaged  for  a  time  in 
fighting  the  Indians.  Lieutenant  Taylor,  however,  remained  on  duty  in  Ten- 
nessee until  the  exchange  of  his  regiment  was  effected,  at  which  time  he  rejoined 


(liL.   ISAAC  TAVLdK 


HISTORY  OF  I'KORIA  COUNTY  275 

his  uld  command  at  Columbus,  Kentucky.  With  his  comrades  he  participated 
in  the  advance  on  \'ickshurg  in  18(13  with  the  Sixteenth  Army  Corps  under 
command  of  General  C.  C.  Washburn  and  after  taking  part  in  the  siege  and 
capture  of  \'icksburg,  for  three  months  the  Third  ^ilinnesota  was  engaged  in 
military  operations  in  Arkansas,  including  the  capture  of  Little  Rock  and  its 
reconstruction  and  the  movements  at  Pine  Bluff,  Jackson  and  Devall  Bluff. 
In  the  meantime  the  regiment  was  assigned  to  duty  with  the  Seventh  Army 
Corps  and  Captain  Taylor,  who  had  been  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain  on  the 
15th  of  April,  1863,  was  assigned  to  duty  with  General  Shaler  commanding  the 
division,  to  serve  as  judge  advocate  in  the  general  court-martial  at  I'ine  Bluff. 
having  charge  of  many  important  cases  during  the  remainder  of  his  term  of 
service.  His  entire  military  record  whether  on  the  firing  line  or  in  court-martial 
service  was  most  commendable  and  he  deserved  all  the  honor  and  credit  that 
was  given  to  the  brave  boys  in  blue  who  defended  the  Union  during  the  darkest 
hour  in  the  country's  history. 

In  April,  1865.  Colonel  Taylor  rejoined  his  family  at  Trivoli  and  soon  after- 
ward went  again  to  Minnesota  but  remained  only  for  a  short  time.  His  health 
did  not  improve  there  and  he  returned  to  Trivoli,  where  he  continued  until  1871. 
In  that  year  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Peoria  and  through  much  of  the  remainder 
of  his  life  he  was  active  in  public  service,  in  which  connection  he  made  a 
splendid  record.  In  i86g  he  received  appointment  to  the  position  of  assistant 
assessor  of  internal  revenue  for  Peoria  county  but  in  1870  he  was  elected 
county  treasurer  and  retired  from  the  former  position  to  accept  the  latter,  in 
which  he  continued  for  eleven  years.  No  higher  testimonial  of  his  faithfulness 
and  capability  could  be  given  than  his  long  retention  in  the  position.  Through 
appointment  of  Governor  Oglesby  he  was  canal  commissioner  from  1885  until 
i88g  and  in  1893  ^^  ^^''S  made  commissioner  of  public  works  in  Peoria  by  Mayor 
Miles,  continuing  in  the  position  for  two  years.  He  was  also  named  as  presi- 
dent of  the  special  commission  to  inspect  the  Chicago  drainage  canal,  his  ap- 
pointment coming  to  him  from  Governor  Tanner,  in  May,  1899,  while  his  in- 
cumliency  in  office  continued  until  June,  1900.  His  associates  on  this  commission 
were  Colonel  John  Lambert  of  Joliet,  and  Colonel  Al.  F.  Schoch,  of  Ottawa. 
He  was  splendidly  (|ualified  for  the  ]5osition  by  previous  experience  and  broad 
knowledge  of  the  state,  having  for  fifteen  years  been  chairman  of  the  Illinois 
Y^alley  Association,  which  was  organized  in  1887  for  the  purpose  of  securing 
legislation  from  the  general  government  for  t^^e  creation  of  a  deep  waterway 
between  Lake  Michigan  and  the  Gulf  of  Alexico.  In  1878  Colonel  Taylor  was 
commissioned  by  Governor  Cullom  colonel  of  the  Seventh  Regiment  of  the 
Illinois  National  Guard  and  in  1898  was  chosen  colonel  of  the  Provisional 
Regiment  organized  in  Peoria  for  service  in  the  Spanish-American  war.  This 
regiment  was  never  called  for  active  duty  but  the  quality  of  its  members  was 
such  that  it  would  not  have  been  lacking  in  valor  had  it  been  placed  on  the 
firing  line.  Many  of  its  members  had  been,  like  Colonel  Taylor,  in  military 
service  before  and  all  were  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  patriotism  that  was  most 
marked.  During  the  later  years  of  his  life  Colonel  Taylor  was  engaged  in  the 
real  estate  and  loan  business,  to  which  he  devoted  his  energies  until  his  death. 

On  the  15th  of  October,  i860,  at  Trivoli,  Illinois,  was  celebrated  the  marriage 
of  Colonel  Taylor  and  Miss  Mary  Bartlett  IVnirne.  a  daughter  of  Melatiah  T.  and 
Mary  Loring  Bourne.  Their  three  children  are  :  .Alice  L.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Charles 
E.  Bunn,  of  Peoria :  Laura  B.,  the  wife  of  Herbert  Walker,  of  Chicago ;  and  Isa 
Dean.  The  family  has  long  been  prominent  in  this  city,  its  members  occujjying 
a  creditable  position  in  social  circles.  Colonel  Taylor  was  a  republican  in  his 
political  views  and  never  faltered  in  his  support  of  a  principle  or  measure  which 
he  deemed  to  be  for  the  best  interest  of  the  community  at  large.  His  life  was 
always  actuated  by  high  and  noble  purposes  and  he  was  a  devoted  member  of 
the   Congregational   church.     He   stood   as  a  splendid   type  of   the  progressive, 


276  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

patriotic  citizen,  honored  wherever  known  and  most  of  all  where  he  was  liest 
known.  The  simple  weight  of  his  character  and  ability  carried  him  into  impor- 
tant relations.  Every  trust  reposed  in  him  throughout  his  entire  life  was  faith- 
fully fulfilled.  His  name  stood  as  a  synonym  for  those  qualities  which  men  most 
admire  and  which  are  most  effective  forces  in  good  government  and  in  the 
civilizing  processes  of  the  world. 


FRAX'CIS  GRANT  .MINOR. 

The  name  of  Francis  Grant  ]\Iinor  has  almost  continuously  since  the  ist  of 
December,  1888,  been  on  the  roll  of  officials  of  the  city  or  county  of  Peoria  and 
his  long  continued  service  as  a  public  officer  stands  in  incontrovertible  proof  of 
his  ability  and  fidelity  in  discharging  the  duties  that  have  devolved  upon  him. 
He  is  now  serving  as  sheriff  of  Peoria  county  and  it  is  well  known  that  neither 
fear  nor  favor  can  swerve  him  from  a  course  which  he  believes  to  be  right.  He 
was  born  in  this  city,  October  18,  1852,  a  son  of  John  Minor,  who  came  here 
from  Wheeling,  West  \'irginia,  in  1850.  He  was  a  miller  by  trade  and  followed 
that  business  during  the  period  of  his  residence  in  Peoria,  w-hich  continued  to  the 
time  of  his  death  in  1865.  He  married  Martha  Near,  who,  like  her  husband, 
was  a  native  of  western  Pennsylvania.  They  became  the  parents  of  five  children, 
all  of  whom  are  still  living. 

At  the  usual  age  Francis  Grant  Minor  began  his  education  in  the  old  First 
Ward  schoolhouse  which  stood  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  Smith  Hotel,  his 
teacher  being  E.  F.  Baldwin,  the  present  editor  of  the  Peoria  Evening  Star,  while 
later  he  was  instructed  by  J.  E.  Dow,  who  was  afterward  city  superintendent 
of  schools.  When  his  schooldays  were  over  he  crossed  the  threshold  of  the  busi- 
ness world  by  securing  a  position  of  trust  in  the  Mechanics'  National  Bank  which 
later  became' the  Merchants"  National  Bank,  entering  that  institution  on  the  nth 
of  December,  1871.  That  he  was  faithful  and  capable  is  indicated  by  the  fact 
that  he  continued  with  the  bank  until  the  ist  of  December,  1888,  and  through 
intermediate  positions  was  promoted  to  one  of  considerable  responsibility.  He 
severed  his  connection  with  financial  circles,  however,  to  enter  public  life  in  the 
position  of  circuit  clerk  of  Peoria  county,  to  which  he  had  been  elected  in  the 
previous  November.  His  four  years'  term  won  him  high  commendation  by 
reason  of  his  loyal  and  efficient  service  and  upon  his  retirement  from  that  office 
in  1892  he  was  appointed  oil  inspector  by  Mayor  Philo  B.  Allies,  acting  in  that 
capacity  during  the  Allies  administration.  Mr.  Minor  became  connected  with  the 
coal  trade  when,  on  Christmas  day,  1895,  '^^  entered  the  employ  of  Stephen 
Wolschlag,  a  prominent  coal  operator. 

Mr.  Alinor  was  called  to  the  office  of  sheriff'  in  November,  igio,  and  is  the 
present  incumbent  in  that  office.  His  determination  to  enforce  the  laws  through- 
out the  county  was  soon  evident  and  in  this  he  won  the  approbation  of  every  right- 
minded  and  law-abiding  citizen.  He  has  done  everything  in  his  power  to  suppress 
crime  and  vice  and  it  is  well  known  that  conformity  to  the  law  is  the  only  thing 
that  can  win  his  favor.  He  is  never  hesitant  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  but 
fearlessly  and  promptly  administers  justice  according  to  the  demands  of  his 
office  and  his  record  has  gained  him  high  commendation  throughout  the  county. 

In  1879  Mr.  Alinor  was  united  in  marriage  at  Peoria  to  Miss  Pauline  Prusch- 
witz,  who  was  born  in  this  city  and  is  a  daughter  of  Ewald  Pruschwitz.  who 
came  from  Germany  and  in  Peoria  engaged  in  the  cabinet-making  business.  Air. 
and  Mrs.  Alinor  are  the  parents  of  three  children :  John  R.,  a  farmer  residing 
near  Elmwood ;  Ewald  F.,  who  is  farming  in  Alilbrook  township ;  and  Francis 
G.,  who  is  serving  as  deputy  under  his  father  in  the  sheriff's  office. 


HISTORY  OF  rP:oRIA  COUNTY  277 

-Mr.  Minor  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  believing 
that  its  principles  contain  the  best  elements  of  good  government.  In  matters  of 
citizenship  he  takes  a  progressive  stand  and  whether  in  office  or  out  of  it  seeks 
the  welfare  and  development  of  his  community.  His  labors  in  behalf  of  public 
advancement  have  always  been  of  a  practical  character.  He  has  a  wide  accjuain- 
tance  among  the  leading  citizens  of  Peoria  county  and  the  social  qualities  of  his 
nature  have  gained  him  a  wide  circle  of  friends. 


CH.\RLES  RIXDFLEISCH. 

Charles  Rindtleisch  is  the  mayor  of  Hanna  City,  now  serving  for  his  third 
term,  and  to  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  the  office  he  brought  the  same  spirit 
of  carefulness,  enterprise  and  integrity  that  has  characterized  his  business  career. 
He  has  resided  here  for  eight  years,  establishing  his  home  in  this  district  about 
tile  time  the  village  was  incorporated.  His  birthplace  was  a  farm  in  Cuyahoga 
county,  Ohio,  near  Cleveland,  and  his  natal  day  was  March  25,  1861.  His  par- 
ents, Frederick  and  .\ngie  Rindtleisch,  were  both  natives  of  Germany  but  the 
mother  died  when  her  son  Charles  was  only  seven  years  of  age.  His  youthful 
days  were  spent  upon  the  home  farm  near  Cleveland  where  he  remained  until  he 
had  attained  his  majority,  working  in  the  fields  through  the  summer  months  and 
acc|uiring  his  education  during  the  winter  seasons  in  the  public  schools.  When 
he  had  reached  manhood  he  decided  to  seek  his  fortune  in  another  C|uarter  and  in 
1882  came  to  Peoria  county,  where  he  began  to  work  as  a  farm  liand  for  \'al 
I'lrich  with  whom  he  continued  for  two  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
he  removed  to  Cheyenne  county,  Kansas,  where  he  homesteaded  a  farm.  There 
he  lived  for  ten  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  rented  a  farm  in 
Logan  township,  from  his  brother  Fred,  who  is  now  deceased.  This  property 
was  situated  about  a  mile  from  Hanna  City.  He  continued  its  cultivation  for 
two  years,  after  which  he  rented  the  James  Bowling  farm  in  Limestone  township, 
upon  which  he  lived  for  three  years.  He  afterward  worked  in  the  dairy  of  O.  J. 
r.ailev  for  two  years  and  then  came  to  Hanna  City  where  he  has  now  resided 
for  eight  years  or  almost  continuouslv  since  the  incorporation  of  the  town.  He 
is  now  proprietor  of  the  restaurant  here  and  also  purchased  the  grain  elevator 
which  he  has  since  operated.  His  business  activities  as  well  as  his  official  service 
make  him  a  leading  and  renresentative  citizen. 

In  1892  Mr.  Rindfleisch  was  united  in  marriage  in  Kansas  to  Miss  Mary 
Gallup  and  they  now  have  two  children,  George  and  Ida,  lioth  at  home.  The 
family  are  well  known  in  the  locality  where  thev  reside  and  have  a  large  circle 
of  friends  who  entertain  for  them  warm  regard!  ]\Ir.  Rindfleisch  is  a  member 
of  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp  and  is  loyal  to  the  teachings  of  that  order.  He 
is  nonular  with  his  fellow  townsmen  who  manifest  their  confidence  in  his  ability 
and  in  his  Dublic-spirited  citizenshin  bv  choosing  him  f(ir  the  position  of  chief 
executive  of  the  town,  a  position  which  he  has  occupied  for  six  vears. 


GEORGE  W.  \AX  FLEET. 

George  W.  \'an  Fleet  is  a  splendid  representative  of  that  class  of  enter- 
prising young  business  men  who  recognize  and  utilize  opportunities  and  coordin- 
ate forces  into  a  unified  and  harmonious  whole.  From  a  humljle  position  in 
connection  with  insurance  interests  he  has  steadily  advanced  to  the  presidency 
of  the   Peoria  Life  Insurance  Company   which  had  its   inception   in    1902.     He 


278  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

has  made  his  home  in  this  city  since  1907,  and  throughout  the  entire  period  has 
managed  and  controlled  the  interests  of  the  corporation  of  which  he  is  now 
the  head.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  \'an  Buren  county.  Iowa,  in  1874.  and 
in  his  youthful  days  attended  the  country  schools,  after  which  he  engaged  in 
teaching  for  several  years.  Desirous,  however,  to  further  promote  his  own 
knowledge  he  entered  Callahan  College  at  Des  Moines  and  afterward  became  a 
student  in  Drake  University  of  this  city.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  former  in- 
stitution and  he  has  remained  throughout  life  a  student  of  the  questions,  in- 
terests and  conditions  which  are  of  vital  significance  in  the  business  world  and 
in  the  public  life  of  state  and  nation.  He  became  identified  with  insurance 
interests  as  a  representative  of  the  Northwestern  Life  Association  with  head- 
quarters at  ^Minneapolis,  being  api^ointed  to  the  position  of  superintendent  of 
agencies.  He  spent  three  years  in  that  connection  and  then  entered  the  service 
of  the  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of  New  York.  Again  he  was  at  the 
head  of  the  agency  department,  continuing  with  that  company  for  seven  years, 
and  afterward  spent  two  years  as  general  agent  for  the  state  of  Connecticut 
with  the  headquarters  at  New  Haven.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
came  to  Peoria  and  is  now  president  and  general  manager  of  the  Peoria  Life 
Insurance  Company.  As  previously  stated,  this  was  organized  in  1902  and  its 
present  officers  are :  George  W.  \'an  Fleet,  president ;  Emmet  C.  May,  vice  pres- 
ident ;  and  O.  B.  Wysong,  secretary  and  treasurer.  This  was  incorporated  as 
a  stock  company  with  an  authorized  capital  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  and 
a  paid-in  capital  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  This  concern  was  established 
by  Messrs.  E.  C.  May,  Warren  Sutliff,  E.  J.  Case  and  E.  N.  Woodruff  and  on 
the  1st  of  August,  1907,  Mr.  \'an  Fleet  became  identified  with  the  corporation 
as  vice  president  and  general  manager.  He  then  reorganized  it  as  a  stock  com- 
pany and  one  year  afterward  was  chosen  to  the  presidency.  His  safe,  con- 
servative business  policv  has  placed  it  on  a  par  with  many  older  insurance  com- 
panies and  he  has  instituted  a  plan  of  expansion  that  has  resulted  in  rapid  and 
substantial  growth.  Today  there  are  one  hundred  and  forty  agencies  over 
Illinois.  Iowa,  Kansas  and  Michigan  and  a  large  volume  of  business  is  written 
annually. 

In  i8q8  Mr.  \'an  F"leet  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  May  Locke,  of 
Farmington,  Iowa.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Masons.  He  belongs 
to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  of  Peoria,  the  Peoria  .\ssociation  of  Commerce  and 
the  Union  League  Club  of  New  Haven,  Connecticut.  He  is  widely  recognized 
as  a  man  of  excellent  business  ability  who  readily  discriminates  between  the 
essential  and  nonessential.  His  theories  find  justification  in  immediate  and  suc- 
cessful action  and  his  executive  force  enables  him  to  capably  control  a  con- 
stantly growing  corporation. 


CHARLES  KNETZGER. 

Charles  Knetzger  is  proprietor  of  large  lumberyards  of  Peoria,  and  is  also 
well  known  in  financial  circles  as  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Illinois  National 
Bank.  His  identification  with  the  lumber  trade  here  covers  a  period  of  twelve 
years,  prior  to  which  time  he  had  been  in  business  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  He 
is  a  native  of  \\'isconsin,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Germantown,  November 
10,  1862.  His  parents  were  Leonard  and  Beatrice  (Weber)  Knetzger.  His 
youthful  days  were  passed  in  Naperville,  Illinois,  and  there  he  attended  the 
parochial  schools  of  the  Catholic  church,  after  which  he  started  out  in  the  busi- 
ness world  in  a  very  humble  capacity.  He  worked  at  the  shoe  bench  and  learned 
the  shoemaker's  trade  under  his  father,  whom  he  thus  assisted  until  twenty  years 
of  age.  Feeling  that  his  education  was  not  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  advance 
as   he   desired   in   the  business  world,   he   then  entered   St.   Joseph's   College  at 


CliAKLES    KXETZGEK 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY  281 

Teutopolis,  Illinois,  ami  later  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching,  which  he  fol- 
lowed for  a  time.  He  was  also  employed  in  a  grocery  store  at  Duquoin.  Illinois, 
and  when  his  labors  had  brought  him  sufficient  capital  to  enable  him  to  start 
out  in  business  for  himself,  he  opened  a  cigar  store  at  Duquoin.  Later  he  re- 
moved to  St.  Louis,  where  he  continued  in  the  same  line  of  business  for  four 
years  but  afterward  returned  to  Duquoin  and  accepted  the  position  of  book- 
keeper with  a  mining  company.  Subsequently  he  spent  two  years  as  cashier 
in  the  Duquoin  bank,  and  then  again  went  to  St.  Louis,  where  he  remained  for 
eight  years  and  gained  his  experience  in  the  lumber  trade,  being  connected  with  a 
lumber  tirm  of  that  city.  He  left  St.  Louis  in  1900  to  become  a  resident  of 
Peoria,  and  here  bought  out  the  old  Rogers  lumberyard.  He  now  deals  in  all 
kinds  of  building  materials  and  his  yard  covers  an  acre  and  a  quarter  of  ground. 
He  has  a  large  lumberyard  and  a  shed  with  a  capacity  for  two  million  feet  of 
lumber  and  has  built  up  a  big  business,  handling  oak,  maple  and  beech  hardwood 
flooring,  white  pine,  redwood,  cypress,  spruce  and  other  finishing  materials. 

On  April  8,  1891,  Air.  Knetzger  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  AI. 
Reis,  of  Belleville,  Illinois.  They  are  very  prominent  members  of  the  Catholic 
church  and  Mr.  Knetzger  is  also  well  known  in  connection  with  the  Knights  of 
Columbus.  Business  interests  and  activities  have  claimed  the  greater  part  of 
his  time  since  he  started  out  in  life  on  his  own  account,  and  without  assistance 
from  others  he  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward,  realizing  that  energy,  in- 
dustry and  perseverance  are  substantial  cjualities  in  the  attainment  of  success. 


R.  W.  MORRIS. 


R.  W.  Morris,  who  is  numljered  among  the  substantial  farmers  and  represen- 
tative citizens  of  Logan  township,  was  born  in  Rosefield  township  in  i8(X5.  He 
is  the  son  of  Henry  Morris,  who  was  born  in  Lancashire,  England,  in  1808, 
and  his  wife,  Ann  (Wrigley)  Morris,  also  a  native  of  Lancashire.  The  parents 
were  married  in  England,  September  11,  1836,  and  together  with  the  paternal 
grandparents,  James  and  Betty  (Manock)  Morris,  came  to  America  in  1841. 
They  took  passage  on  a  sailing  vessel  to  New  York  city,  being  six  wrecks  in 
crossing  the  ocean,  and  thence  came  by  the  water  route  to  Illinois,  where  they 
located  in  Peoria  county.  They  intended  to  homestead  at  Rock  Island  but 
found  Peoria  county  very  inviting  and  the  grandfather  entered  eighty  acres  of 
land  there,  for  which  he  paid  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  per  acre  and  in  due  time 
received  the  title  for  same,  written  on  sheepskin  parchment  and  signed  by 
President  James  K.  Polk.  The  grandparents  resided  on  this  tra.ct  of  land  dur- 
ing the  remainder  of  their  lives,  the  grandfather  dying  in  1842,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-five,  and  his  wife  in  1845.  at  the  age  of  sixty-five.  The  father,  Henry 
Morris,  rented  a  tract  of  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Peoria  county  and  tilled  the 
same  with  an  ox  team.  At  the  death  of  his  father  he  was  made  executor  of 
the  estate  and  purchased  the  shares  of  the  other  heirs.  He  later  purchased  the 
adjoining  eighty  acres,  owning  in  all  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres. 
He  remained  on  his  homestead  until  the  fall  of  1881,  when  he  moved  to  Elm- 
wood,  where  he  died  on  the  8th  of  June,  1883,  at  the  age  of  seventy-four  years, 
seven  months  and  eight  days.  In  his  family  were  eleven  children,  of  whom  six 
are  now  living,  R.  W.,  of  this  review,  being  the  youngest. 

R.  W.  Morris  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  worked  on  his  father's 
farm  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  At  that  time  he  took  full  charge 
of  the  homestead  which  he  had  rented,  until  1900,  when  he  bought  out  the  other 
heirs.  In  1902  he  purchased  eighty  acres  on  sections  8  and  9,  Logan  town- 
ship, and  in  1903  he  sold  the  old  home  place  and  bought  forty  acres  on  section 
17  of  Logan  township,  so  that  he  now  has  a  farm  of  two  hundred  and  twentv 


282  HISTORY  ()!•    I'KoRlA  COUNTY 

acres  in  all.  All  of  this  except  thirty  acres,  which  is  in  pasture  land,  is  under 
a  high  state  of  cultivation,  and  he  raises  yearly  seventy  acres  in  corn,  forty-five 
acres  in  wheat  and  forty  acres  in  oats.  He  has  about  one  hundred  head  of 
hogs  and  eight  head  of  horses.  On  his  farm,  which  is  situated  two  miles  from 
Hanna  City,  are  the  very  best  improvements  including  an  excellent  house  and 
barn. 

On  the  30th  of  January,  1889,  Air.  Morris  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Ida  Alice  Alorby,  and  they  are  the  parents  of  one  son,  Clyde,  who  was  born 
August  16,  1894.  and  died  January  2,  1895.  In  politics  Mr.  Morris  casts  his 
vote  with  the  republican  party.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  church  and  they  enjoy  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances 
and  are  held  in  the  highest  regard  by  all  who  know  them. 


WILLIAM  DOREY. 


William  Dorey  is  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  well  known  productive  industries 
of  Peoria — The  Advance  Bottling  Works,  manufacturers  and  bottlers  of  soft 
drinks.  His  life  record  had  its  beginning  on  the  17th  of  October,  1871,  Peoria 
being  his  native  city.  He  was  left  an  orphan  by  the  death  of  his  parents  when 
only  six  months  old  and  was  adopted  by  a  family  that  reared  him.  His  youth- 
ful days  were  passed  in  this  city  and  he  attended  the  public  schools,  thus  ac- 
quiring his  education.  He  afterward  engaged  in  driving  a  team  and  later  be- 
came a  street  car  conductor.  He  turned  from  this  to  enter  the  ice  business  and 
subsequently  he  engaged  in  dealing  in  coal.  His  ne.xt  venture  was  in  the  feed 
business  and  at  one  time  he  dealt  in  gasoline  and  oil  but  sold  out  in  that  line 
to  engage  in  the  liquor  trade,  in  which  he  continued  in  Peoria  for  six  years, 
ning  the  manufacture  and  bottling  of  soft  drinks  at  No.  313  Warner  avenue. 
On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  entered  his  present  line  of  business,  begin- 
When  he  started  in  this  line  on  the  28th  of  November,  1909,  Frank  E.  Holland 
was  associated  with  him  in  a  partnershij)  relation  but  Mr.  Dorey  has  since  pur- 
chased his  partner's  interest  and  is  now  sole  proprietor.  During  the  summer 
months  he  keeps  three  wagons  in  continuous  use  and  two  in  the  winter  season. 
He  manufactures  the  famous  A.  B.  C.  ginger  ale  and  other  popular  soft  drinks, 
conducting  his  business  under  the  name  of  The  Advance  Bottling  Company,  a 
name  that  has  become  synonymous  to  the  trade  with  the  excellence  of  the  prod- 
uct and  straightforward  dealing.  Air.  Dorey  is  also  engaged  in  the  gas  drum 
business  for  drawing  beer  from  kegs. 

In  1891  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Dorey  and  Miss  Mamie  L.  Jones,  of 
Decatur,  Illinois,  and  they  have  six  children:  Alyrtle,  the  wife  of  A.  H.  Miller; 
Earl;  Chester;  Theodore;  Luella ;  and  Harold.  Mr.  Dorey  holds  membership 
with  the  Order  of  the  Moose  but  is  not  otherwise  prominent  in  fraternal  circles, 
preferring  to  give  his  undivided  attention  to  his  business  affairs.  Gradually  he 
has  worked  his  way  upward  and  is  now  at  the  head  of  an  enterprise  that  is 
bringing  him  good  returns. 


HON.  SAAIUEL  A.  KIXSEY^ 

Hon.  Samuel  .\.  Kinsey.  former  mayor  of  Peoria  and  president  of  the  Kinsey 
i*v.  Alahler  Company,  lirass  founders,  has  been  a  resident  of  this  city  since  1856. 
He  was  born  in  Morris  county.  New  Jersey,  February  15.  1827.  a  son  of  Samuel 
and  Elizabeth  (  Pomp )  Kinsey.  The  father  was  a  merchant  of  Easton,  Penn- 
sylvania, and  died  at  Hokendau(|ua,  Pennsylvania.     Captain  Ingham  Kinsey.  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  283 

great-grandfather  of  Samuel  A.  Kiiisey,  of  this  review,  participated  in  the  strug- 
gle for  independence,  as  did  several  other  members  of  the  family.  Lieutenant 
Samuel  Kiusey,  in  the  Maryland  line,  under  the  command  of  General  Small- 
wood,  was  an  ancestor,  as  was  John  Kinsey,  one  of  the  commissioners  sent  out 
by  the  proprietor  of  West  Jersey,  in  the  ship  Kent  in  1677.  On  his  mother's 
side  he  is  a  descendant  of  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Pomp,  a  native  of  Danzig,  who  was 
educated  at  Halle  and  was  sent  to  America  by  the  synod  of  Holland  about  1760. 
His  son,  Thomas  Pomp,  was  a  German  Reformed  church  preacher  who  for  fifty- 
seven  years  was  pastor  of  a  church  in  Easton,  Pennsylvania. 

Samuel  A.  Kinsey  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  was  bound  out  as  an  ajjpren- 
tice  to  learn  the  machine  and  pattern-making  trade.  He  served  his  time  and 
worked  in  various  places  as  journeyman  until  1852.  Then  he  began  contracting 
and  building  railroads,  in  which  business  he  engaged  for  four  years.  In  1856 
he  came  west  and  took  charge  of  the  Peters  foundry  and  machine  sho])  at  the 
corner  of  Walnut  and  Water  streets,  Peoria,  which  position  he  held  until  1860, 
and  then  went  into  business  for  himself  in  the  brass  foundrv,  jiattern  and  model- 
making  business.  In  1866  this  was  consolidated  with  the  interests  of  John  C. 
Mahler,  a  coppersmith,  who  was  the  surviving  partner  of  the  firm  of  Loker, 
Seiler  &  Company  who  in  1850  established  the  business  from  which  has  grown 
the  present  Kinsey  &  Mahler  Company. 

Samuel  A.  Kinsey,  out  of  the  fifty-six  years  of  his  residence  in  Peoria,  has 
spent  twenty-four  in  public  life,  eight  years  as  alderman,  two  as  mayor,  ten  as 
trustee  of  the  Peoria  Driveway  and  Park  system,  and  four  years  as  president 
of  that  department.  He  was  a  whig  and  since  the  organization  of  the  repul)- 
lican  [larty  has  been  one  of  its  sui^jiorters.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed church  in  Philadelphia.  His  wife  was  Lydia  Aim  Emery,  who  passed 
away  May  23,  1909.  Their  children  were  six  in  number,  \\'illiam,  Warren, 
Nellie.  Blanche,  Ada  and  Samuel,  Jr. 


EDWARD  LOUIS  NOTHNAGEL. 

Edward  Louis  Nothnagel,  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  a  public  official  whose 
record  in  office  has  been  creditable  and  an  engineer  whose  work  in  that  field 
has  been  of  an  important  character,  is  now  serving  as  justice  of  the  peace  in 
Peoria.  He  was  born  in  the  city  of  Washington,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois, 
March  11,  18^3,  and  his  father,  Edward  Adolph  Nothnagel,  was  a  native  of  lies- 
sen,  Germany,  and  in  early  manhood  studied  medicine.  He  located  for  practice 
in  Peoria  in  1835  but  afterward  removed  to  Tazewell  county,  where  he  long  fol- 
lowed his  profession.  He  was  married  there  to  Catherine  Trautman,  a  native 
of  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany,  who  died  when  her  son  Edward  L.  was  four- 
teen years  of  age.  In  their  family  were  six  children,  Edward,  George,  Elijah, 
Mary,  Lydia  and  William. 

The  first  named  was  a  pupil  in  the  city  schools  of  Washington,  Illinois,  Init 
ere  the  completion  of  the  full  course  there  he  put  aside  his  text-books.  The 
country  was  engaged  in  civil  war  and  he  felt  that  his  first  duty  was  to  the  Union. 
Although  but  eighteen  years  of  age  he  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  E, 
Seventeenth  r^Iissouri  \'olunteer  Infantry,  and  served  for  three  years,  one 
month  and  four  days.  During  that  period  he  participated  in  a  number  of  im- 
portant engagements  and  was  always  faithful  to  his  duty  whether  on  the  lonely 
picket  line  or  on  the  firing  line.  When  the  war  was  over  and  the  country  no 
longer  needed  his  aid  he  returned  to  Illinois  and  secured  a  position  as  railroad 
engineer  in  the  operative  departments  of  the  Northwestern  and  Wabash  rail- 
roads. His  mechanical  turn  of  mind  and  his  ability  found  further  expression  in 
thirteen  years'  service  as  hoisting  engineer  at  the  coal  banks.     His  life  has  thus 


284  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

been  an  active  one,  fur  he  has  always  been  busily  employed  in  mechanical  pur- 
suits save  when  in  office.  He  first  filled  the  position  of  constable  and  was 
afterward  deputy  sherifl'  under  Cyrus  J.  Berry.  He  is  now  filling  the  position 
of  justice  of  the  peace  and  his  decisions  are  strictly  fair  and  impartial,  winning 
him  golden  opinions. 

Mt.  Xothnagel  has  been  married  twice.  In  Chicago,  in  1866.  he  wedded 
Elizabeth  Laura  McGuire,  and  unto  them  was  born  a  son,  Charles  Edward, 
who  is  now  in  the  employ  of  the  American  Express  Company  at  Chicago.  In 
1875  Mr.  Nothnagel  wedded  Mary  Hagemier,  and  unto  them  have  been  born 
three  children,  of  whom  two  died  in  infancy  while  one  is  yet  living,  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Zink,  a  resident  of  Peoria.  Mr.  Xothnagel  belongs  to  Bryner  Post,  G.  A. 
R..  and  to  the  Charter  Oak  Camp.  M.  W.  A.  In  politics  he  has  always  been  an 
active  republican  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise,  and  in 
matters  of  citizenship  he  is  as  true  and  loyal  to  his  country  today  as  when  he 
followed  the  old  flag  on  southern  battlefields. 


H.  M.  KILPATRICK. 


H.  M.  Kilpatrick,  a  resident  of  Elmwood,  is  well  known  in  Peoria  county 
as  a  director  of  funeral  services  and  as  an  efficient  undertaker.  He  was  born 
in  LaFayette,  Indiana,  September  21,  1865,  his  parents  being  Robert  and  Anna 
(Kleinhaus)  Kilpatrick,  the  father  a  native  of  Illinois  and  the  mother  of  Ger- 
many. The  mother  was  brought  to  America  at  the  age  of  two  years  by  her 
parents,  who  located  at  LaFayette,  Indiana.  Robert  Kilpatrick  was  reared  in 
Illinois  and  later  removed  to  LaFayette  where  he  was  married.  He  was  a  tin- 
ner by  trade  and  in  about  1869  went  to  Clinton,  Illinois,  where  he  followed  his 
trade  until  1874.  when  he  came  to  Elmwood.  Later  he  went  west  but  returned 
to  Illinois,  settling  at  Danville,  in  which  state  he  passed  away.  His  wife  is 
still  living  there.     Their  only  child  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

H.  M.  Kilpatrick  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Elmwood  and  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  started  out  in  life  for  himself.  For  the  first  two  years  he  was 
employed  in  a  grocery  store  and  in  1882  he  began  to  work  for  J.  F.  Caverly,  in 
the  furniture  and  undertaking  business,  which  was  operated  under  the  firm  name 
of  the  Caverly  Brothers.  In  July,  1888,  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Caverly 
&  Kilpatrick  and  in  October,  1894,  Mr.  Kilpatrick,  of  this  review,  became  the 
sole  proprietor  of  the  same  and  has  continued  thus  ever  since.  He  carries  a 
large  and  excellent  stock  in  his  furniture  department  and  his  undertaking  estab- 
lishment is  well  equip])ed  and  conducted. 

(  )n  December  5,  i88g,  Mr.  Kilpatrick  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Clara  M.  Heptonstall,  who  was  born  in  Peoria  county,  a  daughter  of  John  H. 
and  Margaret  Heptonstall,  who  were  early  settlers  here.  The  father  was  a  na- 
tive of  England  and  came  to  America  when  a  small  boy.  He  died  in  this 
county,  but  the  mother  is  still  living.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kilpatrick  have  become 
parents  of  four  children:  Ralph  Sidney,  born  1893:  Edwin  Richard,  born  1895; 
John  Robert,  born  1898;  and  Margaret  Anna,  born  1903. 

Mr.  Kilpatrick  has  ever  led  an  active  and  useful  life,  and  has  been  engaged 
with  many  of  the  important  organizations  of  his  county.  He  belpngs  to  the 
Elnnvood  Homestead  &  Loan  Association  and  has  been  secretary  of  the  same 
since  1906.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Illinois  State  Undertakers  Association,  hav- 
ing served  as  secretary  since  June,  1906  and  since  1908  has  been  secretary  of 
the  National  Funeral  Directors  Association.  A  review  of  his  excellent  work  as 
a  funeral  director  has  been  written  by  many  of  the  magazines,  including  the 
Embalmer's  Monthly.  Mr.  Kilpatrick,  being  an  energetic  man,  keeps  no  sten- 
ographers, but  does  all  the  work  of  his  various  offices  alone.     Fraternally  he  is 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  285 

identified  with  the  Arcanus  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  I'ellows. 
He  has  ever  taken  an  active  interest  in  the  schools  of  his  town,  and  is  now 
serving  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  education.  He  finds  time  in  his  unusually 
busy  life  to  give  much  attention  to  social  and  recreative  interests.  He  is  the 
leader  and  manager  of  the  American  band  of  Elmwood.  He  is  an  enthusiast 
and  motorist  and  is  fond  of  out  door  life.  Well  known  in  the  county  where  he 
has  resided  from  early  boyhood  days,  he  has  won  the  uniform  trust  and  good 
will  of  all  by  reason  of  his  pleasant  and  attractive  personality,  and  all  his  life 
he  has  been  straightforward  and  honorable. 


ARTHUR  -MELMN  OTMAN. 

Arthur  Melvin  Otman,  probate  judge  of  Peoria  county  since  1910,  was  born 
in  Wyoming,  Illinois,  October  3,  1868.  His  grandfather,  David  Otman,  was  a 
resident  of  Stockbridge,  New  York,  and  a  son  of  Nicholas  Otman,  two  of  whose 
brothers  were  soldiers  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  Sylvester  F.  Otman,  father 
of  A.  i\I.  Otman,  was  a  native  of  New  York  and  came  to  Illinois  in  184Q.  Fol- 
lowing the  outbreak  of  hostilities  between  the  north  and  the  south  he  enlisted 
in  1861  and  served  for  four  years  as  captain  of  Company  E,  One  Hundred  and 
Twelfth  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry.  He  married  Sarah  Smith,  a  daughter  of 
Harrison  Smith,  who  removed  westward  from  North  Bridgewater,  Massachu- 
setts, and  settled  in  Peoria  about  1850.  He  was  one  of  the  old-time  residents 
here  and  filled  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  at  an  early  day.  In  early  woman- 
hood his  daughter,  Sarah,  engaged  in  teaching  school  in  the  building  now  used 
as  a  teachers'  club  at  Jefferson  and  Jackson  streets. 

Arthur  M.  Otman  pursued  his  education  in  the  graded  and  high  schools 
at  \\'yoming  and  in  Knox  College  at  (jalesburg,  Illinois,  although  he  was  not  grad- 
uated there.  Subsequently  he  entered  the  law  department  of  the  State  Univer- 
sity of  Iowa  at  Iowa  City,  where  he  won  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  on  his  graduation 
with  the  class  of  1890.  Removing  to  Peoria  he  opened  a  law  office  immediately 
after  his  graduation  and  his  admission  to  the  bar.  He  has  been  continuously  con- 
nected with  the  profession  and  his  comprehensive  understanding  of  legal  princi- 
ples, combined  with  his  devotion  to  his  clients'  interests,  secures  him  a  large  share 
of  the  business  of  the  courts.  He  was  deputy  circuit  clerk  of  Peoria  county 
from  1900  until  1904,  when  he  was  made  first  assistant  state's  attorney,  which 
position  he  filled  until  190C1.  He  was  a  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Ouinn, 
Quinn  &  (Jtman  until  1908,  when  he  was  appointed  first  assistant  state's  attorney 
and  so  continued  until  1910,  when  he  was  elected  probate  judge,  which  office  he 
is  now  acceptably  filling.  His  comprehensive  understanding  of  the  general 
principles  of  jurisprudence  qualifies  him  for  the  capable  discharge  of  his  duties 
in  this  connection  and  his  course  is  winning  him  high  commendation  as  the 
occupant  of  the  probate  bench. 

On  the  24th  of  November,  18S7,  in  \\'yoming.  Illinois,  Air.  Otman  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Florence  Simmons,  a  daughter  of  Amor  Simmons,  who  was  a  hard- 
ware merchant  of  \\'yoming  and  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  The  only  child 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Otman  is  Alice  May,  now  a  teacher  of  English  literature  in 
the  Peoria  Manual  Training  high  school.  Mr.  Otman  has  always  been  a  republi- 
can in  his  political  views,  supporting  the  party  since  age  conferred  upon  him 
the  right  of  franchise.  He  belongs  to  the  Masonic  lodge,  the  Alodern  Woodmen 
camp  and  the  Maccabees  tent.  In  Masonry  he  has  attained  high  rank  and  has 
been  frequently  honored  with  office.  In  1910  he  was  master  of  Temple  Lodge, 
No.  46,  F.  &  A.  M. :  in  1898  was  high  priest  of  Peoria  Chapter,  R.  A.  M. ;  in 
1899  ^^'^s  commander  of  the  Knights  Templar  Commandery :  in  1900  was  poten- 
tate  of    the    Mystic    Shrine;   and   in    1904   became   commander-in-chief    of    the 


286  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Scottish  Rite  at  Peoria.  The  same  year  he  was  elected  to  the  supreme  council. 
thirty-third  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite.  Still  higher  Masonic  honors  came  to 
him  in  his  election  as  grand  commander  of  the  grand  commandery  of  Knights 
Templar  of  Illinois.  His  social  nature  finds  expression  in  his  membership  in 
the  Creve  Coeur  and  Ivy  Clubs,  in  both  of  which  he  has  many  friends.  His 
ability  in  his  profession  has  won  him  constant  advancement  and  his  qualities 
of  leadership  are  furthermore  indicated  in  the  offices  to  which  he  has  been 
called  in  his  fraternal  connections. 


\V.  W.  RHOADES. 


W.  \V.  Rhoades,  serving  for  the  second  term  as  chief  of  police  of  Peoria,  has 
in  the  discharge  of  his  official  duties  instituted  various  reforms  and  modern  im- 
provements which  have  largely  promoted  the  efficiency  of  the  service.  As  a 
public  officer  his  course  has  won  wide  indorsement  from  law-abiding  citizens,  the 
consensus  of  public  opinion  regarding  his  record  being  altogether  favorable. 

Mr.  Rhoades  is  one  of  the  residents  that  Pennsylvania  has  furnished  to  Peoria, 
his  birth  having  occurred  in  Phoenixville  of  the  former  state  on  the  29th  of 
March,  1867.  His  father,  William  F.  Rhoades,  was  descended  from  English  and 
German  ancestry  but  the  family  has  been  so  long  represented  on  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic  that  it  has  become  thoroughly  American  in  thought,  spirit  and  purpose. 
William  F.  Rhoades  was  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  throughout  his  entire  life. 
He  wedded  Mary  Morgan,  also  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  unto  them  were 
born  seven  children,  of  whom  six  are  yet  living,  four  sons  and  two  daughters. 
The  parents  were  residents  of  Chester  county,  Pennsylvania,  until  called  to  their 
final  home. 

In  the  schools  of  his  native  city  W.  W.  Rhoades  pursued  his  education  and 
was  twenty-three  years  of  age  when,  in  1890,  he  came  to  Peoria.  He  was  a  potter 
by  trade  and  for  ten  years  followed  that  pursuit  in  this  city,  on  the  expiration  of 
which  period  he  engaged  with  the  Acme  Harvester  Company,  which  he  repre- 
sented here  for  two  years.  He  entered  into  his  connection  with  the  police  depart- 
ment without  any  previous  knowledge  of  or  experience  in  work  along  this  line 
but  the  natural  resourcefulness  of  the  man.  his  determination  to  "make  good," 
and  his  fidelity  to  the  obligations  devolving  upon  him  have  made  him  an  officer 
whose  record  is  above  reproach.  He  was  called  to  the  office  of  chief  of  police  in 
May,  1903,  as  the  successor  of  Mr.  Kennedy  and  remained  at  the  head  of  the 
department  for  two  years.  He  then  retired  at  the  change  of  administration  and 
became  connected  with  the  sheriff's  office  as  deputy,  so  continuing  until  ^Ia\'. 
1909.  At  that  date  he  was  again  called  to  the  office  of  chief  of  police,  which 
position  he  has  since  filled.  He  has  bent  his  energies  to  the  improvement  of  the 
department  in  many  ways,  has  installed  a  new  flash  light  system,  motor  driven 
vehicles  have  taken  the  place  of  the  old  patrol  wagons  and  the  civil  service  plan 
has  been  adopted.  He  has  given  special  attention  to  the  personality  of  the  men 
on  the  force,  endeavoring  to  install  as  patrolmen  such  men  as  will  make  dutv 
paramount  to  all  else.  He  has  likewise  increased  and  perfected  the  detective 
department  and  his  work  on  the  whole  has  won  him  high  commendation  and 
encomiums. 

In  1892.  in  Peoria.  Mr.  Rhoades  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  Heitz- 
man,  a  daughter  of  Albert  Heitzman.  who  was  at  one  time  a  tailor  of  Peoria  but 
is  now  deceased.  Three  children  have  been  born  of  this  marriage:  Inez  and 
Ethel,  twins;  and  Marjorie.  In  his  fraternal  relations  Mr.  Rhoades  is  a  promi- 
nent Mason,  having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  in  the  Scottish  Rite.  He 
belongs  also  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  Camp,  the  ^Maccabees  Tent  and  the  Roval 
Arcanum  Lodge,  and  finds  in  their  beneficent  teachings  the  high  principles  and 


\V.   W.   rjIOADES 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  289 

rules  which  govern  his  conduct  and  shape  his  relations  w  ith  his  fellownien.  He 
has  always  given  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  part}-  and  is  a  firm 
believer  in  its  principles  as  effective  forces  in  good  government,  yet  he  ever 
places  patriotism  before  partisanship  and  the  general  welfare  before  individual 
aggrandizement. 


CHARLES  D.  THOMAS,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Charles  D.  Thomas,  oculist  and  aurist,  with  office  in  the  Hamlin  build- 
ing, has  practiced  his  profession  in  Peoria  since  1897.  He  was  previously  a  gen- 
eral practitioner  in  Lacon,  Illinois,  for  nine  years.  His  work  has  brought  him  a 
measure  of  success  that  could  only  be  obtained  through  ability,  for  he  i-s  devoting 
his  life  to  a  profession  wherein  advancement  is  won  only  through  the  possession 
of  marked  skill  and  wide  knowledge.  He  was  born  in  Washburn,  Woodford 
county,  Illinois,  November  17,  1863.  and  is  a  son  of  Dr.  D.  Erastus  and  Minerva 
Jane  (Barnes)  Thomas.  The  Barnes  family  was  founded  in  ^Marshall  county, 
Illinois,  in  1832,  when  Captain  Robert  Barnes  removed  westward  from  Indian 
River,  Delaware.  With  one  exception  this  was  the  first  family  to  establish  a 
home  in  that  county.  Dr.  D.  Erastus  Thomas  was  a  native  of  Jacksonville, 
Indiana,  and  in  early  manhood  he  prepared  for  a  professional  career,  practicing 
medicine  from  1852  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1903.  Most  of  that  period 
was  spent  in  the  town  of  Lacon  although  in  1852  he  opened  an  office  at  Spring 
Bay,  Illinois,  where  he  practiced  in  connection  with  Dr.  Burns.  The  office,  how- 
ever, was  destroyed  by  fire  there  in  1853  and  he  then  removed  to  Washburn,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  remained  until  the  spring  of  18O4,  when  he  established  his  home  in 
Lacon.  His  life  was  a  most  serviceable  one,  proving  of  great  worth  in  the 
world,  and  his  death  was  the  occasion  of  deep  and  widespread  regret.  He  died 
very  suddenly  of  heart  disease  while  at  the  home  of  his  son,  R.  H.  Thomas,  in 
St.  Peterslnirg.  Florida,  wdiere  he  was  then  visiting.  His  wife  passed  away  six 
months   later,   dying  in   August  of  the   same  year. 

Dr.  Charles  D.  Thomas  spent  his  youthful  days  in  Lacon,  to  which  place 
his  parents  removed  when  he  was  but  three  months  old.  He  there  attended  the 
public  schools,  ])assing  through  consecutive  grades  until  the  final  year  in  the  high 
school.  On  putting  aside  his  text-books  he  began  work  in  his  father's  drug  store, 
where  he  remained  for  two  years,  but  feeling  the  need  of  further  educational 
opportunities  he  then  entered  Buchtel  College  of  Akron,  Ohio,  where  he  s])ent 
the  succeeding  two  years  in  study.  He  next  became  a  student  in  the  Ohio  State 
University  at  Columbus,  which  he  also  attended  two  years  in  the  mastery  of 
an  elective  course.  He  began  preparation  for  the  medical  profession  in  Rush 
Medical  College  of  Chicago  and  was  graduated  in  1888.  The  same  year  he  en- 
tered upon  active  practice  in  connection  with  his  father  at  Lacon.  where  he  con- 
tinued until  1892.  when  he  went  abroad  for  further  study,  spending  one  year  in 
\'ienna,  Austria,  where  he  gave  special  attention  to  diseases  of  the  eye,  ear,  nose 
and  throat.  He  thus  thoroughly  acquainted  himself  with  the  most  advanced  and 
scientific  methods  as  jjracticed  by  the  leading  specialists  of  the  old  world,  and 
with  a  comprehensive  knowledge  along  that  line  he  returned  to  Lacon.  In 
1896  he  again  went  to  F.uroj)e  and  spent  a  part  of  that  and  the  following  vear 
in  \'ienna.  jnirsuing  his  studies  and  investigations  in  the  general  hospital  of  that 
city  and  in  the  Polyclinic  at  \'ienna,  specializing  all  the  time  on  diseases  of  the  eye, 
ear,  nose  and  throat.  He  acted  as  second  assistant  in  the  hospital  under  Pro- 
fessor Adam  Politzer,  w^hose  practice  was  confined  to  diseases  of  the  ear  and  he 
also  became  second  assistant  to  Professor  Hajek,  who  concentrated  his  attention 
upon  diseases  of  the  nose  and  throat.  This  was  a  high  honor  conferred  upon 
an  .American  and  it  gave  him  special  advantages,  qualifying  him  in  notable  meas- 
ure for  the  work  to  which  he  now  devotes  his  time  and  energies. 


290  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  August,  iSy",  Dr.  Thomas  removed  to  Peoria,  where  he  has  since  prac- 
ticed, specializing  as  an  oculist  and  aurist.  He  is  now  serving  in  that  capacity 
on  the  staff  of  the  Proctor  Hospital  and  in  addition  he  has  a  very  extensive  private 
practice.  He  is  continually  adding  to  his  knowledge  through  reading  and  re- 
search and  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the  most  advanced  work  of  the  profession. 
He  is  now  oculist  and  aurist  for  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  Company  and  is  a 
member  of  the  National  Association  of  Pension  Examiners,  acting  as  expert 
examiner  for  this  district. 

Dr.  Thomas  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Cecilia  C.eraldine  Kendricken, 
of  Boston,  Massachusetts,  with  whom  he  became  acquainted  while  studying  in 
Vienna,  where  Mrs.  Thomas  was  then  studying  music.  Unto  them  were  born 
three  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living,  Paul  K.  and  Charles  D.,  Jr.  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  .Thomas  are  prominent  socially  in  the  city,  having  an  extensive  circle 
of  warm  friends.  The  Doctor  belongs  to  the  Phi  Delta  Theta,  a  college  fratermty, 
and  is  connected  with  the  leading  medical  societies,  belonging  to  the  Peoria  City 
Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  the  North  Central  Illinois 
Medical  Society,  the  American  Medical  Association,  the  Oto-Laryngological  As- 
sociation and  the  National  Association  of  Railway  Surgeons.  He  is  one  of  three 
members  on  the  board  of  censors  for  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society  and  he  is 
serving  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  the  Bradley  Polytechnic  Insti- 
tute at  Peoria.  He  is  interested  in  all  the  vital  and  prominent  questions  relating 
to  the  welfare  and  progress  of  his  city  and  the  country  at  large  and  yet  has  no 
time  for  active  participation  in  public  affairs,  owing  to  the  increasing  demands 
which  are  being  made  upon  his  professional  skill  and  ability.  His  broad  studv, 
his  natural  talent,  inherited  from  a  father  and  grandfather  who  were  physi- 
cians, and  his  acquired  ability  have  gained  him  a  preeminent  position  as  one  of 
the  foremost  oculists  and  aurists  of  the  state. 


HARRY  SCHENCK. 


Harry  Schenck.  who  is  well  known  in  the  business  world  in  Elmwood  from 
his  connection  with  the  banking  firm  of   Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lott,  was  born  in 
Peoria  county,  October  28,  1872.     His  parents  were  Henry  and  Susan   (Selby) 
Snyder    Schenck,   both   of   whom   were   natives   of    Butler   county,   Ohio.     The 
father  was  born  December  23,  1838,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  county. 
He  was  married  there  to  a  Miss  Kemp,  who  died  one  year  later.     Subsequently 
the  father  and    lames  Foster  came  to  Peoria  county,  driving  with  a  team  and 
wagon  from   Butler  countv,  Ohio.     They  located  in  Elmwood  township  and  m 
1864  ]\Ir.   Schenck  purchased  two   hundred  acres  of  land  there.     He  then  re- 
turned to  Ohio,  where  he  was  married  to  Susan  (  Selby )   Snyder,  who  was  then 
a  widow,  and  subsequently  they  resided  on  his  farm  in  Elmwood  township.    In 
1S88  he  purchased  an  interest  in  the  bank  of  Clinch  &  Lott  and  the  firm  name 
was  changed  to  Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lott,  and  he  held  this  interest  until  the  time 
of  his  death.     In   1004  he  retired  from  active  work  and  moved  to  Elmwood, 
where  he  resided  until  his  death,   in   1905.     In  his   family  were  two  children: 
Harry,  of  this  review  :  and  a  daughter,  who  is  now   Mrs.   Edna  E.   Cone,  of 

Harry  Schenck  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Elm- 
wood and  later  completed  a  course'  in  a  business  college.  In  1891  he  began 
working  in  the  bank  in  which  his  father  had  an  interest  and  in  1905.  at  the 
time  of  his  father's  death,  he  became  one  of  the  partners  in  the  firm  of  Clinch, 
Schenck  &  Lott. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  291 

On  the  7th  of  October,  1896,  Mr.  Schenck  was  united  in  marriage  with  .Miss 
Mary  C.  Welles,  who  was  born  in  Elmwood,  February  29,  1876,  a  daughter  of 
W.  T.  and  Laura  A.  Welles,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Peoria  county.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Schenck  have  become  the  parents  of  six  children:  Margery,  Richard, 
Earl,  William,  Dorothy  and  Ruth.  The  last  named  died  at  the  age  of  three 
years.  In  politics  Mr.  Schenck  is  a  democrat  and,  being  interested  in  local 
party  issues,  he  has  filled  the  office  of  city  treasurer.  He  also  gives  much  time 
to  the  cause  of  education  and  has  served  as  school  treasurer.  Fraternallv  he 
is  identified  with  the  Indcjiendent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  He  is  very  fond  of  hunting  and  fishing,  revelling  in  these  sports  several 
times  a  year,  and  is  noted  for  his  skill  along  these  lines.  He  is  a  shrewd, 
conscientious  business  man  and  has  many  friends  in  the  business  world ;  also 
he  is  popular  socially  in  the  city  where  his  entire  life  has  been  passed  and 
where  many  of  his  stanchest  friends  are  those  who  have  known  him  from 
boyhood. 


ELBERT  H.  ZARLEY. 


Elbert  H.  Zarley  is  the  president  of  the  lirown  Printing  Company,  which  has 
its  plant  at  Xo.  201  South  Washington  street.  His  identification  with  this  en- 
terjirise  covers  about  sixteen  years.  He  was  but  a  boy  when  he  entered  the 
employ  of  the  company  and  in  the  intervening  period  to  the  present  time  he  has 
gradually  worked  his  way  upward,  his  ability  and  energy  winning  him  advance- 
ment until  he  is  now  the  chief  executive  officer  in  one  of  the  leading  business 
concerns  of  the  city.  He  came  to  Peoria  when  a  youth,  his  birth  having  oc- 
curred in  Oakland.  Coles  county,  Illinois.  October  zj,  1876,  his  father  being 
.\bram  Zarley.  He  spent  his  boyhood  in  his  native  town  and  at  the  usual  age 
entered  the  public  schools,  passing  through  consecutive  grades  until  he  became 
a  high-school  pupil.  When  he  put  aside  his  text-books  he  began  learning  the 
printing  business,  with,  which  he  is  acquainted  in  all  of  its  branches.  He  has 
been  a  resident  of  Peoria  for  about  seventeen  years  and  with  the  exception  of 
one  year  the  entire  period  has  been  spent  in  connection  with  the  P>rown  Print- 
ing Company,  which  is  the  successor  of  the  Brown-Williams  Printing  Company 
that  took  over  the  business  of  Frank  Brown,  who  opened  a  jirinting  establish- 
ment on  South  Adams  street  about  1890.  Mr.  Zarley  had  not  been  long  in  the 
employ  of  the  company  before  he  proved  his  worth  and  capability  and  his  in- 
dustry, energy  and  fidelity  won  him  promotion  from  lime  to  time.  Eventually 
he  was  elected  one  of  the  officers  of  the  company  and  for  five  years  served  as 
its  secretary.  In  June,  191 1,  upon  the  reorganization  of  the  business,  he  was 
chosen  to  the  presidency  and  is,  therefore,  bending  his  energies  to  administrative 
direction  and  executive  control.  The  company  conducts  a  general  printing  and 
embossing  business  and  employs  about  thirty  people.  They  turn  out  work  of 
the  highest  excqllence  and  of  the  most  artistic  design,  embracing  all  that  is 
best  in  the  "art  i)reservative  of  arts."  Their  patronage  is  now  extensive,  for 
the  excellent  work  done  commends  them  to  the  public.  They  make  a  specialty 
of  color  printing  and  in  addition  they  manufacture  blank  books,  rubber  stamps, 
seals  and  stencils  in  addition  to  conducting  a  general  printing  and  bookbinding 
business.  Their  plant  is  thoroughly  equipped  in  every  department  and  in  the 
excellence  of  their  work  is  found  the  secret  of  their  success. 

In  Peoria,  in  1900,  Mr.  Zarley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Xettie  Brown, 
of  this  city,  and  they  now  have  one  .son.  Brown  Zarlev.  Mr.  Zarley  is  well 
known  as  a  prominent  Mason,  having  attained  the  thirtv-second  degree  of  the 
Scottish  Rite  in  the  consistory.  He  has  also  crossed  the  sands  of  the  desert 
with  the  Xobles  of  the  ]\fystic  Shrine  and  he  holds  membership  with  the  Knights 


292  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  Pythias.  In  his  life  he  exempHfies  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft,  which  in- 
culcates and  develops  all  that  is  best  in  manhood  and  in  citizenship.  In  his 
business  career  his  steady  progress  has  followed  the  manifestation  of  his  aljility, 
which  has  been  developed  through  close  application,  perseverance  and  unremit- 
ting energy.  His  course  proves,  too,  that  success  and  an  honored  name  may  be 
won  simultaneously  and  that  the  rewards  of  persistent  and  intelligently  directed 
labor  are  sure  and  certain. 


GEORGE  \V.  HA:\IMERBACHER. 

George  W.  Hammerbacher,  a  resident  of  Oak  Hill,  who  is  successfully  en- 
gaged in  the  carpentering  business,  was  born  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio.  August 
lo,  1850.  His  parents  were  Ludwig  and  Mary  E.  Hammerbacher.  who  came 
from  Germany  in  1847  and  located  in  Ohio.  In  1854  they  removed  to  Illinois, 
settling  in  Ro'setield  township,  where  they  passed  the  remainder  of  their  days. 
In  their  family  were  six  children,  of  whom  George  W.  was  the  third  in  order 
of  birth. 

George  W.  Hammerbacher  was  reared  and  educated  in  Rosefield  township 
and  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.  He 
then  began  working  as  a  farm  hand,  an  employment  which  he  followed  for  six 
years.  In  1874  he  took  up  the  trade  of  carpentry  and  has  since  worked  at  it 
continuously.  He  has  been  very  successful  in  his  work  and  he  now  owns  the 
old  homestead  of  seventv-seven  acres,  which  is  situated  one  mile  north  of  Oak 
Hill. 

On  the  18th  of  February,  1870.  Mr.  Hammerbacher  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Margaret  E.  Dawson,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ronemus  Dawson. 
In  politics  Mr.  Hammerbacher  gives  his  support  to  the  republican  party  and  so- 
cially he  is  identified  with  Horeb  Lodge,  No.  363,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  at  Elmwood. 
He  is  a  stanch  supporter  of  the  interests  of  education  and  has  been  a  school 
director  for  eighteen  years  and  is  now  serving  as  school  treasurer.  He  is  well 
known  throughout  his  community  and  in  all  matters  relating  to  the  welfare  of 
the  township"  he  is  public-spirited  and  his  cooperation  can  be  counted  upon 
to  further  all  public  progress. 


LESLIE  RUTHERFORD,  ^I.  D. 

In  eleven  vears  of  active  practice  since  his  graduation  from  Rush  Medical 
College.  Dr.  Leslie  Rutherford  has  made  continuous  progress,  experience  and 
further  reading  adding  to  his  skill  and  ability.  He  has  been  abroad  for  further 
study  and  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the  most  advanced  methods  of  eminent  phy- 
sicians not  onlv  of  this  country  but  of  the  old  world.  Peoria  is  his  native  city 
and  his  natal  day  was  December  27,  1879.  He  comes  of  Scotch  ancestry,  his 
grandfather  being  William  Rutherford,  a  native  of  Scotland,  who  after  sailing 
from  the  old  world  to  the  new,  made  his  way  into  the  interior  of  the  country, 
settling  in  Tennessee  in  1849.  Soon  afterward,  however,  he  came  to  Peoria, 
thus  founding  the  family  in  this  city.  His  son,  R.  William  Rutherford,  the 
father  of  Dr.  Rutherford,  became  a  prominent  coal  merchant  here  and  for 
many  years  occupied  a  leading  position  in  commercial  circles,  so  that  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1901,  was  the  occasion  of  deep  and  widespread  regret.  His 
wife  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Isabella  Grieves. 

Dr.  Rutherford  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  public  schools,  mas- 
terino-  the  branches  of  learning  in  successive  grades  until  graduated   from  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  293 

hig-h  school  with  the  class  of  iSg".  A  professional  career  appeared  to  him  most 
attractive,  and  thinkinj,'  to  find  the  practice  of  medicine  congenial  and  hojiing 
to  rind  it  profitable,  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College  of  Chicago  in  preparation 
for  his  chosen  life  work.  He  pursued  the  regular  four  years'  course  and  was 
graduated  in  Kpi.  being  chosen  president  of  his  class  by  his  fellow  students 
and  being  awarded  the  Benjamin  Rush  medal  by  the  college.  His  high  standing 
secured  him  the  position  of  interne  in  the  Presbyterian  Hospital  of  that  city, 
where  he  remained  for  a  year.  The  years  1903  to  1905  he  devoted  to  post-grad- 
uate work  in  Chicago.  He  then  returned  to  Peoria  to  take  up  his  permanent 
abode  and  in  the  intervening  years  has  concentrated  his  energies  upon  his  chosen 
life  work.  He  practiced  here  until  1908,  when  he  went  abroad,  spending  a  part 
of  that  and  the  succeeding  year  in  the  General  Hospital  at  \'ienna  and  also 
doing  considerable  work  in  a  hospital  in  Berlin.  He  makes  a  specialty  of  in- 
ternal medicine  and  is  serving  on  the  staff  of  Proctor  Hospital.  He  belongs  to 
the  I'eoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the 
American  Medical  Association. 

In  1904.  Dr.  Rutherford  married  Miss  Margaret  Tallman.  of  Berkeley,  Cali- 
fornia, and  they  now  have  one  child.  Margaret.  Dr.  Rutherford  is  well  known 
in  the  city  where  his  entire  life  has  been  passed  save  for  brief  periods  when  he 
has  absented  himself  for  the  purposes  of  study.  Many  of  his  warmest  friends 
are  those  who  have  known  him  from  his  boyhood  to  the  present  and  this  fact  is 
indicative  of  an  honorable  and  well  spent  life. 


CHARLES  H.  BROBST,  M.  D. 

This  is  an  age  of  specialization.     Scientific  knowledge  has  become  so  broad 
and  so  complex  that  a  single  individual  cannot  master   fully  every  department 
of  any  single  science,  and  therefore  with  a  knowledge  of  the  broad  fundamental 
principles  men  have  concentrates^  their  efforts  and  their  energies  along  a  single 
line   and    have    thereby    attained    a   proficiency   which   otherwise   could   not   be 
secured.     Following  the  natural  trend  of  the  age,   Dr.   Charles  H.   Brobst  has 
concentrated  his  attention  upon  the  diseases  of  the  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat,  and 
is  accorded  a  liberal  patronage  which  enables  him  to  maintain  well  appointed 
offices  in  the  Observatory  building.     He  has  followed  his  profession  in   Peoria 
since   November,    1893.     He  comes   from  one  of   the  chief  centers  of   medical 
learning,  being  a  native  of   Philadelphia.   Pennsylvania,   his  birth   having  there 
occurred  in  1864.     While  spending  his  boyhood  days  in  the  home  of  his  father, 
Jonas  L.  Brobst,  he  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Philadelphia,  being 
graduated  from  the  latter  with  the  class  of  1881.     He  studied  medicine  in  the 
college  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  Baltimore  and  at  Johns  Hopkins  Univer- 
sity of  the  same  city.     From  the   former  he  was  graduated   with   the  class  of 
1887  and  he  then  pursued  special  studies  in  the  latter.     In  1888  he  was  gradu- 
ated   from   the   Medico-Chirurgical   College   of    Philadelphia   and   thus   he   came 
under  the  teaching  of  some  of  the  most  eminent  physicians  and  surgeons  of  the 
country   in   the   different  centers  of   medical   learning.      He   afterward   went  to 
New  York  City,  where  he  studied  for  a  year  and  acted  as  interne  at  the  Post- 
Graduate  School.     His  experience  there  greatly  augmented  his  skill  but  still  not 
content  with  the  advantages  he  had  already   received  and  striving  to  attain  as 
high  a  degree  of  perfection  as  possible,  he  went  in  1890  to  \'ienna.  s])ending  two 
years  at  the  General  Hospital  as  a  student  in  that  branch  of  practice,  which  has 
to  do  with  diseases  of  the  eye.  ear,  nose  and  throat.     He  also  passed  a  year 
at  Moorefield's  Hospital  in  London  and  at  the  Golden  .Square  Nose  and  Throat 
Hospital  of  the  same  city.     Splendid  equipment  qualified  him  for  his  specialty 
and  upon  his  return  to  the  United  States  he  opened  an  office  in  Peoria,  where  he 


294  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

has  since  been  located.  He  soon  demonstrated  his  abiUty  in  practice  and  tlie  vol- 
ume of  his  business  has  steadily  grown  until  it  has  now  reached  extensive  pro- 
portions. In  addition  to  a  large  private  practice  he  is  serving  as  president  on  the 
staff  of  Proctor  Hospital  and  has  become  well  known  as  an  educator,  being 
the  lecturer  on  physiological  optics  at  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute  of  this  city. 
Pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life,  Dr.  Brobst  was  married  in  1894  to  Miss 
Marian  K.  Kuntz,  of  Peoria,  and  they  have  two  children,  Dorothy  and  Charles. 
They  are  widely  and  favorably  known  and  theirs  is  a  hospitable  home,  always  open 
for  the  reception  of  their  many  friends.  Dr.  Brobst  is  a  Mason  of  high  standing. 
He  has  taken  all  of  the  degrees  of  the  York  and  Scottish  Rites,  being  a  Knight 
Templar  and  a  thirty-second  degree  consistory  Mason,  as  well  as  a  member  of 
the  Mystic  Shrine.  His  social  prominence  is  indicated  in  his  admission  to  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  his  many  activities  and  in- 
terests are  wide  and  varied,  keeping  him  in  touch  with  the  world's  progress 
along  many  lines,  he  yet  concentrates  his  energies  upon  his  professional  duties, 
realizing  fully  the  responsibilities  that  devolve  upon  him  in  this  connection. 
He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Aledical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  So- 
ciety, the  American  Medical  Association  and  the  American  Academy  of  Oph- 
thalmology and  Oto-Laryngology,  and  seeks  always  that  perfection  which  is 
the  legitimate  aim  of  every  earnest,  conscientious  physician. 


GEORGE  FRANCIS  EMERSON. 

Prominent  among  the  energetic,  enterprising  and  successful  business  men  of 
Peoria  is  George  Francis  Emerson,  of  the  firm  of  Cummings  &  Emerson,  whole- 
sale dealers  in  heavy  hardware.  His  career  is  another  illustration  of  the  fact 
that  the  road  to  usefulness  and  prosperity  is  open  to  any  who  wish  to  pursue  it. 
He  early  learned  the  lesson  that  industry  is  the  basis  of  all  honorable  success 
and  that  perseverance  will  often  overcome  seemingly  insurmountable  obstacles. 
He  was  born  in  ^ilorton,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  April  4,  1S47,  h'*  parents 
being  Enoch  G.  and  Harriet  P.  (Waters)  Emerson,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
tives of  New  England.  The  father's  birth  occurred  in  Rochester,  Vermont, 
April  19,  181 2, "and  the  mother  was  born  in  Lebanon,  New  Hampshire,  Octo- 
ber 22,  1815.  They  came  to  Sangamon  county.  Illinois,  in  1834.  in  company 
with  a  colony  that  expected  to  locate  there  but  being  disappointed  in  securing 
a  satisfactory  location  as  to  lands  they  removed  to  Tazewell  county  and  be- 
came pioneers  of  that  section.  This  was  only  two  years  after  the  Black  Hawk 
war  occurred  and  on  every  hand  were  seen  evidences  of  frontier  life,  with  all 
its  attendant  hardships,  difficulties  and  disadvantages.  However,  it  is  a  well 
known  fact  that  in  the  face  of  opposition  the  best  and  strongest  in  men  is 
brought  out  and  developed  and  Mr.  Emerson  proved  himself  equal  to  the  ardu- 
ous task  of  cultivating  a  new  farm  on  the  frontier.  He  remained  in  Tazewell 
county  until  March,  1865,  when  he  brought  his  family  to  Peoria. 

George  Francis  Emerson  was  then  about  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  had 
been  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Tazewell  county  and  early  became  fami- 
liar with  the  arduous  task  of  developing  a  new  farm.  Following  the  removal 
of  the  family  to  this  city  he  pursued  a  course  of  study  in  the  Worthington. 
\\'arner  &  Coles  Commercial  College,  and  in  the  following  fall  entered  actively 
in  business  life  as  assistant  bookkeeper  for  D.  C.  Farrell.  In  1866  and  1867 
he  was  bookkeeper  for  the  firm  of  C.  L.  Bobb  &  Company  and  on  the  15th  of 
Tune.  1868.  he  accepted  the  position  of  bookkeeper  with  Cummings  &  Stone, 
wholesale  dealers  in  heavy  hardware.  This  was  his  initial  step  in  connection 
with  the  business  that  has  since  claimed  his  time  and  attention.  At  length  Mr. 
Stone  sold  out  his  interest  in  the  establishment  to  his  partner,  Mr.  Cummings, 


GEORGE  F.  EMERSON 


> 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  297 

who  conducted  ihc  business  alone  for  the  next  two  years.  On  the  1st  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1872.  he  athnitted  .Mr.  Emerson  to  a  partnership  under  the  firm  style  of 
Cumniings  &  F^nierson.  and  since  Mr.  Cummings'  death  on  the  J5th  of  January, 
1878,  the  business  has  been  under  the  sole  management  of  Mr.  Emerson.  In 
the  meantime  the  interest  of  Air.  Cummings  remained  under  the  control  of  his 
widow  until  1896,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  her  heirs.  Early  in  March, 
1897,  the  business  was  incorporated  under  the  original  firm  name  of  Cummings 
&  Emerson,  with  Mr.  Emerson  as  president  and  manager.  The  trade  of  the 
house  has  grown  steadily  since  the  establishment  of  the  business  in  1867.  They 
carry  a  most  complete  and  extensive  line  of  heavy  hardware  and  this  is  widely 
known  as  one  of  the  most  progressive  houses  in  their  branch  of  the  trade.  Im- 
provement and  advancement  have  been  Mr.  Emerson's  watchwords  and  he  has 
never  lost  sight  of  the  fact  that  each  year  should  record  a  growth  in  the  busi- 
ness. His  has  been  an  expensive  policy,  yet  tempered  by  safe  conservatism,  and 
he  has  always  kept  in  close  touch  with  the  various  phases  of  the  trade,  so  that 
he  has  l^een  enabled  to  purchase  judiciously  from  manufacturers  and  thereby 
gain  a  good  profit  on  his  sales  without  asking  exorbitant  prices.  In  addition 
to  his  other  interests,  Mr.  Emerson  is  a  director  in  the  First  National  Bank  and 
is  thus  widely  and   favorably  known  in  financial  circles. 

On  the  17th  of  November,  1871,  Mr.  Emerson  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Harriet  C.  W'oodrutT,  a  daughter  of  Nelson  and  Mary  A.  Woodruff,  of 
Peoria.  They  became  the  parents  of  four  children,  of  whom  Ada,  the  eldest, 
died  in  infancy,  and  George  W.  died  at  the  age  of  five  and  a  half  years.  The 
surviving  children  are  Frank  Nelson  and  Grace  W.  E.,  the  latter  of  w-hom  is  a 
graduate  of  LaSalle  Seminary,  Bostoii.  Frank  Nelson  Emerson  was  graduated 
frnm  I'rinceton  University  of  New  Jersey,  and  also  the  Institute  of  Technology, 
at   Boston,  and  is  now  a  successful  practicing  architect  in  this  city. 

Mr.  Emerson  lielongs  to  the  Presbyterian  church  but  is  a  broad-minded  man, 
whose  Christianity  is  above  creed  and  dogma.  His  political  faith  is  that  of  the 
republican  party  and  while  never  an  office  seeker  his  cooperation  has  ever  been 
counted  upon  for  the  benefit  and  welfare  of  the  community  in  the  long  period 
in  which  he  has  made  his  home  in  Peoria.  He  started  in  business  life  without 
any  special  advantages  but  he  early  realized  that  "there  is  no  excellence  without 
labor."  and  also  that  "there  is  no  royal  road  to  wealth."  He  was  willing  to 
earn  iiis  success  and  he  has  used  every  honorable  means  for  its  attainment. 


CHESTER  F.  BARNETT. 

Chester  F.  Barnett,  police  magistrate  and  attorney  at  law,  has  come  to  his 
present  position  solely  through  his  own  merit.  He  is  one  of  the  younger  mem- 
bers of  the  Peoria  bar,  whose  earnest  labor  and  ability  have  won  recognition  and 
secured  his  continuous  advancement.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Dewitt 
county,  Illinois,  August  4,  1878,  his  parents  being  John  W.  and  Mary  Ellen 
(Cheek)  IJarnett.  The  father  is  a  farmer,  who  has  devoted  his  entire  life  to 
agricultural  pursuits,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  are  still  living  on  the  old  home- 
stead farm  in  Dewitt  county.  The  Barnetts  were  early  settlers  there  and  the 
family  has  been  represented  in  America  since  colonial  days.  Prior  to  the  Revo- 
lutionary war,  the  ancestors  of  our  subject  lived  in  \irginia  and  about  1780 
went  to  Kentucky.  Sixty  years  later,  or  about  1840,  a  removal  was  made  from 
that  state  to  Illinois.  Alexander  Barnett,  great-gfeat-great-grandfather  of  our 
subject,  served  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  was  a  pioneer  and  prominent  i)hv- 
sician  in  Bourbon  county,  Kentucky.  Robert  Barnett,  the  great-grandfather, 
came   from  Kentucky   with  his  family  and  in  that  state   Benjamin   Barnett.  the 


298  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

grandfather,  was  also  born.  The  Cheek  family  lived  in  Pennsylvania  and  was 
also  founded  in  Illinois  in  pioneer  times. 

It  was  upon  the  old  home  farm  that  Chester  F.  Barnett  was  reared  and  the 
work  of  tilling  the  soil  early  became  familiar  to  him.  When  not  occupied  with 
the  duties  of  the  schoolroom,  he  worked  in  the  fields  and  early  became  familiar 
with  the  best  methods  of  plowing,  planting  and  harvesting.  He  supplemented 
his  early  educational  advantages  by  study  in  Kenney  high  school  and  afterward 
pursued  a  business  course  in  Eureka  (Illinois)  College,  where  he  took  up  the 
study  of  shorthand  in  connection  with  the  regular  business  course.  For  a  num- 
ber of  years  he  worked  as  a  stenographer  but  in  that  time  became  imbued  with 
a  desire  to  make  the  practice  of  law  his  life  work,  and  with  that  end  in  view 
he  entered  the  Illinois  College  of  Law,  at  Chicago,  in  1902,  for  a  three  years' 
course,  which  he  completed  by  graduation  with  the  class  of  1905.  He  then 
came  to  Peoria  in  January,  1906,  and  has  practiced  continuously  in  this  city. 
He  soon  demonstrated  his  ability  in  the  successful  conduct  of  the  cases  en- 
trusted to  his  care  and  in  the  spring  of  191 1  there  came  to  him  a  public  ex- 
pression of  confidence  on  the  part  of  his  fellow  townsmen  in  his  election  to  the 
office  of  police  magistrate  on  the  democratic  ticket.  He  succeeded  Frank  Fox 
and  was  the  only  democrat  elected  on  the  democratic  city  ticket,  a  fact  which 
is  indicative  of  his  personal  popularity  and  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  and  in 
his  professional  power. 

In  1900  Mr.  Barnett  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Bessie  Whicher,  of 
Chicago,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  sons,  Franklin  Xewell  and  Robert 
Vernon.  Mr.  Barnett  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  exemplifies 
in  his  life  the  basic  elements  upon  which  the  craft  rests.  By  nature  he  is  social 
and  genial  and  he  has  many  attractive  social  qualities  which  have  won  him  a 
circle  of  warm  friends. 


DAVID  FORNEY. 


The  years  which  have  brought  David  F"orney  to  his  present  enviable  position 
as  a  financier  and  land  owner  have  been  characterized  by  continuous  progress 
that  has  resulted  from  his  close  application  and  keen  business  discernment.  He 
has  never  sought  to  figure  prominently  in  any  public  life  outside  his  strict  path 
of  business,  for  therein  he  has  found  ample  opportunity  to  utilize  his  ambition 
and  his  energy — his  dominant  qualities.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  the  city  of 
Peoria  for  only  a  brief  period,  but  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  the  county 
and  for  years  was  one  of  the  foremost  representatives  of  agricultural  life  in 
eastern  Illinois.  The  name  of  Forney  has  been  associated  with  development  and 
progress  in  Peoria  since  pioneer  times.  David  Forney  was  born  upon  a  farm 
in  Kickapoo  township  on  the  12th  of  February,  1854.  His  parents,  J.  Y.  and 
Catherine  (Feeser)  Forney,  were  married  in  Pennsylvania  in  May,  1852,  and 
immediately  afterward  removed  westward,  settling  in  Peoria  county,  the  father 
purchasing' a  tract  of  land  which  he  converted  into  a  rich  and  productive  farm, 
making  his  home  thereon  for  almost  a  half  century,  or  until  the  time  of  his 
death  which  occurred  January  25,  1900.  He  added  to  his  original  holdings 
until  he  was  the  owner  of  a  very  fine  farm  in  Kickapoo  township  and  also  had 
an  extensive  tract  of  land  in  Radner  township.  Besides  these  he  owned  ftiree 
valuable  farms  in  Woodford  county.  Illinois,  and  a  large  farming  property  in 
Kansas.  He  regarded  real  estate  as  the  safest  of  all  invesments,  and  as  the 
years  passed  on  and  his  financial  resources  increased  he  dealt  extensively  m 
land.  His  business  efforts  were  always  carefully  and  systematically  managed, 
and  his  integrity  was  never  a  matter  of  question.  He  was  survived  for  nearly 
six  years  by  his  wife  who  passed  away  November  9,  1905. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  299 

The  old  homestead  farm  in  Kickapoo  township  was  Iwth  a  jilayground  and 
training  school  for  David  Forney  in  his  l)oyhood  and  youth.  He  still  owns  a  part 
of  that  property  and  resided  thereon  until  January,  1908.  He  has,  however,  sold 
a  portion  of  the  original  tract  owned  by  his  father  hut  still  has  one  hundred 
and  thirty-six  acres  in  Kickapoo  township,  together  with  a  farm  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  in  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  near  Minonk.  He  rents  both  of 
these  properties,  deriving  a  good  income  therefrom.  While  living  on  the  old 
homestead  he  carried  on  general  farming  and  brought  his  fields  under  a  high 
state  of  cultivation  in  the  raising  of  cereals  best  adapted  to  the  soil  and  climate. 
He  also  dealt  largely  in  fine  stock  and  did  not  a  little  to  improve  the  grade  of 
cattle  raised  in  this  section.  In  his  boyhood  days  Mr.  Fornev  attendedthe  dis- 
trict schools  and  for  two  years  was  a  student  in  the  high  school  at  Elmwood, 
after  which  he  finished  his  course  in  the  Peoria  County  Normal.  He  engaged 
in  teaching  for  three  years  in  Rosefield,  Kickapoo  and  Radner  townships,  spend- 
ing one  year  in  each,  and  displayed  considerable  ability  in  imparting  clearly  and 
readily  to  others  the  knowledge  he  had  acquired,  but  farming  was  his  real  life 
work  up  to  the  time  he  retired  from  the  old  homestead  and  established  his 
residence  in  Peoria.  Here  he  figured  prominently  in  financial  circles,  being  the 
vice  president  of  the  State  Trust  t^  Savings  Bank.  He  was  one  of  the  incorpo- 
rators of  this  institution,  and  he  and  the  president,  E.  A.  Strause,  are  now  the 
only  members  of  the  original  board  of  directors.  He  has  served  on  the  examin- 
ing committee  of  the  bank  for  years,  and  in  his  present  position  has  voice  in  its 
management  and  contributes  in  no  small  measure  to  its  successful  conduct.  He 
is  also  largely  interested  in  stocks,  having  made  heavy  investments  in  com- 
mercial paper  of  that  character,  and  he  also  has  much  money  loaned  out  but 
regards  investments  in  land  as  su])erior  to  all  others. 

On  the  14th  of  December,  1882,  Mr.  Forney  was  married  to  Miss  Annie 
Karnaghan  of  Hanna  City,  Illinois.  They  are  the  parents  of  one  child,  Everett 
E.  The  family  residence  is  at  506  North  Monroe  street,  and  is  one  of  the  attract- 
ive homes  of  the  city.  Hospitality  there  reigns  supreme,  and  good  cheer  is  ex- 
tended to  all  their  many  friends.  Mr.  Forney  has  never  regarded  the  word 
"citizenship"  as  an  idle  term.  It  represents  to  him  obligations  and  duties  as  well 
as  privileges,  and  he  has  utilized  every  means  at  hand  to  further  the  welfare  and 
promote  the  progress  and  upbuilding  of  his  county.  His  political  allegiance  has 
always  been  given  the  republican  party  and  he  has  served  as  road  commissioner 
of  Kickapoo  township,  and  for  one  term  was  supervisor,  being  elected  by  a 
majority  of  seventy-nine  in  a  vote  of  three  hundred  and  twenty-five  that  was 
cast  in  the  democratic  township.  This  fact  alone  indicates  his  personal  popular- 
ity and  the  high  regard  entertained  for  him  by  his  neighbors  and  friends.  Mr. 
Forney  has,  in  a  manner,  lived  a  quiet  life.  There  have  been  none  of  the 
spectacular  features  which  are  to  be  found  in  connection  with  high  political  or 
military  ofifice,  but  day  by  day  he  has  faithfully  performed  the  duties  nearest 
at  hand,  and  in  so  doing  has  commanded  the  respect  and  good-will  of  his  fcllow- 
men.  Moreover,  in  all  his  business  transactions  he  has  been  found  thoroughly 
reliable  as  well  as  enterprising,  and  the  success  which  is  his  has  come  to  him  as 
the  legitimate  and  well  merited  reward  of  earnest  labor  and  keen  business  sagacity. 


ROBERT  A.  HANNA,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Robert  A.  Hanna,  a  representative  of  the  medical  profession  in  Peoria 
since  1894,  has  devoted  himself  exclusively  to  surgerv  since  1908  and  has  gained 
a  position  of  distinction  in  that  field  of  practice.  He  was  born  here  fuly  20,  1868. 
a  son  of  Robert  S.  and  Charlotte  ( Roberts )  Hanna.  both  of  whom  are  still  liv- 
ing in  this  city.     His  maternal  grandfather  came  to  Illinois  in  1835,  removing 


300  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

from  Ohio  to  this  state  just  three  years  after  the  Black  Hawk  war  occurred,  when 
all  eastern -Illinois  was  largely  an  undeveloped  and  unimproved  region.  He  set- 
tled in  Tazewell  county,  just  across  the  river  from  Peoria,  which,  however,  at 
that  time,  was  a  mere  hamlet  and  gave  no  indication  of  the  prominence  to 
which  it  was  to  attain  as  a  commercial  and  industrial  center. 

Dr.  Hanna  was  reared  in  this  city  and  his  youth  was  passed  as  that  of  most 
boys,  the  public  schools  affording  him  his  educational  privileges.  He  passed 
from'  one  grade  to  another  until  he  became  a  high-school  student,  and  when  he 
left  school  he  entered  business  life,  securing  a  position  in  a  wholesale  paper 
house,  in  which  he  was  employed  for  four  years.  Thinking  to  find  a  professional 
career  more  congenial  than  commercial  pursuits  he  then  entered  upon  the  study 
of  medicine  and  was  graduated  from  the  Keokuk  Medical  College,  at  Keokuk, 
Iowa,  with  the  class  of  1894.  Immediately  afterward  he  returned  to  this  city 
and  opened  an  office.  His  record  stands  in  contradistinction  to  the  old  adage 
that  a  prophet  is  never  without  honor  save  in  his  own  country,  for  in  the  city 
of  his  birth  Dr.  Hanna  has  made  continuous  progress  and  is  today  regarded  as 
one  of  the  eminent  members  of  the  profession  in  eastern  Illinois,  especially  in 
the  field  of  surgery,  to  which  he  has  confined  his  attention  exclusively  since 
1908.  Up  to  that  time  he  continued  in  general  practice  but  his  work  was  becom- 
ing more  and  more  largely  that  of  surgery  and  he  felt  the  keenest  interest  in 
that  branch  of  the  pro'fession.  His  reading  and  study  were  largely  directed 
along  that  line  and  his  experience  constantly  added  to  his  ability.  His  work 
embodies  the  mOst  modern  and  scientific  principles  ind  methods  and  he  has 
proven  his  power  in  many  notable  instances.  He  served  for  three  years  as  county 
physician,  from  1899  until  1901.  inclusive.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Medi- 
cal Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Aledical  Asso- 
ciation and  has  served  as  president  of  the  first  named.  He  holds  to  high  stand- 
ards of  professional  service  and  is  interested  in  anything  that  tends  to  bring  to 
man  the  key  to  that  complex  mystery  which  we  call  life.  His  reading  has  been 
broad,  his  research  deep  and  his  wide  knowledge  makes  his  opinions  authority 
upon  many  questions  relative  to  the  profession. 

Dr.  Hanna  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  Coleman,  of  this  city,  and 
they  have  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends  here.  Fraternally  he  is  a  Mason  and 
socially  is  connected  with  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  His  friends,  and  they  are 
manv,  find  him  a  social,  genial  gentleman  of  broad  and  liberal  culture. 


WALTER  HERMANN  KIRK. 

Walter  Hermann  Kirk,  attorney  and  counselor,  was  born  December  5,  1870, 
in  Baxter  Springs,  Cherokee  county,  Kansas,  the  son  of  John  E.  and  Laura  J. 
(Sevier)  Kirk.  His  father.  John  E.  Kirk  was  born  in  Richmond,  Ray  county, 
Missouri,  March  4.  1850,  and  was  the  son  of  James  F.  Kirk,  a  native  Ten- 
nesseean.  His  mother  was  born  in  Sullivan  county,  December  3,  1852.  He  was 
engaged  in  the  cattle  and  grain  business  for  a  number  of  years,  his  home  having 
been  in  the  northern  part  of  ]\Iissouri,  near  Kirksville,  which  city  was  named 
after  relatives,  who  moved  from  \'irginia  and  Tennessee  at  a  very  early  Period 
in  the  settling  of  the  state  of  Missouri.  After  a  few  years  in  Kansas.  Mr. 
Kirk  returned  to  Missouri  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  later  went  to 
California,  residing  at  San  Jose  and  Colusa.  From  there  he  returned  to  AIis- 
souri  about  1876,  and  shortly  after  acquired  by  purchase  a  patent  hay-stackmg 
device  from  Tames  R.  Hill,  which  he  perfected,  manufactured  and  sold.  His 
headquarters  "were  at  Salisbury,  Missouri,  but  this  town  did  not  furnish  the 
facilities  for  a  large  manufacturing  business,  and  in  looking  for  a  location  he 
came  to   Peoria  in  August,    1881.     Shortly  afterward  :Mr.   Kirk  organized  the 


WALTER   H.  KIRK 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  305 

Acme  Hay  Harvester  Compan\-  and  was  president  and  general  manager  until 
his  health  failed  in  1890.  At  that  time  he  disposed  of  his  interests  and  was 
not  actively  engaged  in  business  at  the  time  of  his  death,  excepting  the  care  of 
extensive  land  interests  in  California,  where  he  died  in  IMarch,  1898.  The  in- 
terment was  in  the  family  lot  in  Springdale  cemetery,  Peoria. 

Walter  H.  Kirk  was  graduated  from  the  Peoria  grade  and  Peoria  high 
schools,  and  in  June,  1894,  with  the  degree  LL.  B.  from  the  University  of 
Michigan.  He  returned  to  Peoria  for  the  practice  of  law  and  has  remained 
here  since  that  time.  i\Ir.  Kirk  was  assistant  supervisor  in  1901-3  and  city 
attorney,  1903-5.  He  has  never  held  any  other  office,  but  is  prominent  in  re- 
publican politics,  and  became  widely  known  as  a  candidate  for  state  senator  in 
1908.  He  is  now  associated  in  the  practice  of  law  with  George  A.  Shurtleff, 
the  firm  name  being  Kirk  &  Shurtlefif. 

Mr.  Kirk  was  united  in  marriage  with  ]\Iiss  Pearl  ^Matthews,  daughter  of 
Newton  Matthews,  November  12,  1895.  They  have  a  daughter,  Evangeline, 
born  November  12,  1897.  Their  home,  'A'alley  \'iew"  on  the  Grand  \''iew 
Drive,  overlooks  the  Illinois  river  valley  at  Peoria  Heights.  Mr.  Kirk  is  a 
member  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  of  Peoria ;  the  Country  Clul).  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club  and  all  the  masonic  orders  leading  up  to  and  including  the 
Knights  Templar  and  the  Mystic  Shrine. 


JOHN  HILLIS  DE  WEIN. 

It  rarely  falls  to  the  lot  of  a  man,  even  in  these  days  of  hustle  and  initiative, 
to  start  in  a  city  the  size  of  Peoria  a  business  of  an  entirely  new  character.  Men 
in  this  city  have  rung  changes  upon  old  established  businesses,  have  torn  down, 
built  up,  and  improved,  have  branched  out  in  new  departments  and  large  ad- 
ditions, but  it  was  the  part  of  the  young  man  who  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
John  Hillis  De  Wein,  to  bring  something  new  into  the  business  world  of  this 
city.  Mr.  De  Wein's  business  is  the  selling  of  rebuilt  typewriters.  He  makes 
a  specialty  of  this.  He  has  no  new  typewriters  in  his  shop.  The  rewards  which 
are  the  natural  result  of  orginality  and  initiative,  and  which  invariably  come  to 
the  pioneer  in  any  line  of  activity  in  the  development  of  a  city,  have  been  JMr. 
De  Wein's  in  the  short  period  of  his  business  career.  He  is  a  man  of  marked 
capacity  and  decided  character  and  of  the  most  undoubted  integrity.  In  busi- 
ness transactions  he  exhibits  the  quick  appreciation  and  prompt  decision  which 
are  as  necessary  to  the  successful  merchant  as  to  the  successful  general,  but 
tempered  with  a  courtesy  which  wins  the  esteem  of  all  who  come  in  contact  with 
him. 

John  Hillis  De  Wein  was  born  in  Peoria  in  1886,  the  son  of  John  N.  and 
Catherine  De  Wein  of  this  city.  His  father  was  at  one  time  a  prominent  grocer 
in  this  city,  with  a  large  store  on  Liberty  street,  but  retired  a  number  of  years 
before  his  death,  which  occurred  in   1889. 

John  Hillis  De  Wein  was  educated  in  the  grammar  schools  of  Peoria,  but 
left  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  after  his  graduation  from  the  Franklin  school, 
and  entered  the  employ  of  the  Underwood  Typewriter  Company,  holding  import- 
ant positions  in  the  mechanical  and  sales  departments  until  1910.  During  all  these 
years,  Mr.  De  Wein  gave  his  best  efforts  to  the  company  by  whom  he  was  em- 
ployed, and  all  the  aft'airs  for  which  he  was  responsible  were  conducted  m  a 
manner  reflecting  upon  him  the  greatest  credit.  He  learned  the  business  from 
the  bottom  up.  Few  men  in  the  business  today  understand  more  about  the 
mechanism  and  sale  of  typewriters  than  he  does.  He  combines  with  business 
ability  and  sagacity  of  the  highest  order,  those  personal  qualities  which  attach 
men  to  him.  and  gain  for  him  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  business  world. 


306  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  1910.  Mr.  De  Wein  left  the  employ  of  the  Underwood  company,  and 
started  in  business  for  himself,  selling  rebuilt  typewriters.  He  has  a  large 
and  pleasant  office  on  the  twelfth  tloor  of  the  Jefferson  building,  where  he  con- 
ducts an  extensive  and  constantly  growing  business.  He  has  recently  opened 
a  repair  department  and  a  department  of  typewriter  supplies,  but  his  main  at- 
tention is  still  given  to  the  rebuilt  typewriters.  He  gets  his  machines  from  the 
Typewriter  rebuilders  in  Chicago  who  make  a  specialty  of  rebuilding,  and  al- 
though his  business  is  young,  it  is  flourishing  from  year  to  year.  The  first  year 
his  sales  amounted  to  over  two  hundred  rebuilt  typewriters,  and  this  record  has 
been  broken  each  year  during  which  he  has  conducted  the  office. 

Mr.  De  Wein  keeps  himself  entirely  independent  politically,  voting  always 
for  the  man  whom  he  considers  the  best  for  the  position.  He  is  active  in  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  is  very  much  in- 
terested in  the  affairs  of  the   Peoria  Association  of   Commerce. 

Mr.  De  Wein  is  one  of  those  active,  rising  young  business  men  to  whom 
Peoria  looks  for  her  future  greatness.  He  is  an  indefatigable  worker,  a  man  of 
marked  capacity,  quick  and  decisive  in  his  methods,  keenly  alive  to  any  business 
proposition  and  its  possibilities.  He  gives  his  time  and  his  best  energies  to  the 
business  which  he  has  established,  believing  in  the  doctrine  of  hard  work,  as 
the  foundation  of  success.  The  record  of  such  a  life  is  well  worth  preserving, 
and  in  it  his  fellow  citizens  and  friends  may  find  much  for  emulation. 


CHARLES  W.  FEY. 


Peoria  has  every  reason  to  be  proud  of  its  commercial  enterprises,  and  con- 
spicuous among  these  is  the  extensive  jewelry  establishment  in  which  Charles 
W.  Fey  is  a  partner.  The  house  now  sustains  an  enviable  reputation  by  reason 
of  the  fine  line  of  goods  carried,  showing  everything  that  is  most  attractive  in 
workmanship  and  design  of  both  foreign  and  domestic  manufacture.  The  busi- 
ness is  one  of  the  .old  established  houses  of  the  city,  and  throughout  has  main- 
tained the  highest  standards  in  trade.  It  was  founded  by  David  Fey,  the  father 
of  Charles  W.  Fey,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  August  2,  1833.  The 
first  thirteen  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  his  native  land,  during  which  period 
his  parents  died  and  he  came  with  his  brother  to  America,  they  inaking  their 
way  to  Cincinnati.  In  that  city  he  learned  the  watchmaker's  and  jeweler's 
trade,  and  when  about  nineteen  years  of  age  he  went  to  Glasgow,  Kentucky, 
where  he  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business  for  one  year.  At  the  expiration  of 
that  period  he  removed  to  Peoria.  He  was  married  here  in  1856  and  then  re- 
turned to  Glasgow,  Kentucky,  where  he  disposed  of  his  business.  Again  he 
came  to  Peoria  and  opened  a  jewelry  store  on  Main  street.  He  continued  alone 
until  he  admitted  his  two  sons,  George  S.  and  Charles  W.,  to  a  partnership  in 
1882,  at  which  time  he  retired  from  the  active  management  of  the  store.  Within 
that  period  he  had  built  up  a  gratifying  trade  and  had  made  for  the  house  a 
most  enviable  reputation,  owing  to  his  straightforward  dealings  and  his  strict 
conformity  to  a  high  standard  of  commercial  ethics.  His  name  figures  prom- 
inently upon  the  pages  of  Peoria's  business  history  during  the  middle  portion 
of  the  nineteenth  century.  He  is  still  survived  by  his  widow,  who  bore  the 
maiden  name  of  Barbara  Schafer  and  is  now  living  in  this  city.  They  were 
the  parents  of  six  children,  of  whom  three  survive :  Mrs.  C.  J.  Off,  George  S. 
and  Charles  W.     The  last  named  has  now   retired   from  business. 

Charles  W.  Fey  was  born  in  Peoria,  January  21,  i860,  and  upon  attaining 
school  age  began  his  studies.  He  was  still  quite  young  when  he  entered  his 
father's  store,  and  learning  the  trade  became  a  practical  watchmaker  and  en- 
graver.   As  previously  stated,  his  father  retired  in  1882,  turning  over  the  busi- 


HISTORY  OF  PRORIA  COL'X  IN'  307 

ness  to  his  two  sons,  George  S.  and  Charles  W.  Their  original  location  was  at 
319  Main  street  where  the  store  had  been  located  for  about  ten  years.  In 
1885,  however,  they  removed  to  South  Adams  street  where  they  continued  for 
twenty-four  years,  or  until  Alay,  1909,  when  they  came  to  their  present  loca- 
tion. '  The  eider  brother,  George  S..  has  retired  leaving  Charles  W.  Fey  as 
sole  proprietor.  He  now  confines  his  attention  exclusively  to  the  diamond  and 
watch  business,  and  his  establishment  is  represented  on  the  road  by  two  traveling 
salesmen.  For  two  years  he  has  been  located  in  the  Masonic  Temjile  and  con- 
trols a  business  of  large  and  gratifying  proportions,  lie  is  acknowledged  an 
expert  judge  of  precious  stones,  particularly  diamonds,  and  his  trade  therein  is 
now  a  very  extensive  one.  Moreover,  he  is  interested  in  other  business  affairs, 
and  at  one  time  was  associated  with  his  brother  under  the  firm  name  of  Fey 
Brothers  in  the  conduct  of  the  Fey  Hotel  which  was  erected  by  their  father  in 
1893.  It  was  then  the  leading  hostelry  of  the  city,  and  in  1894  was  opened 
bv  the  brothers  who  conducted  it  for  a  year  and  then  sold  out. 

Charles  W.  Fey  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Gertrude  Swain  of  Still- 
water, Minnesota,  and  they  have  two  children,  Emma  and  Charles  David.  Their 
friends  in  the  city  are  many,  and  their  hospitality  is  greatly  enjoyed  bv  those 
with  whom  they  have  social  relations.  A  lifelong  resident  of  this  city  Charles 
W.  Fey  is  widely  known  here.  In  the  specific  line  of  his  trade  his  knowledge  is 
particularlv  sound  and  his  insight  keen,  while  his  capable  management  and  un- 
daunted enterprise  have  been  forceful  and  salient  features  in  the  attainment 
of  the  success  which  places  him  with  the  leading  merchants  of  the  city. 


M.  H.  DOTY. 


M.  H.  Doty,  who,  since  October,  1903,  has  been  connected  with  the  business 
of  undertaking  and  embalming  at  Hanna  City,  was  born  in  Grundy  Center, 
Grundy  county,  Iowa,  March  15,  1876.  His  parents  were  John  S.  and  Dora  A. 
(Mayer)  Doty,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  Michigan  and  resided  at  Constantine, 
in  that  state,  where  the  father  for  twenty  years  had  a  harness  shop.  They 
lived  for  a  time  in  Iowa,  but  in  1879  returned  to  Constantine  where  the  father 
died  in  April,  1890. 

M.  H.  Doty  remained  under  the  parental  roof  until  fourteen  years  of  age 
when  he  began  work  on  a  farm  on  which  he  was  employed  for  four  years.  In 
1894  he  came  to  Illinois,  locating  at  Ottawa,  where  for  two  years  he  worked 
for  the  firm  of  H.  L.  Hossack  &  Son'  in  the  farming  implement  business.  In 
1896  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Western  Cottage  Piano  &  Organ  Company, 
remaining  with  them  until  1900,  when  he  became  assistant  superintendent  of  the 
Peoria  County  Poor  Farm.  In  1901  he  went  to  Wieser,  Idaho,  where  he  was 
engaged  for  one  year  in  the  undertaking  and  furniture  business  in  partnership 
with  William  McBratney.  The  following  year  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  en- 
tered into  partnershi]!  with  J.  B.  Wilton  in  the  undertaking  business.  In  1904 
these  partners  established  a  branch  office  at  Hanna  City  and  Mr.  Doty  took 
charge  of  and  managed  the  same  for  two  years.  In  1905  purchasing  the  interest 
of  Mr.  Wilton,  he  engaged  alone  in  the  undertaking  business,  which  he  is  now 
conducting.     He  is  a  licensed  embalmer. 

On  the  4th  of  November,  1903,  Mr.  Doty  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Cora  Leslie,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Samuel  .-X.  and  Alice  (  Patton )  Leslie  of  Logan 
township,  and  they  have  become  the  i)arents  of  two  children :  Nathan  L.,  born 
September  4,  1905:  and  Alden  L.,  born  June  10,  1907,  and  now  deceased. 

In  politics  Mr.  Doty  is  a  republican,  and  he  is  a  faithful  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Columbus  Lodge, 
No.  21  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  at  Peoria,  with  the  Lancaster 


308  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY 

Lodge  No.  io6,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 
He  is  very  efficient  and  conscientious  in  his  work  as  an  undertaker  and  embalmer, 
and  has  the  patronage  of  the  residents  not  only  of  Hanna  City  but  in  a  radius 
of  miles  around,  and  his  fidelity  and  honorable  and  manly  principles  ha\'e  won 
for  him  the  good-will  and  friendship  of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in 
contact. 


DA\ID  FEY. 


In  1844  a  small  German  family  consisting  of  father  and  a  ten  year  old  son, 
left  Bavaria  to  try  their  fortunes  in  America.  Sixty-seven  years  afterward, 
the  little  boy,  David  Fey,  died  in  Peoria,  a  wealthy  and  honored  man.  In  the 
long  life  which  he  lived  in  America,  each  step  he  took  was  a  step  forward.  The 
little  boy  grew  into  an  industrious  and  intelligent  young  man,  and  the  young  man 
lived  successful  year  after  year,  until  the  respect  of  his  fellows  and  great  pros- 
perity crowned  his  old  age. 

Mr.  Fey  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  most  prominent  jewelers  of  Peoria, 
and  he  brought  into  his  business  life  the  unflagging  industry,  the  thorough  mastery 
of  his  business,  and  the  hard  power  of  application  which  marked  his  character. 
Hard  work  was  the  keynote  of  his  life.  He  had  very  little  money  of  his  own 
when  he  began  his  business  life  in  America.  What  he  died  possessed  of,  was  the 
result  of  the  strength  of  his  industry  and  the  power  of  his  mind.  Peoria  may 
well  be  proud  of  being  the  home  of  a  citizen  of  such  sturdy  qualities  as  David 
Fey  possessed,  and  may  well  mourn  the  loss  of  such  a  man  when  he  dies.  Mr.  Fey 
was  one  of  the  city's  pioneer  business  men.  He  worked  hard  until  he  was  able 
to  buy  his  own  shop,  and  after  he  bought  it  he  attended  to  it  assiduously  until 
it  was  one  of  the  leading  jewelry  stores  of  the  city. 

David  Fey  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1834.  At  the  age  of  ten  year.^, 
he  came  to  America  with  his  father,  and  settled  in  Cincinnati.  After  what  edu- 
cation the  schools  of  that  city  then  afforded,  Mr.  Fey  applied  himself  to  learn- 
ing the  jewelry  business.  He  learned  it  thoroughly.  He  mastered  every  detail 
of  his  craft  with  characteristic  exhaustiveness.  When  in  1856  he  came  to 
Peoria,  he  put  his  training  to  practical  use  by  going  into  the  jewelry  business, 
in  a  little  shop  at  the  foot  of  Main  street.  This  little  shop  was  the  source  of  a 
large  fortune.  The  foundation  was  solid,  composed  as  it  was  of  a  man's  self- 
reliance,  honestv  and  business  integrity.  The  business  prospered,  and  in  the 
course  of  time,  Mr.  Fey  was  able  to  erect  a  newer  and  larger  store  at  319  Main 
street.  Here  he  remained  until  twenty-five  years  of  age,  when,  w-ithout  giving 
up  his  jewelry  business.  Mr.  Fey  embarked  in  a  new  venture.  He  built  the 
Hotel  Fev,  at  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Liberty  streets.  This  hotel  was,  at  the 
time  it  was  built,  one  of  the  finest  hotels  in  the  city,  and  it  has  prospered  exceed- 
ingly from  that  day  to  this.  Mr.  Fey  removed  his  jewelry  business  to  one  of 
the  stores  in  the  hotel,  and  continued  in  personal  charge  of  it  until  five  years 
later  when  he  sold  out  to  his  tw^o  sons.  George  and  Charles  Fey,  who  conducted 
the  business  for  twenty  years,  when  George  retired  in  igog.  After  his  retire- 
ment from  business,  Mr.  David  Fey,  our  subject,  spent  his  time  in  managing 
his  local  real-estate  interests  which  were  extensive.  Mr.  Fey  had  always  great 
faith  in  the  future  of  his  city,  and  seldom  went  outside  for  investments.  He 
had  a  keen  sense  for  real-estate  values,  and  up  to  the  time  of  his  death  when  he 
was  over  seventy-seven  years,  his  business  sagacity  never  deserted  him.  Mr. 
Fey  died  on  July  2,  igii.  deeply  mourned  by  his  many  friends.  He  had  five  chil- 
dren, one  daughter.  Mrs.  C.  J.  OiT,  and  two  sons,  George  and  Charles  Fey,  all 
of  Peoria,  who  are  living;  and  two  daughters  who  have  passed  away. 

David  Fey  was  a  plain  and  practical  business  man.  He  was  a  man  of  quiet 
and  domestic  tastes,  and  rejoiced  to  have  his  familv  about  him.     He  had  at  the 


HISTORY  ()!•   PEORIA  COUNTY  ;WJ 

time  of  his  dcalh  eight  grandchildren,  in  wlnim  he  took  great  pride  and  delight. 
He  was  vigorous  and  keen-sighted  in  husiness.  gifted  with  the  true  instinct  of 
the  modern  business  man  and  his  fmancial  success  was  remarkable.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Schiller  lodge  of  the  Masonic  order,  the  only  fraternal  affilia- 
tion which  he  had.  His  life  was  a  peaceful  and  a  prosperous  one — a  life  filled 
with  promises  which  were  realized  by  that  small  German  boy  who  came  to 
America  with  his  father,  attained  success  unaided  and  died  full  of  years  and 
honors  after  a  worthy  life. 


HEXRY  COX. 


Henry  Cox.  who  now  lives  retired  in  Elmwood  was  born  in  the  northern 
part  of  Alississippi  in  1859.  He  was  the  son  of  Lewis  and  Jitann  Cox.  iioth  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Mississippi  and  spent  all  their  lives  there.  In  their  family 
were  four  children.  Henry  Cox  was  born  a  slave  and  ran  away  just  before 
the  emancipation-  proclamation,  coming  to  Illinois,  where  he  located  in  Elm- 
wood  township.  On  reaching  here  he  had  five  dollars  in  his  possession  and  he 
immediately  hired  out  by  the  month  to  a  farmer  and  was  thus  employed  for 
thirteen  years.  He  then  purchased  a  farm  of  seventy  acres  in  this  township, 
improved  and  cultivated  the  same,  and  now  owns  in  all  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres.  He  has  always  carried  on  general  farming  and  stock-raising.  In  1903 
he  removed  to  Elmwood,  where  he  purchased  a  home  on  the  south  side  of  town 
and  has  since  lived  retired. 

On  the  6th  of  March,  1878,  Mr.  Cox  married  Miss  Clara  Reed,  who  was 
born  September  2.  1847.  at  Rushville.  Schuyler  county.  Illinois,  the  daughter 
of  Reuben  and  Dolly  Reed,  who  were  old  settlers  in  that  section  of  the  state. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cox  have  been  born  three  children,  all  of  whom  died  in 
infancy. 

In  his  political  relations  Mr.  Cox  is  a  re]niblican,  and  both  he  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Cox  has  been  successful 
in  his  business  and  has  gained  the  respect  of  his  neighbors  and  the  business  men 
of  the  community.     Roth  he  and  Mrs.  Cox  have  many  friends  here. 


JOHN  SCHNEIDER.  Jr. 

Trade  relations  in  Peoria  find  a  worthy  representative  in  John  Schneider, 
Jr.,  who,  fortunate  in  entering  upon  a  business  already  established,  has  carried 
it  forward  upon  strictly  business  principles.  He  is  now  a  partner  in  the  firm 
of  Schneider  t\:  Metzger.  dealers  in  barber's  supplies  and  barber's  furniture,  while 
at  the  same  time  they  conduct  a  machine  and  general  repair  shop  at  410  Fulton 
street.  Mr.  Schneider  comes  of  Swiss  ancestry.  His  father,  John  Schneider, 
Sr..  was  born  in  Berne,  Switzerland,  and  there  spent  his  youthful  days.  He 
learned  the  cutlery  trade  in  his  native  land,  and  as  a  young  man  came  to  America. 
He  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  for  forty-two  years,  and  no  citizen  is  more 
familiar  with  the  history  of  the  growth  and  development  here  than  is  John 
Scb.neider,  Sr.  Moreover,  he  figured  for  manv  years  as  a  leading  factor  in 
the  business  circles.  He  began  dealing  in  i)arbers'  supplies  and  barbers'  fur- 
niture about  1879  and  long  continued  successfully  in  that  trade  but  then  turned 
the  business  over  to  younger  men  and  retired  to  private  life,  enjoying  a  well 
earned  rest.  He  was  married  here  to  Miss  Susana  Stoller,  and  both  are  still 
residents  of  Peoria.     Mr.  Schneider  receives  the  veneration  and  respect  which 


310  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

should  ever  be  accorded  one  who  lias  readied  advanced  years  and  whose  Ufe 
has  been  well  and  worthily  spent. 

His  son  and  namesake.  John  Schneider,  Jr..  acquired  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  I'eoria.  and  in  1900  entered  the  employ  of  his  father  with 
whom  he  remained  until  1908,  when,  on  the  retirement  of  his  father,  he  suc- 
ceeded to  an  interest  in  the  business  in  connection  with  Emil  Metzger.  his  present 
partner  and  associate.  Mr.  Metzger  is  a  practical  mechanic  and  was  connected 
"with  the  house  first  as  an  employe,  but  in  1890  was  admitted  to  a  partnership  in 
the  business.  He  is  also  at  the  head  of  the  Reliance  Motor  Company  located 
at  106  South  Madison  street,  Peoria.  The  firm  of  Schneider  &  Aletzger  em- 
ploy about  ten  men  and  have  a  plant  fully  equipped  for  the  conduct  of  a  general 
machine  and  repair  business.  They  also  handle  the  most  complete  line  of  bar- 
bers' supplies  and  barbers'  furniture  in  this  state  outside  of  Chicago.  They 
are  still  located  at  410  Fulton  street  where  Mr.  Schneider's  father  so  long  car- 
ried on  the  business.  They  occupy  the  entire  three  floors  and  basement  of  the 
building  and  their  trade  covers  a  large  territory,  reaching  out  along  constantly 
ramifying  lines  until  the  firm  name  of  Schneider  &  Metzger  is  now  widely 
known  throughout  the  middle  west. 


E.  J.  CASE. 


E.  T.  Case  is  a  member  of  the  wholesale  drug  firm  known  as  the  Sutlift  & 
Case  Company,  manufacturing  chemists  and  pharmacists  and  wholesale  dealers  in 
physicians',  hospital  and  dental  supplies.  In  addition  to  the  wholesale  department 
a  retail  business  is  carried  on,  their  location  being  at  Xos.  312  and  314  South 
Adams  street.  The  company  occupies  the  entire  four  stories  of  a  double  brick 
building  there  and  the  business  is  one  of  the  most  progressive  commercial  enter- 
prises in  the  city.  Active  in  its  management  and  control,  E.  J.  Case  has  become 
well  known  in  business  circles.  In  addition  to  the  drug  business  he  is  also  the 
vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Life  Insurance  Company  and  is  also  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  Case  &  Kroenlein,  manufacturers  of  and  wholesale  dealers  in  saddlery  at 
Peoria.  It  is  characteristic  of  him  that  what  he  undertakes  he  accomplishes  and 
his  constantly  broadening  interests  indicate  the  scope  of  his  ability  and  enterprise. 

Mr.  Case  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  .Medina  tow^nship,  Peoria  county,  Illinois, 
August  20.  1848,  his  parents  being  Irvin  W.  and  Salina  Case,  who  came  to  this 
state  from  Oswego,  New  York,  in  1839,  and  settled  upon  a  farm  in  Medina  town- 
ship, Peoria  county.  It  was  there  that  E.  J.  Case  spent  his  early  days  amid  the 
scenes  and  environments  of  farm  life,  dividing  his  time  between  the  duties  of 
the  schoolroom,  the  pleasures  of  the  playground  and  the  work  of  the  fields.  He 
became  familiar  witli  the  best  methods  of  cultivating  and  caring  for  the  crops 
and  was  thus  associated  with  farming  interests  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age, 
when,  in  1875.  he  removed  to  Alta,  Illinois.  There  he  turned  his  attention  to  gen- 
eral merchandising  and  continued  therein  until  1887,  when  he  disposed  of  his 
interests  and  sought  the  opportunities  offered  in  the  large  city,  coming  at  once  to 
Peoria,  where  he  joined  forces  with  Warren  Sutlif?  in  establishing  what  is  now 
well  known  as  the  Sutlifl:"  &  Case  Company.  This  house  has  maintained  a  high 
standard  of  service  and  has  won  a  well  merited  reputation  for  the  excellence  of 
the  products  handled.  They  not  only  do  a  wholesale  and  retail  business  in  drugs 
but  also  in  physicians'  and  dentists'  supplies  and  are  manufacturing  chemists  and 
pharmacists.  They  also  handle  photogra]-)hic  stock  on  (|uite  an  extensive  scale, 
this  ])roving  quite  an  im]iortant  branch  of  their  business.  Their  trade  now  covers 
a  wide  territory  and  is  constantly  on  the  increase.  It  is  now  one  of  the  important 
features  in  the  commercial  life  here  and  the  business  methods  of  the  house  are 
such  as  have  won  for  it  a  merited  reputation  for  reliability  and  enterprise. 


E.  J.  CASE 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  313 

Air.  Case  has  been  married  twice.  He  first  wedded  Georgia  Edgett,  who  died, 
leaving  three  chilch-en:  Maurice  E.,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Crescent  Coal 
Company,  in  which  his  father  is  largely  interested ;  W'illard  G.,  who  is  associated 
with  the  Sutliff  iS;  Case  Company:  and  Florence.  In  1887  Mr.  Case  chose  for  his 
second  wife  Miss  Nettie  W'augh.  He  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  advancing 
steadily  through  the  different  branches  of  the  order  until  he  is  now  a  member  of 
the  lodge,  chapter,  commander)-,  consistory  and  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  also 
belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  the  Illinois  Valley 
Yacht  Club.  Even  his  extensive  business  and  his  important  social  interests  do  not 
fully  occupy  his  time.  At  least  he  makes  opportunity  to  take  part  in  the  public 
life  of  the  community,  especially  in  support  of  those  projects  and  movements 
which  have  for  their  object  the  general  good.  His  ideas  are  practical,  his  efforts 
resultant  and  his  cooperation  can  alwax's  be  counted  upon  to  further  any  measure 
that  he  believes  will  prove  beneficial  to  the  community  at  large. 


TAMES  GOURAN. 


James  Gouran  is  commercial  agent  for  the  Wabash  Railroad,  with  offices  in 
the  Woolner  building,  and  has  long  been  identified  with  railway  interests  in 
this  section.  He  comes  of  a  family  that  for  more  than  a  half  century  has 
been  represented  in  Peoria.  His  father  was  Thomas  Gouran,  who  was  born  in 
the  county  of  West  Meath,  Ireland,  in  1805,  and  was  a  son  of  John  and  Rosie 
(Haley)  Gouran.  natives  of  West  Meath  and  Kildare  respectively.  Thomas 
Gouran  was  rearecl  on  his  father's  farm  and  after  starting  out  in  life  on  his  ow^n 
account  engaged  in  farming  for  himself.  He  was  married  in  1840  to  Miss  Mar- 
garet Gavigan,  also  a  native  of  West  Meath,  and  unto  them  were  born  seven 
children,  John.  James,  Rosie,  Jane,  Mary,  Bridget  and  Margaret.  In  the  year 
1S58  the  entire  family  came  to  the  new  world  and  cast  in  their  lot  with  Peoria's 
citizens.  The  name  has  since  been  an  honored  one  here  because  of  the  activity 
and  the  prominence  of  the  different  members  of  the  household.  For  many 
years  Thomas  Gouran  was  active  in  railroad  circles  but  at  length  sustained  air 
injury  and  retired. 

James  Gouran  spent  his  boyhood  and  }outh  largely  in  Peoria  and  at  the  out- 
set of  his  business  career  became  connected  with  railway  interests.  Industry, 
fidelity  and  ready  adaptability  have  won  him  promotion,  bringing  him  added 
responsibilities  until  he  now  occupies  the  important  position  of  commercial  agent 
for  the  Wabash  Railroad  Company,  with  offices  in  the  Woolner  building.  In 
this  connection  he  is  widely  known  but  not  more  so  than  through  his  activity 
in  church  and  benevolent  work.  He  contributes  generouslv  where  aid  is  needed 
and  has  ]iut  forth  earnest  effort  to  alleviate  the  hard  conditions  of  life  for  the 
unfortunate. 


HARLAN  E.  GIBBS. 


Harlan  E.  Gibhs.  who  is  engaged  in  general  farming,  is  a  native  resident 
of  Elmwood  township.  He  was  born  November  27.  1880.  the  son  of  Ichabod 
O.  and  Mary  ( Truitt)  Gibbs.  The  paternal  grandparents.  Justus  and  Betty 
Gibbs,  were  both  natives  of  New  York  and  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  this 
township  and  here  they  both  passed  away.  They  entered  government  land  here 
and  later  owned  a  large  tract  of  valuable  land  in  this  county.  The  maternal 
grandparents,  i\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Elijah  Truitt.  were  both  natives  of  Ohio  and  were 
also  early  settlers  in  Peoria  county.     The  mother.  Marv   (Truitt)   Gibbs.  was  a 

■\'ol.  II— 1  .J 


314  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

native  of  Ohio  but  the  father,  Ichabod  O.  Gibbs,  was  born  in  this  township  in 
1838.  The  parents  were  both  reared  in  this  county  and  were  married  here. 
The  father  was  a  well  known  farmer  in  this  community  and  now  lives  a  mile 
south  of  the  home  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  residing  with  one  of  his  sons.  He 
deserves  especial  mention  as  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  having  served 
in  Company  I,  of  the  Seventy-seventh  Illinois  ^'olunteer  Infantry.  His  wife 
passed  away  in  1885.  In  their  family  were  seven  children,  four  sons  and  three 
daughters,  all  of  whom  are  now  living. 

Harlan  E.  Gibbs  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  this  township  and  also 
completed  a  course  in  the  Elmwood  high  school.  Starting  out  in  life  for  him- 
self, he  engaged  in  farming  and  in  1908  purchased  a  tract  of  eighty  acres  in 
Elmwood  township,  where  he  now  resides.  He  has  made  many  improvements 
on  this  tract  of  land,  erecting  a  new  barn  and  generally  bettering  his  farm. 
He  engages  in  stock-raising,  making  a  specialty  of  Berkshire  hogs  and  Holstein 
cattle.  He  also  raises  potatoes  quite  extensively  and  last  year  produced  over 
thirty-six  hundred  bushels  on   fifteen  acres  of  ground. 

C3n  April  29,  1904,  Mr.  Gibbs  was  united  in  marriage  with  ^liss  Gertrude 
M.  Wilson,  who  was  born  in  Peoria  county  and  is  an  adopted  daughter  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  James  E.  Wilson.  To  Mr.  and  Airs.  Gibbs  have  been  born  three  chil- 
dren, James  Wilson,  Harlan  I.  and  Ruth  E.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Gibbs 
is  a  republican,  and  fraternally  he  belongs  to  Horeb  Lodge,  No.  363,  A.  F.  & 
A.  M.,  at  Elmwood.  Mr.  Gibbs  is  a  man  of  admirable  characteristics  and  all 
his  business  relations  have  been  conducted  along  the  most  honorable  principles. 
He  is  exceptionally  successful  in  his  farming  interests  and  is  a  prosperous 
resident  of  the  section  where  he  has  always  made  his  home. 


JOHN  C.  PADDOCK. 


John  C.  Paddock,  whose  business  training  has  well  qualified  him  for  the 
solution  of  intricate  and  complex  problems  that  arise  in  connection  with  his 
•duties  as  cashier  of  the  Alerchants  National  Bank,  has  for  almost  a  quarter  of 
a  century  figured  in  connection  with  the  financial  interests  of  Peoria.  His  iden- 
tification with  the  bank  which  he  now  represents  covers  the  period  from  1897 
and  previously  he  was  for  ten  years  associated  with  the  Central  National  Bank. 
He  was  born  in  Canandaigua,  New  York,  March  6,  1870,  and  is  a  son  of 
Charles  H.  Paddock,  who  was  a  well  known  attorney  of  that  city.  The  grand- 
father, John  W.  Paddock,  was  located  in  Peoria  in  the  railway  business  and  with 
him  John  C.  Paddock  came  to  Peoria  in  1877.  Here  he  was  reared  and  attended 
the  local  schools  until  graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  18S7. 
The  field  of  banking  proved  an  attractive  one  to  him  and  he  immediately  sought 
and  obtained  employment  in  the  Central  National  Bank,  occupying  a  clerical 
position.  During  the  ten  years  of  his  connection  with  that  institution  he  was 
advanced  from  time  to  time  through  intermediate  i)ositions  until  he  resigned 
as  teller  to  enter  the  Merchants  National  Bank  as  general  bookkeeper.  Sub- 
sequently he  was  appointed  assistant  cashier,  which  position  he  filled  from  1903 
until  1908,  when  he  was  made  cashier.  The  steps  in  his  orderly  progression 
are  thus  easily  discernible  and  each  advancement  has  come  to  him  in  recognition 
of  his  capability  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  devolving  upon  him.  He  early 
recognized  the  fact  that  fidelity  and  indefatigable  industry  are  indispensable 
concomitants  of  success.  By  proving  the  worth  of  his  work  to  the  institutions 
which  he  has  represented  he  has  gained  his  promotions  and  now  occupies  a  most 
creditable  and  responsible  position  in  financial  circles. 

Mr.  Paddock  is  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life,  having  married  Aliss 
Alaude   Littlewood,    a    daughter   of    George    H.   Littlewood,   of    this   city.     The 


PIISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  315 

circle  of  their  friends  is  an  extensive  one  and  in  duh  circles,  too.  Mr.  Paddock 
is  well  known,  holding  membership  with  the  Creve  Coeur  and  the  I'eoria  Country 
Clubs.  His  life  is  actuated  by  high  and  honorable  principles  that  have  their 
root  in  his  membership  in  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church,  in  which  he  has  served 
as  vestryman  and  treasurer  for  ten  years.  In  the  various  lines  of  church  work 
he  is  deeply  interested  and  his  broad  humanitarian  spirit  is  further  manifest  in 
his  coojieration  with  the  Associated  Charities,  of  which  he  is  treasurer.  He 
looks  at  life  from  a  broad  standpoint,  recognizes  its  obligations  and  its  oppor- 
tunities and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  latter  never  neglects  the  former. 


GEORGE  H.  GIPPS. 


Peoria  has  long  since  attained  a  position  of  leadership  in  connection  with 
brewing  and  distilling  interests  and  its  output  along  those  lines  exceeds  those 
of  any  other  city  of  equal  size  in  the  country,  and  at  the  head  of  its  enterprises 
of  this  character  are  men  of  marked  business  ability,  keen  discernment  and  un- 
faltering energy — men  who  recognize  the  possibilities  of  trade  and  utilize  each 
opportunity  for  its  full  worth.  Of  this  class  George  H.  Gipps  is  a  representa- 
tive and  his  position  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city  is  that  of  general  agent 
for  the  Terre  Haute  Brewing  Company.  He  has  been  identified  with  the  brew- 
ing trade  since  he  completed  his  education.  Pie  was  born  near  Morton,  Taze- 
well county,  Illinois,  August  31,  1863.  upon  the  home  farm  belonging  to  his 
father.  John  Mathuen  Gipps,  who  came  from  England  to  the  new  world  in 
1845  ^n<^i-  niaking  his  way  to  the  interior  of  the  country,  settled  upon  a  tract 
of  land  near  ilorton.  There  for  a  number  of  years  he  successfully  engaged 
in  far'"'"^  ^""^  when  his  industry  and  careful  expenditure  had  brought  him 
sufficient  capital  he  embarked  in  the  brewing  business  in  Peoria,  engaging  in 
that  line  of  trade  about  1864.  He  was  associated  with  a  Mr.  Howe  in  the 
estal:>lishment  and  conduct  of  a  little  ale  brewery,  which  was  afterward  re- 
moved to  the  foot  of  Bridge  street,  where  the  large  plant  of  the  Gipps  Brew- 
ing Company  now  stands.  Gradually  he  developed  a  business  of  extensive 
proportions.  As  his  trade  increased  he  enlarged  his  facilities  and  in  time  drew 
his  patronage  from  a  very  wide  territory.  He  was  president  of  the  Gipps 
Brewing  Company  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  November  27,  1881, 
at  the  age  of  sixty-three  years.  His  wife,  Ellen  Dawson,  was  also  a  native  of 
England  and  they  were  married  in  New  York  city  in  1852.  They  had  two  chil- 
dren, the  elder  being  Mrs.  Bessie  Smith,  the  w'ife  of  C.  B.  Smith,  of  Peoria. 
The  mother  passed  away  in  this  city  in  1898. 

George  H.  Gipps  was  but  six  years  of  a,ge  when  the  family  left  the  farm 
and  took  up  their  abode  in  Peoria,  so  that  his  education  was  acquired  in  the 
schools  of  this  city,  which  he  attended  until  he  left  the  high  school  to  become  an 
active  factor  in  business  life.  The  o]3portunity  was  offered  him  of  entering 
the  establishment  of  the  Gipps  Brewing  Company  and  he  did  so,  thoroughly 
acquainting  himself  with  every  branch  of  the  trade.  He  remained  there  until 
1885,  when  he  became  associated  with  the  Union  Brewing  Company,  of  which 
he  was  secretary  for  fifteen  years.  He  then  withdrew  from  that  connection  to 
accept  the  agency  and  position  of  manager  with  the  Terre  Haute  Brewing  Com- 
pany in  igoo.  He  has  since  been  connected  with  this  corporation  and  is  today 
its  general  agent,  having  supervision  of  the  e.xtension  of  its  trade  relations. 
The  position  is  one  of  large  responsibility  and  involves  most  important  con- 
siderations and  duties,  for  which  Mr.  Gipps'  long  experience  has  well  prepared 
him. 

In  1888  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Gipps  and  Miss  Tennie  V.  Tripp, 
a  daughter  of  R.  H.  Tripp.     They  now  have  two  children,  Charles  M.  and  Delia 


316  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

T.  In  Masonry  Mr.  Gijjps  has  advanced  to  a  high  position.  He  has  served  as 
high  priest  of  Peoria  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  for  three  years,  is  a  Knight  Templar 
Mason  and  is  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Bene- 
volent Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  has  various  other  social  relations,  being 
a  member  of  the  South  Side  Turners,  the  Concordia  Singing  Society  and  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club.  His  social  qualities  have  rendered  him  popular,  while  his 
business  ability  has  gained  him  prominence. 


ALBERT  H.  ADDISON. 

Twenty-three  years'  connection  with  the  Central  National  Bank  well  estab- 
lishes the  position  of  Albert  H.  Addison  as  a  thoroughly  reliable  and  progres- 
sive business  man.  Gradually  he  has  worked  his  way  upward  through  inter- 
mediate positions  until  called  to  the  cashiership  on  the  ist  of  January,  1910. 
His  residence  in  Peoria  dates  from  July,  1881.  He  was  then  a  youth  of  four- 
teen years,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Richland  county,  Illinois,  in  1867.  His 
parents  died  in  his  infancy  and  he  was  adopted  by  the  Addison  family,  taking 
their  name.  His  youthful  days  were  passed  in  Livingston  and  in  Lee  counties 
of  this  state,  in  both  of  which  he  attended  the  public  schools.  His  foster  father 
also  died  when  he  was  yet  a  boy  so  that  he  was  thus  practically  twice  orphaned 
when  less  than  fourteen  years  of  age.  He  was  then  thrown  upon  his  own  re- 
sources and,  seeking  the  business  opportunities  offered  in  the  city,  came  to 
Peoria  where  he  was  first  employed  in  the  grain  office  of  Alexander  G.  Tyng, 
Sr.,  who  was  then  located  in  the  Board  of  Trade  building.  His  salary  was  but 
three  dollars  per  week  and  he  paid  out  the  entire  amount  for  his  board.  What 
little  money  he  had  for  clothing  he  obtained  by  gathering  up  grain  in  sacks  and 
selling  it  to  teamsters.  His  advantages  and  opportunities  seemed  e.xtremely 
limited  l)Ut  the  way  of  advancement  is  open  to  every  ambitious,  industrious  and 
persistent  individual.  He  resolved  that  he  would  progress  and  he  studied  day 
and  night  as  he  found  the  chance  until  he  had  mastered  bookkeeping  while  oc- 
cupying a  humble  clerical  position.  He  afterward  secured  a  position  as  clerk 
in  a  railroad  office  in  which  he  remained  for  a  year,  and  during  that  period  he 
learned  telegraphy.  He  then  returned  to  the  board  of  trade  and  for  two  years 
acted  in  the  capacity  of  detail  clerk  with  the  firm  of  Taylor  Brothers  &  Miles. 
On  resigning  that  position  he  next  entered  the  employ  of  the  Central  National 
Bank  wTth  which  he  has  been  continuously  connected  since  i88g.  His  first  posi- 
tion was  that  of  bookkeeper  and  later  he  was  advanced  to  teller.  He  next  be 
came  assistant  cashier  and  so  continued  until  the  ist  of  January,  1910,  when  he 
was  made  cashier  of  this  institution  which  is  one  of  the  strong  moneyed  con- 
cerns of  the  city.  Thus  gradually  he  has  worked  his  way  upward.  Each  step 
has  meant  a  promotion  and  has  been  indicative  of  his  increasing  aljility  and 
worth.  He  has  indeed  rendered  his  labors  a  serviceable  and  valuable  element 
in  the  business  world  and  his  promotion  has  been  the  merited  recognition  of  his 
fidelity. 

In  i8c)2  Mr.  Addison  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Norma  Wesner,  of 
Maquoketa,  Iowa,  and  they  have  one  daughter,  Enid  Marie.  Mr.  Addison  is 
a  Mason,  belonging  to  Temple  Lodge,  F.  X:  A.  M.,  and  he  also  belongs  to  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp,  organizations  which  have  his  loyalty  because  of  the 
beneficent  principles  upon  which  they  are  founded.  Moreover,  he  is  an  active 
and  helpful  worker  and  a  member  of  the  Cavalry  Presbyterian  church,  doing 
everything  in  his  power  to  further  its  interests  along  various  lines.  He  is  now- 
serving  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school  and  his  labors  have  been  effect- 
ive forces  in  extending  the  influence  and  promoting  the  growth  of  the  church 
and    its   kindred   activities.     His    life   now    shows   the   value   of   choosing    "the 


HISTORY  OF  ri'.oRlA  COUNTY  317 

better  part."  Denied  in  youth  the  home  advantages  and  training  which  most 
bovs  receive,  the  inherent  strength  of  his  character  has  guided  his  life,  prompt- 
ing him  to  utilize  those  things  which  are  most  worth  while  in  making  life  honor- 
al)le  and  serviceable.  He  has  never  deviated  from  what  his  judgment  sanctions 
as  right  between  himself  and  his  fellowmen  and,  holding  to  high  ideals,  he  has 
commanded  the  respect  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  good-will  of  his  col- 
leagues and  contemporaries. 


M.  H.  DARNELL. 


.M.  H.  Darnell,  who  with  his  wife  owns  an  excellent  farm  of  two  hundred 
and  ten  acres  situated  in  Elmwood  township,  was  born  in  Knox  county,  Illinois, 
A])ril  II,  185C).  His  parents  were  James  C.  and  Mary  (Tabor)  Darnell,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Ohio  and  came  with  their  parents  to  this  state,  where 
thev  were  married.  The  father  was  a  prosperous  and  prominent  cattle  dealer 
in  Peoria  county.  He  died  in  September,  1910,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven  years, 
and  his  wife  passed  away  in  1908.  In  their  family  were  six  children,  five  of 
whom  are  now  living. 

^L  H.  Darnell  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  Peoria  county  and 
early  became  associated  with  the  stock-raising  business,  at  which  he  was  em- 
ployed until  1898.  In  that  year  he  became  a  traveling  salesman  for  the  Carter 
White  Lead  Company  of  Chicago  and  Omaha,  and  remained  with  them  for 
twelve  years,  during  which  tiine  he  traveled  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States. 
He  has  resided  on  the  farm  since  1910.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Darnell  have  an  excellent 
property  and  Mr.  Darnell  engages  in  general  farming  and  in  stock-raising. 

On  August  29,  1877,  Mr.  Darnell  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lenora 
.A.  Wiley,  who  was  born  in  Peoria  county,  a  daughter  of  Morrison  A.  and  Mary 
Wiley,  who  were  early  settlers  in  this  county,  having  come  here  from  Pennsyl- 
vania. To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Darnell  have  been  born  two  children:  a  daughter  who 
died  in  infancy;  and  a  son,  James  Morrison,  who  is  now  a  Universalist  minister 
at  Owatonna,  Minnesota. 

In  his  jiolitical  views  Mr.  Darnell  is  a  republican,  and  fraternally  he  belongs 
to  Illinois  Chapter.  No.  263.  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  to  Peoria  Consistory,  S.  P.  R.  S. 
Also  he  is  a  member  of  Mohammed  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.  Mr.  Darnell 
has  been  prosperous  in  all  his  business  relations,  both  as  a  traveling  salesman 
and  as  an  agriculturist.  He  has  worked  jiersistently  and  energetically  as  the 
years  have  gone  by  and  his  fidelity  and  strong  purpose  have  been  the  founda- 
tion upon  which  he  has  builded  the  superstructure  of  his  success. 


ELISHA  U.  HAZEN. 


Elisha  B.  Hazen  is  the  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Brass  Foundry  Com- 
pany. He  became  connected  with  this  business  in  1895,  at  which  time  he  I'ur- 
chased  an  interest,  and  has  since  been  an  active  factor  in  its  capable  manage- 
ment and  successful  control.  He  came  to  Peoria  in  1890.  when  a  young  man  of 
twenty  years,  his  birth  having  occurred  u])on  a  farm  in  Champaign  county,  Illi- 
nois, in  1870.  At  the  usual  age  he  began  his  education  in  the  schools  there  and 
eventually  reached  the  high  school  of  Champaign,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
with  the  class  of  1889.  He  then  looked  about  him  for  a  favorable  business 
opening  and  in  the  fall  of  1890  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  secured  a  clerical  posi- 
tion in  the  offices  of  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  Company.  There  he  remained 
for  five  years,  although  gradually  working  his  way  upward  from  one  position 


318  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  another.  At  length,  however,  he  determined  that  his  labors  should  more  di- 
rectly benefit  himself  and  to  this  end  he  [nirchased  an  interest  in  the  present 
business  and  assumed  charge  as  office  manager.  He  also  looks  after  new  busi- 
ness and  in  this  connection  travels  a  part  of  the  time.  The  president.  J.  G. 
Kasjens,  is  at  the  head  of  the  manufacturing  department  and  thus  both  branches 
of  the  Brass  Foundry  Company  are  capably  controlled.  Their  works  are  at 
Nos.  711  to  717  South  Adams  street.  They  do  all  kinds  of  manganese  bronze, 
nickel  bronze,  hydraulic  and  phosphor  bronze  work,  aluminum  castings,  light 
and  heavy  machine  work  and  brass  finishing.  They  also  manufacture  soda 
fountain  draft  arms  and  coolers  and  take  contracts  for  special  work.  The  busi- 
ness is  well  housed,  for  they  own  a  substantial  building  which  has  a  frontage  of 
sixty  feet  and  a  depth  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  while  their  lot  is  one  hun- 
dred and  seventy-nine  feet  deep.  They  employ  from  twenty  to  thirty  skilled 
mechanics  and  molders  and  in  191 1  their  business  amounted  to  about  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  enterprise  was  established  about  1890  and  the 
business  was  incorporated  in  1892,  at  which  time  the  company  occupied  a  small 
building  at  the  corner  of  Persimmons  and  Adams  streets.  When  they  were 
burned  out  there  they  removed  to  the  corner  of  Franklin  and  First  streets,  where 
they  remained  for  eight  years,  and  in  1906  came  to  their  present  location.  I\Ir. 
Hazen  is  also  interested  to  some  extent  in  the  real-estate  business  as  a  partner 
of  Will  S.  Nash. 

In  1895  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Elisha  B.  Hazen  and  Aliss  Agnes 
McGill,  of  Peoria,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  three  children,  Bruce,  Effie 
and  George.  Mr.  Hazen  served  as  a  member  of  the  city  council  for  one  term. 
He  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Kickapoo  Golf  Qub  and  also  to  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  The 
world  instinctively  pays  its  tribute  to  him  who  through  enterprise,  unrelaxing 
effort  and  clear-sighted  judgment  makes  advancement  without  infringing  on  the 
rights  and  liberties  of  others.  Such  has  been  the  record  of  Mr.  Hazen,  who 
started  out  in  life  with  no  capital  save  commendable  ambition  and  determina- 
tion. Gradually  he  has  advanced  and  his  expanding  powers  have  taken  him 
from  humble  surroundings  to  the  field  of  large  enterprise  and  broadening  op- 
portunities. 


BENJAMIN  OWEN. 


Benjamin  Owen,  filling  the  position  of  inspector  of  boilers  for  the  city  of 
Peoria,  was  appointed  by  Alayor  Woodrufl^  and  indorsed  by  the  city  council.  He 
has  occupied  this  position  most  creditably  and  acceptalily  since  1908,  prior  to 
which  time  he  was  for  fifty  years  engaged  in  the  boiler-maker's  trade.  He  was 
born  in  England,  July  23,  1842,  the  son  of  George  and  Jane  (Wight)  Owen.  In 
the  paternal  line  he  comes  of  \\'elsh  ancestry,  his  grandfather,  George  Owen, 
having  been  a  native  of  Wales.  When  Benjamin  Owen  was  twelve  years  of  age 
his  parents  left  England  for  the  new  world,  settling  in  Cumberland,  Maryland, 
where  the  father  worked  in  a  blast  furnace  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1865,  how- 
ever, he  removed  with  his  family  to  Peoria  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days 
in  this  city,  his  death  here  occurring  in  1868.  His  wife  survived  until  she  reached 
the  very  advanced  age  of  ninety-three  years. 

Benjamin  Owen  was  a  young  man  of  about  twent}'-three  years  when  he 
accompanied  his  parents  to  this  city.  He  began  to  learn  the  boilermakers'  trade 
in  Cumberland,  Maryland,  in  1857,  in  the  shops  of  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  R.  R, 
Company  and  was  its  employe  until  1861,  when,  following  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  war,  he  joined  the  army.  His  sympathies  were  with  the  Union  cause  and 
he  resolved  to  strike  a  blow  in  defense  of  the  stars  and  stripes.     He  therefore  en- 


I'.KXJA.MIN   (IWKX 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  321 

listed  as  a  private  in  the  Second  Maryland  \'olunteer  Infantry,  with  which  he 
served  for  three  years  and  three  months,  retiring  from  the  army  as  a  corporal. 
He  was  mustered  out  at  Cumberland  in  1864  and  returned  home  with  a  most 
creditable  military  record  for  on  hotly  contested  battlefieUls  he  had  given  every 
evidence  of  his  loyalty  and  valor. 

The  following  year  Mr.  Owen  came  to  Peoria  to  work  at  his  trade  as  boiler 
maker  in  the  shops  of  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  and  has  remained  a  continuous 
resident  of  this  city  to  the  present  time  save  for  a  period  of  six  years.  Five  years 
of  that  time  was  spent  in  Forrest,  Illinois,  as  foreman  of  the  shops  of  the  Wabash 
Railroad  Company  at  that  place  and  for  about  a  year  he  was  located  in  \'an  \\'ert, 
Ohio,  as  foreman  of  the  railroad  roundhouse  there.  He  then  returned  to  this  city 
to  enter  the  service  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria  iS:  Warsaw  Railroad,  with  which  he 
remained  for  an  extended  period,  and  at  length  became  foreman  of  the  Peoria  & 
Pekin  Union  boiler  shops.  A  year  later  he  became  journeyman  boiler  maker  for 
the  Rock  Island  Railroad,  in  which  connection  he  continued  until  he  was  called 
to  his  present  ])osition  in  IQ08,  Mayor  Woodrut?  recognizing  his  ability  in  ap- 
pointing him  city  boiler  inspector  for  Peoria.  His  long  and  varied  experience 
in  boiler  shops  and  in  connection  with  boiler  making  well  qualified  him  for  the 
duties  that  devolved  upon  him  in  this  connection. 

Mr.  Owen  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah  E.  Royster,  of  Peoria, 
and  unto  them  have  been  born  seven  children.  William  B.,  the  eldest  son,  is  an 
engineer  on  the  Illinois  Centra!  Railroad.  The  other  members  of  the  family  are : 
Clara,  Lulu.  Harry,  who  has  been  an  engineer  for  the  Illinois  Central  Railway 
for  three  years :  Fannie ;  John,  who  is  a  molder ;  and  Julia.  Mr.  Owen  gives  his 
political  support  to  the  republican  party,  of  which  he  has  always  been  an  advo- 
cate sinCe  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  He  belongs  to  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Rei>ublic  and  in  all  matters  of  citizenship  is  as  true  and  loyal 
to  the  country  as  when  he  followed  the  old  flag  on  southern  battlefields.  He  is 
a  self-made  man  and  whatever  success  he  has  achieved  in  life  is  attributable  to 
his  own  labors  and  enterprise,  for  he  started  out  empty-handed  and  has  worked 
his  way  upward  through  industry,  perseverance  and  determination. 


OMAR  A.  MORRIS. 


Omar  A.  ^lorris  is  superintendent  of  the  rectifying  house  of  Clark  Brothers 
&  Company,  which  firm  owns  the  largest  whiskey  distillery  in  the  world,  its 
location  being  at  the  foot  of  Pecan  street.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria 
since  1901,  coming  to  this  city  from  St.  Louis,  [Missouri,  to  accept  his  present 
position.  He  was  born  near  another  of  the  important  cities  of  the  ?vlississippi 
valley,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  the  vicinity  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  April 
27,  1856.  His  parents,  Hugh  Innis  and  Rebecca  L.  (Ferree)  Morris,  were  both 
natives  of  Kentucky  but  in  childhood  went  to  Indiana  where  they  were  reared. 
The  father  became  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  following  his  marriage  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits  on  his  own  account,  so  that  Omar  A.  Alorris  was  reared 
on  the  home  farm  in  Indiana  until  he  reached  the  age  of  fifteen  years.  He  then 
accompanied  his  parents  on  their  removal  westward  to  a  farm  near  Kansas  City, 
Missouri,  where  both  his  father  and  mother  spent  their  remaining  days,  passing 
away  only  a  few  years  after  their  arrival  in  that  section  of  the  country. 

Omar  A.  Morris  supplemented  his  public-school  education,  acquired  in 
Indiana,  by  a  course  of  study  in  a  business  college  of  Kansas  Cit)'.  He  then 
became  a  clerk  for  the  Fort  Scott  &  Memphis  Railroad  at  that  place  and  later 
entered  the  employ  of  the  Kansas  City  Ilistilling  Company  in  connection  with 
the  rectifving  house  in  which  he  remained  from  1881  until  1894.  During  that 
period  of  thirteen  years  he  thoroughly  mastered  the  business  in  principle  and 


322  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

detail  and  with  his  conii)rehensive  knowledge  of  the  work  went  to  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  to  become  superintendent  of  the  rectifying  house  of  the  Mound  City 
Distilling  Company.  He  was  associated  therewith  until  1901,  when  he  left  St. 
Louis  to  come  to  Peoria  and  accept  his  present  position  as  superintendent  of 
the  rectifying  house  of  the  world's  largest  whiskey  distillery,  owned  by  Clark 
Brothers  &  Company.  He  has  carefully  systematized  the  work  of  the  depart- 
ment, gives  general  supervision  thereto  and  has  introduced  some  of  the  most 
improved  processes  known  in  whiskey  manufacture.  Because  of  the  extent  of 
the  business  his  position  is  a  most  onerous  and  responsible  one  but  he  proves 
himself  entirely  adequate  to  the  demands  made  upon  his  time  and  energies. 

Mr.  Morris  was  married  in  1885  to  Miss  Martha  Shepherd,  of  Kansas  City, 
and  they  have  one  child.  Alma,  who  is  the  wife  of  H.  X.  Buckley,  of  Oak  Park, 
Illinois.  He  is  especially  well  known  in  Masonic  circles.  He  joined  the  craft 
after  coming  to  this  city  and  has  attained  high  honors  in  the  order,  serving  in 
191 1  as  eminent  commander  of  the  Peoria  Commandery  of  the  Knight  Templars. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine  and  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the 
principles  and  teachings  of  the  craft.  His  business  associates  find  him  enegetic, 
determined  and  resourceful  and  his  Masonic  brethren  and  his  social  acquaint- 
ances place  him  high  in  their  regard  because  of  the  sterling  traits  of  his  man- 
hood and  his  citizenship. 


WILLL\M  H.  TRIEBEL. 

It  has  been  well  said  that  the  architectural  beauty  of  Peoria  commands  the 
unqualified  admiration  of  every  visitor  to  our  city,  come  they  from  the  metro- 
politan centers  of  our  own  country  or  be  they  wayfarers  from  the  older  coun- 
tries of  Europe.  The  solid  masses  of  brick  and  mortar  that  greet  the  eye  upon 
every  side  of  our  commercial  thoroughfares;  the  gigantic  structures  and  monu- 
ments of  granite  and  marble  that  raise  their  proud  heads  heavenward;  the 
palatial  mansions  and  stone  fronts  of  the  avenues ;  the  residences  of  our  bankers, 
professional  men  and  merchant  princes,  adorned  and  beautified  with  every  sur- 
rounding that  a  cultivated  taste  and  large  wealth  could  suggest  or  command,  all 
combine  to  arrest  the  attention  and  excite  the  amazement  of  those  who  'behold 
them.  To  the  men  from  whose  brains  and  artistic  taste  much  of  this  beauty 
has  emanated,  much  praise  is  due.  In  this  connection  may  be  mentioned  Wil- 
liam H.  Triebel,  whose  reputation  as  a  sculptor  and  monument  builder  and 
marble  worker  is  as  wide-spread  as  that  of  any  man  in  the  state. 

He  was  born  in  the  city  of  Peoria,  December  8,  1858,  a  son  of  Otto  Triebel, 
deceased,  the  biographical  record  of  whose  life  appears  on  another  page  in  these 
volumes.  He  attended  the  German  school  on  Second  street  for  six  years  and 
was  also  a  student  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city.  When  he  put  aside  his 
text-books  he  entered  his  father's  marble  works  and  gained  practical  knowledge 
of  the  business  in  all  departments.  He  became  specially  skilled  in  hand  carv- 
ing. In  1887  he  was  admitted  to  partnership  under  the  firm  style  of  Triebel  & 
Sons  and  so  continued  until  191 1,  when  he  disposed  of  his  interest  to  his  brother 
Henry  and  started  upon  an  independent  business  career.  His  work  sustains 
the  high  reputation  for  sculpture  which  the  family  has  long  borne.  Their  ef- 
forts far  transcend  the  work  of  mere  monument  builders  and  embrace  the 
artistic  qualities  and  the  excellence  of  workmanship  shown  in  fine  sculpture. 
The  reputation  and  long  experience  of  W.  H.  Triebel  have  been  the  factors 
which  have  won  him  immediate  recognition  and  substantial  success  since  he 
started  in  business  independently.  His  motto  is.  and  ever  has  been  "Progress." 
No  visionary  dream  of  impossibilities  fill  his  mind,  but  practical  in  all  his  ideas, 
he  builds  up  as  he  journeys  through  life,  benefiting  his  fellowmen,  and  seeking 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  323 

to  leave  the  workl  all  the  better  for  his  having  been  in  it;  and  although  a  sound, 
vigorous  and  unimpaired  constitution  predicts  for  him  a  long  life  of  usefulness, 
yet  if  he  were  summoned  to  the  "summer  land"  tomorrow,  years  would  flow 
into  the  mystic  gulf  of  eternity  ere  the  footprints  he  has  left  upon  the  sands  of 
time  would  be  forgotten  or  washed  away. 

Mr.  Triebel  is  a  gentleman  of  cultvu"e  and  rehnement.  which  coujiled  with  his 
genial  manners  and  the  warmth  of  his  attachments  towards  friends,  have  se- 
cured for  him  a  high  place  in  tlie  affections  and  esteem  of  his  circle  of  acquaint- 
ances. His  heart  is  ever  in  sympathy  with  the  sorrows  of  the  unfortunate,  and 
his  hand  ever  ready  to  contribute  to  the  alleviation  of  distress.  But  perhaps 
the  richest  and  most  beautiful  traits  of  his  character  are  his  strong  domestic 
sentiments  and  habits,  which  impel  him  to  seek  his  highest  happiness  in  the 
family  circle,  and  render  him  its  joy  and  light. 

On  October  lo,  1894,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Triebel  and  Miss  Nettie 
Ciillig,  of  this  city,  and  they  now  have  two  children,  Clarence  W.  and  Louis 
Cj.  In  191 1  Mr.  Triebel  erected  four  liandsome  brick  residences  at  Nos.  1412, 
1414,  1416  and  1418  North  Perry  street.  They  are  supplied  with  all  modern 
conveniences  and  fitted  out  in  most  tasteful  and  artistic  manner.  Mr.  Triebel 
and  his  family  occupy  the  home  at  No.  1416  Perry  street,  and  the  others  are 
rented.  The  houses  were  built  on  the  old  homestead  site,  where  the  father 
conducted  a  marble  business  for  many  years.  Air.  Triebel  also  owns  much  other 
valuable  property  on  North  Perry  street  and  his  real-estate  interests  add  con- 
siderably to  his  income. 

Fraternally,  Mr.  Triebel  is  a  prominent  Mason,  holding  membership  in  the 
Knight  Temj^lar  commandery  and  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  has  traveled  quite 
extensively,  spending  a  year  and  a  half  in  Italy,  and  his  artistic  tastes  found 
great  delight  in  the  galleries  and  art  centers  of  that  and  other  European  coun- 
tries, especially  in  a  study  of  the  noted  marbles  of  the  old  world. 

Though  he  has  not  attained  great  distinction  in  public  life,  Mr.  Trichcl  has 
done  much  better  than  the  majority  of  public  men;  he  has  gained  the  confidence 
and  respect  of  the  whole  community  by  honesty,  fair-dealing,  and  a  modest  and 
upright  deportment :  and  while  enjoying  a  goorl  income  from  the  profits  of  his 
l)usiness,  he  has  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  he  has  impoverished  none  and 
injured  none  in  his  efforts  to  ac(|uire  wealth. 


LOUIS  J.  GAUSS. 


Louis  J.  Gauss,  who  from  the  ist  of  December,  1906,  to  the  present  writing, 
in  the  summer  of  1912,  has  filled  the  office  of  deputy  county  treasurer  and  is 
well  known  in  political  circles  in  Peoria,  was  born  September  17.  1882.  His 
parents,  William  P.  and  Louisa  Gauss,  have  been  residents  of  this  city  for  about 
fifty-nine  years  and  the  father  has  been  prominent  in  public  affairs,  serving  as 
alderman  tor  two  terms,  as  city  treasurer  for  one  term  and  as  county  treasurer 
for  one  term.  He  has  also  been  active  in  business  circles  in  connection  with 
both  retail  and  wholesale  enterprises  for  more  than  three  decades  and  his  com- 
mercial integrity  and  his  devotion  to  the  public  good  as  an  official  are  both 
unassailable.  .At  the  present  writing  he  is  living  retired,  his  activity  in  mer- 
cantile lines  having  brought  to  him  a  capital  suflicient  to  supply  him  with  all  of 
the  comforts  and  many  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  At  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  he 
manifested  his  loyalty  to  the  Union  cause  by  serving  for  three  years  and  four 
months  with  the  boys  in  blue,  and  he  is  now  a  member  of  Piryner  Post.  G.  A.  R., 
in  which  he  has  served  as  commander. 

In  the  public  schools  of  Peoria  Louis  J.  Gauss  pursued  his  preliminary  edu- 
cation and  later  entered  Brown's  Business  College,  from  which  he  was  gradu- 


324  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ated.  He  completed  his  course  in  the  old  Lincoln  school  in  1897  and  his  book- 
keeping course  in  the  commercial  college  in  1900.  Entering  business  circles, 
his  first  position  was  that  of  timekeeper  for  the  Peoria  &  Pekin  Terminal  Rail- 
way in  Alarch,  igoo.  He  continued  with  that  corporation  until  September  i, 
1905,  serving  in  various  capacities  such  as  car  accountant,  cashier,  station  agent, 
chief  clerk  to  the  superintendent  and  in  other  positions.  He  then  became  book- 
keeper for  Libby,  McNeill  &  Libby  at  Chicago,  remaining  with  that  house  from 
j\Iay  I,  1906,  until  the  ist  of  December  following,  when  he  received  the  appoint- 
ment of  deputy  county  treasurer  of  Peoria  county.  In  the  intervening  period 
of  six  years  he  has  made  a  most  creditable  record  in  this  connection  and  is  one 
for  whom  the  future  undoubtedly  holds  in  store  still  higher  political  honors. 
He  has  ever  voted  with  the  republican  party,  having  firm  belief  in  its  principles 
as  factors  in  good  government. 

On  the  27th  of  October,  1908,  in  Peoria.  Mr.  Gauss  was  married  to  Miss 
Jennie  Cornelia  Ockenga.  a  daughter  of  Engelke  Ockenga,  of  Peoria.  They 
have  one  son,  William  P.  Gauss,  Jr.  In  fraternal  circles  Air.  Gauss  is  well 
known,  holding  membership  in  Temple  Lodge,  No.  46,  A.  F.  &  A.  M. ;  Peoria 
Chapter,  No.  7,  R.  A.  M. ;  Peoria  Council,  R.  &  S.  M. ;  Peoria  Consistory.  S. 
P.  R.  S. ;  and  Mohammed  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.  He  likewise  belongs 
to  West  Bluff  Lodge.  No.  177,  K.  P..  and  to  Thrush  Camp  of  the  Sons  of  \'et- 
erans.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Marquette  Club.  He  has  been  characterized  as 
a  "strong-minded,  honorable  young  business  man.  who  comes  of  sturdy  Ger- 
man stock,  is  affable  and  winning  in  manner  and  as  a  citizen  is  wide-awake  to 
the  best  interests  of  Peoria,  the  welfare  of  which-he  is  ever  readv  to  advance." 


THOMAS  W.  GARDNER. 

Thomas  W.  Gardner,  a  lieutenant  of  the  Peoria  police  force,  was  born  in  Ox- 
fordshire, England,  in  1856,  a  son  of  Thomas  Gardner,  who  devoted  many  years 
of  his  life  to  farming  and  passed  away  on  ]\Iay  7,  1901.  The  usual  experiences  of 
the  farm  boy  came  to  Thomas  W.  Gardner  in  his  boyhood  and  youth  and  during 
that  period  he  qualified  for  life's  practical  and  responsible  duties  by  pursuing  a 
thorough  course  of  study  in  the  public  schools.  He  remained  a  resident  of  his 
native  land  until  twenty-six  years  of  age,  when  in  1882,  he  crossed  the  Atlantic 
and  made  his  way  to  Peoria.  For  a  short  time  he  worked  upon  the  farm  in  this 
part  of  the  state  and  then  accepted  a  position  in  the  freighting  house  of  the  Peoria 
&  Pekin  Union  Railroad.  He  was  next  in  a  position  in  the  baggage  department 
but  at  length  severed  his  connection  with  railway  interests  and  went  to  the  rolling 
mills  at  Averyville,  where  he  remained  as  foreman  for  two  or  three  years.  His 
next  business  connection  was  with  the  upper  sugar  house  and  for  one  year  he  had 
charge  of  the  gluten  house.  He  was  next  made  night  foreman  of  the  dry  house, 
in  which  he  continued  for  a  year  and  a  half,  when  he  entered  the  public  service, 
having  been  appointed  patrolman  on  the  city  police  force  under  Alayor  Allen.  He 
was  on  duty  at  night  and  later  served  on  the  force  for  a  period  under  Mayor 
Warner.  Mayor  Lynch  also  continued  him  upon  the  force  and  during  that  admin- 
istration he  was  given  duty  as  a  day  patrolman.  He  also  served  under  Mayor 
Bryan,  after  which  he  retired  but  under  Alayor  Woodruff  again  went  upon  the 
day  force  and  was  appointed  to  the  rank  of  sergeant.  Further  promotion  came  to 
him  in  the  spring  of  191 1,  when  he  was  made  a  police  lieutenant.  He  has  proven 
fearless  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  prompt  and  faithful  in  all  of  his  work  and 
enjoys  the  confidence  of  the  general  public  and  the  regard  of  his  fellow  officers  on 
the  force.  He  has  always  taken  an  active  and  helpful  interest  in  city  aft'airs  and 
is  an  earnest  worker  in  the  ranks  of  the  republican  party. 

On  the  31st  of  March,  1887.  Mr.  Gardner  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Mrs.  Mary 


THOMAS  W.  rJARTlXER 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  327 

Allaire,  who  i)ore  the  maiden  name  of  Mary  Doyle,  and  belongs  to  one  of  the  old 
families  of  this  city.  They  now  have  one  child,  Edna  Florence,  who  is  a  teacher 
of  music.  Fraternally  Air.  Gardner  is  connected  with  the  Alodern  Woodmen  of 
America.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  here  and  his  record  in  connection  with 
the  police  force  has  been  characterized  by  unfaltering  loyalty  to  dutv. 


AMAND  AIOLL. 


Whenever  the  city  of  Peoria  wishes  to  rejoice  in  a  public  manner  over  the 
successful  completion  of  some  civic  project,  whenever  an  amusement  park  opens 
for  the  season,  or  closes  after  a  prosperous  summer,  whenever  the  local  ball 
team  wins  a  hotly  contested  game,  whenever  a  yacht  club  wants  music  over  a 
moonlight  river  during  a  regatta,  or  measures  to  dance  to  on  a  summer  night — - 
then  Spencer's  band  plays.  Peoria  children  have  grown  up  with  a  knowledge 
of  it,  and  their  parents  can  remember  its  organization.  It  takes  its  part  in  every 
demonstration  of  joy  or  sorrow,  and  when  an  old  soldier  dies,  or  a  prominent 
citizen  goes  to  his  last  resting  place,  Spencer's  band  plays  "taps"  over  the  grave. 
In  the  course  of  its  many  years  of  existence  in  Peoria,  the  band  has  taken  on  the 
nature  of  a  local  institution,  and  the  business  of  directing  its  movements  and 
leading  its  performances,  requires  rare  tact  and  peculiar  ability  in  the  man  who 
assumes  it.  .\mand  Moll,  at  present  leader  and  manager  of  this  band,  com- 
liines  the  (|ualities  of  a  thorough  musician  with  the  ability  and  activity  of  a  born 
executive,  and  he  fills  the  duties  of  his  difficult  position  with  rare  adequacy  and 
skill. 

Amand  Moll  is  a  native  of  Germany,  having  been  born  in  that  country  in 
1853.  He  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  the  fatherland,  and  subsequently 
learned  telegraphy.  He  was  chief  telegraph  operator  in  Donaueschingen,  Ger- 
many, during  the  Franco-Prussian  war,  1870-1871,  but  immediately  afterward 
he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America,  coming  to  Peoria  in  1872,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing year  he  joined  the  band  of  which  he  is  now  leader.  This  band  was  organized 
in  1838  by  Daniel  Spencer  and  has  maintained  an  unbroken  existence  in  this 
city  ever  since  that  date.  In  1862  the  German  Band  of  Peoria,  composed  of 
prominent  old  time  citizens  like  Charles  Pauli  Winkelmeyer,  G.  M.  Bohlender. 
Herman  Friedrich  and  many  others,  gave  up  its  separate  corporate  existence 
and  was  merged  in  Spencer's  band,  which  was  entirely  reorganized.  F.  M. 
Reinhardt  was  the  first  leader,  but  resigned  in  1871  and  his  position  went  to 
Christian  Trantvetter  who  was  director  at  the  time  Mr.  Moll  joined  the  band. 

In  1873,  Amand  Moll  left  Peoria  for  a  tiine,  and  went  to  Williamsport,  Penn- 
sylvania, where  he  joined  Sam  Sharpley's  Sheridan  and  Mack's  Minstrels. 
Lemon  H.  Wiley,  who  was  a  prominent  figure  in  musical  circles  of  Peoria  at 
that  time,  was  then  leader  of  that  famous  organization.  For  some  months.  Air. 
Moll  stayed  with  the  minstrels,  playing  the  clarinet  in  the  orchestra,  and  alto  in 
the  brass  band.  Influenced  by  his  uncle,  Philip  Auer,  however,  he  left  Sheridan 
and  Alack's  Minstrels  in  1874  and  accepted  a  position  as  bookkeeper  in  the 
Peoria  grocery  firm  of  Auer  &  Company,  and  in  the  following  year  he  bought 
a  share  in  this  business.  His  partners  were  his  cousin,  William  Auer,  and  Joseph 
Streibich.  Amand  AIoll  soon  afterward  sold  his  share  in  the  grocery  enter- 
prise, and  went  into  the  clothing  business  in  1876.  The  store  was  located  on 
Washington  street  and  did  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Auer  &  Moll.  Later, 
however,  Mr.  AIoll  bought  out  his  uncle's  share,  and  for  twelve  years  ran  the 
business  alone  and  was  very  successful  in  its  conduct.  In  1898  he  took  in 
partnership  Theodore  H.  Petersen,  his  long  time  clerk,  under  the  firm  name 
of  AIoll  &  Petersen,  under  w-hich  title  it  continued  its  activities  at  505-507  South 
Adams  street,  until  1008.  when  it  was  dissolved. 


328  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Amand  Moll  has  been  city  sealer  of  weights  and  measures  under  two  ad- 
ministrations, and  is  acting  in  this  capacity  at  the  present  time.  He  is  also 
leader  and  director  of  Spencer's  band,  with  which  he  has  been  identified  promi- 
nently all  during  his  term  of  residence  in  this  city.  He  succeeded  to  the  office 
of  leader  and  manager  when  Christian  Trantvetter  organized  a  band  of  his  own 
and  has  held  the  position  continuously  for  thirty-seven  years.  He  is  an  accom- 
plished band  musician,  as  well  as  director,  intensely  interested  in  the  different 
phases  of  music,  and  belongs  to  the  Concordia  and  Liederkranz  singing  societies 
of  this  city.  The  organization  of  which  he  has  been  the  head  for  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  century  is  a  union  organization,  and  is  recognized  as  the  lead- 
ing institution  of  its  kind  in  central  Illinois.  It  served  in  the  Civil  war  with  the 
Seventh  Regiment,  Illinois  National  Guard,  under  Colonel  Isaac  Taylor.  It  is 
recognized  in  Peoria  today  as  a  producer  of  good,  stirring,  and  correctly  played 
music,  and  much  of  its  proficiency  and  fame  are  due  to  the  untiring  efforts  of 
its  director,  Amand  Moll,  who  gives  his  personal  supervision  to  all  the  details 
of  its  performances,  and  never  allows  an  inefficient  musician  to  become  asso- 
ciated with  it. 

On  October  ig,  1876,  Amand  Moll  was  married  to  Miss  Fannie  Secretan, 
daughter  of  a  retired  farmer  residing  near  Kickapoo,  Peoria  county,  and  they 
are  the  parents  of  one  daughter,  Lucy,  who  married  E.  E.  Watton,  at  present 
secretary  of  the  National  Oil  Company  at  Denver,  Colorado.  ^Ir.  ]Moll  is  promi- 
nent in  the  order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  holds  membership  in  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  the  Knights  of  Khorassan,  in  the  Knights  and  Ladies  of  Honor,  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  the  Elks.  In  politics  he  is  a  republican, 
but  beyond  casting  his  vote  at  every  election,  he  takes  no  active  part  in  public 
life.  During  his  thirty-seven  years  of  prominent  identification  with  Spencer's 
band,  Mr.  Moll  has  given  the  best  that  was  in  him  to  promote  its  progress  and 
efficiency.  He  has  made  the  organization  a  household  word  here  and  he  has 
done  much  to  aid  to  the  happiness  of  the  city  by  making  the  holidays  of  its  chil- 
dren joyous,  and  in  softening  the  grief  of  bereavement  in  F'eoria  by  adding  to  the 
dignity   and  honor   of   death. 


CHARLES  WEBSTER  OLEARY. 

Charles  Webster  Oleary  is  a  member  of  The  Ziegler  Company  and  manager 
of  Peoria's  leading  undertaking  establishment.  The  business  is  located  on  South 
JefTerson  street  and  Mr.  Oleary  has  been  associated  therewith  since  September, 
1896,  when  he  entered  the  employ  of  his  present  partner.  He  had  come  to 
Peoria  eight  years  before,  arriving  in  this  city  when  a  youth  of  seventeen  years. 
He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Alason  county,  Illinois,  July  6,  1871,  his  parents 
being  T.  H.  and  Mary  (Daniels)  C)leary,  the  father  devoting  his  life  to  general 
agricultural  pursuits.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Wales  and 
the  grandmother  was  a  native  of  Germany.  The  father  resided  upon  the  old 
homestead  farm  in  Mason  county  until  about  1897.  and  during  his  residence 
converted  the  place  into  rich  and  productive  fields,  the  cultivation  of  his  crops 
bringing  him  substantial  and  gratifying  returns.  He  now  resides  in  Bath,  Mason 
county,  Illinois,  where  he  lives  retired.  The  mother  has  long  since  passed  away, 
her  death  occurring  when  her  son,  Charles,  was  but  five  years  of  age. 

Upon  the  old  homestead  Charles  Webster  Oleary  remained  until  he  reached 
the  age  of  eleven  years,  after  which  he  attended  the  jniblic  schools  at  Bath, 
Illinois.  In  early  manhood  he  took  up  surveying  and  was  employed  on  the  line 
of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincy  Railroad  between  Rock  Island  and  Alton, 
Illinois.  Subse(|uently  he  worked  at  various  occupations  until  he  became  iden- 
tified   with    the    Ziegler    Company.      For   eight   years   he    resided   in    Peoria    ere 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  329 

entering  into  active  connections  with  this  company,  at  which  time  he  began  to  learn 
the  undertaking  business.  He  remained  as  an  employe  of  J.  Frank  Ziegler  until 
they  opened  their  present  place  of  business  in  1909,  when  he  was  made  manager 
and  on  the  ist  of  January,  191 1,  he  bought  an  interest  in  the  business.  Theirs 
is  undoubtedly  the  finest  undertaking  establishment  in  the  middle  west.  Even 
in  Chicago  there  is  nothing  to  compare  with  it.  They  occupy  their  own  fine 
double  building,  erected  of  pressed  brick.  It  is  a  two-story  structure  and  they 
use  the  entire  first  floor  in  the  conduct  of  their  business.  In  addition  to  carry- 
ing a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  undertaker's  supplies  they  have  the  finest 
and  most  complete  chapel  east  of  the  Rocky  mountains.  It  is'  most  artistically 
and  fittingly  e(|uipped.  It  contains  an  organ,  jiulpit.  pews  and  at  the  sides  are 
elegantly  appointed  retiring  and  rest  rooms,  fully  supplied  with  toilet  necessities 
for  mourners.  They  have  also  erected  brick  stables  for  the  housing  of  their 
horses  and  hearses  and  they  have  the  finest  private  ambulance  in  Peoria.  Air. 
Oleary  remains  as  manager  as  well  as  partner  in  the  business  and  largely  has 
control,  for  Air.  Ziegler  is  often  out  of  town.  He  has  found  a  business  in 
which  he  is  meeting  with  substantial  and  gratifying  success  and  since  enter- 
ing into  active  connection  therewith  he  has  gradually  worked  his  wav  upward. 
On  the  1 2th  of  December,  1895,  Air.  Oleary  was  united  in  marriage  in  \'ir- 
ginia,  Illinois,  to  Aliss  Ida  Alay  Allen,  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Lillv  (Dingier) 
.Allen,  both  the  parents  having  passed  away.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with 
the  Alasons  and  that  he  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  order  is  indicated  by  the 
fact  that  he  is  now  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  also  has  membership 
relations  with  the  Eastern  Star,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the 
Court  of  Honor,  and  he  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  The  storv  of  his  life 
is  the  story  of  honesty,  industry  and  thrift,  and  he  is  now  prominent  as  a 
man  whose  constantly  expanding  powers  have  taken  him  from  humble  surround- 
ings to  the  field  of  large  enterprise  and  continuously  broadening  ojjportunities. 


JOHN  J.  McDonald. 

An  age  of  intense  commercial  and  industrial  activity  calls  forth  the  powers 
of  men  who  can  grapple  with  new  conditions  and  utilize  the  opportunities  that 
come  with  the  changes.  A  man  of  well  balanced  activities  and  powers,  John  J. 
AIcDonald  occupies  a  creditable  position  today  on  the  stage  of  action  in  Peoria. 
Almost  from  the  time  when  he  made  his  initial  efl:'ort  in  the  business  world  he 
has  steadily  advanced  and  his  labors  have  found  culmination  in  the  extensive 
interests  and  activities  of  the  AlcDonald-Brady  Contracting  Company  of  which 
he  is  the  president.  He  has  been  engaged  in  the  contracting  business  in  Peoria 
for  a  quarter  of  a  century  although  the  present  firm  was  not  organized  until  1906. 
His  birth  occurred  in  New  \'ork  city,  Alay  22,  1853,  his  parents  being  Alex- 
ander and  Ellen  (Connelly)  AIcDonald,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ire- 
land. The  father  was  a  contrator  and  builder  of  New  York  city  where  he  died 
during  the  boyhood  days  of  his  son,  John.  The  latter  was  reared  in  the  eastern 
metropolis  and  there  learned  the  bricklayer's  and  mason's  trades,  completing 
a  regular  apprenticeship  and  becoming  a  competent  and  expert  workman.  For 
several  years  he  traveled  all  over  the  United  States  and  Central  America,  visit- 
ing nearly  every  city  of  imijortance  and  working  at  his  trade  in  all  those  difl^er- 
ent  places.  He  arrived  in  Peoria  in  1881  and  for  five  years  continued  to  follow 
his  trade  in  the  employ  of  others  but,  feeling  that  he  was  competent  to  engage  in 
business  on  his  own  account  and  that  the  hour  was  ripe  for  his  initial  move  in 
that  direction,  he  announced  himself  as  a  contractor  in  1886  and  was  not  long 
in  winning  a  liberal  share  of  the  public  i^atronage  as  he  demonstrated  his  fitness 
for  the   work.     He  continued   to   conduct   an  independent  contracting  business 


330  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

until  1906  when  he  became  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  AIcDonald-Brady  Con- 
tracting Company  of  which  he  was  chosen  the  President.  The  other  officers 
of  the  company  are  John  P.  Brady,  vice  president,  and  WilHam  Fuener,  secretary 
and  treasurer.  They  have  their  offices  at  No.  2029  South  Adams  street  and  their 
building  operations  have  extended  to  all  parts  of  the  city.  The  firm  is  today 
one  of  the  foremost  in  contracting  circles  in  Peoria.  Among  the  large  buildings 
erected  by  Mr.  McDonald  during  the  quarter  of  a  century  in  which  he  has  been 
identified  with  the  business  affairs  in  Peoria  as  a  building  contractor  may  be 
mentioned  the  public  library,  the  Great  Western  distillery,  the  Corning  &  Com- 
pany distillery,  the  building  of  the  Clark-Smith  Hardware  Company,  the  build- 
ing of  the  Wilson  Wholesale  Grocery  Company,  St.  Boniface  Catholic  church, 
the  St.  Joseph's  home,  the  Home  of  the  Good  Shepherd  and  many  other  impor- 
tant structures.  He  is  now  engaged  in  building  the  convent  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception.  A  recital  of  the  list  of  these  buildings  is  sufficient  to  indicate  the 
extent  and  importance  of  the  work  in  which  Air,  McDonald  is  engaged  and  his 
high  standing  as  a  contractor. 

In  1880  j\Ir.  AIcDonald  married  Mary  AI.  Sullivan  of  LaFayette,  Indiana, 
who  died  on  January  23,  1907,  and  on  November  28,  1909,  Air.  McDonald  was 
married  to  Aliss  Elizabeth  Murphy,  of  Peoria,  and  they  now  reside  at  No. 
2909  Western  avenue.  They  are  both  members  of  St.  Alark's  Roman  Catholic 
church,  to  the  support  of  which  they  are  generous  contributors.  Air.  AIcDon- 
ald  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  politics  and  for  ten  years  served  as 
alderman  of  the  city,  representing  the  eighth  ward.  He  also  served  for  one  term 
as  city  treasurer,  having  been  elected  on  the  democratic  ticket.  Duty  and  honor 
have  been  his  watchwords  and  justice  is  one  of  his  strong  characteristics. 


HON.  LESLIE  ROBISON. 

A  retired  capitalist,  a  political  leader,  progressive  and  representative  busi- 
ness man  and  a  humanitarian — all  these  represent  in  major  part  the  activities 
which  have  claimed  the  time  and  energies  of  Hon.  Leslie  Robison,  a  gentleman 
of  the  old  school,  honored  wherever  known  and  most  of  all  where  he  is  best 
known.  He  has  passed  the  seventy-eighth  milestone  on  life's  journey.  An  un- 
tarnished reputation  and  a  dignified  personality  have  established  him  high  in 
public  regard.  A  forceful  character  has  enabled  him  to  leave  a  deep  impress 
upon  the  state  and  his  public  spirit  has  ever  made  his  influence  a  factor  for  im- 
provement and  progress.  There  are  few,  if  any,  in  Peoria  who  have  more  inti- 
mate knowledge  of  the  city  and  its  history  or  who  have  done  more  to  direct 
its  affairs  for  the  benefit  of  the  community  at  large. 

Leslie  Robison  was  born  in  Detroit,  Alichigan,  August  8,  1834,  his  parents 
being  James  and  Isabella  (Leslie)  Robison,  who  came  to  America  from  Aber- 
deenshire, Scotland,  settling  first  at  Johnstown,  Pennsylvania,  whence  a  removal 
was  afterward  made  to  Detroit.  In  1837  they  came  to  Illinois  and  the  family 
home  was  established  at  what  is  now  the  village  of  Leslie,  in  Elm  Grove  town- 
ship, Tazewell  county,  and  with  the  removal  of  the  family  to  this  state  Leslie 
Robison  entered  upon  a  period  of  close  connection  with  its  development  and 
progress,  bringing  him  eventually  to  the  honored  position  which  he  occupies 
as  one  of  the  foremost  citizens  of  Peoria.  He  attended  the  common  schools 
of  Leslie  and  afterward  continued  his  education  in  Tremont,  Tazewell  county. 
He  next  entered  Knox  College  at  Galesburg  and  with  the  completion  of  his 
preparatory  course  became  a  student  at  Yale  University,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  185S  on  the  completion  of  a  classical  course.  Following  his  return 
to  Peoria  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at 
Springfield  on  the  6th  of  January,  i860.    He  was  introduced  to  the  court  by  Abra- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  S31 

ham  Lincoln,  an  honor  which  he  highly  appreciated.  The  two  were  friends 
and  Mr.  Roliison  remains  as  one  of  the  few  who  had  close  personal  acquaint- 
ance with  the  president.  Following  his  admission  to  the  bar  he  entered  upon 
active  practice  in  which  he  continued  successfully  for  twenty  years,  when  large 
business  interests  compelled  him  to  withdraw  from  active  connection  with  the 
legal  profession.  His  knowledge  of  law,  however,  has  proved  of  inestimable 
value  to  him  in  the  conduct  of  private  interests.  His  father-in-law.  Colonel 
Charles  Ballance,  was  the  owner  of  large  tracts  of  land  in  Peoria  city  and  county 
but  became  involved  in  financial  and  legal  difficulties.  ^Ir.  Robison  then  took 
charge  of  all  his  aftairs  and  handled  the  property  in  such  a  manner  that  when 
Colonel  Ballance  died  he  was  again  well  established  in  a  material  way,  his  hold- 
ings having  been  cleared  from  all  incumbrance,  owing  to  the  sound  judgment 
and  business  ability  of  Mr.  Robison. 

Mr.  Robison  was  first  married  January  7,  1864,  in  Peoria,  to  Miss  Julia 
P>allance,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  three  children.  Charles  Webb,  Leslie 
and  Willis  B.,  but  only  the  first  named  is  now  living.  The  mother  died  May 
12,  1871,  and  on  the  27th  of  June,  1872,  Mr.  Robison  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Rutherford,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Isabella  Rutherford,  of  Peoria.  Mr. 
Robison's  home  at  No.  119  Flora  avenue  is  a  beautiful  residence,  attractively 
and  tastefully  furnished  and  pervaded  with  an  air  of  hospitality  and  good 
cheer  that  makes.it  a  center  of  interest  to  his  many  friends.  Aside  from  the 
important  professional  and  business  interests  which  Mr.  Robison  has  managed 
he  has  taken  active  and  helpful  part  in  public  affairs.  In  1875  he  was  elected 
mavor  of  Peoria  and  the  following  year  entered  the  office  for  a  two  years' 
term.  He  guided  the  destinies  of  the  city  with  a  firm  hand,  prompted  by 
public-spirited  devotion  to  the  general  good,  and  under  his  administration  Peoria 
forged  far  ahead  along  various  lines.  For  a  (|uarter  of  a  century  he  was  director 
of  the  Peoria  Gas  Light  &  Coke  Company  and  for  five  years  was  its  president. 
He  has  also  been  a  director  of  Xicol,  Burr  &  Company,  foundrymen  and  machin- 
ists, since  1882,  and  for  several  years  has  been  president  and  one  of  the  directors 
of  the  Peoria  General  Electric  Company.  From  1891  until  a  recent  date  he 
was  president  and  director  of  the  Gipps  Brewing  Company  but  has  retired  from 
that  connection.  He  is  now  most  comfortably  situated  in  life,  having  attained 
a  gratifying  measure  of  wealth  as  the  result  of  his  judicious  investments  and 
the  careful  management  of  his  business  interests.  Fie  has  ever  been  alert  to 
the  city's  iiUerests  and  has  cooperated  readily  in  measures  for  the  general  good. 
Xo  man  has  done  more  for  the  solid  and  substantial  upbuilding  of  Peoria  or  is 
more  thoroughly  informed  concerning"  the  events  which  have  shaped  its  history. 
A  courteous,  kindly,  dignified  gentleman  of  the  old  school,  he  deserves  in  high 
measure  the  esteem  and  regard  which  are  uniformly  tendered  him.  He  talks 
most  interestingly  of  his  acquaintance  with  Lincoln  and  other  prominent  men  of 
the  state,  and  his  reminiscences  of  the  early  days  constitute  an  attractive  fea- 
ture of  life  in  Peoria  from  its  pioneer  period  to  the  present. 


^•TCTOR  PAUL  MICHEL. 

\'ictor  Paul  Michel,  deputy  county  sheriff'  and  salesman  for  the  Johnson 
Cigar  Company,  was  born  .\pril  29,  1887,  in  Peoria,  and  is  therefore  one  of  the 
younger  business  men.  His  years,  however,  seem  no  bar  to  his  ability  for  he 
is  rapidly  forging  to  the  front  in  various  connections,  being  particularly  promi- 
nent in  athletic  circles  as  well  as  a  representative  of  commercial  and  political 
interests.  His  father,  Leon  Michel,  was  born  in  France  and  became  a  grocery- 
man  at  Peoria,  where  he  died  about  fifteen  years  ago.  The  mother  is  still  living 
in  this  city. 


332  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

\'ictor  Paul  Michel  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  Averyville,  Illinois, 
and  later  he  pursued  his  studies  in  tlie  Galesburg  Greeley  school  of  Peoria.  In 
fact  he  is  practically  a  Peoria  product  in  every  way,  standing  as  an  excellent 
example  of  the  opportunities  here  offered  and  of  what  may  be  accomplished 
when  energ}-,  capability  and  ambition  lead  the  way.  After  his  graduation  from 
the  Greeley  school  he  went  west  to  Portland,  Oregon,  where  he  remained  for  a 
year  and  then  returned  to  Peoria.  He  was  afterward  made  keeper  of  the 
joliet  penitentiary  and  following  his  retirement  from  that  position  was  ap- 
pointed deputy  sheriff'  of  Peoria  county,  which  office  he  continues  to  fill.  He 
also  has  business  connections  as  city  salesman  for  the  Johnson  Cigar  Company 
and  is  building  up  a  large  trade  in  that  connection. 

No  one  need  question  Mr.  MicheFs  political  position.  He  stands  unequi- 
vocally for  republican  principles  and  is  a  recognized  force  among  the  young 
men  of  his  party.  He  is  also  very  prominent  in  city  athletics,  being  a  recog- 
nized leader  among  those  who  are  interested  in  the  chief  athletic  activities  of 
the  day.  For  eleven  years  he  has  been  at  the  head  of  local  athletics,  especially 
football  and  bowling.  He  is  now  president  of  the  Social  Athletic  Club  and  for 
eight  years  has  been  manager  of  its  football  team.  His  popularity  is  due  not 
only  to  his  personal  skill  but  also  to  the  feeling  of  fair  play  which  he  ever  mani- 
fests, demanding  at  all  times  that  the  '"rules  of  the  game"  be  observed.  He 
belongs  to  that  class  of  young  men  who  are  accomplishing  things  whether  in  the 
field  of  pleasure,  of  business  or  of  public  duty,  and  the  results  achieved  are  ever 
of  a   practical   and   progressive  character. 


CHARLES  A.  HOPPIN. 

As  a  city  grows  the  number  of  its  business  representatives  naturally  constantly 
increases,  but  here  as  elsewhere  the  rule  of  the  world  holds  good  that  it  is  the 
men  of  ambition,  energy  and  determination  who  advance  to  the  front  and  become 
leaders  in  their  particular  lines.  The  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company  has  asso- 
ciated with  it  a  number  of  thoroughly  competent  men,  who  are  capable  of  hand- 
ling the  business  in  its  various  departments,  and  as  one  of  these  Charles  A. 
Hoppin  was  chosen,  being  assigned  to  the  position  of  general  superintendent  of 
the  electric  and  heating  departments.  He  has  been  associated  with  the  company 
since  1907,  entering  its  employ  as  chief  engineer  at  the  electric  station,  where  he 
remained  for  three  years,  when  he  was  called  to  his  present  office.  He  was  born 
in  La  Crosse,  \Msconsin,  April  13,  1878,  and  pursued  his  education  in  the  schools 
of  Aurora,  Illinois,  to  which  place  his  parents  removed,  when  in  his-  youthful 
days.  Entering  the  high  school  he  was  graduated  therefrom  in  1897  and  subse- 
quently he  became  a  student  in  the  Illinois  L'niversity,  for  he  wished  to  gain  that 
thorough  technical  training  which  would  fit  him  to  advance  beyond  the 
point  of  mediocrity  in  the  business  world  and  make  for  himself  a  creditable 
place  and  name.  He  completed  his  .university  course  by  graduation  in  1901. 
when  the  degrees  of  Bachelor  of  Science  and  ^lechanical  Engineer  were  con- 
ferred upon  him.  He  then  entered  the  employ  of  the  Allis-Chalmers  Company 
as  erecting  engineer,  subsecjuently  represented  that  company  in  Milwaukee  and 
afterward  became  assistant  engineer  for  the  same  corporation  in  New  York  city. 
On  leaving  the  eastern  metropolis  he  made  his  way  to  Peoria,  where,  as  prev- 
iously stated,  he  has  resided  since  1907.  Here  he  has  won  advancement  in  con- 
nection with  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company  until  he  now  occupies  a  posi- 
tion of  large  responsibility  as  general  superintendent  of  the  electric  and  heating 
departments.  He  has  full  charge  of  both  departments,  a  fact  which  is  indicative 
of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  the  corporation  and  the  ability  which  he 
displays  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 


C.  A.  IIUI'I'IX 


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gave 


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ivoi 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY  335 

In  11)05  Air.  llojipiii  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Jessie  C.  Cramer,  of 
Champaign.  Illimiis.  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  children,  Bessie  Cramer 
and  Charles  Albert.  Jr.  Mr.  Hoppin  is  well  known  in  Masonic  circles,  having 
l)ecome  a  Knight  Templar  Mason  and  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  be- 
longs to  the  University  of  Illinois  Alumni  Club  of  Peoria,  the  Creve  Coeur  Club 
and  the  Transportation  Club.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  American  Society  of 
Mechanical  Engineers.  He  is  popular  amon.g  his  friends,  having  the  attractive 
social  qualities  which  gain  high  regard.  He  is  ambitious,  resolute  and  energetic 
and  whatever  he  undertakes,  whether  in  business  or  other  connections,  is  carried 
forward  to  successful  completion. 


CLARENCE  E.  CASE. 


Twelve  years  have  passed  since  Clarence  E.  Case  was  called  to  his  final 
rest,  and  yet  he  is  well  remembered  by  his  many  friends  because  of  the  genu- 
ine worth  of  his  character.  He  was  a  man  of  exceptionally  good  habits,  his  life 
being  actuated  by  high  and  honorable  principles,  and,  while  he  never  sought  to 
figure  prominently  in  any  public  connection,  those  with  whom  he  was  daily 
thrown  in  contact  entertained  for  him  the  warmest  personal  regard.  He  was  born 
March  21,  185 1,  in  Medina  township,  Peoria  county,  not  far  from  Alta,  his  par- 
ents being  Imri  and  Salina  Case,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  New  York,  Re- 
moving westward,  they  became  early  residents  of  Illinois  and  the  father  was 
numbered  among  the  prominent  and  well-to-do  farmers  of  this  county,  year 
after  year  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  farm  in  a  manner  that  brought  sub- 
stantial returns.  His  wife  died  during  the  infancy  of  their  son,  Clarence,  but 
the  boy  remained  upon  the  home  farm  with  his  father,  spending  his  youthful 
days  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education  and  in  the  work  of  the  fields.  After 
attending  the  district  schools  at  .Alta  and  thus  mastering  the  elementary  branches 
of  learning  he  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  entered  the  high  school.  When  his 
education  was  com])leted  he  returned  to  Alta  and  assisted  his  father  on  the 
farin  for  several  years,  his  labors  proving  an  important  element  in  the  success- 
ful conduct  and  management  of  the  property.  He  did  not  wish  to  engage  in 
agricultural  pursuits  thoughout  his  entire  life,  however,  and  left  the  parental 
roof  to  learn  telegraphy,  w-hich  he  readily  mastered,  and  for  eighteen  years  he 
had  charge  of  the  railroad  office  at  Alta.  He  proved  a  most  capable,  efficient 
and  accommodating  representative  of  the  road  at  that  place  and  had  the  good 
will  of  all  who  had  business  dealings  with  him.  On  the  17th  of  April,  1903,  he 
gave  up  active  work  and  removed  to  Peoria,  after  which  he  lived  retired. 

On  the  first  of  January,  1873,  Mr.  Case  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Julia  P..  Schneby.  who  was  born  in  Peoria,  April  2.  1852,  and  is  a  daughter  of 
("leorge  W.  and  Margaret  (McVay)  Schneby,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  w^hence  they  removed  westward  to  Illinois,  becoming  early  settlers 
of  Peoria.  The  father  was  an  honored  pioneer  here  and  engaged  in  merchandis- 
ing, being  numbered  among  the  leading  factors  in  commercial  circles  here  in 
pioneer  times.  He  also  served  as  government  ganger  for  many  years  and  had 
a  wide  ac(|uaintancc  throughout  the  county,  L^nto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Case  were 
born  three  children:  Marsraret  S.,  who  was  born  October  i,  1874,  and  died  De- 
cember 9,  1874:  Georgia  I.,  who  was  born  November  20,  1880,  and  died  July  23, 
1897:  and  Harry  Clarence,  who  was  born  April  14,  1876,  and  is  the  only  sur- 
vivor of  the  family.  He  married  Blanche  L  Johnston,  and  they  lost  their  only 
child,  Clarence.  Jr.,  on  the  29th  of  .April,  tqit.  The  son,  Harry  Clarence,  resides 
with  his  mother. 

Air.  Case  gave  his  political  allegiance  in  early  life  to  the  democratic  party 

and    afterward   advocated    rejuiblican    principles.      At   local    elections,    howevet", 
vni.  n— 1  « 


336  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

he  generally  voted  regardless  of  party  ties,  casting  his  ballot  for  the  candidate 
whom  he  considered  best  qualified  for  office.  He  attended  the  Methodist  church 
while  a  resident  of  Alta  and  after  coming  to  Peoria  attended  the  services  of  the 
First  Congregational  church.  He  held  membership  with  the  Masons  and  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  was  loyal  to  the  beneficent  purposes  and  teachings  of 
both  orders.  He  was  a  man  of  genial,  kindly  spirit,  who  possessed  a  love  for 
all  mankind.  His  habits  were  exceptionally  good  and  he  never  used  intoxicants 
or  tobacco  and  held  to  the  highest  standards  of  morality.  He  was  a  lover  of  out- 
door life  and  also  very  fond  of  reading,  spending  many  happy  hours  among 
his  books.  Those  in  need  found  him  most  charitable,  none  ever  being  turned 
awav  emptv-handed  who  appealed  to  him  for  aid.  It  has  been  said:  "Not  the 
good  that  comes  to  us  but  the  good  that  comes  to  the  world  through  us  is  the 
measure  of  our  success,"  and  judged  in  this  way,  Clarence  E.  Case  was  a  most  suc- 
cessful man. 


LINCOLN  D.  FOREMAN,  'SI.  D. 

Through  the  greater  part  of  his  professional  career  Dr.  Lincoln  D.  Foreman 
was  a  resident  of  Peoria,  and  the  faithful  and  conscientious  performance  of  his 
professional  duties  gained  him  high  rank  among  the  leading  and  successful  phy-  , 
sicians  and  surgeons  of  the  city.  He  was  born  in  Pike  county,  Illinois,  February 
26,  1 86 1,  and  his  life  span  covered  the  intervening  years  to  the  9th  of  February, 
191 1 — almost  half  a  century.  His  parents  were  James  W.  and  Jennie  (Norton) 
Foreman,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ohio  but  became  early  residents  of 
Illinois,  with  the  development  and  progress  of  which  they  were  closely  associated 
in  the  district  in  which  they  lived.  The  father  devoted  his  life  to  farming  and 
as  his  financial  resources  increased  he  added  to  his  property  until  his  landed 
holdings  were  extensive. 

At  the  usual  age  Dr.  Foreman  entered  the  public  schools  of  his  native  county 
and  therein  laid  the  foundation  for  his  professional  knowledge.  He  attended 
the  St.  Louis  Medical  College  of  St.  Louis,  Alissouri,  and  also  obtained  his 
first  practical  experience  in  the  profession  in  that  city.  From  the  outset  his  labors 
proved  congenial  and  he  displayed  special  aptitude  in  his  studies  and  in  the 
application  of  his  theoretical  knowledge  to  the  special  needs  of  his  patients. 
He  afterward  went  to  Greene  county,  Illinois,  where  he  continued  in  practice 
for  four  years,  and  then  removed  to  Waverly,  this  state,  where  he  followed 
his  profession  for  ten  years.  Wishing  to  secure  the  broader  opportunities  of- 
fered in  the  city,  however,  he  then  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  practiced  with 
success  until  his  death.  His  reading  was  broad,  his  researches  deep  and  his 
methods  were  at  all  times  practical  and  resultant.  He  was  very  conscientious 
as  well  as  capable  in  the  discharge  of  his  professional  duties  and  was  seldom,  if 
ever,  at  fault  in  diagnosing  a  case.  He  belonged  to  the  State  Medical  Society 
and  was  well  known  to  the  profession,  at  all  times  enjoying  the  high  regard 
of  his  fellow  physicians  and  surgeons  throughout  the  state. 

Dr.  Foreman  was  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life,  having  been  happily 
married  on  the  ist  of  March,  1884,  to  Miss  Margaret  \'an  Sueringen,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  and  Augusta  (Aldrich)  \'an  Sueringen.  The  mother  was  born 
in  Pike  county,  Illinois,  in  1843,  and  was  a  daughter  of  D.  J.  Aldrich,  a  de- 
scendant of  the  old  and  distinguished  Aldrich  family  of  Massachusetts.  He  re- 
moved from  the  old  Bay  state  to  Illinois,  traveling  overland  in  the  '30s  and 
casting  in  his  lot  with  the  pioneer  residents  of  this  state.  Mrs.  Foreman  is 
also  a  descendant  of  Garrett  Van  Sueringen,  who  figured  in  the  early  history  of  j 
the  Empire  state  when  it  was  ruled  by  the  Dutch.     Dr.  and  Mrs.  Foreman  were 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  337 

the  parents  of  three  children:  Ethel  and  Lucille,  who  are  now  in  school;  and 
Lemuel  R.,  deceased. 

In  early  life  Dr.  P"orenian  was  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church.  He 
never  felt  bound  by  creed  or  dogma,  however,  his  sympathies  reaching  out  along 
broad  humanitarian  lines  to  all  mankind.  In  his  life  he  exemplified  the  beneficent 
spirit  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  in  which  he  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree. 
He  was  also  connected  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  his  political 
allegiance  was  given  to  the  rejiublican  party.  He  was  a  lover  of  nature  and  all 
outdoor  life  and  the  hours  which  he  spent  "in  communion  with  her  visible  forms" 
qualified  him  in  large  measure  for  the  arduous  duties  which  devolved  upon  him 
in  his  professional  career.  He  was  always  a  broad  reader  and  possessed  a  studious 
nature  that  enabled  him  to  delve  below  the  surface  of  things  and  reach  down  to 
the  very  root  of  the  matter.  In  manner  he  was  entirely  free  from  ostentation 
and  display,  but  his  true  worth  of  character  found  recognition,  as  was  attested 
by  the  warm   friendship  accorded  him. 


CHARLES  P.  WATSON. 

Charles  P.  Watson,  official  reporter  for  the  circuit  court  of  Peoria  county 
since  the  ist  of  July,  1887,  was  born  September  21,  1851,  in  Tecumseh,  Michi- 
gan, his  parents  being  Cyrus  L.  and  Elizabeth  H.  Watson.  The  father,  born  in 
1800.  died  in  1882,  and  the  mother,  born  in  1813,  passed  away  in  1907,  both  at- 
taining a  very  advanced  age. 

Following  the  completion  of  his  public-school  education  Charles  P.  Wat- 
son took  up  the  study  of  shorthand  with  the  purpose  in  view  of  becoming  a  court 
stenographer.  He  began  reporting  in  the  courts  of  Peoria  in  November,  1871, 
and  was  thus  engaged  until  January.  1877,  when  he  removed  to  Indianapolis. 
He  was  in  Washington,  D.  C,  from  1883  until  1887,  as  clerk  of  the  senate  com- 
mittee on  territories,  but  in  ^larch  of  the  latter  year  returned  to  Peoria  and  on 
the  1st  of  July  following  was  appointed  official  reporter  of  the  circuit  court  of 
Peoria  county.  W'hat  higher  testimonial  could  be  given  than  the  fact  that  for  a 
quarter  of  a  century  he  has  occupied  this  position  ?  Accurate,  systematic,  me- 
thodical, prompt  and  obliging,  he  has  the  high  regard  of  the  court  and  members 
of  the  bar  and  of  all  with  whom  his  official  duties  bring  him  in  contact. 

On  the  isth  of  October,  187CJ,  Mr.  Watson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Ella  H.  Adams,  a  daughter  of  George  F.  and  Rebecca  Adams,  of  Indianapolis, 
Indiana.  The  two  children  of  this  marriage  are:  (Seorge  A.,  who  was  born  Sep- 
tember 3.  1880;  and  Charles  L.,  born  January  12,  1882.  The  latter  was  mar- 
ried in  May,  1909,  to  ^liss  Nancy  Wolcott,  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana.  Mr.  Wat- 
son is  a  member  of  Peoria  Lodge,  No.  230,  K.  P.,  and  has  been  identified  with 
the  order  since  1875.  He  also  belongs  to  Lodge  No.  20,  of  the  Benevolent  Pro- 
tective Order  of  Elks.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  among  business  and  profes- 
sional men  of  this  city  and  everywhere  he  is  highly  esteemed  because  of  his  per- 
sonal traits  of  character  are  such  as  command  confidence  and  warm  regard. 


SOLOMON  BENNETT. 


In  eastern  Illinois  few  men  were  better  known  and  none  were  held  in  higher 
regard  than  Solomon  Bennett  because  his  salient  traits  of  character  were  such  as 
awakened  admiration  and  commanded  respect.  He  was  at  one  time  proprietor 
of  the  only  wholesale  clothing  establishment  conducted  in  central  Illinois,  and 
for  a  long  period  he  was  extensively  connected   with  the  wool  trade  through- 


338  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

out  the  southwest.  He  was  one  of  the  worthy  citizens  that  Germany  furnished 
to  Peoria,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  the  fatherland  April  15,  1842.  His  par- 
ents were  Israel  and  Gertrude  Bennett.  The  father,  on  crossing  the  Atlantic 
to  the  new  world,  settled  in  Buflalo,  New  York,  the  mother's  death  having  pre- 
viously occurred.  Solomon  Bennett  accompanied  his  father  to  America  and  pur- 
sued his  education  in  the  schools  of  Buiifalo  where  he  remained  for  about  si.x 
years.  He  was  a  youth  of  sixteen  years  when,  in  1858,  he  came  to  Peoria  and 
later  embarked  in  business  here  as  a  dealer  in  clothing.  His  stock  was  small 
but  his  enterprising  business  methods  and  reliability  won  him  favorable  recog- 
nition and  his  trade  constantly  grew.  Along  safe,  substantial  lines  he  built  up 
the  business,  and  e^'e^tually  developed  a  small  retail  store  into  a  large  wholesale 
clothing  establishment  with  ramifying  trade  interests  reaching  over  extensive 
territory.  His  was  the  only  wholesale  clothing  house  ever  conducted  in  Peoria, 
and  for  many  years  it  figured  as  a  prominent  feature  in  the  business  circles  of 
the  city.  Mr.  Bennett  also  became  extensively  engaged  in  the  wool  industry  in 
the  southwest,  his  business  activities  in  that  connection  being  represented  by  a 
large  factory. 

About  1890  he  retired  from  active  life  and  lived  quietly  in  his  home  in 
Peoria  from  tiiat  time  until  his  death,  employing  his  leisure  in  the  pursuit  of  those 
things  which  contributed  to  his  interests  and  happiness. 

On  the  27th  of  January,  1869,  Mr.  Bennett  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Delia  Fridenberg,  of  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  and  unto  them  were  born  two 
children:  Charles  AI.,  who  is  a  real-estate  dealer  and  well  known  business  man 
of  Peoria;  and  Gertrude,  who  is  the  wife  of  H.  T.  Bloom  and  the  mother  of  three 
children :   Delia,   Sarah  and   Clara   Gertrude. 

Mr.  Bennett  was  a  broad-minded  man  who  never  measured  life  by  the  inch 
rule  of  self  but  sought  to  view  the  world  from  the  standpoint  of  public  opin- 
ion. Each  vital  question  he  carefully  considered,  whether  it  related  to  the  in- 
dividual or  the  community  at  large.  He  was  a  great  admirer  of  Robert  G.  Inger- 
soll.  His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  republican  party  and  he  served 
as  a  member  of  the  board  of  supervisors  at  the  time  the  courthouse  was  built. 
His  public  duties  were  ever  discharged  in  a  most  capable,  prompt  and  faithful 
manner,  and  he  ever  kept  well  informed  on  the  leading  questions  and  issues  of 
the  day  relative  to  local  progress  and  to  the  welfare  of  the  nation  at  large.  He 
held  membership  in  the  Jewish  Temple,  also  with  the  Order  of  B'Nai  Brith  and 
in  the  Royal  Arcanum  and  the  ^Modern  Woodmen  of  .America.  He  was  a  man 
of  marked  individuality  and  left  the  impress  of  his  charcter  and  ability  upon  all 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  He  never  sought  to  figure  in  any  spectacular 
life  but  preferred  a  quiet  and  unassuming  life  with  the  companionship  of  family 
and  friends  who  ever  found  him  a  most  congenial,  hospitable  host.  He  died  May 
5,  1902,  at  the  age  of  sixty  years,  and  the  consensus  of  public  opinion  is  that 
he  had  used  his  time  wisely  and  well  and  that  his  work  had  constituted  an  ele- 
ment in   Peoria's  progress  and  advancement. 


JOHN  T.  POLAND. 


John  T.  Boland  is  the  active  member  in  the  firm  of  Daniel  Boland  &  Son,  of 
this  city,  one  of  the  oldest  and  best  known  undertaking  establishments  in  Peoria. 
He  inherited  the  business  from  his  father,  Daniel  Boland,  and  has  been  engaged 
in  it  since  he  left  school  and  has  given  his  time  and  attention  from  an  early  age 
to  making  himself  thoroughly  capable  and  efficient  in  his  chosen  line  of  activity. 
John  T.  Boland  is  the  son  of  Daniel  and  Catherine  Boland.  His  father  was  a 
native  of  Ireland,  born  in  County  Tipperary.  \\'hen  he  was  seventeen  years  of 
age  he  left  Ireland,  and  made  his  way  to  Liverpool,  where  he  took  passage  on  a 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  339 

sailing  vessel  bound  for  America  and  landed  in  Philadelphia  after  having  been 
twenty-three  days  on  the  voyage.  Daniel  Boland  came  immediately  to  Camden 
county.  New  Jersey,  and  engaged  in  farming  there  until  1858,  when  he  removed 
to  a  farm  at  Jacksonville.  Illinois,  where  he  remained  for  three  years.  In  1861, 
he  came  to  Peoria  and  became  connected  with  the  street  railway  company  until 
1872,  when  he  was  made  a  member  of  the  Peoria  police  force,  and  served  for  four 
years,  resigning  to  open  an  undertaking  parlor  which  he  conducted  successfully 
up  to  the  time  of  his  death  when  the  business  reverted  to  his  son,  John  T.  Boland, 
who  is  the  present  owner. 

Since  the  death  of  his  father,  John  T.  I'.oland  has  given  his  entire  time  and 
attention  to  his  business.  He  has  thoroughly  mastered  its  details,  and  he  al- 
lows no  modern  methods  and  innovations  making  for  further  efficiency  to  escape 
his  notice.  He  keeps  his  knowledge  up  to  date,  and  as  a  consequence  his  repu- 
tation in  Peoria  is  of  the  highest.  His  present  shop  is  located  at  124  North  Adams 
street,  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  establishments  of  its  kind  in  the 
citv.  John  T.  Boland  is  well  known  in  Peoria  as  a  public  spirited  and  loyal  citi- 
zen. 


MAXUAI.  TRAINING  HIGH  SCHOOL  OF  PEORIA. 

The  Manual  Training  High  School  was  organized  in  September,  1909.  The 
building  ranks  among  the  first  in  the  United  States  in  well-lighted  rooms,  well 
e(|uipped  shops,  laboratories,  commercial  department,  cooking  and  sewing  depart- 
ments for  modern  high  school  work.  The  attendance  the  first  year  was  one 
hundred  and  seventy-nine,  the  second  year  two  hundred  and  seventy-one,  and  the 
third  year  three  hundred  and  seventy-eight.  Full  credit  was  given  each  depart- 
ment at  the  State  University  at  the  close  of  the  second  year,  giving  its  gradu- 
ates the  same  standing  at  colleges  and  universities  as  is  given  to  graduates  from 
the  best  high  schools  of  Illinois.  The  first  class  of  graduates  numbered  seven  and 
the  second  class  in  June,  1912,  numbered  twenty-nine. 

The  plan  of  the  building  and  aims  of  the  school  are  in  accord  with  the  pres- 
ent high-school  movement,  that  is  extending  equal  advantages  to  all  boys  and 
girls. 

In  every  large  city  a  large  number  of  students  go  to  work  direct  from  the 
high  school,  and  it  has  been  ascertained  that  sixty  per  cent  of  those  who  do  not 
go  to  high  school  are  financially  able  to  go,  and  would  go,  if  in  the  judgment 
of  their  parents  the  education  oiifered  was  worth  while.  In  order  to  aid  those 
who  are  going  to  work  direct  from  the  school  and  to  help  stop  the  early  with- 
drawal of  so  many  boys  and  girls  from  school,  new  types  of  high  schools  are 
organized,  and  among  these  new  types  is  one  known  as  the  complete  high  school. 
This  kind  of  high  school  has  five  courses,  namely :  the  commercial  course,  the 
industrial  course,  the  agriculture  course,  academic  course,  and  domestic  science 
and  art  course.  These  courses  are  equal  or  equivalent,  one  being  better  than 
another  only  as  a  student  finds  his  ability  along  one  course  more  than  an- 
other. These  five  courses  give  the  fundamental  education  for  every  occupation, 
trade  and  profession.  This  type  of  high  school  is  one  of  the  latest  efiforts  to 
equalize  conditions  in  which  boys  and  girls  start  into  their  life  w-ork. 

The  name  of  one  dc[)artment,  ]\IanuaI  Training,  has  been  made  to  cover  the 
whole  school,  and  emphasizes  the  change  in  the  nature  of  education.  Practice 
work  at  school  is  essential  as  book  work. 

The  one  noticeable  thing  above  all  else,  is  the  increased  attention  that  must 
be  given  to  studying  the  boy  and  finding  the  right  course  for  him  on  entering  high 
school.  One  of  the  results  is,  it  gives  more  boys  and  girls  a  purpose  in  coming  to 
high  school.  More  boys  and  girls  make  going  to  high  school  a  business  and  at- 
tend to  it. 


340  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Instructors   of    1911-1912. 

W.  N.  Brown,  principal. 

Clara  E.  Barclay,  algebra,  geometry. 

F.  W.  Bennet,  Latin,  French,  English. 

J.  H.  Blackman,  manual  training. 

Florence  L.  Ebaugh,  English. 

Florence  Cutright,  algebra. 

Edna  L.  Earnest,  English. 

W.  \\'.  Gorsline,  geometry,  algebra,  surveying. 

W.   F.  Henning,  physics  and  chemistry. 

D.  C.  Hilling,  head  of  commercial  department. 

F.  C.  Keeler,  history,  civics,  economics. 
Anna  A.   Kellogg,   German. 

Lena  A.  Kemp,  typewriting. 
Charles  G.  Mason,  history,  English. 
A.  C.  Miller,  biology. 
Elizabeth  Persinger,  shorthand. 
William  Peters,  manual  training. 
Alice  M.  Otman,  English. 

G.  R.  Spraker,  commercial  arithmetic,  bookkeeping. 
*Minnie  JNI.  Peterson,  supervisor,  sewing. 
*Bertha  Case,  supervisor,  cooking. 

Hazel  Marcy,  sewing. 

*A.  P.  Laughlin,  supervisor,  manual  training. 

*Carl  Graner,  supervisor  of  physical  culture. 

♦Florence  Stackhouse,  assistant  of  physical  culture. 

*Clara  Dailey,  supervisor  of  music. 

Joanna  M.  Irish,  secretary  and  librarian. 

*Part  time. 

Alumni  Association. 

In  June  191 1,  the  alumni  association  was  formed  with  Walter  Stephenson  as 
president. 


HON.   NICHOLAS   E.   WORTHINGTON. 

Hon.  Nicholas  E.  Worthington,  judge  of  the  circuit  court  at  Peoria,  is  of 
English  extraction,  the  entire  Worthington  family  in  America  being  descended 
from  two  brothers,  one  of  whom  settled  in  New  England,  and  the  other  in 
Alaryland.  His  father,  the  Rev.  G.  J.  Worthington.  was  a  minister  of  the  Aleth- 
odist  Episcopal  church.  Born  in  Maryland,  he  resided  at  dififerent  times  in 
Pennsylvania,  Ohio  and  \'irginia,  devoting  his  entire  life  to  the  work  of  the 
church.  He  wedded  Mary  I.  Hedges  and  they  became  the  parents  of  two  sons 
and   four  daughters. 

Nicholas  E.  \\'orthington  was  born  iMarch  30,  1836,  in  Brooks  county.  West 
Virginia.  He  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  various  removals  according  to 
the  itinerant  custom  of  the  ]\Iethodist  Episcopal  ministry,  residing  at  different 
times  in  Allegheny  City,  in  Pittsburg  and  at  Clarksburg,  \'irginia.  In  the  last 
named  he  attended  college  and  later  matriculated  in  Allegheny  College  at  Mead- 
ville,  Pennsylvania,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1854,  winning 
first  honors  in  that  year.  He  afterward  engaged  in  teaching  in  an  academy  at 
Clarksburg,  A'irginia.  and  then  entered  the  law  office  of  ^^^aitman  T.  Willett.  In 
1856  he  came  to  Illinois  and  began  teaching  in  Tremont,  Tazewell  county,  and 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  341 

was  appointed  county  superintendent  of  scliools.  He  retired  from  the  teacher's 
profession  to  enter  upon  the  active  practice  of  law  in  I'eoria  and  has  since 
been  identified  with  the  bar. 

Judge  Wortliington  has  always  been  more  or  less  actively  identified  with 
educational  interests.  For  four  years  lie  was  a  member  of  the  board  of  public 
instruction.  In  1872  he  was  a  candidate  for  congress  and  in  1882  was  again 
the  nominee  of  his  party,  being  elected  a  representative  of  his  district  in  the 
national  halls  of  legislation.  At  the  close  of  his  first  term  he  was  reelected 
and  after  four  years'  congressional  service  returned  to  Peoria  to  resume  the 
practice  of  law.  Soon  afterward  he  was  elected  judge  of  the  circuit  court  and 
is  still  U])on  the  bench,  being  now  dean  of  the  judiciary  of  Peoria.  President 
Cleveland  named  him  as  a  member  of  the  commission  to  settle  the  famous  rail- 
road strike  in  Chicago,  on  w'hich  occasion  the  president  aroused  the  opposition 
of  Governor  Altgeld,  who  objected  to  the  United  States  troops  being  sent  to 
Illinois.  Judge  Worthington  served  with  distinction  as  one  of  the  arbitrators 
at  that  critical  period  and  on  other  occasions,  perhaps  of  a  less  public  character, 
his  opinions  have  carried  weight  in  political  councils. 

In  1836  Judge  Worthington  married  Miss  Sarah  Fowkcs,  a  daughter  of 
Colonel  Richard  Fowkes,  of  West  Mrginia,  and  they  have  three  children,  Louis 
B.,  Nellie  and  Frank  E.,  the  last  named  l)eing  a  resident  of  the  west. 


PROFESSOR  ALFRED  WADLEIGH  BEASLEY. 

Professor  Alfred  Wadleigh  Beasley,  principal  of  the  Central  high  school 
of  Peoria,  was  born  in  Ripley,  Ohio,  March  27,  1853,  a  son  of  Nathaniel  K. 
and  Susan  H.  (Wadleigh)  Beasley.  The  father  was  born  in  Decatur,  Ohio, 
April  4,  1828,  and  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in  Oxford,  Ohio,  September 
22,  1830.  The  former  was  a  son  of  Alfred  and  Margaret  ( Kirker ) 
Beasley,  who  were  natives  of  Ohio,  and  Alfred  Beasley  was  a  son  of  Nathaniel 
and  Sarah  (Sutton)  Beasley,  natives  of  \'irginia.  The  great-grandparents  of 
Professor  Beasley  in  the  maternal  line  w^ere  John  and  Susan  Wadleigh,  natives 
of  Scotland.  Their  son,  Thomas  Jefferson  Wadleigh,  was  born  in  Watertown, 
New  York,  and  married  Sophia  Easton,  a  native  of  Oxford,  Ohio. 

The  removal  of  the  family  from  the  Buckeye  state  to  Peoria  during  the 
early  boyhood  of  Professor  Beasley  enabled  him  to  pursue  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  this  city  and  in  1870  he  was  graduated  from  the  high  school.  He 
then  entered  Dartmouth  College  and  upon  his  graduation  four  years  later 
ranked  first  in  his  class  in  mathematics  and  fourth  in  general  standing.  During 
the  succeeding  four  years  he  was  connected  with  the  firms  of  Beasley  Brothers 
and  Steele  Brothers  in  the  saddlery  and  hardware  business,  and  in  1878  he 
began  teaching  in  an  ungraded  school  in  South  Peoria.  A  year  later  he  was 
transferred  to  the  Peoria  high  school  as  instructor  in  mathematics  and  sciences 
and  later  was  made  principal  of  the  old  Franklin  school.  He  was  subsequently 
appointed  principal  of  the  Peoria  high  school,  which  position  he  still  continues 
to  fill.  For  twenty-five  years  he  has  been  at  the  head  of  this  school  and  he  is 
recognized  as  one  of  the  prominent  educators  of  the  west,  his  service  being  fre- 
quently sought  in  connection  with  educational  conventions,  before  which  he  has 
delivered  many  addresses.  He  stands  as  one  of  those  whose  study  of  pedagogy 
in  its  broadest  sense  has  resulted  in  marked  improvement  in  methods  of  teach- 
ing; his  zeal  and  interest  in  the  work  are  unabating  and  he  inspires  teachers  and 
pupils  under  him  with  much  of  his  own  interest.  His  ideals  are  very  high  and 
he  stands  for  that  real  progressiveness  which  recognizes  that  which  is  of  value  in 
the  past  while  laboring  for  advancement  in  the  future. 


342  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

On  the  29th  of  Xovcniber,  1876,  Professor  Beasley  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Ramsay,  who  was  born  June  6,  1856.  They  became  parents  of  four  children: 
Robert  K.,  who  is  now  deceased;  Frederick  E. ;  Alfred  F. ;  and  Jules  de  La- 
barthe.  Professor  Beasley  is  a  Congregationalist  in  religious  faith.  He  has 
always  recognized  the  fact  that  there  should  be  an  even  balance  between  the 
physical,  intellectual  and  moral  progress  and  in  his  teaching  he  has  endeavored 
to  stimulate  an  interest  in  each  that  would  lead  to  direct  and  beneficial  results. 


PETER  A.  WEAST. 


If  one  were  called  upon  to  name  a  typical  business  man  of  Peoria  better 
selection  could  not  be  made  than  by  naming  Peter  A.  Weast.  He  stands  fore- 
most among  those  whose  sound  judgment  and  enterprise  have  led  to  success 
and  he  is  today  familiar  to  all  Peoria  citizens  as  one  of  the  most  successful  real- 
estate  dealers'  here.  Yet  he  is  more  than  a  business  man ;  his  interests  are 
broad  and  varied  and  all  those  things  which  draw  the  traveler  abroad — the  works 
of  art  and  the  points  of  historic  and  modern  interest — claim  his  attention  and 
keep  him  in  touch  with  the  world's  thought  and  work. 

Mr.  Weast  is  a  native  of  Peoria,  Illinois,  born  on  April  5,  1848.  Early  hi 
life  he  began  his  investments  in  realty,  holding  property  until  it  advanced  in 
price  and  when  he  was  able  to  sell  it  at  a  good  figure  he  still  invested  the  re- 
turns in  real  estate  and  is  today  rated  as  one  of  the  most  wealthy  of  Peoria 
citizens.  It  is  his  advice  always  to  make  investment  in  property  rather  than 
along  other  lines,  and  he  has  proven  his  faith  in  Peoria  by  making  his  investnients 
here.  He  has  owned  some  of  the  most  valuable  properties  on  South  Jefferson 
avenue  and  on  Fulton  street.  Whenever  he  has  had  a  chance  to  sell  advanta- 
geously he  has  done  so,  but  a  sale  has  usually  been  almost  immediately  followed 
by  the  purchase  of  adjacent  property. 

Air.  Weast  was  married  August  16,  1887,  to  Miss  Jennie  Grunden,  and  they 
have  a  daughter,  Maud,  now  Mrs.  Claude  Wallin.  The  home  of  Air.  \\'east  is  a 
splendid  residence,  built  in  an  attractive  style  of  architecture  and  supplied  in  the 
way  of  furnishings  with  all  that  wealth  can  secure  and  refined  taste  can  suggest. 
He  takes  his  pleasure  largely  in  fine  horses  and  in  good  automobiles,  of  which 
he  owns  a  number,  and  his  wife  and  daughter  are  also  skillful  horsewomen. 
They  all  enjoy  travel  and  have  made  a  number  of  trips  abroad,  hunting  out 
quaint,  out-of-the-way  places  or  sojourning  in  the  cities  as  their  desires  of  the 
moment  dictate.  While  Mr.  Weast  has  gained  large  wealth  through  his  real- 
estate  operations  he  has  been  generous  in  assisting  others,  especially  the  young 
man  who  is  trying  to  make  a  start,  and  he  has  also  given  freely  of  his  means 
to  charitable  projects. 


•  FRANK  T.  MILLER. 

The  life  record  of  Frank  T.  Alillcr  is  another  indication  of  the  fact  that 
it  is  only  under  the  pressure  of  adversity  and  the  stimulus  of  necessity  that 
the  strongest  and  best  in  man  are  brought  out  and  developed.  Hampered  by 
lack  of  early  opportunities,  Mr.  Miller  resolved  that  he  would  advance  despite 
all  this  and  the  consensus  of  public  opinion  places  him  today  among  Peoria's 
capable  and  foremost  lawvers.  He  was  born  in  Muehlheim,  near  Cologne,  in 
the  Rhine  Province,  Germany,  January  i,  1873,  his  parents  being  Theodore  D. 
and  Clara  A.  Miller,  who  were  also  natives  of  the  same  province.  He  was  nine 
and  a  half  vears  of  age  when  his  parents,  in  July,  1882,  came  to  America,  bring- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  343 

ing  with  them  tlu-ir  family  of  six  children  to  whom  li\e  mure  were  added  in 
this  countr\-.  The  father  was  a  carpenter  and  when  he  worked  steadily  at  his 
trade  earned  about  fifty  dollars  per  month.  According  to  the  laws  of  his  native 
country  he  w'as  forced  to  render  military  service  in  the  German  army  and  had 
been  on  active  duty  during  the  I<>anco- Prussian  war.  When  the  family  arrived 
in  America  they  had  absolutely  nothing  in  the  way  of  money  or  furniture  or 
the  barest  neccessities  of  life.  Not  one  of  the  household  could  speak  a  word 
of  English  and  Frank  Miller  says  that  it  has  ever  remained  a  puzzle  to  him 
how  the  family  obtained  a  start.  He  himself  often  experienced  unfair  treat- 
ment at  the  hands  of  the  boys  of  the  neighborhood,  his  inability  to  understand 
English  bringing  upon  him  many  a  knockdown  blow  from  a  boy  who  wished 
to  try  his  strength,  before  Mr.  Miller  knew  w^hat  was  wanted.  He  had  had 
three  years'  training  in  the  schools  of  Germany  and  was  sent  to  school  in  this 
country,  spending  three  years  in  the  ward  schools  in  Champaign  and  Blooming- 
ton,  but  when  twelve  years  of  age  he  was  forced  to  put  aside  his  text-books  and 
provide  for  his  own  support.  He  secured  a  situation  in  a  drug  store,  washing 
windows,  bottles,  floors,  etc.,  working  twelve  hours  per  day,  for  which  a  dollar 
and  a  quarter  was  paid  into  the  family  fund  each  week.  By  the  time  he  was 
fourteen  he  was  earning  two  dollars  a  w-eek  in  a  dry-goods  store.  Realizing 
the  fact  that  he  had  been  taken  out  of  school  permanently  he  resolved  to  seek 
education  along  other  lines  and  began  selling  Sunday  papers,  having,  however,  an 
understanding  with  his  father  that  the  money  so  earned  should  go  for  violin  les- 
sons. Flis  Sunday  task  proved  to  be  a  profitable  one  and  his  constant  practice 
on  the  violin  at  all  leisure  hours  won  him  such  rapid  advancement  that  at  the 
age  of  sixteen  years  he  was  playing  in  a  theater  for  experience.  When  eighteen 
years  of  age  he  was  in  demand  as  a  musician  and  at  twenty  had  become  a  recog- 
nized factor  in  musical  circles  in  his  home  city.  He  had  also  made  substantial 
advance  in  the  stores  in  which  he  had  been  continuously  employed  but  his  vio- 
lin in  the  evenings  brought  him  as  much  or  more  than  his  regular  wages  in  the 
store. 

His  earlier  dreams  for  a  higher  education  now  began  to  take  form  and,  leav- 
ing the  store,  he  entered  a  law  school,  hoping  to  earn  enough  with  the  violin 
at  night  to  meet  the  ex])enses  of  his  course.  He  had  been  out  of  school  for 
more  than  eight  years  and  in  consequence  did  not  know  how  to  study.  For  a 
time  it  was  uphill  work,  his  earlier  examinations  proving  his  incapacity  in  that 
direction,  but  at  the  end  of  two  years  he  stood  second  in  the  class  in  examina- 
tions covering  the  entire  course  and  drew  a  cash  prize.  The  income  from  his 
music  had  steadily  increased  and  enabled  him  to  pursue  a  two  years'  special 
literary  course,  after  which  he  spent  a  year  in  a  law  office.  He  w'on  his  LL.P). 
degree  from  the  Illinois  Wesleyan  University  in  1896  and  completed  his  two 
years'  special  literary  work  in  1898.  For  twelve  years  he  has  been  a  resident 
of  Peoria.  In  May,  1899,  h^  opened  a  law  ofifice  with  Judson  Starr  and  on  the 
1st  of  March,  1900,  entered  into  a  partnership  with  Daniel  R.  Sheen  under  the 
firm  name  of  Sheen  &  Miller.  When  he  located  in  Peoria  he  resolved  to  give 
up  nuisic  except  for  the  pleasure  of  it  and  concentrate  his  efforts  upon  his 
law  practice  without  any  side  issues,  especially  resolving  not  to  become  actively 
connected  with  politics.  During  the  first  year  of  his  practice  he  made  very 
slow  progress  and  was  obliged  to  live  most  economically,  but  his  determination 
and  ability  won  in  the  end  and  his  success  has  far  exceeded  his  fondest  expecta- 
tions. His  partnership  with  Mr.  Sheen  continued  until  July  i.  1909,  when  he 
joined  John  S.  Stevens  and  J.  M.  Elliott,  in  a  partnership  under  the  firm  name 
of  Stevens,  Miller  &  Elliott,  .succeeding  W.  S.  Horton,  who  had  previously  been 
with  them  in  the  practice  of  law.  The  firm  is  today  one  of  the  strongest  of  the 
Peoria  bar  and  has  a  large  and  distinctively  representative  clientage.  As  Mr. 
Miller  has  prospered  in  his  undertakings  he  has  become  interested  in  city  busi- 
ness and  residence  properties  and  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Illinois  National  Bank. 


344  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

He  is  attorney  for  several  Peoria  banks  and  is  local  attorney  for  many  railroad 
and  other  corporations.  He  was  appointed  public  administrator  of  Peoria  county 
by  Governor  Yates  in  1901,  was  reappointed  by  Governor  Deneen  in  1905  and 
again  in  1909.  In  politics  he  has  ever  been  a  stalwart  republican  and  did  active 
campaign  work  in  1900  and  1904.  For  a  considerable  period  after  entering 
upon  practice,  however,  he  did  not  engage  actively  in  politics  but  his  qualities 
of  leadership  and  his  deep  interest  concerning  the  government  of  city,  state  and 
nation  have  naturally  forced  him  into  more  intimate  and  active  relations  with 
political   affairs. 

On  the  1 6th  of  September.  1903,  in  Peoria.  Mr.  Miller  was  united  m  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Lillian  Bruce  Morgan,  a  daughter  of  H.  B.  Morgan.  Mrs.  Miller 
is  an  exceptional  pianist.  She  studied  for  four  years  in  Chicago  and  Berlin, 
her  instructors  being  Fannie  Bloomheld  Zeisler.  Leopold  Godowski  and  Xavier 
Scharwenka.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller  have  two  daughters:  Jeannette  M.,  born 
in  1906;  and  Lillian  Bruce,  September  8,  191 1.  Mr.  and  ;\irs.  Miller  are  very 
prominent  in  social  circles,  particularly  where  music  is  a  leading  attraction  and 
source  of  interest.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and 
held  all  the  otflces  in  the  lodge  from  1901  until  1904.  Since  the  latter  year  he 
has  been  connected  with  the  Knights  of  Khorassan  and  has  always  been  a 
member  of  the  dramatic  team.  He  likewise  belongs  to  Schiller  Lodge,  F.  & 
A.  M.,  in  which  he  is  now  holding  office.  In  more  strictly  social  and  recreative 
lines  he  is  connected  with  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Kickapoo  Golf  Club. 
Never  fearing  to  venture  where  favoring  opportunity  has  led  the  way,  never 
faltering  when  determination  and  courage  could  overcome  difficulties  and  obsta- 
cles, never  hesitating  to  make  attempt  to  reach  high  ideals  and  to  occupy  a  place 
of  prominence,  Frank  T.  Miller  has  continuously  advanced  since  starting  out 
in  life  on  his  own  account  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  and  is  today  numbered 
among  the  foremost  citizens  of  Peoria  in  political,  social  and  professional  lines. 


DR.   T.   F.  COOPER. 


I.  F.  Cooper,  physician  and  surgeon,  who  entered  upon  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine in  Peoria  in  1903,  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Christian  county,  Kentucky,  June 
21,  1853,  his  parents  being  Hugh  C.  and  Elizabeth  A.  (McKenzie)  Cooper,  who 
were  farming  people  of  that  district.  L^pon  the  old  homestead  the  son  was 
reared,  and  after  attending  the  district  schools  he  had  the  advantage  of  academic 
instruction  taking  a  course  in  LaFayette  Academy  in  his  native  state.  He  took 
up  the  profession  of  teaching  which  he  followed  for  four  years  in  his  home 
county  and  thus  provided  the  funds  necessary  to  meet  the  expenses  of  a  course 
in  a  medical  college.  He  entered  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at 
Baltimore,  Maryland,  and  was  graduated  in  1880.  Immediately  afterward  he 
entered  upon  active  practice,  spending  eighteen  months  in  Bennettstown,  Ken- 
tucky. He  then  came  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Elmwood,  Peoria  county,  where  he 
remained  in  active  practice  for  twenty-one  years  or  until  he  came  to  the  city  of 
Peoria.  He  was  successful  in  Elmwood  and  has  enjoyed  an  even  more  exten- 
sive practice  in  Peoria  for  his  labors  have  found  recognition  here,  his  fellow' 
practitioners  as  well  as  the  general  public  acknowledging  his  skill  and  ability. 
He  allows  nothing  to  interfere  with  the  faithful  performance  of  his  professional 
duties,  and  the  years  have  brought  him  substantial  success. 

On  September  17,  1884,  in  Elmwood,  Dr.  Cooper  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Lois  M.  Brown,  a  daughter  of  E.  R.  Brown  of  that  place  and  a  former 
banker  prominently  known  as  "the  sage  of  Elmwood."  Three  children  were 
born  to  this  marriage :  Marilia  E..  who  is  a  graduate  of  Elmwood  high  school, 
the  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute  and  the  Oberlin  College  of  Oberlin,  Ohio,  and 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  347 

is  now  a  teacher  in  the  high  school  of  this  cit\- ;  Hugh  II..  who  is  also  a  graduate 
of  the  Peoria  high  school,  the  Bradley  I'olytechnic  Institute  and  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Chicago  in  the  class  of  191 1,  while  at  present  he  is  a  student  in  the 
Rush  Medical  College  of  Chicago ;  and  Ruth  L.,  who  completed  a  course  in  the 
Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute  and  is  now  a  student  in  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity at  Evanston. 

While  a  resident  of  Elmwood  Dr.  Cooper  served  as  president  of  the  school 
board  for  several  years,  and  the  cause  of  education  has  ever  found  in  him  a 
warm  friend  and  stalwart  champion,  as  is  indicated  by  the  liberal  advantages 
given  his  children.  He  was  also  local  health  officer  there  for  several  years. 
He  holds  memljership  in  the  Congregational  church.  He  belongs  to  the  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  his  profes- 
sional connections  are  with  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State 
Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association.  He  has  held  to  high 
standards  in  his  profession,  has  sought  public  welfare  in  his  indorsement  of 
progressive  pul)lic  measures  and  at  all  times  has  endeavored  to  conform  his 
life  to  those  principles  which  make  for  honorable  manhood. 


JOHN  \\TLLIAM  LITTLE. 

John  William  Little  was  known  as  one  of  the  leading  landowners  of  central 
Illinois,  for  as  he  prospered  in  his  undertakings  he  placed  his  capital  in  the  safest 
of  all  investments — real  estate.  He  was  born  in  Hampshire  county,  West  Vir- 
ginia, January  13,  1832,  and  lacked  but  one  day  of  being  seventy-eight  years  of 
age  at  the  time  of  his  death  on  the  12th  of  January,  1910.  His  parents  were 
David  C.  and  Anna  (Harrison)  Little,  the  former  a  native  of  West  Virginia 
and  the  latter  of  Devonshire,  England.  The  paternal  grandfather  was  George 
Little,  who  was  born  in  Scotland  and  after  coming  to  America  wedded  a  Miss 
Carlyle,  who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  In  the  maternal  line  John  W.  Little 
rame  of  distinctively  English  ancestry,  his  grandfather  being  Robert  Harrison,  a 
native  of  Devonshire. 

In  the  schools  of  his  native  state  John  W.  Little  pursued  his  education. 
Like  many  another  young  man  he  felt  he  might  have  better  opportunities  in  a 
district  removed  from  that  in  which  he  was  reared  and  he  wisely  chose  Peoria 
county  as  the  scene  in  his  future  labors,  reaching  the  city  of  Peoria  on  the  23d 
of  March,  1853.  The  following  day  he  located  at  Princeville,  in  Princeville 
township,  where  he  purchased  land  and  began  farming,  successfully  cultivating 
his  fields  which  year  by  year  yielded  good  harvests..  He  afterward  spent  ten 
years  in  farming  in  Iowa,  but  later  returned  to  Illinois  and  was  closely  associated 
with  agricultural  interests  in  this  state  until  1899,  in  which  year  he  located  in 
Peoria.  By  strict  attention  to  business,  economy  and  industry  he  added  con- 
tinually to  his  possessions,  and  became  in  time  the  owner  of  one  thousand  acres 
of  valuable  farm  land  which  yielded  him  a  most  gratifying  annual  income.  In 
1899  he  retired  from  active  life  save  for  the  supervision  which  he  gave  to  his 
property,  his  holdings  comprising  both  town  and  country  real  estate  in  and  near 
Princeville  and   Peoria. 

On  the  28th  of  March,  1855,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Little  and  Miss 
Harriet  Harrison,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Susan  (Evans)  Harrison,  who  were 
natives  of  England,  and  upon  coming  to  America  became  residents  of  Mrginia. 
Subsequently  they  removed  westward  to  Peoria,  and  in  the  early  period  of  his 
residence  in  this  part  of  the  state  the  father  followed  farming.  Unto  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Little  were  born  four  children,  of  whom  Susan  L.  and  Marion  are  deceased. 
The  others  are  Lillie  and  Henrv  C,  still  residents  of  Peoria. 


348  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Little  was  a  democrat.  He  studied  the  questions 
and  issues  of  the  day  with  the  purpose  of  casting  an  intelligent  ballot  in  sup- 
port of  the  principles  which  he  deemed  of  most  value  in  good  government,  but 
he  never  sought  nor  desired  office  as  a  reward  for  party  fealty.  In  Masonry  he 
attained  high  rank,  taking  the  thirty-second  degree  in  the  consistory  and  also 
becoming  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shriners.  He  was  likewise  a  member  of  the 
Odd  Fellows  for  many  years,  and  in  his  life  exemplified  the  beneficent  and  help- 
ful spirit  of  these  fraternities.  In  citizenship  he  was  loyal,  in  friendship  faith- 
ful, and  in  his  home  was  a  most  devoted  husband  and  father.  His  long  life  was 
an  active,  useful  and  honorable  one.  and-  was  crowned  with  a  success  which  re- 
wards earnest  effort,  keen  discrimination  and  judicious  investment.  The  pleasure 
of  his  success  largely  came  to  him  through  the  fact  that  it  enabled  him  to  provide 
liberallv  for  the  members  of  his  own  household. 


MAX  XEWMAX. 


When  Max  Xewman  died  in  this  city  on  May  8.  1906,  the  state  of  Illinois 
lost  one  of  its  pioneer  residents,  and  the  city  of  Peoria  an  upright,  high-minded 
and  sterling  citizen  and  a  thoroughly  honest  man.  Max  Xewman's  career  was 
an  exemplification  of  those  qualities  of  character  and  heart  which  are  the  founda- 
tion of  our  national  citizenship,  and  he  left  to  his  family  the  glorious  tradition 
of  an  upright  life  and  an  honorable  career.  His  descendants  in  Peoria  today 
take  pride  in  striving  to  attain  his  standards,  and  to  live  according  to  his  ideals. 

Max  Xewman  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  in  1834, 
and  w^hile  still  a  resident  of  his  native  land,  was  appointed  assistant  United 
States  consul  for  that  kingdom  by  President  Pierce.  He  came  to  America  in 
1856,  going  immediately  to  Chicago,  where  he  obtained  a  position  as  bookkeeper 
in  a  wholesale  house  and  remained  there  until  1859.  when  he  came  to  Peoria  and 
entered  into  partnership  with  Harry  Ullman,  as  a  jobber  of  cigars  and  tobacco. 
They  organized  the  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Xewman  &  Ullman,  under 
which  name  it  continues  today.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  original  firms  in  the  city, 
and  is  under  the  active  management  of  !Mr.  ^lilton  G.  Xewman,  son  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch.  It  is  doing  an  extensive  and  rapidly  growing  cigar  and 
tobacco  business  in  the  Two  Hundred  block,  South  Washington  street,  and  the 
qualities  of  strict  business  integrity,  honesty  and  fair  dealing,  which  were  the  com- 
mercial standards  of  the  father,  have  been  handed  down  in  honorable  tradition 
to  his  son. 

Max  Xewman  lived  in  America  at  a  time  when  history  was  being  made  here. 
When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  in  i860,  Mr.  Xewman  was  prevented  from  entering 
the  service  on  account  of  his  diminutive  size,  but  his  strict  sense  of  duty  and 
his  loyalty  to  his  adopted  country,  would  not  allow  him  to  take  advantage  of  this 
fact,  and  he  paid  a  substitute  eight  hundred  dollars  to  go  in  his  place.  Mr.  Xew- 
man's loyal  democratic  political  principles  at  that  time  brought  him  into  personal 
contact  with  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  and  he  became  a  warm  friend  of  that  mighty 
leader.  His  friendship  with  Robert  G.  Ingersoll  is  also  a  matter  of  record. 
Mr.  Xewman  remained  in  the  democratic  party  until  1896,  when  his  convictions 
changed  and  he  voted  for  McKinley,  having  differed  with  his  democratic  brethren 
on  the  currency  question. 

On  February  21,  1864,  Max  Xewman  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Rebecca 
Ullman,  and  to  this  union  were  born  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  Mr,  Xew- 
man was  a  member  of  Schiller  T-odge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  was  entirely  in- 
terested in  the  affairs  of  the  Peoria  Public  Library.  He  was  also  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  Cottage  Hospital,  now  the  John  C.  Proctor  Hospital,  was  its 
first  secretary  and  remained  so  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.     He  was  a  worthy 


I 


HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY  349 

representative  of  the  true  tvpe  of  an  honorable  and  upright  Jew.  well  \ersed 
in  the  history  and  trilnilations  of  his  race,  and  living  according  to  the  customs 
and  decrees  of  his  religion.  He  was  a  member  of  the  congregation  of  Anshai 
Emeth  of  which  he  wa^s  an  officer  and  a  devout  attendant  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death.  He  was  interested  in  all  kinds  of  benevolent  and  charitable  work,  and  is 
remembered  todav  bv  many  of  his  less  fortunate  brethren  whom  he  helped  along. 
The  record  of  hi's  life  is  the  story  of  a  worthy  and  honorable  business  career. 
of  a  life  filled  with  the  practice  of  many  public  and  private  virtues,  and  of  a 
faith  in  the  innate  honesty  of  the  world,  kept  green  and  alive  by  his  unbounded 
charitv,  and  his  broad  and  high-minded  character. 


IRA    T.   CO\'EY. 


Ira  I.  Covey,  now  a  member  of  the  Illinois  state  legislature  from  Peoria 
countv.  'is  well  known  in  this  city  as  a  brilliant  lawyer  and  a  rising  politician. 
He  is'  a  firm  believer  in  republican  principles  and  is  at  present  beginning  to  be 
a  power  in  the  state  as  a  leader  in  the  re]3ublican  party.  His  law  offices  in  Peoria 
are  in  the  Woolner  Iniilding,  where  he  carries  on  a  general  practice  when  his  public 
duties  allow  him.  He  was  born  in  Belvidere,  Boone  county.  Illinois,  October 
26,  1873.  Three  generations  of  Coveys  have  been  residents  of  this  state.  The 
paternal  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Stephen  Covey,  came  to  Illi- 
nois in  1839,  and  located  in  Boone  county,  where  the  father  of  Ira  J.  Covey 
was  born. 

Our  subject  spent  his  early  boyhood  in  Belvidere  and  went  to  the  public 
schools  of  that  city.  He  late'r  attended  the  Illinois  Wesleyan  University  at 
Bloomington.  Illinois,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1893.  His  legal  education 
was  obtained  under  Judge  Charles  E.  Fuller  of  Belvidere,  Illinois,  and  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  "in  1893.  Later  he  came  to  Peoria,  and  entered  upon  the 
general  practice  of  law.  in'association  with  his  brother.  Frank  R.  Covey.  In 
1901  Frank  Covey  retired,  and  the  firm  was  reorganized,  with  P.  E.  Mann  as  a 
partner,  under  the  name  of  Covey,  Alann  &  Covey.  This  arrangement  lasted 
for  one  year,  when  Mr.  Mann  retired  and  the  firm  again  became  Covey  &  Covey. 
Upon  the  election  of  Ira  J.  Covey  to  the  legislature  in  1910  George  Campbell 
of  Peoria  entered  the  firm." and  it  became  Covey.  Campbell  &  Covey.  They  have 
offices  in  the  Woolner  building  of  this  city,  and  are  doing  a  flourishing  business 
in  all  branches  of  law.  Ever  since  he  first  entered  upon  active  life.  Ira  J.  Covey 
has  shown  a  decided  predilection  for  the  duties  of  a  political  career.  He  is  a 
stirring  speaker,  actively  interested  for  tlie  improvement  of  conditions,  and  can 
always  be  depended  upon  to  cast  his  vote  on  the  right  side  in  a  political  controversy. 
He  served  for  five  vears  as  a  member  of  the  republican  central  committee  for 
Peoria  township,  and  later  was  active  on  the  county  and  city  committees.  In 
.April.  1907.  he  was  elected  to  the  Peoria  city  council,  of  which  body  he  was  the 
recognized  leader  on  the  republican  side.  He  served  in  this  body  until  after  his 
election  to  the  legislature  in  igio,  and  has  served  the  public  in  that  capacity  ever 
since.  Ira  1.  Covev  is  not  a  mere  partisan  politician.  He  is  an  intelligent,  active 
and  l)road-minded  man,  keenly  desirous  of  doing  his  best  toward  the  promotion 
of  good  and  etificient  government.  He  is  a  man  of  high  ideals,  and  lofty  prin- 
ciples, and  is  a  practical  agent  of  good  in  his  chosen  field  of  activity.  In  his 
career  in  the  state  legislature  he  has  shown  himself  to  be  a  man  of  independence, 
a  tieliever  in  righteous  causes,  and  as  good  a  politician  as  he  is  a  lawyer. 

On  lune  27,  1899.  Ira  J.  Covey  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  .-\lta  F.  Lin- 
nell,  and  they  became  the  i)arents  of  four  children:  Linnell.  Marion.  Ira  J.,  junior 
andThirza  E.     Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Covey  are  well  known  socially  in  Peoria  and 


350  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

are  prominent  members  of  the  Union  Congregational  church.  Mr.  Covey  is  still 
a  young  man  and  comparatively  new  in  political  activity,  but  he  has  already 
made  his  presence  felt  in  the  circles  in  which  he  moves,  and  his  political  eli'orts, 
and  aspirations  as  well  as  his  public  accomplishments  have  that  dignity  of  honest 
purpose,  and  the  commanding  weight  of  high  and  unswerving  independence, 
which  is  true  statesmanship. 


HERMAN  GUSTAVE  TRAUTVETTER. 

Herman  Gustave  Trautvetter  is  another  of  those  sterling  citizens,  which 
Germany  has  given  to  the  new  world.  Although  he  himself  was  a  native  Peorian, 
his  father  was  born  in  the  fatherland,  and  brought  to  the  new  country  the  sturdy 
and  common-sense  virtues  which  are  the  foundations  of  the  greatness  of  the  old. 
Herman  G.  Trautvetter  is  at  present  head  of  the  Peoria  Collection  Agency,  and 
is  doing  a  very  successful  business  along  that  line,  yet  the  great  love  and  ambi- 
tion of  his  life  lies  in  the  direction  of  music.  He  is  an  accomplished  pianist, 
and  has  gained  a  reputation  through  Illinois  for  his  brilliant  and  original  musical 
compositions. 

Herman  G.  Trautvetter  was  born  in  Peoria.  July  22,  1873,  in  an  old  house  on 
Chestnut  street  back  of  the  historic  old  Ballance  property.  His  father.  Chris- 
tian Trautvetter  was  a  native  of  Germany,  and  an  old  time  Peoria  pioneer.  He 
was  passionately  fond  of  music,  and  an  accomplished  piano  and  violin  player, 
attainments  which  he  transmitted  to  his  son.  His  wife.  Ernestine  Nitschke, 
mother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a  native  of  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin. 
Herman  Trautvetter  received  his  early  education  in  the  grade  schools  of  Peoria, 
and  later  attended  Herr  Peter  Iffland's  school,  where  he  obtained  (|uite  a  repu- 
tation for  his  proficiency  in  German  and  mathematics.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
one,  pursuing  his  growing  ambition  for  a  musical  career,  he  went  to  Chicago, 
where  for  some  lime  he  studied  in  Kimball  Hall,  showing  remarkable  talent  upon 
the  piano.  It  was  during  this  period  that  he  did  most  of  his  composing,  pub- 
lishing a  great  number  of  instrumental  compositions,  and  gaining  a  reputation 
throughout  Illinois  as  a  musician  of  rare  originality  and  ability.  Herman  Traut- 
vetter is  a  true  lover  of  music,  and  his  fondness  for  the  art  is  based  upon  an 
expert  knowledge  of  its  techni(|ue  and  a  keen  appreciation  of  its  beauties.  The 
musical  profession  lost  a  man  of  brilliant  talent,  and  a  composer  of  more  than 
ordinary  ability,  when  Mr.  Trautvetter  was  obliged  to  leave  its  ranks.  There 
was,  ho'wever,  sufficient  cause  for  his  desertion  of  a  profession,  where  the  keen- 
est interest  and  ambition  of  his  life  lay.  When  he  finished  his  musical  course 
In  Chicago.  Mr.  Trautvetter  returned  to  Peoria,  with  the  purpose  of  gaining  his 
livelihood  by  teaching  music,  and  of  devoting  his  spare  time  to  original  com- 
position. But  no  pupils  came,  and  activity  in  musical  lines  seemed  to  be  at  a 
standstill  in  this  city.  Mr.  Trautvetter  spent  two  months,  hoping  against  hope, 
and  then  realizing  that  he  must  devote  his  time  to  more  lucrative  employment, 
he  entered  the  collecting  business,  in  which  he  has  been  engaged  since  that  time. 
His  first  position  was  with  the  firm  of  the  F.  H.  Putnam  Coal  Company,  who 
hired  him  for  twenty  dollars  a  month  to  collect  their  outstanding  accounts.  He 
did  such  good  work,  and  had  such  quick  success  in  this  line,  that  it  was  not  long 
before  he  added  Dr.  T.  J.  Mcllvaine  to  his  list  of  clients  and  during  the  next 
three  months  made  a  remarkable  record  as  a  quick  and  efficient  collector.  He 
soon  established  a  collection  agency  on  his  own  account,  known  as  the  Peoria 
Collection  Agency,  and  his  success  since  that  time  has  been  quick  and  sure. 
Mr.  Trautvetter  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  largest  agency  of  its  kind  in  the  city, 
and  his  rapid  rise  in  the  business  is  undoubtedly  due  to  his  personal  qualities 
of  energy,  politeness,  and  hard  work.     His  list  of  clients  is  large,  and  embraces 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  351 

every  business,  trade  and  profession,  in  the  city.  Mr.  Trautvetter  has  not  let 
this  success  interfere  in  any  way  with  his  love  for  music,  and  he  retains  all  his 
old-time  proficiency  as  an  instrumentalist  and  composer.  What  the  musical 
world  lost  when  Mr.  Trautvetter  left  it.  the  business  world  of  Peoria  gained. 


WILLIS  P.  CONRAD. 


Willis  P.  Conrad,  who  since  the  5th  of  July,  191 1,  has  held  the  office  of 
sewer  superintendent  for  the  city  of  Peoria,  and  is  well  known  as  an  active 
worker  in  republican  ranks,  was  here  born  in  1873  and  is  a  representative  of 
one  of  the  old  families  of  Cincinnati.  His  grandfather,  Jacob  Conrad,  started 
out  at  an  early  age  and  his  father,  William  Conrad,  who  was  born  in  Ohio,  came 
to  Cincinnati  in  young  manhood.  He  married  Miss  Lizzie  Schuers,  a  native  of 
Illinois,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  three  children,  two  daughters  and  a  son : 
Margaret,  now  deceased;  Anna,  the  wife  of  J.  H.  Monroe;  and  Willis  P. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  in  his  parent's  home  the  son  pursued  his  education 
in  the  public  schools  and  in  Brown's  ISusiness  College,  in  which  he  pursued  a 
commercial  course.  He  then  joined  his  father,  who  was  engaged  in  the  street 
sprinkling  business,  and  was  so  engaged  for  about  twelve  years,  after  which  he 
retired  although  his  father  continued  in  the  same  line.  Willis  P.  Conrad  then 
became  connected  with  the  Onken  Laundry  Company,  but  severed  his  relations 
therewith  to  take  uj)  the  duties  of  his  present  position  as  sewer  superintendent 
for  the  city  of  Peoria,  to  which  office  he  was  appointed  on  the  5th  of  July.  ic;ii. 
He  is  doing  excellent  work  in  this  connection  and  it  is  an  important  part  of  the 
service — how  important  no  one  can  realize  save  those  whose  scientific  knowledge 
gives  them  an  understanding  of  the  fiends  of  disease  whicli  might  be  let  loose 
upon  the  community  were  the  work  inadequately  performed.  Mr.  Conrad's  ap- 
pointment came  to  him  through  a  republican  administration.  He  has  always 
been  a  stalwart  advocate  of  the  principles  of  the  party,  an  active  worker  in  its 
ranks  and  for  years  was  a  committeeman  from  the  fourth  ward. 

In  1898  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Conrad  and  Miss  Susie  Hixtable,  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  John  Hixtable.  a  contractor  of  that  city.  Unto  them  have 
been  born  three  children,  Harvey,  Willis  and  Rhea.  The  family  attend  the  Con- 
gregational church  and  Mr.  Conrad  holds  membership  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  That  his  life  has  lieen  well  spent  has 
been  indicated  by  the  fact  that  many  of  his  warmest  friends  are  those  who  have 
known  him  from  his  boyhood  to  the  present. 


ILLINOIS  FREE  EMPLOYMENT  BUREAU. 

The  Illinois  Free  Employment  liureau  has  been  an  institution  in  Peoria  for 
many  years,  and  has  done  wonderful  work  along  its  lines  of  activity,  giving 
employment  free  of  expense  to  many  thousands  of  working  men  and  women 
every  year.  It  is  in  charge  of  John  W.  Kimsey  as  superintendent,  and  Peter 
Lulay  as  assistant  superintendent.  Both  are  Peorians  of  many  years'  residence 
and  are  well  known  in  various  circles  in  this  city. 

The  office  at  Peoria  was  established  eleven  years  ago,  and  has  done  remark- 
able work  according  to  the  recent  annual  report.  Of  the  six  offices  in  the  state 
of  Illinois,  Peoria  proportionately  has  done  its  full  share  and  has  rendered  aid 
to  hundreds  of  worthy  applicants  for  suggested  employment,  and  has  materially 
benefited  hundreds  of  employers  who  desired  labor  of  an  efficient  type.  It  has 
often  supplied  employers  with  a  large  number  of  helpers  on  remarkably  short 


352  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

notice.  Tliere  is  no  underestimating  the  work  of  these  employment  bureaus  under 
state  direction  and  control,  and  enough  can  never  be  said  of  the  good  accomplished 
at  the  office  in  Peoria,  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  John  Kimsey  and  Air,  Peter  Lulay. 

From  Mr.  Kimsev's  ninth  annual  report  for  the  year  ending  September  30, 
igoy,  the  following  figures  are  interesting:  The  total  expenses  of  the  bureau 
for  the  year  ending  September  30,  1909,  were  only  $1,358.13.  At  this  small 
expense,  the  bureau  secured  positions  for  forty-six  thousand,  five  hundred  and 
fifty-six  men,  out  of  fifty-two  thousand,  two  hundred  and  sixteen  who  filed 
applications  for  employment.  The  number  of  male  applications  filed  and  left 
unfilled,  was  only  five  thousand,  six  hundred  and  sixty.  Forty-nine  thousand, 
three  hundred  and  thirty-seven  men  filed  applications  for  help  with  the  bureau 
during  the  year,  and  at  the  end  of  1909,  only  two  thousand,  seven  hundred  and 
eighty-one  were  left  unaided.  Out  of  a  total  file  of  nineteen  thousand,  three 
hundred  and  eighty-three  female  applications  for  employment,  the  bureau  filled 
sixteen  thousand,  one  hundred  and  two  positions,  and  left  three  thousand,  two 
hundred  and  eighty-one  unfilled.  In  the  year  ending  September  30.  1909,  nine- 
teen thousand,  six  hundred  and  nine  women  filed  applications  for  help,  of  which 
all  but  three  thousand,  five  hundred  and  seven  were  helped. 

Mr.  Kimsev,  the  superintendent  of  the  Peoria  bureau  has  been  known  for 
years  as  one  of  the  county's  leading  public  officials.  He  has  resided  in  Peoria 
and  Richwoods  township,'  and  recently  served  four  years  most  acceptably  as 
sheriff  of  Peoria  county.  He  was  appointed  to  his  present  position  as  superin- 
tendent of  the  Peoria  bureau  by  Governor  Deneen. 

Peter  Lulay,  the  assistant  superintendent  in  the  Peoria  office,  was  born  in 
this  city,  and  is  a  young  man  of  ability  and  energy.  He  served  a  term  as  alder- 
man in  the  Peoria  city  council.  He 'holds  his  present  position  under  appoint- 
ment of  Governor  Deneen  of  Illinois. 


WARREN  SUTLIFF. 


Warren  Sutlift'  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Sutlift'  ..K:  Case  Company,  whole- 
sale druggists,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Peoria  Fife  Insurance  Company, 
president  of  the  Commercial  Travelers  Loan  and  Homestead  Association  of 
Peoria,  and  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  and  the  Savings  Bank  of 
Peoria.  He  has  resided  in  this  city  continuously  since  the  31st  of  August,  1875, 
and  each  succeeding  year  has  marked  his  advancement  in  the  business  world, 
for  he  has  never  feared  to  venture  where  opportunity  has  led  the  way  nor 
failed  to  put  forth  the  utmost  possible  effort  at  any  given  point  of  his  career. 
He  had  no  special  advantages  at  the  outset  and  in  fact  encountered  some  dif- 
ficulties and  obstacles  that  do  not  fall  to  the  lot  of  all.  but  notwithstanding 
these  he  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward  and  today  occupies  a  conspicuous 
and  honorable  position  as  a  foremost  business  man  of  his  adopted  city.  He 
was  born  in  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  luly  i,  1848,  and  is  a  son  of  Theron  and 
Emily  (St.  Clair)  Sutliff, Who  at  the 'time  of  the  birth  of  their  son  Warren 
were' living  on  the  site  of  the  present  postoffice  of  Terre  Haute.  Their  place, 
however,  was  then  a  farm.  The  boy  was  reared  in  that  city  and  attended  the 
local  schools.  Early  in  life  he  thought  to  become  a  physician  and  began  the 
study  of  medicine,  but  after  a  short  time  changed  his  plans  and  entered  the 
railroad  service  as  an  employe  of  the  \'andalia  Railroad  Company.  For  fifteen 
years  he  remained  on  that  road  and  on  the  Rock  Island  railroad,  working  his 
way  upward  to  the  position  of  passenger  conductor.  For  eight  years  he  ran 
out  of  Peoria  over  the  Rock  Island,  coming  to  this  city  in  1875  and  serving 
as  passenger  conductor  for  eight  years,  or  until  1883.  He  was  ambitious,  how- 
ever, to  enter  a  field  of  business  that  would  give  him  broader  opportunities  and 


\VAi;i!Kx  sen. IFF 


HISTORY  OV  PEORIA  COUNTY  355 

ill  that  year  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  physicians"  supply  business,  forming 
a  partnership  with  M.  W.  Schultz  in  the  estabhshnient  of  the  first  enterprise  of 
this  kind  in  the  United  States.  Their  house  was  originally  conducted  under 
the  tirm  style  of  AI.  W.  Schultz  &  Company,  at  No.  ii8  North  Adams  street. 
.\fter  about  two  years  Mr.  Sutliff  purchased  his  partner's  interest  and  a  year 
later,  or  in  1886,  was  joined  by  E.  J.  Case,  forming  the  present  tirm  of  Sutliff 
&  Case.  Gradually  they  developed  their  enterprise  into  a  wholesale  drug  busi- 
ness, which  is  one  of  the  most  important  undertakings  of  this  character  in  Illi- 
nois. The  growth  of  the  trade  has  resulted  from  their  progressive  enterprise 
and  reliable  business  methods,  and  success  in  this  undertaking  has  enabled  Mr. 
Sutlitf  to  extend  his  efforts  along  other  lines,  all  of  which  have  profited  by  his 
cooperation.  He  is  now  well  known  in  the  insurance  field  as  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  Peoria  Life  Insurance  Com])any  and  also  operates  in  financial 
circles  as  president  of  the  Commercial  Travelers'  Loan  Association  of  Peoria, 
and  as  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  and  the  Savings  Bank  of  Peoria. 
Nor  is  he  unknown  in  industrial  circles,  for  he  is  president  of  the  Best  Manu- 
facturing Company,  owners  of  a  large  planing  mill.  He  is  forceful  and  re- 
sourceful in  business  and  whenever  one  avenue  of  opportunity  seems  closed 
seeks  out  another  path  which  leads  to  the  desired  goal. 

Mr.  SutliiT  was  married  in  I'eoria  to  Miss  Bessie  F.  MacLee,  of  this  city, 
where  she  was  born  and  reared.  Her  father  was  a  potter  by  trade.  Mr.  Sutliff 
is  a  member  of  the  ^lasonic  fraternity,  in  which  he  has  attained  high  rank. 
He  has  reached  the  Knight  Templar  degree  in  the  York  Rite,  the  thirty-second 
degree  in  the  consistory  and  is  now  potentate  of  Mohammed  Temple  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  past  commander  of  Peoria  commandery  and  is 
recognized  as  one  of  the  prominent  representatives  of  the  fraternity  in  this  city 
and  widely  known  in  the  order  throughout  the  state.  He  belongs  to  the  Creve 
Coeur  Clui)  and  the  IllincMS  \'alley  Yacht  Club — organizations  which  indicate 
something  of  the  nature  of  his  interests  and  recreations.  His  political  allegiance  is 
given  to  the  republican  party  and  he  has  twice  represented  the  fourth  ward  on 
the  board  of  aldermen.  He  is  also  one  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the  Peoria 
Association  of  Commerce,  in  which  connection  he  is  doing  effective  work  for 
the  benefit,  upbuilding  and  improvement  of  the  city  and  the  exploitation  of  its 
resources.  It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  exercise  and  effort  develop  power  and 
thus  it  has  been  in  the  business  career  of  Mr.  Sutliff'.  He  has  found  in  the 
faithful  performance  of  each  day's  duties  the  strength  and  courage  for  the 
labors  of  the  succeeding  day  and  out  of  the  struggle  with  small  opportunities 
he  has  come  finallv  into  a  field  of  broad  and  active  influence  and  usefulness. 


JOHN  A.  OXYUN. 


Peoria  claims  John  A.  Onyun  as  a  citizen,  although  he  is  at  present  a  resident 
of  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  occupies  the  ])osition  of  proofreader  in  the 
Government  Printing  Office.  Mr.  Onyun  has  always  been  prominent  in  trade 
circles  of  Peoria  county,  and  has  been  actively  identified  with  the  printing  busi- 
ness in  different  capacities  since  1865.  He  was  born  September  24,  1849,  in 
Greenbush  (now  Rensselaer),  New  York,  the  son  of  Addison  and  ]\Iary  Onyun. 
His  father  was  born  in  West  Dedham,  Massachusetts,  in  1812,  and  his  mother 
was  a  native  of  Ireland,  John  Onyun's  education  was  begun  in  the  public  schools 
of  New  York,  and  when  his  family  removed  to  Illinois,  it  was  continued  in  the 
schools  of  that  state.  He  learned  the  jjrinting  tratle  and  commenced  work  at 
it  in  June,  1865,  at  Lacon,  Illinois.  He  temporarily  abandoned  the  business  in 
July,  1S73,  to  become  a  letter  carrier  at  Peoria,  in  which  occupation  he  con- 
tinued until  November  15.  1886.  He  was  connected  with  the  publication  of  one 
dailv  and  a  weeklv  paper  in  this  state. 

v'.l.  11— 17 


356  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mr.  Onyun  takes  an  intelligent  interest  in  his  trade,  and  for  many  years  was 
prominently  connected  with  its  various  organizations.  He  was  successively  vice 
president,  chairman  of  the  executive  committee,  recording  secretary,  financial 
secretary,  treasurer  and  secretary-treasurer  of  the  Peoria  Typographical  Union, 
No.  29,  and  from  these  positions  he  advanced  to  active  participation  in  the  af- 
fairs of  the  state  organization,  holding  the  position  of  secretary-treasurer  of  the 
Illinois  State  Typographical  Union  for  thirteen  years.  He  resigned  this  office 
to  take  a  position  in  the  Government  Printing  Office  in  Washington,  D.  C,  in 
1901,  where  he  has  since  been  employed. 

Air.  Onyun  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  holds  membership  in  the  Republican 
Club  of  Washington,  D.  C.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias, 
and  holds  membership  in  the  Loyal  Americans  of  the  Republic. 

Mr.  Onyun  was  married  in  Peoria,  December  25,  1873,  to  Aliss  Lucie  A. 
Burns,  a  daughter  of  David  Burns  of  this  city.  Mrs.  Onyun  was  a  native  of 
Peoria,  having  been  born  here  in  185 1.  Her  father  came  to  this  city  from  Colum- 
bus county,  Ohio,  in  the  early  '40s,  and  is  still  living  here  at  the  ripe  old  age 
of  ninety-one  years.  Mrs.  Onyun's  mother  was  a  native  of  England,  who  came 
to  Peoria  in  1835.  Mr.  Onyun  and  his  wife  are  the  parents  of  four  children : 
Jessie  A.,  the  wife  of  John  T.  Moran,  a  contractor  of  Peoria ;  Clarence  A.,  who 
married  Anna  Hubbell,  and  is  living  in  \\'ashington,  D.  C. ;  Archie  R.,  now  in 
charge  of  the  news  bureau  for  the  Washington  ( D.  C. )  Times,  at  .-Mexandria, 
^'irginia  :  and  Rolla  G.,  a  graduate  of  the  McKinley  Manual  Training  School 
of  \\'ashington. 

Air.  Onyun  is  a  printer,  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  details  of  his  trade, 
and  standing  high  in  the  esteem  of  his  colaborers.  He  has  applied  his  native 
intelligence  to  the  mastery  of  his  chosen  occupation,  and  his  success  is  evidenced 
in  the  position  which  he  now  occupies  in  the  government  employ. 


COLONEL  S.  O.  TRIPP. 

Military  circles  are  well  represented  in  Peoria  by  Colonel  S.  O.  Tripp,  now 
an  assistant  quartermaster  general  in  the  Illinois  National  Guard,  with  which  he 
has  been  prominently  connected  since  December  i,  1878.  Colonel  Tripp  has  been 
identified  with  military  aftairs  in  this  state  and  in  the  United  States  army  during 
all  of  his  active  life,  and  is  well  known  in  this  city  as  a  kindly,  courageous  and 
patriotic  man.  He  was  born  in  Cooperstown,  New  York,  November  8,  i860,  and 
his  military  career  began  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Seventh  Infantry, 
Illinois  National  Guards,  then  known  as  the  Veteran  Light  Guards,  on  Decem- 
ber I,  1878.  He  retained  his  connection  with  this  organization  until  1882,  serv- 
ing his  last  year  1881-1882  as  ordnance  sergeant  of  the  Seventh  regiment.  He  en- 
listed in  the  United  States  army.  Company  K,  Fourth  United  States  Infantry  in 
1882,  and  remained  until  February  2"/,  1887,  when  he  received  his  honorable 
discharge  at  Fort  Coeur  d'Alene,  Idaho,  after  five  years'  service,  during  which  he 
had  participated  in  some  very  interesting  campaigns  on  the  western  frontier 
where  the  Indian  tribes  were  at  that  time  in  an  unsettled  and  more  or  less 
troublesome  condition. 

After  his  discharge  from  the  United  States  army.  Colonel  Tripp  returned  to 
Peoria,  and  on  June  i,  1887,  organized  Company  L,  Fifth  Infantry,  Illinois  Na- 
tional Guard,  and  was  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  state,  as  captain  of  that 
organization,  in  which  capacity,  he  continued  to  serve  until  January  7,  1891, 
when  he  was  elected  and  commissioned  major  of  the  Fifth  Infantry,  Illinois 
National  Guard,  in  recognition  of  his  signal  and  able  services  in  the  organiza- 
tion and  upbuilding  of  the  regiment.  During  his  residence  in  Peoria  Colonel 
Tripp  has  organized  a  mounted  military  troop  called  the  Peoria  Hussars.     Colonel 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  357 

Tripp  has  always  been  interested  in  horseback  riding,  and  this  Hussar  organiza- 
tion was  an  outgrowth  of  his  love  for  that  exercise.  He  resigned  liis  commission 
as  major  of  the  Fifth  Infantry,  Illinois  National  Guard,  to  accept  the  position 
of  Captain  of  his  Peoria  Hussars,  and  he  continued  to  command  this  organization 
until  it  disbanded  in  1898  in  consequence  of  an  act  of  the  state  legislature,  which 
prohibited  independent  military  organizations  parading  with  arms,  which  were 
at  that  time  more  popular  in  the  state  than  the  organized  militia. 

On  January  15,  1899,  Governor  John  R.  Tanner  authorized  ^^lajor  S.  O. 
Tripp  to  organize  a  troop  of  cavalry  to  become  a  part  of  the  militia  of  the  state 
of  Illinois,  and  promised  him  such  a  troop  for  the  city  of  Peoria.  This  cavalry 
troop  was  mustered  into  the  state  service  on  June  15,  1899,  as  Troop  G,  First 
Cavalry,  Illinois  National  Guard,  with  major  Tripp  as  captain.  He  served  in 
this  capacity  until  June  i,  1903,  when  he  was  commissioned  lieutenant  colonel 
and  chief  inspector  of  rifle  practice  on  the  staff  of  Brigadier-General  James  B. 
Smith,  who  was  then  serving  as  adjutant  general  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  Colonel 
Tripp  continued  in  this  position  until  July  6.  1906.  when  he  voluntarily  retired 
from  the  state  service  and  was  placed  upon  the  retired  list  as  lieutenant  colonel. 
His  retirement  lasted  only  two  years.  Army  life  and  military  company  called 
loudly  to  him  and  on  January  31,  1908,  he  was  again  commissioned  major  and 
chief  (luartermaster  on  the  stafT  of  Brigadier-General  Edward  Kittilsen,  the 
commanding  general  of  the  Third  Brigade,  and  he  continued  to  serve  in  this 
capacity  until  January  i,  1910,  when  he  received  the  ap])ointment  as  colonel  and 
assistant  c|uartermaster  general,  on  the  staff  of  Hon.  Charles  S.  Deneen,  governor 
of  Illinois,  a  permanent  position  which  placed  him  on  duty  in  the  office  of  the 
adjutant  general  at  the  state  capitol,  in  charge  of  the  supply  department  in  issu- 
ing stores  to  the  state  troops  and  in  custody  of  the  war  department  documents, 
relative  to  arms  and  equipment.  Colonel  Tripjj  has  made  a  record  for  efficiency 
and  carefulness  in  this  position,  and  his  long  military  service  and  his  personal 
contact  with  army  conditions  have  made  him  peculiarly  fitted  to  carry  on  the 
work. 

Colonel  Tripp  is  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Regular  Army  and  Navy  Union 
of  the  United  States,  which  is  made  up  of  enlisted  men  of  both  the  United 
States  Army  and  the  United  States  Navy.  The  only  requirement  is  that  the 
candidate  shall  have  served  honorably  in  either  the  army  or  navy  for  five  years 
or  more.  Colonel  Tripp  was  twice  elected  senior  vice  national  commander  of 
this  union,  and  was  appointed  by  the  commander  in  chief  to  make  an  inspection 
of  all  the  organizations  comprising  the  national  command.  This  duty  was  ably 
performed  during  the  season  of  1894. 

Colonel  Tripp  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  was  for  seventeen  years  a  mem- 
ber of  the  executive  committee  of  the  republican  county  central  committee  of 
Peoria  county.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the  national  conventions  at  Philadelphia 
which  nominated  President  McKinley  and  President  Roosevelt,  and  was  at  the 
national  convention  at  Chicago  in  the  capacity  of  assistant  sergeant  at  arms.  At 
the  inauguration  of  President  Taft  in  Washington,  March  4,  1909,  Colonel  Tripp 
was  aide  on  the  stafif  of  the  chief  marshal.  He  has  acted  as  delegate  to  state  re- 
publican conventions  on  various  occasions.  Colonel  Trijjp  is  also  prominent  in 
local  politics,  was  captain  of  police  under  Mayor  Miles  from  1893  'o  i^QS-  «i'ifi 
criminal  deputy  sheriff"  in  the  office  of  the  state's  attorney  of  Peoria  county  from 
1895  to  1S98.  He  also  held  the  office  of  de]nity  United  States  marshal!  in  charge 
of  the  Southern  division  of  the  Northern  district  of  Illinois  for  thirteen  years, 
from  January  i,  1898,  to  ^lay  i,  1910.  Fraternall}'  Colonel  Tripp  is  an  active 
worker  in  the  Uniform  Rank  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  has  also  filled  the  ])osition  as 
colonel  of  both  the  Third  and  Fourth  Regiments  of  Patriot  Militant  and  was  vice 
president  of  the  department  council  of  that  order.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria 
Lodge  of  Elks  and  is  a  past  exalted  ruler  of  that  organization  and  a  life  member. 
He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Elks  of  the  United  States.     He  is  prominent 


358  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  other  social  organizations  in  this  city,  and  has 
hundreds  of  friends  in  Peoria,  which  his  genial  and  ujjright  character  have 
won  for  him  dtiring  his  years  of  residence  here. 

In  1886  Colonel  Tripp  married  Miss  Pauline  White  and  they  became  the 
parents  of  two  children  :  one  daughter,  Almaretta  E.  Tripp,  and  one  son,  Alphonso 
E.  Tripp.  Colonel  Tripp  ha.s  made  this  city  his  permanent  home  since  1878.  but 
he  and  his  family  are  now  residing  temporarily  in  Springtield,  Illinois,  in  fulfill- 
ment of  the  re(|uirements  of  his  present  position,  as  assistant  quartermaster  general 
of  the  state  of  Illinois,  Colonel  Tripp,  during  his  long  term  in  the  service  of  his 
country  and  state,  has  proved  himself  an  able,  active  and  energetic  man,  with  a 
talent  for  organizing,  building  tip  and  keeping  together  the  men  under  his 
charge.  He  is  a  typical  military  man,  proud  of  the  army,  dignifying  his  posi- 
tion in  it,  loyal  to  his  state  and  loving  his  country  as  a  true  American  should. 


JOHN  R.  HILLIARD. 


It  has  been  said  that  "an  honest  man  is  the  noblest  work  of  God."  Public 
opinion  is  agreed  that  few  men  have  displayed  a  higher  sense  of  business  in- 
tegrity than  John  R.  Hilliard,  for  at  all  times  his  commercial  transactions  were 
straightforward  and  honorable,  no  one  ever  losing  a  dollar  through  him.  He  was 
at  one  time  quite  largely  interested  in  coal  lands  and  there  were  periods  of  both 
prosperity  and  adversity  in  his  life,  but  neither  were  allowed  to  warp  his  kindly 
nature  or  to  lower  his  ideals.  He  was  born  June  8,  1818,  in  Piqua,  Ohio,  and  died 
on  the  sth  of  January,  1900.  His  parents  were  Joseph  and  Sarah  (Reed)  Hill- 
iard. The  father  was  born  in  a  log  cabin  in  Piqua,  Ohio,  where  his  father  had 
settled  in  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  the  family  being  pioneers 
of  that  locality  and  farming  people  closely  identified  with  the  agricultural  devel- 
opment of  that  region. 

John  R.  Hilliard  acquired  his  early  education  in  Piqua  and  later  attended 
school  in  Cincinnati  and  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  studied  civil  engineering.  He 
devoted  his  time  to  the  mastery  of  that  course  until  he  attained  his  majority, 
when  he  returned  home  and  became  superintendent  of  railroad  construction, 
building  the  first  railroad  between  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  Logansport,  Indiana. 
For  thirty  years  he  was  thus  connected  with  railway  building  and  in  1871  he 
came  to  Peoria,  where  he  superintended  the  construction  of  the  old  Peoria  & 
Rock  Island  Railroad  and  remained  as  superintendent  of  the  line  for  many  years. 
When  the  Peoria  &  Pekin  Union  Railroad  of  Peoria  went  into  the  hands  of  a 
receiver  he  was  appointed  to  the  position  and  managed  the  affairs  of  the  company 
until  all  business  and  interests  were  adjusted.  He  afterward  made  investments 
in  coal  lands  in  Wesley  City  and  continued  to  own  coal  properties  until  his 
death. 

Mr.  Hilliard  was  twice  married.  After  losing  his  first  wife  he  was  mar- 
ried on  the  I2th  of  April,  1871,  to  Sallie  R.  Mattox,  a  daughter  of  Absalom  and 
Druscilla  Ann  Mattox,  of  Springfield,  Ohio,  who  were  natives  of  X'irginia.  Fol- 
lowing their  removal  to  the  middle  west  the  father  engaged  in  the  dry-goods 
business  in  Springfield,  Ohio.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilliard  had  three  children:  Helen 
M.,  who  is  now  a  teacher  in  the  Irving  school  of  Peoria ;  Sallie  R.  and  Caroline, 
both  of  whom  are  deceased.  While  living  in  Piqua,  Mr.  Hilliard  held  member- 
ship in  the  Presbyterian  church.  He  was  a  strict  temperance  man,  firm  in  his 
convictions  and  loyal  in  his  beliefs.  He  was  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic  mem- 
bers of  the  first  Commercial  Association  organized  for  the  advancement  of  the 
business,  social  and  moral  interests  of  Peoria.  In  politics  he  was  a  republican 
and  took  an  active  and  helpful  interest  in  the  work  of  his  party  but  never  sought 
office.     A  man  of  high  character,  his  life  was  ever  actuated  by  noble  principles. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  359 

Although  he  met  with  reverses  and  difficulties  in  his  coal  business,  he  valued 
more  his  honor  than  he  did  his  wealth  and  no  one  ever  lost  a  dollar  through  his 
transactions.  His  integrity  was  unassailable  and  justice  was  one  of  his  firm  and 
un_\ielding  traits.  He  was  a  man  of  modest  and  retiring  disposition  but  he 
took  great  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  city  and  did  much  for  its  betterment  and 
advancement  along  many  lines. 


DANIEL  I.  GORMAN. 


Daniel  |.  Gorman  who  for  nearly  fourteen  years  has  been  in  the  service  of 
the  Peoria  Railway  Company  on  the  city  lines  of  Peoria,  is  prominently  identified 
with  the  circles  of  federated  labor,  not  only  in  the  city  but  in  the  state  and  nation. 
He  has  been  president  of  the  Association  of  Street  and  Electric  Railway  Em- 
ploves  of  America  practically  ever  since  its  organization,  and  he  is  vice  president 
of  the  Illinois  State  h'ederation  of  Labor.  Mr.  tiorman  is  a  native  of  this  state, 
his  birth  having  occurred  at  Ottawa  on  the  15th  of  May,  i87(),  and  a  son  of 
Thomas    Gorman,   a   building  mover. 

In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  Daniel  J.  Gorman  attended  the  public 
schools  until  he  was  nine  years  of  age,  when  he  began  earning  his  own  living. 
He  was  first  employed  in  a  bottle  factory  of  his  native  city,  but  at  the  expiration 
of  a  year  withdrew  from  this  position  and  went  to  work  in  a  brickyard,  being 
employed  there  and  in  various  other  minor  capacities  until  1891.  In  the  latter 
vear  he  went  to  Omaha,  Nebraska,  to  work  for  the  Murphy,  Wasey  Chair 
Manufacturing  Company,  continuing  in  their  service  for  four  years.  Later  he 
learned  the  painter's  trade,  which  he  followed  in  Omaha  until  1898.  In  the 
latter  year  he  returned  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Peoria,  and  subsequently  entered  the 
service  of  the  Peoria  Railway  Company  as  motorman  on  one  of  the  city's  lines. 
Later  he  was  made  barn  foreman  but  subse(|uently  again  was  put  on  one  of 
the  city  runs. 

Ever  since  he  was  old  enough  to  be  capable  of  forming  an  independent 
opinion,  Mr.  Gorman  has  strongly  championed  the  cause  of  amalgamated  labor. 
He  is  a  strong  union  man,  believing  that  the  highest  interests  of  the  individual 
laborer  necessitate  the  organization  and  united  efl:orts  of  the  entire  trade  or 
craft  toward  the  accomplishment  of  a  definite  end,  while  the  rights  of  the  work- 
ing people  at  large  are  protected  and  advanced  through  the  coalescence  of  all 
of  the  orders.  He  was  one  of  the  first  members  of  the  Association  of  Street 
and  Electric  Railway  Employes  of  America  and  six  months  after  its  organization 
was  made  president  of  the  order,  and  has  ever  since  been  the  incumbent  of  that 
office.  For  the  past  two  years  he  has  been  vice  president  of  the  Illinois  State 
I'ederation  of  Labor,  and  was  but  recently  reelected  by  acclamation  to  the  same 
office.  He  is  held  in  high  regard  in  labor  circles  because  of  his  loyalty  and  untir- 
ing efforts  in  promoting  the  interests  of  the  working  man. 

Omaha.  Nebraska,  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Gorman's  marriage  on  the  12th  of 
January,  1898,  to  Miss  Maud  \'an  Ness,  a  daughter  of  Ralph  Van  Ness,  a  land- 
scape gardener  of  that  city.,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  the  following 
children :  Marie,  who  w'ill  soon  be  thirteen  years  of  age ;  Irene,  who  is  eleven ; 
Ruth,  who  has  celebrated  the  ninth  anniversary  of  her  birth;  Daniel  J.,  Jr.,  who  is 
anticipating  his  eighth  birthday;  and  Ethel,  who  has  but  recently  passed  the 
fourth  anniversary  of  her  birth. 

Mr.  Gorman  is  a  member  of  the  Foresters,  Moose  and  the  Peoria  Social 
Athletic  Society,  while  his  political  indorsement  is  given  to  the  democratic  party. 
He  is  a  public-spirited  man  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  all  municipal  affairs, 
and  has  represented  the  interests  of  the  first  ward  in  the  city  council  since  1910. 
Mr.   Gorman  has  many   friends  in   Peoria  and  a  strong  following,  particularly 


360  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

among  the  laboring  classes  to  whose  interests  he  is  ever  loyal,  always  being  pre- 
pared to  champion  their  cause  and  protect  their  rights  at  the  opportune  time. 
He  is  a  man  of  much  inherent  ability,  modern  in  thought,  humane  in  his  instincts 
and  sharing  in  truly  advanced  intelligent  ideas.  Having  begun  his  independent 
career  before  his  tenth  year,  his  struggle  with  the  world  has  develoiied  an  acute 
mentality  and  endowed  him  with  the  faculty  of  c|uickly  and  accurately  coming 
to  a  defmite  estimate  of  his  fellow  beings.  I'ractically  self-educated,  he  is  a  man 
of  independent  thought  and  views,  yet  sufficiently  broad  to  accept  new  theories 
and  possesses  enough  strength  of  character  to  live  up  to  his  convictions.  He 
applies  himself  energetically  to  anything  he  undertakes,  discharging  his  duties 
with  efficiency  in  whatever  capacity  he  may  be  serving.  His  strong  individuality, 
determination  of  purpose  and  power  to  direct  and  control  others  well  qualifies 
him  for  leadership.  Naturally  a  man  endowed  with  such  qualities  must  make 
a  success  of  anything  he  undertakes.  Mr.  Gorman  is  yet  a  young  man  and  his 
present  achievements  would  be  highly  creditable  to  one  who  had  started  life  under 
far  more  favorable  circumstances. 


\V1LLL\M  E.  KIXNETT.  M.  D. 

Dr.  William  E.  Kinnett,  a  leading  representative  of  the  medical  profession 
in  Peoria,  has  practiced  here  for  the  past  seven  years  and  maintains  his  offices 
in  the  Masonic  Temple.  His  birth  occurred  in  Hamilton  county,  Ohio,  on  the 
3d  of  July,  1849,  his  parents  being  William  and  Ann  (Brown)  Kinnett.  The 
father,  who  was  one  of  the  pioneer  agriculturists  of  that  county,  passed  away 
in  1883  when  seventy-five  years  of  age.  His  remains  were  interred  at  Elm  wood 
cemetery  in  Yorkville,  Illinois,  where  his  wife  was  also  buried  after  her  de- 
mise in  1886.  The  family  is  of  French  origin  and  first  came  to  the  United 
States  by  way  of  Canada. 

William  E.  Kinnett  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  countrv  schools  and 
subsequently  continued  his  studies  in  a  normal  school,  after  wdiicli  he  followed 
the  profession  of  teaching  for  four  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
entered  the  Eclectic  IMedical  Institute,  now  the  Eclectic  Medical  College,  which 
institution  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  M.  D.  in  1876.  Locating  for 
practice  at  Palmer,  Illinois,  he  there  continued  for  three  years  and  then  went  10 
]\Iinier,  this  state,  where  he  remained  for  one  year.  In  1880  he  went  to  York- 
ville, there  practicing  his  profession  continuously  and  successfully  for  a  quarter 
of  a  century.  In  1905  he  opened  an  office  in  Peoria  and  this  city  has  since  re- 
mained the  scene  of  his  professional  labors,  but  he  is  known  by  reputation 
throughout  almost  the  entire  country.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Illinois  State 
Eclectic  Medical  Society  and  was  its  secretary  for  twenty-four  years,  and  is 
now  its  president,  and  also  belongs  to  the  National  Eclectic  Medical  Association, 
of  whicli  he  served  as  president,  for  one  year  and  secretary  for  three  years.  He 
was  also  recently  elected  the  chief  e-xecutive  officer  of  the  American  Associa- 
tion of  Orificial   Surgeons. 

Dr.  Kinnett  has  been  married  twice.  At  \'irden.  Illinois,  he  wedded  Miss 
Mary  E.  Cave,  who  passed  away  in  1886  and  was  buried  at  Yorkville.  She  left 
two  children,  namely:  Iva  J.,  who  is  district  manager  for  the  Rambler  auto- 
mobile in  Texas  and  Louisiana ;  and  Lily  D.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Alvah  L.  Ff  ill, 
a  pharmacist  of  Geneva,  Illinois.  In  1887,  at  Yorkville,  Illinois.  Dr.  Kinnclt 
was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Elizabeth  R.  Austin,  n 
daughter  of  J.  N.  and  Sarah  Austin.     Her  father  was  a  capitalist. 

In  politics  Dr.  Kinnett  is  a  republican,  believing  firmly  in  the  principles  of 
that  party.  He  is  a  Master  Mason,  a  member  of  the  Eastern  Star  and  patron 
of  the   Electa   Chapter.     He   is   also  a   member  of   the    ^Modern   Woodmen    of 


DR.  W.  E.  KINNETT 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  363 

America  and  the  Royal  Neighbors.  Mis  residence  at  No.  802  Fourth  avenue  is 
a  favorite  resort  with  many  friends  of  the  family.  His  general  thought  is 
chieH\-  given  to  his  professional  duties,  whicii  he  discharges  with  a  sense  of  con- 
scientious obligation.  His  labors  are  the  exponent  of  the  highest  attainment 
in  medical  knowledge  and  skill,  and  he  is  continually  promoting  his  efficiency 
by  the  most  thorough  research  and  investigation. 


WILLI A.M   L.  HULL. 


William  E.  Hull,  who  is  known  to  everybody  in  Peoria  and  to  his  many 
friends  throughout  the  state  as  "Ed,"  has  won  recognition,  as  a  builder  of  val- 
uable enterprises,  as  a  factor  in  the  growth  and  development  of  Peoria.  He 
possesses  rare  powers  of  organization  and  administration  and,  moreover,  he 
has  a  large  fund  of  that  (|uality  of  common  sense  which  is  too  often  lacking. 
The  work  that  he  has  accomplished  iii  belialf  of  municipal  welfare  and  up- 
building marks  him  as  a  man  of  public  spirit  and  he  stands  today  as  one  of  the 
greatest  individual  forces  in  municipal  expansion,  his  well  directed  and  cen- 
tralized energies,  based  upon  broad-mindedness  and  liberality,  being  regarded 
as  a  public  asset.  New  industries  within  the  borders  of  Peoria  owe  their  ex- 
istence to  him  and  he  has  given  new  impetus  to  business  achievement  through 
advanced  and  progressive  ideas.  The  community  pays  this  debt  to  him  in  uni- 
versal  honor  and  esteem. 

The  traditions  of  the  early  training  of  the  farm  boy  and  the  habits  formed 
in  an  environment  where  early  rising  and  strenuous  labor  are  factors  of  the 
everyday  life,  have  been  brought  by  Mr.  Hull  into  his  activity  in  citizenship 
and  his  efforts  for  the  betterment  and  development  of  municipal  interests.  He 
was  born  in  Lewiston,  I'ulton  county,  Illinois,  in  1866,  and  is  a  son  of  Captain 
William  Weslev  and  Mary  A.  Hull,  who  were  married  in  that  city  in  1864.  The 
first  Hull  of  this  line  in  America  is  thought  to  have  been  another  Captain  llull. 
who  won  fame  on  Lake  Erie  during  the  War  of  181 2.  His  direct  descendant 
and  the  first  of  the  name  in  Illinois  was  Phillip  Hull,  grandfather  of  William 
E.  Hull,  who  removed  with  his  family  from  Licking  county,  Ohio,  to  a  farm 
near  Smithfield,  Fulton  county,  Illinois,  lieing  a  firm  believer  in  education, 
Philli])  Hull  built  a  tiny  log  schoolhouse  on  his  land  and  this,  known  as  Hull's 
schoolhouse,  afterward  became  famous  as  a  place  for  brilliant  debates  and  inib- 
lic  meetings.  It  still  stands  as  one  of  the  landmarks  of  the  pioneer  period. 
\\'illiam  \\'esley  Hull,  the  father  of  William  E.  Hull,  did  honorable  service  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war  as  cai)tain  of  Comjiany  II,  Seventeenth  Illinois  \'olunteer  In- 
fantry, and  after  the  close  of  hostilities  returned  to  Lewiston,  where  he  be- 
came a  ]irominent  figure  in  local  political  circles. 

William  E.  Hull,  in  early  life  showed  a  strong  leaning  toward  politics  and 
business.  He  was  discerning  enough  to  see  that  the  first  requisite  for  success 
was  a  good  education  and  at  a  time  when  a  high-school  course  was  considered 
by  most  people  as  quite  sufficient  prejiaration  for  life's  duties  and  responsibili- 
ties he  determined  to  obtain  the  advantages  of  college  training.  Accordinglv, 
after  leaving  the  Lewiston  high  school  he  entered  the  Illinois  College  at  Jack- 
sonville, where  he  acfjuitted  himself  with  great  credit.  While  attending  there 
he  was  a  college  mate  of  former  Governor  "S'ates  and  of  William  Jennings 
Bryan.  From  the  time  he  left  college  Mr.  Hull's  political  success  was  remark- 
able. His  first  position  was  that  of  assistant  postmaster  of  Lewiston,  to  which 
he  was  appointed  in  1884.  As  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Joe  Fifer  Young 
Men's  Republican  Club  of  that  city  he  employed  all  his  talent  for  work  and  or- 
ganization and  made  it  an  effective  force  in  local  politics  of  that  time.  His  ap- 
l>ointment  by  republican  authority  to  the  position  of  government  ganger  in  1890 


364  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

obliged  him  to  change  his  residence  to  I'eoria,  where  he  has  since  hved.  His 
political  zeal  remained  unabated.  He  worked  continuously  and  always  success- 
fully for  the  republican  party  in  the  city  and  state  and  by  his  efforts  changed 
the  old  democratic  third  ward  mto  a  republican  stronghold.  In  1894  the  four- 
teenth congressional  district  was  slated  to  go  democratic  in  the  election.  The 
district  had  been  carved  out  for  that  purpose.  William  E.  Hull  was  at  that 
time  secretary  of  the  Peoria  county  republican  central  committee  and  chairman 
of  the  fourteenth  congressional  district.  There  were  enormous  odds  against 
him  but  he  threw  his  great  capacity  for  hard  work,  his  tireless  energy  and  his 
faith  in  his  cause  into  the  struggle,  and  the  victory  which  he  won  was  brilliant. 
The  democratic  district  went  republican,  the  entire  republican  county  ticket 
being  elected  with  one  exception.  Mr.  Graff  was  elected  to  congress  for  the 
first  of  his  long  series  of  terms,  and  Mr.  Hull's  political  supremacy  was  ac- 
knowledged and  strengthened.  In  1898.  after  having  again  served  as  secretary 
of  the  republican  county  committee  with  his  usual  success,  Mr.  Hull  was  ap- 
pointed by  President  McKinley  as  postmaster  of  the  city  of  Peoria.  He  brought 
to  this  office  industry,  intelligence  and  keen  btisiness  instinct.  He  made  many 
improvements  during  his  term  of  service,  increased  the  clerical  and  carrier 
forces,  established  the  free  delivery  service  in  the  suburbs,  increased  the  num- 
ber of  substations  in  the  city  and  had  charge  of  the  establishing  of  the  first  com- 
plete county  free  rural  delivery  system  in  the  state,  this  being  also  one  of  the 
first  systems  of  its  kind  in  the  country.  In  acknowledgment  of  these  services 
and  in  consideration  of  the  aljle  management  of  the  department  during  his  in- 
cumbency President  Roosevelt  appointed  Mr.  Hull  postmaster  for  a  second 
term  of  four  years. 

Outside  of  his  political  life  Mr.  Hull  has  been  a  remarkably  successful  bus- 
iness man.  He  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  figures  in  Peoria  today  and  his 
activities  have  been  directed  along  expanding  and  progressive  lines.  The  beau- 
tiful and  lu.xuriously  appointed  Jeft'erson  Hotel,  erected  in  1912,  stands  as  a 
monument  to  his  business  and  executive  ability  and  the  high  quality  of  his  public 
spirit.  This  building,  which  fills  a  long-felt  need  in  Peoria,  came  into  exist- 
ence largely  as  the  result  of  his  efforts.  .A-fter  the  ground  had  been  purchased 
and  the  promoters  of  the  enterprise  had  failed  to  make  any  material  progress 
toward  the  completion  of  the  plans  the  business  men  and  the  press  of  Peoria 
prevailed  upon  Air.  Hull  to  take  up  the  building  of  what  is  now  one  of  the  fin- 
est hotels  in  the  country,  offering  every  comfort  to  the  traveling  public.  When 
the  organization  had  been  perfected  with  Mr.  Hull  at  the  head  he  bent  his  en- 
ergies to  the  accomplishment  of  the  task  to  which  he  brought  a  keen  knowledge 
of  men  in  his  selection  of  coworkers.  He  chose  as  his  active  aids  some  of  the 
most  prominent  and  important  business  men  in  the  city  and  to  their  harmoni- 
ous cooperation  nnich  of  the  success  of  the  enterprise  is  due.  His  powers  of 
making  well  formulated  plans  and  his  ability  to  secure  their  execution  are  evi- 
denced by  the  fact  that  within  ten  days  after  the  beginning  of  his  campaign  for 
funds  he  was  able  to  announce  that  the  hotel  would  be  built  during  the  winter 
and  would  be  open  in  February.  19 12.  Upon  the  6th  of  that  month  he  made 
good  his  word  and  the  doors  of  one  of  the  handsomest  and  finest  hotels  in 
the  state  were  thrown  open  to  the  public.  Mr.  Hull  in  his  speech  upon  the 
opening  night  said :  "It  has  been  my  right  at  times  to  be  prominent  in  enter- 
prises and  consequently  I  have  had  at  dift'erent  times  credit  that  should  not  al- 
together have  been  given  to  me.  In  this  enterprise  there  are  many  others  and 
among  them  I  think  I  would  not  be  paying  my  debt  unless  I  called  the  atten- 
tion of  the  public  to  the  fact  that  my  partner.  Mr.  .\rthur  Lehmann,  should  he 
given  an  equal  amount  of  credit  with  myself  and  others.  I  want  also  to  call 
your  attention  to  two  men  who  in  my  judgment  deserve  equal  credit  with  any 
of  us  and  who  have  worked  day  and  night  in  promoting  this  enterprise.  T  refer 
to  Mr.    John   McDowell  and   Mr.   George  Jobst,  who   represent  the  best  brand 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  365 

of  Peoria's  business  citizenship."  This  speech  was  characteristic  of  Mr.  llull 
who  is  not  only  always  gracious  to  everyone  but  prefers  to  give  credit  to  oth- 
ers rather  than  to  assume  it  for  liiniself.  On  that  occasion  he  pleased  his  hear- 
ers greatly  by  bringing  his  estimable  wife  to  the  front  and  introducing  her  to 
the  audience  as  his  guiding  spirit  in  the  building  of  the  hotel.  Surprised  and 
■omewhat  embarrassed  at  thus  being  unexpectedly  called  forth,  she  nevertheless 
bowed  her  acknowledgment  of  the  appreciation  thus  evidenced  by  the  public. 
The  Jefferson  Hotel  compares  favorably  in  general  utility,  convenience  and 
adornment  with  the  leading  hotels  of  America.  It  is  built  in  an  attractive  style 
of  architecture,  is  nine  stories  and  l)asement  in  height,  and  presents  a  solid 
ami  imposing  appearance  as  viewed  from  every  angle.  The  interior  furnish- 
ings and  decorations  are  tasteful  and  artistic  and  there  are  special  dining  rooms, 
a  large  banquet  hall  and  other  attractive  rooms  for  the  care  and  entertainment 
of  patrons.  The  building  is  of  steel  construction,  entirely  fireproof,  with  rein- 
forced concrete  and  more  than  a  million  bricks  were  used  in  its  construction. 
The  Jefferson  and  Liberty  avenue  fronts  are  faced  with  gray  pressed  brick 
and  the  massive  window  arches  up  to  the  Mezzanine  floors  are  of  Bedford 
intone.  The  liuilding  has  been  leased  by  the  Jefferson  Operating  Company  for 
a  term  of  thirty  years,  the  principal  stockholders  of  the  organization  being 
\\'illiam  E.  llull,  president,  and  .\rthur  I.ehmann.  secretary  and  treasurer. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  1889,  William  E.  Mull  was  married  to  Miss  Ella 
Harris,  of  Lewiston,  a  granddaughter  of  Xewton  Walker,  a  Peoria  pioneer  and 
an  intimate  friend  of  Abraham  Lincoln.  Mrs.  Hull  is  a  woman  of  pleasing  ap- 
I'earance  who  has  firm  belief  in  her  hu.sband's  ability  and  greatly  encourages 
him  in  his  undertakings.  She  is  generous-hearted,  liberal  in  spirit,  and  does 
much  good  in  aiding  less  fortunate  persons  in  various  ways.  Her  acts  of  kind- 
ness and  benevolence  are  always  most  quietly  done  for  she  cares  for  no  noto- 
riety or  publicity  because  of  her  good  deeds. 

During  the  course  of  his  useful  life  Mr.  Hull  has  won  many  warm  friends 
in  Peoria  and  his  name  stands  as  a  synonym  today  for  keen  business  ability, 
stalwart  political  ideals,  broad-minded  citizenship  and  active  public  spirit.  It  is 
commonlv  known  that  he  is  more  willing  to  use  his  money  to  aid  deserving  in- 
dividuals or  projects  than  to  hoard  it  away  for  his  own  use.  His  well  directed 
liusiness  activity  has  won  him  prosperity  and  at  the  same  time  he  has  gained 
the  esteem  of  all  his  associates  and  contemporaries  in  both  business  and  politi- 
cal circles  where  his  word  has  almost  become  law  because  of  the  recognition  of 
his  sound  judgment  and  his  desire  to  further  progress.  Judged  by  the  stand- 
ards of  his  time  he  is  a  successful  man  and  since  these  standards  are  continu- 
ouslv  broadening  and  rising  Mr.  Hull  may  justly  be  numbered  among  the  im- 
portant  factors  in  Peoria's  upbuilding. 


I'REDERICK  W.  KoETTER. 

Prominent  among  the  many  sturdy  sons  of  German  parentage,  upon  whose 
sterling  worth  and  solid  business  integrity  so  much  of  the  commercial  prog- 
ress of  Peoria  rests  today,  is  I'Vederick  W.  Koetter,  a  native  son  of  Peoria,  and 
head  of  one  of  the  leading  wholesale  liquor  houses  of  the  city.  Mr.  Koetter  is 
one  of  the  fine  business  men  of  the  old  school,  solid,  conservative  and  i>ublic- 
spirited,  devoted  in  a  great  degree  to  his  home  and  family,  well  educated,  fa 
miliar  with  the  best  literature  of  his  time  and  a  thoroughly  refined  and  cul- 
tured gentleman. 

Frederick  W.  Koetter  was  born  June  13,  1855.  at  I'enria.  Illinois.  He  was 
the  son  of  Charles  J.  Koetter,  a  native  of  Prussia,  who  came  to  .America  in 
1849  a"<^  to  Peoria  in   1853,  where  he  married  the  following  year.   1854,  Miss 


366  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Amanda  Miller,  daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  Miller,  of  Philadelphia,  who  came 
to  Peoria  with  her  ])arents  in  1843.  Frederick  Koetter's  early  education  was 
received  in  the  parochial  and  public  schools  of  Warsaw.  Illinois,  and  was  later 
supplemented  by  a  thorough  course  in  Coles'  Business  College  in  Peoria.  Upon 
his  graduation  from  this  school,  he  obtained  a  position  as  clerk  in  the  general 
store  of  M.  Berdolt  in  Warsaw,  Illinois,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  three 
years,  from  1870  to  1873.  He  then  accepted  a  position  with  the  firm  of  Clarke 
&  Company,  one  of  the  leading  dry-goods  stores  of  Peoria  where  he  remained 
.until  1876.  The  years  from  1877  until  1881  he  spent  on  the  road  as  a  travel- 
ing salesman.  In  .April.  t88i.  he  entered  the  wholesale  liquor  house  of  Mat- 
thew Henebery.  one  of  the  oldest  firms  of  this  character  in  the  city,  as  book- 
keeper and  house-salesman,  and  remained  there  until  .April,  1904,  when  he  re- 
signed to  go  into  the  business  for  himself.  He  established  the  present  whole- 
sale liquor  firm  of  F.  W.  Koetter  &  Brother,  and  since  that  time  has  been  doing 
a  remarkable  business  annually.  Mr.  Koetter  is  well  known  in  Peoria  as  a 
thoroughly  reliable  and  upright  man  in  every  relation  of  life,  and  this  reputa- 
tion for  honor  and  integrity  has  made  his  business  prosper  and  flourish  to  a 
wonderful  extent  during  the  eight  years  of  its  existence. 

On  October  8.  1885.  at  Canton.  Illinois.  Mr.  Koetter  was  married  to  Miss 
Charlotte  Smith,  a  daughter  of  William  H.  Smith  and  Elizabeth  ( Wilcoxenl 
Smith  of  that  city.  Mrs.  Koetter's  father  was  a  native  of  Virginia  and  came 
to  Illinois  about  1836.  Her  mother's  family  came  from  Kentucky,  and  her 
grandfather,  Eliiah  Wilcoxen  was  a  nephew  of  Daniel  Boone,  pioneer  settler 
of  that  state.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Koetter  are  the  parents  of  two  children,  both  liv- 
ing at  home.  Florence  Mary  and  William  Henry  Koetter.  ^Ir.  Koetter  com- 
bines in  his  character  the  qualities  of  strict  and  unwavering  integrity  with  busi- 
ness ability  of  a  high  order,  and  this  is  the  cause  of  his  success. 


EDWARD  A.  BURRILL. 

The  profession  of  railroading  is  one  of  weighty  responsibility,  for  the  lives 
of  many  thousand  people  are  daily  dependent  upon  the  efficiency  of  railroads 
and  this  efficiency  depends  to  a  great  extent  upon  the  policy  and  management 
of  the  individuals  who  control  and  direct  the  road.  Edward  A.  Burrill,  now 
vice  president  and  general  manager  of  the  Peoria  Railway  Terminal  Com- 
pany, has  been  a  practical  worker  in  this  line  of  activity  during  almost  all  his 
business  career.  He  has  learned  the  details  of  railroad  construction  and  de- 
velopment, has  worked  in  dift'erent  capacities  in  the  offices  of  many  of  the 
great  lines  and  has  risen  to  his  present  position  as  vice  president  of  one  of  the 
largest  interurban  companies  of  Illinois  by  hard  work  and  concentrated  in- 
dustry. 

Edward  A.  Burrill  was  born  in  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  August  20,  1856.  His 
family  is  of  English  origin  and  was  founded  in  America  in  colonial  days.  The 
first  representative  of  the  line  lived  in  Maine  before  the  Revolution  and  was 
among  the  pioneers  of  the  fruit  belt  of  Xew  York.  Mr.  Burrill  is  a  son  of  A. 
C.  and  Frances  ( Meara )  Burrill.  The  father  was  a  general  railway  contractor 
and  was  active  in  the  service  of  his  country  during  the  Civil  war  when  he  fol- 
lowed the  line  of  attack  and  rebuilt  the  railroads  torn  up  by  the  enemy.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  men  to  do  any  construction  work  on  the  Panama  Canal. 
He  was  killed  near  Manhattan,  Kansas,  in  1869.  at  the  age  of  forty-five  years 
and  is  buried  in  one  of  the  cemeteries  of  that  city. 

Edward  A.  Burrill  received  his  primary  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  laid  aside  his  books  at  the  age  of  seventeen  to  enter  the 
internal  revenue  service  at  St.  Louis.  Missouri.     The  constant  indoor  work  had 


HISTORY  OF  TEORTA  COUNTY  369 

affected  his  health,  and  at  the  expiration  of  three  years  he  took  a  position  as 
fireman  on  the  Missouri  Pacific  Railroad.  He  remained  in  the  employ  of  this 
corporation  for  more  than  two  years,  gradually  working  himself  up  to  a  higher 
position  and  showing  his  aptitude  and  intelligence  in  learning  the  details  of 
practical  railroading.  When  he  returned  to  St.  Louis  he  took  a  position  as 
freight  clerk  for  the  Terminal  Association  and  remained  in  that  connection  un- 
til 1881.  He  was  then  appointed  contracting  agent  for  the  Great  Eastern  Fast 
Freight  line  and  made  a  record  for  originality  and  industry  in  this  capacity. 
He  resigned  that  position  in  1886  to  become  clerk  to  the  division  superintendent 
of  the  Mobile  &  Ohio  Railroad.  He  served  in  this  capacity  until  January  1, 
1893,  when  he  became  connected  with  the  Illinois  Southern  Railroad  as  super- 
intendent. Here  he  remained  for  ten  years,  adding  to  his  knowledge  of  rail- 
roading and  showing  himself  capable  and  efficient  in  the  various  branches  of 
that  profession.  In  January,  1903,  he  became  superintendent  of  the  Peoria 
Railway  Terminal  Company  and  held  that  position  until  January,  1906,  when 
he  was  elected  to  his  present  office  as  vice  i^resident  and  general  manager. 

On  January  8,  1889,  Mr.  Burrill  was  united  in  marriage  at  Sparta  Hill, 
Illinois,  to  Miss  Eunice  Brown,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  R.  Brown,  the 
former  a  retired  farmer  and  pioneer  resident  of  Randolph  county.  Mr.  Bur- 
rill and  his  wife  have  one  daughter.  Frances,  the  wife  of  O.  P.  Walker,  who 
is  also  connected  with  the  Peoria  Railway  Terminal  Company.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Burrill  reside  in  a  pleasant  and  comfortable  home  at  1319  Xorth  Monroe  street, 
and  are  well  known  in  social  circles  of  this  city.  Edward  I'.urrill's  success  in 
his  chosen  line  of  occupation  is  the  direct  result  of  his  strict  attention  to  busi- 
ness and  his  expert  knowledge  of  the  many  branches  of  his  profession.  In  his 
present  responsible  position  he  is  showing  great  initiative  and  resource,  broad 
intelligence  and  a  keen  discrimination.  These  qualities  marked  his  career  in 
the  beginning  and  have  been  a  dominating  factor  in  his  success. 


JOHN  L.  OSW.\LT. 


John  L.  Oswalt  has  for  many  years  been  prominently  identified  with  the 
United  States  internal  revenue  service,  and  is  also  well  known  in  this  city  as  a 
deputy  sheriff'.  He  holds  a  record  of  having  been  in  office  as  government  store- 
keeper and  government  ganger  almost  continuously  since  the  Civil  war.  In  all 
these  various  activities,  ^Ir.  Oswalt  has  acc|uitted  himself  constantly  with  un- 
swerving integrity,  strict  attention  to  business  and  unfaltering  loyalty  to  the 
interests  of  the  country  which  employs  him.  He  learned  his  lessons  of  patriotism 
and  fidelity  to  duty  in  the  stern  school  of  the  Civil  war,  and  his  honorable  character 
and  upright  life  are  witnesses  of  their  efficacy. 

John  L.  Oswalt  was  born  January  23,  1847,  ^^  Wetzel  county.  West  \'ir- 
ginia,  the  son  of  Tobias  and  Sarah  (Archer)  Oswalt,  both  natives  of  Virginia. 
Tobias  Oswalt  was  a  mechanical  engineer,  who  moved  from  his  native  state  to 
Ohio,  in  1S52  and  established  his  home  at  Akron,  that  state,  where  his  wife  died 
in  the  fall  of  1865.  John  1..  Oswalt  was  one  of  ten  children,  the  two  eldest 
of  whom  were  soldiers  in  the  Federal  army  during  the  Civil  war.  He  was  but 
five  years  of  age  when  his  parents  came  to  Ohio,  and  he  received  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  of  Akron.  He  was  of  a  quiet,  thoughtful  and  literary 
turn  of  mind,  taking  naturally  to  his  books  and  intensely  interested  in  his  studies. 
In  .August,  1863,  he  enlisted  in  Hancocks  Corps,  Fifth  Ohio  \  olunteer  Infantry 
with  which  regiment  he  valiantly  served  until  the  end  of  the  war.  Immediately 
upon  his  discharge  he  returned  to  his  home  and  not  content  with  a  high-school 
education  which  at  that  time  was  considered  sufficient  preparation  for  any  walk 
of  life  he  entered  .Alliance  College,  of  .\lliance,  Ohio,  and   subsequently  sjient 


370  HISTORY  OF  TEORLV  COUXTY 

one  year  in  Parknian  College  where  he  took  up  telegraphy  and  finished  in  this 
course.  In  1868  he  went  to  Ottawa,  Canada,  where  he  worked  as  an  operator  and 
two  years  later,  in  1870,  he  accepted  the  position  as  telegraph  agent  for  the 
Pittsburgh  &  Fort  Wayne  Railroad,  which  he  left  to  enter  the  employ  of  the  Rig 
Four,  where  he  continued  for  fourteen  years.  He  resigned  this  position  in 
1884  to  accept  the  ollice  of  storekeeper  for  the  United  States  government,  and 
was  assigned  to  work  in  Peoria.  He  has  lived  in  this  city  since  that  time,  and 
has  gained  for  himself  many  friends  among  the  people  of  the  city.  He  is  a  man 
of  fine  character,  sturdy,  upright  and  honorable  in  all  his  dealings,  proud  of  his 
children,  loyal  to  his  friends,  an  unswerving  patriot,  a  true  and  high  minded 
gentleman. 

John  L.  Oswalt  was  married  on  April  i,  1872,  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Mitchell,  of 
Indiana,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  six  children.  Mr.  Oswalt  is  loyal  to  his 
comrades  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  is  a  member  of  the  Bryner  Post  in 
Peoria,  and  was  instrumental  in  the  organization  of  the  first  G.  A.  R.  post  in 
Smithfield,  Illinois.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Order  of  Railroad  Telegraphers  and 
of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  devoted  member  of  the 
Methodist  church,  and  his  religion  is  of  the  practical,  everyday,  working  kind. 
He  now  has  a  pleasant  home  on  Hamilton  boulevard  in  Peoria,  and  his  family 
have  grown  up  around  him  and  are  prominent  in  their  dififerent  walks  of  life. 
Air.  Oswalt  is  in  the  sixty-sixth  year  of  his  age,  a  genial,  loyal  and  kindiv  man. 
One  sleeve  of  his  coat  dangles  empty,  a  proof  of  the  toll  his  country  took  of  him 
in  tlie  great  war  of  the  rebellion. 


JOHN  RYAN  \\'HALEN. 

Everything  that  is  mighty  or  honorable  in  this  world  is  the  product  of  labor 
either  of  body  or  mind.  The  active  agent  in  our  growing  cities,  our  spreading 
commerce,  our  rising  and  progressive  business  enterprises,  is  the  powerful 
influence  of  hard  and  unremitting  work.  An  example  of  the  influence  of  this 
quality  upon  a  man's  career  is  found  in  the  life  record  of  John  Ryan  W'halen. 
He  was  born  in  this  city  November  7,  1856,  and  was  the  son  of  Thomas  and 
Hanora  (Ryan)  Whalen,  who  were  both  natives  of  County  Kilkenny,  Ireland, 
They  came  to  Peoria  in  1850,  traveling  by  way  of  New  Orleans  and  the  Mis- 
sissippi river.  Their  son  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  this 
city,  and  afterward  learned  the  mason's  trade  with  the  firm  of  Joseph  Hazzard  & 
Son,  with  whom  he  kept  up  his  connection  from  1874  to  1882,  when  he  went  into 
the  contracting  business  for  himself,  under  the  name  of  John  R.  Whalen  Com- 
pany, in  which  occupation  he  has  continued  with  growing  success  since  that  time. 

John  R.  Whalen  brings  into  the  contracting  lousiness  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  details  of  the  trade,  an  ability  to  manage,  direct  and  control  men,  and  tiie 
power  over  destiny  which  lies  in  a  capacity  for  continuous  labor.  He  has  been 
connected  with  the  erection  of  many  of  the  principal  buildings  in  this  city.  He 
was  contractor  for  the  mason  work  of  the  Methodist  church  at  the  corner  of 
Sixth  and  Franklyn  streets,  for  the  magnificent  new  Y.  M.  C.  A.  building  recently 
completed  in  this  city,  for  St.  Pntrick's  school,  the  Godel  Packing  House,  the 
Great  Eastern  distillery,  and  had  the  general  contract  for  the  beautiful  new 
Knights  of  Columbus  Club,  all  built  recently  in  this  city,  and  worthv  examples 
of  the  quality  of  John  R.  Whalen's  work.  He  does  much  business  outside  of 
Peoria,  and  has  built  two  churches  in  r)loomington,  Illinois,  the  Baptist  and  the 
Christian  churches  of  that  city. 

His  thorough  knowledge  of  the  details  of  the  building  trade  led  to  his  appoint- 
ment under  Mayor  William  F.  Bryan  as  building  inspector  of  Peoria,  whicli 
was  confirmed  under  Ma\'or  W'oodrufF  during  his  first  term  of  office,      tohn  R. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  371 

Whalen  was  superintendent  of  construction  of  the  new  city  hall  under  Mayor 
Warner,  and  of  the  great  Acme  Harvester  Company's  Ijuildiiigs  at  South  Liarton- 
ville.  In  politics  Mr.  Whalen  is  a  consistent  democrat,  believing  firmly  in  the 
principles  and  policies  for  which  that  party  stands,  and  voting  the  democratic  ticket 
in  local  and  national  issues.  He  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Knights  of  Father 
Matthew,  and  was  president  of  that  organization  for  fifteen  years  until  it  was 
disbanded  in  1903.  He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
.\merica,  and  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  He  belongs  to  St.  Patrick's  Roman 
Catholic  church. 

John  Ryan  Whalen  was  married  in  Peoria  in  1879  to  Aliss  Mary  C.  Cuddy, 
a  daughter  of  William  and  Catherine  Cuddy,  natives  of  Queens  county,  Ireland, 
who  came  to  F'eoria  in  1876.  Tliev  became  the  parents  of  six  children,  four  of 
whom  are  living:  Hanora,  who  died  August  i,  1895;  Thomas  C. ;  William 
who  passed  away  July  5,  1883 ;  Cecelia  Elizabeth,  who  married  Henry  J.  Eynatten, 
of  Peoria,  and  Statia  and  John  Michael,  living  at  home.  His  sons,  Thomas  C. 
and  John  M.  Whalen  are  both  practical  builders  and  contractors,  and  are  asso- 
cited  with  their  father  in  the  John  R.   Whalen  Comjiany. 


WILLIAM  E.  HEARST. 

One  of  the  outgrowths  of  the  immense  distilling  interests  in  Peoria,  and  a 
business  in  a  large  measure  peculiar  to  a  city  where  wholesale  liquor  making 
is  carried  on  on  a  large  scale,  is  the  industry  of  cattle  feeding.  In  every  large 
distillery  in  Peoria,  thousands  upon  thousands  of  cattle,  destined  for  foreign 
and  domestic  markets  are  fed  from  the  refuse  and  waste  incident  to  the  business. 
Distillery  fed  beef  is  considered  a  luxury  in  this  country,  and  its  flavor  far 
excells  that  of  beef  from  cattle  fed  on  grass.  One  of  the  largest  dealers  in  dis- 
tillery fed  live  stock  is  the  great  Morris  Company,  whose  shipments  in  and  out 
of  Peoria  each  year  are  almost  unbelievable.  Thousands  of  cattle  are  on  hand 
here  constantly,  being  fed  and  fattened  as  a  side  industry  in  all  the  distilleries 
of  the  city.  At  the  head  of  the  Morris  interests  is  William  E.  Hearst,  general 
manager  of  the  Peoria  branch  of  the  company,  holding  under  his  direction  and 
control  the  constantly  growing  business  along  this  line,  responsible  for  the  de- 
velopment and  progress  of  the  large  enterprise,  and  having,  as  far  as  one  man 
can,  the  future  progress  and  success  of  this  branch  of  activity,  in  the  hollow  of 
his  hand. 

William  1'^  Hearst  is  a  native  Peorian,  having  been  born  in  this  city  in  1866. 
Llis  father,  .Alexander  Hearst,  was  for  many  years  a  prominent  manufacturer 
in  this  city,  and  held  the  office  of  school  inspector  for  a  long  time.  William  E. 
Hearst  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city  and  is  a  graduate  of  the 
Peoria  high  school.  He  has  been  a  thorough  busine'ss  man  all  his  life,  and  is 
intimately  acquainted  with  all  the  newest  and  most  modern  methods  in  industrial 
life.  His  responsible  position  at  the  head  of  the  great  Morris  interests  in  this 
city,  is  a  peculiarly  difficult  one,  and  he  has  done  much  in  the  course  of  his  con- 
nection with  it  to  retain  this  branch  of  the  industry  for  Peoria.  The  entire  ambi- 
tion of  .Mr.  Hearst's  life  is  concentrated  upon  Inisiness.  He  has  very  few  out- 
side interests,  and  is  known  and  recognized  in  this  citv  as  a  man  dominated  and 
controlled  by  his  business  principles.  He  stands  at  the' head  of  the  cattle  feeding 
business  here.  His  shipments  annually  are  the  largest  in  their  line  in  the  stale. 
He  recentl)-  erected  at  a  cost  of  seventy-five  thousand  dollars,  immense  cattle 
feeding  sheds,  capable  of  housing  thousands  of  cattle  at  a  time.  His  hand  and 
brain  are  constantly  active  in  the  interest  of  his  business,  and  the  growth  and 
development  of  the  industry  under  his  charge  is  evidence  of  his  remarkable  ex- 
ecutive power  and  of  his  qualities  of  initiative  and  resource.     He  is  not  actively 


372  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

interested  in  politics,  as  his  attention  is  almost  exclusively  demanded  by  his  busi- 
ness affairs. 

Mr.  Hearst  has  two  sons,  Robert  E.  and  John  Hearst,  who  at  present  are  at- 
tending St.  John's  Military  Academy  at  Delafield,  Wisconsin.  His  social  inclina- 
tions find  expression  in  his  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  his  opinion 
is  highly  valued  in  matters  pertaining  to  business  policies  and  commercial  affairs 
generally  in  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce,  of  which  he  is  a  well  known 
member.  William  E.  Hearst  is  essentially  a  man  of  business,  absorbed  in  its 
problems,  keenly  interested  in  its  development,  capable  of  promoting  its  progress 
and  in  all  the  various  relations  of  industrial  life  a  man  whose  early  promise  has 
been  rarely  and  quickly  fulfilled. 


EDWARD   1.  SAIITH. 


Edward  J.  Smith  is  well  known  in  commercial  circles  of  Peoria  as  an  up- 
right and  reliable  business  man.  interested  in  everything  conducive  to  the  prog- 
ress and  improvement  of  his  home  city.  He  has  been  prominent  in  the  print- 
ing business  in  this  city  since  1899,  and  has  established  a  local  reputation  for 
accurate,  rapid  and  reliable  work.  He  is  a  native  son  of  Peoria,  having  been 
born  here  May  29,  1867.  His  parents  were  Clark  C.  and  Melissa  Smith,  who 
were  both  born  a  few  miles  outside  of  Columbus,  Ohio.  The  original  Smith 
of  this  line  was  a  Hollander,  who  landed  in  this  country  in  1741.  He  married 
an  English  woman  by  whom  he  had  six  sons  all  of  whom  served  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war.  The  Smiths  of  this  family  hold  the  unique  distinction  of  having 
been  represented  in  every  American  war  except  the  S])anish-American.  Clark 
C.  Smith,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  served  through  the  Civil  war 
as  a  member  of  Company  C,  Fortieth  Ohio  \'olunteer  Infantry. 

Edward  J.  Smith  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria,  and 
immediately  upon  his  graduation  he  entered  the  printing  firm  of  J.  W.  Franks 
&  Sons,  where  he  remained  for  three  years.  He  then  resigned  to  go  to  Chi- 
cago, in  which  city  he  served  out  the  balance  of  his  term  as  an  apprentice.  He 
returned  to  Peoria  in  Alarch,  1899.  and  in  partnership  with  Henry  E.  Johnson, 
he  started  a  little  printing  establishment.  In  July  of  the  same  year.  Mr.  John- 
son sold  his  interest  in  the  business  to  Joseph  A.  Schaefer.  Mr.  Smith's  con- 
nection with  Joseph  Schaefer  continued  until  November  24,  1909,  when  the 
latter  sold  out  his  interest  to  his  partner,  leaving  Mr.  Smith  sole  owner  of  a 
rapidly  growing  and  well  established  business.  All  during  his  business  career, 
Edward  I.  Smith  has  been  remarkably  successful,  especially  since  he  has  been 
in  sole  charge.  His  output  increases  every  year  in  proportion  to  the  increased 
demand  for  his  goods.  His  methods  are  always  reliable  and  his  equipment  is 
kept  absolutely  modern  and  up  to  date.  In  his  shop  is  found  every  modern 
facilitv  needed'  bv  the  artistic  and  progressive  printer.  His  success  is  in  no  way 
remarkable,  since  it  is  the  natural  result  of  hard  work,  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  details  of  the  trade,  and  the  adaptation  of  sound  and  conservative  busi- 
ness principles  to  new  and  progressive  methods. 

On  December  25,  1889,  in  Peoria,  Edward  J.  Smith  married  Miss  Alattie  E. 
Canterbury,  a  daughter  of  A.  M.  Canterbury,  who  until  his  death  was  a  prom- 
inent live-stock  broker  of  this  city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  have  two  daughters: 
Hazel  Helen  aged  nineteen  and  Nelda  Lenore,  seventeen.  Fraternally,  Mr. 
Smith  is  a  member  of  Temple  Lodge.  No.  46.  A.  F.  &  A.  M.:  of  the  West 
Bluff'  Lodge,  No.  177,  Knights  of  Pythias:  and  of  Charter  Oak  Camp.  Xo.  S7. 
IModern  \\'oodmen  of  America.  Fie  is  a  prominent  and  active  member  of  the 
First  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  belongs  to  the  Men's  Club  of  that  or- 
ganization.   He  alwavs  votes  the  republican  ticket,  but  does  not  take  an  active  part 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  373 

in  local  politics,  preferring  to  devote  his  time  and  attention  to  his  rapidly  grow- 
ing business.  He  is  active  in  any  movement  for  the  progress  and  improve- 
ment of  his  city,  and  is  a  director  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce. 
The  story  of  his  career  is  the  story  of  well  earned  success  which  is  the  natural 
result  of  hard  work  and  ability. 


TOHX   HENRY  KUHL. 


One  of  the  most  prominent  retail  grocers  of  Peoria  is  John  Henry  Kuhl, 
who  for  over  twenty  years  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  business  in  this 
city.  He  is  a  native  of  Illinois  and  has  passed  practically  his  entire  life  in  this 
immediate  vicinity,  his  birth  having  occurred  at  ISeardstown  on  the  12th  of 
October.  1864. 

In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  John  Henry  Kuhl  attended  the  common 
schools  of  Pekin,  Illinois,  until  he  had  attained  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  when 
he  laid  aside  his  text-books  in  order  to  (]ualify  himself  for  a  commercial  career. 
His  first  experience  in  the  business  world  was  obtained  in  the  grocery  of  Kuhl 
tS:  De\'ries  at  Pekin.  Illinois,  in  which  establishment  his  brother.  George  Albert 
was  financially  interested.  He  was  an  unusually  industrious  youth  and  was 
most  ambitious  to  forge  ahead  and  create  a  place  for  himself  in  the  commercial 
world.  This  desire  but  served  to  stimulate  his  energies  and  he  applied  himself 
assiduously  to  mastering  every  detail  of  the  business,  with  the  expectation  of 
making  it  his  life  vocation.  His  intelligence,  close  concentration  and  natural 
sagacity  won  him  the  recognition  of  older  business  men  of  wide  experience  and 
he  left  the  employment  of  this  firm  at  the  end  of  eight  years  to  become  traveling 
salesman  for  J.  &  G.  Herget,  well  known  wholesale  grocers  of  Pekin.  He  was 
only  twenty-one  when  he  entered  the  service  of  this  companv  with  whom  lie 
was  identified  for  four  years,  severing  his  connection  with  them  at  the  expira- 
tion of  that  time  to  engage  in  business  for  himself.  In  1889,  together  with  his 
brother,  George  Albert,  he  purchased  the  retail  grocery  of  Jenkinson  &  Pill, 
located  at  the  corner  of  Madison  &  Main  streets,  this  city.  This  was  a  well 
estal)lished  enterprise,  occupying  one  of  the  best  sites  in  the  city,  a  grocery  hav- 
ing been  located  there  ever  since  the  city  of  Peoria  was  founded.  The  firm 
prospered  from  the  first,  and  their  trade  grew  as  they  were  energetic  young 
men  of  progressive  ideas  and  high  standards  of  commercial  integrity  and  they 
not  only  retained  the  patrons  of  their  predecessors  but  constantly  added  new 
names  to  their  list  of  customers.  In  1893  John  Henry  Kuhl  bought  the  interest 
of  his  brother  and  has  ever  since  been  conducting  the  business  alone.  Two  years 
later  he  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  by  founding  a  branch  store  at  1012 
Knoxville  avenue.  This  proved  to  be  a  successful  venture  and  in  1908  he 
opened  another  place  at  ~22,  Third  street,  which  has  been  equally  lucrative,  and 
in  191 1,  he  established  a  store  at  324  Bradley  avenue.  He  is  now  conducting  all 
four  concerns,  the  main  store  still  being  at  the  original  location  at  the  corner 
of  Madison  &  Main  streets.  The  unusual  success  that  has  attended  the  endeavors 
of  Mr.  Kuhl  must  be  attributed  to  a  variety  of  things,  but  chiefly  to  his  keen 
foresight.  He  is  a  man  of  too  much  business  acumen  to  lose  sight  of  the  future 
in  view  of  the  present,  and  in  the  ui>building  of  his  business  has  not  permitted 
the  gain  of  today  to  blind  him  to  the  profit  of  tomorrow.  It  has  always  lieen  his 
policy  to  retain  the  good-will  of  every  patron,  even  if  this  sometimes  had  to  be 
purchased  at  his  loss,  and  as  a  result  he  has  established  a  reputation  for  integrity 
and  reliability  that  has  been  his  chief  asset.  He  carries  a  good  line  of  food  stuff's, 
the  quality  of  which  he  can  truthfully  recommend,  and  offers  them  at  moderate 
prices.  The  personnel  of  his  stores  is  exceptionally  high,  patrons  always  being 
assured  of  receiving  courteous  and  considerate  treatment,  to  such  an  extent  as 


374  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  even  inconvenience  themselves  to  accommodate  their  customers.  As  a  busi- 
ness man.  Mr.  Kuhl  stands  high  in  the  esteem  not  onh-  of  those  who  have  had 
transactions  with  him  but  with  his  competitors,  all  recognizing  his  high  standards 
and  upright  principles  as  exemplified  through  his  long  connection  with  the  com- 
mercial activities  of  this  city. 

Wellington,  Kansas,  was  the  scene  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Kuhl  on  the  15th 
of  June,  1887,  to  Miss  Linna  E.  Brace.  Mrs.  Kuhl  is  descended  from  the  early 
piotieers  of  this  section  of  Illinois,  being  a  daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  Charles  H. 
Brace  of  .Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  whose  family  were  among  the  first  settlers  of 
Stark  county.  The  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kuhl  includes  one  daughter  and  a 
son.  The  former.  Lora  A.,  had  the  distinction  of  graduating  from  \'assar  Col- 
lege with  honors  in  June,  191 1,  and  is  now  living  at  home,  while  the  son,  John 
Henry,  Jr.,  is  pursuing  a  course  in  architectural  engineering  at  Champaign, 
Illinois,  with  the  expectation  of  making  this  his  life  vocation. 

The  fainily  affiliate  with  the  Congregational  church  and  Mr.  Kuhl  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Men's  Sunday  Evening  Club.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Country  Club 
and  is  a  charter  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  while  his  fraternal  connec- 
tions are  confined  to  his  afiiliation  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  .America  and 
the  Royal  League.  In  all  probability  the  greatest  satisfaction  Mr.  Kuhl  finds 
in  the  success  that  has  attended  his  efforts  is  the  knowledge  that  it  has  been  won 
through  his  own  endeavors.  He  is  one  of  the  many  enterprising  American 
business  men  whose  life  records  prove  that  prosperity  is  more  often  won  through 
untiring  industry  and  determination  of  purpose  than  favorable  circumstances, 
which  fact  makes  their  achievements  all  the  more  worthy  of  commendation. 


CHRISTIAN   BUEHLER,   Sr. 

The  life  record  of  Christian  Buehler  is  another  illustration  of  the  fact  that 
when  the  enterprising  spirit  of  the  German  finds  scope  in  the  opportunities  of 
the  new  world  the  result  is  success.  For  eighteen  years  he  was  a  resident  of 
Peoria,  during  which  period  he  made  for  himself  an  enviable  position  in  busi- 
ness circles  and  was  the  pioneer  in  introducing  many  improvements  in  the  gen- 
eral butchering  and  pork-packing  business. 

A  native  of  Stuttgart,  Wurttemberg,  Germany,  Mr.  Buehler  was  born  on 
the  25th  of  December,  1821,  and  after  spending  the  period  of  his  boyhood  and 
youth  in  the  fatherland,  came  to  the  United  States  in  1849,  when  a  young  man 
of  about  twenty-eighf  years.  He  first  took  up  his  abode  in  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, but  soon  afterward  made  his  way  westward.  On  the  ist  of  January, 
1857,  he  was  married  in  Chicago  to  Miss  Anna  Schlenker,  and  there  resided 
for  three  years  after  his  marriage  before  coming  to  Peoria  in  i860.  Following 
his  arrival  iu  this  city  he  engaged  in  the  pork-packing  and  general  butchering 
business,  establishing  one  of  the  pioneer  industries  of  the  kind  here.  He  be- 
gan the  undertaking  on  a  small  scale  and  was  one  of  the  first  packers  in  the 
United  States  to  successfully  carry  on  a  business  of  that  character  through  the 
summer  season.  Packers  came  from  other  places  to  investigate  his  wav  of  do- 
ing business  in  preserving  meats  in  the  summer  time  and  inspect  his  small 
plant  for  he  was  in  advance  of  the  great  majority  in  the  use  of  a  refrigerating 
system  in  connection  with  the  meat-])acking  business.  The  success  of  his  meth- 
ods led  others  to  follow  the  same  course  for  the  superiority  of  his  way  of  hand- 
ling meats  was   widely  acknowledged. 

Mr.  Buehler  continued  to  make  his  home  in  Peoria  from  the  time  of  his 
arrival  in  i860  until  his  death  on  the  15th  of  October,  1878.  Unto  him  and  his 
wife  were  born  eight  children,  Anna,  Martin,  Christian,  Robert,  Herman.  Carl 
Friedericka  and  Albert. 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  377 

Following  the  death  of  Mr.  Buehler  his  eldest  son.  Martin,  associated  with 
the  mother,  Mrs.  Anna  Buehler,  carried  on  the  business  for  some  time.  Mr. 
IJuehler  was  a  democrat  in  his  political  views  and  while  not  a  prominent  poli- 
tician, recognized  the  duties  and  obligations  of  citizenship  and  gave  his  sup- 
port to  various  ])rojects  for  the  public  good.  The  'Masonic  fraternity  found 
in  him  an  examplary  representative  and  one  ever  loyal  to  its  interests  and  wel- 
fare. His  was  a  well  spent  life  and  through  the  middle  portion  of  the  nine- 
teenth century  he  figured  prominently  in  the  business  circles  of  Peoria.  Mrs. 
Anna  P.uehler  passed  away  in  Chicago,  in  Ajiril,  1S95. 


WILLIAM  F.  JOHNSON. 

William  F.  Johnson,  the  founder  and  proprietor  of  the  Johnson  Cigar  Com- 
pany located  at  606-608  Adams  street,  is  one  of  Peoria's  estimable  citizens  and 
highly  enterprising  and  successful  young  business  men.  He  was  born  in  the  city 
of  Peoria  and  is  a  son  of  Herman  and  Mary  Johnson.  The  father  was  a  native 
of  Germany,  whence  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  at  the  age  of  seven  years, 
locating  with  his  parents  in  Peoria.  Here  he  was  educated  and  reared  to  man- 
hood, subsequently  learning  the  cooper's  trade.  He  followed  this  vocation  for 
a  time  but  later  withdrew  therefrom  to  become  a  member  of  the  tire  department, 
following  this  occupation  until  his  death  twelve  years  ago  at  the  age  of  fifty- 
two.  He  was  one  of  the  veterans  of  the  force  in  years  of  service  and  every 
department  of  the  municipal  government  was  well  represented  at  his  funeral, 
which  was  conducted  with  full  honors  to  the  man  who  had  discharged  his  duties 
with  rare  capability  and  efficiency  for  many  years.  The  mother  subsequently 
became  the  wife  of  William  Hawthorne,  and  is  now  residing  at  709  Hancock 
street,  this  city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  as 
follows:  Benjamin,  who  is  deceased;  John,  who  is  employed  in  the  hardware 
store  of  Hunter  &  Strebler :  Henry,  who  is  deceased;  \\'illiam,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  ;  Charles,  the  foreman  of  the  factory  of  the  Johnson  Cigar  Com- 
pany ;  and  Anna  and  Kate,  both  of  whom  are  deceased. 

The  entite  life  of  William  F.  Johnson  has  been  passed  in  this  city,  his  educa- 
tion being  obtained  in  the  old  Fifth  Ward  school.  When  he  had  acquired  such 
knowledge  as  was  deemed  essential  to  a  business  career,  his  text-books  were  laid 
aside  and  he  entered  the  cigar  factory  of  Jacoi)  Hoffman  to  learn  the  trade.  Later 
he  became  an  employe  of  Nicholas  Webber,  with  whom  he  remained  until  he  had 
gained  sufficient  experience  to  engage  in  business  for  himself.  As  he  was  voung 
in  years  and  had  but  limited  capital  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  begin  in  a  very 
small  way,  but  as  he  ojjerated  his  establishment  with  intelligence  and  used  a 
good  quality  of  tobacco  in  the  manufacture  of  his  products  he  succeeded  in 
building  up  a  profitable  trade.  He  has  enlarged  his  quarters  at  various  times  and 
now  gives  employment  to  twenty  peojile  in  his  factory,  and  his  business  is  con- 
stantly expanding.  His  special  brands  are  the  "Peoria  Star"  and  "La  Teresa" 
both  of  which  are  very  jiopular  and  in  great  demand  among  his  patrons.  Mr. 
Johnson  has  every  reason  to  feel  gratified  with  the  development  of  his  business, 
which  stands  as  the  result  of  his  own  hard  work  and  close  application,  as  he 
never  has  received  any  assistance  other  than  is  accorded  every  business  man  of 
recognized  worth  and  responsibility.  He  has  been  in  business  for  fourteen 
years  and  during  that  time  has  made  most  notable  progress,  being  the  owner  of 
one  of  the  well  established  and  thriving  industries  of  the  city. 

For  his  wife  and  helpmate,  Mr.  Johnson  chose  Miss  Nellie  Everett  of  Chi- 
cago, and  they  live  at  202  Culter  street,  where  they  own  a  very  pleasant  residence. 
He  attends  the  Methodist  church  and  his  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Fra- 


378  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ternal  Order  of  Eagles  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Red  Men.     He  also  is  a 
memiier  of  the  Cigarniakers'  Union. 

Mr.  Johnson's  achievements  show  what  it  is  possible  for  a  yoinig  man  of 
ambition's  spirit  and  industrious  habits  to  accomplish,  despite  the  keen  competi- 
tion that  prevails  in  practically  every  line  of  business  at  the  present  day.  He 
is  held  in  high  regard  in  local  business  circles,  the  policy  and  methods  he  pur- 
sues in  the  conduct  of  his  business  being  such  as  to  recommend  him  to  the  respect 
and  esteem  of  all   who  have  transactions   with  him. 


ARCHIBALD  THEODORE  McMASTER. 

The  voung  men  of  Peoria  have  undeniably  exercised  a  powerful  influence 
upon  the  great  business  development  of  the  city.  Thousands  of  young  men  have 
gained  for  themselves  names  that  will  endure  and  distinction  in  the  paths  of 
industry  in  this  city  during  the  past  half  century.  The  young  men  of  Peoria 
have  always  been  her  pride  and  best  support,  contributing  their  brains  and 
energies  to  the  vast  commercial  progress  of  the  city,  and  to  the  upbuilding  of 
her  municipal  activity. 

Prominent  among  yovmg  men  of  this  class  is  Archibald  T.  McMaster.  whose 
name  heads  this  sketch.  He  is  one  of  Peoria"s  typical  business  men,  devoting 
his  brains,  his  time,  his  labors  to  the  building  up  of  the  coal  business  in  which 
he  is  engaged,  and  promoting  the  advancement  of  the  city  in  building  up  his 
own  prosperity.  ^Ir.  McMaster  is  preeminently  a  man  of  one  business.  He 
started  in  his  present  occupation  when  a  mere  boy,  and  it  has  absorbed  his 
faculties  and  energies  ever  since,  without  however,  impairing  his  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  the  city,  and  in  her  municipal  advancement.  Mr.  McMaster  is  known 
as  a  forceful  man  whose  strong  and  well  balanced  views  have  enabled  him  to 
accomplish  what  he  has  undertaken,  and  to  gain  considerable  prestige  in  the 
business  world,  and  his  reputation  for  honesty  and  uprightness  is  of  the  very 
best. 

.Archibald  Theodore  McMaster  was  born  in  Girard,  Illinois,  August  21,  1874, 
the  son  of  James  and  Matilda  McMaster  of  Peoria.  James  McMaster  is  still 
living  in  this  city,  which  has  been  his  home  all  his  life,  and  is  a  prominent  gov- 
ernment gauger  here.  Archibald  McMaster  went  to  the  grammar  schools  of 
Peoria  until  he  finished  the  eighth  grade.  He  then  entered  Brown's  Business 
College,  where  he  took  the  complete  commercial  course  of  bookkeeping  and 
shorthand,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  the  business  system  upon  which  his  suc- 
cess is  based.  Upon  leaving  school,  he  entered  at  once  upon  the  coal  business, 
as  an  employe  of  Newell  &  Clark,  a  former  wholesale  coal  company  of  Peoria. 
When  this  firm  dissolved  a  short  time  after  Mr.  McMaster  became  connected 
with  it.  he  entered  the  employ  of  IMiles  &  Company,  where  he  remained  until 
igoi.  These  two  positions  offered  him  every  opportunity  of  learning  his  chosen 
business  from  the  ground  up,  an  opportunity  which  he  was  not  slow  to  grasp, 
and  which  his  business  talents  and  power  of  concentration  and  hard  work,  enabled 
him  to  imjirove.  He  mastered  the  Inisiness  in  the  minutest  detail,  from  office 
work  to  actual  mining  of  the  coal.  He  learned  the  outside  business  by  traveling 
on  the  road  for  ten  years,  and  he  was  superintendent  of  a  mine  for  two  years 
in  Tazewell  county,  so  when  he  left  the  offices  of  Miles  &:  Company  to  go  into 
the  coal  business  for  himself,  he  had  a  solid  foundation  behind  him  of  thorough 
knowledge   and   perfect  equipment. 

On  October  27.  1898.  ^Ir.  Mc^Iaster  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Matilda 
Gauss,  daughter  of  \\'illiam  P.  Gauss  of  this  city,  who  was  at  one  time  a  promi- 
nent wholesale  grocer,  and  active  in  city  and  county  politics,  but  who  lives  at 
present  retired.  They  have  one  son,  .Archibald  James,  nine  years  old,  at  present 
attending-  the  \\"hite  school. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  379 

Air.  McMaster's  political  affiliations  are  republican.  He  takes  a  great  interest 
in  politics  and  is  at  present  a  county  supervisor  having  been  elected  to  that  body 
in  191 1.  He  had  only  served  one  year  as  a  supervisor  when  he  was  chosen  chair- 
man of  the  board  and  he  serves  at  present  in  that  capacity  and  is  also  chairman 
of  the  county  board  of  equalization  of  taxes.  He  is  prominent  in  the  Masonic  or- 
der, the  Knights  of  Pythias,  The  North  American  Union  and  the  T.  P.  A.'s.  His 
interest  in  the  commercial  progress  of  the  city  finds  expression  in  his  member- 
slii])  in  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce,  while  he  finds  relaxation  and  rec- 
reation as  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Social  Athletic  Club.  The  Order  of  Kokoal 
of  which  he  is  a  well  known  member  affords  him  an  opportunity  to  exchange 
with  men  of  kindred  interests,  views  an<l  opinions  regarding  his  line  of  business. 

It  is  impossible  to  estimate  the  value  of  men  like  .Mr.  McAIaster  to  the 
city,  at  least  during  their  lifetime.  Hard  work,  unfailing  industry,  energy  un- 
deterret!  by  obstacles,  determination  and  high-minded  probity,  have  a  market 
and  a  value  in  commercial  and  industrial  life,  which  extends  itself  to  the  whole 
social  economy.  Every  man,  from  the  toiling  laborer  to  the  merchant  prince, 
receives  benefit  from  them. 


WILLIAM    ANDREW  HERRON. 

W  illi.im  .\ndrew  Herron  is  numbered  among  those  who  have  left  their  impress 
ujion  the  history  of  Peoria.  He  came  to  this  city  in  1840,  when  it  was  a  small 
town  of  little  industrial  or  commercial  im])ortancc,  and  from  that  time  until  his 
death  was  closely  connected  with  its  progress  and  upbuilding,  winning  eventually 
a  place  among  its  foremost  financiers  as  the  president  of  the  Peoria  Savings 
Hank  and  a  director  of  the  Second  National  Bank.  Throughout  his  entire  life 
he  made  good  use  of  his  time  and  opportunities  and  in  all  of  his  business  deal- 
ings he  ever  recognized  the  rights  and  privileges  of  others.  His  path  was  never 
strewn  with  the  wreck  of  other  men's  fortunes,  for  throughout  his  entire  career 
he  used  constructive  methods,  winning  his  success  through  close  application, 
unfaltering  energy    and    intelligently    directed   labor. 

Mr.  Herron  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Ship- 
jiensburg,  Cumberland  county.  His  father,  Francis  Herron,  was  of  Scotch- 
Irish  descent,  belonging  to  a  family  that  was  represented  in  Cumberland  county 
for  several  generations,  where  at  one  time  they  were  proprietors  of  a  large  tract 
of  land  that  included  several  farms,  the  entire  district  being  known  in  that  locality 
as  Herron's  Row.  The  family  were  members  of  the  Middle  Spring  church, 
which  is  so  largely  represented  in  the  Presbyterian  circles  in  Peoria.  Francis 
Herron  wedded  Jane  \\ills,  also  a  native  of  Cumberland  county,  Pennsvlvania. 
and  a  woman  whose  amiable  and  sterling  traits  of  character  won  her  the  love 
of  all  with  whom  she  came  in  contact. 

The  youthful  days  of  William  A.  Herron  were  spent  upon  the  old  homestead 
farm  until  he  reached  the  age  of  fifteen,  when  he  came  west  with  an  aunt,  Mrs. 
Martha  (Herron)  Cunningham,  and  spent  the  winter  of  1839  at  Belleville,  Illi- 
nois. In  the  following  spring  he  came  to  Peoria  and  from  that  time  foreward 
was  closely  associated  with  the  business  development  of  the  city.  He  was  first 
employed  as  a  clerk  in  the  drug  store  of  his  uncle.  Dr.  James  Mossman,  one  of 
the  city's  earliest  i^hysicians,  who  died  here  about  1850."  The  store  was  located 
on  the  upper  side  of  Main  street,  adjoining  the  Peoria  hotel,  of  which  Augustus 
O.  Garrett  was  then  proprietor.  Mr.  Herron  practiced  strict  economy  as  well 
as  industry  and  in  time  his  labors  had  brought  him  a  sufficient  capital  to  purchase 
the  store  in  which  he  had  been  employed.  He  afterward  removed  his  stock  of 
goods  to  the  corner  of  Main  street  and  Printer's  alley,  occupying  the  old  historic 
building  wdiich  was  wrecked  by  an  explosion  just  after  he  had  vacated  it.  His 
removals  were  made  to  accommodate  an  increasing  trade  and  also  to  keep  pace 


380  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

with  clianges  in  the  business  center  of  the  city.  In  1849  he  erected  a  brick  build- 
ing at  the  south  corner  of  -Main  and  Washington  streets  and  for  more  than  a  half 
century  a  drug  store  has  been  at  that  site.  He  prospered  in  his  undertakings 
there  and  conducted  his  business  until  1856,  when  his  health  became  mipaired 
through  close  confinement  in  the  store  and  he  sold  out.  He  then  turned  his 
attention  to  the  lumber  trade  in  partnership  with  Joseph  Elder,  this  enabling 
him  to  spend  more  time  out  of  doors.  He  then  continued  in  the  business  until 
1868,  when  he  withdrew  from  commercial  circles  and  entered  the  lield  of  bank- 
ing, in  which  he  continued  until  his  death.  In  1868  he  established  the  Sayings 
Bank  of  Peoria,  in  connection  with  John  Hamlin,  Charles  P.  King,  Lorin  G. 
Pratt,  Zenas  G.  Hotchkiss,  Philip  Zell,  Lewis  Howell  and  Thomas  C.  Moore. 
This  was  the  pioneer  institution  of  its  kind  in  the  city  and  from  the  outset  has 
enjoyed  a  prosperous  existence.  The  bank  was  originally  conducted  as  a  part- 
nership concern  but  in  1894  was  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  state.  In 
1872  Mr.  Herron  became  president  and  manager  and  so  continued  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  thirty-four  years  later  on  the  14th  of  December,  1906. 
His  progressiveness  was  always  tempered  by  a  safe  conservatism,  whereby  inter- 
ests of  depositors  were  carefully  guarded.  His  business  judgment  was  sound 
and  his  counsel  was  sought  by  many.  He  recognized  fully  the  responsibilities 
de\'olving  upon  him  and  allowed  no  unwarranted  risks.  However,  the  invest- 
ments of  the  bank  were  so  judiciously  made  that  success  continually  attended 
the  business  and  the  bank  grew  with  the  growth  of  the  city,  becoming  one  of 
the  strongest  financial  concerns  of  this  part  of  the  state.  In  addition,  Mr.  Her- 
ron served  for  many  years  as  a  director  of  the  Second  National  Bank,  now 
the  Peoria  National  'Bank.  He  was  also  one  of  the  founders  and  original  stock- 
holders of  the  Peoria  Gas  Light  &  Coke  Company,  which  came  into  existence  in 
1853.  He  served  for  an  extended  period  as  one  of  its  directors  and  was  also 
its' president  for  a  number  of  years.  He  never  met  with  failure  or  business  re- 
verses during  his  long  and  active  career  owing  to  the  fact  that  his  sagacity  was 
keen,  his  judgment  sound  and  his  enterprise  unfaltering.  He  found  pleasure  in 
the  solution  of  intricate  business  problems  and  at  all  times  he  so  conducted  his 
business  affairs  that  they  reflected  credit  and  honor  upon  the  city  in  which  he 
operated. 

In  1846  Mr.  Herron  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susan  Bartlett,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Dr.  Peter  Bartlett.  Some  time  after  the  death  of  his  first  wife  he  was  mar- 
ried, November  4,  1884,  to  Mary  Walker,  a  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Sarah  S. 
(Mcllvaine)  Walker,  who  were  pioneers  of  Peoria.  His  children  were  four  in 
number:  William  A.,  who  is  assistant  teller  in  the  Savings  Bank  of  Peoria 
and  who  married  Anna  Louise  Greenwood,  by  whom  he  has  one  daughter,  Anna 
Louise  Herron ;  John  W.,  a  student  in  La  Fayette  College  at  Easton,  Pennsyl- 
vania ;  Mary,  who  is  attending  the  Commonwealth  school  at  Boston ;  and  Anna 
A.,  deceased. 

Mr.  Herron  was  ever  recognized  as  a  public-spirited  citizen,  whose  devotion 
to  the  general  good  was  manifest  in  tangible  ways.  His  cooperation  could 
always  be  counted  upon  to  further  any  movement  that  he  deemed  essential  to 
the  general  welfare  and  his  attitude  was  preeminently  one  of  progress  in  relation 
to  municipal  affairs.  He  voted  with  the  republican  party  and  served  for  six 
years  as  alderman  from  his  ward  and  also  for  seven  years  as  a  member  of  the 
board  of  supervisors,  in  which  connections  he  discharged  his  official  duties  in  a 
way  that  reflected  credit  and  honor  upon  the  community.  He  was  active  in  the 
organization  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church,  contributed  liberally  to  its  sup- 
port and  was  ever  one  of  its  most  faithful  and  devoted  members.  The  specific 
and  distinctive  office  of  biography  is  not  to  give  voice  to  a  man's  modest  esti- 
mate of  himself  and  his  accomplishments  but  rather  to  leave  the  perpetual  record 
establishing  his  character  by  the  consensus  of  public  opinion  on  the  part  of  his 
fellowmen.  Throughout  Peoria  and  eastern  Illinois  William  A.  Herron  was 
spoken  of  in  terms  of  admiration  and   respect.     His  life  was  so  varied   in   its 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  381 

activity,  so  honorable  in  its  purjaoses,  so  far-reaching  and  beneficial  in  its  efforts 
that  it  became  an  integral  part  in  the  history  of  the  state.  In  no  sense  a  man 
in  public  life,  he  nevertheless  exerted  an  immeasurable  influence  upon  Peoria; 
in  business  life  as  a  financier  and  promoter  of  commercial  enterprises;  in  social 
circles  by  reason  of  a  charming  personality  and  unfeigned  cordiality,  in  politics 
by  reason  of  his  public  spirit  and  devotion  to  the  general  good  and  in  church 
circles  by  his  support  and  aid  to  those  measures  which  are  factors  in  moral 
progress. 


CORNELIUS  N.  MIPIIGAN. 

The  pages  of  this  work  illustrate  the  lives  of  many  successful  men,  whose 
foresight  in  legal  ati'airs  contributes  largely  to  gain  for  Peoria  her  present  metro- 
politan position.  Among  the  most  prominent  of  these  is  the  gentleman  whose 
name  heads  this  sketch,  Cornelius  X.  Mihigan.  Mr.  IMihigan  is  another  eminent 
example  of  what  energy,  industry  and  perseverance  will  accomplish  when  ju- 
diciously applied.  When  he  takes  hold  of  a  case,  his  name  is  a  sure  guarantee 
of  intelligent  handling.  Mr.  Mihigan  has  won  large  success  as  a  clearheaded, 
straightforward  lawyer,  and  fully  deserves  the  recognition  he  has  received  as 
a  worthy,  energetic  citizen,  and  a  lawyer  of  tine  judgment  and  rare  probity. 

Cornelius  X.  Mihigan  was  born  in  Sumnierville,  Xew  (ersey,  on  March  15, 
1855.  His  father,  Jeremiah  Mihigan  was  born  in  Ireland,  but  came  to  America 
at  a  very  early  age.  He  settled  in  Xew  Jersey,  where  with  true  Celtic  versatility 
he  practiced  the  various  trades  of  painter,  machinist,  bookkeeper  and  tailor  until 
his  son  Cornelius  was  a  few  months  old,  when  he  came  to  Peoria  with  his  wife, 
Catherine  Mihigan  and  family.  Here  they  lived  for  fourteen  years,  moving 
to  Pekin  at  that  time  in  which  city  they  resided  for  ten  years. 

Cornelius  Mihigan  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  Peoria  and 
Pekin.  His  education  was  completed  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  but  was  later 
supplemented  by  a  course  in  the  Drew  Business  College  of  Pekin.  On  leaving 
school.  Mr.  Miliigan  obtained  a  position  as  clerk  in  a  Pekin  grocery  store  and 
remained  there  for  four  years,  resigning  to  enter  the  wholesale  grocery  of  J. 
&  G.  Herget  of  Pekin  as  bookkeeper,  a  position  which  he  held  for  two  years. 
But  these  various  clerical  positions  were  merely  preliminary  to  his  actual  start 
upon  his  career  in  life,  which  was  the  law.  He  resigned  his  position  with  J.  &  G. 
Herget  to  read  law  with  Whitney  &  Foster,  leading  lawyers  of  Pekin  at  that 
time,  and  after  two  years  of  constant  application,  and  intelligent  study  of  law 
in  all  its  branches,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1878,  and  began  practicing 
for  himself  in  Pekin.  In  three  years  time,  he  had  gained  a  practice  and  a  pres- 
tige which  justified  his  removal  to  a  larger  city,  and  in  1880  he  returned  to 
Peoria  and  opened  a  law  office  here,  where  he  has  remained  since  that  time. 
Mr.  Mihigan's  practice  had  gained  steadily  every  year  of  his  residence  here,  and 
his  reputation  as  a  man  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  details  of  his  profession, 
and  honorable  and  high-minded  in  all  the  different  phases  of  his  life,  has  grown 
with  it.  For  many  years  he  has  held  an  enviable  position  upon  the  list  of  mem- 
bers of  the  Peoria  bar.  He  has  achieved  honorable  distinction  in  the  ranks  of  a 
great  profession.  His  practice  embraces  all  kinds  of  law  and  every  class  of 
case,  but  his  specialty  is  criminal  lavv,  and  to  this  phase  of  practice  he  gives  much 
of  his  time  and  attention. 

Cornelius  X.  Mihigan  was  married  in  Peoria  in  1885  to  Miss  Carrie  M. 
Reed,  and  they  have  one  son  Lyle  Emerson  Mihigan,  eighteen  years  of  age  and 
at  present  a  student  of  the  Peoria  high  school. 

Mr.  Mihigan's  political  affiliations  are  democratic,  and  although  he  does 
not  participate  actively  in  politics  to  any  extent,  he  is  always  ready  to  lend 
his  influence  in  support  of  a  worthy  cause.     He  is  an  active  member  of  the  Elks 


382  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Ijut  does  not  allow  these  clubs  or  secret  organi- 
zations to  absorb  his  time  to  the  detriment  of  his  business. 

Mr.  Mihigan  is  a  true  lawyer,  far  more  absorbed  in  any  case  on  hand  than 
if  it  were  a  deciding  factor  in  his  very  own  welfare,  and  he  feels  that  a  trust 
has  been  given  into  his  keeping  to  be  handled  with  absolute  integrity,  best  ability 
and  careful  judgment.  He  is  never  caught  unprepared,  and  therefore  need  ask 
no  favors  because  of  negligence ;  he  has  so  mastered  the  law  and  the  facts  that 
he  knows  the  real  issue  of  a  given  case,  and  his  enthusiasm  and  ardor  impress 
with  their  earnestness  and  lucidity  courts  and  juries. 


HENRY  R.  WOODWARD. 

To  exactly  what  extent  Henry  R.  Woodward  influenced  the  business  de- 
velopment of  Peoria  it  is  impossible  to  determine  until  the  projects  with  which 
he  was  connected  have  reached  their  full  fruition  as  factors  in  the  business 
activity,  development  and  upbuilding  of  the  city.  It  is  well  known,  however, 
that  few  men  have  contributed  more  largely  to  the  advancement  of  Peoria 
through  the  conduct  of  business  affairs  and  the  establishment  of  various  pro- 
jects which  have  had  direct  bearing  upon  the  city's  prosperity  and  growth.  He 
was  a  native  of  Ohio  and  a  son  of  Henry  T.  Woodward,  who  was  born  in  Ire- 
land but  established  his  home  in  Peoria  county  during  the  pioneer  epoch  in 
its  history. 

It  was  in  the  early  '40s  that  Plenry  R.  Woodward  arrived  in  Peoria  county, 
brought  hither  by  his  parents  who  settled  upon  a  farm.  He  witnessed  the  early 
development  of  this  region  and  as  the  years  passed  became  a  very  prominent 
and  influential  factor  in  business  progress.  He  formulated  various  plans  which 
he  carried  forward  to  successful  completion  and  thus  contributed  to  the  mate- 
rial advancement  of  the  section.  His  first  undertaking  in  Peoria  was  in  the 
conduct  of  a  wholesale  notion  business.  Success  followed  him  in  every  venture 
and  each  forward  step  brought  him  a  broader  outlook  and  wider  opportunities. 
An  inheritance  which  came  to  him  from  the  old  country,  after  he  had  been 
identified  with  farming  interests  here  for  a  few  years,  was  invested  in  Peoria 
property  and  projects,  and  the  soundness  of  his  judgment  was  manifest  in  the 
excellent  returns  which  crowned  his  labors.  It  was  in  the  year  1870  that  he 
became  one  of  the  founders  of  the  well  known  manufacturing  pharmaceutical 
house  of  Allaire,  Woodward  &  Company,  his  associate  in  the  venture  being 
Charles  B.  Allaire.  From  that  time  to  the  present  the  business  has  grown 
along  substantial  lines,  a  safe  conservative  policy  being  established  that  has  not. 
however,  checked  the  progressive  spirit  which  must  be  manifest  in  all  success- 
ful commercial  enterprises  of  the  present  day.  Gradually  the  trade  of  the 
house  grew  until  the  name  today  is  a  familiar  one  in  connection  with  the  larg- 
est manufacturing  mercantile  enterprises  of  the  state  outside  of  Chicago.  He 
extended  his  efforts  to  financial  circles  as  one  of  the  first  directors  of  the  Com- 
mercial National  Bank  and  his  business  acumen  was  ever  regarded  as  a  valu- 
able asset  in  connection  with  the  management  of  any  business  concern  witii 
which  he  became  identified. 

In  1861,  Air.  Woodward  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Charlotte  S. 
Mayo,  a  native  of  England  and  a  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Mayo,  who  be- 
came one  of  the  early  ministers  of  Peoria  county  and  took  a  helpful  ]xirt  in 
all  the  work  that  transformed  a  pioneer  region  into  a  prosperous  section  of  the 
state.  The  death  of  Mr.  Woodward  occurred  in  1894  while  Mrs.  Woodward 
survives  her  husband  and  makes  her  home  in  this  city.  For  about  half  a  cen- 
tury he  had  resided  in  Peoria  county  and  had  seen  a  little  frontier  town  develon 
into  a  metropolitan  center.  With  its  growth  he  was  quick  to  anticipate  its 
needs  and  thus  it  was  he  who  organized  the   first  street   railway  company  of 


IIEXKV    ]!.    WniiDW  AIM) 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  385 

Peoria.  W  hile  in  association  with  Mr.  .\llaire  he  installed  the  first  telephone 
system  here.  PI  is  name  is  indelibly  inscribed  upon  the  pages  of  Peoria's  iniius- 
irial,  commercial  and  financial  history.  His  keen  sagacity  enabled  him  to  see 
opportunities  which  others  passed  heedlessly  by  and  his  laudable  ambition 
prompted  Inm  to  use  these  to  the  best  advantage.  For  a  long  period  his  name 
was  recognized  as  a  synonym  for  business  integrity  and  enterprise  in  this  part 
of  the  state  and  throughout  his  entire  career  he  remained  the  same  courteous, 
kindly  gentleman  whose  ways  were  those  of  refinement  and  whose  word  no 
man  could  question.  His  religious  belief  found  expression  in  his  affiliation 
with  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church  of  which  he  was  vestryman  for  many  years 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  junior  warden. 

His  son,  Henry  J.  Woodward,  has  become  his  successor  in  different  lines 
of  business,  principally  as  president  of  the  firm  of  Allaire,  Woodward  &  Com- 
pany while  he  is  also  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Central  National  Bank.  With 
the  former  concern  he  has  been  identified  since  1887  and  his  efforts  have  been 
a  most  important  element  in  its  continued  growth  and  prosperity.  He  was 
born  in  Peoria  about  1864  and  during  his  youthful  days  was  a  pupil  in  the 
public  schools,  supplementing  the  grade  work  by  a  course  in  the  high  school 
from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1884.  He  then  entered  Prince- 
ton University  in  which  he  continued  for  three  years,  returning  home  to  be- 
come connected  with  the  business  in  which  he  is  now  engaged.  He  started 
out  in  a  humble  capacity  in  order  to  acciuaint  himself  with  every  branch  of 
the  trade  and,  working  his  way  upward  through  intermediate  positions,  was 
at  length  called  to  the  presidency  of  the  company  in  1904,  after  having  served 
for  several  years  as  its  vice  president.  He  was  also  the  treasurer  of  the  street 
railway  company  until  they  sold  out  to  the  McKinley  interests.  Like  his  father 
he  is  a  man  of  determined  purpose  and  no  difficulties  nor  obstacles  have  been 
allowed  to  bar  his  path  if  they  could  be  overcome  by  earnest  effort  and  honest 
dealing.  He  is  a  man  of  quick  discernment,  with  the  faculty  for  the  separa- 
tion of  the  important  features  in  any  subject  from  its  incidental  or  accidental 
circumstances. 

In  1894  occurred  the  marriage  of  Henry  J.  Woodward  and  Miss  Elizabeth 
Grier,  a  daughter  of  Robert  C.  Grier,  for  many  years  secretary  of  the  Peoria 
P)Oard  of  Trade  and  prominent  as  a  grain  merchant  of  Peoria  for  an  extended 
period.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woodward  have  been  born  four  children,  Henry 
Robert.  King  Grier,  Susanna  and  Caroline.  Mr.  Woodward  belongs  to  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club  and  to  the  Country  Club,  while  his  religious  belief  is  evi- 
denced in  his  membershi|)  in  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church. 


WILLIAM  FIELDER. 


William  Fielder  holds  a  record  in  Peoria  for  length  of  service  as  justice  of 
the  peace,  having  held  that  office  in  this  city  for  sixteen  consecutive  years,  and 
then  with  a  break  of  one  term,  for  twelve  years  more.  He  is  well  known  in  this 
capacity,  and  his  many  friends  delight  in  giving  him  the  title  of  "chief  justice," 
in  recognition  of  his  long  term  of  able  service. 

\\'illiam  h'ielder  is  a  native  of  Peoria  county,  having  Ijeen  born  in  Lancaster, 
Illinois,  May  6,  1848.  He  is  a  son  of  David  and  Mary  Fielder  who  came  to 
Illinois  from  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in  Lancaster,  Peoria  county,  where  their 
son  William  was  born.  Mr.  Fielder's  mother  died  when  he  was  four  years  old 
and  his  father  when  he  was  nine.  He  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  around 
Lancaster,  and  finally  in  the  grammar  schools  of  Peoria,  but  was  compelled  to 
lay  aside  his  books  before  he  had  completed  the  eighth  grade.  Even  during  his 
school  course,  he  worked  as  a  farm  hand  in  the  summer,  spending  the  winter 


386  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

months  in  study,  and  in  the  fall  of  1867  he  entered  the  circuit  clerk's  office  in 
Peoria,  as  recorder,  where  he  remained  until  1876.  In  the  spring  of  the  follow- 
ing year,  1877,  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and  began  his  long  term  of 
service  in  this  capacity.  He  was  in  office  continuously  from  the  spring  of  1877 
until  the  spring  of  1893.  He  was  out  of  office  for  one  term  of  four  years  from 
1893  to  1897,  when  he  was  again  elected,  serving  until  the  spring  of  1909.  During 
his  twenty-eight  years  of  service,  Mr.  Fielder  gained  for  himself  an  enviable 
reputation  in  his  field  of  work.  His  honorable  and  upright  character,  his  sense 
of  duty,  and  his  broad  intelligence,  made  him  an  ideal  man  for  the  position,  and 
how  ably  he  served  the  people,  is  evidenced  by  their  continued  choice  of  him  for 
the  office.  Mr.  F'ielder  is  a  consistent  democrat,  with  a  firm  belief  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  that  political  party.  He  has  been  a  notary  public  since  1868.  Mr.  Fielder 
is  active  in  many  fraternal  organizations.  He  has  belonged  to  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America  since  December  1889  and  for  two  years  held  the  office  of  treas- 
urer in  the  Knights  and  Ladies  of  Honor.  He  is  active  in  the  Independent 
Order  of  Redmen,  to  which  organization  he  has  belonged  for  twenty  years,  and 
has  represented  the  Peoria  branch  of  it  in  state  meetings  some  ten  or  twelve 
times,  and  was  state  district  deputy  for  one  year.  He  is  a  prominent  member 
of  the  Royal  Neighbors  of  America  and  of  the  Order  of  Druids. 

On  April  i,  1880  William  Fielder  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Winifred 
Malee  and  they  have  one  daughter,  Mae,  living  at  home.  Mrs.  Fielder's  father 
was  Edward  Malee,  a  laborer  residing  in  Peoria.  Mr.  Fielder's  long  term  of 
service  as  justice  of  the  peace,  and  the  record  of  efficiency  which  he  made  while 
in  office,  have  made  him  a  prominent  figure  in  the  city  and  county  of  Peoria. 


NICHOLAS  R.  DAY. 


In  1875,  ^  I'ttle  Irish  lad  fourteen  years  old,  came  to  the  old  C.  B.  &  Q.  depot 
in  Peoria,  and  applied  to  Mr.  Lucas  ^lerkle,  then  in  charge  of  the  station  restau- 
rant, for  a  position.  He  was  put  to  washing  dishes,  and  doing  other  odd  chores 
around  the  station.  Today,  that  little  boy,  grown  up,  Nicholas  R.  Day  is  owner 
of  the  restaurants  in  both  the  large  railroad  stations  it  this  city,  the  Union  and 
Rock  Island  depots.  It  is  an  undoubted  fact  that  the  success  of  a  man  is  not 
measured  so  much  by  the  position  he  has  gained  in  life,  as  by  the  position  from 
which  he  has  risen.  But  Nicholas  Day  has  gained  success  of  both  sorts.  He  has 
attained  a  high  place  in  the  city  of  his  birth,  and  he  has  risen  from  a  very  low 
one.  The  qualities  which  made  him  a  good  dishwasher  in  the  little  old  C.  B.  & 
O.  station,  when  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age,  have  made  him  a  successful  hotel 
and  restaurant  owner  today.  Promptness  in  execution,  thoroughness  in  every  un- 
dertaking, cleanliness,  willingness  to  work,  are  qualities  which  are  inevitablv  domi- 
nant influences  in  the  life  of  the  man  who  possesses  them.  Nicholas  R.  Day's 
success  was  based  upon  their  presence  in  his  character.  He  was  born  in  St. 
Louis,  ^Missouri.  June  i,  1861.  He  was  of  direct  Irish  descent,  his  father, 
Patrick  Day,  having  come  from  Ireland  with  his  father  to  America  when  but 
fourteen  years  of  age.  His  mother,  Ann  Neyton  was  two  years  old  when  she 
was  brought  from  Ireland.  The  family  moved  from  Missouri  to  Illinois,  when 
Nicholas  Day  was  very  young,  and  settled  near  Farmdale,  and  in  the  country 
schools  around  this  village,  their  son  acquired  his  education.  He  left  school  at 
the  age  of  fourteen,  and  washed  dishes  in  the  railroad  restaurant  for  a  number 
of  years.  When  the  Rock  Island  station  was  built.  Nicholas  Day  entered  the 
restaurant  there  where  he  served  in  various  capacities  until  1888.  .\11  during 
his  business  career,  he  had  carefully  saved  his  earnings,  until  in  that  vear,  the 
little  dishwasher  was  able  to  buy  the  restaurant  privileges  in  the  Rock  Island 
depot,  where  he  carried  on  a  very  successful  business   for  a  number  of  years, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  387 

and  where  he  is  still  owner.  He  is  also  owner  and  manager  of  the  lunch  counter 
and  restaurant  in  the  Union  station  of  this  city,  and  his  energy,  ability  and  knowl- 
edge of  his  business,  have  taken  the  departments  of  which  he  has  control,  out  of 
the  class  of  ordinary  station  restaurants.  Mr.  Day  is  prominent  in  business 
circles  of  the  city  in  other  directions.  He  is  vice  president  and  a  director  of  the 
Peoria  Artificial  Ice  Company,  and  is  active  and  prominent  in  the  Peoria  Associa- 
tion of  Commerce.  He  votes  a  consistently  republican  ticket  on  national  issues, 
but  keeps  himself  independent  of  party  lines  and  political  partisanship  in  local 
affairs.  He  is  prominent  in  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Elks  and  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club. 

Nicholas  R.  Day  was  married  in  Peoria  in  1885,  to  Miss  Amelia  Schleicher, 
daughter  of  (George  Schleicher  of  this  city,  and  they  have  two  children :  Eva, 
the  wife  of  Fred  Seifert.  Jr.,  of  Peoria;  and  Arthur  L.  who  is  associated  with  his 
father  in  business.  Mr.  Day  is  essentially  a  self-made  man,  who  by  his  indefati- 
gable energy,  unswerving  determination,  and  rare  ability  has  carved  out  an  hon- 
orable career  for  himself,  in  a  city  where  he  began  at  the  bottom  rung  of  the 
ladder. 


GERDES,  SPRAGUE  &  COMPANY. 

During  the  last  t|uarter  of  a  century,  the  insurance  business  of  Peoria  has 
grown  to  such  enormous  proportions  that  the  same  amount  of  business  which 
half  a  dozen  companies  performed  twenty-five  years  ago,  now  commands  the 
attention  of  over  fifty  firms,  the  members  of  which  are  among  the  most  influen- 
tial, energetic,  public-spirited  and  wealthy  citizens.  Many  of  them  are  men  who 
have  worked  their  way  from  the  humblest  positions  in  their  professions,  and 
by  a  praiseworthy  perseverance,  indomitable  courage  and  unflagging  industry 
have  carved  their  names  upon  the  roll  of  honor  in  the  commercial  world  of  the 
city.  Many  are  young  men  who  have  started  out  with  an  honorable  business 
ancestry  behind  them,  and  a  bright  future  of  honorable  industry  ahead.  The 
coming  greatness  of  Peoria,  the  rise  of  her  commercial  enterprises,  the  upbuild- 
ing of  her  public  institutions,  are  all  in  the  hands  of  the  young  business  men  of 
today.  They  hold  in  their  offices,  the  coming  glory  of  their  city.  Inasmuch  as 
their  policies  are  honorable,  their  methods  efficient,  and  their  honesty  unques-- 
tioned,  the  future  of  the  business  of  their  city  will  be  unquestioned,  efficient 
and  honorable  too.  It  would  be  superfluous  to  ask  if  these  men  deserve  well 
of  their  fellowmen.  The  history  of  Peoria  would  be  imperfect  without  honor- 
able mention  in  this  class  of  the  insurance  firm  of  Gerdes.  Sprague  &  Company, 
which  while  still  in  its  early  youth,  is  one  of  the  most  popular  and  widely  known. 

The  firm  was  organized  in  1905  by  Charles  K.  Gerdes,  son  of  the  late  Alt. 
Gerdes,  a  prominent  man  in  Peoria  during  his  life  and  treasurer  of  the  city  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  Mr.  Gerdes  secured  the  agency  of  one  company,  the 
Standard  Accident  of  Detroit,  Michigan,  and  upon  this  slim  foundation,  started 
out  to  make  his  name  in  the  business  world.  His  career  since  that  time  pre- 
sents a  fine  example  of  honesty,  energy  and  perseverance,  struggling  with  all  the 
obstacles  which  present  themselves  in  a  young  business,  and  rising  at  the  present 
day  to  complete  triumph.  The  small  agency  has  now  grown  till  it  is  the  largest 
for  the  Standard  in  the  state,  the  personal  accident  premiums  api)roximating  ten 
thousand  per  year.  This  remarkable  growth  did  not  come  by  chance.  Mr.  Gerdes 
devoted  his  time  and  attention  and  his  best  energies  to  the  expanding  and  develop- 
ing of  his  business,  and  from  1905  to  1908  its  success  was  the  result  solely  of 
his  business  capacity  and  individual  effort. 

In  1908  Mr.  Gerdes  entered  into  partnership  with  Loyal  T.  Sprague,  Jr., 
the  son  of  Dr.  Loyal  T.  Sprague  of  Peoria,  and  the  partnership  was  a  remark- 
ably happy  inspiration.     Air.  Sprague  was  well  prepared  by  heredity  and  educa- 


388  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

tion  to  take  his  place  in  the  business  circles  of  his  native  city.  His  preparatory 
education  was  received  at  Lawrence  Academy  at  Groton,  Massachusetts  and 
supplemented  by  a  course  at  Dartmouth  College.  After  leaving  Dartmouth.  Mr. 
Sprague  entered  the  circulation  department  of  the  Peoria  Journal,  but  left  it  in 
a  short  time  to  join  Mr.  Gerdes  in  his  rapidly  growing  insurance  business.  The 
business  was  entirelv  reorganized  at  this  time,  and  fire  insurance  and  other  lines 
were  added,  the  capitalization  increased,  and  the  business  generally  widened. 

The  office  of  the  firm  was  at  this  time  in  the  Old  Library  building  at  the 
corner  of  Jefferson  and  Main  streets.  This  building  was  destroyed  by  fire  in 
June.  1910.  and  the  danger  with  which  many  valuable  papers  of  the  firm  were 
"threatened  at  this  time,  made  the  necessity  of  a  fire-proof  vault  apparent.  The 
office  of  the  firm  was  moved  to  their  present  location  at  123  North  Jefferson 
street,  and  a  policy  of  duplicating  all  records  and  keeping  one  set  at  all  times 
in  the  large  fire-proof  vault  away  from  danger,  was  inaugurated. 

The  success  of  the  firm  of  Gerdes,  Sprague  &  Company,  since  that  time 
has  been  singularly  rapid.  The  members  of  the  company  are  among  the  young 
business  men  of  the  city  whose  lives  and  personal  exertions  have  done  much 
toward  the  material  and'  commercial  prosperity  of  Peoria.  Both  Mr.  Sprague 
and  Mr.  Gerdes  are  remarkable  for  their  steadiness  of  purpose  and  strict  atten- 
tion to  business.  Their  activities  have  grown  from  quite  an  unpretentious  be- 
ginning until  today  they  have  the  agency  for  ten  fire  insurance  companies,  two 
surety  companies,  two  life  insurance  companies,  three  accident  and  liability 
companies,  and  fourteen  other  companies,  writing  various  lines  of  insurance, 
such  as  automobile,  marine,  burglary,  baggage  and  motor  boat  insurance. 

Their  success  is  an  example  of  what  Young  America  can  do,  if  given  a  chance 
at  success.  Both  the  members  of  the  firm  are  still  young  men,  full  of  the  fire  of 
youth,  of  wonderful  energy  and  tireless  diligence,  well  versed  in  their  business, 
CTifted  with  preeminently  engaging  social  qualities.  The  men  who  have  made 
Peoria  great  in  the  past',  like  the  men  who  are  making  it  greater  in  the  present 
and  the  men  who  will  in  the  future  make  it  far  greater  still,  are  men  who  have 
never  been  satisfied  with  a  little  achievement.  They  have  kept  trying  to  do  a 
little  better.  The  young  men  of  Peoria  today  are  building  for  the  future,  and 
it  is  to  such  young,  active  and  honest  business  men  as  the  members  of  the  firm 
of  Gerdes.  Sprague  &  Company,  that  the  city  must  look  to  make  that  future  hon- 
orable. 


I 

i 


R.  B.  KIRKPATRICK,  M.  D. 

;\Iore  than  fifteen  vears  have  come  and  gone  since  Dr.  R.  B.  Kirkpatrick  opened 
an  office  in  Peoria,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  general  practice  and  where  his 
advancement  has  been  continuous  and  gratifying.  He  had  previously  followed 
his  profession  in  La  Harpe,  Hancock  county,  Illinois,  for  about  fifteen  years.  He 
was  born  at  Wheeling,  West  Mrginia,  April  28,  1855,  and  is  a  son  of  Dr.  George 
Kirkpatrick.  The  father  removed  to  La  Harpe  when  his  son  was  a  little  child 
and  there  practiced  for  over  fiftv  years.  In  that  village  Dr.  R.  B.  Kirkpatrick 
spent  his  youthful  davs,  attending  the  public  and  high  schools  until  graduated 
from  the  latter.  He  worked  in  a  drug  store  for  a  time  but  became  imbued  with 
a  desire  to  follow  in  the  professional  footsteps  of  his  father.  Whether  it  was  an 
inherited  tendencv,  earlv  environment  or  natural  predilection  that  led  to  his  choice 
of  a  profession,  it  is  impossible  to  determine,  but  at  all  events  he  resolved  to 
become  a  physician  and  his  success  indicates  that  he  has  chosen  wisely  and  well. 
He  began  study  in  Bennett  Eclectic  College  at  Chicago  and  on  the  completion 
of  the  full  course  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1887.  He  then  returned  to 
La  Harpe,  where  he  joined  his  father  in  practice,  the  business  association  between 


i)i;.  i;.  i;.  kii:ki'.\i  i;u  k 


! 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  ,  SUl 

tlicni  continuing  until  the  son  removed  to  Peoria  in  1896.  Here  he  continues  in 
genera!  practice  and  his  worth  is  demonstrated  in  the  large  patronage  accorded  him. 
In  1880  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Dr.  Kirkpatrick  and  Miss  Anna  Harris, 
a  daughter  of  Edwin  Harris,  of  Carthage,  Illinois.  Their  marriage  has  been 
blessed  with  two  children :  Madge,  a  teacher  of  domestic  science  in  the  high  school 
of  Peoria,  who  is  a  graduate  of  that  school,  also  of  the  Lake  Forest  College  and 
of  Bradley  Poh'technic  Institute ;  and  Lisle,  who  is  a  teacher  in  the  kindergarten. 
She,  too,  was  graduated  from  the  Peoria  high  school  and  the  llradley  Polytechnic 
Institute. 

Dr.  Kirkpatrick  is  a  Mason,  who  has  taken  the  degrees  of  the  blue  lodge,  chap- 
ter and  commandery,  being  now  a  Knight  Templar.  He  belongs  to  the  Illinois 
State  Eclectic  .Medical  Association  and  the  National  Eclectic  Medical  Association 
and  is  easily  the  foremost  eclectic  physician  of  this  city,  tie  keeps  thoroughly  in- 
formed concerning  modern  methods  of  jiractice  and  his  work  is  followed  by  good 
results,  showing  that  his  lal^ors  are  based  upon  I)road,  scientific  principles. 


SAMUEL  R.  STOWELL. 

For  many  years  one  of  the  most  prominent  names  in  Peoria  county  and 
one  which  has  been  actively  identified  with  its  agricultural  life  for  more  than 
half  a  century,  is  that  of  the  Stowell  family,  whose  present  representative,  Sam- 
uel R.  Stowell,  is  now  living  retired  at  161  North  University  avenue.  The  first 
of  the  name  to  settle  in  Illinois  was  Ebenezer  Stowell,  the  father  of  the  subject 
of  this  sketch.  The  family  was  originall}'  from  \  ermont,  whence  a  representative 
went  at  an  early  date  to  New  York,  where  Ebenezer  was  born  October  19,  1807. 
His  father  was  Abisha  and  his  grandfather  Israel  Stowell.  Ebenezer  learned 
the  trade  of  carpenter  and  millwright  in  his  native  state  and  in  1836,  in  com- 
pany with  Roswell  and  Isaiah  Nurse,  made  the  journey  from  New  York  to  Illi- 
nois on  foot.  Arriving  here,  he  took  up  some  land  in  Peoria  county,  and  walked 
to  Quincy  to  complete  the  details  of  the  transaction  at  the  United  States  land 
office  there. 

Ebenezer  Stowell  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Paulina  Bridge- 
man,  whom  he  wedded  February  23,  1833,  and  she  died  in  May  of  the  following 
year,  leaving  him  one  son,  Orson,  who  died  on  February  23,  1904.  In  October 
1835,  Ebenezer  Stowell  married  his  first  wife's  sister,  Laura  Bridgeman.  by  whom 
he  had  the  following  children:  Calvin,  born  October  5,  1836,  formerly  a  farmer 
of  Hallock  township  but  now  of  Savannah,  Georgia,  where  he  makes  his  home; 
Henry,  who  was  born  March  14,  1841,  and  died  March  16.  1853;  Charles  E., 
whose  birth  occurred  on  Sejitember  23,  1843.  and  who  died  January  19,  1845: 
Mary  C,  who  was  born  on  .April  4,  1845,  ^'icl  's  now  a  resident  of  Alarshall 
county ;  Charles  E.,  the  second  of  that  name,  who  was  born  on  March  6,  1848, 
and  is  now  a  farmer  of  ^Marshall  county ;  Samuel  R.,  who  was  born  February  23, 
1850,  and  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Anna  Paulina,  born  May  14,  1851,  who 
is  a  resident  of  Blue  Ridge;  and  Ebenezer,  Jr.,  who  was  born  Alarch  11,  1855, 
and  died  July  28.  1892,  at  the  age  of  thirty-seven  years.  Ebenezer  Stowell,  the 
father,  died  on  May  7,  1880,  and  his  wife  survived  him  until  April  19,  1889. 

.'^amuel  R.  Stowell  spent  all  his  active  life  as  a  farmer  in  this  county.  He 
was  keenly  interested  in  the  science  of  agriculture  and  in  the  new  methods  of 
farming  which  were  constantly  coming  into  use.  At  the  time  of  his  retirement, 
he  was  known  as  a  practical,  keen  and  intelligent  farmer,  whose  intelligent 
methods  and  knowledge  of  the  details  of  the  life  enabled  him  to  acquire  a  com- 
petency upon  which  he  could  retire  for  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  is  a  re- 
publican in  his  political  affiliations,  and  he  and  his  familv  are  faithful  members 


392  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  the  Congregational  church  of  Lawn  Ridge,  Peoria  county,  of  which  his  father 
and  mother  were  among  the  original   founders  in  1845. 

On  November  4,  1S86,  Samuel  R.  Stowell  married  Miss  Clara  Hollister  of 
Hamlet,  Alercer  county,  Illinois,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  three  children: 
Ruth,  born  lanuary  ig,  1888,  who  on  October  4,  191 1,  married  R.  M.  Turnbull 
of  La  Prairie,  Marshall  county,  where  she  now  resides;  Armina,  born  April  23, 
1890,  now  a  student  at  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute;  and  Esther,  born  November 
4,  1898,  who  is  now  attending  the  Franklin  school  of  this  city.  The  parents  and 
grandparents  of  Mrs.  Howell  came  in  1847  i^om  New  York  state  to  Illinois  and 
settled  at  Blue  Ridge  this  state. 

The  members  of  the  Stowell  family  are  justly  proud  of  their  long  residence 
in  Illinois.  Calvin  Stowell,  eldest  of  the  brothers,  writing  of  his  father,  Ebenezer, 
who  was  one  of  the  earliest  pillars  of  the  county,  says:  "So  far  as  I  can  remem- 
ber, there  is  no  one  who  could  testify  in  regard  to  the  facts  connected  with  our 
tinal  move  to  Illinois  in  1843  aside  from  the  writer.  The  incidents  connected  with 
his  first  trip  to  Illinois  on  his  exploring  expedition  in  1836  we  can  only  give  from 
memory  as  we  have  heard  them  talked  over  again  and  again  at  the  fireside  in  our 
childhood  days  and  often  repeated  in  our  maturer  years.  So  under  existing 
conditions  we  should  feel  ourselves  unworthy  of  the  father  who  begot  us  or  the 
mother  who  bore  us  if  we  should  refuse  to  give  any  facts  in  regard  to  those  pio- 
neer years  of  hardships  and  heroic  endeavor  and  endurance  that  would  add  any- 
thing to  the  history  of  the  early  settlers  of  Illinois  whose  lives  are  now  numbered 
upon  the  records  of  the  heroic  deeds  of  the  past. 

"In  the  spring  of  1836  when  my  father,  Ebenezer  Stowell,  was  twenty-nine 
years  of  age,  he  with  his  first  cousin,  Roswell  Nurse,  and  the  latter's  son,  Isaiah 
Nurse,  a  young  man  just  at  his  majority,  packed  their  grips  with  such  things  only 
as  were  absolutely  necessary  for  health  and  comfort  on  the  road,  and  with  one 
rifle  as  their  only  weapon,  which  they  carried  turn  about,  started  from  Bain- 
bridge,  Chenango  county.  New  York,  for  the  much  talked  of  land  of  promise, 
the  young  state  of  Illinois.  Their  plan  was  to  make  the  trip  on  foot  and  to  make 
any  side  explorations  in  going  as  might  be  deemed  best.  Just  the  route  they 
took  we  are  unable  to  state,  further  than  this  that  they  explored  quite  thoroughly 
much  of  the  country  along  the  Wabash  river  in  Indiana  and  then  struck  across  to 
Peoria,  Illinois,  which  was  then  little  more  than  a  village.  From  there,  they 
went  up  the  river  to  Chillicothe,  a  town  of  a  few  houses  along  the  river  bank. 
Here  they  met  Jacob  Booth  whom  they  had  known  in  New  York  state  and  who 
had  preceded  them  by  a  length  of  time  unknown  to  us.  We  have  also  heard 
them  speak  of  meeting  ].  H.  McKeen,  now  a  resident  of  Wyoming,  Illinois,  well 
past  his  forescore  and  ten  years.  But  they  had  little  time  for  visiting,  time  was 
precious,  and  thev  were  there  on  business.  Leaving  Chillicothe,  they  went  to 
Northampton  where  Reuben  Hamlin  had  a  tavern.  Here  they  established  head- 
quarters while  exploring  the  county.  They  finally  located  timber  land  which  has 
since  been  called  Blue  Ridge,  and  prairie  land  along  the  south  line  of  Marshall 
county  where  Lawn  Ridge  now  stands.  They  then  took  up  their  line  of  march 
for  ruiincv,  Illinois,  a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  the  site  of  the 
nearest  land  office.  Having  made  their  entries  and  secured  their  patents,  they 
returned  to  Hamlins,  which  they  made  their  stopping  place  while  they  built  a 
small  but  comfortable  log  house  on  the  exact  spot  where  Isaiah  Nurse  subse- 
quently built  a  good,  substantial  home  now  owned  by  H.  H.  Nurse  and  occupied 
by  his'son.  Game  was  plentiful  in  those  days  and  in  their  walking  back  and  forth 
to  Hamlins  thev  often  picked  up  a  turkey  with  their  rifle,  thus  adding  to  their 
naturallv  limited  bill  of  fare. 

"It  was  now  getting  along  well  in  the  fall.  It  was  arranged  that  Isaiah  Nurse 
should  remain  and  kee])  house  while  Roswell  Nurse  and  my  father  should  return 
to  the  east  for  their  families.  So  the  two  men  started  on  their  march  for  Chicago 
with  a  view  of  shortening  their  trip  to  New  York  by  taking  a  schooner  to  Buffalo, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  393 

New  York.  It  was  late  in  the  fall  and  they  often  had  to  lie  in  the  lee  of  some 
island  before  they  could  proceed.  Three  weeks  were  consumed  in  the  trip  from 
Chicago  to  Buttalo,  Here  they  took  up  their  line  of  march  for  their  old  home 
about  the  center  of  the  state  on  the  south  line,  their  trip  finished  and  the  task 
they  set  out  to  do.  accomplished.  It  was  upon  his  return  from  Illinois  that  we  first 
met  our  father,  our  arrival  having  antici])ated  him  by  a  few  weeks."  Here  closed 
the  first  chapter  of  the  record. 

"The  spring  followTng  their  return  to  New  York  state  Roswell  Nurse  moved 
with  his  family  to  their  possessions  in  Illinois.  My  father  being  a  mechanic,  with 
plenty  of  work  in  the  east  and  no  assurance  of  any  in  his  line  in  the  west,  deferred 
moving  his  family  until  1843,  when,  with  a  good  team  of  mares  attached  to  a 
wagon  with  the  box  seat  on  springs,  our  family,  then  five  in  number,  started  on 
the  long  road  to  our  future  home,  which  we  reached  in  three  weeks  and  a  half. 
A  young  man  named  John  Champlin  went  through  with  us,  driving  a  horse  and 
buggy  of  Dr.  Ashed  \\'ilmotts  who  moved  to  Illinois  the  same  spring.  Our 
heavy  goods  which  our  father  had  drawn  to  Olean  Point  in  the  late  winter  before 
when  the}'  were  rafted  down  the  Ohio  river  in  charge  of  uncle  Lyman  Robin- 
son, who  came  around  by  water  the  same  spring,  arriving  at  our  destination  some 
weeks  ahead  of  us.  The  day  after  our  arrival  the  goods  were  stored  and  father's 
family  found  shelter  with  the  neighbors,  and  father  set  out  for  a  sawmill  which 
he  found  on  Senatchwine  creek  about  two  miles  north  of  Northampton.  Being  a 
millwright,  he  soon  had  it  in  order,  and  was  sawing  lumber  for  a  house,  Champlin 
drawing  the  lumber  to  the  site  designated  for  a  home.  In  just  two  weeks  the 
family  was  housed  under  its  own  roof.  Crude  as  it  was,  it  was  home  and  we 
were  soon  enjoying  life  in  our  new  environment.  Being  a  Yankee,  our  father 
considered  a  barn  indis])ensable  and  the  second  year  he  built  a  good  substantial 
structure,  enclosed  with  hardwood  lumber  of  his  own  sawing.  He  secured  jobs 
of  repairing  fiour  mills  and  sawmills,  one  near  Princeton,  and  one  near  Crow 
creek.  He  also  did  work  on  the  old  Evans  flour  mill,  which  many  of  the  old 
settlers  remember  as  located  near  Kickapoo,  Peoria  county.  Clothing  was  among 
the  important  articles  to  be  provided  for  and  a  flock  of  sheep  was  among  the 
first  things  to  be  looked  after,  the  care  of  which  in  those  early  days  was  no  small 
matter,  as  they  constantly  had  to  be  jjrotected  from  the  preying  of  wolves.  The 
wool  thus  grown  was  spun  into  yarn  and  woven  into  cloth  by  my  mother's  deft 
fingers  and  i)y  her  the  cloth  was  cut  and  made  into  garments  for  the  whole  famil)-. 
From  her  loom  also  came  many  a  bolt  for  the  neighbors,  with  all  of  whom  com- 
fort counted  more  than  mere  style. 

"The  year  1840  is  approximately  the  year  of  the  building  of  the  little  brick 
schoolhouse  from  which  many  of  us  were  graduated  and  the  church  room  which 
the  circuit  rider  came  and  held  forth  every  four  weeks.  Dr.  A.  Wilmotts,  Na- 
thaniel Smith  and  my  father,  with  their  wives,  organized  the  Congregational 
church,  not  as  a  rival  but  as  a  helper  in  maintaining  religious  services.  Owen 
Lovejoy  of  Princeton  was  at  the  head  of  the  council  of  organization.  This 
church  worked  harmoniously  with  the  Methodist  people  and  for  the  general  good 
of  all  until  in  the  process  of  settlement  a  few  years  later,  service  was  moved 
to  Lawn  Ridge  where  the  church  still  stands  and  has  the  honor  of  being  the  parent 
from  which  the  Congregational  churches  of  Stark,  Edelstein  and  Speer  have 
sprung. 

"Uncle  Erastus  and  Lucas  Root  joined  hands  with  my  father  in  an  effort  to 
set  apart  the  only  living  spring  of  water  to  the  general  public  and  the  same  was 
bought  and  deeded  to  the  ]Hiblic  forever.  Uncle  Nathan  Stowell,  who  with  our 
father  and  brother,  was  making  hay  about  three  miles  from  home,  was  struck 
dead  with  lightning.  I'rother  Orson  was  injured,  but  my  father  was  unhurt. 
This  uncle,  with  a  younger  brother  were  the  first  persons  to  be  buried  in  Blue 
Ridge  cemetery.  My  father  died  in  1880  in  his  seventy-third  year,  and  my  mother 
in  1889  in  her  eighty-first  year. 


394  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY 

"Be  it  said  to  the  credit  of  our  people  in  that  settlement  that  we  have  no 
recollection  of  a  law  suit  in  sixty-five  years.  In  looking  back  over  the  record  of 
those  in  and  around  the  old  settlement,  as  early  as  1846  we  can  count  the  graves 
of  at  least  twelve  fathers  and  mothers  who  rest  side  by  side  in  the  little  settlement 
cemetery. 

"Within  a  half  mile  of  our  old  home,  we  wooed  and  won  the  faithful  wife 
who  had  walked  by  our  side  for  forty-six  years.  Here  our  first  child  was  born. 
Here,  when  the  curtain  falls  we  expect  to  have  our  final  resting  place  among  the 
old  neighbors,  kindred  and  friends  whom  we  knew  so  long  and  so  well." 


LUCAS  I.  BUTTS. 


Lucas  I.  Butts  is  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  prominent  figures  in  Peoria 
today.  His  name  is  associated  with  every  movement  for  the  development  and 
improvement  of  the  city,  and  he  uses  his  well  established  political  talents  for 
the  promotion  of  its  progress  and  growth.  He  is  at  present  representing  the 
Peoria  district  in  the  Illinois  general  assembly,  and  has  gained  a  reputation 
throughout  the  state  for  his  constant  indorsement  of  reliable  and  clean  legis- 
lation. 

Lucas  I.  Butts  is  a  native  of  ?*Ieniphis,  Tennessee,  having  been  born  in  that 
city  June  5,  1874.  His  parents  were  William  H.  and  Ellen  J.  (Lucas)  Butts. 
The  family  have  been  in  America  since  pre-Revolutionary  times,  his  great-great- 
grandfather, Isaac  Lucas  having  served  as  a  private  for  eight  years  in  the  War 
for  Independence.  The  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Cieorge  L. 
Lucas,  served  during  the  entire  Civil  war  as  an  Illinois  volunteer  in  the  Federal 
army,  as  surgeon  with  the  rank  of  major.  Lucas  I.  Butts'  father,  William  H. 
Butts,  carried  on  the  military  traditions  of  the  family  by  serving  as  private  in 
Company  A.  Seventeenth  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantr\-  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion, 
and  was  wounded  at  Fort  Donelson. 

Lucas  I.  Butts  was  educated  in  the  .grammar  and  high  schools  of  Peoria,  and 
later  attended  Jubilee  College,  at  Jubilee.  Illinois.  .After  his  schooling  he  en- 
gaged in  the  coal,  lime  and  cement  business,  in  the  employ  of  the  Peoria  Fuel 
Company.  He  left  this  line  of  business  in  1900  when  he  was  elected  clerk  of 
Peoria  county,  attaining  this  office  when  but  twenty-six  years  old,  and  had  the 
distinction  at  that  time  of  being  the  youngest  clerk  ever  elected  in  Peoria  county. 
He  was  elected  chairman  of  the  county  board,  and  his  work  in  this  capacity 
IS  still  remembered.  His  executive  ability  and  his  capacity  for  work  stood  him 
in  good  stead  in  this  capacity,  and  he  promptly  set  about  applying  some  of  his 
ideas  to  the  active  operation  of  the  alTairs  of  the  board.  He  was  instrumental 
in  retiring  county  time  orders  in  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  forty-two  thousand 
five  hundred  dollars,  drawing  from  five  to  seven  per  cent  interest,  and  reissuing 
twenty  year  bonds  drawing  four  per  cent  interest,  thus  saving  for  P'eoria  county 
a  large  amount  of  money  annually.  This  was  on'y  one  of  the  many  changes 
he  made  in  the  administration  of  afl'airs  under  his  charge.  He  applied  common 
sense  to  the  management  of  the  county  business  and  revamped  and  overhauled 
the  ancient  manner  of  handling  county  affairs.  Mr.  Butts  held  the  office  of 
county  clerk  for  six  years.  In  the  spring  of  1908  he  was  elected  chairman  of  the 
Peoria  county  board  of  supervisors,  and  in  the  following  fall  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  Illinois  house  of  representatives,  which  office  he  has  held  since 
that  time,  taking  an  active  part  in  the  affairs  of  the  Forty-sixth  and  the  Forty- 
seventh  Illinois  general  assembly.  Mr.  Butts'  politics  are  consistently  republican, 
and  his  political  affiliations  are  matters  of  principle  and  belief  and  not  of  mere 
partisanship.  He  has  constantly  opposed  in  the  course  of  his  ])ublic  career  every- 
thing that  savored  of  boss  rule  ancl  gang  methods.     His  politics  have  been  clean 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  395 

and  his  dealings  straightforward  and  he  has  made  for  himself  a  record  in  the 
Illinois  house  of  representatives  which  few  men  of  his  age  have  equalled. 

Mr.  Butts'  patriotism,  which  is  a  tradition  in  his  family  coming  down  to 
him  through  several  generations  of  ancestors  who  fought  in  the  various  Ameri- 
can wars,  has  always  been  an  active  factor  in  his  life.  When  the  Spanish- 
American  war  broke  out,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Illinois  Naval  Reserve,  and  in 
May,  i89(S,  he  enlisted  as  an  ordinary  seaman  in  the  United  States  navy.  In 
June  of  the  same  year,  he  was  made  yeoman  of  the  third  class  and  sent  aboard 
the  United  States  Gunboat  Newport.  He  served  during  his  term  of  enlistment 
on  the  Lancaster,  the  New])ort  and  the  \'erniont,  acting  as  ca])tain's  writer.  He 
was  on  the  Newport  when  it  blockaded  Havana  and  Mariel,  Cuba,  captured 
several  vessels  as  prizes,  and  convoyed  them  to  New  York  city.  He  was  hon- 
orably  discharged  with  recommendation   for   reenlistment,   September    13,    1898. 

Fraternally,  Lucas  I.  Butts  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  order,  and  is  promi- 
nent in  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  holds  membership  in  the  Sons 
of  the  Revolution  and  the  Spanish  War  X'eterans.  Socially,  he  is  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club. 

Lucas  I.  Butts  is  one  of  Peoria's  rising  politicians.  The  prominence  which 
he  has  reached  in  local  and  state  affairs  is  tlie  result  of  his  honorable  methods, 
his  constant  support  of  popular  and  jirogrcssive  legislation,  and  his  consistent 
efforts  for  the  l)etterment  and  improvement  of  municipal  and  state  conditions. 


WALTER  A.  CLINCH. 


One  of  the  enterprising  citizens  of  Peoria  county  is  Walter  A.  Clinch,  who 
is  a  member  of  the  banking  firm  of  Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lott,  of  Elnnvood.  He 
is  a  native  resident  of  Elmwood  townshi]),  born  September  24,  1856,  the  son  of 
Thomas  and  Sarah  Ann  (  Bohanan  )  Clinch,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  on  an- 
other jjage  of  this  work.  Walter  A.  Clinch  received  his  early  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Elmwood  township,  and  also  completed  a  high-school  course 
in  I'~lmwood.  Later  he  became  a  student  of  the  W'esleyan  University  at  Bloom- 
ington,  Illinois.  Subsequently  he  entered  the  law  firm  of  James  &  Jack  at 
Peoria.  Illinois,  remaining  with  them  until  1878,  when  he  was  admitted  to  the 
bar.  He  then  gave  his  entire  time  to  the  practice  of  his  profession  for  a  short 
time,  but  was  forced  to  give  up  the  same  on  account  of  ill  health.  In  1886  he 
entered  the  banking  firm  of  Clinch,  Schenck  tS:  Lott,  of  which  his  father  was 
one  of  the  organizers.  Since  then  he  has  ever  been  connected  with  the  banking 
business,  although  he  gives  some  attention  to  the  practice  of  law.  He  also  owns 
a  dry-goods  store  in  Elnnvood,  which  store  is  now  ojierated  bv  his  son,  Paul. 
All  his  life  he  has  been  more  or  less  connected  with  farming  interests,  now  own- 
ing a  valuable  farm  which  he  rents  to  tenants. 

On  the  24th  of  Sejitember,  1884.  Mr.  Clinch  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Bessie  Miller,  a  native  of  Burlington,  Iowa,  and  a  daughter  of  Rev.  John 
Miller,  who  for  twenty-two  years  was  pastor  of  the  (jerman  Reformed  church 
at  Peoria.  His  wife,  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Clinch,  was  Cornelia  \anDoren  Camp, 
a  native  of  Brunswick,  Germany.  Mr.  ]\Iiller  was  born  in  Sa.xony,  Germany, 
and  came  to  .\merica  in  1848,  when  he  was  nineteen  years  of  age.  He  followed 
his  calling"  as  a  minister  here  until  his  death  in  October,  1910.  His  wife  passed 
away  several  years  before.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clinch  have  been  born  two  sons: 
Charles  E.,  who  is  now  in  the  banking  business  with  his  father;  and  Paul  C, 
who  operates  his  father's  dry-goods  store  in  this  city.  Both  sons  were  educated 
at  Knox  College. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Clinch  is  a  rci)ublican  and  for  the  past  five  years 
has  served  on  the  county  board  of  snjicrvisors,  and  at  the  present  time  is  chair- 


396  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

man  of  the  same.  Also,  he  lias  served  as  a  member  of  the  hoard  of  review. 
Fraternally  he  is  identilied  with  the  Masons  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows.  He  has  ever  given  much  time  and  attention  to  the  interests  of  educa- 
tion, and  served  for  years  as  a  member  of  the  educational  board  of  Elniwood. 
Mrs.  Clinch  belongs  to  the  Congregational  church.  Mr.  Clinch  is  interested  in 
all  that  pertains  to  the  welfare  and  upbuilding  of  the  community  and  his  labors 
both  as  a  lawver  and  as  a  banker  have  brought  him  a  measure  of  success  which 
is  gratifying,  for  his  prosperity  is  due  not  only  to  his  diligence,  but  also  to  his 
business  probity. 


A,  J.   HENSELER. 


I 


The  late  A.  J.  Henseler,  who  for  many  years  was  engaged  in  the  wholesale 
lic|uor  business  at  321  South  Washington  street,  was  a  worthy  representative  of 
the  commercial  interests  of  Peoria.  A  native  of  Prussia,  he  was  born  in  the  city 
of  Opladen,  on  the  loth  of  September,  1849,  and  was  a  son  of  John  Engelbert 
and  Wilhelmina  (Kirsch)  Henseler,  who  were  born,  reared  and  married  in 
Prussia.  The  paternal  grandfather  was  a  soldier  under  the  great  Xapoleon 
from  1809  to  18 1 3,  and  during  that  time  he  participated  in  the  Spanish  invasion 
and  he  was  one  of  the  footsore  and  weary  that  retreated  from  Moscow.  To- 
gether with  his  wife  and  family,  John  Engelbert  Henseler,  who  was  an  architect 
and  iniilder,  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1853.  Upon  his  arrival  in  this 
country  he  located  in  Chicago,  but  eighteen  months  later  he  came  to  Peoria, 
where  he  reared  his  family  and  passed  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  served  for 
three  years  in  the  engineer  corps  of  the  Prussian  army  and  when  the  Civil  war 
broke  out  in  1861  he  enlisted  and  went  to  the  front  as  lieutenant  of  a  Missouri 
Engineer  Corps.  Two  years  later  he  resigned,  owing  to  the  condition  of  his 
health,  and  was  discharged  with  the  rank  of  captain.  The  mother  passed  away 
in  1857. 

A.  J.  Henseler  was  a  child  of  four  years  when  his  parents  emigrated  to  the 
United"  States,  and  a  boy  of  six  when  they  located  in  Peoria,  where  he  ever  after 
lived.  In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  he  attended  the  German  Catholic 
school  of  St.  Joseph's  parish  until  he  was  thirteen,  when  he  laid  aside  his  text- 
books and  began  earning  his  own  living.  His  first  position  was  that  of  store 
boy  for  L.  Rohrbach  by  whom  he  was  employed  for  three  years.  He  next  entered 
the  service  of  Muller  &  Kruse,  dry-goods  merchants,  remaining  with  them 
until  i'868.  When  he  withdrew  from  the  employment  of  this  firm  he  took  a 
position  as  salesman  with  a  lightning  rod  company,  following  this  occupation 
for  a  year.  In  1870  he  became  a  salesman  for  the  wholesale  liquor  house  of 
Louis  Green  &  Company,  his  services  in  this  capacity  proving  so  acceptable  that 
at  the  expiration  of  a  year  he  was  taken  into  the  firm.  He  remained  on  the  road 
as  a  salesman  for  the  company  until  January,  1889.  when  he  purchased  the  entire 
business,  and  the  next  year  he  took  his  brother  Philip  into  partnership  with  him. 
Under  his  excellent  supervision  and  management  the  business  developed  in  a 
remarkable  manner,  the  firm  of  A.  J.  Henseler  becoming  one  of  the  best  known 
wholesale  liquor  houses  in  this  section  of  the  state.  He  was  a  man  of  enterpris- 
ing and  progressive  methods,  who  not  only  had  the  faculty  of  winning  patrons, 
but  always  accorded  them  such  courteous  and  considerate  treatment  that  he  was 
able  to  retain  their  confidence  and  esteem.  Far-sighted  in  his  methods  he  never 
permitted  the  profits  of  the  present  to  jeopardize  the  returns  of  the  future,  and 
made  it  a  point  at  all  times  to  truthfully  represent  his  goods  and  to  provide  as 
good  or  better  an  article  as  could  be  put  out  by  any  other  house  for  the  same 
price.  He  was  very  much  absorbed  in  the  development  of  his  business  and 
devoted  himself  closely  to  it  until  late  in  the  year  1896,  wdien  his  health  began  to 
fail  and  after  a  lingering  illness  of  ten  months  he  passed  away  on  the  27th  of 


A.  J.  HENSELER 


io« 


01 

k 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  399 

June,  1897,  at  the  age  of  forty-seven  years.  His  death  was  a  loss  to  the  entire 
community,  as  he  was  a  man  of  progressive  and  enterprising  spirit,  who  took 
an  active  and  helpful  interest  in  all  things  pertaining  to  the  puhlic  welfare. 

On  the  14th  of  .April,  1872,  Air.  llenseler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  h'rrion,  a  native  of  Germany,  whence  she  emigrated  to  .America  with 
her  father  in  1855.  To  Air.  and  Airs.  llenseler  there  were  born  two  children, 
a  son.  and  a  daughter,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  William  Alexander,  who 
was  born  on  the  2d  of  November,  1872,  died  on  November  i,  1888,  the  day  pre- 
ceding the  si.xteenth  anniversary  of  his  birth.  Freda  R.,  the  daughter,  was  born 
on  October  28,  1874.  She  became  the  wife  of  Dr.  Fred  Duval  W'augh  in  .August, 
1900,  and  passed  away  I"ei)ruary   13,   1911. 

Fraternally  he  was  afliliated  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Ijeing  past  chan- 
cellor of  Calantha  Lodge,  No.  47 ;  he  also  belonged  to  Peoria  Lodge,  No.  20,  A.  O. 
U.  \\  . :  the  Peoria  Commercial  Club ;  the  Peoria  Commercial  Travelers  Associa- 
tion ;  and  Llks  Lodge,  No.  20.  Nineteen  years  on  the  road  in  the  capacity  of  a 
traveling  salesman,  caused  him  to  always  take  an  active  interest  in  everything 
connected  with  the  Travelers  .Association  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  strongest 
and  most  enthusiastic  workers,  and  here  as  elsewhere  he  has  been  greatly  missed. 
Mr.  llenseler  was  a  self-made  man  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  his  success  being 
entirelv  attributable  to  his  energy,  determination  of  purpose  and  perseverance 
that  carried  him  to  the  goal  of  his  ambition.  His  career  was  not  distinguished 
l)y  anv  ])articularly  brilliant  achievements  but  was  the  orderly,  permanent  prog- 
ress tiiat  characterizes  the  development  of  the  man  who  is  dependent  upon  his 
own  efforts.  The  business  of  the  firm  he  directed  so  capably  is  now  under  the 
management  of  his  brother  and  partner,  Philip  Henseler,  who  is  a  most  enter- 
prising business  man  and  a  worthy  successor  of  the  former  head  of  the  house. 
In  the  conduct  of  this  concern,  Philip  llenseler  is  adhering  to  the  policy  they 
adopted  during  the  life  time  of  his  brother  and  as  a  result  the  enterprise  is  pros- 
pering satisfactorily,  each  year's  receipts  showing  a  marked  advance  over  those 
of  the  one  previous. 


JOHN  A.  KELLY. 


John  .\.  Kelly,  who  has  been  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  in  Peoria  for  the 
past  thirty-two  years,  is  the  proprietor  of  four  hotels  in  this  city,  all  of  which  are 
being  conducted  under  his  management.  He  was  born  in  April,  1850,  and  is  a 
son  of  James  Kelly,  a  native  of  Ireland,  who  was  a  cabinet-maker  by  trade. 

After  the  acquirement  of  a  common-school  education,  John  A.  Kelly  learned 
the  cabinet-maker's  trade  of  his  father,  following  this  occupation  until  he  was 
thirty  years  of  age.  He  came  to  Peoria  on  the  12th  of  July,  1872,  and  has  ever 
since  made  this  city  his  home.  He  was  an  enterprising  young  man  of  industrious 
habits  and  met  with  such  success  in  following  his  trade  that  he  acquired  suf- 
ficient capital  to  enable  him  to  engage  in  the  hotel  business.  In  1880  he  opened 
his  first  house  at  the  corner  of  l'"ulton  and  1 '.ridge  streets.  It  has  always  Ijeen 
his  policy  to  run  a  good,  clean,  moderate-priced  hotel  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  farmers  and  rural  community.  His  efforts  in  this  direction  have  succeeded 
and  he  has  built  up  an  excellent  patronage,  and  is  in  all  probability  one  of  the 
best  known  men  in  the  county,  while  he  can  boast  a  larger  accjuaintance  among 
the  farming  community  than  any  other  man  in  Peoria.  .As  his  business  devel- 
oped he  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  liy  establishing  another  hotel  on 
Adams  street,  and  he  subse(|ucntly  opened  one  at  no  and  112  Aladison  street, 
where  he  and  his  family  live,  while  he  has  a  fourth  house  at  Jefferson  and  Ful- 
ton streets,  in  the  Jobst  block.  All  of  these  are  widely  known  among  the  country 
population,   and   are    well    patronized    by    the    farmers    throughout    the    county. 


400  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

It  has  always  been  Mr.  Kelly's  aim  to  keep  a  quiet,  orderly  house,  with  neat, 
comfortable  rooms  and  a  substantial  table,  such  as  will  appeal  to  the  man  of 
simple  tastes  who  is  willing  to  pay  for  comforts  but  does  not  demand  extrava- 
gant luxuries.  That  he  has  succeeded  in  his  effort  is  manifested  by  the  excellent 
patronage  he  has  built  up  and  by  the  fact  that  he  is  known  as  the  "farmers' 
friend."  People  from  the  rural  districts  for  miles  around  never  think  of  stop- 
ping anywhere  but  at  "Kelly's,"  when  they  come  to  the  city. 

Mr.  Kelly  is  married  and  has  one  daughter,  Beatrice.  He  was  only  twenty- 
two  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Peoria  and  here  he  cast  his  first  presidential 
vote,' which  was  for  Horace  Greeley.  The  polling  place  was  on  the  present  site 
of  the  Union  Passenger  Station.  Mr.  Kelly  was  quite  active  in  politics  for  many 
years,  but  he  no  longer  participates  in  municipal  aft'airs,  although  he  always 
makes  it  a  point  to  appear  at  the  polls  on  election  day.  He  is  a  most  agreeable 
man  of  a  genial  nature  and  cordial  manner,  who  is  intensely  loyal  to  his  friends 
and  is  at  all  times  ready  to  assist  those  who  are  unfortunate.  His  residence  in 
Peoria  covers  a  period  of  more  than  a  (|uarter  of  a  century,  and  during  that  time 
he  has  manifested  those  qualities  that  entitle  him  to  the  re.spect  he  is  accorded 
by  all  who  know  him. 


HENRY  JOHNSON  KREY. 

Henry  lohnson  Krey,  who  since  1903  has  resided  on  his  excellent  farm  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Elm  wood  township,  was  born  in  Ostfriesland, 
Germany,  January  23,  1858.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Maria  Krey,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  "of  that  country,  and  the  mother  is  still  living  there.  The 
father  died  in  1895.  He  was  a  laborer  and  reared  a  family  of  ten  children,  six 
of  whom  are  now  living.  They  are  Henry  Johnson,  of  this  review :  Aaron,  who 
resides  in  Iowa ;  and  two  sons  and  two  daughters  who  live  in  Germany.  Two 
of  his  sons  who  came  to  America  passed  away  in  Peoria  county. 

Henry  J.  Krey  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Germany  and,  being 
the  eldest  in  a  large  family  of  children,  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  work 
very  hard  in  his  boyhood  days  to  help  toward  the  support  of  the  family.  In  1885 
he  came  to  America,  reaching  Peoria  on  .May  19th  of  that  year.  He  here  worked 
in  a  starch  factory  for  four  months,  receiving  as  compensation  for  his  services  one 
dollar  and  ten  cents  per  day.  Afterward  he  was  employed  on  a  farm  for  two 
years.  He  then  worked  for  a  year  in  a  boarding  house  and  in  a  coa)  bank,  at 
a  salary  of  two  hundred  dollars  per  year.  Subsecjuently  he  took  up  mining,  earn- 
ing as  a  daily  wage  one  dollar  and  a  half  for  ten  hours'  work.  Finally  he  rented 
a  small  farm  of  fortv  acres,  on  which  there  was  a  coal  bank,  and  he  engaged  there 
in  farming  and  coal  mining  for  five  years.  Later  he  rented  a  larger  farm  of 
three  hundred  acres,  which  he  operated  for  two  years.  He  then  farmed  on  a 
two  hundred  acre  tract  of  rented  land  for  three  years.  In  1903  he  purchased 
his  present  home  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Elmwood  township 
and  has  since  resided  there,  being  engaged  in  general  farming,  in  which  he  is  |i 
very  successful.  .  ' 

On  December  4,  1878,  :Mr.  Krey  married  .Miss  Margaret  Johnson,  a  native  of 
Ostfriesland,  Germany,  and  a  daughter  of  John  Henry  and  Anna  Johnson,  who 
resided  all  their  lives  in  Germany.  In  their  family  were  eight  children,  of  whom 
two  brothers  and  one  sister  are  now  living  in  Germany.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Krey 
have  been  born  eight  children,  namely:  Mary;  Anna;  John;  Aaron,  deceased; 
Margaret;  Mina ;  llenrv:  and  Emma,  deceased.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Krey 
is  a  republican,  and  he  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  church  but  now  attends 
that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  denomination.  Through  his  energy  and  per- 
sistence Mr.  Krey  has  gained  the  confitlence  and  good-will  of  all  with  whom  he 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  401 

has  been  brought  in  contact  and  is  justly  accounted  among  the  highly  honored 
citizens  of  IClmwood  township,  lie  has  ever  been  thrifty  and  enterprising  and 
deserves  much  commendation  for  the  success  he  has  achieved,  for  he  started  out 
in  life  empty-handed  and  is  now  the  owner  of  an  excellent  home. 


WILLIAM   I.  I'.UCK. 


William  J.  Buck  was  long  a  representative  of  agricultural  interests  in  Peoria 
county  but  is  now  living  retired,  occupying  a  comfortable  and  attractive  home 
in  the  city.  He  belongs  to  one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  families  of  this  section 
and  is  the  owner  of  the  old  homestead  farm  upon  which  his  grandfather  settled 
in  1831.  Since  that  date  the  name  of  Luck  has  been  associated  with  the  de- 
velopment and  upbuilding  of  this  section,  and  the  work  instituted  by  his  grand- 
father and  continued  by  his  father  has  been  carried  on  by  William  J.  Buck, 
who  is  a  loyal  supporter  of  all  the  measures  and  movements  for  the  benefit  and 
upiHiilding  of  the  community.  His  birth  occurred  January  30,  1848,  on  section 
6,  Mollis  township.  His  grandfather,  Ahaliah  Buck,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
l)ut  in  his  boyhood  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  removal  to  Cayuga  county, 
Xew  York.  In  1801  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Annis  Drake,  who  was 
born  in  Orange  county,  Xew  York.  They  continued  residents  of  the  Empire 
stale  until  1830  when  they  removed  westward,  arriving  in  Peoria  county  some 
weeks  later.  Mr.  liuck  was  pleased  with  the  country  and  its  prospects  and  then 
returned  to  the  old  home  in  the  Empire  state,  walking  .most  of  the  way.  Im- 
mediately afterward  he  packed  his  goods  and  with  his  family  came  overland  to 
Illinois,  establishing  his  home  on  section  6,  Hollis  township,  in  1831.  With  the 
pioneer  development  of  the  region  he  was  closely  associated  through  many  years, 
and  his  labors  proved  an  effective  element  in  reclaiming  this  section  for  the 
purpose  of  civilization.  He  successfully  engaged  in  farnnng  to  the  time  of  his 
death  which  occurred  in  1855,  when  he  was  seventy-nine  years  of  age.  while  his 
wife  passed  away  January   13,   1861,  at  the  very  advanced  age  of  eighty-three. 

Stephen  D.  Buck,  their  son  and  the  father  of  William  J.  Buck,  was  l)orn  in 
Cayuga  county.  New  York,  October  6,  1817,  and  was  therefore  a  little  lad  of 
about  thirteen  years  when  the  family  came  to  Illinois.  He  early  became  familiar 
with  all  the  hardships  and  trials  incident  to  frontier  life,  the  family  settling 
here  the  year  before  the  Black  Hawk  war  occurred.  He  continued  to  till  the 
land  which  his  father  had  entered  as  a  claim  from  the  government,  and  for 
many  years  occupied  a  prominent  position  among  the  leading  farmers  of  this 
|)art  of  the  slate.  He  lived  a  quiet  and  unassuming  life,  and  yet  his  sterling 
worth  commended  him  to  the  good-will  and  high  regard  of  all  tbose  with  whom 
he  came  in  contact.  Lie  died  in  1899,  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  June  22,  1820, 
has  also  jiassed  away.  She  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Mary  Smith  and  was  a 
native  of  Kentucky.  She  too  represented  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  this 
part  of  the  state,  and  it  was  in  Peoria  countv  that  she  gave  her  hand  in  marriage 
to  Stephen  D.  Buck. 

Their  son,  William  J.  ikick.  attended  the  district  schools  until  twenty  years 
of  age  and  through  the  summer  months  aided  in  the  work  on  the  farin.  early 
becoming  familiar  with  the  best  methods  of  tilling  the  soil  and  harvesting  the 
crops.  After  leaving  .school  he  continued  to  assist  his  father  on  the  old  home- 
stead for  ten  years,  and  in  the  meantime  he  saved  a  sufficient  sum  of  money 
to  purchase  a  farm  of  his  own.  He  then  made  investment  in  land  in  Logan 
township  where  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  1889,  cultivating 
the  crops  best  adapted  to  the  soil  and  climate  and  adding  to  his  farm  many  mod- 
ern improvements  and  equipments.  The  success  which  came  to  him  year  by 
year  at  length  made  him  the  possessor  of  a  comfortable  comjietence,  relieving 


402  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

him  of  the  necessit)'  for  further  labor.  lie  then  retired  from  active  farm  hfe, 
and,  with  his  family,  removed  to  Peoria.  In  the  meantime  he  purchased  the  in- 
terest of  the  other  heirs  in  his  father's  estate  and  now  owns  the  old  family  home- 
stead which  his  grandfather  entered  as  a  claim  from  the  government  in  1831. 
He  has  also  acquired  many  other  tracts  of  valuable  farm  land,  his  possessions  ■ 
being  extensive  and  returning  to  him  a  very  gratifying  annual  income.  He  is 
also  a  stockholder  in  the  Avery  Manufacturing  Company  of  Peoria,  one  of  tlie 
most  modern  industrial  enterprises  of  the  middle  west. 

On  the  24th  of  December,  1874,  Mr.  Buck  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Harriet  I.  Houghting,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Elizalieth  (Stewart)  Hough- 
ting,  who  were  natives  of  New  York  and  settled  in  Ilollis  township  in  pioneer 
times,  the  father  there  following  the  occupation  of  farming.  Unto  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Buck  four  children  were  born :  Ray  J.,  who  is  superintendent  of  railroad 
construction  for  the  firm  of  Porter  Brothers,  is  married  and  has  four  children — 
Mary  Dorothy,  Ruth  Harriet,  Ray  Justin,  Jr.  and  Charles  Robert;  Isabella,  who 
is  the  wife  of  Clarence  D.  Murphy,  of  Peoria ;  Margaret,  who  is  at  home ;  and 
William  H.,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  who  is  still  in  school. 

Mr.  Buck  has  always  been  interested  in  the  cause  of  education  and  for  many 
years  served  as  school  director.  His  political  allegiance  has  always  been  given 
to  the  republican  party  and  his  religious  faith  is  indicated  in  his  membership 
in  the  First  Presbyterian  church.  He  is  a  home-loving  man  who  has  lived  a 
quiet  life,  at  all  times  free  from  ostentation,  and  yet  he  is  recognized  as  one  who 
merits  public  confidence  and  high  regard,  for  in  all  his  business  afifairs  he  has 
been  progressive  and  his  business  dealings  have  ever  been  characterized  by  the 
strictest  principles  of  integrity  and  honor. 


I 


LUKE  SWEETSER. 


Luke  Sweetser,  who  is  meeting  with  success  in  the  conduct  of  a  real-estate 
business  that  he  established  in  Peoria  twenty  years  ago,  is  one  of  the  well  known 
residents  of  this  city,  where  he  has  resided  for  sixty-three  years.  He  is  a  native 
of  Springfield,  Massachusetts,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  1847,  and  is  the 
youngest  of  the  three  children  born  of  the  marriage  of  Abel  and  Eunice  Sweetser, 
who  were  the  parents  of  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  The  latter  is  deceased  and 
the  other  son  is  a  resident  of  Minneapolis,  Minnesota.  The  father,  who  was  a 
farmer,  was  also  a  native  of  Springfield,  and  there  he  was  killed  by  an  accident 
during  the  infancy  of  his  son  Luke.  In  1848.  the  mother  with  her  three  children 
came  to  Peoria,  and  here  Mr.  Sweetser  has  ever  since  made  his  home.  His 
mother  had  three  brothers  who  were  ship  builders  in  New  England. 

When  he  had  reached  the  usual  age,  Luke  Sweetser  began  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  this  city,  receiving  his  elementary  training  in  the  old  Fourth 
Ward  school  located  at  the  corner  of  Walnut  and  Adams  streets,  where  the 
Smith  hotel  now  stands.  During  that  period  for  one  term  he  was  so  fortunate 
as  to  be  the  pupil  of  the  veteran  editor  of  the  "Peoria  Star,"  Eugene  F.  Baldwin. 
He  subsequently  enrolled  in  a  private  school,  where  he  supplemented  his  early 
course  and  specialized  in  mathematics.  During  the  latter  years  of  his  student 
days  he  worked  during  the  vacation  months,  thus  relieving  his  mother  of  much 
of  the  expense  of  his  maintenance.  When  old  enough  to  begin  his  business 
career  he  entered  the  store  of  P.  C.  &  A.  P.  Bartlett,  dry-goods  merchants.  In 
1866,  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  but  subsequently  withdrew  from  this  ^ 
and  twenty  years  ago  established  a  real-estate  office.  Mr.  Sweetser  has  met  with 
very  good  success  in  this  and  now  maintains  an  office  in  suite  506  of  the  German 
Fire  Insurance  Iniilding.  He  handles  valuable  property  interests,  has  the  entire 
management  of  several  estates  and  has  met  with  very  good  returns  in  his  private 


i 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  403 

investments.  During  the  t'ivil  war  lie  enlisted  and  went  to  the  front  as  a  member 
of  Company  C,  Fourteenth  Illinois  \  olunteer  Infantry  and  later  he  belonged  to 
Com])any  G,  Sixty-seventh  Illinois  Infantry,  being  in  the  service  for  sixteen 
months. 

For  his  wife  Mr.  Sweetscr  chose  '.Miss  Laura  Potter,  a  daughter  of  William 
C.  Potter,  who  was  in  the  grain  commission  business  in  Peoria.  Four  sons  were 
born  to  Air.  and  Mrs.  Sweetser,  two  of  whom  are  deceased.  Of  those  living 
Irving  J.  is  a  resident  of  Chicago,  while  Nelson  W.  is  in  Phoenix,  liritish 
Columbia.     Mrs.  Sweetser  is  now  in  California  for  her  health. 

The  family  have  always  attended  the  Congregational  church  of  which  the 
parents  are  active  members.  Mr.  Sweetser  has  always  been  a  great  Sunday 
school  worker  and  for  more  than  thirty  years  he  has  been  superintendent  and 
assistant  superintendent  of  the  Plymouth  Congregational  Sunday  school.  He  is 
a  man  of  much  religious  zeal,  and  has  for  many  years  worked  tirelessly  in  his 
efforts  to  promote  the  development  of  his  church,  toward  the  support  of  which 
he  has  generously  contributed.  He  is  descended  from  a  long  line  of  New  Eng- 
land ancestors,  all  of  whom  were  great  church  people.  Mr.  Sweetser  has  high 
standards  of  citizenship  and  has  always  strongly  indorsed  every  public  move- 
ment that  would  tend  to  elevate  the  moral,  intellectual  or  social  welfare  of  the 
communitv. 


WILL  G.  liOWERS. 


Will  G.  Powers,  of  Elmwood,  is  well  known  in  the  banking  world,  having 
since  1904  served  as  state  bank  examiner  of  the  northern  district  of  Illinois, 
which  includes  all  the  counties  north  of  Peoria  except  Cook  county.  A  native 
of  Elmwood,  he  was  born  May  7,  1856,  a  son  of  Daniel  D.  and  Lucy  A.  (Gleason) 
Bowers.  The  father  was  born  in  New  Hampshire  and  the  mother  in  Massachu- 
setts and  they  were  married  in  the  latter  state.  In  1854  they  removed  to  Illinois, 
settling  in  Salem  township,  Knox  county,  and  after  about  three  years  removeci 
to  Elmwood.  Here  the  father  engaged  in  merchandising  and  was  also  postmaster 
of  the  town.  He  was  very  active  in  the  time  of  the  war  and  assisted  in  the 
organization  of  two  companies,  but  being  a  cripple  he  was  not  permitted  to  en- 
list in  the  service.  In  his  political  views  he  was  a  republican  and  was  of  the 
Universalist  faith  and  his  wife  is  also  a  member  of  the  Universalist  church. 
He  passed  away  in  March,  1876,  and  his  wife  is  yet  living.  In  their  family  were 
four  children,  the  eldest  of  whom  is  the  subject  of  this  review.  The  others 
were:  John  H.,  who  died  in  1892;  Lucy  A.;  and  D.  Frank,  of  Farmington,  Illi- 
nois. 

Will  G.  Bowers  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Elmwood  and  in  early 
life  was  employed  in  a  grocery  store  where  he  worked  for  three  years.  He  then 
began  work  for  W.  E.  Phelps  in  the  foundry  business,  but  after  a  short  time  he 
again  took  up  grocery  work,  entering  the  em]jloy  of  the  firm  of  G.  R.  Graham 
&  Goddard.  After  eleven  years  he  took  up  the  coal  business,  working  again  for 
W.  E.  Phelps.  Suljsequently  he  became  assistant  cashier  of  the  Elmwood  State 
Bank  and  in  May,  1896,  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  auditor  of  ])ublic  accounts 
and  has  been  in  that  work  ever  since.  For  eight  years  of  that  time  he  has  been 
building  and  loan  inspector  and  for  the  ]3ast  seven  years  has  been  state  bank 
examiner  for  the  northern  district,  which  includes  all  the  counties  north  of 
Peoria  except  Cook. 

On  the  30th  of  December,  1882,  Mr.  Bowers  married  Miss  Lillian  M.  Van 
Petten,  who  is  a  native  of  New  York  and  a  daughter  of  John  and  Hannah  T. 
(Bourne)  Van  Petten.  The  father,  John  \'an  Petten,  was  a  school  teacher  and 
when  nineteen  years  of  age  came  from  New  York  to  Illinois,  where  he  followed 


404  HISTORY  OI'   PEORIA  COUNTY 

his  profession.  He  located  at  Trivoli  and  there  met  and  married  Miss  Hannah 
T.  Bourne,  who  was  a  native  of  Sterhng,  New  York,  but  had  come  to  this  county 
as  a  mere  child  with  her  parents.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Meltiah  Tobey  and 
Mary  ( Bartlett )  Bourne,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Massachusetts  and  were 
married  in  that  state  on  June  i,  1832,  and  a  year  later  removed  to  Illinois.  They 
located  at  Trivoli,  Ijeing  the  first  settlers  there  and  named  the  town.  They  re- 
sided at  Trivoli  until  1848  when  they  removed  to  Elmwood  where  they  both 
died.  Mr.  Bourne  was  a  brother  of  Jonathan  Bourne,  who  was  the  father  of 
Senator  Bourne  of  Oregon.  Jonathan  Bourne  was  at  one  time  a  large  ship 
builder  and  ship  owner  and  the  largest  whale  ship  owner  in  the  world.  After 
their  marriage  ^Ir.  and  Mrs.  John  \'an  Petten  removed  to  New  York  but  after 
a  period  of  three  years  returned  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  and  here  they  resided 
the  rest  of  their  lives  and  reared  their  family  of  four  children:  Lillian  M., 
Frederick  B.,  Augustus  J.,  and  one  who  is  deceased.  Airs.  Bowers'  family 
ancestry  has  been  traced  back  to  members  who  came  to  America  in  the  May- 
flower. To  ]\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Bowers  have  been  born  four  children:  Mary  Loring, 
who  is  the  wife  of  H.  P.  Jarman,  of  Elmwood;  Mildred  Gleason,  who  is  a 
graduate  of  the  Elmwood  high  school,  and  is  now  at  home ;  John  Frederick,  who 
is  now  nineteen  years  of  age  and  is  a  freshman  in  the  mechanical  engineering 
department  of  the  Illinois  State  University  and  by  himself  has  constructed  two 
automobiles;  and  Marjorie  L.,  who  is  now  at  school. 

Air.  Bowers'  steady  application  and  careful  study  of  business  methods  and 
plans  to  l)e  followed,  have  made  him  one  of  the  successful  business  men  of  the 
coimty.  He  has  a  wide  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances  who  give  him  their 
warm  regard  and  he  is  most  highly  honored  in  the  town  where  he  has  spent 
his  life.  In  his  political  views  he  is  a  republican  and  in  the  earlv  days  of  his 
life  he  served  as  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  city  board.  Fraternally  he  belongs 
to  the  Arcanus  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  Mrs. 
Bowers  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  church. 


AARON  SAMUEL  OAKFORD. 

There  is  an  old  adage  that  "Opportunity  knocks  but  once,"  Init  modern  con- 
ditions disprove  this,  as  each  day  otters  opportunity  for  the  individual  to  call 
forth  the  best  that  is  in  him  and  develop  his  industr)-,  his  perseverance  and  his 
capability  along  initiative  lines.  Such  qualties  in  Aaron  Samuel  Oakford  have 
brought  him  from  a  humble  clerkship  to  the  position  of  president  and  manager 
of  the  largest  mercantile  houses  in  Illinois  outside  of  Chicago,  for  he  is  at  the 
head  of  the  Oakford-Fahnestock  Company,  wholesale  grocers.  As  the  first  vice 
president  of  the  Illinois  National  Bank  he  also  stands  in  a  position  of  leadership, 
not  because  his  efforts  have  been  greater  or  his  circumstances  different  from  those 
of  the  great  majority,  but  because  he  has  used  every  chance,  never  fearing  to 
venture  where  favorable  opportunities  lead  the  way.  Mr.  Oakford  was  born  in 
Limestone  township,  Peoria  county,  October  28,  1845,  a  son  of  Aaron  and  Sarah 
(Wilson)  Oakford.  The  father,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  removed  from  that 
state  to  Peoria  in  1838.  The  mother,  who  was  born  in  England,  settled  in  Peo- 
ria with  the  Wilson  family  in  1835.  In  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  lines, 
therefore,  Aaron  S.  Oakford  is  a  representative  of  pioneer  families.  He  was 
but  seven  years  of  age  when  the  family  removed  from  the  farm  to  Peoria  and 
in  the  acquirement  of  his  education  attended  the  grammar  and  high  schools  of 
this  city.  He  entered  the  grocery  business  as  a  clerk  for  H.  H.  Potter,  an  old- 
time  Peoria  merchant,  who  did  business  in  block  100.  North  Washington  street, 
working  twelve  hours  a  day  for  fifteen  dollars  per  month.  In  1868  he  joined 
Joseph  F.  Henry  and  George  Wright  in  the  establishment  and  conduct  of  a  re- 


A.  S.  (i.\KI-ni;i) 


)\- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  407 

tail  business,  succeeding  the  firm  of  Potter  &  White  at  the  old  stand  of  H.  H. 
! 'otter.  They  conducted  a  retail  business  there  until  1870,  when  Mr.  OaUford 
purchased  Air.  Wright's  interest  and  the  firm  became  Henry  &  Oakford.  About 
that  time  a  small  wholesale  department  was  added  to  the  retail.  In  1872  H.  H. 
Fahnestock  entered  the  firm  and  at  this  time  the  retail  business  was  discontinued 
and  the  new  firm  moved  to  Ijlock  200,  South  \\'ashington  street.  In  1874  C.  J. 
(Jft'  was  admitted  to  the  firm,  retiring  in  1877.  At  that  time  another  change  of 
location  took  place,  a  removal  being  made  to  the  middle  of  block  300,  South 
Washington  street,  in  the  premises  now  occupied  by  Thomas  &  Clark.  Then,  in 
need  of  still  larger  and  better  quarters,  the  Easton  block,  adjoining  the  Board  of 
Trade,  was  constructed  expressly  for  their  use.  In  January,  1881,  Messrs. 
Oakford  and  Fahnestock  purchased  the  interest  of  the  senior  partner  and 
with  the  incorporation  of  the  business  the  name  of  the  Oakford  &  Fahne- 
stock Company  was  assumed.  The  continuous  increase  in  their  trade  caused 
then  to  outgrow  the  C|uarters  then  occujMed  by  the  firm  and  in  1887  they 
became  the  owners  of  the  mammoth  four-story  warehouse  on  Liberty,  Commer- 
cial and  Washington  streets.  A  few  years  later  they  erected  a  large  warehouse 
on  Water  and  Commercial  streets,  and  also  purchased  two  warehouses  adjacent. 
Industry,  sagacity  and  enterprise  as  well  as  integrity  have  been  the  dominant 
forces  in  the  management  of  the  business  until  they  are  today  in  control  of  the 
most  extensive  wholesale  grocery  trade  in  Illinois.  In  addition  to  his  other  in- 
terests. Mr.  Oakford.  as  previously  stated,  is  first  vice  president  of  the  Illinois 
National  Bank  and  is  closely  associated  with  organizations  to  further  either  the 
interests  of  or  which  have  their  root  in  charitable  purposes.  He  is  now  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Illinois  Wholesale  Grocers'  Association  and  is  a  director  and  mem- 
ber of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce.  In  the 
field  of  benevolence  he  is  well  known  as  president  of  the  Betterment  Association 
conducting  Neighborhood  House,  an  important  social  settlement.  He  is  also  a 
trustee  of  the  Proctor  Endowment  and  a  director  of  the  Proctor  Hospital. 

Mr.  Oakford  has  ever  been  recognized  as  a  man  of  high  moral  worth  as  well 
as  of  business  enterprise.  He  is  public-spirited  and  in  manv  ways  has  con- 
tributed to  the  general  progress  and  improvement  of  the  coninninity.  His  name 
stands  as  a  synonym  for  all  that  means  advancement  in  commercial  lines  and  his 
methods  will  bear  the  light  of  close  investigation  and  scrutiny. 


THEODORE  CHALOX  liURGESS. 

The  name  of  Theodore  C.  Burgess  stands  today  in  Peoria  for  educational 
expansion  along  modern  lines.  He  unites  in  his  character  the  qualities  of  a  deep 
student  and  thinker  with  administrative  ability,  and  has  brought  Bradley  Poly- 
technic Institute,  of  which  he  is  the  head,  to  the  front  rank  among  advanced 
educational  institutions.  Mr.  Burgess  was  born  in  Little  \'alley,  New  Y^ork, 
in  April.  1839.  He  is  a  son  of  Chalon  and  Emma  J.  (Johnston)  Burgess.  The 
family  has  been  in  America  since  1830  when  its  representatives  crossed  the 
Atlantic  from  England.  Mr.  Burgess  is  a  direct  descendant  of  this  line  and  is 
in  all  the  phases  of  his  life  worthy  of  distinguished  ancestry.  His  mother  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  descent  and  traces  her  lineage  back  to  the  prominent  Sanford 
famil}-  in  England.  His  father,  Chalon  Burgess,  was  a  Presbyterian  minister 
and  pastor  of  the  church  of  Silver  Creek,  New  York.  He  received  his  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Divinity  from  Hamilton  College,  and  was  widely  known  as  an 
exemplary  and  cultured  man. 

Theodore  C.  Burgess  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  state 
and  supplemented  this  grammar  education  by  a  course  in  the  Fredonia  State 
Normal  School,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  1879.     His  A.  B.  degree 


408  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

was  received  from  Hamilton  College  in  Clinton,  New  York,  in  1883.  He  at- 
tended the  University  of  Chicago  from  1896  to  1898  and  is  a  graduate  student 
and  fellow  in  Greek.  In  1898  he  received  his  degree  of  Ph.  D.  from  the  Chicago 
University,  thus  completing  a  splendid  modern  education.  He  has  been  con- 
nected with  education  all  during  his  active  life.  He  was  head  of  the  depart- 
ment of  ancient  languages  at  the  Fredonia  State  Normal  School  from  1883  to 
1896.  His  association  with  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute  at  Peoria  dates 
from  1897,  in  which  year  he  took  charge  of  the  department  of  ancient  languages, 
holding  at  the  same  time  the  position  of  dean.  He  became  the  director  of  the 
institute  in  1904,  and  is  holding  this  office  at  the  present  time.  During  the 
summers  of  1900  to  1907  he  was  professor  of  Greek  in  the  University  of  Chi- 
cago, and  this  experience  deepened  his  natural  talents  and  broadened  his  activi- 
ties. He  was  secretary  of  the  Classical  Association  of  the  middle  west  and  south 
from  1908  to  191 1,  and  his  activities  in  this  field  were  marked  by  the  same 
administrative  ability  which  has  distinguished  his  association  with  Bradley  Insti- 
tute. He  is  well  known  in  social  circles  of  Peoria  being  a  member  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  club  and  active  in  the  affairs  of  that  organization.  In  lines  affiliated  with 
his  work  he  belongs  to  the  American  Philological  Association  and  to  the  National 
Educational  Association.  He  is  president  of  the  college  section  of  the  Illinois 
State  Teachers'  Association  and  his  name  is  connected  with  the  American  Health 
League  and  the  National  Society  for  the  Promotion  of  Industrial  Education. 

In  August,  1887,  Mr.  Burgess  was  united  in  marriage  to  IMiss  Laura  May 
Briggs,  of  Fredonia,  New  York,  and  to  their  union  has  been  born  one  daughter, 
Helena. 

As  a  man  who  is  at  the  head  of  a  leading  educational  institution  in  Peoria 
Mr.  Burgess  has  done  much  to  influence  the  quality  of  the  future  citizenship  of 
the  community.  The  conditions  of  modern  living  are  growing  more  complex 
every  day  and  education  must  be  developed  to  fit  the  situation.  No  man  has  done 
more  in  this  city  to  raise  the  standard  of  instruction  than  has  Theodore  C. 
Burgess,  who  makes  his  pupils  ready  followers  of  his  teachings  by  his  geniality 
and  the  genuine  quality  of  his  friendship. 


JOHN  .McDOUGAL. 


At  ninety-two  years  of  age  John  ^IcDougal  is  still  a  comparatively  hale 
and  hearty  man,  and  although  he  is  now  retired  from  business,  yet  remains  a 
factor  in  the  world's  work,  inasmuch  as  he  gives  out  of  the  rich  stores  of  his 
wisdom  and  experience  for  the  benefit  of  others.  For  many  years  he  was  active 
in  the  real-estate  field  and  won  success  that  can  be  attributed  to  his  energy  and 
diligence  and,  above  all,  to  his  honesty  and  integrity.  The  years  marked  his 
advancement  and  at  length  he  reached  a  position  where  he  felt  that  his  success 
and  his  age  justified  his  retirement.  The  most  envious  could  not  grudge  him 
his  prosperity,  so  well  has  it  been  won  and  so  worthily  used. 

Mr.  McDougal  was  born  on  the  4th  of  March,  1820,  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
and  is  descended  from  the  old  and  famous  McDougal  clan  of  Scotch  famous 
in  the  early  history  and  wars  of  the  country.  His  parents  were  James  and 
Elizabeth  (Barton)  McDougal.  The  father  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1780  and 
came  to  America  in  1805.  He  engaged  in  business  in  New  York  city  for  several 
years  and  there  met  with  reverses.  Being  a  man  of  honor  and  high  character, 
he  turned  his  business  over  to  his  creditors  and  they  in  turn  gave  him  the  land 
on  which  he  settled  in  Cayuga  county.  New  York,  during  the  early  boyhood 
of  his  son  John,  who  remained  a  resident  of  that  district  until  he  reached  the 
age  of  seventeen  years.  Inspired  by  a  laudable  ambition  to  make  his  own  way 
in  the  world  and  prove  his  ability  in  business  circles,  he  left  home  and  returned 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  409 

to  New  York,  where  he  occupied  various  positions  with  different  employers 
until  several  years  had  passed.  His  experience  continually  broadened,  rendering 
him  a  more  efficient  and  forceful  factor  in  business  circles.  In  1845  his  em- 
I)loyer  gave  him  a  two  months'  leave  of  absence  and  he  made  a  trip  to  the  middle 
west,  although  at  that  time  this  section  of  the  country  was  considered  the  "far 
west."  He  was  pleased  with  the  district  that  he  visited  and  had  such  belief  in 
its  possibilities  and  its  future  that  he  resolved  to  become  a  resident  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi valley,  although  two  j'ears  elapsed  before  he  found  opportunity  to  carry 
out  his  resolution.  Peoria  was  fortunate  in  obtaining  him  as  a  citizen  and  through 
all  the  intervening  years  to  the  present  time  she  has  numbered  him  among  her 
honorable,  progressive  men.  He  first  engaged  in  the  grocery  trade,  selling  at 
retail,  but  subse(|uently  established  a  wholesale  business,  in  which  he  continued 
until  the  building  of  railroads  around  the  city  cut  off'  his  trade.  The  business  was 
conducted  originally  as  a  partnership  aft'air  under  the  firm  name  of  McDougal 
&  Smith,  but  after  a  brief  time  the  senior  partner  had  purchased  the  interest 
of  the  junior  and  as  sole  owner  he  carried  on  the  undertaking.  During  the  wide- 
spread financial  panic  of  1853,  he  was  one  of  the  very  few  men  who  met  all  of 
his  obligations  and  came  unscathed  out  of  the  ordeal  which  wrecked  many  a 
fortune  and  fair  home. 

In  1857,  when  the  wholesale  trade  was  no  longer  profitable,  Mr.  McDougal 
closed  out  his  interests  in  that  line  and  turned  his  attention  to  the  real-estate 
business,  in  which  he  continued  for  many  years.  His  keen  sagacity  and  sound 
judgment  now  proved  of  notable  worth  in  enabling  him  to  judge  of  the  value  of 
property  and  make  judicious  purchases  and  sales.  He  negotiated  many  impor- 
tant realty  transfers  and  as  the  years  passed  by  was  connected  with  many  of  the 
leading  real-estate  deals  of  the  city.  That  remained  his  chief  line  of  Ijusiness 
and  yet  into  other  fields  he  extended  his  efforts,  doing  considerable  building  in 
connection  with  Messrs.  Walker  &  Kellogg,  of  Chicago.  In  1848  they  built  what 
was  at  that  time  the  largest  warehouse  on  the  Illinois  river,  standing  as  a  land- 
mark at  the  foot  of  Harrison  street  and  which  is  now  dismantled.  An  enormous 
trade  for  the  time  was  conducted  there,  a  line  of  boats  plying  daily  between  Peoria 
and  Chicago.  Mr.  McDougal,  now  ninety-two  }-ears  of  age,  has  retired  from 
active  business  life,  yet  continued  a  factor  in  business  circles  here  long  after 
most  men  would  have  put  aside  active  cares  and  responsibilities.  He  possesses  a 
remarkably  retentive  memory,  enabling  him  to  speak  with  authority  upon  many 
questions  relative  to  the  trade  and  business  interests  of  the  city  in  general,  as 
well  as  those  with  which  he  has  been  connected.  Throughout  his  entire  business 
career  the  term  integrity  has  been  synonymous  with  his  name.  His  word  has 
ever  been  as  good  as  any  bond  ever  solenmized  by  signature  or  seal  and  any 
statement  that  he  has  made  in  connection  with  business  has  passed  current  at 
par  value. 

On  the  14th  of  April,  1852,  Mr.  McDougal  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  A.  Gray,  who  was  born  in  Wheeling,  West  \'irginia,  and  in  1834  came  with 
her  parents  to  Peoria.  Her  father,  Andrew  Gray,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers 
here  and  took  active  part  in  developing  the  city  in  its  early  history.  The  death  of 
Mrs.  McDougal  occurred  in  1907.  In  the  family  were  nine  children:  John, 
who  passed  away  in  1873;  William,  who  is  representing  Armour  &  Company  at 
Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Edward,  who  was  with  .Armour  &  Company  of  Chicago, 
but  is  now  a  resident  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  and  has  two  sons,  David  and  lulward, 
Jr. ;  James,  deceased ;  James,  the  second  of  the  name,  who  is  associated  with 
the  clearing  house  of  Chicago,  and  has  three  children,  James,  Margaret  and 
Donald ;  Mary  E.,  the  wife  of  H.  M.  Clark,  of  Chicago;  Robert,  who  is  a  member 
of  the  firm  of  Knight  &  McDougal,  of  Chicago,  and  married  a  Miss  Bouton,  of 
that  city,  by  whom  he  has  two  children,  Robert  Bouton  and  Christopher  Bouton ; 
W^alter,  who  is  associated  with  his  brother  Robert  in  business;  and  Alfred,  who 
is  engaged  in  the  insurance  business  in  Chicago  and  is  married  and  has  a  son, 


410  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Alfred.  The  daughter,  Mrs.  Clark,  also  has  a  daughter.  Elizabeth.  There  are  now 
two  great-grandchildren  of  John  McDougal,  the  elder  being  John  McDougal, 
III,  while  the  younger  is  Murray.  Mr.  McDougal  has  every  reason  to  be  proud 
of  the  success  of  his  six  sons,  all  of  whom  have  made  most  creditable  and  hon- 
orable records  in  business  circles  and  have  gained  much  more  than  ordinary 
success.  They  have  been  a  credit  to  their  excellent  home  training  and  the  prin- 
ciples instilled  into  their  minds  by  their  father,  following  his  example  concerning 
activity,  enterprise  and  integrity  in  business.  Airs.  McDougal,  too,  was  a  most 
wise  and  affectionate  mother  and  tliey  owe  much  to  her  counsel  and  instruction. 
^Ir.  McDougal  hands  down  to  his  posterity  an  untarnished  name,  and  his  record 
may  well  serve  as  a  source  of  inspiration  and  encouragement  as  well  as  an 
example  to  his  children  and  to  the  representatives  of  the  name  in  future  genera- 
tions. His  life  is  an  illustration  of  the  fact  that  old  age  need  not  suggest  help- 
lessness or  want  of  interest.  He  is  still  well  preserved  and  he  keeps  in  touch 
with  the  general  topics  and  questions  of  the  day.  He  possesses  also  a  retentive 
memory  and  speaks  with  authority  upon  matters  relative  to  Peoria,  her  history 
and  her  upbuilding.  Xo  record  of  the  city  would  be  complete  without  mention 
of  John  McDougal,  one  of  its  most  honored  and  venerable  citizens. 


CHRISTIAN   r.UEHLER. 

Success  is  ever  the  outcome  of  persistent,  intelligently  directed  labor.  It 
is  true  that  certain  men  profit  by  the  efforts  of  others,  sometimes  unjustly,  but 
in  the  main  the  prosperous  man  is  he  whose  labors  measure  up  to  a  high  stand- 
ard not  only  of  industry  but  of  integrity.  One  is  led  to  this  train  of  reflection 
in  considering  the  life  record  of  Christian  Buehler,  now  the  president  of  the 
E.  Godel  &  Sons  Company,  owners  of  an  extensive  packing  house  situated  at 
the  foot  of  South  street  in  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  Chicago,  November  24, 
i860,  his  parents  being  Christian  and  Anna  (Schlenker)  Buehler.  The  father 
was  at  one  time  proprietor  of  a  meat  market  in  this  city.  His  name  indicates 
his  German  ancestry  and  nativity.  He  was  born  in  Stuttgart,  Wurttemberg, 
December  25,  1821,  and  after  spending  the  period  of  his  boyhood  and  youth 
there  came  to  the  United  States  in  1849,  when  a  young  man  of  about  twenty- 
eight  years,  settling  first  at  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania.  On  the  ist  of  January, 
1857,  he  was  married  in  Chicago  to  IMiss  Anna  Schlenker  and  there  resided  for 
three  years,  coming  to  Peoria  in  i860.  He  then  engaged  in  the  pork-packing 
and  general  butchering  business,  establishing  one  of  the  pioneer  industries  of 
that  kind  in  this  city.  He  began  the  business  on  a  small  scale  and  was  one  of  the 
first  packers  in  the  United  States  to  successfully  carry  on  business  along  that 
line  in  the  summer  months.  Packers  came  from  other  places  to  inspect  his 
small  plant  and  investigate  his  way  of  preserving  meats,  for  he  was  in  advance 
of  the  great  majority  in  the  use  of  a  refrigerating  system  in  connection  with 
meat-packing  in  the  summer  seasons.  He  died  in  Peoria,  October  15,  1878,  and 
his  wife  passed  away  in  April,  1895,  when  visiting  in  Chicago.  Fraternally 
he  was  connected  with  the   Masons  and  politically  with  the   democratic  party. 

Christian  Buehler  was  an  infant  of  a  few  weeks  when  the  family  came  to 
this  city,  where  he  subsequently  attended  the  ]niblic  schools  for  a  brief  period, 
acquiring  the  greater  part  of  his  education  in  the  old  German  school  on 
Second  street,  and  at  Coles  Business  College,  While  still  attending  school  he 
worked  with  his  father  in  the  meat  business  and  later  for  a  number  of  years 
was  an  employe  in  the  retail  grocery  house  of  Downing  &  Straesser.  In  1888 
he  entered  the  employ  of  E.  Godel  &:  Sons,  meat  packers,  whom  he  represented 
upon  the  road  as  a  traveling  salesman  for  about  five  and  a  half  years. 


C  IlKlsllAN    111   Kill. EU 


O 

a 


2 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  415 

In  1894  Christian  tiuehler  removed  to  Chicago  where  in  connection  with  his 
brothers  he  entered  the  retail  butchering  business,  in  which  he  continued  until 
lOOf'.  In  the  meantime  he  had  become  well  known  to  the  meat  trade  through- 
out this  city  and  in  1906  returned  to  Peoria  to  assume  the  vice  presidency  of 
the  lirm  of  E.  Godel  &  Sons,  and  became  president  in  1909.  His  brother.  Her- 
man Buehler.  now  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  is  the  vice  president,  while  another 
brother,  Carl  Buehler,  of  Chicago,  is  the  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  business 
has  been  developed  along  well  defined  lines  of  trade  and  has  been  crowned  with 
success,  making  theirs  one  of  the  important  productive  industries  of  the  city. 
In  connection  with  their  packing  business  in  Peoria  the  Uuehler  Brothers  oper- 
ate twenty-seven  meat  markets,  located  in  twenty-seven  different  cities  in  eight 
states  of  the  Union,  namely,  Missouri,  Iowa,  Indiana.  Illinois,  Michigan.  Ohio, 
Temiessee  and  Georgia.  Thus,  year  by  year,  they  have  extended  their  activities 
until  the  name  is  now  widel)-  known  to  the  trade  especially  in  the  middle  west. 
Moreover,  Christian  Iktehler  is  also  largely  interested  in  Chicago  real  estate  and 
in  1910  erected  in  this  city  twenty-four  residences  which  he  still  owns.  His 
investments  have  been  most  judiciously  made  and  indicate  his  sound  judgment 
and  enterprise. 

In  18S6  Mr.  Buehler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Phoebe  B.  Potthoff,  a 
daughter  of  Albert  Potthoff.  and  unto  them  was  born  one  child,  Anna,  who  died 
when  but  five  months  old.  They  occupy  an  elegant  home  on  the  West  lUuff,  at 
No.  103  W'est  High  street,  which  commands  a  beautiful  view  of  the  lower  sec- 
tion of  Peoria,  also  the  river  and  the  lake,  with  the  hills  of  Tazewell  county 
in  the  distance.  The  residence  is  surrounded  by  extensive  grounds  which  are 
laid  out  as  a  pretty  park  in  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Buehler  take  a  justifiable  pride 
and  which  is  an  adornment  to  the  city.  It  was  principally  through  Mr.  Bueh- 
ler's  efl^orts  that  the  beautiful  new  thoroughfare  on  which  the  house  stands 
was  opened.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  .America  but  he 
has  never  sought  prominence  nor  honors  outside  of  the  strict  path  of  business. 
He  has  achieved  success  because  he  desired  to  succeed  and  was  willing  to  make 
the  sacrifices  to  business  which  are  rec|uired  if  one  would  work  his  way  upward. 
He  has  never  allowed  social  or  other  interests  to  interfere  with  the  capable  con- 
duct of  his  business,  day  by  day,  and  his  close  application,  unremitting  energy 
and  executive  force  have  so  combined  in  a  harmonious  whole  that  the  results 
obtained  are  most  gratifying.  It  means  nuich  to  successfully  control  a  business 
of  the  magnitude  and  importance  of  that  which  is  now  being  carried  on  by  the 
E.  Godel  &  Sons  Company  with  Christian  Buehler  as  its  chief  executive  officer, 
a  business  that  has  already  been  established  in  eight  dift'erent  states,  retail 
stores  being  conducted  in  twenty-seven  different  cities  while  plans  are  now  be- 
ing perfected  to  still  further  extend  the  operations  of  the  company.  The  most 
careful  consideration  is  given  to  every  phase  of  the  business  in  all  of  its  multi- 
tudinous details  and  as  a  directing  force  of  this  enterprise  Christian  Buehler 
has  won  recognition  as  a  representative  and  honored  business  man  of   Peoria. 


Wn.I.IAM  A.  WERCKLE. 

As  a  dealer  in  farm  implements  and  machinery  William  A.  Werckle  is  recog- 
nized as  one  of  the  enterprising  and  progressive  business  men  of  Peoria.  He  is 
today  the  oldest  in  his  line  of  trade  here,  having  entered  this  field  in  1886.  His 
life  history  is  illustrative  of  the  fact  that  many  of  foreign  birth  find  that  America 
is  for  them  the  land  of  opportunity  and  through  the  utilization  of  existing  condi- 
tions here  they  steadily  work  their  way  upward  from  a  humble  position  to  one 
of  affluence.  Mr.  Werckle  was  born  in  France,  October  20.  1851.  and  in  the  year 
1853  arrived  in  Peoria,  having  been  brought  to  this  city  by  his  parents,  Henry 


416  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  Caroline  Werckle,  who  established  their  home  in  this  county  on  the  4th  of 
July  of  that  year.  The  father  secured  a  tract  of  land  in  Richwoods  township 
and  with  characteristic  energy  began  the  further  development  and  improvement 
of  his  farm,  which  he  converted  into  a  productive  and  valuable  property  that  he 
cultivated  to  the  time  of  his  demise.  Six  children  of  his  family  are  yet  living, 
namely :  William  A. ;  Henry,  who  was  born  on  the  old  homestead  farm  in  Rich- 
woods  tow'Uship,  November  11,  1855,  ^rid  was  there  reared,  while  at  present  he 
is  engaged  in  business  with  his  brother  \Villiam ;  Caroline ;  August  C.,  who  is 
living  on  a  farm  in  Richwoods  township  and  is  serving  as  township  supervisor; 
Sarah ;  and  F.  \\'..  a  farmer  and  dairyman  of  Richwoods  township. 

In  his  youthful  days  A\'illiam  A.  Werckle  began  following  the  plow  in  early 
springtime  and  continued  to  assist  in  the  cultivation  of  the  crops  until  the  har- 
vests were  gathered  in  the  late  autumn.  His  educational  opportunities  were 
afforded  by  the  district  schools.  As  he  advanced  in  years  and  looked  at  life  from 
a  continually  broadening  standpoint  he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  did  not 
desire  to  engage  in  farming  as  a  life  work  and  in  1880  took  up  his  abode  in 
Peoria,  where  he  secured  employment  in  connection  with  the  implement  trade. 
Six  years'  experience  along  that  line  brought  to  him  not  only  an  exact  and  com- 
prehensive knowledge  of  the  business  but  also  provided  him  with  the  capital 
necessary  to  engage  in  business  on  his  own  account.  Therefore,  in  1886,  he 
began  dealing  in  agricultural  implements  and  is  today  the  oldest  merchant  in  his 
line  in  the  city.  He  first  opened  a  store  in  the  Board  of  Trade  block  on  South 
Washington  street,  where  he  remained  for  two  years,  when  he  removed  to  No. 
810  Main  street.  In  1897  he  again  sought  more  commodious  quarters  by  re- 
moving to  109  North  Washington  street  and  in  1899  he  came  to  his  present  loca- 
tion at  No.  113  North  Washington  street.  Here  he  carries  a  large  line  of  farm 
implements  and  machinery,  including  the  latest  improvements,  and  his  annual 
sales  have  now  reached  a  very  gratifying  figure.  His  earnest  desire  to  please 
his  patrons  and  his  thoroughly  reliable  methods  have  been  the  chief  features 
in  his  success. 

Mr.  Werckle  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Caroline  Junglin,  and  unto 
them  have  been  born  three  children,  Henry  J.,  Frank  W.  and  Grace.  The  family 
residence  is  at  No.  220  North  Garfield  avenue.  Mr.  ^^'erckle  belongs  to  the 
Fraternal  Mystic  Circle  and  also  to  the  Association  of  Commerce.  He  is  in 
hearty  sympathy  with  the  purposes  of  the  latter  organization  in  its  endeavors 
to  advance  the  trade  relations  of  the  city  and  to  add  to  Peoria  the  modern  im- 
provements which  show  that  Peoria's  spirit  of  progress  is  a  dominant  one. 


THE  H.  THIELBAR  SHOE  COMPANY. 

The  name  of  Henry  Thielbar  has  been  prominently  connected  with  the  shoe 
business  in  Peoria  for  over  fifty-five  years.  Its  policy  has  always  been  founded 
upon  principles  of  honorable  dealing,  strict  business  integrity,  energy  and  en- 
thusiasm in  the  conduct  of  its  afifairs,  and  these  policies  upon  which  the  house 
w-as  founded  half  a  century  ago,  are  in  active  force  in  the  large  business  to  which 
it  has  grown  today. 

The  H.  Thielbar  Shoe  Company  was  founded  in  Peoria  by  Mr.  Henry  Thiel- 
bar in  1856.  He  had  personal  charge  and  was  the  dominating  factor  in  the  busi- 
ness untif  his  death  on  February  19,  1897.  During  the  course  of  his  connection 
with  the  organization,  he  gave  to  his  establishment  certain  traditions  of  honesty, 
fair  dealing,  quality  of  output,  and  high  business  standards  which  are  the  secret 
of  its  success  and'  prominence  today.  He  incorporated  the  business  in  1893, 
four  years  before  his  death,  under  the  name  of  The  H.  Thielbar  Shoe  Company, 
under  which  title  it  operates  today.     The  present  members  of  the  firm  are  his 


I 


It 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  417 

son,  Menry  W.  Tliielbar,  and  his  daughter,  Aliss  Alinnie  Thielbar,  who  are 
dominating  factors  in  the  business  life  of  i'eoria.  They  are  both  native  Pcorians, 
pioneers  in  the  county,  and  are  identified  with  all  the  leading  business  organiza- 
tions of  the  city.  Their  firm  has  attained  that  prominence  in  its  line  of  activity, 
which  is  the  inevitable  result  of  a  long  period  of  active  and  honorable  business 
life.  Its  policies  have  never  changed  since  the  organization  of  the  firm,  as  its 
principles  were  then,  as  they  are  now,  active,  energetic  and  honorable;  the  qual- 
itv  of  its  product,  however,  has  grown  in  worth  with  each  succeeding  year,  as 
new  methods  of  manufacture,  and  more  efficient  workmanship  came  into  being. 
The  qualities  which  made  the  first  Henry  Thielbar,  who  had  the  distinction  of 
retailing  the  first  stock  of  factory-made  shoes  in  central  Illinois,  a  prominently 
successful  man,  are  operative  today  in  his  son  and  daughter,  who  are  at  the 
head  of  one  of  the  largest  shoe  firms  in  the  city,  and  are  numbered  among  the 
active  factors  in  Peoria's  development. 


CHARLES  11.  KEACH. 

Sixteen  years  have  passed  since  Charles  II.  Keach  was  called  to  his  final 
rest  on  the  31st  of  ^lay,  1896,  but  this  extended  period  has  not  served  to  blot 
out  his  memory  among  those  who  were  his  associates  and  friends  during  his 
active  life  here.  He  was  a  resident  of  Peoria  county  from  early  boyhood,  and  in 
the  course  of  years  won  a  prominent  position  among  the  representative  farmers, 
owning  and  controlling  important  agricultural  interests.  He  was  born  in  Han- 
cock, Massachusetts,  June  i,  1833,  his  parents  being  Henry  and  Lucy  (Hall) 
Keach,  the  former  a  native  of  Rhode  Island  and  the  latter  of  Rensselaer  county. 
New  York.  In  1837  a  removal  was  made  from  Hancock,  Massachusetts,  to 
Rensselaer  county.  New  York,  and  Charles  H.  Keach  there  pursued  his  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  until  he  reached  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  He  then 
accompanied  his  parents  on  their  further  removal  westward,  arriving  in  Peoria 
in  1846.  Soon  afterward  they  settled  in  Radnor  township,  and  again  Charles 
H.  Keach  took  up  his  studies,  dividing  his  time  between  attendance  at  the  dis- 
trict school  and  the  work  of  the  home  farm.  At  a  later  date  the  father  re- 
moved to  Hallock  township,  and  Charles  H.  Keach  was  thereafter  connected 
with  agricultural  interests  in  that  district  until  1854  when  he  again  became  a 
resident  of  Radnor  township  and  secured  a  tract  of  land  upon  which  he  engaged 
in  general  farming  until  1862.  In  that  year  he  removed  to  Kickapoo  township 
where  he  carried  on  most  successfully  general  agricultural  pursuits.  The  care- 
ful, practical  and  progressive  manner  in  which  he  tilled  the  soil  enabled  him  to 
annually  gather  rich  harvests,  and  prosperity  attended  him  year  by  year,  and 
as  his  financial  resources  increased  he  added  to  his  holdings  until  he  became  the 
owner  of  over  three  hundred  acres  of  very  valuable  and  productive  farm  land 
located  in  Kickapoo  township.  He  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  prominent 
and  best  known  farmers  of  Peoria  covmty.  He  raised  the  crops  best  adapted 
to  the  soil  and  climate,  and  his  methods  brought  forth  good  results,  enabling  him 
to  add  annually  to  his  income.  He  continued  in  active  farming  to  the  time  of 
his  death,  and  in  that  way  provided  a  most  comfortable  living  for  his  family. 

It  was  in  November,  1854,  that  Mr.  Keach  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Laura  Jane  Doty,  who  died  in  September,  1858,  leaving  a  son,  William  E.,  who 
married  Miss  May  E.  Sammis,  and  is  a  resident  farmer  of  Kickapoo  township. 
Mr.  Keach  was  again  married  on  the  25th  of  March,  1S62,  his  second  union 
being  with  Aliss  Marion  A.  Fash,  a  daughter  of  Abraham  and  Georgietta  Y. 
(Smith)  Fash.  The  father  died  in  Peoria  in  1886.  .\lM-aham  Fash's  father, 
John  Fash,  who  married  .\nn  Bogart  in  New  York,  made  the  overland  trip  from 
that  state  to  Illinois  in  the  early  '30s,  at  which  time  he  took  up  his  abode  in  the 


418  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

city  of  Peoria,  which  was  then  a  tiny  town.  The  Fash  family  were  among  the 
earliest  settlers  of  Peoria  county  and  hardly  a  home  had  been  established  in  this 
part  of  the  state.  Indians  were  still  numerous  in  Illinois,  for  the  Black  Hawk 
war  had  not  then  occurred,  ending  forever  the  supremacy  of  the  red  men  in  this 
section.  Deer  were  numerous  and  wild  game  was  to  be  had  in  abundance.  As 
the  years  passed  the  Fash  family  bore  their  part  in  the  work  of  general  improve- 
ment and  development,  and  their  name  deserves  an  honored  place  upon  the 
pages  of  Peoria  county's  history  and  the  history  of  the  state  of  Illinois. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keach  were  born  four  children:  Effie  G.,  who  is  married 
to  George  Holmes,  of  Akron  township,  and  has  had  two  children — Raymond, 
who  is  still  at  home,  and  Nellie  May,  deceased;  Chester  B.,  a  resident  of  Peoria, 
who  married  Miss  Emma  Slough,  and  has  a  son  Charles  J.;  Cora  May,  deceased; 
and  Jessie,  who  is  the  wife  of  Edwin  Kaufman  and  has  three  children.  Hazel, 
Earl,  and  Russel  H.  Mr.  Keach  was  always  interested  in  the  cause  of  education, 
gave  his  children  good  advantages  in  that  direction  and  for  several  terms  served 
as  school  director.  He  was  independent  in  politics,  usually  voting  for  the  can- 
didate whom  he  regarded  as  best  qualified  for  office.  His  life  was  cjuietly  spent 
but  was  an  active  and  useful  one,  and  during  his  half  century's  residence  in 
Peoria  county  he  merited  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  good- will  of  all  who 
knew  him. 


ERNEST  B.  CLOUGH. 


Next  in  importance  to  its  rich  and  fertile  farm  lands,  the  Illinois  valley 
around  i'eoria  owes  much  of  its  wealth  to  the  extensive  dairy  interests  which 
abound  there.  The  dairies  of  Peoria  county  supply  local  and  other  markets 
with  milk,  butter,  cheese  and  other  products  of  a  high  order.  Ernest  B.  Clough, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  one  of  the  veteran  dairymen  of  this  section  of  the 
country,  having  been  engaged  in  the  business  in  Peoria  since  1893.  Mr.  Clough 
is  also  intensely  interested  in  music  and  has  acquired  some  local  reputation  in 
that  art  as  a  member  of  Spencer's  band  of  Peoria. 

Ernest  B.  Clough  was  born  in  Brimfield,  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  September 
19,  1870.  The  family  in  the  paternal  line  is  of  English  extraction,  and  had 
settled  in  America  before  the  \\  ar  of  1812.  Ernest  B.  Clough's  two  great-uncles 
fought  against  the  British  in  that  war.  The  maternal  family  comes  originally 
from  France,  the  first  members  to  reach  America  settling  on  a  farm  in  Alary- 
land.  Although  the  family  was  southern  and  had  a  large  number  of  slaves, 
its  male  representatives  fought  in  the  Federal  army  during  the  Civil  war.  The 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  Cassius  M.  Clough,  a  native  of  New 
Hampshire,  who  came  to  Illinois  in  1857,  residing  successively  at  Rockford  and 
Brimfield.  He  served  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  from  1861  to  1865,  first  in 
the  Seventy-seventh  and  then  in  the  Forty-seventh  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry. 
He  was  married  January  15,  1868,  to  Miss  Rachel  E.  Roby,  a  native  of  Mary- 
land, who  came  to  Illinois  in  i860. 

Ernest  B.  Clough's  early  education  was  received  in  the  schools  of  Southport 
and  Oakhill,  Illinois,  and  in  the  Peori^  city  graded  schools.  He  afterward  at- 
tended the  Peoria  high  school.  Upon  his  graduation  therefrom  about  1887,  he 
apprenticed  himself  to  the  firm  of  Selby,  Starr  &  Company  of  Peoria,  and 
worked  in  their  foundry  from  1887  until  1893,  when  he  found  that  the  nature 
of  the  work  was  injuring  his  health,  and  he  bought  a  small  tract  of  land  in  the 
outskirts  of  Peoria  and  started  a  dairy  farm,  in  which  business  he  is  still  engaged. 
His  venture  was  successful  from  the  start.  He  kept  his  dairy  clean  and  his 
output  pure,  and  soon  gained  a  reputation  in  his  city  for  wholesome  milk  and 
dairy  products.    He  owns  a  comfortable  and  well  furnished  home  near  his  dairy. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  419 

and  is  the  proprietor  of  a  considerable  amount  of  improved  and  unimproved  real 
estate  in  this  city. 

•Mr.  Clough  served  through  the  Spanish-American  war  as  a  member  of  the 
Sons  of  X'eterans  Provisional  Regiment,  and  was  appointed  bugler  of  Company 
E.  In  October,  1899.  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Illinois  National  Guard,  and 
was  apjiointed  battalion  trumpeter,  later  being  promoted  to  the  position  of  chief 
trumpeter  by  Colonel  Cullver,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  three  years. 
W  hen  the  term  of  his  enlistment  ex])ired  he  reenlisted  and  again  served  as 
chief  trumpeter  under  Colonel  Wells,  from  which  position  he  was  given  his 
honorable  discharge  in  1903.  Mr.  Clough  has  ac(]uired  some  reputation  around 
Peoria  as  a  musician.  He  is  a  member  of  S])encer's  band,  one  of  the  oldest  and 
best  known  musical  organizations  in  Illinois,  tie  had  the  honor  of  playing  the 
bugle  calls  at  the  dedication  of  the  beautiful  new  Soldiers'  Monument  in  the 
Court  House  Square  and  at  the  unveiling  of  the  Lincoln  and  Douglas  tablet  in 
Glen  Oak  Park.  He  has  sounded  "taps"  for  many  noted  men,  among  them 
Governor  Altgeld,  and  he  acted  as  chief  trumpeter  for  President  McKinley, 
Admiral  George  Dewey  and  ex-President  Roosevelt.  He  is  an  active  member 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Musicians. 

On  July  5,  1893,  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  Mr.  Clough  was  married  to  Miss  Ella 
M.  Sickels,  a  daughter  of  John  D.  and  Wilhehnina  Sickels,  also  residents  of 
Peoria,  although  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clough  have  two  chil- 
dren: Howard  Lester,  born  at,  Peoria,  Illinois,  May  21,  1894,  who  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  Peoria  high  school  with  the  class  of  1912;  and  Daniel  R.,  born 
October  26,  1896,  now  attending  the  grammar  schools  of  Peoria. 

Mr.  Clough  has  always  voted  the  republican  ticket  in  national  politics.  He 
has  served  as  clerk  of  election,  committee  man,  and  also  as  delegate  to  county 
and  state  conventions,  always  in  the  interests  of  the  republican  party.  Fra- 
ternally, he  is  a  member  of  the  -Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  Peoria  Camp, 
No.  812.  He  belongs  to  Camp  Thrush.  No.  25,  Sons  of  X'eterans,  of  which 
organization  he  has  served  one  year  as  first  lieutenant  and  one  year  as  captain. 
Ernest  Clough  is  not  affiliated  with  any  church,  but  no  movement  of  church 
organization  which  is  allied  with  any  good  work  in  which  he  believes,  calls  on 
him  for  aid  in  vain.  Mr.  Clough's  life  has  been  an  active  and  busy  one,  and  he  is 
rightly  numbered  among  the  solid  citizens  of  Peoria. 


THOMAS  J.  WASSON. 

Thomas  J.  Wasson,  who  is  located  at  720  South  Adams  street,  Peoria,  where 
he  carries  a  stock  of  building  supplies,  has  been  identilicd  with  the  business  he 
is  now  conducting  for  the  past  forty  years,  during  fifteen  of  which  he  has  been 
its  sole  proprietor.  He  was  born  in  Duanesburg,  Schenectady  county,  New 
York,  on  the  3d  of  October,  1847,  and  is  a  son  of  George  Wasson.  His  people 
removed  from  the  Empire  state  to  Illinois  in  1855,  settling  on  a  farm  north- 
west of  town,  later  known  as  the  Aiken  property.  The  father  engaged  in  the 
operation  of  this  place  for  many  years,  but  he  subsequently  became  interested 
in  the  raising  of  broom  corn. 

In  the  accjuirement  of  his  education  Thomas  J.  Wasson  first  attended  the 
common  schools  of  his  native  state  whence  he  removed  with  his  parents  at  the 
age  of  eight  years  to  Peoria.  After  locating  in  Illinois  he  continued  his  studies 
in  the  old  Sixth  Ward  school,  now  the  Douglas  school,  but  was  later  given  per- 
mission by  Mayor  McReynolds  to  attend  the  city  schools.  He  laid  aside  his 
text-books  when  he  was  ten  and  began  assisting  his  father  with  the  operation 
of  the  farm.  Later  he  was  employed  by  Field's  Baking  Company,  being  in  the 
service  during  the   Civil   war  during  which  time   he  packed   hard   tack   for  the 


420  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

soldiers.  He  remained  with  this  firm  for  nine  years  and  nine  months  and  then 
tool<  a  position  in  the  J.  C.  Proctor  Lumber  Company,  subsequently  known  as 
Proctor  &  Trapp.  After  leaving  this  concern  he  found  employment  with  W. 
Bushnell,  a  lime  and  cement  dealer.  He  became  identified  with  this  enterprise 
in  1871  and  was  employed  there  for  twenty-tive  years  thereafter.  At  the  end  of 
that  time  he  purchased  the  business  of  the  widow  and  has  ever  since  been  its 
owner.  W'hen  he  bought  this  enterprise  it  was  located  on  the  corner  of  Harrison 
and  Washington  streets,  but  in  1908-09  he  erected  the  building  he  is  now  oc- 
cupying at  720  South  Adams  street.  The  business  is  constantly  increasing  and  is 
now  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  thriving  enterprises  of  the  kind  in  the  city. 

This  city  was  the  scene  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  W'asson  on  the  nth  of  June, 
1872,  to  Miss  Estelle  Osborn,  a  daughter  of  Reuben  Osborn,  formerly  of  Fulton, 
Missouri,  who  came  to  Peoria  in  1861.  Immediately  after  their  marriage  Mr. 
and  ?^Irs.  W'asson  took  up  their  residence  at  11 17  Third  street  and  there  they 
have  ever  since  resided.  The  house  has  been  remodeled  and  practically  rebuilt 
but  it  has  always  been  their  home.  They  have  two  children :  Zir  T.  \\'asson,  and 
Lavre,  the  wife  of  George  Hess,  of  this  city. 

Mr.  W'asson  is  a  member  of  the  Alutual  Protective  Life  Insurance  Company 
and  his  political  support  he  gives  to  the  republican  party,  but  he  has  never  held 
any  public  office  save  that  of  township  supervisor  in  1887  and  1888.  jMr.  Wasson 
enjoys  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  has  had  transactions  and 
has  achieved  creditable  success  in  the  develojiment  of  his  business,  which  an- 
nually nets  him  a  comfortable  income. 


FRAX'CIS  RALPH  DFXXIS. 

Francis  Ralph  Dennis,  a  real-estate  man,  has  operated  largely  in  that  field  in 
different  parts  of  the  country  and  is  the  father  of  a  number  of  town  sites  leading 
to  the  substantial  development  of  the  southwest,  particularly  of  Oklahoma.  He 
was  born  in  Hennepin,  Putnam  county,  Illinois,  in  1877,  a  son  of  Francis  S. 
Dennis,  who  was  born  on  a  farm  near  Henry.  Marshall  county,  Illinois,  in  1836. 
He  is  now  living  in  Henry  and,  although  he  devoted  his  earlier  years  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  he  later  turned  toward  merchandising  as  a  dealer  in  ice  and  beef. 
He  married  Ruth  Bush  Chance,  a  native  of  Putnam  county,  Illinois.  Their 
wedding,  which  was  celebrated  in  Henry,  has  been  blessed  with  four  sons  and 
three  daughters :  Irving,  deceased ;  Walter ;  James,  who  has  passed  away ;  Fran- 
cis Ralph ;  Edith,  w  ho  has  also  departed  this  life ;  and  Agnes  and  Ella,  who  are 
both  married.  It  is  interesting  to  know  something  of  the  still  earlier  history  of 
the  Dennis  family,  for  the  grandfather,  James  Dennis,  was  an  old-time  newspaper 
correspondent  and  from  Illinois  wrote  for  Philadelphia  papers  about  the  Indian 
occupancy  of  this  state  and  the  pioneer  development.  He  now  lies  buried  in  one 
of  the  oldest  cemeteries  of  the  state  bordering  the  Illinois  river,  where  the  graves 
of  the  Dennis  family  indicate  that  they  were  among  the  first  to  settle  in  Illinois. 

When  Francis  Ralph  Dennis  was  six  years  of  age  his  parents  removed  to 
Henry,  Marshall  county,  and  later  he  attended  the  city  schools  and  the  high 
school.  He  left  home  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  and  was  afterward  employed 
in  various  cities  but  in  1898  joined  the  army,  enlisting  for  two  years'  service  or 
"during  the  war,"  following  the  outbreak  of  hostilities  with  Spain.  The  war 
closed  at  the  end  of  eight  months  and  he  was  then  honorably  discharged.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  First  Illinois  Cavalry  under  Captain  Roliert  Fort,  a  greatly 
beloved  officer  and  one  of  the  leading  young  republican  politicians  of  the  state. 
He  served  as  state  senator,  as  had  his  father  and  his  grandfather  before  him,  and 
few  men  were  ever  more  greatly  loved  than  was  the  Captain  of  L  troop  of  the 
First  Illinois  Cavalry. 


F.   K.   DENNIS 


\ 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  423 

When  the  war  ended  Francis  R.  Dennis  went  to  Chicago  and  was  employed  at 
various  places  before  entering  the  real-estate  liusiness  in  tliat  city,  lie  began 
operations  in  a  small  way  but  gradually  extended  his  efforts  and  was  very  active 
in  establishing  new  towns  in  Oklahoma,  following  the  admission  of  the  state  to 
the  Union.  He  was  the  original  town  site  man  at  the  beginning  of  the  boom  and 
largely  through  his  efforts  the  towns  of  Thomas,  Hobart,  Siboney,  Roosevelt 
and  IJavidson  sprang  into  existence.  He  has  carried  on  real-estate  dealing  in 
Peoria  for  seven  years  and  is  now  at  the  head  of  a  large  clientele  in  this  con- 
nection. He  has  thoroughly  informed  himself  concerning  property  values  here 
and  has  negotiated  many  important  realty  transfers  in  various  districts,  largely 
western  lands.  He  is  also  a  factor  in  industrial  circles  of  the  city,  being  engaged 
in  the  building  of  the  Hebdennis  grain  weighers,  which  are  continuous  weighers. 
These  machines  are  all  manufactured  in  Peoria  at  the  "Old  Pottery"  site  at 
Adams  and  Mary  streets,  where  are  employed  several  score  of  workmen.  These 
machines  are  of  great  value  and  are  finding  a  ready  sale  on  the  market. 

On  the  loth  of  October,  191 1,  Mr.  Dennis  was  married  to  Miss  Florence  G. 
McKelvey,  of  Hedrick,  Iowa,  and  they  reside  at  No.  400  North  Glen  Oak  avenue. 
Mr.  Dennis  votes  with  the  republican  party.  He  has  been  described  as  "a  clean- 
cut  young  business  man  and  a  student  of  up-to-date  things  and  methods."  This 
indicates  his  progressive  spirit,  while  something  of  his  social  nature  and  position 
is  indicated  in  the  words  of  one  who  called  him  a  "prince  of  good  fellows" — ex- 
tremely courteous  and  a  true  gentleman.  His  e.xperiences  in  life  have  been 
broad  and  interesting  and  his  ambition  has  kept  him  in  touch  with  modern  pro- 
gressive methods.  What  he  undertakes  he  accomplishes,  for  he  is  determined 
and  energetic,  realizing  ever  that  when  one  avenue  of  opportunity  seems  closed 
other  paths  may  be  found  which  will  lead  to  the  desired  goal. 


ANDREW  DISTLER. 


Andrew  Distler,  who  is  located  at  600  Pennsylvania  avenue,  Peoria,  has  been 
successfully  engaged  in  contracting  and  building  in  this  city  for  the  past  four 
years.  His  birth  occurred  here  on  the  15th  of  August,  1856,  and  he  is  of  Ger- 
man extraction,  his  father.  Captain  Paul  Distler,  having  been  born  and  reared 
in  the  old  country.  He  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1851,  settling  in  Peoria 
and  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out  he  enlisted  as  a  captain  of  Company  B,  Four- 
teenth Illinois  Cavalry,  and  went  to  the  front,  remaining  there  until  the  close 
of  hostilities.  He  saw  much  notable  service  during  that  time  and  was  taken 
prisoner  at  Atlanta,  Georgia.  'Mr.  Distler  was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and  for 
many  years  operated  a  planing  mill  here,  continuing  to  be  engaged  in  active 
business  until  his  death  in  1885.  As  a  business  man  and  citizen  he  was  highly 
esteemed. 

In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  Andrew  Distler  attended  the  public  and 
German  Free  schools  until  he  was  twelve  years  of  age.  He  then  went  to  work 
in  his  father's  mill  and  for  four  years  thereafter  ran  the  engine.  At  the  end 
of  that  time  he  was  assigned  various  duties  in  the  shop  until  he  had  thoroughly 
mastered  every  detail  connected  with  its  o]x-ration.  The  work  that  they  turned 
out  was  of  a  very  superior  <iuality  and  the  father  was  awarded  the  contract 
for  the  millwork  for  the  present  courthouse.  PIpon  attaining  his  majority  Mr. 
Distler  was  made  foreman  of  his  father's  shop,  but  he  only  retained  this  posi- 
tion for  about  a  year,  giving  it  up  at  the  expiration  of  that  period  to  follow  the 
carpenter's  trade.  After  being  identified  with  this  vocation  for  four  years  he 
went  to  Bloomington,  this  state,  to  take  charge  of  a  small  furniture  factory. 
He  onlv  held  this  position  for  a  brief  period,  when  he  came  back  to  Peoria  to 
work  in  the  Comstock-Avery  planing  mill.     From  there  he  went  to  the  Rogers 

Vol.  n— 20 


424  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

planing  mill  on  Washington  street,  where  he  was  employed  for  several  years. 
After  the  death  of  his  father  he  operated  the  old  Distler  mill  but  later  disposed 
of  it  and  went  to  work  for  Comstock  &  Avery.  Soon  thereafter  he  left  their 
employ  and  took  a  place  in  the  Truesdale  mill,  being  employed  there  for  seven 
years.'  At  the  end  of  that  period  he  entered  the  service  of  Rogers  &  Benneaen 
again,  but  soon  after  going  there  he  became  associated  in  business  with  two  of 
his  brothers  and  gave  up  his  position.  This  undertaking  proved  quite  successful 
and  a  year  later  he  bought  out  his  brothers  and  moved  their  establishment  from 
Fulton' street  to  Alain  street.  He  subsequently  sold  this  enterprise  to  the  Archer- 
nias  Company,  remaining  in  their  employ  for  about  a  year  thereafter.  When 
he  left  them 'he  took  a  position  with  the  Garside  Manufacturing  Company,  but 
two  years  later  he  gave  this  up  to  become  identified  with  the  W'ahlfeld  Alanu- 
factu'ring  Company.  From  there  he  went  to  the  Peoria  Hardwood  Lumber 
Companv,  giving  up  his  position  with  them  thirteen  months  later  to  engage  in 
contracting  and  building  for  himself.  He  has  been  following  this  for  four  years 
and  is  meeting  with  very  good  returns,  having  established  a  profitable  business. 

On  the  i2t"h  of  Tune,  1878,  Mr.  Distler  was  imited  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary 
A.  Sipp,  a  daughter  of  Adam  Sipp,  who  located  in  Richmond  township  in  1850. 
Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Distler,  as  follows:  Fred 
William,  who  is  thirty-one  years  of  age,  living  in  Peoria ;  \'eronica,  the  wife  of 
William  Buchanan,  also  of  this  city;  and  Florence,  who  is  living  at  home. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Distler  and  their  family  are  members  of  the  German 
Lutheran  church,  and  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Alasons,  the  Odd  Fellows,  in  which 
lodge  he  has  held  all  of  the  chairs,  and  the  ^Maccabees.  He  also  belongs  to  the 
American  Union,  the  Boosters'  Club  and  the  blaster  Builders'  Association.  l\lr. 
Distler  enjoys  a  wide  and  favorable  acquaintance  among  the  residents  of  Peoria, 
where  he  has  passed  all  of  his  life. 


LUKE  L.  WATSON. 


Luke  L.  Watson,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Klein-Watson  Company, 
general  contractors  and  plasterers  in  this  city,  with  offices  in  the  JetTerson  build- 
ing, is  one  of  the  foremost  men  in  business  circles  in  Peoria.  He  has  been  iden- 
tified with  the  firm  of  which  he  is  now  a  member  since  its  organization  on  No- 
vember 9,  1909.  He  was  born  in  Bloomington,  Illinois,  on  the  ist  of  March, 
1879,  a  son  of  Luke  and  Katherine  Watson,  of  that  city.  His  father  is  a 
pioneer  contractor  and  plasterer  in  Bloomington,  where  he  has  followed  that 
occupation  since  1870.  He  came  to  America  from  Ireland  in  1868  and  settled 
immediately  in  Bloomington,  where  he  is  still  residing  with  his  family. 

Luke  L.  Watson  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  his 
native  city  and  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1899.  His  education  was 
supplemented  by  a  course  in  Brown's  Business  College  in  Peoria.  When  he  laid 
aside  his  books' he  returned  immediately  to  Bloomington  and  assisted  his  father 
in  the  business  until  1904.  During  this  period  he  gained  a  practical  knowledge 
of  the  details  of  plastering  and  contracting.  He  became  a  skilled  workman  him- 
self and  laid  the  foundation  of  his  successful  career  along  this  line  by  per- 
sonal experience.  In  1904  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  L'mted  States  Gypsum 
Company  of  Chicago  as  traveling  salesman  for  the  state  of  Illinois.  He  was 
extremely  successful  in  this  line  and  his  rise  through  various  positions  was  rapid 
and  well  deserved.  In  March,  1907,  he  was  appointed  manager  of  the  Peoria 
branch  of  the  companv  and  came  to  this  city  on  that  date,  remaining  in  the 
employ  of  the  United  'States  Gypsum  Company  until  November,  1909.  He  was 
one  of  the  organizers  of  the  corporation  with  which  he  is  now  connected  and 
has  held  the  position  of  secretary  and  treasurer  since  the  founding  of  the  com- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  425 

pany.  I  le  has  done  remarkable  work  in  this  line  and  the  practical  experience 
which  he  gained  in  his  father's  shop  has  been  a  valuable  asset  to  him  during  his 
business  career.  The  reputation  of  the  firm  has  advanced  steadily  since  its 
organization  and  it  is  now  known  in  Peoria  as  one  of  the  largest  and  most  trust- 
worthy institutions  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  The  market  for  its  work  extends  be- 
\ond  the  bountlaries  of  the  county  and  many  of  the  largest  buildings  in  this 
section  of  the  state  have  i)een  erected  by  the  Klein-Watson  Company. 

(3n  June  5,  1906,  Air.  Watson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  Alary 
l<"innan,  a  daughter  of  I'aul  and  Alargaret  Finnan,  the  former  a  very  prominent 
merchant  in  Bloomington.  He  was  during  his  life  actively  interested  in  state 
politics  and  was  representative  for  Dloomington  in  the  Illinois  general  assembly 
at  one  time.  He  died  in  July,  1909,  at  the  age  of  fifty-four  years,  having  sur- 
vived his  wife  for  seven  months.  They  are  buried  side  by  side  in  St.  Alary 's 
cemetery.  Air.  and  Airs.  Watson  are  the  parents  of  one  daughter,  Alargaret 
Alary,  who  in  the  seventh  successive  generation  bears  that  name.  Politically 
Mr.  Watson  affiliates  with  the  democratic  party  but  beyond  casting  his  vote  at 
each  election  he  takes  not  a  very  active  part  in  city  or  state  politics.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church  and  is  prominent  in  the  Knights  of 
Columbus,  the  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  and  the  Ancient  Order  of  Hiber- 
nians. He  has  attained  that  success  which  is  the  inevitable  result  of  expert 
knowledge  in  any  line.  He  has  acquired  in  the  course  of  his  business  career  a 
specialist's  ability  as  a  contractor  and  jjlasterer  and  his  remarJ<able  proficiency 
is  one  of  the  leading  influences  in  the  jirosperity  of  the  corporation  with  which 
he  is  identified. 


GEORGE  W,   II,  (ilLHERT. 

George  W.  H.  Gilbert  is  a  worthy  representative  of  a  well  known  pioneer 
family  of  Peoria,  whose  members  have  been  identified  with  the  business  interests 
of  the  city  for  more  than  seventy-five  years.  His  birth  occurred  here  on  the  12th 
of  February,  1837,  his  parents  being  Henry  and  Alargaret  Ann  (Fash)  Gil- 
bert. The  father  was  born  in  London,  England,  in  icSoS,  and  there  he  was 
reared  and  educated  and  learned  the  carpenters'  and  joiners'  trade,  and  also 
studied  architecture.  In  1834  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  locating  in 
Peoria,  having  come  via  P'hiladelphia,  New  Orleans  and  St.  Louis.  Here  he 
followed  the  profession  of  architecture  and  also  engaged  in  contracting  and 
building  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  was  one  of  the  foremost  rep- 
resentatives in  this  line  of  business  in  the  city  and  designed  and  constructed 
many  of  the  business  buildings  and  residences  of  that  period.  In  St.  Louis, 
during  1842  to  1846  inclusive,  he  was  one  of  the  builders  of  the  St.  Lou's 
courthouse.  In  matters  of  citizenship  he  was  public-spirited  and  took  an  ac- 
tive and  helpful  interest  in  all  movements  that  would  tend  to  improve  local  con- 
ditions or  advance  the  welfare  of  the  community.  He  was  a  strong  temper- 
ance worker  and  his  political  support  he  gave  to  the  whig  party.  He  made  many 
friends,  as  he  was  a  man  of  high  principles  and  sound  integrity,  and  was  always 
loyal  to  his  ideals.     His  death  occurred  in  this  city  on  the  4th  of  July,   1848. 

The  mother  was  born  on  X'esey  street  in  the  city  of  New  York  in  1820,  but 
she  came  to  Peoria  as  soon  as  she  was  passed  as  an  embryo  teacher,  with  her 
parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniel  Fash,  Sr.  She  was  one  of  the  first  teachers  in 
Peoria.  She  was  married  in  1835  to  Air.  Gilbert.  They  began  their  domestic 
life  at  310  South  Jefi^crson  avenue,  where  Air.  Gilbert  died.  Airs.  Gilbert  im- 
mediately built  the  double  brick  houses,  Nos.  312  and  314,  and  had  lived  in  that 
house  for  more  than  fifty  years  when  she  pas.sed  away.  Their  family  num- 
bered six,  of  whom  our  subject  is  the  eldest.  In  order  of  birth  the  others  are 
as  follows:  Margaret  E.,  the  widow  of  Lester  Patee ;  A.  P^rederick,  who  for  a 


426  ■  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COL'XTY 

few  years  was  engaged  in  business  liere  with  his  brother  George  W.  H. ;  Celes- 
tine  S.,  the  wife  of  J.  M.  Black,  who  for  years  has  been  and  still  is  a  promi- 
nent worker  in  the  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union  in  the  Dakotas ; 
Charles,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Carrie  M.,  who  is  now  Mrs.  J.  \V.  Rowclift", 
of  Peoria.  The  family  formerly  affiliated  with  the  Baptist  church,  in  which  the 
father  was  a  member  of  the  choir.  After  his  death  the  affiliation  was  changed 
to  the  Congregational  church. 

George  \V.  H.  Gilbert  passed  his  boyhood  and  early  youth,  as  did  the  other 
lads  of  that  period,  and  obtained  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  At  the 
age  of  fourteen  years  he  left  school  and  began  his  business  career  as  an  em- 
ploye of  A.  Bishop,  the  hatter  and  furrier.  As  he  was  a  bright,  diligent  youth, 
thoroughly  trustworthy  and  of  good  habits,  upon  attaining  his  majority  in  1858 
he  was  taken  into  the  firm. 

Somewhere  in  the  neighborhood  of  1858  to  i860,  Thomas  Chaml)erlain. 
brother-in-law  of  Henry  W.  Adams,  then  a  hardware  merchant  at  the  head  of 
Bridge  street,  corner  of  Adams  and  Franklin,  gathered  a  few  children  together 
in  Fond  Du  Lac  township.  Tazewell  county,  afterward  called  Coleville,  etc.. 
and  finally  East  Peoria,  and  called  it  a  Sunday  school.  Tom  was  called  back 
to  the  State  Bank  in  Boston  and  interested  young  Gilbert  in  the  Sunday  school. 
Mr.  Gilbert  took  care  of  it  for  eight  years,  until  it  became  the  large  part  of 
the  Coleville  INlethodist  Episcopal  church  under  Rev.  Henry  Apple.  After  help- 
ing to  build  and  organize  the  church,  Mr.  Gilbert  withdrew  because  he  had  mar- 
ried and  commenced  raising  a  family  and  the  added  demands  of  business  upon 
his  energies  made  walking  (for  that  was  then  the  only  method)  two  and  one- 
half  miles  and  back,  too  large  a  tax.  Thereafter  he  was  ever  ready  to  assist 
in  such  work  upon  requisition. 

He  remained  part  of  the  firm  of  Bishop  &  Company  until  January  i,  1865, 
when  he  bought  the  interest  of  his  partner  who  removed  to  Chicago  and  es- 
tablished the  firm  of  A.  Bishop  &  Company  on  Wabash  avenue.  Mr.  Gilbert 
then  became  associated  with  his  brother.  A.  Frederick,  in  continuing  the  same 
kind  of  business.  In  connection  with  their  factory  they  maintained  a  sales- 
room, and  as  they  possessed  unusual  foresight  and  skill  as  furriers  and  discern- 
ment in  matters  of  business,  succeeded  in  building  up  a  splendid  trade.  A.  Fred- 
erick Gilbert  withdrew  after  only  a  short  partnership  to  embark  in  other  busi- 
ness. G.  W.  H.  Gilbert  maintained  the  enterprise  until  1885,  when  he  also  with- 
drew from  business  activities  and  spent  several  years  in  travel.  Upon  his  re- 
turn to  Peoria  he  opened  a  real-estate  office  and  thereafter  devoted  his  atten- 
tion to  this  business.  He  is  now  living  practically  retired  and  is  temporarily 
residing  in  New  Bedford,  Massachusetts.  '  . 

Mr.  Gilbert  has  been  married  three  times.  His  first  union  was  with  Miss 
Josephine  Speers,  at  that  time  a  resident  of  Peoria,  but  who  was  born  at  Belle 
Vernon.  Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  vicinity  of  Pittsburg.  They  were 
married  in  1859,  and  Mrs.  Gilbert  passed  away  in  January,  1875.  at  the  age  of 
thirtv-nine  vears.  Seven  children  were  born  to  them,  four  of  whom  died  in 
childhood.  Those  living  are  as  follows:  Henry  S.,  the  eldest  son,  who  is  asso- 
ciated with  the  Aetna  Life  Insurance  Coinpany  at  Peoria;  Mary  W.,  who  is 
Mrs.  George  H.  Batchelor  of  New  Bedford,  Massachusetts;  and  Lester  E., 
who  is  in  the  coal  business  in  Minneapolis.  Mr.  Gilbert  subsequently  married 
]\Iiss  Alice  Osbon,  of  Ripley,  Ohio,  and  they  had  three  children,  one  of  whom 
is  now  deceased  as  is  also  the  mother,  her  death  occurring  in  i8q8.  The  two 
living  daughters  born  of  this  marriage  are :  Retta  O.,  now  Mrs  William  C.  Har- 
vey, of  Fresno,  California ;  and  Elsie  M..  now  Mrs.  J.  Warren  Braley,  of  New 
Bedford.  Massachusetts.  In  1906.  Mr.  Gilbert  married  Miss  Rebecca  S.  Foltz. 
of  Farmington.  Illinois,  who  died  in  191 1,  leaving  no  children. 

In  matters  of  relisious  faith  Mr.  Gilbert  is  a  Congregationalist,  and  he  is  a 
republican  in  his  political  views.     He  believed  in  the  Dred-Scott  Decision  when 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  427 

it  was  rendered,  but  was  converted  from  that  error  by  a  lecture  by  "Old  Doc- 
tor Baird,  the  Cosmopolitan,"  early  enough  so  that  he  was  in  the  convention  in 
Chicago  when  Mr.  Lincoln  was  nominated  for  president  the  first  time.  Al- 
though he  never  prominently  participated  in  political  matters,  he  took  an  active 
interest  in  all  local  affairs.  He  was  almost  the  first  child,  other  than  Indian, 
born  in  Peoria  county,  and  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  The  Peoria  County 
Old  Settlers  Association,  in  1867.  He  is  one  of  the  two  surviving  charter  mem- 
bers of  this  society,  of   which   he  was  secretary   for  many  years. 

Mr.  Gilbert  has  passed  almost  his  entire  life  in  Peoria  with  the  exception 
of  a  few  years  in  his  early  childhood,  when  he  resided  in  St.  Louis,  coming 
back  to  Peoria  at  the  age  of  nine.  He  was  for  many  years  prominently  identi- 
fied with  local  business  affairs  and,  owing  to  his  honorable  methods  and  fair- 
ness in  his  transactions,  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  all  who  have  had 
dealings  with  him. 


GEORGE  HELGESON  FITCH. 

Ever  since  Cervantes  laughed  romanticism  out  of  the  world,  the  pen,  inked 
with  good-natured  laughter  at  all  pretense,  dipped  in  satire  at  all  hypocrisy,  and 
in  good-natured  raillery  at  the  pretentions  of  man,  has  been  a  force  that  moves 
the  world,  and  brings  men  up  short  at  the  boundary  line  of  absurdity,  with  a 
laugh.  Peoria  is  fortunate  enough  to  possess  in  Mr.  George  Fitch  editor,  author 
and  humorist,  a  man  who  by  his  kindly  satire,  his  good-natured  ridicule  of  the 
follies  of  human  nature,  has  contributed,  much  to  the  laughter  of  the  world. 

Mr.  Fitch  at  thirty-four  years  of  age,  has  established  a  reputation  in  the 
literary  world  which  has  become  national.  He  is  known  all  over  America  as  the 
creator  of  Siwash  College  and  the  originator  of  Ole  Skjarssen.  All  the  leading 
newspapers  in  the  country  publish  daily  his  N'est  Pocket  Es.says,  and  all  the  prin- 
cipal magazines  are  proud  to  accept  his  witty  and  laughter-hlled  stories. 

George  Helgeson  Fitch  was  born  in  Galva,  Illinois,  on  June  5,  .1877.  lie 
spent  his  early  youth  in  that  city,  graduating  from  the  Galva  high  school  in  1892. 
The  next  two  years  he  was  a  clerk  in  the  local  postoffice,  but  resigned  to  enter 
Knox  College  in  1894.  The  world  owes  much  to  this  career  in  Knox.  Perhaps 
we  never  would  have  heard  of  Siwash  or  the  great  Ole,  had  it  not  been  for  George 
Fitch's  experiences  while  at  college.  The  college  atmosphere  has  tinged  most 
of  his  literary  work  since  that  time.  The  campus,  the  college  halls,  the  old  tradi- 
tions, the  co-eds,  the  fraternities,  all  formed  part  of  the  course  of  study  to  which 
Mr.  Fitch  applied  himself,  and  the  eft'ects  of  this  application,  the  keen  apprecia- 
tion of  the  humor  of  the  life,  the  kindly  memory  of  the  brotherly  spirit  which 
pervaded  it,  have  all  been  preserved  for  us,  in  the  inimitable  records  of  Old 
Siwash.  It  was  while  a  student  at  Knox  College  that  Mr.  Fitch  was  received 
into  the  I'.eta  Theta  Pi  fraternity,  a  national  institution,  which  numbers  among 
its  members  manv  journalists,  authors  and  men  of  national  reputation. 

]\lr.  iMtch  graduated  from  Knox  College  in  1897.  He  took  up  journalism 
at  once.  It  was  in  his  blood.  His  father,  E.  E.  Fitch,  was  the  owner  and  editor 
of  the  Galva  News,  and  spent  all  his  life  in  the  newspaper  profession.  After 
a  year  as  a  reporter  on  the  Galesburg  Evening  Mail,  Mr.  Fitch  returned  to  Galva, 
as  editor  of  his  father's  paper,  in  which  position  he  continued  for  three  years. 
He  worked  on  the  Fort  Madison  Republican  for  a  few  months  after  this,  and  then 
resigned  to  accept  a  position  as  editor  of  a  feature  column  on  the  Council  Bluffs 
Daily  Nonpareil.  In  this  occupation,  Mr.  Fitch  found  his  true  sphere  in  life. 
His  colunni  became  first  locally  and  then  widely  famous,  as  a  mine  of  humorous, 
scintillating  paragraphs  and  keen  satire  on  local  foibles.  .Ml  Iowa  laughed  at 
itself,  when  mirrored  in  IMr.  Fitch's  column.     Four  years  later,  Mr.  Fitch  came 


428  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  Peoria  as  managing  editor  and  feature  writer,  for  the  Peoria  Herald-Tran- 
script. Here  his  long  newspaper  experience  stood  him  in  good  stead.  The  man- 
aging editor  of  a  paper  in  a  city  of  this  size  has  many  other  things  to  do  besides 
grasping  the  opinion  of  the  hour  on  current  subjects,  and  enforcing  it  daily  in 
the  columns  of  his  paper.  He  has  largely  to  be  a  business  man,  and  administrator 
of  affairs  and  a  manager  of  men.  and  in  many  ways  a  vast  deal  more  than  the 
intellectual  interpreter  of  the  opinions  presented  in  the  journal  on  which  he 
works.  Mr.  Fitch  soon  proved  himself  an  able  editorial  writer,  never  champion- 
ing a  cause  which  he  believed  to  be  unjust,  always  ready  to  write  in  his  own 
logical,  well  balanced  and  forceful  style  for  an)'  cause  making  for  the  uplift  of 
his  community.  In  a  business  in  which  it  has  always  been  exceedingly  hard  to  be 
independent,  Mr.  Fitch  has  kept  himself  so.  His  pen  has  always  been  ready  to 
help  Peoria  in  her  plans  for  business  and  social  improvement.  Xo  plan  was  ever 
put  forward  looking  to  the  improvement,  advancement  and  beautification  of 
Peoria,  which  did  not  find  in  the  editorial  and  Straight-Talk  columns  of  the 
Herald-Transcript  a  ready  and  efficient  indorsement.  Aside  from  his  editorial 
duties  on  the  paper,  Mr.  Fitch  conducted  his  famous  "Transcripts"  column,  a 
daily  feast  of  witty  comments  on  local  happenings  and  national  politics.  Mr. 
Fitch  still  continues  to  conduct  this  column,  although  he  resigned  his  duties  as 
managing  editor  of  the  paper  two  years  ago,  in  order  to  devote  his  time  entirely 
to  magazine  work.  Peoria  has  grown  to  depend  upon  its  "Transcripts"  as  a  sauce 
of  laughter   for   its  breakfast. 

Mr.  Fitch  now  writes  for  all  the  leading  American  magazines.  His  Sivvash 
stories  first  appeared  in  the  Saturday  Evening  Post,  and  were  collected  in  book 
form,  some  two  years  ago.  The  Ladies'  Home  Journal,  The  American,  McClures, 
Hampton's  and  other  standard  periodicals,  are  always  glad  to  receive  his  work. 
His  stvle  is  luminous  and  clear,  his  wit  always  bright,  scintillating  and  free  from 
malice.  Mr.  Fitch  is  still  a  young  man  but  his  life  is  a  happy  illustration  of  the 
rewards  of  hard  work  and  talent,  when  combined  with  high  principle  and  tm- 
swerving  integrity.    His  name  is  known  in  the  highest  literary  circles  of  America. 

His  private  life  is  simple  and  unostentatious.  He  was  married  October  5, 
1904,  to  Miss  Clara  Gattrell  Lynn,  of  Kansas  City.  He  has  three  children: 
Marv  Gattrell,  aged  five  years;  Elinor  Morehead,  aged  three;  and  a  daughter, 
yet  unnamed.  His  essentially  social  nature  has  drawn  around  him  many  friends, 
who  all  delight  in  his  kindly  humor  and  his  friendly  nature.  A  man  without 
pretense,  thoroughly  genuine,  free  from  small  importances  of  lesser  minds, 
absorbed  in  his  work,  and  bent  on  doing  the  best  he  can  for  everybody,  George 
Fitch  is  making  for  himself  a  life,  filled  with  the  high  rewards  of  beneficent  labor 
and  personal  contentment. 


COLONEL  JAMES  MONTGOMERY  RICE. 

Colonel  James  ^Montgomery  Rice,  patriot  in  the  war  for  the  Union,  political, 
military,  and  economic  thinker,  high-minded  citizen,  earnest  worker  within  and 
without  the  church  for  the  cause  of  religion,  was  born  in  Monmouth.  Illinois. 
March  8,  1842.  Believing  that  an  honorable  ancestry  should  be  a  spur  to  eitort 
Colonel  Rice  took  pride  in  tracing  his  family  lineage  through  a  line  of  men. 
forceful,  democratic,  patriotic,  and  Christian  men.  found  fighting  generation 
after  generation  for  "God  and  the  right." 

lames  Rice,  born  in  England  of  Welsh  parentage,  having  proliably  been  m 
the  "battle  of  Sedgemoor  (1685),  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  New  World.  After 
William  and  Mary  were  established  on  the  throne,  leaving  his  family  in  \'irginia. 
Tames  Rice  went  back  to  receive  his  father's  estate,  but  being  captured  bv  pirates 
on  the  return  voyage,  was  never  heard  from  again.     For  three  generations  the 


JAMES  M.  KTCE 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  431 

family  lived  in  \'irginia,  moving  in  each  generation  one  step  westward,  finally 
removing  over  the  mountains  to  Kentucky,  where  iu  1812  was  born  George 
I'oague  Rice,  father  of  James  Montgomery  Rice.  George  i'oague  Rice,  educated 
for  the  ministry,  was  compelled,  through  failing  eyesight,  to  take  up  a  more 
active  life  and  became  by  turns  farmer  and  merchant  in  and  near  Oquawka,  Illi- 
nois, being  a  member  of  the  well  known  mercantile  firm  of  Phelps  &  Rice  of 
Oquawka.  Caroline  Montgomery,  whom  he  married  in  1841,  was  a  descendant 
of  John  Montgomery,  Major  of  the  Scotch-Irish  army  of  King  William  (1688- 
90).  Coming  to  this  country,  ]\Iajor  Montgomery  organized  the  white  brick 
Presbyterian  church  in  Newcastle,  Delaware,  composed  entirely  of  immigrants 
who  came  with  him,  and  became  its  first  elder.  His  son,  Alexander,  was  the 
father  of  William  Montgomery,  colonel  and  later  general  in  the  Revolutionary 
war,  and  a  member  of  congress  while  Washington  was  president.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  John  Montgomery,  son  of  General  Montgomery,  was  the  grandfather  of 
Caroline  Montgomery,  mother  of  James  Montgomery  Rice. 

James  Alontgomery  Rice  spent  the  first  fifteen  years  of  his  life  on  the  farm, 
attending  private  or  covuitry  schools  or  receiving  instruction  at  home.  After 
1852  when  the  family  was  established  at  Qquawka,  at  that  time  one  of  the 
promising  cities  of  the  state,  he  attended  an  academy  there.  At  eighteen  he 
entered  Monmouth  College.  At  the  end  of  his  freshman  year  he  was  stirred 
by  the  attack  on  the  Union,  and  though  hardly  convalescent  from  a  dangerous 
illness,  enlisted,  August  20,  1861,  as  a  private  of  Company  E,  Tenth  Illinois 
\'olunteer  Infantry.  He  was  immediately  made  corporal  and  detailed  to  Grant's 
headquarters,  where  he  served  for  two  months  as  store-keeper.  During  the 
winter  of  1861-2  his  regiment  guarded  gun-boats  in  process  of  construction  at 
Mound  City,  Illinois.  Stationed,  in  February,  1862,  at  Bird's  Point.  Missouri, 
he  took  part,  on  March  i,  in  an  engagement  near  Sykestown,  and  in  April  in 
the  battles  of  Hamburg  and  Pittsburg  Landing.  On  May  3  he  participated  in 
the  advance  on  Corinth  and  the  battle  there ;  proceeding  thence  to  Tuscumbia, 
Alabama.  He  was  sent,  August  31,  1862,  to  Nashville.  All  communication 
with  the  north  was  cut  off  for  two  months  during  Bragg  and  Buells'  campaign 
in  Kentucky ;  clothing  and  food  almost  gave  out ;  acorns  and  ear  corn,  one  ear 
per  day,  formed  their  chief  diet.  The  Fourteenth  Corps  thus  earned  its  badge, 
an  acorn,  and  the  title  of  the  "Acorn  Corps."  During  the  battle  of  Stone  River, 
the  regiment  held  Fort  Xegley.  On  the  6th  of  March,  1863,  Mr.  Rice  was  made 
sergeant  to  rank  from  January  8.  He  was  at  New  Fosterville  July  20,  and  at 
Bridgeport,  Alabama,  August  24.  On  the  ist  of  October,  1863,  his  command 
held  the  bridge  at  Bridgeport  during  the  -terrible  battle  of  Chickamauga.  On 
the  2 1  St  of  November,  they  crossed  the  Tennessee  on  pontoons,  supporting  Sher- 
man's victorious  attack  on  Bragg's  right  at  Mission  Ridge.  .A.  week  later  oc- 
curred the  engagement  with  Hardee  at  Chickamauga  Station ;  thence  the  troops 
marched  to  Ringgold  and  on  to  the  relief  of  Kno.xville,  Tennessee,  which  was 
invested  by  Longstreet,  and  later  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Rossville,  Georgia. 

In  December,  Colonel  Rice  was  recommended  for  a  commission.  He  passed 
the  examination  and  in  January,  1864,  was  detailed  to  brigade  headquarters. 
On  the  2d  of  May.  he  moved  with  Sherman  toward  Atlanta,  taking  part  in  the 
battle  of  Buzzard's  Roost  on  the  9th,  and  of  Resaca  on  the  15th;  marching  the 
following  day  toward  Rome,  which  was  taken  oil  the  i8th,  and  going  then  to 
join  the  main  army  at  .\ckvvorth,  June  3.  He  was  in  the  forward  movement 
until  the  capture  of  Atlanta.  On  the  27th  of  June  he  was  in  the  attack  on  Kene- 
saw  Mountain.  The  connnand  crossed  the  Chattahoochee,  July  18.  with  severe 
loss.  Then  came  the  battle  of  Ezra  Church  and  the  capture  of  Jonesboro. 
Meantime  his  term  of  enlistment  had  expired,  and  the  war  being  virtually  settled. 
Colonel  Rice  returned  to  the  north,  after  being  honorably  mustered  out.  Septem- 
ber 18.  1864.  During  his  three  years  of  service,  he  had  not  lost  a  single  day 
from  dutv. 


432  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Always  of  a  studious,  thouglitful  turn  of  mind,  the  young  college  boy  had 
made  use  of  the  many  idle  hours  camp  life  affords  to  continue  his  college  studies 
by  himself  or  with  his  companions,  studying  Greek,  German,  Latin  and  Survey- 
ing, and  reading  many  volumes  of  history.  On  his  return  north,  he  entered  the 
law  school  of  the  University  of  Michigan  and  took  his  degree  there  two  years 
later.  The  following  year  he  came  to  Peoria,  and  till  his  death,  continued  a 
prominent  member  of  the  Peoria  bar.  lu  1877  he  was  city  attorney.  In  1883  he 
was  admitted  to  the  district  court  of  the  United  States,  the  southern  district  court 
of  Illinois,  and  the  circuit  court,  and  in  i8go  to  the  United  States  supreme  court. 
In  1878  and  for  many  years  thereafter,  he  was  a  member  of  the  State  Bar  Asso- 
ciation and  for  several  years  previous  had  been  a  member  of  the  Chicago  Bar 
Association.  In  1879  he  became  one 'of  the  principal  organizers,  the  treasurer, 
and  a  director  of  the  Peoria  Law  Library  Association. 

Four  years  after  his  coming  to  Peoria  Colonel  Rice  had  married  Miss  Eliza 
Lillie  Ballance,  daughter  of  Colonel  Charles  and  Julia  M.  Ballance.  Airs.  Rice 
was  of  exceptional  character  and  from  this  time  until  her  death  in  1895,  their 
lives  were  closely  bound  together  and  were  mutually  helpful  and  inspiring. 
Mrs.  Rice  is  remembered  for  her  personal  charm,  combining  a  witty  and  lively 
disposition  with  deep  earnestness  of  Christian  character.  She  was  a  leader  in 
many  of  the  charitable  movements  carried  on  by  the  women  in  her  church  and 
Peoria.  There  survive  this  union  five  children :  Lillian  Ballance,  the  wife  of 
Major  Wilson  Chase,  United  States  army,  and  her  two  children,  Daniel  Mor- 
gan Brigham  and  Caroline  Rice  Brigham;  Caroline  Montgomery;  Mary  \'irginia; 
IMontgomery  Gordon,  city  attorney  and  clerk  at  Libby.  Montana ;  and  Willis  Bal- 
lance, married  to  Ruth  Little  Alason,  an  electrical  engineer  and  assistant  United 
States  patent  examiner,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Colonel  Rice  was  a  broad  thinker,  keenly  interested  in  many  lines  of  public 
life,  and  the  force  of  his  influence  was  always  directed  toward  improvement  in 
political,  military,  religious  and  social  matters.  He  was  a  recognized  leader  in 
the  republican  party.  In  1869,  secretary  and  active  manager  for  the  republican 
county  central  committee  for  Peoria  county,  he  served  in  1871  as  member  of  the 
state  legislature  that  revised  the  statutes  following  the  adoption  of  the  present 
state  constitution.  From  that  time  on,  the  weight  of  his  disinterested,  high- 
minded  thought  had  a  steady  effect  upon  local  political  affairs.  At  various 
times  he  wrote  articles  on  political  questions  that  were  broadly  published  and 
aroused  nation-wide  attention.  In  recent  years  he  became  a  republican  insurgent 
or  progressive. 

After  the  Civil  war  Colonel  Rice  took  a  keen  interest  in  military  matters.  In 
1879,  he  assisted  in  organizing  and  was  a  charter  member  of  Bryuer  Post, 
G.  A.  R..  becoming  its  first  adjutant.  In  1894-6  he  was  special  aide  on  the  staff 
of  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  G.  A.  R..  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  promot- 
ing military  training  in  schools  and  colleges,  in  which  connection  he  wrote  arti- 
cles upon  the  subject  for  the  "Army  and  Xavy  Journal"  and  other  papers.  He 
belonged  to  the  Society  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  and  was  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  the  Illinois  Society  of  the  Sons  of  the  American  Revolution.  He  was  also 
a  Kuight  Templar  Mason,  his  membership  being  in  Peoria  Commandery  No.  3. 

Colonel  Rice  attained  special  prominence  in  connection  with  his  services  in 
the  national  guard.  He  enlisted  Alay  30.  1875,  on  the  reorganization  of  the 
National  Blues,  becoming  first  sergeant,  and  in  1876,  second  lieutenant.  This 
was  the  best  drilled  company  in  the  state.  In  the  great  railroad  strike  of  1S77. 
it  went  on  duty  for  four  weeks,  when  Colonel  Rice  acted  as  adjutant  of  a  bat- 
talion of  four  companies  and  had  the  principal  management  and  direction  of 
the  whole  affair  in  Peoria,  which  he  managed  without  loss  of  property  or  life. 
Sent  to  St.  Louis,  he  took  forcible  possession  of  the  railroad  train  at  Havanna 
to  prevent  delay  and  compelled  the  railroad  company  to  clear  the  track.  Colonel 
Rice's  labors  in  behalf  of  the  improvement  and  recognition  of  the  national  guard 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  433 

liavc  placed  him  ainuny  the  men  to  w  lium  the  nation  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude, 
lie  took  special  interest  in  ritle  tiring,  believing  that  what  a  soldier  most  needed 
m  battle  was  to  know  how  to  '"hit  what  he  shot  at."  Through  his  efforts  the 
militia  of  the  state  was  brought  to  a  very  high  standard  of  efficiency  m  ritle 
.<huoting.  He  was  the  author  of  a  "Range  Manual  for  Military  Ritle  Practice," 
wliich  was  the  standard  authority  in  many  states  and  was  used  by  other  states 
and  by  many  regular  troops.  He  was  the  author  of  "Small  Arms  Practice  for 
the  National  Guard"  (1892),  which  w^as  accepted  as  authority  in  Illinois  and 
other  states.  In  1877  he  was  commissioned  captain  and  special  aide  on  the  gov- 
ernor's staff"  w'ith  orders  to  act  as  assistant  inspector  of  rifle  practice.  He  was 
made  lieutenant  colonel  and  inspector  of  rifle  practice  of  the  Second  Brigade  in 
1879,  and  in  1887  acted  as  assistant  adjutant  general  of  the  Second  Brigade  dur- 
ing the  riots  in  East  St.  Louis.  The  same  year  he  was  commissioned  lieutenant 
colonel  and  assistant  inspector  general  of  the  Second  Brigade;  and  in  i8go  was 
commissioned  colonel  and  general  inspector  of  rifle  practice,  which  otffce  he 
held  until  his  resignation  in  i8g6.  In  1897  'i^'  was  indorsed  almost  unaniniouslv 
by  the  leading  repuljlicans  of  Illinois  and  l)y  the  national  guard  ot^cers  through- 
out the  country  for  the  position  of  assistant  secretary  of  war. 

His  next  step  was  to  urge  the  recognition  of  the  national  guard  as  a  means 
of  national  defense  and  its  proper  organization  so  as  to  make  it  practically  useful 
for  that  end.  In  1884  when  the  National  Guard  Association  of  Illinois  was  or- 
ganized. Colonel  Rice  was  made  chairman  of  the  committee  on  constitution  and 
by-laws.  He  delivered  addresses  on  rifle  ]M-actice  and  on  the  proper  support  of 
tlie  civil  power  which  were  published  by  the  association  and  widely  copied  (See 
"United  Service  Magazine,"  Philadelphia,  August  18,  1884).  In  1887,  as  chair- 
man of  the  legislative  committee,  his  article  read  before  the  convention,  on 
"Military  Training  in  the  Army  and  the  National  Guard"  was  published  in  the 
Century  Magazine  (October,  i888),  and  was  largely  commented  upon  in  that 
(See  also  April.  1889)  and  other  magazines  and  military  journals.  The  princi- 
ple for  which  Colonel  Rice  contended  for  twenty  years,  was,  that  the  national 
guard  is  a  national  defence,  organized  of  the  people,  by  the  people,  and  for  the 
I)eople ;  this  he  successfully  maintained  against  apathy  and  opposition  from  everv 
quarter,  by  his  articles  in  leading  magazines  and  papers,  military  and  popular,  of 
the  country,  and  by  active  and  laborious  service  with  the  guards  in  the  field  and 
camp.  He  developed  the  principle  that  the  national  guard  as  organized,  may  be 
called  by  the  president  into  the  service  of  the  United  States;  that,  when  in  the 
service,  they  are  to  be  governed  by  the  same  rules  and  regulations,  and  to  have 
ihe  same  rights,  privileges,  and  duties  as  the  regular  troops;  and  that  they  may 
be  required  to  do  duty  "wherever  ordered,  within  or  without  the  territory  of  the 
United  -States."  This  principle,  so  necessary  to  the  public  welfare  in  time  of  na- 
tional danger,  w-as  successfully  maintained  by  several  articles  in  the  "Army  and 
Navy  Journal"  and  elsewhere,  and  is  now  a  part  of  the  United  States  law. 

In  religious  matters  Colonel  Rice  was  broad  in  his  sympathies  but  strong  in 
his  convictions,  .\ccordingly  his  counsel  and  his  power  for  organization  was 
sought  in  the  conduct  of  many  local  and  national  enterprises  for  social  better- 
ment. In  the  Presljyterian  church  he  was  a  faithful  and  active  member.  Serv- 
ing first  as  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  church 
at  Peoria,  in  1886  he  became  a  member  of  the  session  and  was  ruling  elder  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  as  well  as  a  faithful  teacher  in  the  Sunday  school.  He 
was  manv  times  a  delegate  to  the  Presbytery  and  was  commissioner  to  four  gen- 
eral assemblies  of  the  church.  In  this  capacity,  he  became  known  throughout  the 
country  as  the  author  of  "the  Peoria  Plan"  for  electing  and  organizing  the 
standing  committees  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  which  had  till  that  time  been 
appointed  by  the  moderator,  or  chairman,  of  the  assembly.  The  plan,  after  years 
of  opposition,  was  adopted,  and  has  secured  the  decentralization  of  the  clnircli 
government,  taking  the  power  from  the  hands  of  a  few  leaders  and  giving  it  to 


434  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  representatives  of  the  churches.  In  this  connection  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent Presbyterian  journals  of  the  country  calls  it  "The  joy  of  the  church." 
Aside  from  his  service  through  his  church,  Colonel  Rice  was  relied  upon  by 
many  other  worthy  undertakings  for  his  moral  and  personal  support.  He  was 
president  of  the  Peoria  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  for  two  years,  se- 
cured its  incorporation,  and  was  the  author  of  its  constitution  and  by-laws. 

On  April  ii,  1912,  in  the  midst  of  a  busy  and  useful  life,  at  the  age 
of  three  score  and  ten,  he  passed  suddenly  from  us,  a  man  high-minded, 
strong,  courageous,  patient,  tender  and  true,  one  who  has  left  a  deep  impression 
for  good  in  many  lines  of  progress,  relating  to  the  political,  social,  military,  eco- 
nomic, and  religious  development  of  the  countrj-.  All  Peoria  named  him  as  one 
of  the  city's  leading  and  honored  citizens,  who  had  exerted  a  powerful  influence 
tipon  those  enduring  forms  of  progress  which  have  their  inception  in  thought 
and  research,  in  clear  reason  and  keen  perception,  and  in  high  character,  and 
which  are  ultimatelv  manifest  in  resultant  and  beneficial  action. 


BEN  I A  MIX  C.  KOCH. 


F)enjaniin  C.  Koch,  who  maintains  an  office  in  the  Masonic  Temple  where 
he  engages  in  the  buying  and  selling  of  farm  lands,  is  one  of  the  most  exten- 
sive real-estate  operators  in  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  Tremont,  Illinois,  on  the 
25th  of  May,  1873,  and  is  a  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Casper  Koch,  natives  of  Ger- 
many. They  emigrated  to  America  in  1851  and  settled  on  a  farm  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Tremont  and  there  their  eleven  children  were  born.  The  father  passed 
away  in  1875,  but  the  mother  retained  the  farm,  which  she  cultivated  with  the 
assistance  of  her  children,  continuing  to  make  her  home  there  until  her  death  on 
the  Sth  of  April,   191 1. 

The  youngest  member  of  the  family,  Benjamin  C.  Koch  was  only  two 
years  of  age  when  his  father  passed  away.  He  pursued  his  education  in  the 
common  schools  until  he  was  twelve,  when  he  laid  aside  his  text-books  and 
helped  in  the  cultivation  of  the  home  farm.  Agricultural  pursuits  engaged  his 
undivided  attention  from  that  time  until  he  had  attained  his  majority,  when 
he  started  out  in  the  world  to  make  his  own  way.  It  was  his  intention  to  en- 
gage in  the  buying  and  selling  of  farming  property,  but  as  the  land  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  his  home  was  too  dear,  he  invested  his  capital  in  ^Mercer  county,  this 
state.  He  has  never  engaged  in  a  brokerage  business,  always  having  bought 
and  sold  for  himself  alone.  At  first  he  confined  his  etiforts  to  this  state,  but 
later  he  extended  his  activities  to  Iowa,  and  finally  established  a  large  German 
colony  at  Oakville,  Louisa  county,  that  state.  This  was  a  stupendous  under- 
taking as  he  handled  about  a  half  a  million  dollars  worth  of  land  in  that  sec- 
tion in  iQOi.  The  next  year  he  began  operations  in  bottom  lands  in  Hancock 
countv,  but  that  spring  the  levees  in  the  river  broke,  flooding  all  of  the  coun- 
try thereabout.  This  naturally  retarded  the  development  of  his  project  and  in 
order  not  to  lose  either  time  or  money  in  awaiting  the  completion  of  the  en- 
gineering work  necessary  to  drain  the  land,  he  traded  his  holdings  for  a  tract 
in  the  Red  River  valley,  ^linnesota.  He  is  now  very  enthusiastic  over  this  section 
which  he  believes  to  be  one  of  the  most  promising  portions  of  the  state. 
A  man  of  unusual  sagacity,  he  exercises  good  foresight  and  clear  judgment  in 
the  ]5romotion  of  his  interests  and  always  selects  land  in  or  adjacent  to  a  thriv- 
ing town.  He  now  owns  two  thousand  acres  in  Marshall  county,  adjoining 
Warren,  the  county  seat,  and  he  also  has  a  section  at  Grand  Forks  and  three 
thousand  acres  in  small  tracts  in  the  Red  River  valley.  In  addition  to  this  he 
has  holdings  in  other  portions  of  Illinois,  Iowa,  Missouri,  Indiana  and  Califor- 
nia, but  his  greatest   interests  are   in   Minnesota.     His   thorough   knowledge   of 


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BENJAMIN  C.  KOCH 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  437 

practical  agricultural  methods  lias  been  of  inestimable  value  to  Mr.  Koch,  who 
has  thus  been  able  to  more  intelligently  cultivate  and  improve  farms  that  were 
badly  run  down,  and  greatly  increase  his  profits.  He  has  met  with  remarkable 
success  in  his  business,  the  entire  knowledge  and  understanding  of  which  he  has 
gained  through  his  experience  in  developing  and  promoting  his  own  projects. 
He  is  a  man  of  luuch  determination  of  purpose,  who  has  the  inherent  faculty 
of  directing  large  undertakings  and  is  sufficiently  resourceful  to  successfully 
meet  and  overcome  obstacles  that  would  conquer  one  possessed  of  less  resolu- 
tion and  perspicacity. 

Mr.  Koch  was  united  in  marriage  on  the  29th  of  May,  1894,  to  Miss  Rertha 
Schneider,  a  daughter  of  John  Schneider  of  Peoria,  who  formerly  engaged  in 
the  barbers'  supplies  business,  but  is  now  retired.  They  have  one  son,  .Albert 
H.,  now  a  youth  of  sixteen  years,  attending  high  school  at  Tremont.  Illinois, 
where  Mr.    Koch   resides. 

As  prosperity  has  attended  the  endeavors  of  Mr.  Koch  he  lias  turned  his 
attention  to  other  activities  and  is  the  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Domestic 
X'acuum  Sweeper  Company,  of  which  Silas  Ropp  is  the  president  and  John  E. 
( lerber,  vice  president  and  general  manager.  They  have  the  sole  distribution  of 
this  device  and  it  is  the  only  machine  of  the  kind  manufactured  in  central  Illi- 
nois. Mr.  Koch  assisted  in  the  organization  and  financing  of  the  company  from 
the  first  and  has  been  one  of  its  most  active  promoters.  He  likewise  holds  the 
mineral  rights  to  thirty-six  hundred  acres  of  land  in  Morrison  county,  Minne- 
sota, the  development  of  which  he  feels  assured  will  bring  him  handsome  divi- 
dends. In  his  judgment  real  estate  afifords  one  of  the  best  and  most  certain 
sources  of  revenue  at  the  present  time.  Land  values  everywhere  are  advanc- 
ing, and  there  is  no  likelihood  of  their  depreciating,  and  whenever  he  disposes 
i)f  one  holding  he  reinvests  elsewhere,  constantly  being  on  the  watch  for  oppor- 
tunities. His  dealings  have  proven  very  lucrative  and  he  has  met  with  most 
gratifving  prosperity  and  is  now  recognized  as  one  of  the  substantial  business 


ni 


en  uf   Peoria. 


GILMA.X   W I  LI.  ART)  A\ERY. 

(iilman  \\  illard  Avery  was  connected  with  a  business  that  for  almost  a  half 
century  featured  as  one  of  the  important  productive  industries  of  Peoria.  The 
Comstock-Avery  Furniture  Company  controlled  one  of  the  leading  retail  furni- 
ture enterprises  of  the  city,  their  establishment  being  one  of  the  largest  in  the 
state  outside  of  Chicago.  Year  after  year,  active  in  its  management,  Oilman  VV. 
Avery  contributed  in  large  measure  to  its  success  and  its  prosperity  in  great 
measure  was  due  to  his  business  sagacit)-,  executive  ability  and  untiring  efforts. 
Jn  January,  1910,  however,  the  firm  passed  out  of  existence.  Mr.  Avery  passed 
the  seventy-first  milestone  on  life's  journey,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Green- 
ville, New  Hampshire.  March  14,  1S35.  He  was  a  son  of  Amos  and  Lydia 
(  Evans)  Avery.  The  father  was  a  farmer  of  that  section  but,  finding  the  coun- 
try unfavorable  for  that  purpose  he  removed  to  Jaffrey  in  the  same  state  when 
his  son  was  ten  years  of  age. 

Oilman  W.  Avery  pursued  the  greater  part  of  his  education  in  the  schools 
around  Jaffrey,  supplemented  by  a  course  in  the  Kimball  Union  .Academy  at 
Meriden.  Xew  Hampshire.  For  some  years  after  his  graduation  he  followecl  the 
profession  of  school  teaching,  first  at  Westmoreland,  New  Hampshire,  and  after- 
ward at  Greenfield,  Greene  county,  Missouri,  whither  he  removed  at  the  age  of 
nineteen  years.  A  little  later  he  became  a  resident  of  Ebenezer,  Missouri,  where 
he  established  a  high  scliool,  which  he  conducted  successfullv  for  a  few  vears. 


438  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

His  next  removal  was  to  Lebanon,  Missouri,  where  he  opened  a  general  store. 

His  previous  experience  as  a  teacher  continued  to  prove  of  worth  to  him  in  this 
connection,  for  he  had  cultivated  the  habit  of  studying  and  analyzing  his  pupils 
and  this  proved  of  value  to  him  in  understanding  his  patrons.  He  continued  the 
business  until  it  was  completely  ruined  by  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  after 
which  he  returned  to  the  east  and  spent  the  winter  in  teaching  school  at  Broc- 
ton,  New  York.  In  the  following  August  he  located  at  Gridley,  Illinois,  where 
he  engaged  in  general  merchandising,  but  the  following  fall  he  came  to  Peoria 
and  here  resided  until  his  death  in  igo6. 

In  1861  had  been  organized  the  furniture  and  house  supply  business  which  he 
entered  as  a  partner  in  1864  under  the  style  of  Comstock  &  Avery.  The  business 
was  continued  under  that  name  until  1892,  when  it  was  incorporated  as  the  Com- 
stock-Avery  Furniture  Company.  Oilman  W.  Avery  had  entire  charge  of  the 
business  and  its  success  and  constant  prosperity  were  the  direct  result  of  his 
capable  management.  The  business  grew  yearly,  its  output  constantly  increasing 
to  meet  the  growing  demand  of  the  trade  until  finally  its  field  of  activity  covered 
central  Illinois.  For  some  time  prior  to  his  death  Mr.  Avery  was  in  failing 
health  and  in  December.  1905,  went  to  Biloxi,  ^Mississippi,  to  escape  the  rigorous 
winter  of  the  north.    There  he  passed  away  on  the  24th  of  ]March.  1906. 

It  was  on  the  i8th  of  January,  1859,  that  i\Ir.  Avery  was  married  to  Miss 
Ellen  Haywood,  of  East  Jaftrey,  Xew  Hampshire,  who  died  April  19.  1890. 
Some  time  afterward  he  was  again  married,  his  second  wife  being  ^liss  Alice 
J.  Sawyer,  of  Peterboro,  Xew  Hampshire.  By  the  first  marriage  there  were 
three  children,  Frank  E..  Preston  A.  and  Fred  H.,  of  whom  the  eldest  and  the 
youngest  are  living,  while  Preston  A.  died  in  1864.  Mr.  Avery  held  membership 
in  the  Baptist  church  and  was  long  a  factor  in  the  church  work  of  the  city.  Reli- 
gion was  to  him  a  matter  of  evervday  conduct  and  not  merely  of  Sabbath  observ- 
ance. His  belief  leavened  his  life  and  influenced  his  actions  and  made  liim  at 
all  times  considerate  of  the  welfare  and  rights  of  others.  At  one  time  he  was 
a  member  of  the  citv  council  and  he  was  ever  essentially  a  public-spirited  man. 
interested  in  the  welfare  and  progress  of  Peoria  to  the  extent  of  giving  active  aid 
to  those  projects  whereby  the  interests  of  the  cit\'  were  conserved.  At  his  death 
he  left  an  tmassailable  reputation  for  integrity  and  uprightness  of  character  and 
a  legacy  of  unsurpassed  honesty  as  a  heritage  to  his  sons. 


HON.  ALVA  MERRILL. 

Of  the  Hon.  Alva  Merrill  it  has  been  said :  "He  has  at  all  times  utilized  his 
public  honors  for  the  best  good  of  his  fellow  townsmen  rather  than  as  an  oppor- 
tunity for  self-promotion  or  personal  gain."  As  a  member  of  the  general  assembly 
he  stood  loyally  for  measures  and  movements  which  he  believed  for  the  best 
interests  of  the  commonwealth.  He  held  a  number  of  township  and  county 
oflfices  and  is  still  serving  in  public  office  as  deputy  internal  revenue  collector 
of  the  Peoria  district.  He  was  born  in  Medina  township,  Peoria  county,  October 
9.  1854,  and  is  a  son  of  Samuel  and  ^lary  T.  (Lake)  ^lerrill.  natives  respectively 
of  Ohio  and  Indiana.  The  paternal  grandfather  also  bore  the  name  of  Samuel 
Merrill. 

Upon  the  old  home  farm  .Alva  ^Merrill  was  reared  and  in  the  district  schools 
pursued  his  education,  yet  learned  manv  valuable  lessons  in  the  school  of  ex- 
perience. His  home  trainine,  too.  taught  him  the  value  of  industry  and  per- 
severance— qualities  which  have  since  been  manifest  in  his  life.  Subseouently 
he  removed  to  Hallock,  Peoria  countv.  where  he  engaged  in  farming,  cultivating 
a  good  tract  of  land  there  which  he  brought  under  a  high  state  of  development. 

In  the  meantime  Mr.  Merrill  had  married,  having  on  the  loth  of  February, 


^! 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  439 

i8Si,  wedded 'Miss  Henrietta  Saxton,  a  daugliter  of  Frederick  and  Sarali  Saxton, 
early  settlers  of  Halloclv  township.  Mrs.  Merrill  died  May  13,  1892,  leaving  two 
children,  Mabel  and  Clifford.  On  the  i6th  of  October,  1900,  Mr.  Merrill  wedded 
Mrs.  Florence  A.  West  (nee  Humiihrey),  a  native  of  Lima,  Livingston  connty, 
New  York.  They  now  reside  at  114  LaSalle  avenue,  Peoria,  in  a  beautiful  home 
in  every  sense  of  the  word.  Mrs.  Alerrill  is  very  much  interested  in  benevolent 
and  philanthropic  projects,  is  now  president  of  the  Florence  Crittenden  Home 
and  is  interested  in  the  Neighborhood  House.  She  is  also  a  member  of  the  Re- 
search Club  and  takes  an  active  part  in  the  practical  club  work  for  the  poor 
and  needy.  She  cares  nothing  for  those  clubs  which  are  formed  merely  for 
sociability  and  display  but  cooperates  heartily  in  every  organized  project  for 
the  benefit  of  those  to  whom  the  public  should  render  assistance. 

In  politics  yir.  ^lerrill  is  a  republican  and  has  frec|uently  lieen  honored  with 
positions  of  political  preferment.  For  five  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  Poor 
Farm  board  of  inspectors.  He  was  elected  to  the  state  legislature  for  Peoria 
county  in  1894,  and  was  reelected  in  1896,  '98  and  1900,  thus  serving  for  four 
consecutive  terms  in  the  Illinois  house  of  representatives.  He  was  appointed  to 
a  number  of  important  committees  and  during  the  fortieth  general  assembly  was 
chairman  of  the  conuuittee  on  public  charities,  one  of  the  most  important  in  the 
state.  As  a  politician  his  rc])utation  was  unsullied,  and  his  independence  of  thought 
and  action  gained  for  him  the  admiration  and  confidence  of  those  who  had  elected 
him.  His  record  in  the  house  was  characterized  by  the  utmost  devotion  to  the 
public  good,  based  upon  an  intimate  knowledge  of  needs  and  conditions  and  an 
understanding  of  the  opportunities  for  advancing  the  public  w'elfare.  As  deputy 
internal  revenue  collector  he  travels  over  central  Illinois  and  "knows  every 
boy  and  girl,  every  road  and  every  store  in  the  revenue  district."  Recently  Mr. 
Merrill  was  a  candidate  for  congress  running  against  Colonel  Fred  H.  Smith 
and  made  a  very  good  race,  although  he  was  beaten.  It  seems  that  everybody  is 
ac(|uaiiUed  with  him,  that  everybody  likes  him  and  that  his  worth  is  appreciated 
by  all.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  of  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp.  While  well  fitted  for  leadership  by  reason  of  his  ability 
he  is  "of  the  people  and  for  the  people."  Fle  has  ever  regarded  a  public  office 
as  a  public  trust  and  no  trust  reposed  in  Mr.  Merrill  has  ever  been  betrayed. 


PHILIP  MAHEK. 


Philip  Maher,  who  since  1904  has  resided  in  Elmwood,  is  a  native  of  this 
county,  born  in  Brimfield,  August  3,  1862,  his  parents  being  John  and  Saloma 
(Snyder)  ]\Iaher.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  the  mother  was  born 
in  Aliddletown,  Butler  county,  Ohio.  The  father  came  to  America  when  he 
was  twenty  years  of  age,  and  located  in  Ohio  where  he  was  married.  In  1857  he 
removed  to  Peoria  county  and  here  became  the  owner  of  an  excellent  farm 
where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Pie  was  a  democrat  in  politics,  but 
being  a  quiet  and  retiring  man,  he  never  aspired  to  public  office.  He  died  May 
5,  1908,  and  his  wife,  preceding  him  by  a  few  years,  passed  away  in  1902.  She 
was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  In  their  family  were  four  children, 
the  eldest  of  whom  died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  The  others  are :  Mrs.  Clara 
Reed,  Edwin  ]\I.  and  Philip,  of  this  review. 

The  last  named  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of  this  county 
and  Rrimfield  high  school.  He  grew  to  manhood  on  his  father's  farm,  and  in 
1888  started  out  in  life  for  himself  by  purchasing  a  farm  of  seventy  acres  in. 
Brimfield  township.  Later  selling  that  he  purchased  another  farm,  and  now  is 
the  owner  of  an  excellent  tract  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  acres.  Besides  his 
land  in  this  county  he  also  owns  some  farmland  in  Canada.     Since  1904  he  has 


440  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

lived  in  Elmwood  in  a  lieautiful  home  which  he  erected  here.  In  1908  he  pur- 
chased the  Ehnwood  telephone  exchange  in  partnersliip  with  D.  E.  Kemp,  and 
later  he  bought  the  interests  of  Mr.  Kemp.  After  two  years  he  sold  the  tele- 
phone exchange  to  his  brother,  and  has  since  lived  retired. 

On  the  30th  of  September,  1891,  Mr.  Maher  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Anna  Davis,  a  native  of  Millbrook  township,  this  county,  and  a  daughter 
of  R.  C.  and  Margaret  (Kaiser)  Davis.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maher  has  been 
born  one  son,  John  R.,  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Maher  has  always  been  an 
energetic  and  progressive  man,  highly  honored  in  his  community,  and  he  served 
as  member  of  the  board  of  review  in  1910.  Both  he  and  Mrs.  Maher  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbyterian  church.  Mr.  Maher  has  ever  been  a  man  of  action, 
rather  than  of  theory,  and  vvith  clear  brain  and  willing  hands  he  has  applied 
himself  seriously  to  the  rules  of  labor  and  responsibilities  of  life,  and  now  is 
counted  among  the  good,   substantial  residents  of   Peoria  county. 


THOMAS  J.  EDWARDS. 

An  analyzation  of  the  business  career  of  Thomas  J.  Edwards  shows  that  no 
especially  favorable  circumstances  aided  him  at  the  outset  of  his  career  but  that 
persistent  effort  and  intelligently  directed  labor  have  brought  him  to  the  creditable 
position  which  he  now  occupies.     After  long  connection  with  agricultural  inter- 
ests he  entered  into  active  connection  with  the  coal  trade  and  is  now  president 
of  the  Edwards  Coal  Company  of  Peoria,  operating  mines  four  miles  west  of 
Edwards  Station.     Almost  his  entire  life  has  been  passed  in  Peoria  county,  to 
which  his  parents  removed  during  his  infancy,  so  that  he  was  here  reared  and 
educated.     His  birth,  however,  occurred  in  Marshall  county,  this  state,  December 
23,   1853,  his  parents  being  Sylvester  S.  and  Mary  J.    (Schimp)    Edwards.     In 
the  paternal  line  he  comes  from  one  of  the  old  Mrginia  families.     His  grand- 
parents were  Thomas  and  Elinor  (Scott)   Edwards,  lioth  of  whom  were  natives 
of    Hampshire   county,    \'irginia,   where   they   owned   a   large   plantation  and  a 
number  of  slaves.     However,  they  sought  the  opportunities  of  the  growing  west 
in  1834,  removing  to  Illinois  when  all  this  section  of  the  state  was  a  w^ild  and 
unimproved   district,    in   which   the    work    of   civilization   and   progress    seemed 
scarcely  begun.     Thomas  Edwards  secured  a  tract  of  land  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres"  on  which  not  a  furrow  had  been  turned  or  an  improvement  made, 
but  with   characteristic   energy   he  began   its   development   and   transformed  the 
wild  prairie  tract  into  rich  and  fertile  fields,  from  which  were  annually  gathered 
rich  harvests.     The  family  bore  all  the  hardships  and  privations  of  pioneer  life 
and  the  county  owes  much  to  their  efforts,  for  they  have  not  only  contributed 
to  the  agricultural  progress  of  the  community  but  have  ever  stood  loyally  in  sup- 
port of  all  interests  and  measures  which  have  been  an  element  for  growth  and 
advancement  here.     Unto  Thomas  and  Elinor  Edwards  were  born  five  children : 
Sylvester  S.,  Isadora,  Sarah  Jane,  George  W.  and  Edward  D.,  all  now  deceased. 
Sylvester  S.  Edwards  was  a  lad  of  but  nine  years  when  his  parents  became 
residents  of  Rosefield  township  and  from  that  time  until  his  demise  he  resicled 
on  the  old  homestead.     He  assisted  his  father  in  the  arduous  task  of  developing 
new   land,  of  breaking  the  sod  and  turning  the  first   furrows.     He  thus   early 
learned  the  value  of  industry,  determination  and  perseverance — qualities  which 
placed  him  with  the  substantial  citizens  of  the  community  as  the  years  passed 
by.     He  turned  from  farm  life  to  commercial  pursuits  and  for  a  short  period 
engaged  in  the  grocery  business  prior  to  the  Civil  war,  but  when  hostilities  broke 
out   between  the  north  and  the  south   his  patriotic   spirit  was  aroused  and  he 
ofl'ered  his  services  to  the  country,  enlisting  as  a  member  of  Company  K,  Seventy- 
seventh  Illinois  Infantrv.     He  was  assigned  to  the  position  of  second  lieutenant 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  441 

and  ])articipated  in  Bank's  Red  River  expedition.  He  was  captured  and  im- 
prisoned at  Camp  Ford,  Tyler,  Texas.  At  the  time  of  his  capture  he  was  acting 
as  cajjtain  of  Company  F.  Subsequently  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  first 
lieutenant  in  recognition  of  his  bravery,  daring  and  efficiency  on  the  battlefield. 
He  made  a  most  creditable  military  record,  showing  himself  to  be  possessed  of 
fine  soldiery  cjualities,  combined  with  the  spirit  of  patriotism  which  led  the 
boys  in  blue  year  after  year  to  stand  by  the  old  flag  and  defend  the  Union 
interests.  When  the  war  ended  he  resumed  farming  but  again  entered  the 
mercantile  field  in  the  winter  of  1875-76,  opening  a  store  at  Edwards  Station, 
where  he  also  served  as  postmaster.  His  was  an  active,  useful  and  well  spent 
life,  commending  him  to  the  good-will  and  confidence  of  all  who  knew  him. 

The  boyhood  days  of  Thomas  J.  Edwards  were  spent  upon  the  old  home 
farm  which  his  grandfather  had  entered  from  the  government  when  this  was  a 
frontier  district.  He  attended  the  district  schools  and  also  pursued  a  thorough 
course  in  the  Normal  School  at  Peoria,  h'or  ten  or  twelve  terms  he  engaged  in 
teaching,  i^roving  a  capal)le  educator  who  imparted  readily  and  clearly  to  others 
the  knowleiige  that  he  had  ac(|uired.  He  also  took  up  the  study  of  telegraphy 
in  Oberlin,  Ohio,  but  the  occupation  to  which  he  was  reared  proved  most  attractive 
to  him  and  when  twenty-one  years  of  age  he  began  farming  on  his  own  account. 
Year  after  year  he  tilled  the  soil  and  year  after  year  gathered  golden  harvests 
as  the  reward  of  his  labors.  He  was  busily  employed  in  this  way  until  about 
1890,  when  his  fellow  townsmen,  appreciative  of  his  worth  and  ability,  elected 
him  to  the  state  legislature,  in  which  he  served  for  two  years.  On  his  retirement 
from  office  he  established  his  home  in  Peoria,  where  he  became  connected  with 
the  coal  trade,  being  now  president  of  the  Edwards  Coal  Company  of  this  city, 
engaged  in  the  operation  of  mines  four  miles  west  of  Edwards  Station.  For 
about  twenty  years  he  has  now  been  engaged  in  the  coal  business  as  a  mine 
operator  and  has  met  with  splendid  success  in  this  field. 

On  the  24th  of  September,  1877,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Edwards 
and  Miss  Martha  J.  I3all,  who  was  born  March  2,  1853,  at  St.  Anthony's  Falls, 
Minnesota,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Reuben  F.  and  Rebecca  (F"ullerton)  Ball,  both 
natives  of  Maine,  tlie  former  born  in  Wilton  and  the  latter  in  Woolwich.  The 
father  was  one  of  the  three  children  of  Levi  and  Mary  (Le  Land)  I'all  and  the 
former  was  a  son  of  John  I'all,  a  representative  of  an  old  English  family  that 
was  founded  in  America  in  cojonial  days.  The  Le  Lands  were  also  of  English 
lineage,  one  of  their  ancestors  being  James  Le  Land.  The  paternal  grandfather 
of  }ilrs.  Edwards  was  a  farmer  by  occupation.  The  father  followed  merchandis- 
ing until  1849  when,  attracted  by  the  discovery  of  gold  on  the  Pacific  coast,  he 
went  to  California.  In  1851  he  became  a  resident  of  St.  Anthony's  Falls,  Min- 
nesota, and  resumed  mercantile  pursuits,  conducting  three  stores  in  that  town 
and  two  at  St.  Cloud.  He  likewise  acted  as  Indian  agent  and  was  one  of  the 
prominent  factors  in  business  life  upon  the  frontier,  for  Minnesota  was  then 
in  the  period  of  its  pioneer  develojiment.  In  1863  he  removed  with  his  family 
to  Vineland,  New  Jersey,  becoming  proprietor  of  the  only  store  of  the  town, 
which  he  was  largely  instrumental  in  upbuilding.  About  the  close  of  the  Civil 
war  he  became  a  resident  of  Peoria,  where  he  successfully  conducted  mercantile 
interests.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ball  were  very  prominent  in  the  community  where  they 
lived  and  were  faithful  members  of  the  Universalist  churcli.  Mr.  Ball  has  now 
passed  away  but  his  widow  still  survives.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  chil- 
dren, of  whom  four  are  yet  living.  Martha,  Susan  J.,  William  L.  and  Abigail  V. 
As  previously  stated,  the  eldest  became  the  wife  of  Mr.  lidwards  and  unto 
this  marriage  there  were  born  nine  children,  Otis  W.,  Thomas  J.,  John.  Anthony 
R.,  LeRoy  E.,  Malcolm  H.,  May,  Clarence  L.  and  Essie  E.  There  are  also  five 
grandchildren,  Walter,  George,  Julian,  Esther  and  Louisa  Edwards. 

When  age  conferred  upon  Thomas  J.  Edwards  the  right  of  franchise  lie 
became  a  supporter  of  the  republican  party,  casting  his  first  vote  for  General 
Grant.    While  a  resident  of  Kickapoo  township  he  filled  the  office  of  justice  of 


442  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  peace  and  twice  he  has  served  as  supervisor,  his  reelection  coming  to  him  in 
recognition  of  his  faithfulness  and  capability  during  his  first  term.  He  holds 
membership  in  the  Episcopal  church,  to  which  he  is  most  devoted,  contributing 
generously  to  its  sujjport  and  doing  all  in  his  power  to  further  its  interests. 
He  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  also  to  the  Sons  of 
\''eterans.  Progress  and  patriotism  may  well  be  termed  the  keynote  of  his  char- 
acter. At  all  times  he  stands  for  that  which  is  most  beneficial  to  the  welfare 
of  city,  county  and  state.  He  has  earned  for  himself  an  enviable  reputation  as 
a  careful  man  of  business  and  in  his  dealings  is  known  for  his  prompt  and  hon- 
orable methods,  which  have  won  him  the  deserved  and  unbounded  confidence 
of  his  fellowmen. 


HOX.   lOHX  DAILEY. 


Peoria  and  the  surrounding  country  know  the  Hon.  John  Dailey  as  an  able 
member  of  the  bar.  The  state  at  large  is  familiar  with  his  record  as  a  member 
of  the  senate  to  which  he  was  elected  on  the  republican  ticket.  His  mental 
force,  his  patriotic  spirit,  his  devotion  to  the  general  good  have  placed  him  in  a 
position  of  leadership  in  the  upper  house,  and  his  friends,  who  are  many,  are 
predicting  that  higher  honors  await  him.  Should  he  not  again  enter  public  office 
he  will  undoubteclly  leave  his  impress  upon  the  history  of  the  state  because  of 
his  well  known  ability  as  advocate  and  counselor,  his  work  during  twenty-one 
years'  connection  with  the  Peoria  bar  being  evidence  of  his  ability  in  that  direc- 
tion. He  was  admitted  to  practice  in  i8go  at  which  time  he  was  a  young  man 
of  tw-enty-three  years.  His  birth  occurred  in  Peoria  on  the  17th  of  April,  1867, 
his  parents  being  John  and  Hannah  (Murphy)  Dailey.  The  father  was  a  veteran 
of  two  wars,  the  Mexican  and  the  Civil.  He  first  came  to  Peoria  in  1849  from 
the  state  of  New  York  and  remained  here  for  several  years,  after  which  he  re- 
returned  east  and  enlisted  in  a  Massachusetts  regiment  in  defense  of  the  stars 
and  stripes,  following  the  outbreak  of  hostilities  between  the  north  and  the  south. 
He  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Antietam  and  as  a  result  of  his  injuries  was 
honorably  discharged.  After  the  war  he  returned  to  Peoria  where  he  conducted 
business  as  a  shoemaker.    He  died  in  December,  1908,  but  his  wife  is  still  living. 

It  was  in  this  city  that  the  Hon.  John  Dailey  was  reared  and  in  the  local 
schools  he  pursued  his  education  until  graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the 
class  of  1885.  He  afterward  entered  the  University  of  Michigan  and  there 
studied  until  graduated  from  the  law  department  with  the  class  of  1890.  He 
likewise  pursued  a  literary  course  in  that  institution  and  thus  came  to  the  bar 
well  equipped  for  the  duties  which  devolved  upon  him,  his  broad  knowledge  and 
natural  resourcefulness  qualifying  him  to  take  up  the  onerous  duties  of  the  pro- 
fession. In  connection  with  Harry  S.  Miller  in  1904.  he  organized  the  law  firm 
of  Dailey  &  Miller  and  has  since  continued  in  practice.  The  carefulness  with 
which  he  has  prepared  his  cases  and  the  force  w-ith  which  he  presents  his  cause 
have  often  excited  and  ahvays  w^on  the  admiration  of  his  contemporaries  and 
colleagues.  He  readilv  understands  the  relation  of  cause  and  effect  and  this  is 
a  valuable  element  in  sifting  out  his  evidence  to  gain  the  salient  points  in  the 
litigation.  He  alwavs  prepares  for  defense  as  well  as  attack  and  his  ability  is 
further  attested  by  the  manv  verdicts  which  he  has  won  favorable  to  the  inter- 
ests of  his  clients. 

Aside  from  his  profession  Mr.  Dailey's  greatest  activity  is  manifest  in  the 
field  of  politics.  He  served  as  assistant  city  attorney  from  1894  until  1896  and 
in  the  latter  year  was  elected  to  the  ofifice  of  state's  attorney  of  Peoria  county 
for  a  four  years'  term.  He  was  a  member  of  the  forty-fourth  general  assembly, 
and  is  now  serving  for  his  first  term  as  a  member  of  the  senate.  He  is  chair- 
man of  the  legislative  public  utilities  committee  and  was  the  author  of  the  cor- 


JOHN  ])A1LEY 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  445 

rupt  practice  bill  which  was  passed  in  the  last  senate  but  was  defeated  in  the 
house.  He  was  also  chairman  of  the  committee  on  primary  elections  which  pre- 
pared the  present  primary  law,  Senator  Dailey  doing  much  of  the  work  on  that 
document.  In  relation  to  his  public  service  one  of  the  local  papers  has  said: 
"In  1895  he  was  appointed  assistant  city  attorney  and  in  that  capacity  he  demon- 
strated his  capabilities  to  such  effect  that  in  the  following  year  he  was  nominated 
for  the  office  of  state's  attorney  on  the  republican  ticket  and  was  elected  by  a 
large  majority.  Here  his  talents  were  given  full  play,  and  during  the  four  years 
that  he  held  the  office  his  profound  knowledge  of  the  law  and  his  forensic  ability 
brought  him  conspicuously  to  the  front.  In  1905  he  was  elected  one  of  the  rep- 
resentatives from  the  Peoria  district  to  the  forty-fourth  general  assembly  and 
in  1909  was  elected  a  member  of  the  state  senate.  As  a  state  senator  his  course 
has  been  marked  with  an  honesty  of  purpose,  an  aggressiveness  and  a  natural  gift 
of  oratory  that  have  made  him  the  leader  on  the  floor  and  placed  him  in  the 
front  rank  as  one  of  the  political  leaders  in  the  state  in  the  interests  of  the  re- 
publican party  and  of  the  people  at  large.  John  Dailey,  in  the  exercise  of  natural 
qualities,  rises  far  above  the  ordinary  politician.  Skilled  in  the  rules  of  debate, 
gifted  with  a  splendid  oratorical  presence  and  power,  equal  to  any  emergency 
and  actuated  by  an  inborn  sense  of  right  and  justice,  he  exhibits  all  the  qualities 
of  the  statesman  and  in  the  not  distant  future  he  will  be  called  upon  to  guide 
the  destinies  of  this,  the  third  state  in  the  Union,  or  to  take  a  seat  in  the  coun- 
cils of  the  nation." 

In  1895  ^fr.  Dailey  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Clara  F.  Johnston,  of 
Peoria,  the  daughter  of  Robert  F.  Johnston,  who  was  a  retired  farmer  and  died 
in  1910.  ]\Irs.  Dailey  was  born  and  reared  in  this  county  and  by  her  marriage 
has  become  the  mother  of  one  daughter,  Lucille.  Fraternally  Mr.  Dailey  is  con- 
nected with  the  Masons  and  his  belief  in  and  loyalty  to  the  order  has  caused 
him  to  advance  through  it  various  branches  until  he  has  reached  the  thirty- 
second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite.  He  is  also  a  member  of  Mohammed  Temple 
of  the  Mystic  Shrine  and  in  his  further  fraternal  relations  is  coimected  with  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  Knights  of  Khorassan,  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of 
Elks  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  well  known  in  the  meml)er- 
ship  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  those  who  oppose  him  politically  have  enter- 
tained the  highest  respect  for  him  personally,  recognizing  the  fact  that  he  has 
made  wise  use  of  his  natural  gifts  and  that  they  have  been  enhanced  by  persist- 
ent application,  bringing  him  to  a  most  creditable  position  in  the  front  ranks  of 
the  active  men,  distinguished  lawyers  and  political  leaders  of  the  state.  He  is 
ever  a  factor  to  be  reckoned  with  for  it  is  well  known  that  nothing  can  swerve 
him  from  a  course  which  he  believes  to  be  right. 


OTH.MAR  M.  KLEIX. 


In  this  commercial  age  character  and  attainments  are  to  a  large  extent  judged 
by  business  success.  The  standard  is  a  good  one  since  commercial  prominence 
is  gained  only  through  hard  work  and  alert  judgment  and  a  discriminating  mind. 
A  man  in  whose  business  career  these  qualities  have  been  dominating  factors  is 
Othmar  M.  Klein,  president  of  the  Klein-Watson  Company,  engaged  in  the 
general  contracting  and  plastering  business  in  this  city.  The  firm  has  offices  in 
the  Jefferson  building,  where  they  have  been  located  since  March,  1910.  Mr. 
Klein  was  born  in  Pekin,  Illinois,  December  5,  1876.  His  family  is  of  German 
origin  but  has  been  in  this  country  since  before  the  Revolution.  His  parents 
were  Jacob  and  Augusta  Klein,  the  former  a  prominent  contractor  in  Pekin 
and  a  member  of  the  city  council  for  some  time.     He  died  in  1896,  at  the  age  of 


446  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

sixty-one  years,  and  is  buried  in  St.  Joseph's  cemetery.  His  wife  still  survives 
him  and  is  living  in  Peoria. 

Othmar  Al.  Klein  received  his  early  education  in  the  German  Catholic  and 
public  schools  of  his  native  city  but  laid  aside  his  books  at  the  age  of  fifteen. 
He  engaged  in  the  plastering  business  for  a  short  time  but,  seeing  greater  pos- 
sibilities in  the  line  of  activity  which  his  father  followed,  he  and  his  brother 
Emil  joined  their  father  in  his  general  contracting  and  plastering  business,  which 
association  was  extremely  successful  and  continued  until  1896,  when  Jacob  Klein 
passed  awav.  The  two  brothers  did  not  sever  their  connection  until  1900,  at 
which  period  Othmar  Klein  came  to  Peoria  and  started  in  business  for  him- 
self. He  was  successful  from  the  beginning.  His  business  increased  annually 
and  his  hard  work  and  ability  brought  him  many  new  clients  every  year.  In 
March,  1910,  he  entered  into  partnership  with  L.  L.  Watson  and  incorporated 
the  business  under  the  firm  name  of  the  Klein-Watson  Company,  Mr.  Klein 
retaining  the  office  of  president,  in  which  capacity  he  is  serving  at  the  present 
time. 

On  November  30,  1902,  Mr.  Klein  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna 
Walsh,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Mamie  Walsh,  the  former  a  circuit  court  clerk 
for  many  years  prior  to  his  death  in  1900.  He  is  buried  in  St.  Mary's  cemetery. 
His  wife  still  survives  him  and  resides  in  this  city.  Mr.  Klein  and  his  wife  are 
the  parents  of  one  daughter,  Beatrice  Marie,  now  a  student  in  the  Peoria  public 
schools.  The  family  reside  in  the  old  homestead  at  12 18  Perry  avenue  and  are 
well  known  and  widely  popular  in  this  city. 

•Mr.  Klein  is  a  consistent  member  of  the  republican  party  and  takes  an  active 
interest  in  local  aiTairs.  For  six  years  he  has  served  on  the  county  board 
of  supervisors  and  has  done  able  and  efficient  work  in  this  capacity.  He  is  a 
devout  adherent  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  in  which  faith  he  was  reared, 
and  belongs  to  the  fourth  degree  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  His  religion  is 
an  active  and  vital  force  in  his  life  and  has  given  to  an  upright  and  honest  busi- 
ness man  the  added  qualification  of  a  worthy  and  honorable  Christian  gentleman. 


RE\'.  ELIJAH  F.  HOWE. 

Five  years'  service  as  pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  church  served  to 
endear  the  Rev.  Elijah  F.  Howe  not  only  to  his  own  parishioners  but  to  many 
of  other  denominations.  In  fact,  wherever  he  was  known  he  was  honored  and 
esteemed  for  his  life  and  his  character  was  as  clear  as  the  sunlight.  No  man 
came  in  contact  with  him  but  at  once  appreciated  him  at  his  true  worth  and  he 
was  a  man  who  not  only  cherished  a  high  ideal  of  duty  but  who  lived  up  to  it. 
His  friends  have  sorely  missed  him  but  the  memory  of  his  noble  life,  of  his  sin- 
cerity and  simplicity  will  not  be  forgotten.  It  seemed  that  he  should  have 
been  spared  for  years  to  come  and  yet  in  the  almost  fifty-five  years  of  his  earthly 
pilgrimage  he  accomplished  very  much  more  than  many  a  man  whose  life  span 
stretches  out  to  three  score  years  and  ten. 

Rev.  Howe  was  born  in  Crafton,  Massachusetts,  September  19,  1832.  and 
prepared  for  college  at  Munson,  Massachusetts.  The  Rev.  James  Tufts,  a  pro- 
fessor in  the  academy,  says  of  him :  ■"E.  Franklin  Howe  called  at  my  boarding 
place  in  the  spring  of  1853,  to  see  me  in  regard  to  entering  the  academy  to 
prepare  for  college.  He  was,  I  saw  at  once,  a  mature,  prompt,  earnest  young 
man,  desiring,  if  he  came,  to  teach  penmanship  in  the  academy  in  aid  of  his 
support,  which  he  did  very  successfully  through  his  course.  He  commenced 
his  studies  the  spring  term  and  continued  here  the  two  following  years,  enter- 
ing Yale  College  w-ell  prepared  in  1853.  Mr.  Howe  w^as  not  a  brilliant  scholar 
and  probably  did  not  learn  so  easily  as  if  he  had  commenced  his  studies  younger. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  447 

but  he  was  always  industrious  and  faithful,  striving  to  get  every  lesson  as  well 
as  he  could.  Such  scholars  usually  improve  rapidly  so  that  Mr.  Howe  stood 
much  higher  relatively  as  a  writer  and  scholar  when  he  entered  college  than 
when  he  commenced  his  preparation.  Uncommonly  patient  and  persistent,  he 
did  all  his  work  thoroughly  as  he  was  able,  never  rela.xing  his  efforts,  no  matter 
how  great  the  difficulties.  This  was  especially  noticeable  in  his  writing  and  his 
composition  exercises.  Though  he  could  debate  fluently  and  speak  acceptably 
in  religious  meetings,  yet  he  could  not  write  and  compose  easily,  and  had  none 
of  that  felicity  of  diction  which  he  afterward  developed.  Still  his  patience 
never  failed.  There  was  not  a  student  in  school  who  showed  more  persistence 
in  learning  to  think,  write  and  compose  than  .Mr.  Howe,  till  he  really  began  to 
excel  in  a  clear,  terse,  thoughtful  style,  somewhat  as  he  afterward  appeared  in 
liis  pulpit  perfc)rmances."  With  the  completion  of  his  college  course  at  Yale 
in  the  class  of  1859  Mr.  Howe  entered  upon  the  study  of  theology  at  New  Haven 
and  also  prepared  for  the  active  work  of  the  ministry  in  Princeton  University. 
He  entered  upon  pastoral  duties  at  South  Canaan,  Connecticut,  in  1861,  and  after- 
ward accepted  a  call  from  a  church  at  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  remaining  in 
charge  there  for  eleven  years,  or  from  1865  until  1876.  He  then  returned  to 
New  England  and  for  six  years  had  a  pastorate  at  Newtonville,  Massachtisetts. 
In  1882  he  received  a  imanimous  call  to  the  First  Congregational  church  at 
Peoria  and  in  September  of  that  year  entered  upon  his  duties  in  this  city.  He 
was  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  build  up  the  church,  adding  to  its  strength  numeric- 
ally and  spiritually.  While  he  was  a  firm  believer  in  the  principles  for  which 
his  denomination  stood  there  was  nothing  narrowly  sectarian  about  him.  His 
was  the  Christianity  that  transcends  creeds  and  dogmas  and  stands  on  the  broader 
plane  of  Biblical  teaching.  It  was  only  when  ill  health  compelled  such  a  course 
that  he  put  aside  his  active  duties  as  pastor  of  the  church,  hoping  that  rest  might 
restore  him  to  his  wonted  health. 

The  Rev.  E.  F.  Howe  was  married  twice.  He  first  v\'edded  Frances  Gates, 
of  Munson,  Massachusetts,  and  unto  them  were  born  two  sons  and  tw'o  daugh- 
ters :  Frank  C,  a  lawyer,  who  for  a  number  of  years  held  a  government  position 
in  Peoria  but  is  now  a  resident  of  New  York ;  Louis  B.,  who  holds  a  position  of 
trust  with  the  Merchants  Bank  &  Trust  Company,  of  Los  Angeles,  California; 
Grace  G. :  and  Fannie  C.  The  wife  and  mother  died  in  November,  1882,  and 
the  Rev.  Howe  in  1885  married  Sarah  (Storrs)  Proctor,  the  widow  of  David 
Proctor  of  Peoria.  By  her  first  marriage  she  had  three  children,  Charles,  Julia 
and  David.  She  now  makes  her  home  in  New  York  city.  In  less  than  two 
years  after  her  second  marriage  she  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  the 
Rev.  Howe,  and  all  Peoria  mourned  with  her,  for  in  the  five  years  of  his  res- 
idence here  he  had  firmly  endeared  himself  to  the  residents  of  this  city  and  all 
with  whom  he  had  come  in  contact.  The  Rev.  Hiram  Eddy  writes  of  him : 
"I  like  to  write  about  that  dear  man.  E.  Frank  Howe  was  one  of  my  nearest 
neighbors  in  the  ministry  here  in  Connecticut,  and  while  he  and  I  remained  in 
the  state  we  were  quite  intimate.  I  loved  him  and  I  think  he  loved  me.  I  had 
great  confidence  in  his  mental  culture  and  in  the  depth  of  his  Christ-warmed 
experience.  He  was  always  ready  for  any  good  deed,  for  any  good  work.  You 
felt  a  Christ  in  his  sympathy  and  here  was  the  charm  of  his  preaching.  It  was 
luminous,  warm,  and  coming  home  to  the  hearts  of  the  hearers.  He  was 
more  like  the  lovely  and  lovable  John  than  like  Peter  or  Paul.  He  drew  not 
in  the  sensational  sense  but  in  the  sense  of  winning.  His  people  loved  him  and 
they  felt  he  was  one  of  them.  He  was  a  brother  among  their  brothers,  a  child 
among  their  children,  a  neighbor  among  their  neighbors  and  was  a  member  of  all 
their  homes.  Of  course  souls  were  won  to  Christ  and  many  will  call  him  blessed. 
Let  us  thank  God  for  such  a  noble  ministry."  A  College  classmate  of  the  Rev. 
Howe  pays  this  tribute  to  him:  "I  was  one  of  the  many  classmates  of  Frank 
Howe  who  knew  him  and  loved  him  well,  but  I  also  stood  in  a  closer  and  more 


448  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

sacred  relation  to  him,  for  there  were  few  who  knew  him  and  loved  him  as  I 
did  and  fewer  still  whom  I  loved  and  knew  as  I  knew  and  loved  Frank  Howe. 
He  was  one  of  the  deacons  of  the  College  church  from  our  class  and,  while  all 
the  deacons,  as  far  as  I  now  remember,  were  faithful  men  and  officers,  yet  it 
is  no  disparagement  to  the  others  to  say  that  not  one  in  all  the  college  was  more 
faithful  or  more  useful  than  Deacon  Howe.  During  his  student  life  his  prom- 
inent characteristics  were  his  unhesitating  adherence  to  the  right  in  everything, 
his  burning  desire  to  do  good  to  all  about  him  and  to  develop  the  very  best  that 
there  was  in  himself,  his  cheerful  spirit,  his  lively  affections,  and  before  all, 
above  all  and  throughout  all,  his  pronounced  personal  religion."  Numerous  were 
the  letters  expressive  of  similar  sentiments  to  the  above  sent  to  the  bereaved 
widow  and  the  congregation  for  which  the  Rev.  Howe  ministered  until  so  short 
a  time  before  his  death.  \\'e  make  the  following  extract  from  a  tribute  from  the 
First  Congregational  Church  of  Peoria,  writen  by  jMiss  S.  S.  Lines,  one  of  its 
members:  "He  was  preeminently  a  man  who  had  the  courage  of  his  convictions. 
Aggressive  and  strong  in  his  own  opinions,  he  gave  forth  no  uncertain  sound, 
yet  he  was  tolerant  of  and  listened  with  deference  to  the  opinions  of  others, 
and  his  pacific  spirit  often  during  heated  discussions  or  argument  'kept  the  bal- 
ance true  and  fair.'  His  sense  of  humor  was  keen  and  his  scorn  of  meanness 
intense.  His  sympathy  with  honest  doubt  and  his  clear  presentation  of  the 
truth  won  the  confidence  of  some  whose  only  safety  from  agnosticism  had  been 
their  belief  in  the  fatherhood  of  God.  He  was  quick  to  give  and  respond  to  a 
sympathetic  touch.  His  name  was  known  and  loved  among  those  who  were 
not  of  his  own  parish  and  many  who  were  outside  of  any  church  relation  will 
long  remember  his  thoughtful  kindness.  None  looked  to  him  in  vain  for  help. 
The  handful  of  choice  flowers,  the  blooming  plant,  the  little  note,  the  timely 
word,  the  warm  pressure  of  the  hand,  the  appreciative  glance,  the  prayer  which 
voiced  the  agony  and  strong  crying  for  help  and  which  seemed  to  bring  the 
answer  down,  are  all  remembered  and  cherished  by  countless  hearts.  Literally, 
he  entered  into  our  joys  and  shared  our  sorrows.  The  little  child  in  its  inno- 
cence ;  the  young,  looking  forward  with  expectant  eyes ;  the  strong  men  in  the 
stir  and  rush  of  business  life,  some  of  whom  have  said  no  other  man  ever  came 
so  near  to  them ;  the  mother  weary  of  her  household  round ;  the  gray-haired 
man  and  woman,  sinking  under  the  burden  of  helplessness ;  the  joyous,  the  suf- 
fering and  the  sinning  he  carried  in  his  great,  true  heart, — they  were  his  people 
and  knit  to  him  by  tender  chords  of  love."  . 

"Were  a  star  quenched  on  high. 

For  ages  would  its  light. 
Still   traveling   downward    from   the   sky.  j 

Shine  on  our  mortal  sight.  | 

So  when  a  good  man  dies,  '■ 

For   years   beyond   our  ken  j 

The  light  he  leaves  behind  him  lies  I 

L'pon  the  paths  of  men." 


HERBERT  ALEXANDER  ROBINSON. 

Herbert  Alexander  Robinson,  who  is  conducting  a  retail  coal  business  at  213 
North  Washington  street,  has  been  identified  with  the  commercial  activities  of 
Peoria  for  the  past  fourteen  years.  He  was  born  in  Elmwood,  Illinois,  on  the 
5th  of  June,  1863,  and  is  a  son  of  Edwin  Judson  and  Sarah  Jane  (Eslinger) 
Robinson,  who  reside  at  715  Illinois  avenue,  this  city.  They  are  the  parents  of 
seven  children,  four  daughters  and  three  sons,  our  subject  being  the  second  son 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  449 

in  order  of  birth.  Two  of  the  daughters,  Mrs.  Horace  Clark  and  Mrs.  H.  C. 
Roberts,  are  living  in  Peoria,  while  the  other  two  sons,  Alva  J.  and  Charles  C, 
are  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  in  Chicago. 

Reared  at  home,  Herbert  Alexander  Robinson  obtained  his  education  in  the 
common  schools  of  his  native  town  and  those  of  Brimfiekl.  Illinois,  terminating 
his  student  days  upon  his  graduation  from  the  high  school  at  the  age  of  seven- 
teen years.  He  subsequently  entered  the  service  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Ouincy  Railroad  at  the  latter  place  to  learn  telegraphy.  He  had  mastered  this 
by  the  time  he  was  eighteen  and  entered  the  service  of  the  company  in  the  capacity 
of  operator.  His  efficiency  and  capable  discharge  of  his  duties  readily  won  him 
recognition  and  at  the  end  of  a  year  he  was  appointed  agent  at  Castleton,  this 
state.  Two  years  later  he  was  returned  to  Piriniheld  in  the  same  capacity,  remain- 
ing there  until  i88S  when  he  was  transferred  to  Farmington,  Illinois.  He  was 
retained  there  for  nine  years  and  during  that  period  was  offered  the  position  of 
traveling  auditor,  which  he  declined.  His  next  post  was  at  Rushville,  this  state, 
where  he  retained  the  agency  for  two  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he 
withdrew  from  the  railway  service  in  order  to  engage  in  business  for  himself. 
The  same  year,  1898.  he  came  to  Peoria  and  purchased  the  retail  department  of 
the  Clark  Coal  &  Coke  Company,  and  has  ever  since  been  following  this  busi- 
ness with  increasing  success.  When  he  tirst  engaged  in  this  he  was  located  at 
315  Fulton  street,  on  the  present  site  of  the  Jeft'erson  office  building,  but  later 
he  acquired  the  property  at  213  North  Washington  street,  and  has  ever  since 
made  this  his  headquarters.  Air.  Robinson  has  conducted  his  business  in  strict 
accordance  with  modern  commercial  methods,  and  despite  the  fact  that  he  had 
had  no  previous  training  in  this  particular  line  has  met  with  very  good  success. 
He  stands  high  in  the  esteem  not  only  of  local  coal  dealers  but  of  those  through- 
out the  state  and  in  the  years  1909  and  1910  was  president  of  the  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  Retail  Coal  Dealers'  Association. 

On  the  i8th  of  January,  1S88,  Mr.  Robinson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Carrie  A.  Spurlock  at  Wyoming.  Illinois.  Mrs.  Robinson  has  no  people,  having 
been  left  an  orphan  in  her  early  childhood.  They  have  a  very  pleasant  residence 
at  220  Bigelow  street,  which  they  own,  and  where  they  often  extend  their  hos- 
pitality to  their  friends.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robinson  hold  membership  in  the 
First  Congregational  church  of  this  city  and  he  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur 
and  the  Country  Clubs.  His  political  principles  accord  with  those  of  the  repub- 
lican party  but  in  municipal  elections  he  casts  his  ballot  for  the  man  he  deems 
best  adapted  for  the  office.  He  has  made  good  progress  in  the  development  of 
his  business,  which  is  now  firmly  established  and  thriving,  being  numbered  among 
the  prosperous  enterprises  of  the  city. 


ALEXANDER  FCRST. 


Alexander  Furst  is  a  representative  of  one  of  the  most  important  business 
interests  in  Peoria,  being  one  of  the  members  and  directors  of  the  firm  of  Jobst- 
Bethard  \N'holesale  Grocery  Company  with  which  he  has  been  associated  for 
twenty  years,  entering  the  employ  of  the  firm  as  office  boy.  He  was  born  in 
Peoria  on  the  26th  of  October,  1880,  and  is  a  son  of  Alexander  and  Elizabeth 
Furst.  His  father  died  in  April,  1881,  when  his  son  was  but  five  months  old 
and  he  was  reared  by  his  mother  who  wisely  directed  his  development  during  his 
early  youth.  He  attended  the  public  schools  and  when  it  was  necessary  for  him 
to  enter  business  circles  he  secured  a  position  in  the  wholesale  grocery  house  now 
conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Jobst-P.ethard  Company.  His  salary  was  orig- 
inally but  a  dollar  per  week.  It  was  not  long,  however,  before  he  gained  advance- 
ment for  he  proved  his  worth  in  his  industry,  energy  and  honesty.     From  one 


450  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

position  to  another  he  progressed  until  he  eventually  became  a  salesman  on  the 
road  and  then  buyer  in  the  house.  He  was  later  elected  a  member  of  the  board 
of  directors  and  now  is  one  of  the  heads  of  this  enormous  business  with  which  he 
became  connected  in  a  most  humble  capacity. 

In  1908  Air.  Furst  was  united  in  marriage  to  IMiss  Jessie  Elizabeth  Hall  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  George  S.  Hall,  and  they  now  have  one  child,  Elizabeth. 
Air.  Furst  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Kickapoo  Golf  Club  and  also 
to  the  Travelers  Protective  Association,  in  all  of  which  he  has  many  friends. 
His  life  work  has  been  a  single  line  and  undoubtedly  one  of  the  elements  of  his 
success  is  the  fact  that  he  has  continuously  concentrated  his  energies  upon  this 
single  field.  No  higher  testimonial  of  his  reliability  could  be  given  than  the  fact 
that  for  twenty  years  he  has  been  associated  with  one  house  eventually  becoming 
a  member  and  director  of  the  firm. 


JOHX  WRIGHT  AIcDOWELL. 

lohn  \\'.  AIcDowell  occupies  a  conspicuous  position  in  financial  circles  in 
Peoria  as  treasurer  of  the  Title  &  Trust  Co.  and  also  of  the  Dime  Savings 
&  Trust  Co.  Moreover,  he  is  one  of  the  most  widely  known  real-estate  men  in 
central  Illinois,  and  as  manager  of  the  real-estate  division  of  the  Title  &  Trust 
Co.  has  handle.d  more  property  than  any  other  man  in  the  entire  district.  Alert, 
enterprising  and  determined,  he  seems  almost  intuitively  to  recognize  the  possi- 
bilities of  a  situation  and  with  determined  purpose  grasps  every  opportunity. 
He  is  prompt  in  the  execution  of  his  plans,  which  are  based  upon  sound  judgment 
and  a  thorough  understanding  of  the  situation  which  he  handles.  Forceful  and 
resourceful,  he  is  one  of  the  "citizens  who  are  molding  the  business  development 
of  Peoria  and  this  section  of  the  state. 

Mr.  McDowell  is  a  native  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  l^orn  January  13,  1867. 
His  parents  were  Major  William  Preston  and  Kate  Goldsborough  (Wright) 
McDowell.  The  father  served  as  assistant  adjutant  general  to  General  Rousseau 
throughout  the  Civil  war  and  was  wounded  while  in  the  service.  He  remained 
for  many  years  a  valued  and  prominent  resident  of  Louisville,  where  his  death 
occurred'  in  1905.     His  wife,  still  surviving  him,  is  now  a  resident  of  Peoria. 

Tohn  W.  McDowell  was  reared  in  his  native  city  and  attended  the  pulilic 
schools  until  graduated  from  the  Louisville  high  school.  He  then  crossed  the 
threshold  of  the  business  world,  becoming  a  bookkeeper  in  a  bank.  He  also  later 
turned  his  attention  to  railroad  interests  and  likewise  began  operating  in  real 
estate,  entering  that  field  upon  his  removal  to  Peoria.  He  became  manager  for 
what  was  then  the  Elliot  Callender  Real  Estate  Company,  remaining  with  that 
firm  for  about  five  years.  He  has  "made  good"  in  every  connection,  proving  his 
worth  at  all  times  and  demonstrating  his  ability  in  the  successful  accomplish- 
ment of  whatever  he  has  undertaken.  After  about  five  years  with  the  firm  of 
Elliot  Callender  he  became  vice  president  and  treasurer  of  the  Colean  Manufac- 
turing Companv,  manufacturers  of  threshing  machines,  and  when  that  firm  failed 
he  became  connected  with  the  Title  &  Trust  Co.,  with  which  he  has  been 
identified  continuouslv  since  1906.  He  was  made  manager  of  the  real-estate  de- 
partment and  also  a  director  of  the  Dime  Savings  &  Trust  Co.,  which  are  kindred 
interests,  under  the  same  management  and  with  the  same  officers.  He  developed 
the  real-estate  department  of  the  business  in  a  remarkable  way,  handling  prop- 
erty on  a  mammoth  scale,  and  so  placing  investments  that  splendid  results  were 
obtained  for  his  clients  and  for  the  financial  institution  which  he  represented. 
In  191 1  he  was  called  to  his  present  position  as  treasurer  of  both  the  Dime  Sav- 
ings &  Trust  Co.  and  the  Title  &  Trust  Co.  This  position  as  treasurer  of 
two  of  the  largest  institutions  of  their  kind  in  the  city  is  a  recognition  of  his 


JOHN  W.  ilcDOWELL 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  453 

ability  as  a  most  enterprising  young  financier.  In  addition  to  his  ability  in  finan- 
cial and  real-estate  operations,  he  has  other  prominent  business  connections,  be- 
ing secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Jefl:'erson  Hotel  Company,  which  erected  the 
elegant  new  Jetferson  Hotel,  one  of  the  fine  hostelries  of  the  middle  west.  He 
is  president  of  the  Western  Coal  Scales  Company,  president  of  the  Peoria  Dis- 
trict Colliery  Company,  vice  president  of  the  National  Implement  &  Vehicle 
Show,  and  also  treasurer  of  the  Peoria  Livery  Company  and  treasurer  of  the 
Peoria  Wash  Sand  &  Gravel  Company. 

In  1895  Air.  McDowell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Pearl  A.  Sholl  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  James  M.  Sholl.  Mr.  McDowell  is  president  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club,  the  leading  organization  of  this  character  in  the  city.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Country  Club  and  the  Illinois  Valley  Yacht  Club.  Of  the  Peoria 
-Vssociation  of  Commerce  he  is  vice  president  and  a  director,  and  is  in  hearty 
sympathy  with  its  various  movements  for  the  improvement  and  upbuilding  of 
the  city  and  the  extension  of  its  trade  relations.  He  labors  untiringly  for  any- 
thing that  tends  to  promote  Peoria's  welfare  and  progress  and  his  efforts  have 
Ijeen  resultant  factors  for  good.  He  is  actuated  by  a  public-spirited  devotion  to 
Peoria  that  none  questions  and  he  brings  to  bear  in  his  public  work  the  same 
]>ractical  ideas  and  unabating  energy  that  have  brought  to  him  success  in  his 
business  life  making  him  to-day  one  of  the  foremost  citizens  of  central  Illinois. 


FRANK  P.  WYNE. 


In  the  death  of  Frank  P.  Wyne,  Peoria  lost  one  of  her  well  known  citizens, 
for  he  had  gained  an  extensive  acquaintance  not  only  through  his  later  business 
connections  with  the  city  but  also  through  the  long  years  in  which  he  occupied 
the  position  of  station  agent  here.  From  the  age  of  thirteen  years  he  depended 
upon  his  own  resources  and  his  advancement  was  due  to  his  individual  w'orth, 
ability  and  fidelity.  He  was  born  at  'Macomb,  McDonough  county,  Illinois,  Feb- 
ruary I,  1858.  His  father,  Joseph  E.  Wyne,  was  a  prominent  citizen  of  Macomb, 
where  for  many  years  he  was  successfully  engaged  in  the  hardware  and  lumber 
business.  He  always  took  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs  and  filled  a  number 
of  offices,  serving  as  mayor  of  his  town  and  also  as  circuit  clerk  of  the  county. 
He  was  at  one  time  postmaster  of  Macomb  and  was  actively  and  helpfully  inter- 
ested in  everything  that  pertained  to  the  welfare  of  his  community.  Kentucky 
numbered  him  among  her  native  sons  and  in  1832  he  removed  from  Princeton, 
that  state,  to  Illinois.  Strongly  opposed  to  the  teachings  of  Joseph  Smith,  he 
was  one  of  those  who  arose  against  the  Mormons  and  succeeded  in  expelling 
them  from  Nauvoo.  He  had  a  personal  acquaintance  with  Abraham  Lincoln, 
of  whom  he  was  a  great  friend  and  admirer,  and  the  assistance  which  he  rendered 
to  the  great  emancipator  in  his  campaign  for  the  presidency  was  afterward  recog- 
nized by  Lincoln  in  his  appointment  of  Mr.  Wyne  to  the  position  of  postmaster. 
During  the  campaign  he  was  one  of  the  men  that  drove  through  his  part  of  the 
country  with  Lincoln,  laboring  untiringly  for  the  success  of  republican  principles. 

Frank  P.  Wyne  was  reared  in  the  place  of  his  birth  and  there  attended  the 
public  schools  until  thirteen  years  of  age,  when  he  became  a  messenger  for  the 
\\'estern  Union  Telegraph  Company.  While  serving  in  that  capacity  he  applied 
himself  to  the  mastery  of  the  Morse  code  and  on  the  3d  of  June,  1S73,  was  made 
a  telegraph  operator  on  the  Burlington  road.  During  the  succeeding  six  years 
he  filled  various  positions  as  operator  in  the  service  of  the  company.  In  that 
capacity  he  came  to  Peoria  in  1879.  Prompted  by  laudable  ambition,  he  sought 
the  position  of  ticket  agent  at  the  Union  depot  here.  The  superintendent  advised 
him  that  he  was  too  young  for  the  place,  but  he  was  too  determined  in  his  pur- 
pose to  accept  a  refusal  and  requested  to  be  given  a  three  months'  trial.    This  was 


454  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

finally  granted  and,  his  work  proving  entirely  efficient  and  satisfactory,  he  was 
retained  for  fifteen  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  went  to  Chicago 
and  became  traveling  passenger  agent  for  the  territory  east  of  that  city,  covering 
Indiana,  Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and  New  York,  remaining  in  that  capacity  until 
the  3d  of  June,  1903,  when  he  withdrew  from  active  railroad  interests,  this  being 
exactly  thirtv-three  years  from  the  time  that  he  entered  the  service.  Purchasing 
a  hotel  at  Galion.  Oliio,  he  conducted  it  for  six  years  but  at  the  end  of  that  time 
disposed  of  his  interests  there  in  order  to  return  to  Peoria.  In  this  city  he 
became  associated  with  C.  D.  Wilkins  in  the  Illinois  Pump  &  Brass  Company, 
which  was  incorporated  on  the  ist  of  January,  1909,  and  which  has  had  a  con- 
tinuously prosperous  existence  from  its  establishment.  Employment  is  now  given 
to  fifteen  men  in  the  foundry  and  the  business  is  growing  in  a  gratifying  manner. 
Mr.  W'vne  remained  an  active  factor  in  its  conduct  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
January  3,  1912. 

On  the  25th  of  October,  1886,  Mr.  Wyne  was  united  in  marriage  to  INIiss  Anna 
C.  Thurlow,  a  daughter  of  James  Thurlow,  who  for  many  years  was  a  leading 
photographer  of  Peoria.  Two  children  were  born  unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wyne: 
Jeannette,  who  was  born  in  April,  1889.  and  is  a  high-school  graduate ;  and  Frank 
Thurlow,  w'ho  was  born  in  September,  1891,  and  is  now  in  the  employ  of  the 
Western  Union  Telegraph  Company.  The  family  residence  is  located  at  No. 
407  Laveille  street. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Wyne  was  affiliated  with  Temple  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  'M.,  and 
with  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  had  many  friends  in  those  organizations  and 
enjoyed  the  high  regard  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  in  other  connec- 
tions. He  certainly  made  a  most  creditable  record  in  the  railroad  service.  Recog- 
nizing his  own  capacities  and  powers,  he  "made  good"  in  the  position  which 
he  sought  and  his  labors  were  a  source  of  gratification  and  satisfaction  to  the 
corporatiorts  which  he  represented.  He  was  always  a  courteous  and  obliging 
official,  considerate  of  the  interests  of  the  patrons  of  the  road  and  equally  loyal 
to  those  who  employed  him.  He  had  attractive  social  qualities  and  wherever  he 
went  gained   friendship   and  high   regard. 


WILLIAM  ANDREW  HER\'EY. 

William  Andrew  Hervey,  a  farmer  and  capitalist  residing  near  Dunlap,  is 
well  known  throughout  Peoria  county.  He  was  born  in  Ohio  county,  \irginia, 
May  7,  1848,  the  son  of  David  G.  and  Jane  (Yates)  Hervey.  The  father,  a 
native  of  Ohio,  came  to  Peoria  county  in  the  fall  of  1849  and  in  the  following 
spring  located  on  a  farm  of  two  hundred  acres,  a  part  of  which  is  now  one  of 
the  additions  of  Dunlap.  He  resided  on  his  farm  until  his  death,  October  27, 
1889.  He  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years  and  two  days.  He  was  a  quiet, 
retiring  man  and  always  shunned  public  life.  He  was  much  interested  in  church 
work  and  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Prospect  Presbyterian  church  of  Dun- 
lap, of  which  he  was  an  elder  until  the  time  of  his  death.  The  mother.  Jane 
(Yates)  Hervey,  was  a  native  of  \'irginia  and  belonged  to  an  old  \'irginian 
family  that  was  of  Scotch-Irish  Protestant  descent.  She  died  in  June,  1853,  at 
the  age  of  forty-nine  years.  In  their  family  were  seven  children :  Thomas  Y., 
of  Chenoa,  McLean  county;  Margaret  Isabelle,  the  widow  of  John  Morrow, 
of  Chenoa;  Mary  Jane,  the  widow  of  William  T.  Brown,  of  Chenoa;  ]\Iartha 
E..  deceased;  Saiah  A.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Rev.  George  Dunlap,  of  Waterman, 
Illinois :  William  Andrew ;  and  David  H.,  of  Dunlap. 

William  A.  Hervey  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  Radnor  town- 
ship. He  has  resided  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  ever  since  he  was  one 
and  one-half  years  of  age  and  when  he  was  thirty-one  years  old  became  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  455 

owner  of  one-half  the  homestead,  which  he  has  always  farmed.  He  has  been 
successful  financially  and  now  owns  a  half-interest  in  a  three-quarter  section 
of  rice  land  in  Louisiana  and  also  a  fifth  interest  in  another  tract  of  eight  hun- 
dred and  thirty-seven  acres  of  rice  land  in  the  same  state,  and  he  spends  a 
great  deal  of  his  time  each  year  in  looking  after  these  interests.  In  the  early 
years  of  his  life  he  engaged  principally  in  raising  stock  here  but  later  has  given 
his  attention  to  general  farming.  He  also  has  interests  in  the  Interstate  Hank  & 
Trust   Company   of    Peoria. 

On  the  26th  of  September,  1878.  at  Dunlap,  ^Ir.  Hervey  married  IMiss  Alice 
M.  Hildchrand.  who  died  in  1892.  Of  this  marriage  were  born  two  children, 
one  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  The  other,  Ruby  G.,  now  twenty  years  of  age, 
is  teaching  school.  On  the  4th  of  September,  1894.  Mr.  Hervey  was  again  mar- 
ried, his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Lulu  M.  Adkinson,  the  daughter  of  John 
D.  and  Maria  I.  Adkinson,  of  Dunlap.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hervey  has  been 
born  one  daughter.  W'ilma  Fern,  aged  fifteen  years,  who  is  attending  high 
school. 

In  early  life  Mr.  Hervey  was  a  republican  in  politics,  afterward  an  independ- 
ent and  now  for  many  years  has  given  his  support  to  the  prohibition  party,  be- 
ing of  recent  years  a  strong  ally  of  the  Anti-Saloon  League.  He  has  never  cared 
for  public  office  or  accepted  any  but  that  of  school  trustee,  in  which  capacity 
he  is  now  serving,  having  always  been  greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of  educa- 
tion. A  member  of  the  Prospect  Presbyterian  church,  he  has  been  for  over 
thirty  years  an  elder  in  the  same  and  also  served  for  many  years  as  a  trustee. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Grange.  Mr.  Hervey  belongs  to  one  of  the  pioneer 
families  of  Peoria  county  and  has  lived  on  his  present  farm  since  he  was  one 
and  one-half  years  of  age — a  period  of  over  sixty-two  years.  He  is  a  prominent 
man  in  the  business  and  social  world  of  this  community  where  almost  his  entire 
life  has  been  passed  and  has  here  a  large  circle  of  friends,  the  stanchest  of 
whom  are  those  who  have  known  him  the  longest. 


CHARLES  RODECKER. 

Charles  Rodecker,  whose  energy  and  enterprise  have  enabled  him  to  build 
up  a  good  dairy  business  at  2310  Perry  street,  Peoria,  was  born  at  Springfield, 
this  state,  on  the  21st  of  August,  1873.  He  is  a  son  of  Joseph  Rodecker,  who 
came  to  Peoria  from  Zanesville,  Ohio,  in  1832,  and  after  several  years'  resi- 
dence here  removed  to  Springfield.  From  there  he  went  to  Beardstown,  Illinois, 
and  subsequently  lived  for  a  time  in  St.  Louis,  removing  from  the  latter  city  to 
Peoria,  where  he  made  his  home  thereafter.  He  was  a  contractor  and  con- 
tinued to  be  actively  identified  with  this  occupation  until  age  compelled  his  re- 
tirement. 

The  only  child  of  his  parents  Charles  Rodecker  always  lived  at  home.  In 
the  acquirement  of  his  education  he  attended  the  public  schools  in  the  various 
places  in  which  his  family  resided,  terminating  his  student  days  upon  his  gradu- 
ation from  the  old  Greeley  school  of  Peoria.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  he 
apprenticed  himself  to  the  machinist's  trade  in  the  shop  of  the  Hart,  Grain  & 
Wergher  Company,  remaining  in  the  service  of  that  firm  for  ten  years.  He 
left  their  emjjloy  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  to  take  a  place  with  the  Colean 
Manufacturing  Company  and  was  identified  with  them  until  they  went  out  of 
business  in  1906.  For  a  brief  period  thereafter  he  worked  for  the  Herschel 
Manufacturing  Company,  and  then  resigned  his  position  to  engage  in  business 
for  himself.  He  opened  his  dairy  business  in  1906.  beginning  in  a  small  way, 
but  as  he  conducts  his  establishment  in  an  intelligent  manner,  conforming  to  the 
highest  sanitary  regulations  governing  the  traffic  in  dairy  products,  he  has  sue- 


456  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ceeded  in  building  up  a  good  trade.     He  is  now  enjoying  a  very  gpod  patronage, 
numbering  among  his  customers  many  of  the  city's  best  citizens. 

On  the  23d  of  February,  1898,  Mr.  Rodecker  was  married  to  Miss  Anne 
Meyers,  a  daughter  of  IJenjamin  Meyers,  a  blacksmith  of  Peoria,  but  a  native 
of  Germany  whence  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  i860.  He  was  reared 
and  educated  m  the  fatherland  and  there  he  also  learned  the  trade  that  he  fol- 
lowed with  excellent  success  in  this  city  for  many  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ro- 
decker have  two  children,  a  daughter  and  a  son,  Mabel,  who  is  thirteen,  and 
Charles,  who  is  looking  forward  to  the  eleventh  anniversary  of  his  birth.  The 
family  reside  in  the  old  Rodecker  homestead.  In  the  conduct  of  his  business 
Mr.  Rodecker  is  meeting  with  such  prosperity  as  is  the  reward  of  the  man  of 
industrious  habits,  who  directs  his  transactions  in  accordance  with  high  stand- 
ards  of    commercial    integrity. 


MARTIN   KIXG^IAX. 


Alartin  Kingman  was  born  in  Deer  Creek  township,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois, 
on  April  i,  1844,  and  came  of  a  family  tracing  its  ancestry  back  to  Henry  and 
Joanna  Kingman,  who,  on  leaving  the  ancestral  home  in  England,  sailed  for 
America,  arriving  at  Weymouth,  Massachusetts  colony,  in  May,  1632.  There 
Henry  Kingman  operated  a  ferry  across  Weymouth  bay,  not  far  from  Boston. 
His  children  coiUinued  to  reside  in  Massachusetts,  and  settled  in  North  Bridge- 
water,  where  the  grandfather  of  Martin  Kingman  was  born.  He  afterward  be- 
came a  resident  of  Pelham,  that  state.  Abel  Kingman,  the  father  of  Martin 
Kingman,  was  born  in  Pelham,  on  what  is  known  at  Pelham  Hills,  just  east  of 
Amherst,  Massachusetts.  He  left  there,  to  become  a  resident  of  Illinois,  in  1834, 
at  which  time  he  settled  in  Tazewell  county.  In  1835  he  wedded  Mary  Ann 
Bingham,  a  lady  of  French-English  descent,  and  a  native  of  Norfolk,  \'irginia. 
They  became  parents  of  five  sons :  Charles,  the  eldest,  who  died  in  California 
in  1896;  Cyrus,  the  next  born,  who  died  in  Herington,  Kansas,  in  1907;  Henry, 
the  third,  a  prominent  farmer  and  merchant  at  Delavan,  Kansas ;  and  Abel,  the 
youngest,  who  died  when  a  child.  Martin  Kingman,  the  fourth  son,  was  but 
three  years  of  age  when  his  father  was  drowned  while  crossing  the  Mackinaw 
river,  in  Tazewell  countv.  The  family  was  left  in  somewhat  straightened  finan- 
cial circumstances  so  that  the  educational  opportunities  of  the  sons  were  neces- 
sarily limited.  However,  on  leaving  the  district  school,  at  the  age  of  twelve 
years,  Martin  Kingman  spent  two  years  as  a  pupil  in  the  old  Tazewell  county 
courthouse  in  Tremont,  then  occupied  as  an  academy.  He  later  spent  two  years 
as  a  student  in  the  Washington  academy,  in  Washington,  Tazewell  county,  hut  it 
was  his  personal  labor  that  provided  the  funds  for  his  education. 

While  attending  the  Washington  academy  he  became  a  cadet  in  the  W'ashing- 
ton  zouaves,  and  thus  acquainted  himself  with  military  tactics — an  experience 
that  was  of  much  value  to  him  at  a  later  date,  when  he  went  to  the  front  in  the 
Civil  war.  At  the  outbreak  of  hostilities  he  was  en£;aged  in  teaching  a  school  in 
his  home  district  in  Deer  Creek  township.  Tazewell  county.  He  watched  with 
keenest  interest  the  development  of  events  in  the  south.  His  brother,  Cyrus, 
had  enlisted  early  in  the  year  1861,  and  this,  combined  with  his  natural  patriotism, 
led  him  to  keep  in  close  touch  with  all  that  marked  the  advance  of  the  struggle  be- 
tween the  contending  armies.  He  would  often  ride  ten  miles  to  Washington, 
after  closing  his  school  in  the  afternoon,  to  learn  news  from  the  seat  of  war. 
Then  came  the  year  1862  and  the  call  for  three  hundred  thousand  troops.  He 
could  no  longer  content  himself  to  remain  at  his  desk,  and  when  a  meeting  was 
held  at  the  home  church,  he  was  the  first  to  enroll  his  name  as  a  volunteer. 
Thirty-eight  bovs  of  the  neighborhood  joined  him,  leading  to  the  organization  of 


■^r- 


T-' 


MARTIX   KIXCMAX 


( 


»;   o: 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  459 

Company  G,  Eight^'-sixth  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry.  Although  bnt  eighteen 
years  of  age,  he  was  elected  second  lientenant  of  his  company,  being  the  youngest 
officer  in  the  second  division  of  the  Fourteenth  Corjjs,  Army  of  the  Cumberland. 
I'or  so  young  an  officer,  he  was  singularly  honored  with  responsibility,  and  seems 
to  have  won,  to  an  unusual  degree,  the  confidence  and  friendship  of  those  with 
whom  he  was  associated.  During  the  first  year  and  a  half  he  remained  with  his 
company,  which  he  commanded,  very  often,  for  weeks  at  a  time.  He  was  then 
detailed  to  command  a  company  in  the  Eighty-fourth  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry, 
which  had  been  captured  and  exchanged,  but  without  its  officers.  For  the  last 
year  and  a  half  of  his  service,  he  was  on  the  staff  of  Colonel  Daniel  McCook, 
the  youngest  of  the  various  members  of  the  McCook  family,  and  at  the  death  of 
Colonel  AlcCook,  was  on  the  staff  of  Colonel  Langley,  who  commanded  the 
brigade,  and,  in  that  cajmcity,  had  charge  of  the  ambulance  corps  and  medical 
stores  of  the  Third  brigade.  Second  Division,  Fourteenth  Corps.  In  this  posi- 
tion -Mr.  Kingman  became  acquainted  with  nearly  all  the  general  officers  belong- 
ing to  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  as  well  as  those  of  the  Armies  of  the  Cumberland. 
Tennessee,  and  Ohio ;  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  being  commanded  by  General 
George  H.  Thomas.  Mr.  Kingman  retained  the  rank  of  second  lieutenant  until 
the  day  of  mustering  out,  at  Washington,  D.  C,  June  6,  1865,  when  he  was 
promoted  to  be  first  lieutenant,  and  was  honorably  discharged  from  the  army 
with  that  rank. 

Mr.  Kingman,  with  other  comrades,  had  charge  of  the  reunion  of  the  lughty- 
sixth  Regiment,  held  in  I'eoria  August  27,  1865,  this  being  the  third  anniversary 
of  the  day  in  which  it  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  and  was 
active  in  the  management  of  many  revmions  held  in  later  years. 

In  the  fall  of  1863,  'Sir.  Kingman  came  to  Peoria  to  live,  and  accepted  a 
position  as  a  salesman  with  the  flour  milling  firm  of  Clark,  Hanna  &  Compan}-, 
with  whom  he  remained  a  short  time.  In  the  spring  of  1866  he  entered  into 
jjartnership,  in  the  retail  grocery  business,  witli  Henry  Clauson,  and  they  opened 
a  store  at  the  head  of  Bridge  street,  under  the  name  of  Kingman  &  Clauson, 
but  after  three  months  sold  out  at  a  handsome  profit. 

Mr.  Kingman  then  entered  the  employ  of  D.  j.  Calligan,  then  in  the  whole- 
sale boot  antl  shoe  business,  as  a  traveling  salesman.  He  remained  with  Mr. 
Calligan  until  January  i,  1867,  when  he  entered  into  partnership  with  Columbus 
Dunham,  in  the  retail  implement  business,  under  the  name  of  Kingman  &  Dun- 
ham. Three  years  later,  Air.  Dunham,  on  account  of  ill  health,  was  ol)liged  to 
retire,  and  his  interest  was  bought  by  Walter  B.  Hotchkiss  and  Charles  T.  Hurd, 
and  the  firm  became  Kingman,  Hotchkiss  &  Co.  They  later  retired,  and  in  1873 
the  firm  name  became  Kingman  &  Company,  Air.  C.  A.  Jamison  having  l^ecome 
a  jiartner.  In  1875,  ^^^-  ^'-  H.  Schimpft  became  a  partner.  In  1882,  Kingman 
&  Com|ian\-  was  changed  from  a  partnership  to  a  corporation,  under  the  laws 
of  the  state  of  Illinois,  and  the  business  continued  under  that  name  until  1910, 
when  it  became  the  Kingman  Plow  Company,  changing,  in  the  meantime,  from 
a  retail  to  a  wholesale  business,  and  from  a  wholesale  to  a  manufacturing  business. 

In  1879.  Air.  Kingman,  with  B.  F.  i'lossom  and  F.  E.  Leonard,  organized  the 
Itank  of  Kingman,  Blossom  &  Company,  which  in  1885  became  the  Central  Na- 
tional Bank,  and  has  since  continued  under  that  name,  and  has  been  very  suc- 
cessful. 

In  1879,  Air.  Kingman  and  others  organized  the  Jenney  Electric  Light  i\: 
Power  Companx ,  which  afterwards  became  the  Peoria  General  Electric  Com- 
pany, now  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Com])any. 

In  1882,  Air.  Kingman  w'as  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Peoria  Hotel  Com- 
pany, afterward  succeeded  by  the  National  Hotel  Company,  and  whose  ])roperty 
was  for  many  years  the  leading  hotel  of  the  city. 

In  1888,  Air.  Kingman,  with  E.  C.  Heidrich,  Air.  Jamison,  and  Air.  Schimpft'. 
organized  the  Peoria  Cordage  Company,  which  has  been  a  successful  concern 
since  its  organization. 


460  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  1890,  Air.  Kingman,  with  A.  S.  Oakford  and  others,  organized  the  Peoria 
Savings  Loan  &  Trust  Company,  whicli  afterward  became  the  Bank  of  lUinois, 
and  later  the  Illinois  National  Liank,  and  has  since  continued  under  that  name, 
and  has  likewise  been  very  successful. 

In  iSy8,  when  war  was  declared  against  Spain,  Mr.  Kingman,  greatly  in- 
terested in  the  situation,  with  Colonel  Isaac  Taylor,  solicited  Governor  Tanner 
for  permission  to  raise  a  regiment  of  infantry,  and  Colonel  Taylor  and  Mr. 
Kingman  organized  a  regiment,  mustering  one  thousand  seventy-five  men,  and 
known  as  the  Peoria  Provisional  Regiment.  Mr.  Kingman  was  elected  lieuten- 
ant colonel,  and  for  three  months  gave  a  considerable  portion  of  his  time  to  the 
organization  of  said  regiment. 

Air.  Kingman  became  a  member  of  the  Illinois  Commandery  of  the  Loyal 
Legion,  composed  of  officers  of  the  civil  war,  and  remained  a  member  until  his 
death. 

He  was  a  member  of  Bryner  Post,  No.  67,  of  Peoria,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  for  many  years,  and  remained  a  member  until  his  death. 

Mr.  Kingman  was  married  at  Peoria,  on  May  21,  1867,  to  Aliss  Emeline  T. 
Shelly,  who  survives  him.  They  became  parents  of  five  children,  of  whom  three 
are  living:  Louis  S.,  president  of  the  Kingman  Plow  Company;  Walter  B., 
treasurer  of  the  Kingman  Plow  Company;  and  Alabel  Dunham,  who  is  the  wife 
of  William  C.  McClure,  and  mother  of  one  child,  N'irginia  Emily  AlcClure.  Two 
sons,  Martin  and  Arthur,  died  in  infancy. 

In  1877  Mr.  Kingman  was  appointed  on  the  board  of  commissioners  of  the 
Illinois  and  Michigan  canal  by  Governor  Shelby  M.  Cullom,  and  continued  in 
that  position  until  1883.  Mr.  Kingman  was.  at  the  time  of  the  erection  of  the 
Peoria  county  courthouse,  in  1874-1876,  one  of  the  committee,  of  the  board  of 
supervisors,  having  in  charge  the  building  of  the  courthouse. 

Mr.  Kingman,  soon  after  coming  to  Peoria,  became  a  member  of  the  First 
Congregational  church,  and  for  many  years  was  a  trustee,  being  active  in  the 
financing  and  building  of  the  church  building,  during  the  years  from  1875  to 
1883. 

Air.  Kingman  was  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  Union  League  Club  of 
Chicago,  and  also  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade,  remaining  so  until  his  death. 

Mr.  Kingman's  health  began  to  fail  in  1900,  but,  notwithstanding  this,  he  re- 
tained an  active  position  in  his  business  afl^airs,  but  many  years  of  ceaseless  at- 
tention to  business,  as  well  as  much  time  given  to  outside  matters  of  a  public- 
spirited  nature,  had  undermined  his  strength.  Notwithstanding  this,  he  was  re- 
luctant to  let  his  duties  pass  into  other  hands,  and  retained  an  active  part  in  his 
business  until  within  a  few  weeks  of  his  death,  which  came  on  December  19,  1904. 


CHRISTIAN  STRAESSER. 

Christian  Straesser,  who  has  been  engaged  in  the  commission  business  in 
Peoria  for  the  past  nine  years  and  is  meeting  with  more  than  average  success, 
is  a  native  of  this  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  on  his  father's  farm  in 
Limestone  township  on  the  5th  of  June,  1849.  He  is  a  son  of  Johannas  Christian 
Straesser,  who  came  to  Peoria  county  from  Pennsylvania  during  the  pioneer 
days  and  engaged  in   farming. 

The  son  of  farming  people  of  moderate  circumstances.  Christian  Straesser 
was  reared  in  the  country  in  a  manner  very  similar  to  other  lads  of  the  pioneer 
period  in  Illinois.  In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  he  attended  the  district 
schools  of  Limestone  township,  and  while  engaged  in  the  mastery  of  the  ele- 
mentary branches  of  English  learning  he  also  assisted  his  father  in  tilling  the 
fields  and  harvesting  the  crops.     Under  the  capable  supervision  and  direction  of 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  4(51 

his  father  he  early  l)ecame  faniiHar  with  the  practical  methods  of  agriculture 
and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  with  his  brother  undertook  the  management  of  the 
home  farm.  During  the  succeeding  thirty-five  years  his  entire  time  and  atten- 
tion was  given  to  agricultural  pursuits,  but  in  1903  he  withdrew  from  the  active 
work  of  the  fields  and  coming  to  Peoria  engaged  in  the  commission  business. 
Although  he  was  not  familiar  with  commercial  methods,  Mr.  Straesser  is  a  good 
business  man  with  practical  ideas  and  sound  judgment  and  has  succeeded  in 
building  up  a  very  good  trade.  He  has  a  nice  patronage,  that  is  constantly 
increasing,  and  is  the  owner  of  a  well  established,  thriving  business,  which  is 
netting  him  lucrative  returns. 

In  1871,  Mr.  Straesser  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  .\.  Powell,  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  M.  M.  Powell,  who  was  formerly  engaged  in  farming  and 
for  many  years  served  as  county  coroner.  Three  children  have  been  Ijorn  to 
^Ir.  and  Mrs.  Straesser,  as  follow's:  Clarence  W.,  who  is  married  and  engaged 
in  business  with  his  father ;  Ethline  ^lay,  who  is  living  at  home ;  and  Edna  B., 
who  died  at  the  age  of  eleven  years.  The  family  residence  is  located  at  220 
North  Institute  street,  where  Mr.  Straesser  has  erected  a  very  pleasant  and  com- 
fortable house,  that  is  thoroughly  modern  in  all  of  its  appointments.  His  busi- 
ness is  located  at  113  South  Washington  street.  During  the  period  of  his  con- 
nection with  the  commercial  interests  of  the  city,  Mr.  Straesser  has  become 
recognized  as  a  man  of  sterling  integrity  and  worth  among  both  his  patrons  and 
competitors  and  enjoys  the  respect  of  all  with  whom  he  has  dealings. 


LINCOLN  B.  JACKSON. 

Lincoln  B.  Jackson,  postinaster  of  Dunlap,  is  a  native  resident  of  Radnor 
township,  born  January  18,  1864.  His  father,  John  Jackson,  a  native  of  York- 
shire, England,  came  to  America  in  1818,  when  eleven  years  of  age,  with  his 
parents  who  settled  in  Delaware  on  the  present  site  of  the  city  of  Wilmington. 
In  1837  John  Jackson  removed  to  Illinois  and  two  years  later  located  in  Radnor 
township,  near  Dunlap,  where  he  took  up  a  tract  of  timber  land.  He  farmed  there 
until  a  few  years  before  his  death,  when  he  retired  from  active  life  and  built  a 
home  in  Dunlap.  He  passed  away  in  this  town.  May  5,  1894,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
six.  The  mother,  Elizabeth  (Jordan)  Jackson,  was  a  native  of  Lincolnshire, 
England,  and  came  to  America  about  1850.  She  died  in  Dunlap,  January  27, 
1898,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven.  In  the  family  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Jor- 
dan )  Jackson  were  six  children :  Lavinia  P.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Moses  Harlan,  of 
Dunlap;  Carrie  M.,  who  is  the  widow  of  Henry  Shaw,  of  Dunlap;  Isadore  E., 
now  Mrs.  Charles  W.  Wigginton,  of  Macedonia,  Iowa;  John  R..  a  farmer  near 
Thayer,  Towa ;  Mary,  who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years;  and  Lincoln  B. 

The  last  named  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Dimlap 
and  was  a  student  for  two  winters  at  an  academy  here.  After  putting  aside  his 
text-books  he  started  out  in  life  for  himself  by  renting  a  farm,  on  which  he 
followed  general  agricultural  ])ursuits.  Soon  afterward  he  engaged  in  tlic 
hardware  and  grain  business  in  Dunlap,  where  he  remained  until  1900.  In 
1902,  under  Postmaster-General  Charles  Emory  Smith,  he  was  made  postmaster 
of  Dunlap,  which  position  he  has  since  held.  After  his  appointment  as  postmaster 
he  purchased  of  G.  L.  Dunlap  a  stationery  establishment,  which  he  has  since 
conducted  in  connection  with  his  other  work.  On  October  i,  T911,  he  formed  a 
])artncrship  with  J.  H.  .Shehan  in  a  grain  and  stock  business,  under  the  firm 
name  of  Jackson  &  Shehan,  and  they  are  now  carrying  on  an  extensive  business. 
Mr.  Jackson  also  has  some  interests  in  farm  property  in  this  township. 

On  December  22,  1886,  in  Marshall  county,  Missouri,  Mr.  Jackson  married 
Miss  Isabella  D.  Wood,  a  daughter  of  John  Wood,  of  Niles,  Illinois.     In  his 


462  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

political  views  Mr.  Jackson  is  a  republican  but  he  has  never  taken  an  active  part 
in  political  work,  preferring  to  give  all  his  attention  to  his  business  interests. 
Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons  and  with  the  Odd  Fellows.  Having 
always  made  his  home  in  Radnor  township.  Mr.  Jackson  is  widely  known  and  he 
has  an  extensive  circle  of  friends  who  hold  him  in  the  highest  regard.  He  is  an 
active  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  in  Dunlap  and  has  been  steward 
of  the  same  for  many  years. 


NICHOLAS  SCHAUB. 


Nicholas  Schaub,  who  was  born  in  Rosefield  township,  on  section  12,  where 
he  now  resides,  is  one  of  the  good  substantial  farmers  of  Peoria  county.  He  is 
the  son  of  John  and  Catherine  (Klug)  Schaub,  the  father  born  in  France  and  the 
mother  in  Germany.  The  parents  came  to  America  in  1837,  settling  in  New- 
Orleans,  and  in  1849  removed  to  Rosefield  township,  Illinois,  where  the  father 
died  March  7,  1877.  ^"d  the  mother,  August  18,  1902.  In  their  family  were 
five  children,  of  whom  Nicholas,  of  this  review,  was  the  youngest. 

Nicholas  Schaub  was  reared  and  educated  in  Rosefield  township  and  has 
continued  to  reside  on  his  home  place.  He  owns  two  hundred  and  ninety-seven 
acres  of  highly  improved  land  and  engages  in  raising  grain  and  live  stock,  making 
a  specialty  of  horses,  cattle  and  Poland  China  hogs. 

On  the  27th  of  April,  1897,  Mr.  Schaub  was  united  in  marriage  to  'Miss 
Sophia  M.  Violet,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Emmeline  (Auther)  \'iolet. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schaub  have  been  born  seven  children :  Joseph  C,  on  February 
19,  1898;  Theresa  "SI.,  March  10,  1899;  Catherine  A.,  March  16,  1900;  Varona 
A.,  born  April  30,  1901  ;  Frederick  T.,  born  December  10,  1902;  Edward  N., 
born  June  20,  1905;  and  \'incent  \'.,  born  October  11,  1906. 

In  politics  Mr.  Schaub  is  independent  and  he  has  served  as  township  super- 
visor for  eight  years.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America  and  he  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Catholic  church.  He 
is  much  interested  in  educational  advancement  and  has  been  school  director  for 
twenty-one  years.  He  is  well  known  and  has  many  friends  throughout  the  entire 
community  in  which  he  was  born  and  has  spent  many  years  of  his  life,  and,  being 
greativ  interested  in  its  general  welfare,  he  takes  an  active  part  in  all  measures 
of  reform  and  progress. 


JEFFERSON  J.  GREENE. 

A  complete  history  of  Peoria  county  demands  that  mencion  be  made  of  Jef- 
ferson J.  Greene,  now  eighty-two  years  of  age — a  self-made  man,  whose  well 
spent  life  commends  him  to  the  honor  and  regard  of  all,  and  whose  record  is  in- 
deed worthy  of  emulation.  He  started  out  in  life  empty-handed,  and  working 
as  a  farm  laborer,  made  his  initial  start  in  the  business  world.  Eventually  he 
became  a  wealthy  farmer  and  real-estate  dealer,  and  he  still  gives  personal  at- 
tention to  his  business  afi^airs  and  investments,  although  he  has  long  since  passed 
the  age  when  most  men  would  have  put  aside  business  cares  to  enjoy  that  rest 
which  is  the  fitting  reward  of  earnest  labor. 

Mr.  Greene  was  born  in  Rensselaer  county.  New  York,  July  12,  1830,  his 
parents  being  Samuel  and  Mary  (Rose)  Greene,  the  former  a  son  of  Longford 
Greene.  All  were  natives  of  the  Empire  state,  in  which  Jefferson  J.  Greene 
remained  during  the  period  of  his  boyhood  and  youth.  He  mastered  the  les- 
sons taught  in  the  district  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  put  aside  his  text- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  463 

books  that  he  niit^ht  earn  his  own  hving,  securing  employment  as  a  farm  hand. 
He  worked  in  that  way  for  three  years,  carefully  saving  his  earnings,  and  when 
he  came  to  Peoria  in  1834 — fifty-eight  years  ago — he  rented  a  farm  and  thus 
started  out  upon  an  independent  career.  His  cultivation  of  that  tract  brought 
him  added  capital  and  he  then  purchased  a  farm  situated  on  section  30  in  Hal- 
lock  township,  ujjon  which  he  made  his  home  until  1886.  Within  that  ])eriod 
he  converted  the  land  into  fertile  and  productive  fields  and  added  many  sub- 
stantial and  modern  improvements  to  the  place,  making  it  one  of  the  fine  farm 
properties  of  the  district.  In  that  year  he  withdrew  from  active  connection  with 
agricultural  interests  and  turned  his  attention  to  dealing  in  grain  and  real  estate. 
In  these  occupations  he  too  was  very  successful,  and  in  later  years  he  has  devoted 
his  attention  entirely  to  handling  property  and  to  building  operations.  He  is 
seldom  if  ever  at  fault  in  matters  of  business  judgment,  and  his  keen  insight  is 
manifest  in  the  splendid  success  which  has  attended  his  labors.  He  has  ac- 
cumulated over  fifty  thousand  acres  of  land  throughout  the  United  States,  hav- 
ing over  twenty-eight  thousand  acres  in  Texas  and  other  tracts  in  Washington, 
Colorado,  Missouri,  Florida.  Kansas  and  Illinois.  He  has  erected  many  houses 
in  Peoria  which  he  sells  on  the  installment  plan,  and  he  is  the  owner  of  valuable 
real  estate  in  Berwyn.  one  of  the  attractive  suburbs  of  Chicago.  .  His  business 
ability  and  enterprise  have  thus  found  tangible  representation  in  his  realty  hold- 
ings. He  is  indeed  a  self-made  man  and  deserves  all  the  praise  that  term  implies. 
While  now  eighty-two  years  of  age  he  is  still  actively  engaged  in  the  real-estate 
business,  and  is  one  of  the  best  known,  wealthiest  and  most  prominent  residents 
of  Peoria.  He  certainly  deserves  great  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished  and 
his  prosperity  is  indeed  well  merited  because  it  has  been  honorably  won. 

On  the  3d  of  July,  1855,  Mr.  Greene  was  married  in  Chillicothe,  to  Miss 
Mary  Nelson,  a  daughter  of  Osmond  and  Sarah  Nelson.  Airs.  Greene  was  born 
January  15,  1839,  in  Radnor  township,  and  died  July  27,  1887.  There  were 
four  children  of  that  marriage.  Abbie  L.,  born  December  27,  1857,  was  the 
wife  of  Fphraim  Clark  but  is  now  deceased.  She  had  five  children  of  whom 
three  are  living,  as  follows :  Harry  O.  Clark  of  Pasadena,  California ;  and  Abigal 
May  and  Thomas  Oliver,  both  of  Peoria.  Rose  R..  born  June  22,  i860,  be- 
came the  wife  of  George  Overen  and  passed  away  May  i,  1880,  leaving  two 
daughters,  Mrs.  A.  M.  Santee  and  Mrs.  Rose  Cald'er.  Hattie,  born  November 
17,  1862.  married  ;M.  G.  Stine  and  died  October  30,  1897.  leaving  two  children, 
Clarence  J.  and  Mary.  Sarah  M.,  born  January  6,  1865,  is  the  wife  of  Lyman 
Seelye,  and  has  a  daughter,  Josephine,  who  is  the  widow  of  Elliott  Breese.' 

Mr.  Greene  has  two  great-grandchildren.  Forest  Calder  and  Cora  Elizabeth 
Clark.  Having  lost  his  first  wife  Mr.  Greene  was  again  married  in  1888,  his 
second  union  being  with  Miss  Sarah  J.  Henthorn,  a  daughter  of  Nelson  G.  and 
Elizabeth  C.  (Moeller)  Henthorn,  of  Lacon,  Illinois,  who  were  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  when  quite  young  removed  to  Ohio  where  thev  were  married.  They 
became  residents  of  Lacon,  Marshall  county,  in  1835,  and' there  the  mother  died 
November  2,  1887,  and  the  father  on  February  22,'  1890. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  republican  party  Jefiferson  J.  Greene  has  usually 
voted  for  its  candidates  at  elections  which  involve  national  issues  and  questions, 
but  casts  an  independent  local  ballot.  He  has  filled  the  offices  of  school  director 
and  school  trustee,  serving  in  those  positions  for  many  vears.  The  cause  of 
education  lias  ever  found  in  him  a  warm  friend,  in  fact,  liis  influence  is  always 
given  to  the  side  of  progress  and  improvement  for  the  benefit  of  the  individual 
and  the  community  at  large.  He  held  membership  with  the  Presbyterian  church 
at  Dunlap,  but  since  coming  to  Peoria  has  attended  the  Union  Congregational 
church.  He  has  ever  realized  the  responsibility  and  obligations  of  wealth  and 
has  been  most  generous  with  his  means  for  the  aid  of  the  worthy  poor  and  for 
public  projects.  He  gave  a  thousand  dollars  for  the  erection  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  building  in  Peoria,  and  he  has  aided  many  churches 


464  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  charitable  projects  in  a  most  liberal  manner.  Measures  and  movements  for 
the  upbuilding  of  the  city  have  also  received  his  indorsement  and  material  as- 
sistance. His  has  indeed  been  a  well  spent  life,  and  the  most  envious  cannot 
grudge  him  success  so  honorably  has  it  been  won  and  so  worthily  used. 


JOSEPH  BENEDICT  GREENHUT. 

Peoria's  most  distinguished  citizen  in  the  commercial  life  of  the  city  is  Joseph 
Benedict  Greenhut,   who  has  been   associated  with  more  enterprises   that   have 
contributed  directly  to  the  business  activity  and  consequent  prosperity  of  the  city    > 
than  any  other  one  man.     Moreover,  his  civic  pride  and  his  interest  in  the  wel- 
fare and  upbuilding  of  the  city  are  manifest  in  his  generous  support  of  jsrojects 
for  the  public  good  while  on  various  occasions  he  has  been  the  donor  of  public 
buildings  which  are  attractive  architectural  features  and  which  provide  a  meet- 
ing place  for  some  of  the  most  commendable  organizations.     In  a  word  Joseph 
Benedict  Greenhut  is  a  splendid  specimen  of  American  manhood  and  chivalry  v\  ho 
has  recognized  the  responsibilities,  obligations  and  opportunities  of  wealth  and  has 
again  and  again  reached  out  a  helping  hand  to  the  individual  or  to  the  community. 
A  native  of  Austria,  he  was  born  at  the  military  post  of  Teinitz,  February  28, 
1843.     Hs  ^"^'"is  only  about  four  years  of  age  when  his  father  died  and  afterward 
his  mother  became  the  wife  of  Wolf  Schaefer  and  became  a  resident  of  Chicago 
about  1852,  at  which  time  Joseph  B.  Greenhut  was  a  lad  of  nine  years.     When 
thirteen  years  of  age  he  began  learning  the  tin  and  coppersmith's  trade  and  in 
that  capacity  worked  for  different   firms   in  St.  Louis.     He  afterward   started 
south,  going  to  Mobile,  Alabama,  where  he  remained  for  two  years.     He  came 
north  in  March  and  on  April   17,  in  response  to  President  Lincoln's  first  call 
for  troops  to  aid  in  the  preservation  of  the  Union,  he  enlisted  as  a  private  of 
the  Twelfth  Illinois  Infantry,  the  first  Chicago  regiment  to  respond  to  the  call 
to  arms.     IMr.   Greenhut   was  the   second   to   enlist   from   the  city   of    Chicago. 
\\'ithin  two  months  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of   sergeant  with   which  he 
served  until  seriously  wounded  in  the  arm  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson.     He 
was  then  granted  a  leave  of  absence,  spending  six  months  at  home,  and  then 
when  his  wound  had  healed  he  recruited  a  company  of  infantry  of  which  he 
was  elected  captain.     The  command  was  assigned  to  the  Eighty-Second  Illinois 
Regiment  and   subsequently   he   was  made  chief   of   staff  of   the  brigade.     He 
served  in  some  of   the  most  important   battles  of  he   Civil   war,   continuing  in 
active  dutv  .until   1864,   when  his   health   failed  and  he   was  allowed   to   resign. 
Upon   his   recovery    Mr.    Greenhut   devoted   himself   to   mechanical   pursuits 
in     Chicago,     during    which     period     among    other     inventions     he       invented 
and     patented     the     twine     binder     which     was     used     in     the     McCormick 
reaping     machine,      and      subsequently      started      in      the      distilling     business 
from     which     he     has     since     realized     a     magnificent     fortune     and     which 
has    made    him    so    well    known    throughout    the    United  States    and    also    in 
other  countries.     His  business  ability  and  sterling  qualities  being  recognized,  he 
has  not   found  it  difficult  to  secure  the  assistance  and  cooperation   of   capable 
business  men  in  the  establishment  and  development  of  business  projects,  many 
of  which  he  has  handled  with  masterly  skill.     In  1887  he  managed  to  bring  all 
distilleries  of  the  United   States  together  into  the  Distillers  &  Cattle  Feeding 
Company  of  which  he  became  president  and  so  continued  until  1895,  when  on 
account  of  dift'erences  between  the  eastern  and  western  stockholders  he   with- 
drew from  the  company.     He  was  equally  prominent  in  the  organization  of  the 
glucose  companies  of  the  L^nited  States  when  the  interests  of  such  houses  were 
consolidated.     Mr.  Greenhut  possesses  notable  powers  of  management  and  con- 
trol with  marked  ability  to  coordinate  interests  and  to  combine  seemingly  diverse 


JOSEPH  B.  CIJEENHUT 


HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY  467 

factions  into  a  harmonious  whole.  It  is  said  that  difficulties  vanish  before  him 
as  mist  before  the  morning  sun.  He  possesses  the  powers  of  a  tactician  and  a 
diplomat  in  handling  men  and  business  situations  and  influencing  men  to  his 
way  of  thinking. 

It  can  be  said  of  Mr.  Greenhut  more  than  of  any  other  one  man  that  he  has 
made  Peoria  commercially,  for  he  has  been  connected  with  practically  every 
business  movement  and  enterprise  of  importance  here.  He  was  one  of  the 
officers  and  directors  of  the  old  Central  Railway  Company,  now  the  Peoria  Rail- 
road Company,  also  of  the  Commercial  German-American  National  Bank,  the 
Merchants  National  Bank  and  the  National  Bank  of  the  Republic  of  Chicago. 
He  is  likewise  the  president  of  the  National  Cooperage  li  Woodenware  Company 
of  Peoria,  controlling  one  of  the  largest  enterprises  of  this  character  in  the 
United  States.  He  was  also  interested  for  years  in  the  Siegel-Cooper  Company 
of  New  York,  his  son,  B.  J.  Greenhut,  being  his  representative  in  that  company, 
the  father  acting  as  president  and  the  son  as  secretary  and  treasurer.  Because 
of  his  extensive  holdings  in  this  vast  mercantile  enterprise  the  name  has  been 
changed  to  the  Greenhut-Siegel  Cooper  Company,  of  wdiich  Mr.  Greenhut  re- 
mains as  the  president.  Their  Sixth  avenue  establishments  in  New  York  are 
the  largest  department  stores  in  the  metropolis.  In  this  project  both  of  his 
sons  are  deeply  interested  and  very  active  and  seem  to  possess  much  of  the  busi- 
ness ability  and  enterprising  spirit  of  the  father. 

On  the  24th  of  October,  1866,  Mr.  Greenhut  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Clara  W'olfner.  of  Chicago,  and  they  have  for  forty-five  years  traveled  life's 
journey  happily  together,  the  interests  of  one  being  also  the  interests  of  the 
other.  They  became  the  parents  of  a  daughter,  Fannie  \  .  and  two  sons.  Bene- 
dict J.,  and  Nelson  \\'.  The  elder  son  is  married.  Mr.  Greenhut  now  maintains 
his  residence  in  New  York  during  the  greater  part  of  the  year.  His  country 
home  at  West  End,  New  Jersey,  is  one  of  the  most  palatial  on  the  coa.st.  It 
w-as  built  for  John  A.  AlcCall,  then  president  of  the  New  York  Life  Insurance 
Company  and  Mr.  Greenhut  bought  it  when  Mr.  McCall  sought  a  buyer  several 
years  ago.  However,  he  also  maintains  his  home  in  Peoria,  having  a  fine  resi- 
dence on  High  street.  To  this  the  family  all  return  for  the  Christmas  holidays 
when  all  of  the  Greenhuts  and  their  relatives  celebrate  an  "at  home."  Mr. 
Greenhut  says  it  is  worth  everything  to  keep  the  house  open  the  year  around 
for  this  home-coming.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  greatly  interested  in  charitable 
and  benevolent  work.  Mrs.  Greenhut  is  lady  of  most  charming  manner,  tact- 
ful and  thoughtful,  and  has  the  faculty  of  putting  her  guests  at  ease  in  her  pres- 
ence. Her  gifts  to  the  poor  of  Peoria  amount  to  thousands  of  dollars  annually. 
Her  quick  consideration,  her  deep  interest  and  her  earnest  sympathy  enable  her 
to  readily  understand  the  needs  of  the  poor  and  they  also  constitute  features 
in  her  social  success.  She  is  the  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Woman's  Club 
and  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Greenhut  are  prominently  identified  with  the  National 
Jewish  charities.  When  President  AIcKinley  and  his  entire  cabinet  visited 
Peoria  in  1899,  they  were  the  guests  of  the  Greenhuts.  Peoria  is  proud  to  claim 
Mr.  Greenhut  as  one  of  her  leading  citizens,  owing  to  the  fact  that  he  has  done 
so  much  for  her  advancement.  He  is  honored  in-  all  who  know  him  for  his  gen- 
erosity, his  ability  as  a  man  of  business  and  his  sterling,  upright  character.  Of 
him  many  instances  are  related  which  are  indicative  of  his  views  of  life.  It  is 
said  that  he  was  entitled  to  a  large  pension  for  his  military  service  yet  he  never 
claimed  it.  On  one  occasion  when  a  business  concern  in  which  he  was  interested 
went  to  the  wall  because  of  the  general  depression  in  trade  he  paid  up  the  cred- 
itors to  the  extent  of  his  interest  so  that  no  man  nor  woman  suffered.  He  aided 
materially  in  building  the  soldiers  monument  in  Peoria  county  at  a  cost  of  forty 
n  thousand  dollars  which  was  dedicated  bv  President  McKinley  October  12,  1899. 
I  He  also  recently  gave  the  Greenhut  ^lemorial  Hall  in  Peoria  countv.  costing 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.     He  has  like- 


468  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

wise  made  other  splendid  gifts  to  the  city,  all  of  which  indicate  his  generous 
spirit  and  his  liberality.  There  is  no  sense  of  duty  in  all  this,  for  his  generosity 
is  rather  the  outgrowing  of  a  nature  that  reaches  in  helpful  support  to  all  man- 
kind and  seeks  to  l^enetit  where  aid  or  encouragement  are  needed. 


CHARLES  TREFZGER. 

Charles  Trefzger  is  the  proprietor  of  Trefzger's  Pure  Goods  Bakery,  one  of 
the  best  known  and  oldest  establishments  of  the  kind  in  Peoria,  having  been 
founded  by  his  father  over  fifty  years  ago.  His  birth  occurred  in  this  city  on 
the  1 6th  of  February,  i860,  hi's  parents  being  Simon  and  Catherine  (Scherr) 
Trefzger,  natives  of  Germany.  The  family  of  Air.  and  Mrs.  Trefzger  numbers 
twelve,  eight  sons  and  four  daughters,  our  subject  being  the  second  in  order  of 
birth. 

In  1867,  the  parents  of  Charles  Trefzger  went  to  liaden,  Germany,  on  a 
visit,  remaining  there  for  four  years.  During  that  time  he  pursued  his  educa- 
tion in  the  schools  of  the  fatherland  but  upon  their  return  to  Peoria  in  1871,  he 
resumed  his  studies  in  the  public  schools,  which  he  continued  to  attend  until  he 
had  attained  the  age  of  fourteen  years.  His  text-books  were  then  laid  aside  and 
he  began  his  preparation  for  a  commercial  career  as  an  apprentice  in  his  father's 
bakerv.  During  the  succeeding  seven  years  he  was  employed  in  each  depart- 
ment of  the  business,  mastering  its  every  detail  and  qualifying  himself  for  its 
future  management.  Upon  attaining  his  majority  he  was  made  a  partner  in  the 
enterprise,  assuming  more  and  more  of  the  responsibility  connected  with  its 
management  until  1890,  when  he  purchased  his  father's  interest  and  has  ever 
since  been  operating  the  establishment  alone.  The  business  was  first  founded  in 
a  small  way  as  a  retail  bakery  in  i860,  but  as  the  years  have  passed  it  has  de- 
veloped until  they  now  maintain  both  a  retail  and  wholesale  establishment.  The 
wholesale  department  is  located  at  102  South  Alonroe  street,  while  the  retail 
store  is  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Monroe  streets,  having  occupied  this  site  for 
thirty-nine  years.  The  development  of  the  business  has  been  marked  by  a  steady, 
permanent  growth  from  the  time  of  its  founding  and  is  now  one  of  the  largest 
concerns  ofthe  kind  in  the  city.  The  products  of  their  factory  are  of  a  superior 
quality  and  are  fully  commeiisurate  in  every  respect  to  the  prices  charged.  It 
has  been  the  policy  of  the  firm  to  accord  all  patrons  courteous  and  considerate 
treatment,  and  as  a  result  the  names  of  many  of  their  customers  have  been  on 
their  books  for  a  long  period  of  years.  Air.  Trefzger  is  an  enterprising  man  of 
sound  judgment  and  practical  ideas  and  has  always  applied  himself  closely  to 
his  business,  giving  his  personal  supervision  to  every  department,  as  did  his 
father.  They  "are  both  men  of  high  standards  and  good'  principles,  whose  method 
of  conducting  their  transactions  always  commends  them  to  the  support  and  con- 
fidence of  all  with  whom  they  have  dealings  and  as  a  result  they  have  been  re- 
warded with  success. 

On  the  nth  of  Tune.  1890,  Mr.  Trefzger  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Sophia  Schiefeling  of  this  city,  who  passed  away  in  1901.  Three  children  were 
born  to  them,  as  follows :  Marie,  who  is  eighteen  years  of  age ;  Florence,  who  has 
passed  the  seventeenth  anniversary  of  her  birth ;  and  Joseph,  who  has  recently 
entered  upon  his  si.xteenth  year.  The  family  home  is  located  at  109  Ellis  street, 
where  Air.  Trefzger  owns  a  very  pleasant  residence,  which  is  presided  over  by 
his  eldest  daughter. 

Air.  Trefzger  and  his  family  are  communicants  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church, 
belonging  to  Sacred  Heart  parish  of  which  the  wife  and  mother  was  likewise 
a  member.  Politically  he  is  a  democrat,  but  the  exacting  demands  of  his  ex- 
tensive personal  interests  have  always  precluded  the  possiblity  of  his  participat- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  469 

ing  in  jjiiblic  affairs.  He  believes  in  the  affiliation  of  all  crafts  and  trades,  and 
is  a  member  of  the  Master  I'akers'  Association  of  Peoria,  of  which  he  has 
several  times  been  president.  He  is  now  vice  president  of  the  Illinois  Master 
Bakers'  Association  and  is  one  of  the  senior  members  of  this  organization,  and 
he  also  belongs  to  the  Kational  Association  of  Master  Bakers.  As  he  is  public- 
spirited  and  progressive  in  his  ideas  he  gives  his  cooperation  to  the  movements 
of  the  Peoria  Merchants'  Association  and  the  I'eoria  Association  of  Commerce, 
being  affiliated  with  both  of  these  organizations.  Mr.  Trefzger  is  a  worthy 
representative  of  one  of  the  city's  highly  esteemed  pioneer  business  men,  but 
his  own  capabilities  have  won  him  recognition  that  places  him  in  the  front  rank 
of  the  local  commercial  fraternity,  and  he  is  accorded  the  respect  that  is  in- 
variably paid  to  deserving  merit  in  all  walks  of  life. 


TllUMA.S  CLINCH. 


Thomas  Clinch,  deceased,  was  well  known  throughout  Peoria  county,  as  one 
of  the  organizers  of  the  banking  firm  of  Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lott  at  Elmwood. 
lie  was  born  in  I'.orden,  Kngland,  his  parents  'jeing  Thomas  and  Matilda  Clinch, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  that  country  and  spent  all  their  lives  there.  The 
father  was  a  well  known  stock  buyer.  In  his  family  were  five  children,  of 
whom  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  eldest,  and  was  the  only  one  who  came 
to  America. 

Thomas  Clinch  received  a  common-school  education  and  being  only  nine 
years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  father's  death,  he  was  forced  in  early  life  to 
leave  school  and  help  su]iport  his  mother.  Accordingly  at  the  age  of  thirteen  he 
was  sent  out  to  work.  \\'hen  twenty-one  years  of  age  he  came  to  America,  locat- 
ing near  Farmington,  where  he  was  employed  on  the  farm  of  Nathan  Kellogg  for 
one  year  and  received  as  compensation  for  his  services  thirteen  dollars  per  month. 
Subsec|uently  he  rented  a  farm  which  he  operated  for  two  years.  He  was  then 
married  and  afterward  purchased  a  farm  of  forty  acres  in  Rosefield  township, 
which  farm  he  cleared  and  improved  and  gradually  added  to  until  he  owned  in 
all  two  hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  excellent  land  in  Peoria  county.  He  engaged 
extensively  in  general  farming  and  stock-raising  and  was  very  successful  in  both 
these  lines  of  work.  On  November  29,  1886,  he  moved  to  Elmwood  where  he 
purdiased  a  home  consisting  of  an  excellent  house  and  two  acres  of  land.  It 
was  about  this  lime  that  Mr.  Tracy's  bank  in  Elmwood  failed  and  Mr.  Clinch, 
in  partnership  with  W.  H.  Lott,  at  once  became  active  in  the  organization  of 
another  banking  firm,  the  name  of  which  was  Clinch  &  Lott,  but  scarcely  one 
year  had  passed  after  the  establishment  of  the  bank  until  Mr.  Lott  was  killed 
in  the  Chatsworth  wreck.  This  necessitated  a  reorganization  and  as  the  bank 
was  growing,  and  they  desired  to  associate  Henry  Schenck  as  a  member  of  the 
banking  firm  and  the  same  was  made  an  equal  partner  in  the  business  and  M.  T. 
Lott  succeeded  his  father,  and  Walter  A.  Clinch,  son  of  Thomas  Clinch,  was 
taken  into  the  firm.  Then  the  firm  name  of  the  bank  became  Clinch,  Schenck  & 
Lott.  This  firm  name  has  never  been  changed  since,  for  on  the  death  of  Mr. 
Clinch  of  this  review,  his  son,  W.  A.  Clinch,  became  a  full  partner  and  on  the 
death  of  Mr.  Henry  Schenck,  his  son,  Llarry,  succeeded  to  his  position.  Also 
now  C.  E.  Clinch,  the  son  of  Walter  Clinch,  has  recently  been  taken  into  the 
firm.  The  bank  of  Clinch,  Schenck  &  Lott  has  grown  and  prospered  and  it 
has  a  ca]iital  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  and  its  estimated  worth  is  two 
hundred  thousand  dollars. 

On  the  29th  of  .August,  1854,  Mr.  Clinch  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Sarah  .Ann  Bohanan,  who  was  born  near  Saratoga  Springs,  New  York,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Major  .S.  and  Esther  (Dickinson)  Bohanan.    The  parents  were  both  born 


470  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  reared  in  New  York,  and  on  June  27,  1837,  came  to  Illinois  locating  in 
Peoria  county,  where  they  entered  government  land  and  cleared  and  cultivated 
the  same.  At  the  time  of  their  settlement  here  their  nearest  neighbors  were 
more  than  a  mile  distant.  They  became  owners  of  between  three  hundred  and 
four  hundred  acres  of  excellent  land  in  this  county.  In  their  family  were  six 
daughters  and  one  son,  but  the  son  died  in  1872  of  lockjaw.  The  father  passed 
away  September  23,  1884,  and  the  mother  in  December,  1898,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  ninety  years  and  three  months.  She  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clinch  became  parents  of  four  children:  Walter  A.,  a  sketch  of 
whose  life  appears  on  another  page  of  this  volume:  Charles  Eugene,  who  died 
December  5,  1882,  at  the  age  of  twenty-four  years;  \'ilu  Maude,  who  died  No- 
vember 9,  1893;  and  Sadie  Blanche,  who  died  ]March   14,   1896. 

Mr.  Clinch  of  this  review,  passed  away  October  13,  1895,  and  his  death  was 
deeply  deplored  by  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances,  for  his  long  resi- 
dence' here  and  his  active  life,  both  in  his  farming  and  banking  interests,  had 
made  him  a  prominent  man  in  both  the  business  and  social  world.  In  politics 
he  was  a  republican,  and  he  served  as  county  supervisor  for  eighteen  consecutive 
years  and  was  holding  that  office  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  building  committee  during  the  erection  of  the  present  courthouse  and  was 
a  helpful  citizen  of  this  county  in  various  other  ways.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  Wesleyan  church  in  England,  and  his  wife  belonged  to  the  Congregational 
church.  In  the  broadest  sense  of  the  word  he  was  a  self-made  man,  for  he  started 
out  in  life  empty-handed,  and  passed  away  as  one  of  the  most  prosperous  and 
good  substantial  men  of  his  community. 


lOHN   CCSACK. 


Promment  among  the  native  residents  of  Rosefield  township  is  John  Cu- 
sack  who  is  actively  engaged  in  raising  grain  and  live  stock  on  his  farm  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres.  He  was  born  December  6,  1858,  and  is  the  son  of 
Patrick  and  Nora  (Maloney)  Cusack,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ireland, 
the  father  born  in  1819  and  the  mother  in  1827.  Both  parents  came  to  America 
in  1850,  locating  in  Pennsylvania,  and  were  married  in  that  state  the  follow- 
ing year.  In  1853  they  removed  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Rosefield  township  where 
they  resided  the  remainder  of  their  lives,  the  father  dying  April  7,  1891,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-two  and  the  mother  on  April  10,  1906,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
nine.  They  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children  of  whom  John  Cusack  of  this 
review  is  the  third  in  order  of  birth. 

John  Cusack,  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  remained  at  home  until  1892 
when  he  purchased  in  Rosefield  township  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  his 
present  farm  and  began  operating  the  same.  In  1905  he  bought  an  adjoining 
forty  acres  so  he  now  has  in  all  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  his  farm.  He 
engages  in  raising  grain  and  live  stock,  making  a  specialty  of  horses,  cows  and 
Poland-China   hogs.  .  . 

On  the  26th  of  October,  1892,  John  Cusack  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Ellen  M.  Mclntyre,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Frank  and  Catherine  (Burns)  Mc- 
Intyre  of  Rosefield  township.  The  parents  are  both  natives  of  Ireland,  the 
father  born  in  County  Donegal,  September  16,  1828,  and  the  mother  in  County 
Mayo  November  27,  1838.  Both  came  to  America  in  1855,  and  on  the  27th  of 
February  1862  were  united  in  marriage.  The  father  passed  away  in  Rosefield 
township' on  the  24th  of  November.  1906,  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight  years, 
two  months  and  seven  davs.  the  mother  preceding  him  bv  almost  a  year,  died 
December  22  1905,  at  the  age  of  sixtv-seven  years  and  twenty-five  days.  In 
their   family   were   eight   children   of    whom    Mrs.    Cusack   is   the   eldest.      Mrs. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  471 

Cusack  received  her  education  in  the  common  schools  and  the  high  scohol  of 
Elmwood.  In  the  winter  of  1881  she  began  teaching  at  the  Hietter  school  and 
followed  that  profession  for  ten  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cusack  have  been 
born  seven  children:  Nora,  born  July  28,  1893,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  public 
schools  and  is  attending  the  Normal  school,  has  been  engaged  in  teaching  for 
three  terms  and  is  now  the  instructor  in  the  primary  department  at  Kingston 
Mines  in  Timber  township;  l-Vank,  born  December  24,  1894,  was  graduated 
from  Edwards  school  September  i,  1910,  and  is  now  helping  to  operate  the 
home  farm  ;  and  Patrick,  born  .August  5.  1896,  James,  born  March  8,  1898,  John 
born  February  15,  1900,  Alary,  born  .\iay  8,  1902,  and  Catherine,  born  Novem- 
ber 26,  1904,  are  all  in  school. 

In  politics  Mr.  Cusack  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party  and  he  has  served 
in  the  capacity  of  tax  collector  for  his  township.  He  is  greatly  interested  in 
and  has  given  much  time  to  the  cause  of  education  and  is  now  efficiently  per- 
forming the  duties  of  school  director.  He  is  very  prosperous  both  in  his  farm- 
ing and  stock-raising,  and  is  widely  known  throughout  the  township  as  a  man 
who  uses  his  influence  for  the  general  welfare  and  for  the  reform  and  progress 
of  his  community.  Mr.  Cusack  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Catholic 
church. 


W.  D.  CH.ARl.l'.S  THRESHIE. 

\V.  D.  Charles  Threshie  is  well  known  in  the  banking  and  business  world 
of  Peoria  county  as  cashier  of  the  Dunlap  Bank,  as  vice  president  and  a  di- 
rector of  the  State  Trust  &  Savings  Bank  of  I'eoria  and  as  secretary  and  a  di- 
rector in  the  Dunlap  &  Alta  Telephone  Company.  He  was  born  in  Avranches, 
France,  October  29,  1863,  the  son  of  David  Scott  and  Eliza  Bird  (Alartin) 
Threshie.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  and  was  a  lawyer 
and  a  writer  to  the  Signet.  He  traveled  extensively  and  his  son,  the  subject"  of 
this  sketch,  was  born  during  one  of  his  visits  to  France.  However,  he  spent 
the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  Dumfries  and  on  the  island  of  Jersey,  passing 
away  at  the  latter  place  in  1879,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  The  grandfather. 
Robert  Threshie,  was  also  a  lawyer  of  Dumfries.  The  mother,  Eliza  Bird 
(Martin)  Threshie,  was  the  daughter  of  a  judge  in  the  East  India  Company. 
She  died  in  1896,  at  the  age  of  sixty-three.  In  their  family  were  six  children, 
of  whom  the  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  youngest  and  is  the  only  one  in 
America. 

W.  D.  C.  Threshie  was  educated  in  St.  James'  College  on  the  island  of  Jer- 
sey. Leaving  school  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  entered  the  army,  receiving  a 
commission  as  first  lieutenant  in  the  Welsh  Regiment,  with  which  he  served 
for  one  year.  In  1883  he  came  to  America  and  located  at  Dunlap,  where  he 
worked  on  a  farm  until  1886,  when  he  went  to  western  Kansas  and  was  there 
engaged  in  cattle  ranching  for  nine  years.  Subsequently  returning  to  Dun- 
lap, he  purchased  of  \\'illiam  Wood  in  1899  the  banking  establishment  with 
which  he  has  since  been  connected.  In  July,  iqio,  he  took  in  as  a  ]xirtner  H. 
Winchester.  Mr.  Threshie  is  extremely  successful  in  the  financial  world  and 
he  is  now  also  secretary  and  a  director  of  the  Dunlap  &  Alta  Telephone  Com- 
pany, of  v\'hich  he  was  one  of  the  organizers  in  1905.  Also  he  is  vice  presi- 
dent and  a  director  of  the  State  Trust  &  Savings  Bank  of  Peoria,  and  he  also 
is  interested   in   some   farm   lands   in   this   section    of    the  county. 

On  the  20th  of  June,  1890,  at  .Savov.  Illinois,  Mr.  Threshie  married  Miss 
Minnie  Dunlap,  the  daughter  of  Burleigh  Dunlap,  of  this  city,  and  a  grand- 
daughter of  Alva  Dunlap,  who  was  the  founder  of  the  town  of  Dunlap.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Threshie  have  been  born  two  children:  Marion,  who  was  born 
July  28,  1894;  and  Robert  D..  born  July   14,   1897.     Politically  Mr.  Threshie  is 


472  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

an  independent  and  he  lias  served  for  several  years  as  school  trustee,  always 
having  been  greatly  interested  in  educational  work.  Fraternally  he  is  identi- 
fied with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  is  a  member  of  the  Masons, 
having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  in  that  order,  and  is  also  a  member  of 
Mohammed  Shrine  at  Peoria.  Mr.  Threshie  has  hosts  of  personal  friends  in 
the  business  world  and  throughout  Peoria  county,  and  he  is  chairman  of  the  board 
of  trustees  of  Prospect  Presbyterian  church  of  Dunlap.  He  is  fond  of  outdoor 
life  as  is  shown  by  his  membership  in  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club,  and  his 
yacht  on  the  Illinois  river  affords  his  principal  recreation. 


GEORGE  F.  SIMMONS. 

George  F.  Simmons,  proprietor  of  the  Troy  Laundry  of  Peoria,  is  the  head 
of  one  of  the  largest  establishments  of  this  kind  in  Illinois.  He  is  an  active 
figure  in  his  business,  interested  in  the  details  of  its  development  and  thor- 
oughly conversant  with  its  different  branches.  Mr.  Simmons  is  well  known 
and  prominent  in  the  laundry  business,  not  only  in  his  city,  but  throughout 
Illinois  as  well,  taking  an  active  part  in  all  conventions  of  the  state  associa- 
tions, and  serving  as  president  of  the  Laundrymen's  National  Association  for 
one  term. 

George  F.  Simmons  was  born  at  Baltimore,  Alaryland,  September  g,  1865, 
the  son  of  David  E.  and  Frances  E.  Simmons.  Both  of  his  parents  were  natives 
of  New  York  state,  the  father  was  born  at  Oneida  and  the  mother  at  Rome. 
David  E.  Simmons  followed  the  occupation  of  marine  engineer  and  for  many 
years  was  well  known  on  the  Great  Lakes.  In  1870,  he  removed  to  Oshkosh, 
and  twelve  years  later  retired  from  active  life. 

George  F.  Simmons  lived  in  Oshkosh  and  during  the  last  years  of  his  school 
life,  spent  his  vacations  learning  the  cigar-making  trade,  and  immediately  upon 
leaving  school,  secured  employment  in  this  line  of  activity.  He  gave  up  cigar- 
making  to  work  as  a  steam  fitter  and  plumber,  in  wdiich  employment  he  re- 
mained for  three  years.  In  1881,  the  first  steam  laundry  in  Oshkosh  was 
established  and  George  Simmons  immediately  secured  a  position  therein,  and 
his  work  there  gave  an  impetus  and  direction  to  his  ambition.  He  left  Oshkosh 
in  1883  to  accept  the  position  as  manager  of  the  Minnesota  Steam  Laundry 
of  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  and  held  this  position  for  three  years,  going  from 
there  to  the  Duluth  Steam  Laundry  of  Duluth,  ^Minnesota,  for  two  years,  then 
owned  and  operated  the  Ashland  Steam  Laundry  of  Ashland,  Wisconsin,  for 
two  years  and  next  became  connected  with  the  Troy  Laundry  of  Peoria,  as  its 
manager  and  held  this  position,  with  the  exception  of  one  year  as  assistant 
manager  of  the  Grand  Laundry  Company  in  St.  Louis.  Then  returning  to 
Peoria,  purchasing  a  quarter  interest  in  the  Troy  Laundry  and  acted  as  its 
manager  up  to  1892,  during  this  time,  buying  additional  stock  at  different  times, 
until  he  became  sole  owner  of  the  corporation.  Lender  his  direction  since  that 
time,  the  business  has  increased  rapidly,  new  and  efficient  methods  have  been 
adapted,  and  nothing  has  been  left  undone  to  make  this  laundry  one  of  the 
most  progressive  in  the  state.  In  191 1,  the  business  had  increased  to  such  an 
extent  that  it  had  entirely  outgrown  its  quarters,  and  Mr.  Simmons  then  built 
the  immense  modern  laundry  building  at  917  to  923  Main  street,  where  he  is 
now  doing  business.  The  liew  structure  made  the  Troy  Laundry  the  largest 
establishment  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  The  equipment  is  absolutely  new  and 
modern,  and  the  facilities  for  the  finest  laundry  work  are  unparalleled.  Mr. 
Simmons  never  loses  an  opportunity  to  make  himself  thoroughly  conversant 
with  new  methods  in  his  business,  and  he  is  well  known  in  all  conventions  of 
the  Laundrvmen's  Association.     In   1S95,  he  declined  the  chairmanship  of  the 


CKOKGE   r.   SIJIMONS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  475 

Illinois  state  convention,  and  the  following  year  was  elected  secretary  of  the 
body,  holding  that  office  for  three  years,  until  iSgg,  when  he  was  elected  presi- 
dent of  the  state  association.  At  Cincinnati  in  i8q8  he  was  elected  first  vice 
president  of  the  Laundrymen's  National  Association,  and  was  made  national 
president  at  Buffalo,  in  1900. 

( leorge  F.  Simmons,  while  intensely  interested  in  the  development  of  the  de- 
tails of  his  chosen  occupation,  does  not  allow  it  to  engross  his  entire  time.  He 
takes  an  active  part  in  local  politics  and  is  known  as  a  public-spirited  and  enter- 
prising citizen  of  Peoria.  He  is  consistently  republican  in  his  politics,  and  served 
three  terms  in  the  city  council  as  alderman  from  the  fourth  ward.  He  was  after- 
ward ajipointed  commissione^  of  public  works  in  Peoria,  and  left  behind  him  a 
record  uneciualed  in  this  city,  for  (juick  and  efficient  work.  At  the  ]3resent  time, 
he  is  looked  upon  as  a  ])roniising  man  in  local  politics,  and  his  name  is  often  men- 
tioned in  connection  with  the  office  of  mayor.  He  is  a  Knights  Templar  Mason, 
is  prominent  in  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America,  in  which  he  has  held  a  national  office. 

In  October,  1888,  George  F.  Sihimons  married  Miss  Anna  Rohl,  of  Duluth, 
Minnesota,  and  they  have  one  child,  George  E.  Simmons,  eighteen  years  of  age. 
Mr.  Simmons'  career  is  an  example  of  the  intelligent  application  of  modern 
business  principles  to  the  management  of  a  large  and  growing  commercial  enter- 
prise. It  shows  the  results  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  details  of  the  busi- 
ness, and  an  active  personal  supervision  of  its  various  branches.  Mr.  Simmons 
has  always  been  intensely  interested  in  his  work,  and  this  interest  has  had  its 
reward  in  his  growing  prosperity  and  prominence. 


FRANK  BAKER. 


Perhaps  no  prominent  representative  of  railway  interests  in  Peoria  started 
in  life  along  this  line  of  activity  at  an  earlier  age  than  did  Frank  Baker,  now 
general  agent  for  the  "Erie  Despatch  Erie  Railroad"  with  offices  in  the  Chamber 
of  Commerce  building  on  South  Washington  street.  He  was  but  eleven  years 
of  age  when  he  became  a  train  boy  and  with  the  exception  of  a  single  year  spent 
in  the  steamboat  business  on  the  Illinois  river  he  has  since  been  a  representative 
of  railway  interests.  His  ambition,  his  energy  and  his  trustworthiness  constitute 
the  secret  of  his  rise  and  his  success. 

Mr.  Baker  was  born  in  Henry,  Marshall  county,  Illinois,  August  7,  1853, 
and  was  but  seven  years  of  age  when  his  father,  who  was  a  merchant  tailor, 
removed  to  Peoria.  He  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  eleven  years 
of  age  and  then  accepted  a  position  as  train  boy  which  was  followed  by  a  year's 
service  in  the  office  of  one  of  the  Illinois  river  steamboats  and  the  Peoria  & 
St.  Louis  Packet  Company.  On  the  ist  of  August,  1872,  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
he  was  appointed  agent  for  the  Great  Western  Despatch,  at  that  time  the  leading 
fast  freight  line  of  the  Erie  railroad  and  on  the  ist  of  April,  1897,  he  was 
promoted  to  his  present  position  as  general  agent  for  the  road  at  Peoria.  He 
has  reached  this  place  of  responsibility  and  prominence  through  loyalty  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  corporation  and  through  his  energy  as  displayed  in  the  conduct  of 
the  interests  entrusted  to  his  care.  He  is  largely  conversant  with  railway  in- 
terests and  the  multitudinous  duties  involved  therein,  and  the  years  have  de- 
veloped his  executive  ability  and  power  of  perception  until  he  is  today  ready 
and  alert  in  handling  the  intricate  questions  which  come  to  him  for  solution. 

In  1872  Mr.  Baker  became  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade  and  has 
since  been  prominent  in  this  connection.  He  was  elected  its  president,  January 
9,    1899,   and   the   Peoria   Herald-Transcript   in   commenting   upon   the   election. 


476  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

said:  "Mr.  Baker  is  an  old  member  of  the  board  of  trade  and  the  honor  is  just 
and  well  merited,  for  there  is  no  harder  worker  and  no  more  popular  man  in  the 
board  of  trade  building.  This  is  the  first  time  that  any  of  the  fast  freight  lines 
have  been  recognized  and  honored  by  the  election  of  one  of  their  number  to 
this  exalted  and  most  notable  position." 

Frank  Baker  is  probably  the  best  known  man  in  Peoria.  One  of  his  sons, 
Cloyd  B.  Baker  has  followed  in  his  father's  footsteps  and  is  now  general  agent 
for  the  "Erie  Despatch  Erie  Railroad"  in  Portland,  Oregon.  His  other  son, 
Rieman,  is  sales  manager  for  an  automobile  company  at  Jackson,  Michigan.  Mr. 
Baker  has  served  for  one  term  as  police  and  fire  commissioner  of  Peoria  under 
Mayor  John  Warner  and  as  work  house  commissioner  under  Ma_\ur  W.  I'. 
Bryan.  He  is  a  prominent  member  of  Peoria  "Ajax"  Council  of  the  Royal 
.\rcanum  of  which  he  is  a  past  regent  and  secretary.  He  is  now  treasurer  of 
the  Royal  League  and  is  a  past  exalted  ruler  of  the  Peoria  Lodge  of  Elks.  Mr. 
Baker  'is  also  active  in  the  Transportation  Club  of  Peoria  and  is  a  promment 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  well  known  socially  in  Peoria.  He  has  many 
genial  and  admirable  qualities  which  have  gained  him  a  host  of  friends  and  it 
is  characteristic  of  him  that  he  holds  friendship  inviolable.  The  sameloyal  spirit 
is  manifest  in  his  duties  of  citizenship  and  it  was  this  element  of  fidelity  that 
constituted  one  of  the  strong  forces  in  bringing  him  to  his  present  responsible 
connection  with  railway  interests. 


CHARLES  F.  OECHSLE. 

Charles  F.  Oechsle,  who  is  engaged  in  the  boot  and  shoe  business  under  the 
firm  name  of  Charles  F.  Oechsle  &  Company  at  408  Main  street,  Peoria,  is  the 
proprietor  of  one  of  the  leading  and  most  exclusive  shops  of  the  kind  in  the 
citv.  He  was  born  in  this  city  on  the  ist  of  January,  1865,  and  is  a  son  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Joseph  Oechsle,  natives  of  Wurtemberg,  Germany.  The  father,'  who 
was  a  cabinet-maker,  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  the  early  '40s,  and  located 
in  Peoria,  where  for  many  years  he  successfully  followed  his  trade. 

Nearly  the  entire  life  of  Charles  F.  Oechsle  has  been  passed  in  this  city,  in 
the  graded  and  high  schools  of  which  he  pursued  his  education  until  he  had 
attained  the  age  of  fifteen  years.  Feeling  that  he  had  sufficient  knowledge  to 
l:)egia  his  business  career  he  entered  the  boot  and  shoe  store  of  Johnston  &  Skin- 
ner in  1880,  continuing  to  be  identified  with  that  shop  for  a  year.  At  the  end 
of  that  time  they  sent  him  to  their  other  store  at  Wellington,  Kansas,  but  four 
years  later  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  took  a  position  with  Pettingill  &  Company, 
wholesale  boot  and  shoe  dealers  and  manufacturers.  He  remained  in  their  em- 
ploy for  four  years  also,  severing  his  connection  with  them  at  the  end  of  that 
time  to  take  a  position  with  the  firm  of  Charles  Oualman,  retail  dealers  in  boots 
and  shoes.  Four  years  later  he  resigned  his  position  with  them  and  entered  the 
service  of  the  firm  of  }.  C.  Wynd,  with  whom  he  was  identified  for  about  thir- 
teen years.  In  1904,  Mr.  Oechsle  became  associated  with  Mr.  Wynd  in  estab- 
lishing a  shoe  store  at  408  Main  street,  this  city,  that  they  operated  until  1908 
under"  the  firm  name  of  Wynd  &  Oechsle.  In  the  latter  year  Mr.  Wynd  with- 
drew from  the  company  and  Mr.  Oechsle  has  ever  since  been  conducting  the 
business  alone.  This  was  originally  an  exclusive  ladies'  and  children's  shop,  but 
in  191 1  the  business  was  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  a  men's  department.  Mr. 
Oechsle  keeps  a  large  and  carefully  assorted  stock  of  shoes,  the  quality  of  which 
is  fully  commensurate  with  the  price,  while  the  policy  he  pursues  in  the  con- 
duct of  his  enterprise  is  such  as  to  win  him  the  confidence  of  all  who  accord  him 
their  patronage.  He  is  meeting  with  success  in  the  development  of  his  business 
and  is  now  well  established,  with  a  constantly  increasing  trade.     The  personnel 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  477 

of  this  establishment  is  exce]itionally  hi<;h,  and  Mr.  Oechsle  is  very  ably  sup- 
ported in  his  sales  department  1)\'  the  efficient  services  of  Miss  Nellie  Kumwell. 
Peoria  was  the  scene  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Oechsle  on  the  19th  of  July, 
1902,  to  JNIiss  Emma  Howeler.  a  daughter  of  Frederick  Howeler,  one  of  the 
pioneer  residents  of  this  city,  who  passed  away  in  1908.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  shoemakers  and  dealers  of  the  town,  continuing  to  be  identified  with  this 
business  during  the  entire  period  of  his  active  life.  The  development  of  Mr. 
Oechsle's  business  career  has  been  marked  by  the  orderly  and  permanent  prog- 
ression characteristic  of  the  efficiency  and  enterprise  he  has  at  all  times  eviilenced 
in  his  undertaking's. 


D.WID  SMITH. 


David  Smith  is  a  Peoria  capitalist,  whose  real-estate  holdings,  the  result  of 
judicious  investment,  place  him  in  his  present  comfortable  financial  position. 
Flis  record  stands  as  incontrovertible  proof  of  the  fact  that  sound  business  ]3rin- 
ciples,  combined  with  unfaltering  enterprise,  intelligently  directed,  will  win  suc- 
cess. Illinois  numbers  him  among  her  native  sons,  his  entire  life — and  he  is 
now  in  the  seventy-sixth  year  of  his  age — having  been  passed  in  this  state,  while 
for  a  quarter  of  a  century  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria.  He  was  born  in 
]\IcLean  county,  December  31,  1836,  his  parents  being  John  and  Anna  (Havens) 
Smith,  the  former  born  in  Randolph  county,  North  Carolina,  December  11,  1804, 
and  the  latter  in  Newark,  Ohio,  April  13,  1808.  They  had  a  family  of  eight 
children.  Dr.  Lee  Smith,  the  oldest- of  the  family,  was  the  nestor  of  the  Mc- 
Lean County  Medical  Association  and  practiced  medicine  in  Ploomington,  this 
state,  for  over  fifty  years,  where  he  passed  away  still  in  the  midst  of  an  active 
career  and  in  the  harness  in  October,  191 1,  in  his  seventy-ninth  year.  Irene 
married  S.  H.  Lewis  and  resides  in  Prescott,  Wisconsin.  Christina 'is  the  wife 
of  Adam  Gray  and  also  makes  her  home  in  Prescott.  Jesse  and  David,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  are  tw^ins.  Isaac  died  in  1869,  at  the  age  of  twenty-six  years. 
John  and  Mary  both  died  in  childhood.  John  Smith,  the  father,  left  his  native 
state  and  came  with  his  father,  whose  name  was  David,  and  the  family  to  Illi- 
nois, settling  in  McLean  county  in  1830.  On  March  30,  1831,  he  married  Anna 
Havens,  at  Havens  Grove,  in  McLean  county,  and  in  the  spring  of  1832,  they 
settled  at  the  east  side  of  Havens  Grove,  on  which  place  in  1837  was  located  and 
platted  the  village  of  Hudson.  In  the  public  schools  of  this  place  David  Smith, 
who  was  so  named  in  honor  of  his  grandfather,  acquired  his  early  education. 
More  liberal  opportunities,  however,  w-ere  accorded  him  as  he  advanced  in  years. 
He  attended  the  Illinois  Wesleyan  University  at  Bloomington,  with  which  he 
still  retained  his  connection  after  his  graduation  and  in  1887  was  a  trustee  of  the 
college.  The  Smith  family  acquired  great  prominence  in  Hudson,  where  the 
father  remained  until  his  death  on  the  27th  of  April,  1882.  His  wife  survived 
him  until  i8g6  and  passed  away  in  that  year  at  Prescott,  Wisconsin,  but  the 
family  burying  ground  is  in  Hudson. 

David  Smith  came  to  Peoria  in  1887  to  take  the  position  of  manager  of  the 
central  Illinois  agency  of  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Company,  and  in  that 
connection  gained  enviable  prominence  and  success.  On  the  i8th  of  July,  1889, 
in  Peoria,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Jennett  Russell,  a  member 
of  one  of  the  oldest  jjioneer  families  of  the  state.  The  Russells  have  been  in 
this  country  since  1630,  in  which  year  Rev.  John  Russell  came  to  .\merica,  and 
settled  in  Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  His  son  John  had  been  born  three  years 
earlier  in  1627,  in  l>'ngland,  but  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents.  He  grad- 
uated from  Harvard  College  in  1643,  and  died  December  10,  1692.  The  next  in 
the  line  was  Reverend  Samuel  Russell,  born  in  Hadley,  Massachusetts  in  1660,  and 
following  in  the  footsteps  of   his   father,  he  was  graduated   from  Harvard   in 


478  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

1681.  He  settled  in  Branford,  Connecticut,  where  he  died  in  1731,  having  been 
forty-four  years  in  the  ministry.  He  had  the  honor  and  distinction  of  being 
associated  with  nine  other  clergymen  in  the  foundation  of  Yale  College.  His 
son  was  Colonel  John  Russell,  born  January  24,  1686.  He  was  a  graduate  of 
the  college  which  his  father  had  helped  to  found,  leaving  Yale  in  1707,  in  which 
year  he  married.  He  died  in  1757.  The  fourth  John  Russell  of  this  line  was 
born  September  13,  17 10.  He  was  married  in  1732  to  Mary  Barker,  and  their 
second  son,  John  Russell,  was  born  October  11,  1736.  He  married  Mary  Linds- 
ley  in  1762,  and  their  eldest  son,  Ruel  Russell  was  born  October  30,  1762,  mar- 
ried Ann  Barker  and  died  in  Monticello,  Xew  York,  in  November,  1815.  His 
son,  William  Russell,  eight  of  the  line,  was  the  first  of  the  family  to  come  to 
Peoria.  He  was  born  in  Branford,  Connecticut  in  1797  on  the  15th  of  Sep- 
tember, and  came  to  this  city  in  1835,  where  he  bought  a  farm  on  the  West  Bluff, 
about  a  mile  west  of  the  present  site  of  the  city  hall.  He  went  to  Connecticut 
for  two  years,  but  returned  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  to  Peoria,  where  he 
died.  His  wife  was  Miss  Susan  Black,  whom  he  married  September  15,  1840, 
and  they  were  the  parents  of  two  children,  John  W.  and  Mary  Jennett,  the  wife 
of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Mrs.  Smith  is  justly  proud  of  her  long  lineage, 
and  in  her  character  carries  on  the  worthy  traditions  of  her  honorable  ancestry. 
Her  father,  William  Russell  died  I\Iarch  18,  1864,  leaving  a  large  estate  to  his 
two  children.  Her  brother  John  W.  Russell,  has  been  twice  married,  and  has 
four  children.  His  son,  George  Major  Russell  is  at  present  engaged  in  the  farm 
implement  business  at  Garden  Grove,  Iowa. 

For  many  vears  prior  to  his  retirement  from  active  business  life,  David 
Smith  had  become  well  known  in  Peoria  as  a  financier,  and  capitalist.  He  had 
a  sound  business  judgment  which  enabled  him  to  make  many  judicious  invest- 
ments, and  his  wealth  has  increased  by  degrees,  until  he  is  now  in  control  of 
large  real-estate  interests  and  has  acquired  a  substantial  fortvme.  He  has  well 
earned  the  rest  which  he  is  taking  from  the  strife  and  turmoil  of  active  affairs, 
and  is  living  out  the  evening  of  his  life,  an  honored,  prosperous  and  worthy  man. 


\\'ALTER  WYATT,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Walter  Wyatt,  who  dates  his  residence  in  Peoria  from  1890,  has  been  a 
practicing  oculist  of  the  city  for  the  past  nine  years,  his  offices  being  at  No.  120 
South  Adams  street.  His  birth  occurred  at  Cutler,  Indiana,  on  the  9th  of  No- 
vember, 1864,  his  parents  being  Isaac  and  Matilda  Wyatt.  The  father,  who 
worked  as  a  bridge  builder  throughout  his  active  business  career,  was  an  old 
settler  of  Cutler,  Indiana,  where  his  demise  occurred  in  1899,  when  he  had  at- 
tained the  age  of  sixty  years.  He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away 
in  1874  at  the  age  of  thirty-four  years.  The  remains  of  both  were  interred  at 
Bald  Hill  cemetery. 

Walter  Wyatt  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native 
town  and  subsequently  entered  the  Indiana  State  Normal  School  at  Terre  Haute, 
while  later  his  studies  were  continued  in  the  Indiana  University  at  Bloomington, 
which  institution  he  left  in  1887.  During  the  next  three  years  he  followed  the 
profession  of  teaching  at  Patton,  Indiana,  and  in  1890  came  to  Peoria,  Illinois, 
here  becoming  the  proprietor  of  an  optical  store  and  conducting  the  same  suc- 
cessfully until  1904.  In  1903  he  was  graduated  from  the  Illinois  Medical  Col- 
lege, at  Chicago,  winning  the  degree  of  M.  D.  In  the  intervening  period  of  nine 
years  he  has  won  and  maintained  an  enviable  reputation  as  an  oculist  of  Peoria, 
meeting  with  a  gratifying  and  well  merited  measure  of  success  in  this  branch  of 
the  profession.     He  is  one  of  the  trustees  and  a  member  of  the  medical  staff"  of 


1)1!.   WAl.lKl;    WVATT 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  481 

ihe  Deaconess  Home  and  Hospital  of  Peoria  and  also  acts  as  a  director  of  the 
J^'armers'  Loan  &  Homestead  Association. 

On  the  7th  of  October,  1891,  in  Peoria,  Dr.  Wyatt  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Jessie  Eury,  a  daughter  of  Air.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Eury,  of  Delphi,  Indi- 
ana. Our  subject  and 'his  wife  have  four  children,  as  follows:  Walter  Eurv. 
who  is  a  student  at  the  Western  Military  Academy  of  .\lton,  Illinois;  Martha 
Adeline  and  Lloyd,  both  of  whom  are  attending  the  Franklin  school ;  and  Mabel. 
The  family  home,  which  Dr.  Wyalt  built  in  1904,  is  at  No.  309  North  University 
avenue. 

Dr.  Wyatt  has  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree  in  Masonry  and  also  be- 
longs to  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  CIuIj 
and  in  the  line  of  his  profession  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  Medical  Society, 
ihe  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  .Association.  His 
acquaintance  is  wide,  and  he  has  a  host  of  friends  whose  high  regard  he  has 
gained  through  his  professional  ability,  his  deference  for  the  opinions  of  others, 
his  genial  manner  and  unfailing  courtesv. 


CHARLES  W.  TRAEGER. 

Charles  W.  Traeger  for  more  than  twenty  years  has  been  successfully  iden- 
tified with  the  building  interests  of  Peoria  in  the  capacity  of  architect  and  super- 
intendent of  construction.  He  was  born  at  Liverpool,  Aledina  county,  Ohio,  on 
the  15th  of  January,  1853,  and  is  a  son  of  John  G.  Traeger,  a  native  of  Prussia 
who  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1849,  settling  first  in  New  York,  whence 
he  moved  to  Ohio.  The  family  remained  residents  of  Ohio  until  1857  and  in 
August  of  that  year  they  removed  to  Illinois,  locating  in  Peoria  on  the  23d  of 
.\ugust  of  that  year.  They  first  lived  in  what  was  then  known  as  Plumstown 
in  the  present  vicinity  of  Green  street.  They  remained  there  for  about  a  year, 
and  at  the  end  of  that  time  they  removed  to  the  corner  of  Hamilton  and  Wash- 
ington streets,  where  they  were  living  at  the  time  of  the  big  storm  when  the  Illi- 
nois river  overfiowed  its  banks  and  flooded  the  lower  portions  of  the  town  drown- 
ing several  peo])le.  The  father  was  then  deputy  United  States  marshal,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  for  twenty-five  years. 

The  early  education  of  Charles  W.  Traeger  was  obtained  in  the  old  Third 
Ward  school,  but  this  was  later  supplemented  by  a  night  course  in  one  of  the 
local  business  colleges.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  began  fitting  himself  for 
the  heavier  duties  of  life  by  becoming  an  apprentice  to  I.  G.  Reynolds,  who  at 
that  time,  1869,  was  the  only  millwright  in  Peoria.  He  remained  with  him  for 
two  and  a  half  years  and  then  entered  the  service  of  \'alentine  Jobst,  where 
he  completed  his  equipment  in  drafting  and  carpentry  work.  Two  years  later 
he  went  to  work  in  the  car  shops  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  Railroad 
Company  where  he  was  employed  all  through  the  panic  of  1873,  being  identified 
with  this  company  until  about  1875.  He  then  withdrew  from  their  service  and 
became  a  car  builder  in  the  shops  of  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  Company,  but  he 
only  remained  with  them  for  about  five  months.  After  leaving  their  employ 
he  again  turned  his  attention  to  millwright  work,  which  he  followed  at  various 
points  until  the  gold  excitement  in  Leadville,  Colorado  in  1878.  In  common 
with  many  others  he  crossed  the  plains  to  the  mining  districts  of  Colorado,  where 
for  three  years  he  enga.ged  in  prospecting,  with  very  good  success.  With  three 
others  he  staked  a  claim  and  sunk  a  shaft  one  thousand  feet  and  they  also  tun- 
neled into  the  side  of  the  mountain.  They  had  two  mines  here  known  as  the 
"Peoria  P.oy"  and  "The  Hartford,"  both  of  which  contained  rich  veins  and  yielded 
them  good  returns.  Mr.  Traeger  later  continued  his  journey  westward  to  New 
Mexico,  and  while  there  he  was  accidentally  shot,  but  was  not  seriously  wounded. 


482  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

He  returned  home  shortly  after  but  only  remained  for  a  brief  period,  going 
back  to  Leadville  in  1881.  From  there  he  subsequently  went  to  Albuquerque, 
New  Mexico,  where  he  found  employment  as  bridge  builder  on  the  Atlantic  & 
Pacific  Railroad,  which  was  then  in  course  of  construction.  In  June,  1882,  he 
returned  to  Peoria  to  be  married  and  has  ever  since  continued  to  reside  here. 
Since  he  has  identified  himself  with  the  building  interests,  Mr.  Traeger  has  been 
architect  and  draftsman  as  well  as  superintendent  of  construction  on  a  number 
of  important  public  buildings  and  ])rivate  residences  in  Peoria  and  vicinity.  He 
was  the  architect  for  the  Sand  Hill  Lutheran  church,  and  draftsman  for  the 
first  green  house  in  Tazewell  county  constructed  in  Glen  Oak  Park,  the  Groveland 
church,  and  the  Aliddletown  churches,  also  engine  houses  Xo.  i  and  Xo.  8,  the 
C.  G.  Johnson  blocks,  the  plant  of  the  Brass  Foundry  Company  and  the  residences 
of  William  McLean,  John  Connor  and  Charles  Gelling.  He  has  been  very  suc- 
cessful, the  quality  and  style  of  his  work  being  such  as  to  have  ranked  him 
among  the  leading  men  in  his  line  in  the  city. 

On  the  27th  of  July,  1882,  Mr.  Traeger  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss 
Elizabeth  Sauer  of  Peoria  and  a  daughter  of  Andrew  Sauer,  who  was  drowned 
on  his  way  to  this  country  from  Germany.  Five  children  have  been  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Traeger,  as  follows :  Albert,  aged  twenty-eight  years,  who  is 
married;  Minnie,  who  is  at  home;  Pearl,  also  at  home;  William  R.,  who  is  twenty 
years  of  age;  and  Lilly,  who  has  just  passed  the  eighteenth  anniversary  of  her 
birth.  All  were  given  the  advantages  of  a  common-school  education  and  are 
now  self-supporting. 

The  family  hold  membership  in  the  Evangelical  church  and  fraternally  Mr. 
Traeger  is  affiliated  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  .America  and  he  is  identified 
with  the  F.  M.  C,  in  which  he  holds  the  office  of  grand  ruler  of  the  state.  He 
is  widely  known  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city  and  has  many  friends  of  long 


V 


ears  standing. 


DAXTD  lOHX  DA\TS. 


David  John  Davis,  the  superintendent  of  the  Peoria  County  Farm  and  Hos- 
pital, located  five  miles  west  of  Peoria  at  .Maxwell  Station,  was  born  in  Youngs- 
town,  Ohio,  in  1855.  He  is  a  son  of  David  and  Mary  Davis,  natives  of  Wales, 
where  the  father  worked  in  the  mines.  In  1857  the  family  came  to  Peoria  county, 
settling  in  Limestone  township,  the  father  being  employed  in  the  mines  at 
Bartonville. 

The  greater  part  of  the  life  of  David  John  Davis  has  been  passed  in  the  town- 
ship, where  he  now  resides,  and  to  whose  country  schools  he  is  indebted  for  his 
education.  The  family  lived  on  a  little  farm,  in  the  cultivation  of  which  he 
was  engaged  from  early  childhood  when  not  attending  school  during  the  agri- 
cultural seasons.  In  the  winter  months  on  Saturdays  and  holidays  he  w^orked 
in  the  mines  with  his  father,  thus  being  taught  in  early  boyhood'  the  value  of 
thrift  and  industry,  which  qualities  he  has  always  practiced.  At  various  times  in 
his  life  he  has  worked  in  the  mines  but  he  has  also  engaged  in  farming,  these 
two  occupations  having  occupied  the  greater  part  of  his  time.  Eighteen  years 
ago  he  was  appointed  superintendent  of  the  county  farm,  but  upon  the  expira- 
tion of  his  term  of  service  of  seven  years  he  went  to  Washington.  He  located 
in  Bremerton,  that  state,  where  he  was  employed  in  a  lumber  and  planing  mill, 
but  he  subsef|uently  returned  to  Peoria  county.  While  in  Bremerton,  Washing- 
ton, he  filled  the  office  of  mayor  for  two  years  and  also  was  elected  a  member 
of  the  house  of  representatives  from  Kitsap  county,  Washington,  for  two  terms. 
Mr.  Davis  has  iDcen  reappointed  to  his  old  post  on  the  county  farm,  where  he  has 
served  with  efficiency,  discharging  his  duties  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner  to 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  483 

the  board  of  county  supervisors,  to  whom  he  is  indebted  for  his  position.  He  is 
an  energetic  man  of  practical  ideas  and  is  thoroughly  trustworthy  and  depend- 
able, fuitilling  his  responsibilities  with  a  fine  sense  of  conscientious  obligation. 

In  1881,  Mr.  Davis  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Delia  Matthews,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Richard  Matthews,  and  to  them  have  been  born  three  sons,  as  follows: 
Edgar  J.  and  Herbert  C,  who  are  both  living  in  Alaska  ;  and  Ralph  E.,  who  is  a 
resident  of  Oakland,  California. 

In  politics,  Mr.  Davis  is  a  republican,  but  although  he  takes  an  active  interest 
in  all  local  affairs  he  has  never  held  any  office  save  the  one  he  is  filling.  He  is 
widely  known  in  Limestone  township,  where  he  is  now  residing,  and  number 
amongf  its  citizens  man\-   friends. 


WILLI AAI  C.  WHITE. 


The  banking  institutions  of  a  city  are  a  fair  index  of  its  commercial  character 
and  financial  strength,  through  the  successive  stages  of  its  history.  They  are 
the  centers  around  w  hich  all  the  movements  of  trade  gravitate,  and  by  which  they 
are  regulated.  Since  the  earliest  times  in  her  history,  Peoria  has  been  peculiarly 
fortunate  in  respect  to  her  banks.  As  a  rule  her  institutions  have  been  founded 
upon  strict  business  integrity  and  commercial  honor.  Their  policies  have  been 
policies  of  honesty  and  fair  dealing,  and  their  histories  have  been  histories  of 
flourishing  progress,  founded  upon  the  solid  base  of  financial  integrity.  But  the 
honesty,  loyalty  and  financial  solidity  of  any  institution  is  directly  dependent  upon 
the  personal  c|ualities  of  the  men  who  compose  them.  The  officials  of  a  bank 
make  its  ])olicv,  direct  its  Inisiness,  regulate  its  course,  and  are  the  compelling 
force  behind   its  failure  or  success. 

William  C.  White,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  a  banker  of  the  type  which 
makes  for  the  greater  industrial  and  financial  magnitude  of  the  city.  He  is  at 
present  the  president  of  the  Illinois  National  Bank,  located  at  the  corner  of 
Fulton  and  Adams  streets,  and  is  carrying  out  the  policy  of  his  predecessors  in 
making  that  institution  one  of  the  safest  and  most  solid  banks  in  the  city. 

William  C.  White  was  born  in  Peoria  in  1868,  the  son  of  Andrew  J.  and 
Amanda  I'.  White.  His  father  was  a  -prominent  contractor  of  this  city,  having 
come  here  from  Pennsylvania  in  1856.  William  C.  White's  early  education  was 
received  in  the  primary  and  grammar  schools  of  this  city,  and  was  supplemented 
by  tliree  years  of  work  in  the  Peoria  high  school.  Mr.  White  left  school  in  his 
junior  year  to  accept  a  position  in  the  implement  firm  of  George  M.  .Moore  & 
Company,  where,  however,  he  remained  but  a  short  time,  resigning  in  a  few 
months  to  become  a  messenger  in  the  Commercial  National  l)ank.  Mr.  White 
was  nineteen  years  of  age  at  that  time,  and  has  remained  in  the  banking  business 
ever  since  with  the  exception  of  two  years  which  he  spent  on  the  farm,  and  has 
now  attained  one  of  the  highest  positions  that  the  city  of  Peoria  has  to  offer. 
He  is  possessed  of  a  rare,  if  not  distinctive  business  character.  Thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  details  of  his  profession,  he  is  today  undoubtedly  among 
the  men  whose  lives  and  personal  exertions  have  done  so  much  toward  the 
material  and  commercial  prosperity  of  Peoria. 

Mr.  White  spent  several  years  with  the  Commercial  National  Bank,  leaving 
that  institution  to  join  his  father  on  his  farm  six  miles  out  of  Peoria.  Here  Mr. 
White  remained  for  two  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  returned  to  Peoria, 
and  entered  the  Peoria  Savings  Loan  &  Trust  Company  as  teller.  From  that 
time  on,  his  rise  was  rapid.  His  life  is  a  fair  example  of  the  rewards  which  are 
the  result  of  concentrated  industry  and  hard  work.  Mr.  White  soon  gained  the 
confidence  and  respect  of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact,  and  his  excellent 
banking  ability,  and  his  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  details  of  the  business 


484  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

led  to  his  appointment  as  assistant  cashier  upon  the  organization  of  the  Illinois 
National  Bank  in  1900.  His  rise  in  this  bank  has  been  steady  since  that  time. 
He  was  elected  cashier  in  1908,  and  took  up  his  present  ])osition  as  president  in 
January,   191 2,  upon  the  death  of   Frank  Trefzger. 

In  1896  Mr.  White  married  Miss  Mary  Bigham  of  Peoria,  and  they  are  the 
parents  of  two  children,  Herbert  and  \'irginia,  both  at  present  students  at  the 
White  school. 

Mr.  White  has  never  taken  any  active  part  in  political  controversies  or  sought 
public  office,  although  his  political  affiliations  have  always  been  consistently  re- 
publican. The  responsibilities  of  business  engross  his  whole  attention  but  he 
takes  an  intelligent  interest  in  public  policies  and  is  an  active  supporter  of  any- 
thing conducive  to  the  municipal  improvement  of  the  city.  He  is  a  prominent 
member  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  is  the  treasurer  of  the  Association  of  Com- 
merce. Mr.  AX'hite  is  also  well  known  in  social  circles  of  the  city,  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  all  the  important  clubs  of  this  character,  holding  membership  in  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club,  the  Illinois  Valley  Yacht  Club  and  the  Peoria  Country  Club. 

During  his  years  of  banking  activity  in  Peoria,  Mr.  White  has  gained  for 
himself  a  reputation  for  strict  honesty,  and  fair  dealing  among  his  friends  and 
business  acquaintances.  He  is  known  to  be  a  dependable  man  in  any  relation  and 
any  emergency.  He  is  ready  to  meet  any  obligation  of  life  with  the  confidence 
and  courage  that  comes  of  conscious  personal  ability,  right  conception  of  things 
and  a  habitual  regard  for  what  is  best  in  the  exercise  of  human  activities. 


HENRY  G.  TRIEBEL. 


In  presenting  to  the  public  the  representative  men  of  the  city  of  Peoria  and 
the  state  of  Illinois,  who  have  by  a  superior  force  of  character  and  energy  to- 
gether with  a  combination  of  ripe  qualities  of  ability  and  excellency  made  them- 
selves conspicuous  and  commanding  in  private  and  public  life,  we  have  no  ex- 
ample more  fit  to  present  and  none  more  worthy  a  place  in  these  volumes  than 
Henry  G.  Triebel.  Not  only  does  he  rise  above  the  standard  of  his  line  of  busi- 
ness, but  he  also  possesses  in  a  high  degree  those  excellent  qualities  that  make 
men  worthy  of  regard  among  their  fellows.  He  is  a  high-minded  and  liberal 
man ;  one  who  is  keenly  alive  to  all  the  varying  requirements  of  trade,  and  one 
of  those  who  conduct  the  operations  of  the  most  extended  and  weighty  character 
and  who,  above  all  others  have  succeeded  in  making  Peoria  one  of  the  great 
commercial  centers  of  the  middle  west. 

Henry  G.  Triebel  was  born  in  Peoria  on  November  10,  1856.  His  father 
was  Otto  Triebel,  deceased,  a  biographical  record  of  whose  life  appears  on 
another  page  in  this  book.  In  the  public  schools  of  Peoria,  Henry  G.  Triebel 
partially  pursued  his  education,  but  also  attended  German  schools.  His  busi- 
ness training  was  received  under  the  practical  direction  of  his  father,  who  in- 
structed him  in  the  best  methods  of  making  monuments  and  in  all  of  the  work 
of  the  stone  cutter's  trade.  He  learned  not  only  to  chisel  the  stone  but  also  to 
make  designs  and  since  about  sixteen  years  of  age  has  had  active  charge  of  the 
business.  Among  his  public  works  was  the  designing  of  the  public  square  of 
the  city  of  Peoria,  while  he  also  laid  out  walks  and  designed  a  number  of  monu- 
ments. A  good  many  public  monuments  and  a  number  of  mausoleums  are  the 
result  of  his  activity,'  not  only  in  Peoria  but  in  many  other  cities  of  the  state. 
The  firm  is  today  the  most  prominent  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago.  His 
partners  are  his  brothers  and  they  occupy  their  own  building,  which  is  one  hun- 
dred and  seventy-six  feet  deep  by  forty  feet  in  width.  It  is  three  stories  in 
height  and  they  rent  the  second  and  the  third  floors,  while  they  utilize  the  first 
floor  and  basement  for  their  business.     Their  patronage  comes  not  only   from 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  485 

Peoria,  but  also  from  the  wide  surrounding  territory  and  the  excellence  of  their 
work,  their  attractive  and  appropriate  designs  and  the  high  grade  of  marble 
used  are  features  which  have  made  their  business  one  of  the  growing  concerns 
of  the  city. 

Mr.  Triabel  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ida  Schwab,  of  Peoria,  a  daugh- 
ter of  John  Schwab,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  four  children :  Albert,  who 
is  with  his  father  in  business  and  is  married  and  has  two  children,  Lucille  and 
Henry;  Elise;  Martha,  the  wife  of  Rogers  Humphreys,  of  Bloomington,  Illinois; 
and  Carl. 

Mr.  Triebel  is  very  prominent  socially  and  is  a  valued  member  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club,  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club  and  the  Peoria  Rifle  Club.  In  Ma- 
sonry, he  has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite,  the  Knight 
Templar  degree  of  the  York  Rite,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine. 
He  belongs  likewise  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  He  is  also 
connected  with  the  German  Free  School  Association  and  is  a  public-spirited 
citizen,  whose  cooperation  can  always  be  counted  upon  to  further  progressive 
public  movements.  He  served  on  the  first  board  of  park  commissioners  of 
Peoria  and  has  also  been  a  member  of  the  school  board.  No  element  of  the  city's 
growth  and  improvement  seeks  his  aid  in  vain.  He  stands  for  advancement  in 
public  as  well  as  in  private  affairs  and  the  same  qualities  which  have  made  him 
a  dominant  figure  in  business  circles  have  made  him  a  citizen  whose  loyalty  and 
support  are  always  to  be  counted  upon.  His  entire  life  has  been  spent  in  Peoria 
and  those  who  know  him — and  his  friends  are  many — entertain  for  him  the 
warmest  regard.  As  the  man  and  the  citizen  he  has  vet  to  be  viewed  from 
another  standpoint.  Of  large  and  liberal  views  in  all  matters  of  business,  full 
of  enterprise  and  believing  much  in  push  and  perseverance,  he  can  always  be 
found  in  the  van  of  every  movement  looking  toward  the  accomplishment  of  real 
and  practical  good.  Of  extensive  acquaintance,  and  very  popular  socially ; 
charitable  to  an  extent  altogether  disproportionate  to  his  means ;  unostentatious 
in  everything;  one  of  the  truest  men  to  his  friends  that  ever  lived,  and  one  of  the 
most  lenient  to  his  adversaries  after  the  combat  is  over;  still  in  the  vigor  and 
prime  of  manhood  and  of  a  remarkably  eventful  life,  the  work  lieforehim  to 
do  and  yet  unaccomplished  is  immense,  but  to  the  fulfillment  of  his  destiny  he 
will  carry  in  the  future,  as  in  the  past,  the  matured  and  strengthened  elements 
and  accessories  of  a  character  that  ultimately  is  to  triumph  over  all  obstacles. 

While  in  his  business  career  Mr.  Triebel  has  passed  on  to  a  position  of  wealth 
and  prominence,  he  has  never  neglected  the  opportunities  to  assist  a  fellow  trav- 
eler on  life's  journey,  his  hand  being  often  down-reaching  to  aid  one  to  whom 
nature,  fate  or  environment  has  seemed  less  kindly.  I  lis  life  has  in  large  measure 
been  an  exemplification  of  his  belief  in  the  brotherhood  of  mankind.  He  has 
never  allowed  questionable  methods  to  form  a  part  of  his  business  career,  while 
over  the  record  of  his  official  life  there  falls  no  shadow  of  wrong  or  suspicion  of 
evil.  Kindliness  and  a])preciation  for  the  good  traits  of  others  have  constituted 
salient  features  in  his  career  and  his  life  illustrates  the  fact  of  the  Emersonian 
])liilosophy  that  to  have  friends  vou  must  be  one. 


MRS.  ALMRA  D.  PATTEN. 

Mrs.  Alvira  D.  Patten,  who  resides  on  an  excellent  farm  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  in  Logan  township,  was  born  in  Rosefield  township  in  1841.  She  is 
a  daughter  of  Major  S.  and  Esther  (Dickenson)  Bohanan,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  the  state  of  New  York,  the  father  jjeing  born  .\ugust  27,  1800,  and 
the  mother,  September  5.  1808.  The  parents  were  married  in  New  York  and 
in    1834  moved   to   Rosefield   township,   where   they  purchased   eighty   acres   of 


486  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

land  and  later  added  to  it  two  hundred  and  thirty  acres,  making  in  all  a  farm  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  In  their  family  were  eight  children,  of  whom 
Mrs.  Alvira  D.  Patten  was  the  fourth   in  order  of  birth. 

Alvira  D.  Bohanan  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  remaining  at  home 
until  twenty-three  years  of  age.  On  the  2d  of  March,  1864,  she  gave  her  hand 
in  marriage  to  Samuel  S.  Patten,  who  was  born  in  Adams  county,  Ohio,  February 
15,  1832.  He  came  with  his  father,  Joseph  G.  Patten,  to  Logan  township  in 
1848  and  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-four  years  of  age.  At 
that  time  his  father  gave  him  forty  acres  of  land  and  he  later  made  additional 
purchases,  making  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  his  farm.  He  resided 
on  this  place  the  rest  of  his  life  and  became  a  very  prominent  and  successful 
farmer,  assuring  JMrs.  Patten  of  a  handsome  income.  On  October  24,  1902,  at 
the  age  of  seventy  years,  Samuel  S.  Patten  passed  to  his  final  rest  and  his  death 
was  deeplv  regretted  by  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Patten  became  the  parents  of  one  son,  Frank  A.,  who  was  born  Jan.  4, 
1865,  and  is  married  to  Miss  Ella  Cornelous  of  Adams  county,  Ohio.  He  now 
operates  his  mother's  farm,  having  yearly  fifty  acres  in  corn,  twenty-five  acres 
in  wheat,  forty  acres  in  oats  and  the  remainder  of  the  land  in  pasture.  He  also 
has  about  one  hundred  head  of  hogs  and  thirteen  head  of  horses.  A  daughter 
of  yir.  Patten  by  a  former  marriage,  Lois  Belle,  is  now  the  wife  of  Luther  S. 
Patterson,  of  Pi'qua,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Patten  is  a  faithful  member  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  and  is  a  lady  of  much  culture  and  refinement,  who  stands  high  in 
the  regard  of  all  in  the  community  where  she  is  well  and  popularly  known. 


AUGUST  W'AHLFELD. 

Success  in  any  line  of  endeavor  is  not  so  much  a  matter  of  discriminating 
brain  and  extraordinary  efficiency  as  it  is  the  result  of  continuous  labor,  a  mas- 
tery of  detail  and  a  love  of  hard' work.  These  qualities,  possessed  in  an  eminent 
degree,  make  success  almost  inevitable  and  it  is  to  their  possession  that  Mr. 
August  \\'ahlfeld,  president  of  the  Wahlfeld  ?klanufacturing  Company,  IIOI- 
II2S  South  Washington  street,  owes  much  of  his  progress  and  success.  He  has 
been  identified  with  this  line  of  business  in  Peoria  for  a  number  of  years  and 
has  been  president  of  the  enterprise  with  which  he  is  now  connected  since  its 
inauguration  in  1893.  He  is  a  native  of  Germany,  having  been  born  in  the 
province  of  Hanover,  on  October  5,  1857,  and  is  a  son  of  ^Nlr.  and  Mrs.  Herman 
Wahlfeld,  who  both  died  in  Germany. 

August  \\'ahlfeld  went  to  school  in  his  native  country  and  received  the  effi- 
cient education  which  the  public  institutions  of  Germany  afforded.  He  mi- 
mediatelv  afterward  learned  the  trade  of  shriuer  and  when  he  had  mastered 
fully  all'its  various  details  he  came  to  this  country,  settling  first  in  Havana.  Illi- 
nois, where  he  worked  as  a  journevman  builder  and  carpenter  for  a  year  and  a 
half!  He  came  to  Peoria  in  1882 'and  entered  the  firm  of  Rogers  &  Company 
as  a  cabinet-maker,  with  which  he  retained  his  connection  until  1891.  He  be- 
came an  expert  workman  in  all  kinds  of  furniture  and  cabinet-making  durnig 
his  nine  vears  of  emplovment  with  this  company.  He  started  in  business  for 
himself  in  1891.  manufa'cturing  building  material  and  furniture  of  all  kinds,  m- 
cluding  office  and  bank  fixtures.  The  business  was  organized  on  a  small  scale, 
giving  employment  at  first  to  only  two  men,  hut  today  August  Wahlfeld  is  at 
the  head  of  a  great  manufacturing  firm  employing  over  one  hundred  men  in  its 
different  branches.  The  plant  of  the  company  occupies  a  space  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  bv  one  hundred  and  forty  feet,  has  three  stories  and  a  basement, 
and  is  one  of  the  largest  institutions  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  The  progress  and 
development  of  the  \\'ahlfeld   Manufacturing  Company  is  purely  the  result  of 


AUGUST  WAIILFKLD 


lit] 


f 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  489 

the  ability  and  energy  of  its  president,  tie  controls  and  directs  the  policy  of 
the  company,  has  an  active  and  personal  knowledge  of  the  details  of  the  business 
and  is  an  expert  workman  himself.  His  power  of  organization  and  his  capacity 
for  hard  and  unremitting  labor  have  developed  the  concern  from  a  little  shop 
with  its  two  employes  into  a  great  manufacturing  plant  which  is  a  dominating 
factor  in  the  industrial  and  commercial  life  of  Peoria. 

On  November  21,  1882,  August  Wahlfeld  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Anna  ^^'ahlfeld,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  'Sirs.  Henry  ^^'ahlfeld,  who  at  the  time 
of  their  daughter's  marriage  resided  in  Germany.  They  have  two  sons,  Ernest, 
secretary  of  the  concern  of  which  his  father  is  the  president;  and  Otto,  vice 
president  of  the  Wahlfeld  Manufacturing  Company.  Mr.  Wahlfeld  affiliates 
with  no  particular  political  party,  maintaining  an  independence  of  idea  and  a 
freedom  of  thought  in  this  respect  which  has  characterized  his  dealings  in  all 
relations  of  life.  He  takes  an  intelligent  interest  in  public  affairs  but  his  al)sorp- 
tion  in  business  precludes  any  active  part  in  political  affairs.  He  is  a  thirty- 
second  degree  Mason  and  a  Noble  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  His  success  in  the 
business  to  which  he  has  given  time  and  attention  during  his  active  life  is  not 
a  matter  of  mere  chance.  It  has  its  foundation  in  close  attention  to  the  matter 
which  he  has  in  hand,  steady  habits,  ability  and  energy,  and  in  the  policy  of  an 
honorable  and  upright  business  career. 


TAMES  GAUL. 


The  spirit  of  romance  is  an  eccentric  and  capricious  thing.  We  are  accustomed 
to  think  that  we  must  go  to  the  lives  of  the  kings  and  noblemen  of  ancient  time, 
to  the  warriors  of  the  middle  ages,  to  the  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  to  the  old 
lands  of  fair  women  and  brave  men,  before  we  meet  it  in  its  truth  and  beauty. 
But  the  spirit  of  romance  is  all  about  us.  It  finds  its  place  in  the  most  com- 
monplace histories,  in  the  lives  of  plain  Inisiness  men,  in  the  humble  homes  of  a 
city. 

The  life  history  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  James  Gaul,  holds  its  share  of 
the  glamor  of  romance.  It  reaches  back  to  ancient  times,  when  the  old  Gauls 
swarmed  into  Briton  and  Ireland  and  settled  there,  in  the  time  of  Caesar.  Mr. 
Gaul  traces  his  name  and  his  descent  to  these  ancient  warriors,  who  conquered 
by  strength  of  arms,  and  founded  a  mighty  country  as  a  result  of  their  deeds. 
There  is  a  curious  story  current  in  the  annals  of  James  Gaul's  family  that  a 
tribe  of  these  warriors  left  Ireland  for  Asia  Minor,  after  the  invasion  of  Caesar, 
where  they  flourished  to  such  an  extent  that  the  country  became  over-populated, 
and  the  men  were  obliged  to  draw  lots  to  see  which  should  set  out  with  their 
families  for  a  new  country.  After  the  drawing  of  the  lots,  the  little  band  went 
down  to  the  sea  in  flimsy  ships,  and  after  many  hardships  and  much  loss  of  life, 
the  survivors  landed  in  America  and  were  positively  the  first  inhabitants  of  this 
country,  and  the  ancestors  of  the  American  Indians  which  Columbus  found  here 
on  his  arrival.  This  story  is  unsubstantiated,  but  has  subsisted  in  the  Gaul  family 
for  many  generations,  and  its  claim  to  truth  gained  force  when  fifty  years  ago, 
an  old  Indian,  one  hundred  years  of  age,  died  on  an  Oklahoma  reservation,  claim- 
ing to  have  been  a  direct  descendant  of  one  of  the  Gauls  of  that  little  band. 

The  fainily  in  Peoria  today  is  represented  by  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  James 
Gaul,  and  his  brothers,  John  and  David  Gaul.  James  Gaul  was  born  in  Peoria 
on  November  16,  1858.  His  father  was  John  Gaul,  a  native  of  Kilkenny,  Ireland, 
where  there  are  still  many  families  of  his  name.  John  Gaul  came  to  America  in 
1842  and  settled  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  where  he  married  Miss  Ellen  Phelan. 
Thev  came  to  Peoria  in  1847,  and  opened  a  little  bakery  at  514  Merriman  street. 

Vol.  u— 2  3 


490  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Later  this  shop  was  moved  to  313  Merriman  street,  where  the  family  resided, 
and  where  the  father  died  in  1882. 

James  Gaul,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of 
Peoria,  finishing  the  eighth  grade  in  the  old  Sixth  Ward  school,  which  is  now 
the  Webster.  \\'hen  he  was  twelve  years  old,  he  left  school  and  entered  his 
father's  bakerv,  where  he  was  employed  until  his  father  died,  when  he  opened 
a  saloon  and  grocery  store  at  313  Merriman  street.  In  this  lousiness  he  continued 
for  three  years,  when  he  was  appointed  by  Mayor  Warner  as  meat  inspector, 
which  office  he  held  for  two  years.  He  held  successively  several  government 
positions.  He  was  guard  at  the  house  of  correction,  and  was  appointed  by 
Grover  Cleveland  as  government  store  keeper  under  Wilson  in  1887.  In  1888, 
he  opened  a  butcher  store  at  317  Merriman  street,  and  inside  of  a  year  this  busi- 
ness had  expanded  into  two  shops,  the  other  being  at  915  Hurlburt  street.  The 
following  vear.  he  traded  his  two  shops  for  a  fine  farm  in  Fulton  county,  near 
Middle  Cirove,  where  he  moved  and  gave  his  attention  to  farming  for  five  years. 
He  returned  to  Peoria  after  this  period  as  manager  of  the  real-estate  business  of 
his  brother  John  Gaul.  This  business  was  originally  located  in  the  German  Fire 
Insurance  building,  but  it  now  occupies  beautiful  offices  on  the  eleventh  floor  of 
the  Jefferson  building.  Mr.  Gaul's  business  ability  is  remarkable.  He  is  bold 
and  aggressive,  but  cool  and  prudent ;  wide-reaching,  but  exact ;  prompt  to  the 
minute  in  all  engagements ;  instant  in  his  intuitions  of  men's  characters ;  a  natural 
negotiator,  a  keen  and  concise  talker;  at  work  early  and  late;  always  coming 
out  right  in  practical  results.  He  has  added  many  departments  to  his  brother's 
business,  until  it  now  includes  a  renting  agency,  an  agency  for  farm  lands,  a 
guarantv  rent  agency,  and  a  department  for  the  care  of  estates.  P>esides  these 
activities,  ^Ir.  Gaul  is  also  connected  withjiis  brother  David  in  a  house-building 
business. 

On  May  15,  1903,  at  St.  Charles  Catholic  church,  in  Bloomington,  Indiana, 
occurred  the  marriage  of  James  Gaul  and  Miss  Grace  Olive  Duncan,  of  that 
city.  ]Mrs.  Gaul  is  a  charming  woman,  and  has  won  hosts  of  friends  in  her 
husband's  native  city. 

Politicallv,  Mr.  Gatil  owes  allegiance  to  no  party.  He  votes  independently 
for  the  best  man.  He  subscribes  to  no  religious  doctrines  except  the  doctrine  of 
broad-minded  tolerance  for  all  men.  ^lasterful  men  always  forge  ahead.  In 
tribal  conditions  they  become  chiefs;  in  war  they  are  generals;  in  politics,  the 
statesmen  and  the  party  leaders;  in  the  professions,  they  command  the  honor  of 
their  fellowmen ;  in  journalism,  they  control  public  opinion;  and  in  business  they 
rise  from  nothing  to  be  financiers,  merchants,  millionaires.  Mr.  Gaul  has  still 
many  years  of  life  before  him.  If  the  beginning  of  his  life  shadows  forth  the 
end.  the  badge  of  preeminence  among  his  fellows  is  already  his. 


.MEXXO  E.  .AREXDS. 


Menno  E.  Arends,  who  since  1S90  has  been  associated  with  agricultural  pur- 
suits in  Logan  township,  was  born  in  Germany,  March  2,  1852.  In  the  fall  of 
1871,  when  he  was  nineteen  years  of  age,  he  came  to  America  and  settled  in 
Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  employed  for  five  years  in  a  tannery. 
.Subsequentlv  he  removed  to  Limestone  township.  Illinois,  where  he  worked  for 
four  years  as  a  farm  hand,  receiving  as  compensation  for  his  services  two  hundred 
dollars  per  year.  In  1880  he  rented  in  Limestone  township  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  of  land,  which  he  farmed  for  ten  years.  In  1890,  in  Logan  town- 
ship, he  purchased  his  present  farm  of  seventy-two  acres,  which  was  at  that 
time  all  in  timber  land.  He  has  cleared  and  improved  the  same  until  he  now 
has  fifty  acres  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  the  rest  in  pasture.     He  has 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  491 

an  excellent  house  and  barn  on  his  farm  and  also  has  the  best  of  facilities  for 
tilling  the  soil.     He  engages  quite  extensively  in  raising  stock  and  grain. 

In  1880  Mr.  Arends  wedded  Miss  Johanna  Dorenbus.  In  politics  Mr.  Arends 
gives  his  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  he  has  served  as  pathmastcr  of 
Logan  township  for  eight  years.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  and  gives  his  su])- 
])ort  to  all  measures  which  further  the  cause  of  education.  He  is  known  as  a 
l)ublic-spirited  and  progressive  man  who  has  the  welfare  of  the  community  at 
heart  and.  as  the  years  have  gone  by,  he  has  won  for  himself  a  creditable  position 
in  the  community. 


WILLIAM   J.   \  OCLLSAXC. 

William  J.  \'ogelsang,  who  since  i8yi  has  been  engaged  in  farming  and  stock- 
raising  in  Logan  township,  was  born  in  Canton,  Stark  county,  Ohio,  March  20, 
1856.  In  1864,  when  only  eight  years  of  age,  he  removed  with  his  parents  to 
Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  where  he  was  reared  and  educated.  He  there  resided 
until  18S1  and  in  that  year  removed  to  Logan  township,  where  he  purchased 
ninety-nine  and  two-thirds  acres  of  land  to  which  he  later  added  an  equal  number 
making  in  all  one  hundred  and  ninety-nine  and  one-third  acres,  which  constitute 
his  present  farm.  At  the  time  of  the  purchase  of  his  land  it  was  worth  only 
forty  dollars  per  acre  but  is  now  valued  at  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars 
per  acre.  His  land  is  highly  cultivated  and  in  the  best  improved  condition. 
The  family  residence  is  comfortable  and  modern  and  his  outbuildings  and  barns 
in  good  repair.  It  is  a  grain  and  stock  farm  and  has  on  it  a  spring  of  running 
water.  Mr.  \  ogelsang  engages  quite  extensively  in  raising  thoroughbred  hogs, 
cattle  and  horses.  He  has  sixteen  head  of  horses  of  the  Percheron-Morgan 
breed  and  one  stallion  of  the  Percheron-Xorman  stock,  which  is  sixteen  and 
one-half  hands  high  and  weighs  nineteen  hundred  pounds. 

Mr.  X'ogelsang  wedded  Miss  Lena  Thede  and  to  them  have  been  born  five 
children.  They  are  Howard,  Henry,  Elmer,  Mary  and  Carl.  In  politics  Mr. 
X'ogelsang  casts  his  vote  with  the  democratic  party,  and  he  has  served  as  con- 
stable for  eight  years.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  all  measures  that  pertain  to 
educational  advancement  and  for  the  past  twelve  years  has  been  a  school  director 
of  his  district.  He  is  known  as  a  man  who  uses  his  influence  and  support  for 
tlie  progress  and  prosperity  of  Logan  townshi])  and  is  counted  as  one  of  its  sub- 
stantial citizens. 


MRS.   ROAXIA    lURD. 


Mrs.  Koania  I'.ird,  residing  in  Trivoli,  was  born  in  Rosefield  township,  Peoria 
county,  December  19,  1856.  She  is  a  daughter  of  Otis  and  Phoebe  (Brown) 
r.agg,  the  former  born  in  New  York  state  in  1826  and  the  latter  in  Rosefield 
township  in  August,  1837.  In  1836,  when  the  father  was  ten  years  of  age,  he 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Rosefield  township,  where  he  grew  to  manhood. 
In  1863  he  came  to  Elmwood  township,  where  he  later  became  one  of  the  leading 
and  prosperous  farmers  of  his  community,  owning  nine  hundred  acres  of  land. 
He  now  lives  retired  in  Hanna  City,  his  wife  having  passed  away  in  1905.  In 
his  family  were  seven  children:  ^Irs.  ^lary  Ramshaw,  of  Haniia  City:  Mrs. 
P.ird,  of  this  review,  and  Mrs.  Rosina  Holt,  who  are  twins;  Mrs.  Isabel  Cattin. 
of  Brimfield;  Airs.  Clara  Aloody  and  Mrs.  Jennie  Mallett,  both  of  whom  are 
deceased:  and  Charles,  who  resides  on  the  home  farm  in  Elmwood  township 

Roania  Pagg,  of  this  review,  was  reared  and  educated  in  Elmwood  town- 
ship and  remained  at  home  with  her  parents  until  her  first  marriage.     On  Sep- 


492  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

tember  5,  1876,  she  wedded  Robert  G.  Harding,  who  was  born  in  Peoria,  Illi- 
nois, March  10,  1856,  the  son  of  John  and  Jane  Harding,  of  Logan  township. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  G.  Harding  resided  on  a  farm  in  Trivoli  township  until 
1893,  when  they  moved  to  Trivoli,  where  Mr.  Harding  died  in  May,  1902.  He 
was  a  very  prosperous  man,  well  known  in  his  community  and  was  a  member  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  and  ]\Irs.  Harding  became  the  parents  of 
three  children :  Mrs.  Rose  Alay  Pattee,  of  Pocahontas,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Clara  E. 
Groniger,  of  Ustic,  Idaho;  and  Frank  R.,  a  resident  of  Jefferson,  Iowa. 

On  December  12,  1906,  Roania  (Bagg)  Harding  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Frank  E.  Bird,  who  is  the  present  station  agent  for  the  Iowa  Central  Rail- 
road at  Trivoli,  an  office  which  he  has  efficiently  filled  for  eight  consecutive  years 
and  also  at  a  former  period.  He  was  born  in  Ohio,  January  12,  1861.  Mr. 
Bird  is  a  successful,  industrious  and  prominent  man  in  Trivoli,  where  he  enjoys 
a  wide  circle  of  acquaintances.  Mrs.  Bird  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church  and  socially  is  identified  with  the  Royal  Neighbors,  the  Eastern 
Star  and  the  Order  of  the  Rebekahs.  She  is  a  very  earnest,  energetic  lady  of 
broad  sympathies  and  many  friends  and  has  the  high  regard  of  all  who  know  her. 


\VALL.\CE  C.  E\'ANS. 


Wallace  C.  Evans,  who  since  1910  has  been  president  of  the  Brewster-Evans 
Company,  who  are  operating  the  Walbin  mine  at  Bismarck.  Peoria  county,  was 
born  at  Lebanon,  Ohio,  October  4,  1866.  The  great-grandfather,  Joseph  Evans, 
came  from  New  Jersey  to  Lebanon  in  1806  and  erected  a  frame  barn  two  years 
later,  which  is  still  standing  in  good  condition  on  the  old  farm  of  two  hundred 
acres.  In  1810  he  built  the  brick  house  which  is  also  still  in  existence.  The 
family  is  of  Welsh  origin  and  in  1680  nine  brothers  came  to  America.  In  the 
maternal  line  our  subject  is  descended  from  the  Williamson  family,  two  of 
whose  members.  Stone  and  Clymer,  were  among  the  signers  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence.  Wallace  C.  Evans  is  a  son  of  E.  H.  and  Perah  Evans,  the  for- 
mer of  whom  was  one  of  the  pioneer  agriculturists  of  \\'arren  county.  The 
father's  death  occurred  in  1905  and  his  wife  died  four  years  later.  They  are  both 
buried  near  Lebanon. 

Wallace  C.  Evans  remained  under  the  parental  roof  until  he  acquired  his 
early  education.  He  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  Lebanon  and  there 
prepared  to  enter  the  National  Normal  University,  from  which  institution  he 
was  graduated  in  1887,  with  the  degrees  of  B.  S.  and  C.  E.  Thus  prepared  for 
a  professional  career,  he  engaged  as  a  civil  engineer  and  has  since  followed  that 
profession.  After  removing  to  Peoria  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Jacob  A. 
Plarman  under  the  firm  style  of  Harman  &  Evans,  civil  engineers.  They  con- 
tinued conducting  their  business  for  five  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  Mr. 
Evans  started  out  independently  and  contracted  for  stone  work  until  1906.  In 
that  year  he  entered  the  Crescent  Contracting  Company  as  secretary  and  treas- 
urer. He  remained  in  that  capacity  until  1910.  In  June  of  that  year,  in  part- 
nership with  B.  D.  Brewster,  he  opened  the  Walbin  coal  mine.  Mr.  Evans 
received  a  good  education,  which  prepared  him  for  the  work  in  which  he  has 
since  engaged,  and  he  has  given  his  entire  time  and  attention  since  he  entered 
upon  an  active  career  to  the  engineering  profession.  Consequently  he  is  well 
ciualified  for  the  position  which  he  holds  today  and  because  of  his  accurate  knowl- 
edge, his  careful  attention  to  details  and  his  untiring  energy  the  company  is 
prospering  to  an  unusual  degree  and  is  developing  a  mine  which  will  prove  in 
tune  a  great  financial  success. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  493 

On  the  2jth  of  June,  igo6,  Mr.  Evans  was  married,  at  Peoria,  to  Miss  Emma 
Detweiler,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Louisa  Detweiler,  who  have  been  residents  of 
Peoria  for  many  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Evans  three  sons  have  been  born, 
John  \\'.,  Robert  D.  and  Harold  D.  The  family  reside  at  Xo.  905  North  Jeffer- 
son avenue. 

In  politics  Mr.  Evans  is  a  republican.  He  holds  membership  in  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club. 
He  attributes  his  success  in  life  to  hard  work,  honesty  and  perseverance  and  by 
these  c|ualities  has  attained  the  success  and  prosperity  which  he  is  enjoying  today. 


WJLI.l.VM   SllAW. 


William  Shaw,  who  owns  and  operates  a  farm  one  mile  east  of  Hanna  City, 
was  born  in  England  on  the  17th  of  August,  1871.  He  early  removed  to  Canada, 
and  in  1899  came  from  there  to  Peoria  county,  settling  in  Logan  township  where 
he  purchased  his  present  farm.  He  owns  sixty  acres  of  highly  improved  land 
which  is  under  an  excellent  state  of  cultivation  and  has  on  it  a  comfortable 
house  and  commodious  outbuildings  and  barns. 

On  the  1st  of  J\Iarch,  1899,  Air.  Shaw  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Reka 
Sholls,  a  resident  of  Limestone  township,  whose  many  fine  qualities  have  gained 
for  her  many  friends  throughout  the  vicinity.  Mr.  Shaw  is  greatly  interested 
in  the  welfare  of  his  community,  and  during  his  residence  in  Logan  township 
he  has  been  active  and  helpful  in  all  measures  of  reform  and  progress.  He 
believes  thoroughly  in  the  education  of  the  mass  of  people  in  general,  and  any 
movement  that  advances  the  cause  always  receives  his  earnest  support.  He  is 
an  energetic,  useful  and  worthy  resident  of  the  county,  and  in  all  his  relations, 
both  in  business  and  social  life,  he  has  been  true  to  high  and  honorable  stand- 
ards, following  ever  the  principles  of  the  golden  rule. 


ALBERT  S.  ]^IcDONALD. 

Albert  S.  McDonald,  who  is  connected  with  the  agricultural  interests  in 
Logan  township,  was  born  near  Edwards  station  in  1862.  His  parents  were 
Samuel  J.  and  Mary  Ann  (Sanford)  McDonald,  the  father  a  native  of  Ohio  and 
the  mother  of  Michigan.  The  parents  removed  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Peoria 
county  in  1861,  and  in  1868  they  purchased  in  Logan  township  a  tract  of  one 
hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  for  which  they  paid  thirty  dollars  per  acre.  They 
resided  on  this  farm  the  remainder  of  their  lives,  the  mother  dying  in  1896  at  the 
age  of  fifty-four  years  and  six  months  and  the  father  on  April  27,  1909,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-seven  years  and  three  months.  To  them  were  born  four  children : 
Jennie,  deceased ;  Albert  .S.  of  this  review ;  Hattie  L.,  deceased ;  and  Charles  K. 

Albert  S.  McDonald  was  reared  and  educated  in  Peoria  county,  and  upon 
reaching  manhood  he  purchased  a  sawmill,  threshing  machine  and  sorghum  mill, 
all  of  which  he  operated  for  more  than  twenty-five  years.  He  moves  his  sawmill 
from  one  customer  to  another  in  the  counties  of  Fulton,  Knox,  Stark  and  Peoria, 
and  has  operated  his  sorghum  mill  by  steam  since  1881.  He  now  owns  in  Logan 
and  Trivoli  townships  two  hundred  and  forty  acres,  of  which  ninety-one  arc 
under  an  excellent  state  of  cultivation. 

On  the  6th  of  December,  1887,  Albert  S.  McDonald  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Ida  Irwin  of  Cuba,  Illinois,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  three 
children.  Clara  Belle,  who  was  born  December  3,  1888,  died  March  6,  i8go. 
Mabel  Clare,  born  April  14,  1890,  is  a  graduate  of  the  Bradley  Polytechnic  Insti- 


494  HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY 

tute  at  Peoria,  and  is  living  at  home.     Howard  M.,  who  was  born  June  i8,  1894, 
has  a  common-school  education  and  is  operating  his  father's  farm. 

Mr.  McDonald  has  always  been  greatly  interested  in  all  measures  of  reform 
and  progress  and  gives  his  support  to  educational  development.  He  is  honest 
and  upright  in  all  matters  of  Ijusiness.  considerate  of  his  associates  and  has 
many   friends  throughout  the  entire  county. 


CARL   I'.  OHL. 


Carl  P.  Ohl  has  been  identified  with  the  operation  of  a  large  bakery  enterprise 
in  F'eoria,  his  native  city,  from  the  time  he  began  his  active  life  until  his  retire- 
ment, working  first  in  association  with  his  father  and  then  as  an  independent 
business  man.  He  has  now  retired  after  many  years  of  honorable  and  upright 
commercial  life,  having  gained  during  the  period  a  distinct  prosperity  and  many 
friends.  He  resides  at  No.  1205  North  street  in  a  pleasant  and  comfortable  home 
which  he  erected  in  1894.  Mr.  Ohl  was^born  in  Peoria,  on  October  10,  1857,  and 
is  a  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Eydman)  Ohl,  natives  of  Germany,  the  father 
having  been  born  on  April  3,  1824,  and  the  mother  on  June  26,.  1832.  John  Ohl 
came  to  America  in  1849,  in  a  sailing  vessel,  it  taking  thirty-five  days  for  the  trip 
and  settled  first  in  St.  Louis  and  then  in  Alascoutah,  Illinois,  where  for  a  short 
time  he  operated  a  large  bakery.  When  he  left  Mascoutah  in  1853,  he  located 
in  Peoria  opening  up  a  similar  enterprise  on  Fulton  street  between  Washington 
and  Water  streets.  He  later  removed  his  place  of  business  to  the  corner  of 
Washington  and  Jackson  streets  and  was  successful  in  this  location  until  he 
retired  from  all  business  connections  in  1886.  He  died  in  June,  1908.  He  had 
Witnessed  the  growth  and  development  of  the  city  and  in  no  small  way  assisted  in 
its  upbuilding.  He  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  a  wide  circle  of  friends  because 
he  was  always  willing  to  lend  a  helping  hand  in  times  of  adversity.  He  belonged 
to  the  Lutheran  church  and  was  known  as  a  man  of  high  and  exemplary  char- 
acter.    His  wife  is  still  living,  at  410  Illinois  avenue. 

Carl  P.  Ohl  was  educated  in  the  Peoria  public  schools  and  from  his  early 
childhood  assisted  his  father  in  the  operation  of  his  business  enterprise.  After 
he  laid  aside  his  books  he  served  his  apprenticeship  in  the  baking  trade  and  in 
1883  entered  into  partnership  with  his  father.  Their  association  continued  until 
1886  when  John  Ohl  retired  from  active  life  and  turned  over  the  management 
of  the  business  to  his  sons,  Carl  P.  and  Rudolph,  who  carried  on  the  business 
along  the  most  modern,  upright  and  progressive  commercial  standards  until  Jan- 
uary I,  1912,  wdien  our  subject  retired.  Since  that  time  he  has  given  up  personal 
connection  with  all  business  interests  and  is  devoting  his  time  to  the  management 
of  his  property. 

On  Mav  11,  1886,  Mr.  Ohl  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Julietta  Sieberns, 
a  daughter  of  Henry  E.  and  Caroline  (Niegarth)  Sieberns,  both  now  living  in 
Peoria  at  12s  North  street.  Mrs.  Ohl's  father  went  to  New  Orleans  when  he 
was  a  young  man  and  after  a  few  years  of  activity  in  that  city  where  he  followed 
the  trade  of  a  cabinet-maker  he  went  to  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  then  to  Pres- 
ton, Canada.  Here  he  remained  for  several  years,  working  at  his  chosen  occu- 
pation and  becoming  successful.  His  marriage  occurred  in  Canada  and  in  1858 
he  came  to  Illinois  settling  in  Cappa,  where  he  remained  a  short  time  before  go- 
ing to  Gridley.  There  he  established  himself  in  the  general  merchandise  busi- 
ness and  conducted  a  prosperous  and  well  e(|uipped  establishment  of  this  kind 
until  his  retirement.  He  came  to  Peoria  in  1874.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ohl  have 
been  born  three  children:  Carl  H.,  whose  birth  occurred  on  March  10.  1887.  and 
who  is  living  at  home;  Rudolph  W..  who  was  born  on  April  17,  1801  :  and  .\rthur 
S..  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  22d  of  March.  1894. 


GAEL  P.  OHL 


■ 

^^V^^^^ 

► 

^^^        i 
^^^^.   * 

%Ji 

^                1 

^^^ 

MRS.  CARL  P.  OHL 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  499 

\v  his  political  views  Mr.  Ohl  is  independent,  preferring  to  keep  his  judg- 
ment unbiased  by  not  affiliating  with  an  organized  party.  He  is  well  known  in 
ColumI)ia  Lodge,  No.  21,  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  always  active  in  any  movement  which 
has  for  its  object  the  growth  and  upbuilding  of  the  city.  During  his  active  life 
he  sought  no  success  beyond  attainment  in  a  purely  business  field.  He  has  made 
his  commercial  career  honorable  and  upright,  and  in  doing  this  has  achieved 
prosperity.  He  is  public-s])irited  and  straightforward,  interested  in  the  develop- 
ment of  his  community  and  a  native  son  of  whom  Peoria  has  every  reason  to  be 
proud. 


lOUX    -M.   I'd.LIOTT. 


It  may  be  stated  without  any  disparagement  to  the  other  learned  professions, 
that  the  bar  of  Peoria  possesses  as  many  men  of  prominence  as  that  of  an\ 
other  city  of  its  size  in  the  west.  And  this  assertion  holds  good  not  only  as  re- 
gards past  generations,  but  as  regards  the  present  also,  and  gives  every  prom- 
ise of  holding  good  in  the  future.  With  those  of  the  past,  we  have  little  to  do. 
Books  might  easily  be  filled  with  the  life  records  of  successful  lawyers  in 
Peoria's  history.  It  is  with  those  men  who  by  their  talents  and  abilities  now 
grace  the  forum,  and  who  deserve  well  of  their  fellow  citizens,  that  we  would 
now  speak.     Conspicuous  among  this  class  is  John  M.  Elliott. 

Mr.  Elliott  is  still  a  young  man,  but  has  already  attained  a  success  in  his 
chosen  profession  which  might  be  envied  by  men  who  have  completed  their  ac- 
tive life.  He  is  the  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Stevens,  Miller  &  Elliott, 
one  of  the  best  known  law  firms  in  the  city.  He  makes  a  specialty  of  railroad 
law,  and  is  connected  with  most  of  the  ]M-incipal  railroads  of  Peoria  in  this 
capacitv.  He  is  one  of  the  ablest  railroad  lawyers  in  the  city,  and  one  of  the 
most  ])0pular.  He  is  quick  and  decisive  in  his  methods,  keenly  alive  to  any 
legal  pro])ositions  and  its  possibilities,  and  finds  pleasure  in  the  solution  of  a 
difficult  legal  problem.  He  has  that  intense  interest  in  his  profession  which  is 
the  foundation  of  progress  in  all  lines. 

John  M.  Elliott  was  born  in  Claysville,  Pennsylvania,  May  5,  1877.  He  was 
the  son  of  John  and  Nancy  Elizabeth  Elliott.  His  father  was  a  prominent  and 
successful  phvsician  in  Clavsville,  where  the  family  resided  until  the  son  was 
four  years  old,  when  they  left  Pennsylvania  for  Missouri,  settling  in  Dresden 
in  1881 .  Here  they  remained  for  ten  years,  removing  to  Eureka,  Illinois,  in 
1890.  John  M.  Elliott's  early  education  was  received  in  the  grammar  schools 
of  Dresden  and  Eureka.  When  he  received  all  the  educational  opportunities 
which  these  towns  afforded,  he  decided  to  take  up  the  study  of  law.  for  which 
he  had  always  had  a  leaning.  He  entered  the  law  department  of  Wesleyan 
Universitv  at  Bloomington.  Illinois,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1899  with  a 
degree  of  EL.  B.  ; 

After  his  graduation,  Mr.  Elliott  entered  the  law  firm  of  Barry  i^  Morris- 
sey,  of  Bloomington,  where  he  remained  for  one  year,  when  he  entered  the  of- 
fices of  Stevens  i^  Horton,  lawyers  doing  business  in  the  German  Fire  Insur- 
ance building  of  this  city.  A  few  years  later,  when  Mr.  Horton  went  to  Chicago 
as  general  attorney  for  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad,  the  firm  was  reorganized, 
and  the  merits  of  Mr.  Elliott  were  recognized  in  the  offer  of  a  partnership.  The 
name  of  the  new  firm  is  Stevens,  Miller  &•  Elliott.  The  firm  is  increasing  its 
business  everv  year.  Thev  are  now  recognized  as  the  most  prominent  railroad 
lawyers  in  tlie  citv,  and  Mr.  Elliott's  brilliant  talents  and  capacity  for  work 
have  contributed  their  share  to  this  happy  consummation. 

In  Mr.  Elliott,  we  find  one  of  the  most  industrious  students  of  the  law,  and 
his  breadth  of  legal  learning  corresponding  to  the  labor  he  performs.  .As  a  thor- 
ough, sound  and  deeply  read  lawyer,  he  certainly  occupies  a  position  in  the  first 


500  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

rank  with  his  professional  brethren.  Clear  and  concise  in  his  judgments,  earn- 
est and  of  strong  convictions,  possessed  of  a  clear  insight  into  the  justice  of  a 
cause  he  rarely  fails  of  success  once  he  has  taken  a  case.  He  is  at  present  gen- 
eral attorney  for  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  Railway,  and  his  firm  is  general 
counsel  for  the  Peoria  &  Pekin  Union  Railway,  as  well  as  local  attorney  for 
most  of  the  railroads  of  the  city.  He  is  attorney  for  the  trustees  of  the  John 
C.  Proctor  Endowment,  and  for  the  Farmers'  Savings,  Loan  &  Homestead  As- 
sociation. As  a  corporation  lawyer  he  is  a  man  of  marked  force  and  energy, 
and  well  exemplifies  the  power  of  constant  labor,  well  applied,  especially  when 
the  effort  is  joined  with  the  personal  qualities  such  as  command  the  esteem  and 
respect  of  his  fellowmen.  Clear,  concise  and  candid,  he  has  won  a  position  in 
this  way  in  legal  and  social  circles,  not  inconsistent  with  his  splendid  talents. 

Mr.  Elliott's  politics  has  always  been  consistently  republicali,  although  his 
pressing  business  afl:'airs  preclude  his  taking  an  active  part  in  public  life.  He 
is  at  present  and  has  been  for  a  number  of  years,  United  States  commissioner, 
under  appointment  by  Judge  Humphrey.  Mr.  Elliott  is  a  director  of  the  Central 
Brass  &  Stamping  Company.  He  is  an  active  and  prominent  member  of  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  the  Peoria  Trans- 
portation Club. 

Mr.  Elliott  was  married  in  Eureka,  Illinois,  on  June  27,  iQOi,  to  Miss  Zelda 
De  Motte,  daughter  of  Thomas  H.  and  Rebecca  C.  De  Motte  who  have  been 
prominent  in  Eureka  and  in  Woodford  county  for  a  number  of  years.  Mrs. 
Elliott  is  a  charming  woman,  well  able  to  keep  pace  with  her  husband  in  his 
remarkable  career.  They  have  a  beautiful  home  at  422  Windom  street,  which 
is  a  popular  meeting  place  .for  their  many  friends  in  this  city.  Mr.  Elliott's 
religion  forms  a  vital  part  of  his  life.  He  is  a  prominent  and  influential  mem- 
ber of  the  First  Methodist  church  of  Peoria,  and  has  served  as  treasiirer  of  the 
board  of  trustees  for  a  number  of  years. 

Through  all  the  varied  responsibilities  of  life,  J\Ir.  Elliott  has  acquitted  him- 
self with  dignity,  fidelity  and  honor,  and  won  the  approbation  and  esteem  of  op- 
ponents as  well  as  friends.  His  experience  and  energy  have  been  signallv  dis- 
played in  all  the  enterprises  that  he  has  undertaken,  and  he  is  eminently  a  prac- 
tical and  true  type  of  lawyer.  Democratic  in  his  manners  and  associations, 
being  easily  approached  by  any  citizen,  yet  he  is  cool,  calculating  and  safe  in  all 
his  legal  judgments.  A  man  whose  natural  abilities  would  secure  him  prom- 
inence in  any  community,  he  is  well  fitted  to  manage  the  aflfairs  of  the  great 
railroads,  who  entrust  their  afl:'airs  to  him.  Mr.  Elliott  in  the  course  of  a  short 
career,  has  won  a  worthy  place  among  his  fellow  citizens.  . 


I 


ALBERT  V.  THOMAS. 

Whatever  there  is  glorious  in  this  world  is  the  product  of  labor,  either  of 
body  or  mind.  History  is  but  the  record  of  work.  The  halls  of  art  display  the 
exquisite  touch  of  its  hand,  cultivated  fields  blossom  and  grow  to  harvest  under 
its  toil ;  busy  marts,  rising  cities,  are  the  treasure  house  of  its  deeds.  The  Creator 
has  made  work  the  all-regulating  law  of  man,  obedience  to  which  promotes  the 
harmony  and  happiness  of  the  state  and  society.  The  symbols  most  pleasing  to 
the  great  Architect  of  the  Universe,  and  expressive  of  the  civilization  and  ele- 
vation of  man,  are  not  the  sword,  the  cannon,  not  the  regal  crown,  but  the 
symbols  of  the  great  industrial  development  of  the  world.  The  men  in  all  ages 
who  have  gone  forth  into  the  world  of  manufacturing  and  industry  are  the 
pioneers  of  earth.  A  representative  man  of  industry,  whose  business  operations 
have  contributed  much  to  make  Peoria  the  thriving  metropolis  which  it  is  com- 
ing to  be,  is  Albert  V.  Thomas,  whose  name  heads  this  sketch. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  501 

Mr.  Thomas  is  one  of  Peoria's  recognized  business  men  and  an  example 
of  that  kind  of  success  which  makes  a  man  a  public  benefactor.  F'>y  dihgent 
appHcati.on  of  his  powers  to  industrial  pursuits,  and  the  practice  of  the  essen- 
tial principles  of  commercial  honor,  he  has  advanced  steadily  until  he  is  now 
at  the  head  of  the  Thomas  (S:  Clarke  Cracker  factory,  one  of  the  greatest  inter- 
ests in  the  city,  giving  employment  to  hundreds  of  deserving  workmen  and  sup- 
porting their  families.  Mr.  Thomas  enjoys  the  satisfaction  of  having  so  far 
successfully  acted  his  part  in  life,  and  affords  an  example  and  encouragement 
to  those  who  are  laboring  for  success. 

Albert  V.  Thomas  was  born  in  Champaign,  Illinois,  February  14,  1856.  Ilis 
father  was  John  H.  Thomas,  a  native  of  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia.  His  mother, 
Fannie  Edgar  Thomas,  came  from  England,  and  survived  her  husband  many 
years,  dying  in  Peoria  in  1909  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-three  years.  Albert 
V.  Thomas  was  very  devoted  to  his  mother  during  her  life,  and  made  his  home 
with  her  continually  until  her  death.  Our  subject  received  his  education  in  the 
grannnar  schools  of  Champaign  and  I'eoria.  When  he  left  school,  he  became 
connected  with  railroad  work,  being  first  employed  as  a  telegraph  operator,  and 
then  in  the  city  ticket  office  for  three  of  the  principal  roads  entering  the  city. 
This  office  had  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  city  ticket  office  established  in  the 
city,  and  was  located  at  104  North  Adams  street.  About  1887,  Mr.  Thomas  left 
the  railroad  business  to  establish  the  first  wholesale  produce  commission  house 
in  the  city.  The  business  started  on  a  humble  scale,  the  first  commercial  trans- 
action being  the  sale  of  one  case  of  eggs.  This  case  of  eggs,  however,  was  the 
foundation  of  a  rapidly  growing  and  remarkably  successful  industrial  institution. 
.■\11  goods  were  received  in  carload  lots,  and  he  enjoyed  the  distinction  of  import- 
ing into  Peoria  the  first  car,  each  of  bananas,  oranges,  lemons  and  California 
fruits  ever  received  in  this  city.  In  1899,  Mr.  Thomas,  in  partnership  with  Robert 
D.  Clarke,  established  the  cracker  and  cake  factory  of  Thomas  &  Clarke,  now 
one  of  the  largest  and  most  prosperous  industrial  institutions  in  the  city.  They 
started  their  bakery  in  the  building  at  3 10-31 2  South  Washington  street.  The 
business  grew  rapidly  from  the  time  of  its  establishment.  It  was  incorporated 
with  a  large  capital  stock  in  1901,  and  in  191 1,  outgrew  its  quarters,  and  the 
magnificent  new  factory  at  the  corner  of  Bridge  and  Water  streets  was  built. 
This  is  one  of  the  largest  institutions  of  its  kind  in  the  state.  It  occupies  four 
stories  and  a  basement,  and  gives  employment  to  hundreds  of  workmen.  Every 
kind  of  plain  and  fancy  crackers  and  cakes  are  baked  here,  and  find  a  market 
not  only  in  Peoria  but  in  other  cities  as  well.  The  name  of  Thomas  &:  Clarke 
on  a  box  of  fancy  crackers  spells  deliciousness,  cleanliness  and  careful  manufac- 
ture, where  it  is  known.  Mr.  Thomas,  as  head  of  this  unique  factory,  deserves 
the  credit  of  successful  accomplishment.  He  stands  forth  in  the  business  world 
today  an  example  of  what  a  man's  determined  maintenance  of  his  honest  con- 
victions will  accomplish.  Regular  as  clockwork  in  his  business  habits,  watchful 
of  his  tremendous  interests,  broad-minded  and  liberal  in  his  thoughts  upon  all 
public  topics,  the  only  exaction  he  enforces  in  his  dealings  with  his  fellowmen  is 
that  he  shall  be  allowed  to  conduct  his  business  according  to  his  own  ideas, 
according  others  the  privilege  of  like  independence.  That  he  knows  what  he  is 
about,  that  his  views  are  safe,  that  his  position  in  the  world  of  trade  is  solid, 
are  not  left  to  prediction  to  prove.  The  house  of  Thomas  &  Clarke  is  a  serious, 
successful  reality,  and  the  man  who  directs  its  policy  is  clear-headed,  self-reliant, 
and  an  example  of  what  a  man  can  become  who  starts  right  and  stays  right. 

On  April  5,  1910,  Mr.  Thomas  was  married  to  Miss  Irene  M.  Morgan, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  S.  Morgan,  of  Boston,  Massachusetts.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Thomas  have  a  charming  little  daughter,  Loraine  Saxton  Thomas. 

Mr.  Thomas  has  not  mingled  much  in  political  life.  He  was  elected  a  mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  park  trustees  in  1908,  and  this  position,  to  which  he  was  re- 
elected in   1910,  his  natural  love  of  flowers,  trees  and  outdoor  things,   led  him 


502  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  accept.  He  has  held  generally  to  republican  principles  in  his  politics,  reserv- 
ing, however,  to  himself  the  right  to  vote  independently  for  the  best  man.  He  is 
very  prominent  in  social  circles  of  the  city,  where  his  genial  temperament,  his 
unfailing  good  nature  and  his  qualities  of  good-fellowship  have  won  him  a  high 
place  in  the  esteem  of  his  friends.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club, 
the  Country  Club  and  the  Illinois  Valley  Yacht  Club. 

Mr.  Thomas  enjoys  the  respect  and  confidence  of  the  business  world  and 
the  friendship  of  those  whom  he  meets  socially.  He  has  made  for  himself  an 
enviable  reputation  as  a  man  of  business,  straightforward  and  reliable  under  all 
circumstances,  courteous  and  affable  to  his  patrons  whom  he  always  endeavors 
to  please.  He  has  never  been  known  to  overreach  anyone  in  business  transac- 
tions, but  conducts  his  affairs  along  the  strictest  lines  of  commercial  integrity. 
He  possesses,  moreover,  much  business  tact  as  well  as  executive  force  and  un- 
faltering enterprise.  His  own  labors  have  constituted  the  foundation  upon 
which  he  has  builded  his  success,  making  him  one  of  the  substantial  business 
men  of  the  communitv. 


GEORGE  A.  SMITH. 


George  A.  Smith  who  for  the  past  ten  years  has  been  commercial  agent  in 
charge  of  passenger  and  freiglit  business  for  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Com- 
pany at  Peoria,  was  born  at  Fredericksburg,  Indiana,  on  the  8th  of  December, 
i860,  and  is  a  son  of  William  H.  H.  Smith,  formerly  a  traveling  salesman,  who 
has  retired,  now  living  in  Indiana. 

The  education  of  George  A.  Smith  was  completed  upon  his  graduation  from 
the  high  school  of  Crawfordsville,  Indiana,  in  1875.  The  following  year  he  be- 
gan his  career  as  a  railroad  man  in  the  capacity  of  messenger  in  the  employ  of 
the  Logansport,  Crawfordsville  &  Southwestern  Railroad  Company  at  Frankfort, 
Indiana.  He  discharged  the  duties  of  this  position  for  three  years,  during  which 
time  he  also  learned  telegraphy,  and  in  1879  was  assigned  his  first  position  as 
operator.  During  the  succeeding  two  years  he  served  as  operator  and  agent  at 
various  points  on  the  same  road  and  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  was  appointed 
operator  on  the  \'andalia  road.  He  served  in  this  capacity  for  a  year,  following 
which  he  became  cashier  in  the  local  freight  office  of  the  Chicago  &  Eastern 
Illinois  and  the  Evansville  iS;  Terre  Haute  road  at  Terre  Haute,  remaining  there 
until  1886,  when  he  became  freight  agent  for  the  Evansville  &  Terre  Haute 
Railroad  at  \'incennes,  Indiana.  His  services  were  retained  in  this  capacity  for 
five  years,  when  he  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  chief  clerk  in  the  general 
freight  office  at  Evansville.  From  i8gi  to  1892,  he  was  general  freight  and 
passenger  agent  of  the  Ohio  \'alley  Railroad  in  the  same  city,  while  he  was  sub- 
sequently appointed  general  agent  and  superintendent  of  terminals  on  the  Evans- 
ville &  Terre  Haute  and  the  Chicago  &  Eastern  Illinois  Railroads  at  Terre  Haute. 
He  held  this  position  for  a  year  and  then  became  general  agent  for  the  Peoria, 
Decatur  &  Evansville  Railroad  at  Decatur  and  in  1895  '^^  ^^''^^  appointed  chief 
clerk  in  the  general  freight  and  passenger  department  of  the  same  road  at  Evans- 
ville. From  1896  to  1898  he  was  agent  of  the  continental  lines  at  Peoria,  and 
during  the  succeeding  two  years  he  was  general  agent  for  the  Peoria,  Decatur  & 
Evansville  Railroad  at  this  point.  In  igoo  he  was  promoted  to  the  office  of 
commercial  agent  for  the  Illinois  Central  lines  at  Peoria,  and  has  ever  since  held 
this  position.  He  has  met  with  success  in  his  career,  as  he  applied  himself  in- 
telligently and  faithfully  to  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  thus  winning  the  recog- 
nition of  his  superiors,  who  advanced  him  in  accordance  with  the  abilities  he 
manifested.      In   addition  to   the   responsibilities   of   his  position,   Mr.   Smith   is 


G.  A.  SJIITII 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  505 

chainiiaii  of  the  Peoria  &  Pekin  coiiiniiUcc  of  the  Central  l'"reight  Association 
and  llie   llhnois  Freiglit  coiiiiiiittee. 

On  the  loth  of  May,  1882,  Mr.  Smith  was  married  to  Miss  Jennie  Coehran, 
a  daugliter  of  James  11.  Cochran,  a  hotel  man  of  Montezuma,  Indiana,  and  they 
are  the  parents  of  two  children :  Marguerite,  who  is  living  at  home ;  and  f  icorgc 
G.,  a  youth  of  seventeen  years,  who  is  also  at  home. 

Mr.  Smith  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  he  also  belongs  to 
Temple  Lodge.  No.  46,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  he  is  likewise  affiliated  with  the 
P>enevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  He  jiossesses  the  laudable  ambition  and 
jiersistency  of  purpose  that  invariably  win  recognition  when  accompanied  by 
lovaltv  and  efficiencv  such  as  he  has  alwavs  manifested. 


HOMER  COLLINS  LINES. 

1  lonesty  was  ever  the  watchword  of  Homer  Collins  Lines  and  public  opinion 
stamped  him  as  a  man  of  excellent  character  as  well  as  of  splendid  business 
ability.  He  was  prominently  known  in  the  financial  circles  of  Peoria  for  many 
years,  serving  for  almost  a  cjuarter  of  a  century  as  cashier  of  the  banking  house 
of  Zell.  Hotchkiss  &  Comj^any.  Characterization  is  a  difficult  task  owing  to  the 
many  incidents  and  interests  which  enter  into  the  life  of  every  individual,  but 
there  is  no  dissenting  to  the  opinion  that  in  all  that  constitutes  the  upright  man 
and  citizen  Homer  C.  Lines  was  richly  endowed.  He  was  born  in  Brownsville, 
Pennsylvania.  June  28.  1836,  and  was  a  brother  of  the  late  Calvin  C.  Lines  of  the 
Peoria  National  Bank.  In  his  native  town  he  pursued  his  education  and  early 
found  employment  there  as  a  clerk  in  a  general  store,  thus  providing  for  his 
own  living.  After  a  short  time,  however,  he  sought  business  opportunities  else- 
where, removing  to  Circleville,  Ohio,  where  he  sjjent  about  six  years  in  various 
occupations.  From  each  experience  in  life  he  learned  the  lesson  that  it  contained, 
and  from  his  faithful  i)erformance  of  each  day's  duties  he  found  courage  and 
insi)iration  for  the  work  of  the  succeeding  day. 

The  year  1859  witnessed  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Lines  in  Peoria,  and  his  financial 
condition  rendered  it  imjjerative  that  he  secure  immediate  employment.  He 
sought  and  obtained  work  in  the  office  of  the  Robinson  Flour  Mills.  He  was  then 
a  young  man  of  twenty-three  years,  resolutely  determined  and  ambitious.  Grad- 
ually, as  the  years  passed,  he  advanced  in  the  business  world  and  in  1877  he  be- 
came associated  with  the  banking  house  of  Zell,  Hotchkiss  &  Company.  His 
ability  won  him  promotion  to  the  position  of  cashier,  in  which  capacity  he  served 
for  twenty-two  years,  making  for  himself  a  most  creditable  and  enviable  position 
in  the  financial  circles  of  the  city.  It  has  been  said  that  no  one  is  more  com- 
petent to  speak  of  the  characteristics  of  an  individual  than  his  business  associates, 
those  who  see  him  in  the  stress  of  life  where  every  possible  circumstance  makes 
demand  upon  his  time,  his  patience,  his  energies  and  his  ability.  In  speaking 
of  Mr.  Lines'  characteristics  Mr.  Zell.  head  of  the  banking  house,  referred  to 
his  sturdy  nature,  his  good  business  judgment,  his  conservatism,  his  excellent 
character  and  his  unfaltering  integrity.  He  not  only  felt  that  honesty  was  the 
best  policy  but  pursued  a  straightforward  course  because  he  believed  it  to  be 
right.  He  thoroughly  mastered  whatever  he  undertook,  and  therefore  when 
he  entered  the  field  of  banking  it  was  with  the  determination  to  accjuaint  himself 
with  every  feature  of  the  business.  He  contributed  to  the  success  of  the  institu- 
tion with  which  he  was  so  long  connected  by  reason  of  his  clear  insight  and  his 
indefatigable  energy.  The  lianking  officials  always  found  him  obliging  and 
ready,  and  the  patrons  of  the  institution  knew  him  to  be  a  most  courteous 
representative. 


506  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

On  the  19th  of  Xoveniher,  1885,  Air.  Lines  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Wright, 
a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Theodosia  (Rork)  Wright,  who  were  natives  of  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  but  came  to  Peoria  on  the  5th  of  April,  1848,  casting  their  lot  with 
the  early  settlers  here.  The  father  was  a  pioneer  builder  and  brick  mason,  and 
aided  in  the  erection  of  many  of  the  early  homes  and  business  blocks  of  the  city. 
At  one  time  he  was  the  owner  of  eleven  acres  of  land  now  situated  in  the  business 
section  of  the  city,  and  he  platted  two  additions  to  Peoria.  His  daughter,  Mrs. 
Lines,  was  married  in  Peoria,  and  for  many  years  she  has  had  an  extensive 
acquaintance  in  this  city,  the  growth  and  development  of  which  she  has  largely 
witnessed.  By  her  marriage  she  became  the  mother  of  one  child,  Isabella  S., 
who  is  a  graduate  of  Goucher  College  at  Baltimore,  Maryland.  ]\Ir.  Lines  was 
a  man  of  firm  convictions  and  never  deviated  from  a  course  which  he  believed 
to  be  right.  He  possessed,  however,  much  sympathy,  was  kindly  in  manner  and 
considerate  of  the  opinions  of  others.  His  political  support  was  given  to  the 
republican  party,  but  the  honors  and  emoluments  of  ofTfice  had  no  attraction  for 
him.  His  life  conformed  to  the  high  standards  of  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  in  which  he  held  membership.  He  served  as  president  of  its  board  of  trus- 
tees and  was  superintendent  of  its  Sunday  school  for  many  years,  putting  forth 
every  possible  effort  to  promote  the  growth  and  extend  the  influence  of  the 
church  as  a  factor  in  the  moral  progress  of  the  community.  His  ready  repartee 
and  quick  wit  made  him  a  most  entertaining  companion,  and  his  circle  of  friends 
was  a  very  extensive  one.  He  was  yet  in  the  prime  of  life  when  called  to  the 
home  beyond,  passing  away  at  Fish  Creek,  AMsconsin,  January  7,  1899.  He  left 
with  his  family  the  priceless  heritage  of  an  untarnished  name.  The  memory  of 
his  companionship,  his  consideration,  devotion  and  love  is  very  dear  to  those 
who  were  near  to  him.  In  all  his  life  record  there  was  nothing  sinister  and 
nothing  to  conceal.  He  did  not  fear  close  investigation  of  a  single  page  of  his 
life  history,  for  he  had  ever  endeavored  to  render  capable  service  in  business, 
to  faithfully  perform  his  duties  of  citizenship  and  in  friendship  was  loyal. 


TAMES  GREEX. 


James  Green,  who  since  1905  has  resided  on  his  farm  of  eighty  acres  in 
Rosefield  township,  was  born  February  3,  1845,  'n  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania. 
His  parents  were  Lawson  and  Sarah  (Baker)  Green,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
tives of  Pennsylvania  and  passed  all  their  lives  there.  In  their  family  were 
nine  children,  of  whom  James  was  the  fourth  in  order  of  birth. 

James  Green  received  his  education  in  Pittsburg  and  remained  at  home  with 
his  parents  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  when,  in  i860,  he  came  to  Peoria  1 
county,  where  he  was  employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  four  years,  receiving  a  1 
competence  of  two  hundred  dollars  per  year.  In  1864  he  returned  to  Pittsburg 
and  enlisted  in  the  Fourth  Pennsylvania  Cavalry,  Second  Brigade,  Second  Di- 
vision, under  General  Philip  Sheridan.  He  was  in  the  battle  fought  from 
Pittsburg  to  Richmond,  a  distance  of  forty-five  miles.  At  the  surrender  of  Lee, 
April  9,  1865,  the  Second  Brigade,  Second'  Division  of  Sheridan's  Cavalry  Corps 
took  charge'  of  Lynchburg,  \irginia,  until  the  war  ended  and  Mr.  Green  re- 
mained there  until  his  discharge.  In  December,  1865.  Mr.  Green  returned  to 
Peoria  and  again  hired  out  as  a  farm  hand,  remaining  there  until  1870,  when  he 
went  back  to  Pittsburg,  where  he  spent  six  years.  In  1876  he  again  located  in 
Peoria,  where  he  worked  until  1878  as  a  carpenter  with  a  bridge  gang  on  a  rail- 
road. Subsequently  he  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Woodrulif  Ice  Company  for  five 
years.  In  1883  he  became  a  member  of  the  police  force  in  Peoria  and  served  a 
term  of  five  years.  In  1894  he  was  elected  constable  of  Peoria  township,  an 
office  which  he  filled  for  four  vears.  and  during  this  period  was  appointed  by 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  507 

Cyrus  L.  Berr}',  deputy  sheriff,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  fourteen  con- 
secutive years.  In  1905  he  bought  his  ]iresent  farm  of  eighty  acres,  which  is 
situated  in  Rosefield  township.  It  has  on  it  a  coal  mine  which  supplies  the  farm- 
ers for  miles  around. 

On  the  29th  of  December,  1869,  Air.  Green  wedded  Miss  Rebecca  A.  Race, 
who  is  a  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  A.  (Frazier)  Race,  of  Peoria.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Green  have  been  born  five  children:  \\'illiam  Edward,  deceased; 
Charles  C,  born  July  27,  1874;  Harry  J,,  born  September  10,  1882,  who  is  super- 
intendent of  the  coal  mine  on  his  father's  farm;  Myrtle  E.,  deceased;  and 
Wilber  Morgan,  born  April  10,  1894,  who  is  now  helping  to  operate  his  father's 
farm. 

Mr.  Green  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  is  inter- 
ested in  its  success  and  welfare.  He  has  been  road  commissioner  for  three 
years  and  is  now  serving  as  tow^nship  supervisor,  being  elected  in  1911.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  In  whatever  relation  we  find 
him,  whether  in  his  official  capacity,  in  business  or  in  social  life,  he  is  always 
the  same  honorable  and  honored  gentleman  wiiose  worth  well  merits  the  high 
regard  which  is  given  him. 


H.  L.  HOLT. 


H.  L.  Holt,  who  is  connected  with  the  agricultural  interests  of  Logan  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Rosefield  township  on  October  5,  1866.  His  parents  were  T. 
J.  and  Eliza  (.Morris)  Holt,  the  father  having  been  born  near  Manchester,  Eng- 
land, in  1839,  and  the  mother  in  1841.  In  1843  T.  J.  Holt  came  to  America 
with  his  parents  James  \V.  and  Ellen  (Wilds)  Holt,  who  settled  in  Rosefield 
township,  Peoria  county,  where  they  entered  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of 
government  land.  He  remained  on  the  homestead  w^ith  his  parents  until  the 
age  of  twenty  when  he  rented  eighty  acres  in  Rosefield  township  and  was  there 
engaged  in  farming  until.  1863.  At  that  date  he  enlisted  in  the  army,  serving  un- 
til the  close  of  the  war  when  he  returned  to  Peoria  county  and  later  went  to 
Livingston  county  where  he  engaged  in  farming.  In  1870  he  removed  to  Bufl'alo 
county,  Nebraska,  where  he  homesteaded  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land, 
but  after  five  years  returned  to  Peoria  county  and  resided  on  a  rented  farm  until 
1893.  He  then  went  to  Kansas  where  he  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acre,s  of  land,  but  after  a  year  w'as  again  in  Peoria  county  where  he  rented  a 
farm  and  resided  until  1909,  at  which  date  he  removed  to  Eden.  Here  his  wife 
died  on  Ma^ch  7,  191 2,  and  he  lives  now  with  his  son,  Robert  M.,  at  Hanna  City. 
In  his  family  were  eight  children :  Mrs.  Maggie  .Andrews,  of  McLean  county. 
Illinois ;  H.  L.,  of  this  review ;  Mrs.  Nellie  Copper  of  Rawlins  county,  Kansas ; 
H.  J.,  of  McLean  county;  Mrs.  Nettie  Collins,  of  Rice  county,  Kansas;  .Mrs. 
Sadie  Fuller,  of  Knox  county;  R.  M.,  of  Logan  township;  and  Mrs.  Katie  Wat- 
son, who  resided  in  Eden  and  died  there  December  10.  1910,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-nine  years. 

H.  L.  Holt  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  remained  at  home  until 
he  was  twenty-seven  years  of  age  when  he  removed  to  Kansas  where  he  home- 
steaded  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land,  but  after  three  years  returned  to 
Peoria  county,  renting  the  John  Hart  farm  of  two  hundred  acres  where  he  now 
resides.  He  engages  extensively  in  raising  corn,  wheat,  oats  and  hay,  and  also 
raises  yearly  a  number  of  horses,  hogs  and  cattle. 

On  the  nth  of  October,  1893,  Mr.  Holt  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Mary 
Green,  who  was  a  resident  of  Rosefield  township.  They  have  become  the  par- 
ents of  three  children :  Everette  W.,  aged  seventeen ;  Ruth  Elizabeth,  aged 
twelve;  and  Thomas  E.,  aged  nine.  In  politics  Mr.  Holt  is  independent  and  be- 
lieves in  voting  for  the  man  best  qualified  to  fill  the  office.     Socially  he  is  iden- 


508  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

tified  with  the  ]\Iodern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  energetic  and  industrious, 
using  the  latest  methods  in  liis  farming,  is  a  progressive  citizen,  and  is  widely 
and  favorably  known  in  his  community. 


ALLEX  ROSECRAXS. 


Allen  Rosecrans,  who  is  one  of  the  successful  and  progressive  farmers  of 
Logan  township,  was  born  in  Ohio  on  June  13,  1853,  the  son  of  J.  W.  and 
Eliza  (Fisher)  Rosecrans,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  that  state.  In  1870 
the  father  moved  to  Peoria  county,  where  he  bought  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  land,  forty  of  it  being  in  timber,  in  Rosefield  township,  located  two 
and  one-half  miles  north  of  Hanna  City.  He  resided  on  this  farm  the  remainder 
of  his  life,  dying  in  1885,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight  years,  and  the  mother  passed 
away  August  3,  191 1,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three. 

Allen  Rosecrans  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  operated  his  father's 
farm  from  1870  to  1897,  when  he  moved  to  a  farm  known  as  the  Cyrus  Patton 
place,  on  which  he  now  resides.  It  consists  of  one  hundred  acres,  which  he  has 
rented  for  the  past  fifteen  years,  and  in  addition  he  also  rents  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  belonging  to  the  Applegate  &  Lewis  Coal  Company.  He  engages 
extensively  in  general  agriculture  and  is  known  as  one  of  the  progressive  and 
prosperous  farmers  of  the  community. 

Mr.  Rosecrans  wedded  Miss  Corine  Mc\'icker  and  to  them  have  been  born 
the  following  children :  Charles  Ali^ert ;  Luella  May  and  Clara,  both  of  whom  are 
married ;  Emma,  deceased :  Frank  and  Ada,  both  of  whom  are  at  home ;  and 
Maud,  who  for  the  past  seven  years  has  been  engaged  in  teaching  school,  having 
received  her  education  in  the  State  Normal  School.  The  mother  of  these  chil- 
dren has  since  passed  away,  greatly  mourned  by  her  family  and  a  host  of  friends. 
In  politics  Mr.  Rosecrans  belongs  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  and  his  family 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  He  is  a  stalwart  friend  of 
the  cause  of  education  and  in  fact  is  known  throughout  the  entire  community 
as  a  representative  agriculturist  and  a  citizen  whose  support  can  be  counted  upon 
to  further  any  measure  or  movement  that  will  promote  the  welfare  and  pros- 
perity of  the  county. 


CH.\RLES  A.  KIM.M1-:L. 

One  of  the  well  known  attorneys  at  law  in  Peoria,  who  has  practiced  his  pro- 
fession for  many  years  in  this  city  and  who  has  built  up  an  enviable  professional 
reputation  is  Charles  .\.  Kimmel,  with  offices  at  Xo.  327  Main  street.  He  was 
born  in  Somerset  county,  Pennsylvania,  July  5,  1851,  the  son  of  Samuel  S.  and 
Martha  A.  (Johnston)  Kimmel.  The  father  was  for  many  years  engaged  in 
merchandising  at  Stoyestown,  Pennsylvania,  and  died  when  the  subject  of  this 
review  was  three  years  of  age.  After  the  death  of  the  father  the  mother  removed 
to  Peoria,  Illinois,  where  she  lived  until  her  death,  which  occurred  in  1901.  The 
father  was  buried  in  a  cemetery  in  Berrien  county,  Michigan,  while  the  mother's 
remains  are  interred  in  Springdale  cemetery,  at  Peoria. 

Coming  to  Peoria  at  the  age  of  five  years,  Charles  .\.  Kimmel  received  his 
first  educational  training  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  this  city.  He  later 
attended  the  Peoria  Normal  School  and  worked  on  the  home  farm  in  Richwood 
township,  Peoria  county,  from  1S67  to  1809.  When  tiie  mother  and  sons  settled 
in  Peoria  county  they  had  the  distinction  of  riding  on  the  first  Rock  Island  train 
from  Chicago  which  ran  through  to  Peoria  in  1856.     From  that  time  the  subject 


HiSTURY  OF  I'EORIA  COUNTY  509 

of  this  review  has  made  his  residence  coiUinuousl\'  in  Peoria  county.  In  1869  lie 
was  employed  in  Stark  county,  llhnois,  and  in  Toulon,  that  county,  took  a 
teachers'  examination,  which  he  passeil  satisfactorily.  He  then  began  teaching 
school  anfl  at  the  same  time  studied  law  under  the  supervision  ot  Johnson  & 
Hopkins.  In  the  spring  of  1873  ^'"^  guve  up  the  profession  of  teaching  and 
devoted  his  entire  time  to  studying  in  the  law  office  of  Johnson  &  Hopkins,  with 
whom  he  remained  until  1874,  when,  passing  the  required  examination  before 
the  sui)reme  court  at  Mount  X'ernon,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  In  1875  he 
established  offices  in  the  Bryan  building,  on  Main  street,  Peoria,  where  he  has 
since  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  FTom  1874  to  1885  he  served 
continuously  as  justice  of  the  peace.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  Bar  Association 
and  takes  an  active  interest  in  the  affairs  of  that  organization. 

In  December,  1887,  Mr.  Kimmel  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Jessie  B. 
Henderson,  a  daughter  of  Adam  and  Margaret  B.  Henderson,  and  to  them  two 
children  have  been  born:  Bessie  M.,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  Charles  A.  Doo- 
little,  an  electrician;  and   Charles  PL,  a   law   student. 

The  political  allegiance  of  Mr.  Kimmel  is  given  to  the  republican  jiarty  and 
he  is  actively  interested  in  political  matters  aft'ecting  the  state  and  nation.  He 
is  a  blue  lodge  Mason  and  belongs  to  Charter  r)ak  Camp,  M.  W.  A.,  having  been 
one  of  its  first  members.  The  family  residence  is  at  No.  600  Fourth  avenue,  a 
comfortable  home  which  Mr.  Kimmel  erected  in  1890.  During  his  long  and 
successful  professional  career  in  Peoria  he  has  become  ac(|uainted  with  practically 
all  the  people  of  the  county  and  his  reputation  is  such  that  causes  are  committed 
to  his  professional  care  with  the  utmost  confidence  that  they  will  receive  careful 
and  skilful  attention.  The  practice  which  he  has  built  up  is  a  very  gratifying  one, 
his  success  having  been  assured  from  the  time  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion in  Peoria. 


D.\Nn-:L  TULLY. 


Daniel  TuUy.  who  since  1905  has  been  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  at 
Flmwood,  where  he  is  numbered  as  one  of  the  progressive  and  industrious  citizens 
of  ih.e  town,  was  born  in  Lewiston,  August  14,  1868.  The  father  died  when 
Daniel  Tully  was  only  a  few  months  old  and  the  mother  when  he  was  six  and 
one-half  years  old,  so  that  he  remembers  practically  nothing  of  his  own  parents. 
At  the  age  of  seven  he  was  adopted  by  Michael  and  Rose  (Mclntyre)  Tully, 
of  Elmwood,  having  been  brought  to  them  by  a  Catholic  priest  who  at  that  time 
had  charge  of  the  parish  at  Elmwood.  Michael  and  Rose  (Mclntyre)  Tully, 
were  both  natives  of  Ireland,  the  former  born  in  County  Cavan  in  1824,  and  the 
latter  in  County  Donegal  in  1832.  While  in  their  youth  they  emigrated  to 
America,  settling  in  Philadeljihia,  Pennsylvania,  and  about  1866  they  came  to 
Elmwood,  where  the  husband  was  employed  as  a  day  laborer.  He  was  always 
an  lionorable,  industrious  and  popular  man  and  both  he  and  his  wife  were  devout 
members  of  the  Catholic  church.  In  1874  they  adopted  Daniel  Tully,  of  this 
review,  and  reared  him  as  carefully  and  tenderly  as  they  would  have  their  own 
son.  They  resided  in  Elmwood  until  their  death,  Michael  Tully  dying  January 
25,  1905,  while  his  wife  had  passed  away  several  years  before,  on  October  8, 
1898. 

Daniel  Tully  grew  to  manhood  in  Flmwood.  where  he  received  a  common- 
school  education,  and  on  laying  aside  his  text-i)Ooks  began  running  a  dummy 
engine  which  was  used  on  the  sjnir  between  the  Phelps  coal  mine  and  the  Chi- 
cago. Burlington  &  Ouincy  Railroad,  to  haul  trainloads  of  coal.  He  was  in  this 
work  for  four  years,  after  which  he  was  employed  for  lifteen  years  at  different 
places  as  a  stationary  engineer.     Subse(|ucntiv  lie  was  connected  with  the  Elm- 


510  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

wood  waterworks  for  one  year  and  then  was  employed  in  the  Elmwood  electric 
light  plant  for  six  years.     In   1905  he  engaged  in  his  present  business. 

On  the  28th  of  October,  1896,  Mr.  Tally  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Catherine  Zarges,  who  was  born  in  Peoria  county.  Illinois,  December  8,  1871, 
the  daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary  Zarges,  both  of  whom  died  when  their  daugh- 
ter was  only  a  small  child.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tully  have  become  the  parents  of 
three  promising  children :  Henry,  who  is  one  of  the  leaders  of  his  class  in  school ; 
Lauretta;  and  Daniel,  Jr.  In  politics  Mr.  Tully  is  a  democrat  but.  being  broad 
in  his  views,  he  believes  in  voting  for  the  man  best  qualified  to  fill  the  office, 
and  both  he  and  his  wife  adhere  to  the  faith  of  the  Catholic  church.  All  who 
know  him  have  for  him  the  highest  regard,  for  he  is  always  courteous,  kind  and 
amiable.  His  marked  characteristics  are  those  of  a  loyal  citizen  and  of  a  pro- 
gressive business  man  and  fidelity  to  friends  and  home. 


ALBAX  BENEDICT  FIXK. 

It  may  be  said  with  a  great  deal  of  truth  that  the  lives  of  our  successful  bus- 
iness men  furnish  a  more  satisfactory  and  practical  illustration  of  "history 
teaching  by  example"  than  any  other  to  which  the  attention  of  our  young  men 
can  be  directed,  especially  that  large  class  of  young  men  who,  unbefriended  and 
alone,  are  compelled  to  strike  out  in  the  bleak  world  to  find,  or  make  their  fu- 
ture sphere  and  home.  While  rich  and  poor  live  alike  in  abundance — the  former 
in  wealth  and  the  latter  in  hope — it  is  the  great  end  of  a  successful  life  to  en- 
courage others  to  a  like  achievement. 

Among  the  men  of  this  stamp,  whose  foresight  in  business  matters  contri- 
buted largely  to  gain  for  Peoria  her  present  position,  is  the  gentleman  whose 
name  heads  this  sketch,  Alban  B.  Fink.  He  was  the  type  of  the  American  man 
of  business,  shrewd,  unflinchingly  honest,  liberal,  charitable,  remarkably  un- 
selfish, and  kind  to  all.  His  character  was  a  happy  combination  of  strength  and 
gentleness.  There  is  perhaps  no  citizen  of  Peoria  upon  whom  the  consensus  of 
opinion  would  unite  with  more  unanimity  as  to  the  possession  of  ability,  integ- 
rity and  general  trustworthiness  than  upon  Mr.  Fink.  Firm,  independent,  self- 
reliant,  he  was  ever  courteous,  always  ready  to  listen  to  sensible  suggestions, 
and  after  having  listened,  possessed  of  that  strong  common  sense,  rare  judgment 
and  wide  experience  which  preclude  error. 

Alban  Benedict  Fink  led  a  busy,  useful  and  honorable  life,  characterized 
by  marked  devotion  to  the  Catholic  church,  in  which  was  embodied  the  faith  of 
his  ancestors.  He  was  born  in  Somerset,  Perry  county,  Ohio,  July  7,  1847 
Tradition  has  it  that  the  family  are  descended  from  a  baron  von  Finck.  It  is 
definitelv  known,  however,  that  the  name  was  originally  written  von  Finck.  and 
that  John  Finck,  the  grandfather,  dropped  the  "von"  from  his  name  when  he 
came  to  America  and  his  sons  eliminated  the  "c."  The  first  named  was  born  in 
the  Palatinate  in  southwestern  Germany  and  with  other  members  of  the  familv 
went  down  the  Rhine,  making  his  way  via  Hamburg  to  Cowes,  England,  and 
thence  to  America,  which  was  the  usual  course  of  travel  in  those  days.  The 
exact  date  of  emigration  is  uncertain  but  information  at  hand  places  the  removal 
in  the  decade  between  1720  and  1730,  when  between  thirty  and  forty  thousand 
Germans  landed  in  Philadelphia  and  thence  removed  to  different  parts  of  Penn- 
sylvania. John  Finck  served  in  the  Revolutionary  war  as  a  member  of  the  Con- 
tinental army  and  his  four  eldest  sons  were  soldiers  in  the  ^^'ar  of  t8i2.  It 
was  about  the  year  1804  that  John  Finck  removed  with  his  family  of  twelve  from 
Pennsylvania  to  Ohio,  where  he  received  a  grant  of  land  from  the  government. 
Upon  the  farm,  he  founded  the  town  of  Somerset  in  Perry  county  and  became 
a  prominent  and  influential  pioneer  resident  of  that  part  of  the  state.     His  son 


ALBAX  li.  FIXK 


HISTORY  OI"  PEORIA  COL'XTY  513 

Adair.  Fink,  the  father  of  Alban  15.  Fink,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1800  and 
was,  therefore,  only  about  four  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  the  removal  of  the 
family  to  Ohio.  At  one  time,  he  served  as  a  captain,  in  the  Ohio  State  Miliiia. 
.■\s  a  business  man,  he  became  well  known  in  Perry  county,  forming  a  partner- 
ship with  his  brother-in-law,  Henry  Dittoe,  for  the  conduct  of  a  merchandise 
establishment  in  Somerset.  He  purchased  his  goods  in  lialtimore  and  other 
eastern  points  and  transported  them  over  the  old  National  road  to  Ohio.  .-\l 
one  time  the  firm  of  Fink  &  Dittoe  had  as  a  clerk  in  their  establishment  a  youth 
by  the  name  of  Phil  H.  Sheridan,  who  remained  with  them  until  he  entered  the 
West  Point  Military  Academy  as  a  cadet  and  in  time  became  General  Phil  Sheri- 
dan of  Civil  war  fame.  Adam  Fink,  who  had  been  appointed  a  lieutenant  of 
the  Ohio  Militia  by  Governor  Jeremiah  Morrow  in  1818,  was  serving  as  cap- 
tain of  his  company  at  the  time  of  the  outbreak  of  the  Mexican  war,  but  being 
iiicapacitatetl  for  active  field  duty,  he  did  not  go  to  the  front.  At  one  time  iie 
lived  in  Peoria,  representing  the  house  of  Thomas  Drake,  who  owned  one  of  the 
largest  woolen  and  piece-goods  manufactories  in  Ohio,  the  business  being  located 
at  Circleville.  As  the  representative  of  Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Fink  remained  in  Peoria 
from  1854  until  1857,  conducting  his  business  on  Fulton  between  Water  and 
Washington  streets.  Subsequently,  however,  he  returned  to  Ohio,  where  his 
death  occurred  in  1866.  For  a  long  period  he  had  survived  his  wife  who  had 
passed  away  in  1849.  The  Fink  family  were  stanch  Catholics,  the  first  mass  in 
the  state  of  Ohio  being  celebrated  in  the  home  of  John  Finck.  Sr.  .Alice  ( Du- 
gan  1  b'ink,  the  mother  of  .\lban  li.  Fink,  was  born  in  Pennsvlvania  and  was  the 
daughter  of  a  pioneer  Irish  Catholic  family  of  Zanesville,  Oliio.  Alban  P>. 
Fink  held  strictly  to  the  faith  of  his  fathers  during  his  long  life.  His  religion 
was  his  supreme  concern.  He  was  an  indefatigable  worker  in  its  interests.  No 
call  was  ever  made  upon  him  in  behalf  of  his  church,  that  he  did  not  gladly 
answer.  His  religion  colored  his  life,  and  made  him  a  good  citizen  rind  a  Chris- 
tian gentleman. 

Alban  B.  Fink  was  only  al)OUt  two  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  mother's 
death.  In  1858  he  became  a  resident  of  Peoria,  where  he  attended  school  for 
three  years,  but  returned  to  junction  City,  Ohio.  al)out  the  time  of  the  outbreak- 
of  the  Civil  war.  There  he  made  his  home  with  his  sister  and  as  a  clerk  entered 
the  general  merchandise  store  of  his  brother-in-law,  Joseph  R.  Kircher.  In  i86r) 
he  returned  to .  Peoria,  where  he  continued  to  reside  until  his  demise.  He  was 
prominently  known  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city  becoming  secretarv  of  the 
old  firm  of  Hart,  Hitchcock  &  Company,  and  afterward  secretarv  of  the  well- 
known  firm  of  Ward,  Selby  &  Spurck,  plow  manufacturers.  This  eventually 
became  the  firm  of  .Selby.  Starr  &  Company.  He  then  Ijecame  secretary  of  the 
Handbury  Heater  Company,  conducting  at  the  same  time  the  business  of  the 
Diamond  I\Ieter  Company,  of  which  he  was  secretary  and  manager.  .About  a 
year  before  his  death,  Mr.  Fink  organized  the  Peoria  ^letal  Culvert  Company  in 
East  Peoria  and  was  made  its  president,  continuing  in  that  capacity  until  his 
demise. 

In  all  his  business  dealings,  Air.  Fink  was  characterized  by  the  strictest  honor, 
and  the  most  unwavering  integrity.  .\n  indefatigable  worker,  he  gave  his  best 
efforts  to  his  business,  and  its  affairs  were  always  conducted  in  a  manner  re- 
flecting upon  him  the  greatest  credit.  He  was  noted  for  his  aptitude  in  grappling 
with  details,  and  for  his  accurate  and  keen  perception  and  judgment.  He  was 
a  splendid  type  of  the  alert,  energetic,  progressive  business  man,  to  whom  ob- 
stacles were  rather  as  an  impetus  to  renewed  labor  tl^an  a  bar  to  progress. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  1887,  Mr.  Fink  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Eva  Louise  Millemann.  of  New  York  city,  who  survives  him.  He  left  no  chil- 
dren, the  onlv  surviving  member  of  the  family  besides  his  widow  is.  his  lirother, 
Michael  J.  Fink,  now  living  in  .St.  Louis.  Mrs.  Fink  is  a  daughter  of  Frederick 
and  Alarv  Elizabeth    fITammcr)    Millemann.     Her   father   was  born   in    .Msace- 

Vnl.  n— 24 


514  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Lorraine,  Germany,  February  29,  1800,  and  died  in  the  United  States,  July  17, 
1864.  In  this  country  he  wedded  Mary  Elizabeth  Hammer,  who  was  born  at 
Balsthal,  Switzerland.  November  11,  1810,  and  died  April  6,  1863.  She  had  come 
to  the  United  States  with  her  parents,  who  settled  in  New  Jersey  but  afterward 
removed  to  New  York  city,  where  both  her  father  and  mother  died. 

In  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Fink  was  ever  a  republican.  He  held  mem- 
bership with  the  Commercial  Club  of  both  Peoria  and  East  Peoria.  He  was  a 
devoted  and  practical  Catholic  all  his  life,  aiul  during  most  of  his  residence  in 
Peoria  was  attached  to  St.  Alary's  parish,  now  called  the  Cathedral  parish.  He 
held  membership  in  various  Catholic  organizations  of  the  city.  He  was  one  of 
the  pioneer  residents  and  business  men  of  Peoria,  where  he  resided  for  almost 
a  half  century,  passing  away  here  on  Alay  29,  191 1.  His  death  marked  the 
.  passing,  not  only  of  an  honest  business  man.  but  of  a  scholar  and  a  thinker.  He 
was  a  deep  reader,  and  interested  intensely  in  all  that  pertained  to  the  science 
of  astronomy  and  geology,  and  was  an  honored  member  of  the  National  Geo- 
graphical Society. 

Mr.  Fink  was  a  gentleman  of  culture  and  refinement,  which  coupled  with 
his  genial  manners  and  the  warmth  of  his  attachments  to  friends,  secured  him 
a  high  place  in  the  affections  and  esteem  of  his  circle  of  acquaintances.  His 
heart  was  ever  in  sympathy  with  the  sorrows  of  the  unfortimate,  and  his  hand 
ever  ready  to  contribute  to  the  alleviation  of  distress.  But  perhaps  the  richest 
and  most  beautiful  traits  of  his  character  were  his  strong  domestic  sentiments 
and  habits,  which  impelled  him  to  seek  his  highest  happiness  in  his  home,  and 
render  him  its  joy  and  light.  Around  his  home  he  shed  a  benign  influence  whicli 
was  as  the  stimmer  evening's  glow  tipon  the  land,  which  the  morning  and  noon 
had  brightened  and  blessed.  He  died,  leaving  a  record  of  which  his  family  and 
friends  are  justly  proud. 


l.VMES  M.  SHOEL. 


The  history  of  the  organization  and  development  of  the  firm  of  Sholl  Broth- 
ers, extensive  coal  mine  owners  in  Peoria  county,  with  offices  at  308  \\  oolner 
building  in  this  city,  goes  back  to  pioneer  times  and  is  identified  with  the  history 
of  the  state  of  Illinois.  In  1837  a  German  boy,  Adam  Sholl,  crossed  the  Atlantic 
and  landed  in  New  Orleans,  where  he  resided  for  some  time,  waiting  for  naviga- 
tion to  open  on  the  Mississippi  river.  He  finally  made  his  way  up  the  Missis- 
sippi to  Peoria,  Illinois,  where  he  took  up  extensive  tracts  of  timber  and  farm 
land  and  immediately  engaged  in  clearing  and  cultivating  his  holdings.  In  com- 
pany with  Harvey  Lightner  he  gained  possession  of  some  of  the  most  valuable 
land  in  central  Illinois  and  at  one  time  owned  a  corn  field  where  the  Peoria  court- 
house now  stands.  When  the  partners  severed  their  connection  .Adam  Sholl 
took  as  his  part  of  the  land  extensive  timber  tracts  lying  along  the  Illinois  river. 
\\'hen  these  were  cleared  it  was  found  that  there  was  a  rich  deposit  of  coal  under- 
neath the  timber  and  this  Adam  Sholl  developed  into  the  most  extensive  coal 
mines  in  this  part  of  the  country.  His  holdings  at  this  time  were  very  large, 
and,  being  of  a  generous  nature,  he  induced  several  of  his  relatives  to  come  from 
Germany  to  aid  him  in  clearing  the  land  and  putting  it  under  cultivation  and  in 
developing  his  coal  fields,  and,  by  so  doing,  to  participate  in  his  prosperity.  In 
this  manner  the  comparatively  useless  tracts  of  land  upon  which  he  had  first 
settled  were  soon  turned  into  valuable  and  fertile  farms  and  the  deposits  of  coal 
which  were  found  on  a  great  number  of  them  were  rapidly  developed  into 
important  mining  interests.  His  mining  enterprises  soon  grew  out  of  all  propor- 
tion to  his  agricultural  holdings  and  he  became  known  throughout  the  county  as 
a  dealer  in  coal  and  an  extensive  operator  in  this  line  of  activity.    Upon  his  death, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  515 

in  iS(^4,  at  the  age  of  seventy-nine  )ears,  he  had  ac(|nirc(l  a  repnlation  that  went 
beyond  local  limits  as  a  good  and  public-spirited  citizen. 

The  son,  James  M.  Slioll,  is  a  native  of  Limestone  township,  having  Ix-en  there 
born  on  January  4,  1848.  He  received  his  jirimary  education  in  the  country 
schools  of  that  district  and  later  was  graduated  from  the  Peoria  high  school. 
He  spent  some  years  immediately  following  in  teaching  school,  later  taking  a 
course  at  the  Professor  White  Normal  School.  He  continued  his  occupation  of 
teaching  after  his  graduation  from  this  institution  until  he  was  twenty-one  years 
of  age,  when  he  became  associated  with  his  father  in  the  extensive  and  rapidly 
developing  coal-mining  business  with  which  he  has  been  identified  ever  since. 
He  is  one  of  the  dominating  figures  in  the  progress  of  the  coal  industrv  of  Illinois 
and  has  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  mechanical  details  of  mining  and  operating. 
He  is  active  in  the  business  and  gives  personal  superintendence  to  the  various 
branches  of  the  numerous  enterprises  in  which  his  firm  is  interested.  He  has 
in  his  employ  in  various  districts  of  the  county  over  three  hundred  miners  and  is 
responsible  for  the  vast  interests  of  which  he  is  the  head.  When  Adam  Sholl 
died  in  1894  he  left  to  his  son  James  a  fifth  interest  in  his  property  which  was 
divided  equally  among  his  five  children,  his  coal  intei"ests  descending  to  his  three 
sons,  James,  Henry  and  Samuel,  who  constitute  the  present  firm  of  Sholl  Proth- 
ers.  I'^or  many  years  James  Sholl  has  given  the  active  interest  of  his  life  to  the 
growth,  development  and  progress  of  his  own  and  his  father's  extensive  enter- 
prises. He  has  added  to  his  holdings  year  after  year,  showing  shrewd  discrimina- 
tion and  a  sound  judgment  in  every  new  investment.  He  owns  many  valuable 
properties  individually  and  has  invested  his  money  for  the  most  part  in  Peoria 
real  estate.  He  is  a  firm  believer  in  the  future  of  this  city  and  never  allows  an 
opportunity  to  pass  of  expressing  his  faith  in  its  future  greatness.  He  is  owner 
of  several  of  the  very  finest  apartment  buildings  in  Peoria  and  is  always  ready 
with  his  aid  and  cooperation  in  anything  looking  toward  municipal  development. 
Politically  lie  is  a  member  of  the  republican  party  but  beyond  casting  his  vote  for 
the  ]«irty  candidate  at  each  election  takes  no  active  part  in  public  affairs. 

Mr.  Sholl  was  married  in  1873,  to  Miss  Boisee  R.  Clauser,  a  daughter  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniel  Clauser,  pioneer  settlers  of  Tazewell  county.  They  have 
two  children :  Pearl  Aileen,  the  wife  of  J.  W.  McDowell,  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent real-estate  men  of  his  generation  in  the  city  of  Peoria;  and  Dr.  T-  Rex  Sholl, 
a  practicing  ])liysician  of  this  city  and  at  ]>resent  health  commissioner. 

James  M.  Sholl  is  well  known  and  widely  popular  in  social  circles  of  Peoria. 
He  is  a  charter  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  active  in  the  Peoria  Country 
Club.  He  belongs  to  the  Illinois  \'alley  "S'acht  Club  and  is  prominent  in  its  many 
social  activities.  His  genius  for  organization,  his  power  in  the  management  of 
men,  his  fair  dealing  and  progressive  business  methods  have  developed  the  im- 
mense concern  which  he  inherited  from  his  father  into  the  largest  coal-mining 
interest  of  central  Illinois.  Mr.  Sholl  is  a  worthy  son  of  a  father  whose  career 
in  business  and  social  circles  has  added  to  the  dignitx'  and  honor  of  the  state  of 
which  he  was  a  pioneer  settler. 


SAMUEP  P.  WIXTKRS. 

Samuel  P.  Winters,  who  has  been  president  and  manager  of  the  Winters 
Coal  Company  at  Bartonville  since  1893.  was  born  in  Peoria  county  on  the  2d 
of  September,  1859,  a  son  of  Samuel  and  Anna  Winters.  The  father  was  a  pio- 
neer agriculturist  of  this  district,  first  coming  to  Limestone  town.ship  in  1832. 
He  came  from  Pittsburg  via  the  Mississippi  water  route  to  St.  Louis.  From  there 
he  made  the  trip  as  far  as  possible  on  the  Illinois  river.  He  settled  upon  the 
farm  which  is  now  connected  with  the  mining  property  of  his  son.    He  volunteered 


516  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

for  service  in  the  Civil  war  and  served  until  the  close  of  hostilities.  He  was 
honorably  mustered  out  but  never  applied  for  a  pension.  He  gave  his  political 
support  to  the  democratic  party  and  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace.  His 
death  occurred  on  the  13th  of  January,  1893,  when  he  was  seventy-one  years  of 
age.  His  wife  died  in  1897,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years,  and  they  are  both 
buried  in  the  Hollis  cemetery. 

Samuel  P.  \\'inters  pursued  his  education  in  the  district  schools  and  sub- 
sequently attended  the  public  schools  of  Pittsburg.  Because  he  was  compelled 
to  work  at  an  early  age  he  attended  night  school  for  several  terms.  At  the  age 
of  fifteen  years,  however,  he  laid  aside  his  text-books  permanently  and  began 
assisting  his  father  on  the  home  farm.  At  that  early  age  he  had  become  inter- 
ested in  mining  and  as  soon  as  possible  he  identified  himself  with  the  F.  J.  Col- 
lier Coal  Company.  He  was  an  officer  and  stockholder  in  that  concern  and  did 
much  to  further  its  growth  and  prosperity.  In  1893  he  started  the  present 
Winters  Coal  ^line  and  incorporated  the  Winters  Coal  Company.  He  possesses 
intuitive  judgment  in  regard  to  mining  prospects  and  properties  and  their  de- 
velopment, and  his  advice  in  mining  operations  is  frequently  sought.  He  has, 
however,  not  given  his  entire  attention  to  mining  operations,  but  has  also  iden- 
tified himself  with  real-estate  interests.  He  owns  a  block  in  Bartonville  and 
various  other  properties. 

In  November,  1885,  Mr.  Winters  was  married,  in  St.  Louis,  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Stone,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  H.  Stone,  of  St.  Louis.  The  family 
reside  in  a  beautiful  home  in  Bartonville,  which  Mr.  Winters  erected  some  time 
ago.  In  politics  he  gives  his  support  to  the  republican  party  and  has  served 
as  a  member  of  the  board  of  education.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his 
membership  in  the  Methodist  church.  He  is  prominent  in  the  Masonic  order, 
having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree.  His  has  been  a  busy  life  and  .yet  he  has 
never  allowed  the  demands  of  business  to  make  him  forgetful  of  the  little 
courtesies  which  add  so  much  to  life's  pleasures. 


LAWRENCE  F.  FEUCHTER. 

The  firm  of  Edward  Hine  &  Company  has  been  for  many  years  recognized 
as  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  up-to-date  printing  establishments  in  Peoria. 
Active  in  its  management,  and  one  of  the  directors  of  its  commercial  policy,  is 
Lawrence  F.  Feuchter,  who  has  been  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  concern  since 
its  incorporation  in  October,  1906.  The  energetic  and  efficient  qualities  of 
mind,  the  broad  culture  and  the  degree  of  education  which  the  printing  business 
requires  are  all  dominating  factors  in  the  character  of  Lawrence  F.  Feuchter, 
and  they  raised  him  from  a  humble  place  in  the  trade  to  his  present  position. 
Mr.  Feuchter  is  a  native  Peorian,  having  been  born  in  that  city,  September  4. 
1854.  His  parents  were  Lawrence  and  Katherine  Feuchter,  natives  of  Germany, 
who  came  to  this  country  in  1852  and  settled  immediately  in  Peoria.  The  father 
was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and  was  prominent  in  that  line  of  activity  during  his 
career  in  this  city  up  to  the  time  of  his  death  in  March,  1909,  at  the  age  of  eighty 
years.  He  was  buried  in  Springdale  cemetery,  which  is  also  the  resting  place 
of  his  wife  who  died  in  1885. 

The  primary  and  public  schools  of  Peoria  afforded  Lawrence  Feuchter  his 
first  education  which  was  completed  by  an  eighteen  months'  course  at  a  German 
school.  He  then  entered  upon  a  position  in  a  j^rinting  establishment,  a  line  of 
business  with  which  he  has  been  identified  during  his  entire  active  career.  He 
first  entered  the  printing  office  of  N.  C.  Nason,  remaining  there  for  five  years 
and  becoming  thoroughly  acquainted  w  ilh  the  details  of  the  trade.     He  became  an 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  517 

expert  pressman  and  his  familiarity  with  the  German  language  and  his  broad 
intelligence  were  valuable  assets  to  him  in  his  work.  In  1874  he  started  as  a  press- 
man with  the  old  Transcript  Printing  Company  but  gave  up  this  position  after 
one  year  to  enter  the  office  of  II.  .S.  Hill,  where  he  remained  in  charge  of  the 
press  room  and  the  various  details  connected  with  that  office,  for  nine  years. 
In  1S84  Mr.  Edward  Hinc  bought  out  the  printing  establishment  of  Mr.  Nason 
and  in  partnership  with  Lawrence  bY-ucliter  founded  the  business  which  bears 
his  name  today.  It  grew  with  increasing  rapidity  each  year  and  now  is  one 
of  the  largest  general  printing  concerns  in  this  city.  The  plant  is  constantly 
being  added  to  and  at  present  has  a  force  of  twenty-eight  employes,  all  of  whom 
are  experts  in  their  line. 

Mr.  Eeuchter  has  never  identified  himself  with  any  one  ])olitical  party,  keeping 
his  interest  in  jniblic  affairs  beyond  the  limits  of  mere  partisanship.  He  votes  for 
the  man  whom  he  considers  best  fitted  for  the  position  but  takes  beyond  this  very 
little  active  [art  in  politics.  He  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss 
i'nima  Kallerstrass,  whom  he  married  in  Peoria  in  1878  and  who  died  four  years 
later,  leaving  one  son,  Fred  .\.,  who  is  now  associated  -with  his  father  in  busi- 
ness. In  18S3,  Mr.  I'euchter  married  Miss  Anna  Oswald,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Joseph  Oswald,  the  former  for  many  years  a  prominent  maltster  of  Peoria. 
Mr.  I'^euchter  has  four  daughters  by  his  second  marriage :  .\nnie,  the  wife  of 
George  Bernhardt,  a  farmer  of  Tazewell  county ;  Louise,  who  is  a  graduate  of 
the  Greeley  school  of  this  city ;  Bertha,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  Peoria  high 
school ;  and  Florence,  who  is  now  a  student  in  that  institution. 

-Mr.  I'euchter  has  been  a  practical  printer  all  of  his  life  and  his  success  in 
rising  from  a  humble  beginning  to  the  jiosition  of  secretary  and  treasurer  of  one 
of  the  largest  firms  of  its  kind  in  Peoria  is  the  direct  result  of  extraordinary 
ability  and  of  power  of  continued  and  concentrated  labor. 


R.    I.   KYLE. 


R.  I.  Kyle,  who  resides  on  his  farm  which  is  located  on  sections  7,  8  and  17 
in  Logan  township,  was  born  in  .Adams  county,  Ohio,  January  23,  1849.  His 
parents  were  William  and  Eleanor  (Mclntyre)  Kyle,  both  of  whom  were  born 
in  .\dams  county,  the  father  on  July  13,  1819,  and  the  mother  on  July  23,  1824. 
They  came  to  Peoria  county  in  i860,  settling  in  Logan  township  where  they  pur- 
chased one  hundred  and  six  acres  of  land,  which  is  the  homestead  on  which  R.  J. 
Kyle  of  this  review  resides.  In  their  family  were  eight  children  of  whom  our 
subject  is  the  eldest.  The  others  are:  William  G.,  who  was  born  November 
6,  185 1,  and  is  living  near  LaPorte,  Indiana,  where  he  is  engaged  in  farming; 
James  Calvin,  who  was  born  March  20,  1853,  and  is  a  farmer  in  Trivoli  township; 
Thomas  Franklin,  who  was  born  February  i,  1855,  and  is  engaged  in  farming  in 
Logan  township;  Joseph  Herbert,  who  was  born  March  2,  1857,  and  is  engaged 
in  farming  in  Sedgwick  county,  Kansas ;  Albert,  who  was  born  February  29, 
1859,  and  is  a  farmer  in  Trivoli  township;  Mary  Eleanor,  who  was  born  May  28, 
1861,  and  is  living  with  our  subject;  and  Charles  B.,  who  was  born  Decemlier 
14,  1864,  and  died  March  8,  1872. 

R.  J.  Kyle,  being  only  eleven  years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed  to  Logan 
township,  grew  to  manhood  here  and  remained  at  home  helping  his  father  on 
the  farm  until  1872.  He  then  rented  land  in  Trivoli  township  and  was  engaged 
in  farming  the  same  for  thirteen  years.  In  1885,  at  the  death  of  his  father,  he 
returned  to  the  old  homestead,  buying  out  the  other  heirs,  and  has  since  resided 
here.  He  jnirchased  fifty-one  adjoining  acres,  so  that  he  now  has  a  total  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty-seven  acres  in  his  farm.  He  cultivates  yearly,  about  forty- 
five  acres  of  corn,  twelve  acres  of  wheat,  twenty  acres  of  hay  and  thirty  acres 


518  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  oats,  using  the  remainder  for  pasture.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  raising 
of  live  stock,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Aberdeen  Angus  Lireeders'  Association. 
He  raises  hogs,  horses  and  Aberdeen  Angus  bred  cattle  quite  extensively. 

On  the  nth  of  March,  1880,  Mr.  Kyle  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Ella 
B.  Budd,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Annis  G.  (Shaw)  Budd  of  Trivoli 
township.  The  father  was  born  in  New  York  state  and  the  mother  in  Ohio.  In 
the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Budd  were  seven  children :  Mrs.  Etta  D.  John,  of 
Cambridge,  Henry  county,  this  state;  Mrs.  Katie  L.  Hayes,  of  Canton,  Illinois; 
Charles  August,  deceased;  George  M.,  who  is  a  molder  by  trade  and  resides 
in  Canton;  Mrs.  Ella  Kyle,  the  wife  of  our  subject;  Mrs.  Clara  Greeg,  of  Canton; 
and  William  M.,  of  Chanute,  Kansas.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kyle  have  become  the 
parents  of  eight  children:  Guy  W.,  born  January  i,  1881,  a  resident  of  Wichita, 
Kansas;  Edna  B.,  born  December  22,  1S82,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Showalter,  a  farmer 
residing  near  Wichita;  Debert,  born  September  27,  1884,  telegraph  operator  and 
agent  at  Brighton,  Iowa;  Ada  L.,  born  October  29,  1887,  who  has  completed 
a  teachers'  course  at  the  State  Normal  School  and  is  teaching  her  fourth  term 
in  the  Patton  school;  Georgia  B.,  born  December  8,  1889,  who  has  also  completed 
a  teachers'  course  and  is  now  teaching  in  the  Pleasant  Grove  school ;  Harry  E., 
who  was  born  September  30,  1891,  and  is  a  clerk  in  a  general  merchandise  store 
at  Eden  in  Logan  township;  Florence  B.,  born  ^larch  7,  1894,  who  received  a 
diploma  in  the  common  school,  attended  high  school  one  year  and  is  now  at 
home;  and  Gladys  M.,  born  April  5,  1901,  now  attending  the  common  school. 

Mr.  Kyle  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  is  inter- 
ested in  its  success  and  welfare.  In  all  his  business  and  social  relations  he  is 
straightforward  and  reliable,  enjoying  the  full  confidence  of  those  with  whom 
he  is  associated.  He  is  a  worthy  representative  of  tha^  class  of  men  who  believe 
in  doing  unto  others  as  they  wish  others  to  do  unto  them. 


LEWIS  ALBERT  .McFADDEX. 

The  consensus  of  public  opinion  places  Dr.  Lewis  A.  McFadden  in  a  posi- 
tion of  distinction  not  only  as  a  rejiresentative  of  the  medical  profession  but  also 
as  a  man  in  his  relations  to  his  fellowmen  and  to  his  city  and  country.  He  held 
to  the  high  purpose  of  making  his  life  a  serviceable  factor  in  the  world's  work, 
and  his  history  is  another  proof  of  the  fact  that  no  line  of  business  is  as  little 
commercialized  as  the  medical  profession.  He  was  born  March  16,  1848,  at  the 
old  family  homestead  about  six  miles  from  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  is 
descended  from  Scotch-Irish  ancestry.  The  family,  however,  was  established  on 
American  soil  when  this  country  was  still  numbered  among  the  colonial  pos- 
sessions of  Great  Britain,  and  representatives  of  the  name  rendered  valiant  serv- 
ice in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  again  in  the  War  of  1812.  In  the  year  1765 
John  McFadden,  the  grandfather  of  Dr.  McP'adden,  sailed  from  Belfast,  Ire- 
land, for  the  United  States,  being  at  that  time  a  youth  of  fifteen  years.  He  was 
led  to  this  step  by  the  fact  that  two  of  his  brothers  had  previously  come  to  Amer- 
ica, one  settling  in  New  York  where  he  reared  a  large  family,  while  the  other 
resided  for  a  short  period  in  Virginia  and  then  became  a  resident  of  Maine 
where  some  of  his  descendants  are  still  living.  John  McFadden  established  his 
home  in  western  Pennsylvania,  and  after  arriving  at  years  of  maturity  wedded 
Miss  Mary  McMichaels,  who  was  born  in  the  Keystone  state  of  Scotch-Irish 
lineage.  They  became  pioneer  residents  of  western  Pennsylvania,  settling  near 
the  present  city  of  Pittsburg  which  was  then  called  Fort  Duquesne.  He  pur- 
chased several  tracts  of  land  in  that  locality  which  in  time  he  converted  into 
valuable  farms.  In  that  period,  however,  many  hardships  and  difficulties  in- 
cidental to  pioneer  life  had  to  be  met.    There  was  constant  danger  of  attacks  by 


DR.  L.  A.  :\IcFADDEN 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  521 

Indians,  and  a  sister  of  Mrs.  John  McFadden  was  killed  during  an  Indian  raid 
witliin  a  very  short  distance  of  her  own  home,  and  a  young  boy  by  her  side  also 
met  death  on  that  occasion.  John  ^IcFadden  contributed  to  the  substantial  ilp- 
building  of  the  district,  however,  and  aided  in  reclaiming  it  for  the  purpose  of 
civilization,  lie  continued  to  make  his  home  in  western  Pennsylvania  until  his 
demise,  which  occurred  November  7.  1836,  while  his  wife  survived  him  until 
June  21,  1850,  and  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-six. 

Their  son,  John  McFadden,  Jr.,  father  of  the  Doctor,  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1807,  and  iniierited  the  old  farm  homestead  six  miles  from  Pittsburg 
where  he  resided  for  many  years.  To  that  home  he  took  his  bride,  Rachel  Mc- 
Cormick,  whom  he  wedded  December  19,  1837.  She.  too.  was  a  native  of  the 
Keystone  state,  born  in  1819,  and  unto  them  were  born  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters  of  whom  one  died  in  childhood,  while  Joseph  D.  McFadden  was  killed 
in  a  railroad  wreck  at  Chatsworth,  Illinois,  August  10,  1887.  Two  brothers  of 
Dr.  McFadden  are  still  living:  John  Wilkinson,  a  general  merchant  of  \'ir- 
ginia,  Missouri;  and  M.  Thomas,  a  retired  farmer  now  residing  in  Nevada.  Of 
the  three  daughters  of  the  family  one  died  in  girlhood,  and  the  others  are :  Mrs. 
Mary  .\nneta  Tombes.  of  Los  Angeles,  California:  and  Mrs.  Sallie  Jane  Pendle- 
ton, of  Placentia,  California.  The  father  of  this  family  died  February  11,  1870, 
and  the  mother  passed  away  August  25.  1873. 

The  ancestral  history  of  Dr.  McF'adden  in  the  maternal  line  is  an  interesting 
one.  His  grandfather.  William  McCormick,  was  born  at  sea  while  his  parents 
were  enroute  from  the  north  of  Ireland  to  the  United  States.  He  spent  his 
youthful  days  in  western  Pennsylvania  where  the  family  home  was  established, 
and  following  his  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  Wilkinson  of  that  locality  he  be- 
came proprietor  of  an  inn  on  the  main-traveled  road  leading  southward  from 
Fort  Duquesne.  This  was  largely  patronized  by  influential  men  of  the  state 
and  was  one  of  the  notable  hostelries  of  the  early  days.  William  McCormick  be- 
came an  influential  man  of  his  community  and  was  also  an  officer  in  the  War 
of  1812.  His  wife  was  a  sister  of  General  Wilkinson,  a  distinguished  military 
leader  who,  at  the  time  of  the  inauguration  of  the  war  for  independence,  was 
studying  medicine.  In  1775  he  joined  a  rival  comi)any  at  Boston  and  soon  after- 
ward was  made  captain  of  a  company  of  New  Hampshire  troops.  He  was  with 
.Arnold  in  Canacla  in  1776,  and  he  afterward  became  adjutant  general  on  the 
staft'  of  General  Gates.  The  next  year  he  was  made  secretary  of  the  board  of 
war  but  resigned  because  of  trouble  with  General  Gates.  In  1791  he  led  a  regi- 
ment against  the  Wabash  Indians  and  the  following  year  was  made  brigadier 
general  and  placed  in  command  of  the  right  wing  of  Wayne's  army  at  the  battle 
of  Maumee.  He  was  connected  with  the  eftort  to  thwart  the  conspiracy  of 
^aron  Burr  against  the  government,  and  in  1805-06  he  served  as  governor  of 
Louisiana.  \\'itli  headquarters  at  New  Orleans  he  conducted  operations  against 
the  .'^])aniards,  and  in  1813  captured  ^Mobile,  while  subsequently  he  fought  the 
British  in  Canada  and  on  the  northern  frontier.  He  spent  the  latter  years  of 
his  life  in  Mexico,  dying  near  the  city  of  Mexico  in   1818. 

The  life  record  of  Dr.  McFadden  did  credit  to  an  honorable  and  distinguished 
ancestry.  His  youthful  days  were  spent  upon  the  home  farm  near  Pittsburg, 
and  file  common  schools  of  the  district  afforded  him  his  educational  privileges 
until  he  reached  the  age  of  eighteen  when  he  entered  the  Normal  School  at  Leb- 
anon, Ohio.  Subsequently  he  went  to  Graham  Station  in  western  Virginia 
where  he  engaged  in  teaching  for  several  terms,  spending  a  part  of  the  time  as 
princi])al  of  the  schools  of  New  Haven.  He  was  twenty-two  years  of  age  when 
he  resumed  his  studies  in  the  college  at  Marietta,  Ohio,  and  two  vears  afterward 
matriculated  in  Mount  Union  College  where  he  continued  until  1S79  when  he 
entered  Miami  College,  taking  a  progressive  course.  His  professional  training 
was  received  in  the  Kentucky  School  of  Medicine  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  in  1881.     He  at  once  entered  upon  active  practice,  op^en- 


522  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ing  an  office  in  Aurora,  Texas.  In  1883  he  was  elected  alderman  of  the  town 
and  served  for  two  years,  his  popularity  being  indicated  by  the  tact  that  he  rt 
ceived  the  highest  number  of  votes  cast  for  any  candidate  on  either  ticket,  lie 
thus  hgured  prominently  in  the  political  life  as  well  as  the  professional  circles 
of  Aurora  until  his  removal  to  Missouri,  where  he  again  assumed  a  large  prac- 
tice and  held  public  office,  being  appointed  postmaster  during  President  Cleve- 
land's first  administration.  In  1886  he  took  a  special  course  at  Johns  Hojjkins 
University  at  Baltimore  in  diseases  of  the  throat  and  chest,  eye  and  ear. 

Dr.  McFadden  became  a  resident  of  Peoria  in  1887  and  again  his  ability  soon 
gained  recognition  in  a  large  and  growing  practice.     His  worth  as  a  man  aud 
citizen  was  also  recognized,  and  in  1888.  without  his  solicitation  or  knowledge, 
lames  Dolan  placed  his  name  before  the  city  council  in  connection  with  the  can- 
didacy for  membership  on  the  board  of  health,  and  by  a  unanimous  vote  he  was 
elected  to  the  office.     The  following  year,  i88g,  he  was  appointed  county  physi- 
cian by  the  board  of  supervisors  at  a  salary  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars  per  year, 
and  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  was  reelected  to  serve  two  more  years  at  a 
salary  of  eighteen  hundred  dollars  per  annum.     For  a  third  term  of  two  years 
he  was  chosen  to  the  office,  and  his  record  in  that  position  was  ever  a  most  cred- 
itable one.     In  1894  he  was  appointed  pension  examiner  and  in  1896  was  elected 
alderman  of  the  old  first  ward,  his  progressiveness  and  fidelity  in  office  winning 
recognition  in  a  reelection  in  1898.    Once  more  he  was  called  to  office  by  appoint- 
ment by  Mavor  Bryan  in  October.  1901.  when  he  was  made  health  commissioner 
for  the  city!     He  also  served  as  high  physician  for  the  Independent  Order  of 
Foresters  for  the  state  of  Illinois.     .All  through  these  years  he  enjoyed  a  good 
private  practice  and  kept  in  touch  with  the  advanced  work  of  the  profession  as 
research  and  scientific  investigation  constantly  brought  to  light  truths  of  marked 
value  in  professional  service.     He  was  made  examiner  for  the  Phoenix  Life  In- 
surance Company  and  also  the  Security  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company,  and 
in  all  professional  relations  his  service  was  of  a  most  valuable  character.     He 
served  as  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Medical  Society  and  was  an  active  member 
in  the  State  Medical  Society.     He  served  on  the  medical  stafT  of   St.   Francis 
Hospital,  and  on  no  occasion  was  he  ever  known  to  fail  to  respond  to  the  call 
of  the  sick  or  needy.     His  professional  duties  were  discharged  with  as  great 
alacrity  for  the  poor  as  for  the  rich.    He  possessed  a  most  kindly  and  sympathetic 
nature',  and  his  helpful  spirit  prompted  him  to  render  professional  aid  to  any 
who  might  need  it.  even  when  he  knew  that  no  financial  remuneration  could  he 
expected. 

Dr.  McFadden  was  most  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life,  having  been 
happily  married  on  the  24th  of  December.  1872,  to  Miss  Rachel  \'.  Richey,  of 
Apple'Grove,  Ohio,  a  daughter  of  A.  J.  and  Phebe  (  Sayre )  Richey.  She  came  of 
the  same  ancestry  as  George  Washington,  her  grandmother  having  been  Eliza- 
beth Ball  who  m'arried  Eli  Sayre,  and  was  a  second  cousin  of  Martha  (  Ball ) 
Washington,  the  mother  of  America's  foremost  patriot.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Mc- 
Fadden four  children  were  born:  Una  May.  born  April  29,  1878,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Frank  Harrison;  Goldie  Beatrice,  born  :\rarch  30.  1883.  the  wife  of 
Lester  F.  Kniselv  of  Peoria:  Walton,  born  August  i,  1885.  who  died  June  15, 
1893:  and  Thomas  L,  born  August  4.  1891,  at  home  with  his  mother.  Dr.  Mc- 
Fadden was  devoted  and  loyal  in  friendship,  but  his  best  traits  of  character  were 
ever  reserved  for  his  own  home  and  fireside.  He  was  a  devoted  husband  and 
father  and  found  his  greatest  happiness  in  administering  to  the  welfare  of  his 
wife  and  children.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  McFadden  were  members  of  the  Methodist 
church.  He  belonged  to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  the  Knights  of  Maccabees,  the  Foresters,  the 
National  Union  and  nianv  other  fraternal  orsranizations.  and  exemplified  in  his 
life  the  beneficent  spirit  upon  which  these  diiiferent  societies  are  founded.  He 
greatly  enjoyed  art,  music  and  travel,  and  was  also  a  lover  of  books.     He  read 


I 


HISTORY  OF  I'F.ORIA  COUNTY  523 

Iiroadly  and  thought  deciily,  and  from  his  reading  as  well  as  from  the  practical 
experiences  of  everyday  life,  he  gleanetl  many  valuable  lessons.  In  matters  of 
citizenship  he  stood  for  all  that  is  most  progressive,  while  in  his  profession  he 
held  to  high  ideals.  Countless  instances  are  told  of  his  charity,  not  only  in  giv- 
ing professional  hut  also  material  aid  to  those  at  whose  sick  bed  he  administered, 
lie  had 'the  reputation  of  rendering  more  gratuitous  medical  service  than  anv 
other  physician  in  the  city.  His  heart  reaclied  out  in  sympathy  to  all  mankind 
and  his  broad  humanitarianism  was  again  and  again  manifest  in  tangible  ways. 
It  was  not  a  matter  of  marvel  therefore,  that  the  deepest  regret  was  felt  on  every 
hand  when  he  was  called  from  this  life  on  the  i6th  day  of  October,  igio.  Y'oung 
and  old,  rich  and  poor,  mourned  his  death.  Peoria  felt  tlie  loss  of  a  prominent 
progressive  citizen. 


.\DOLPH  WOOLNER. 


\\  liile  Peoria  numbers  many  self-made  men  among  her  citizens  none  have 
ever  in  larger  measure  deserved  or  commanded  the  admiration  and  high  regard 
of  their  fellow  townsmen  because  of  business  ability  and  charitable  purpose 
than  Adolph  Woolner.  He  stood  notable  among  those  who  have  won  success  by 
their  own  efforts  and  yet  the  attainment  of  wealth  was  not  the  chief  aim  and  end 
of  his  life.  He  rejoiced  in  his  prosperity  because  of  the  opportunity  which  it 
ga\e  him  to  aid  others  and  few  there  are  who  have  been  more  generous  witii 
their  means.  Whep^ver  he  was  known  he  made  friends  and  it  was  thus  that  the 
death  of  Adolph  Woolner  brought  the  deepest  regret  into  many  of  Peoria's  homes. 
He  was  born  in  Szenitz,  Hungary,  on  the  29th  of  June,  1841.  His  father  was 
a  distiller  of  that  country  and  a  man  of  considerable  means  and  prominence. 
He  was  enabled  to  provide  his  son  with  good  educational  advantages,  the  latter 
becoming  a  student  in  the  University  of  \'ienna,  Austria,  where  liberal  intellectual 
training  i)repared  him  to  meet  the  many  responsibilities  and  duties  that  devolved 
upon  him  in  later  life. 

It  was  in  the  year  1863  that  Adolph  Woolner  came  to  the  United  States. 
While  he  had  had  good  advantages  in  his  youth  he  brought  with  him  no  capital 
to  aid  him  in  starting  out  in  the  new  world.  He  made  his  wav  to  Louisville, 
Kentucky,  where  he  was  soon  afterward  joined  by  his  brothers,  Ignatius  and 
Samuel.  He  became  connected  with  the  yeast  manufacturing  industry  as  an 
employe,  and  then  conducted  a  business  on  his  own  account.  In  1870  the  brothers 
removed  from  Louisville  to  Peoria  and  for  two  years  thereafter  continued  in 
the  manufacture  of  yeast  for  distillers.  In  1872  they  embarked  in  the  distilling 
business  for  themselves.  The  firm  was  composed  of  Adolph,  Samuel,  Ignatius, 
Jacob  and  M.  H.  \\'oolner,  all  of  wdiom  were  born  in  Ilungarv.  Their  business 
grew  rapidly,  being  founded  along  substantial  lines,  and  the  \VooIner  distilleries 
are  today  among  the  largest  in  the  world.  Adolph  Woolner  became  the  vice 
president  of  the  Inisiness  which  was  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Distillers 
&  Cattle  Feeders  Company,  while  upon  its  reorganization  the  style  of  the  Wool- 
ner Distilling  Company  was  adopted.  As  success  attended  their  efforts  the  broth- 
ers Ijecame  prominent  factors  in  business  circles  in  other  connections.  Adol])h 
Woolner  has  been  termed  the  most  remarkable  member  of  a  remarkable  family. 
It  seemed  that  everything  he  attempted  succeeded  and  yet  a  careful  analyzation 
of  his  career  shows  that  his  advancement  had  its  root  in  close  api)lication,  unfal- 
tering energy,  keen  insight  and  honorable  business  methods.  He  figured  in  finan- 
cial circles  of  the  city  as  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Merchants  National  Bank, 
and  he  was  also  a  director  of  the  Bank  of  Commerce  in  Chicago.  He  was  sec- 
retary of  the  Peoria  Grape  Sugar  Company  and  at  one  time  was  president  of  the 
Peoria  Board  of  Trade.     As  he  progressed  in  his  undertaking  he  made  extensive 


524  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ay<l  judicial  investment  in  real  estate  until  his  large  holdings  returned  to  him  a 
haiidsome  profit.  His  plans  were  carefuU}-  formulated  and  he  possessed  in  a 
remarkable  degree  the  ability  to  coordinate  forces  and  bring  them  into  a  harmoni- 
ous whole. 

In  June,  1865,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  ]\Ir.  Woolner  was  married  to  Miss  Antonia 
Black,  a  native  of  Hungary,  and  a  daughter  of  S.  Black.  The  family  was  a 
prominent  one  in  that  country  and  also  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Woolner  were  born  three  sons  and  a  daughter :  Samuel,  who  married  Martha 
Moses;  W.  B.,  who  married  Hannah  \\"oolner ;  Alfred  C,  who  married  Rose 
Woolner ;  and  Henrietta,  the  wife  of  Herman  Barr. 

Ere  he  left  his  native  land  Mr.  Woolner  had  military  experience  as  a  soldier 
in  the  war  between  Austria-Hungary  and  Italy.  His  political  affiliations  were 
with  the  democratic  party  but  the  honors  of  office  had  no  attraction  for  him. 
He  was,  however,  a  participant  and  one  of  the  leaders  in  every  movement  and 
project  that  pertained  to  Peoria's  upbuilding  over  twenty  years  ago.  He  was 
one  of  the  original  owners  of  the  Woolner  building,  which  was  the  first  large 
office  building  erected  in  Peoria.  This,  and  many  other  specific  evidences  of  his 
deep  interest  in  the  city,  and  his  belief  in  its  future,  could  be  cited,  for  his  activi- 
ties placed  him  in  a  prominent  position  among  those  who  have  contributed  to  its 
advancement.  He  was  a  member  of  Illinois  Lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M..  and  of  the 
Hebrew  congregation  of  Anshai  Emeth,  and  was  also  connected  with  two  Jewish 
secret  societies,  the  B'nai  Brith  and  Kesher  Shel  Barzel.  ^Ir.  \\'oolner,  a  genial 
man  of  gracious  manner,  affable  and  easy  to  approach,  was  possessed  not  only 
of  a  great  mind  but  also  of  a  great  heart,  being  notably  liberal  and  charitable.  He 
assisted  several  of  his  nephews  to  the  extent  of  ten  or  fifteen  thousand  dollars, 
giving  freely  whenever  aid  was  asked,  and  without  hesitation  or  objection.  To 
organized  charitable  movements  he  was  a  generous  contributor  and  Peoria 
found  him  a  public-spirited  citizen  who  was  deeply  and  helpfully  interested  in 
her  welfare.  Perhaps  no  better  criterion  of  a  man's  character  can  be  had  than 
the  feeling  entertained  for  him  by  his  employes,  and  it  was  a  well  known  fact  that 
all  who  were  in  Mr.  Woolner's  service  liked  him  while  those  who  had  business 
dealings  with  him  entertained  for  him  the  highest  regard. 


lOHX  W.   IIEURIXG. 


John  W.  Heuring.  who  owns  and  operates  a  neat,  fish,  poultry  and  oyster 
market  at  205  South  ,}»Iadison  street,  Peoria,  was  born  in  Carmi,  Illinois,  on  the 
19th  of  July,  1873. 

Reared  in  the  town  of  his  birth  in  the  acquirement  of  his  education  John  W. 
Heuring  attended  the  public  schools,  later  pursuing  a  commercial  course  in  a 
business  college  at  Rock  Island,  from  which  institution  he  was  graduated  in 
1893.  He  began  his  business  career  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  as  a  clerk  in  a 
grocery  store  in  Carmi  where  he  worked  before  and  after  school  and  on  Satur- 
days. Immediately  after  leaving  college,  at  the  age  of  twenty  years,  he  was 
made  manager  of  the  L.  E.  West  Company  of  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  being  iden- 
tified with  this  establishment  for  five  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he 
became  associated  with  his  father  in  the  establishment  of  a  meat  market  al 
Mackinaw,  this  state.  Four  years  later  he  withdrew  from  this  and  coming  to 
Peoria  went  to  work  for  Charles  Webber  as  manager  of  his  Adams  street  shop. 
He  resigned  this  position  at  the  end  of  a  year  to  enter  the  employ  of  J.  A.  Eng- 
strom.  whom  he  bought  out  in  1909.  Mr.  Heuring  is  a  business  man  of  varied 
experience  and  was  well  qualified  to  develop  and  promote  this  enterprise  and  is 
meeting  with  success.  He  keeps  a  good  assortment  of  fresh  and  cured  meats. 
fish,  game  and  poultry,  the  quality  of  which  is  above  question  while  his  prices- 


.1.    W.    IIKI'IMXG 


tl 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  527 

are  reasonable.  His  customers  are  accorded  courteous  and  considerate  treat- 
ment, it  being  bis  policy  to  strive  to  accommodate  every  patron  of  his  estab- 
lishment if  possible,  as  he  considers  that  this  is  the  best  mode  of  advertising. 
His  shop  is  neat  in  appearance  and  kept  in  a  thoroughly  sanitarv  condition,  being 
equipped  with  an  excellent  system  of  refrigeration  and  every  appliance  and  con- 
venience required  in  the  handling  of  a  stock  of  this  kind. 

At  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  on  the  13th  of  September,  1893,  Mr.  Heuring  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Maud  Crandall,  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Augusta  Cran- 
dall.  of  that  city,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  one  son,  Leigh,  who  is 
now  twelve  years  of  age. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Heuring  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
and  in  politics  he  is  a  Re]niblican.  He  is  meeting  with  the  success  that  inva- 
riably crowns  industry  and  enterprise  when  intelligenth'  ai)]5lied  and  capablv  di- 
rected, and  is  a  worthy  representative  of  the  commercial  fraternity  of  the  city. 


I.UTHV  iK:  L()CHI-:R. 


l.uthy  iK:  Locher,  wholesale  dealers  in  fruits,  vegetables  and  produce,  located 
at  123  ami  127  South  Washington  street,  Peoria,  are  operating  one  of  the  most 
thriving  conmiission  houses  in  the  city.  This  enterprise  was  originally  founded 
by  P.  .A.uer  &  Company  but  was  purchased  in  1903  by  Carroll,  Luthy  &  Locher 
and  operated  under  that  name  for  six  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  period, 
in  1909,  Mr.  Carroll  withdrew  from  the  business,  his  interest  being  purchased 
by  Luthy  &  Locher,  the  present  owners,  who  have  ever  since  been  conducting 
it  under  that  name.  They  are  both  business  men  of  enterprising  and  indus- 
trious methods,  who  by  reason  of  their  close  application,  sagacity  and  foresight 
have  managed  to  greatly  extend  the  scope  of  their  activities  during  the  period 
of  their  ownership.  Their  thorough  knowledge  of  the  business,  progressive 
ideas  and  excellent  business  jiolicy  have  enabled  them  to  build  up  a  good  trade 
and  they  now  give  employment  to  fifteen  men  and  use  four  teams  in  their  de- 
livery department.  The  firm  stands  high  in  the  esteem  of  local  commercial 
circles  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  substantial  and  firmly  established 
concerns  of  the  kind  in  the  city. 

Fritz  G.  Luthy,  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Luthy  &  Locher,  was  born  in 
Appenzell,  Switzerland,  on  the  8th  of  October,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  Gottfried 
Luthy.  The  father  was  likew'ise  a  native  of  .Switzerland  and  there  he  followed 
the  wagon  maker's  trade. 

In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  Fritz  G.  Luthy  attended  the  common 
schools  of  his  native  land  and  after  the  completion  of  his  studies  he  entered  the 
wagon  shops.  He  remained  in  his  native  land  until  he  had  attained  the  age  of 
twenty-four  years,  when  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  his  friends  who  assured 
him  that  he  could  find  much  better  opportunities  in  a  business  way  in  America 
than  in  Europe,  he  decided  to  come  to  the  United  States.  He  located  in  Peoria, 
which  was  his  destination  in  1896,  and  immediately  thereafter  found  employ- 
ment in  the  produce  house  of  P.  Auer  &  Company.  From  his  earliest  childhood 
he  had  been  trained  in  haliits  of  thrift  and  industry  and  out  of  his  salary  he 
managed  to  save  sufficient  means  to  later  enable  him  to  buy  stock  in  the  company. 
He  remained  in  the  em])loy  of  this  firm  until  1903,  when  he  became  associated 
with  his  friends,  Mr.  Carroll  and  Mr.  Locher.  in  the  purchase  of  the  business  of 
P.  Auer  &  Company.  Mr.  Luthy  is  a  man  of  many  excellent  c|ualities  and  is  held 
in  high  regard  by  all  who  have  dealings  with  him  and  numbers  many  friends 
among  the  business  men  of  his  ac(|uaintance. 

In  .\ppenzell,  Switzerland,  on  the  21st  of  .August,  1893,  ^I""-  Uuthy  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss   Bertha  Saxer,  and  to  them  has  .been  born  one  daughter. 


EGBERT  N.   liURT. 


Egbert  N.  15urt,  treasurer  of  the  I-'dwartl  A.  Pratt  Audit  Company,  has  been 
active  in  the  affairs  of  that  concern  since  its  organization  in  1909  and  has  held 
his  present  position  since  September  i,  1910,  when  the  business  was  incorporated. 
He  was  born  at  Ogdensburg,  New  York,  June  3,  1854,  a  son  of  Franldin  N.  and 
Olivia  A.  (Swan)  Burt.  The  family  is  of  English  origin  but  has  been  in  America 
since  the  eighteenth  century.  Henry  Burt,  the  first  representative  of  the  name 
in  this  country,  was  a  member  of  the  English  parliament  and  founded  the  family 
in  the  United  States  in  colonial  times.  Dean  Burt,  the  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, served  in  the  American  army  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Franklin  X.  lUirt, 
the  father,  was  a  tanner  in  Ogdensburg,  Xew  York,  in  which  city  he  owned  a 
large  manufacturing  plant.  He  also  engaged  for  a  number  of  years  in  the  wool- 
pulling  business  and  died  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three  years,  his  wife  sur- 
viving him  for  several  months. 

Egbert  N.  Burt  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Ogdens- 
burg and  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  of  that  city.  He  afterward  took 
a  course  in  the  State  Normal  School  at  Potsdam,  New  York,  finishing  his  educa- 
tion at  the  age  of  eighteen  years.     Afterward  he  came  to  Chicago  and  became 


528  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Bertha,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  22d  of  November,  1894,  and  who  is  attending 
school. 

The  family  are  all  memliers  of  the  Reformed  German  Evangelical  church, 
and  Mr.  l.uthy  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  is  affiliated 
with  the  Schiller  Consistory  and  the  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Swiss 
society.  Mr.  Luthy  is  a  man  of  more  than  average  ability  and  efficiency,  as  he 
has  demonstrated  during  the  period  of  his  residence  in  the  United  States  and  is 
meeting  with  excellent  success  in  the  direction  of  his  interests. 

Emil  Locher,  the  other  member  of  the  firm  of  Luthy  &  Locher  was  born  in 
Switzerland  on  April  8,  1878,  his  birthplace  being  .Kppenzell.  He  is  a  son  of 
Conrad  Locher,  a  Ijutclier  by  tratie.  who  emigrated  to  the  United  States  with  his 
family  in  1891,  settling  in  Peoria. 

As  he  was  a  lad  of  thirteen  years  when  he  accompanied  his  people  to  the    j 
United  States- in  1891,  Emil  Locher  had  already  acquired  his  elementary  educa-    = 
tion  in  the  government  schools  of  his  native  land.    In  order  to  better  qualify  him-    , 
self  for  a  business  career,  after  the  family  located  in  Peoria  he  attended  Brown's 
Business  College  for  a  year.    When  he  first  entered  the  ranks  of  the  wage  earners 
he  followed  various  occupations  until  i8g6  when  he  found  employment  with  P. 
Auer  &  Company.     He  continued  to  be  identified  with  this  company  until   1903, 
when  together  with  Mr.  Carroll  and  Mr.  Luthy  he  engaged  in  business  for  him- 
self.    He  has  been  very  successful  and  is  now  recognized  as  one  of  the  foremost    , 
young  commission  men  in  the  city.     In  the  development  of  his  interests  he  has  J 
established  an  excellent  reputation  for  trustworthiness  and  reliability  and  is  held 
in  high  esteem  by  all  who  have  had  transactions  with  him. 

In  this  city  on  the  21st  of  January,  1902,  Mr.  Locher  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Rose  Luthy,  a  daughter  of  Gottfried  I-uthy  and  a  sister  of  Fritz  Luthy. 
Mr.  Locher's  partner,  and  to  them  have  been  born  two  children :  Lilly,  who  is 
seven  years  of  age;  and  Emil,  Jr.,  who  has  passed  the  fifth  anniversary  of  his 
birth. 

Mr.  Locher  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  is  a  member  of 
Mohammed  Shrine.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Swiss  Society,  the  Peoria  Commercial 
and  the  Implement  Dealers'  clubs.  He  is  a  man  of  sterling  worth  and  integrity 
and  is  higlily  regarded  in  business  circles  among  whose  members  he  numbers 
manv  friends. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  529 

actively  interested  in  the  hardware  business  but  subsequently  gave  his  time  and  at- 
tention to  his  duties  as  office  manager  of  the  American  Audit  Company.  He  held 
this  position  for  seven  years  but  previous  to  that  time  had  been  connected  with 
several  other  companies  of  the  same  nature.  This  gave  him  practical  experience 
in  auditing  and  accounting  and  he  gained  a  reputation  for  expert  workmanship. 
He  had  a  natural  talent  for  systematizing  and  organizing  and  for  detailed  work 
of  all  kinds.  His  reputation  along  this  line  was  so  high  that  when  Mr.  Pratt  in 
IQ09  left  Chicago  to  estal.ilish  a  branch  of  the  auditing  l)usiness  in  Peoria,  Illi- 
nois, Mr.  P.urt  became  one  of  the  organizers  of  this  company  and  has  been  con- 
nected with  it  since  that  time.  The  business  was  incorporated  under  the  firm 
name  of  the  Edward  A.  Pratt  Audit  Company  on  September  i,  1910,  and  Egbert 
X.  Burt  was  elected  to  the  position  of  treasurer.  The  business  is  at  the  present 
time  one  of  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  Peoria.  It  does  the  accounting  and  auditing 
for  most  of  the  industrial  concerns  of  the  city  and  makes  a  specialty  of  new  sys- 
tems for  office  management.  In  all  of  this  work  Mr.  Hurt  has  been  an  active 
and  ])rominent  factor  and  his  expert  knowledge,  systematic  mind  and  capacity 
for  detailed  work  have  been  valualjle  assets  in  the  upbuilding  of  a  great  business 
institution 

.  On  August  2,  1875,  Mr.  Burt  was  united  in  marriage,  at  Ogdensburg,  New 
York,  to  Miss  Annie  M.  Smith,  a  daughter  of  Jilr.  and  Mrs.  George  W.  Smith, 
the  former  being  general  passenger  agent  for  the  Northern  Transportation  Com- 
pany. Mrs.  Burt"s  parents  are  both  deceased  and  are  buried  in  the  Protestant 
cemetery  at  Ogdensburg,  New  York.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burt  became  the  parents  of 
four  children :  George  S.,  a  stenographer ;  Charles  B.,  auditor  for  the  Morgan 
Laundry  Company ;  Alice  O.,  the  wife  of.  I'aul  McCaslin,  general  insurance 
agent  with  offices  at  4  Dearborn  building,  Chicago,  where  he  also  manages  the 
affairs  for  the  Continental  Casualty  Company ;  and  Franklin  E.,  a  pupil  in  the 
Peoria  high  school.  The  family  reside  at  504  Hamilton  street,  Peoria,  and  have 
many  friends  in  this  city. 

Mr.  r.urt  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  but  does  not  take  an 
active  part  in  local  political  affairs.  His  fraternal  affiliations  are  confined  to  the 
Masonic  order  in  which  he  has  attained  the  rank  of  the  cha]Hcr.  He  holds  a  posi- 
tion of  responsibility  in  a  large  and  rapidly  growing  business  concern  and  his 
ability,  resource  and  expert  knowledge  are  dominating  influences  in  the  growth 
and  upbuilding  of  the  corporation  with  which  he  is  identified. 


I'DWARD    1',.    HALE. 


Edward  B.  Hale,  manager  of  The  Eagle  Mining  Company,  has  been  identified 
with  the  business  interests  of  Peoria  for  more  than  twenty  years.  He  was  born 
at  Athens,  Illinois,  on  the  4th  of  July.  1855,  and  is  a  son  of  Alexander  and  Elvira 
(Lemnion)  Hale.  In  the  paternal  line  he  is  of  German  extraction,  his  grand- 
father, John  Hale,  having  been  born  in  Freiburg,  Germany,  whence  he  emigrated 
to  the  United  States  in  18 18,  first  locating  in  Ohio.  From  there  he  later  removed 
to  Illinois,  and  for  many  years  the  family  resided  in  Athens,  where  Alexander 
Hale,,  the  father,  engaged  in  the  lumber  and  mercantile  business.  He  was  living 
retired  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1904,  at  the  venerable  age  of 
eighty-two  years.  He  is  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Athens,  and  the  mother,  who 
is  stiil  living,  continues  to  make  her  home  in  the  latter  city. 

The  preliminary  education  of  Edward  B.  Hale  was  ac(|uired  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  town.  After  leaving  high  school  he  pursued  a  course  in  the 
State  Normal  School  at  Normal,  Illinois,  preparatory  to  teaching.  He  first  en- 
gaged in  this  profession  in  1S76,  but  concluding  that  a  business  career  offered 
better   o])|:iortunities   and  greater   advantages,  he  gave  up  his  profession   at  the 


530  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

expiration  of  six  years,  lie  subsec|uently  took  a  course  in  the  Bryant  &  Strat- 
ton  Business  College,  after  which  he  accepted  the  position  of  teller  and  book- 
keeper at  the  Bank  of  Athens.  In  1885.  he  severed  his  connection  with  this 
institution  and  became  bookkeeper  and  general  manager  of  the  Athens  Coal 
Company,  which  was  controlled  by  practically  the  same  company.  On  the  ist 
of  -Vugust,  1888,  he  resigned  the  latter  position  and  on  the  fourth  day  of  the 
same  month  he  came  to  Peoria  as  an  employe  of  the  J.  M.  Walter  Coal  Com- 
pany. On  August  4.  1889,  he  entered  the  employ  of  Watkins  &  Company,  an 
enterprise  which  subsequently  became  the  property  of  H.  \V.  Lynch.  Mr.  Hale 
was  retained  in  the  same  capacity  after  the  change  of  ownership  and  has  ever 
since  been  identified  with  the  company.  In  addition  to  his  duties  in  this  con- 
nection he  is  general  manager  of  The  Warsaw  Coal  Company,  of  Edwards, 
Illinois ;  and  is  secretary  of  the  Rockwell  Ice  &  Fuel  Company  at  Rock  Island, 
Illinois,  and  Davenport,  Iowa.  He  also  is  manager  of  his  extensive  agricultural 
interests. 

At  Springfield,  Illinois,  on  the  19th  of  February.  1885,  Mr.  Hale  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Myrta  E.  Tilton,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Augusta  Tilton. 
The  father  was  one  of  the  pioneer  merchants  of  that  city.  Five  children  have 
been  born  to  Mr.  and  ^Irs.  Hale,  as  follows:  John  T.,  superintendent  of  the 
electrical  department  of  the  Kenosha  Gas  &  Electrical  Company  of  Kenosha, 
Wisconsin:  S.  Bennita  and  Augusta  M.,  both  of  whom  have  graduated  from  the 
local  high  school ;  and  Herbert  S.  and  Harriet  I.,  who  are  still  attending  school. 
The  family  live  at  409  Ravine  avenue,  where  they  own  a  very  pleasant  residence 
which  was  erected  in  1893. 

]Mr.  Hale  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  in  his  political  views  he  is 
a  stanch  republican.  He  is  a  very  capable  man  in  his  line,  possessing  executive 
ability  of  a  high  order,  a  well  trained  mind  and  a  retentive  memory,  which 
qualities  enable  him  to  summon  to  his  command  at  any  and  all  times  a  vast 
amount  of  data  relative  to  the  various  interests  that  are  in  his  charge. 


lACOB  TER  \EEX. 


Jacob  ter  \'een,  manager  of  The  Illinois  ^^"arehouse  Company,  located  at  Har- 
rison and  South  Water  streets,  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  since  March,  1908. 
He  is  a  native  of  Germany,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  West  Rhauderfehen,  in 
the  province  of  Hanover  on  March  9,  1869,  and  is  a  son  of  C.  H.  and  Engeline 
ter  \'een.  The  parents,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased,  passed  their  entire  lives 
in  Germany,  where  the  father  was  a  sea  captain,  and  are  buried  in  the  Lutheran 
cemetery  at  West  Rhauderfehen. 

The  education  of  Jacob  ter  \'een  was  pursued  in  the  schools  of  his  native 
land  until  he  was  a  lad  of  twelve  years,  when  he  laid  aside  his  text-books  and 
went  to  sea  with  his  father.  He  was  put  through  the  usual  training,  finishing 
as  an  able  seaman  at  the  expiration  of  his  period  of  service.  He  remained  at 
sea  until  he  was  twenty-four  years  of  age.  and  during  that  period  he  visited  every 
port  in  Africa  from  Morocco  to  Capetown,  and  his  ship  once  cast  anchor  at  the 
island  of  St.  Helena.  At  the  age  of  about  twenty  years,  in  January.  1889,  he 
entered  the  German  navy,  and  soon  after  receiving  his  discharge  in  September, 
1891,  he  went  to  England  and  engaged  in  the  merchant  marine  service  for  two 
years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  decided  to  come  to  the  new  world. 
So  early  in  1894  he  took  passage  for  the  United  States,  landing  in  Xew  York 
city.  From  there  he  came  direct  to  Pekin,  Illinois,  and  on  March  9,  of  that  year, 
obtained  employment  with  the  Acme  Harvester  Company.  He  began  in  the 
capacity  of  laborer,  but  early  manifested  such  general  efficiency  that  his  employ- 
ers  considered   him    for  a   more   responsible   position   and   promoted   him    from 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  531 

time  to  time  until  he  Ijecame  general  foreman.  He  continued  in  their  service 
until  the  19th  of  March,  1908,  when  he  resigned  his  place  to  become  manager 
of  The  Illinois  \\'arehouse  Company  of  this  city.  Although  he  has  only  been  a 
resident  of  Peoria  for  four  years,  Air.  ter  \'een  has  made  a  very  favorable 
impression  in  local  business  and  commercial  circles  and  is  highly  regarded  by  all 
who  have  transactions  with  him. 

.\t  Pekin.  Illinois,  on  the  7th  of  October.  1896,  Jacob  ter  \'een  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Maggie  Beckmann,  a  daughter  of  Carl  and  Caroline  P.cck- 
niann,  the  former  a  retired  farmer  of  Green  \alley,  this  state.  Four  children 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  ]Mrs.  ter  Veen,  as  follows:  Carl  Cord,  who  is  a  student 
in  tlie  high  school ;  Caroline  and  Henry  L.,  who  are  attending  the  Lincoln  school ; 
and  Wilhelm  J.,  who  was  born  December  16,  1907.  The  family  reside  at  921 
Third  avenue. 

Mr.  ter  N'een  was  reared  in  the  faith  of  the  Lutheran  church.  His  fraternal 
relations  are  those  of  the  Masonic  order  in  which  he  holds  membershij)  in  the 
chapter.  Ever  since  granted  the  right  of  franchise  he  has  given  his  political 
allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  and  while  residing  in  Pekin  served  as  city  alder- 
man for  four  years.  Mr.  ter  \'een  is  a  man  of  many  estimable  qualities,  not 
least  of  which  is  his  loyalty  to  the  land  of  his  adoption,  and  while  he  strongly 
admires  many  of  the  institutions  of  the  fatherland,  he  has  never  had  any  occa- 
sion to  regret  becoming  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  as  he  has  prospered  in  his 
undertakings  and  holds  an  honored  and  respected  position  in  the  business  circles 
of  this  city. 


WILLIAM   W.  ROIUXSOX. 

Death  often  calls  from  our  midst  those  whom  we  can  ill  afford  to  lose,  and 
such  was  the  feeling  which  swept  over  the  city  of  Peoria  when  William  W.  Rob- 
inson was  called  from  this  life.  It  was  a  spirit  of  duty  and  of  self-sacrifice  that 
brought  him  to  the  end,  his  life  being  practically  given  for  the  safety  and  benefit 
of  others.  Indeed,  in  his  life  record  there  was  much  of  a  heroic  mold,  and  yet  he 
made  no  claims  for  himself,  living  a  Cjuiet.  unassuming  life,  feeling  it  to  be  his 
duty  to  use  his  talents  and  powers  to  the  best  possible  advantage  in  the  profession 
of  journalism  which  he  chose  as  a  life  work.  He  was  at  different  times  connected 
with  a  number  of  the  leading  newspapers  of  the  state,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
demise  was  city  editor  of  the  Star  of  Peoria. 

Mr.  Rol^inson  was  a  native  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  born  in  1875,  and  in  early 
youth  accompanied  his  parents  in  their  removal  to  Colorado  where  his  mother 
died.  The  father  afterward  married  a  niece  of  Roliert  G.  IngersoU,  who  indeed 
proved  a  mother  to  the  boy,  and  it  was  through  her  aid  and  encouragement  that 
he  entered  jjoulder  I'niversity  of  that  state  for  the  pursuit  of  a  college  course 
which  he  completed  with  high  honors.  After  leaving  the  university  he  turned 
his  attention  to  mining  which  he  followed  at  Cripple  Creek.  Later  he  lived  the 
free,  unrestricted  life  of  a  cowboy,  and  was  thus  engaged  when  the  Spanish- 
American  war  broke  out.  He  then  enlisted  as  a  cavalryman  in  the  regular  army 
and  was  sent  to  Cuba  where  he  served  through  the  entire  conflict.  W'hen  his 
military  experience  was  over  he  came  to  Peoria  and  entered  the  employ  of  R. 
Herschel  &  Company.  His  ability,  ho.wever,  seemed  manifest  in  literarv  lines 
and  he  entered  the  employ  of  Hull  &  Rennick  at  the  time  they  purchased  the 
Herald-Transcript.  Subsequently  he  entered  the  field  of  newspaper  publication 
in  Chicago,  becoming  one  of  the  editors  of  the  Inter  Ocean,  and  upon  his  return 
to  Peoria  he  accepted  the  position  of  city  editor  of  the  Star,  continuing  in  that 
connection  until  his  demise.  One  of  the  local  papers  said  of  him  editorially:  "He 
was  a  j)rudent,  careful  financier,  and  was  in  a  fair  way  to  achieve  a  competence 
at  the  time  of  his  death.     His  connection  with  the  Crescent  Theater  has  alreadv 


532  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

been  noticed.  His  literary  abilit\'  was  great.  He  was  not  only  an  industrious 
news  gatherer,  but  his  style  was  clear,  he  told  an  interesting  story,  and  he  wrote 
])ure,  classical  English  without  effort  and  without  affectation.  Above  and  beyond 
all  this,  however,  were  the  beauties  of  his  private  character.  Everybody  in  the 
city  was  his  friend.  He  was  loyal  to  his  profession,  and  he  was  manly,  truthful, 
careful  and  considerate  and  absolutely  reliable.  Xo  man  was  more  popular 
than  he  among  all  classes  of  society,  the  high  and  the  low.  His  leisure  hours 
were  passed  in  study  in  the  quietude  of  his  own  home,  and  he  had  before  him 
a  long  life  of  usefulness  when  he  was  thus  cut  down,  almost  without  warning." 

In  1907  Air.  Robinson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Gretchen  Gerdes,  a 
daughter  of  Alt  and  Katherine  (Kastner)  Gerdes.  Her  father  was  born  in 
Germany,  January  5,  1836,  and  the  mother  was  a  representative  of  an  old 
Bourbon  family.  Mr.  Gerdes  became  one  of  Peoria's  prominent  citizens,  settling 
here  in  1866,  after  which  he  engaged  for  many  years  in  the  grain  commission 
business.  He  also  served  for  four  years  as  a  member  of  the  canal  commission, 
and  was  president  of  the  board.  In  1897  he  was  again  called  to  public  office, 
being  elected  city  treasurer  of  Peoria,  but  his  death  occurred  two  months  later, 
on  the  2d  of  July,  1897.  He  was  a  prominent  factor  in  the  welfare  and  develop- 
ment of  the  city,  and  his  labors  contributed  much  to  the  work  of  public  progress. 
He  was  ever  a  man  of  action  rather  than  of  theory  and  never  faltered  until  he 
had  accomplished  the  purpose  for  which  he  set  out.  His  daughter,  Mrs.  Rob- 
inson, has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria  and  is  widely  known  here.  The 
death  of  ATr.  Robinson  occurred  May  2,  1909,  and  was  of  a  most  tragic  character. 
A  few  months  Ijefore  he  had  joined  \'ernon  C.  Seaver  in  equipping  the  Crescent 
Theater  on  Main  street.  From  the  first  the  enterprise  proved  a  financial  success. 
On  the  night  of  his  demise  a  film  in  the  picture  machine  took  fire  and  the  house 
soon  filled  with  smoke.  Mr.  Robinson,  cool  and  calm  through  all  the  excite- 
ment, assisted  the  crowd  to  get  out  and  was  himself  the  last  one  to  leave,  feeling 
highly  gratified  that  no  one  was  injured.  Suddenly,  Mr.  Robinson  bethought 
himself  of  the  operator  and  in  the  belief  that  the  same  was  still  in  the  burning 
building  he  again  crawled  in,  feeling  his  way  aroimd  in  the  smoke  and  flames, 
but  did  not  find  him  for  whom  he  was  looking,  as  the  man  had  escaped  in  time. 
It  was  there  that  he  inhaled  the  deathly  fumes  caused  by  the  burning  films  which 
resulted  in  the  congestion  that  within  a  few  hours  caused  his  death. 

I  lis  personal  popularity,  his  high  business  standard,  his  superior  literary 
ability  and  his  devotion  to  friends  and  kindred  were  all  qualities  that  gave  him 
a  most  prominent  and  enviable  place.  Years  may  pass  but  he  will  never  be  for- 
gotten by  those  who  were  his  associates,  for  his  memory  is  enshrined  in  the 
hearts  of  all  who  knew  him. 


CHARLES  M.  FIEER. 


Charles  M.  Fifer  of  the  firm  of  Charles  Al.  Fifer  &  Company,  has  been 
engaged  in  the  grain  and  stock  business  at  the  Union  Stock  Yards,  Peoria,  for 
over  thirty  years.  ?Ie  was  born  at  Washington,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  on  the 
9th  of  May,  1856,  and  is  a  son  of  the  late  Peter  Fifer.  The  father  was  a  well 
known  stock  and  grain  man  of  Washington,  where  he  was  engaged  in  business 
imtil  1870,  when  he  removed  to  Peoria,  continuing  to  be  identified  with  the  same 
line  of  activity  until  his  death  in  i88fi. 

The  first  fourteen  years  in  the  life  of  Charles  M.  Fifer  were  passed  in  his 
native  town,  in  the  ])ublic  schools  of  which  he  pursued  his  education.  He  ter- 
minated his  school  days  in  1870  when  the  family  removed  to  Peoria  and  began 
his  business  career  as  a  grain  and  stockman.  His  training  was  received  under 
his  father's  supervision,  with  whom  he  was  associated  until  the  latter's  death. 


CHARLES   M.   FIFER 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  535 

since  which  time  he  has  continued  operations  alone  under  the  firm  name  of 
Charles  M.  Fifer  &  Company.  In  the  operation  of  his  business  he  has  met  with 
more  than  a  moderate  measure  of  success  and  is  one  of  the  capable  and  well 
known  commission  men  of  this  city. 

^^  ashington,  Illinois,  was  the  scene  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Fifer  on  the  20th 
of  May,  1880,  to  Miss  Ella  Baylor,  a  daughter  of  John  Baylor,  a  well  known 
blacksmith  of  that  town.  Mr.  Fifer  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and 
he  votes  the  republican  ticket.  He  is  one  of  the  enterprising  and  progressive 
business  men  of  Peoria,  the  interests  of  which  he  enthusiastically  champions  on 
every  possible  occasion.  In  matters  of  citizenship  he  is  intensely  loyal  and  public- 
spirited  and  gives  his  unqualified  indorsement  and  cooperation  to  every  move- 
ment inaugurated  that  will  advance  the  municipality  or  promote  the  welfare  of 
the  community  along  the  various  lines  of  human  activity. 


HERBERT  T.  CHERRY. 

Herbert  T.  Cherry,  vice  president  of  The  J.  G.  Cherry  Company  and  manager 
of  the  local  factory,  situated  at  Xorth  Water  and  Morton  streets,  has  been  iden- 
tified with  the  manufacturing  interests  of  Peoria  for  the  past  eleven  years.  He 
was  born  in  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  on  the  20th  of  November,  1878,  and  is  a  son 
of  J.  G.  and  Alary  Ann  (Miles)  Cherry.  The  i)arents  were  born,  reared  and 
married  in  England,  whence  they  emigrated  to  America  in  1866.  They  subse- 
quently located  in  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  and  there  in  1880  the  father  established 
what  is  known  as  factory  No.  I  of  The  J.  G.  Cherry  Company.  This  plant,  which 
is  one  of  the  fiourishing  industries  of  Cedar  Rapids  and  is  used  exclusively  for 
the  manufacture  of  creamery  and  dairy  supplies,  was  the  only  factory  owned 
by  the  company  at  the  time  of  their  incorporation  in  1898.  The  father  passed 
away  in  1899,  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight  years,  and  was  buried  in  Linwood  ceme- 
tery. Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa.  The  mother  is  still  living,  however,  and  continued  to 
makp  her  home  in  the  latter  city.  Mr.  Cherry  was  an  active  member  of  the 
Cniversalist  church  of  Cedar  Rapids  and  for  many  years  held  the  office  of  trus- 
tee in  this  organization. 

Herbert  T.  Cherry  was  reared  in  the  city  of  his  birth  and  there  he  was  edu- 
cated, being  graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1897.  Imme- 
diately after  leaving  school  he  took  a  position  as  manager  of  the  commissary  de- 
partment of  a  telephone  company  that  was  putting  toll  lines  through  Nebraska. 
He  retained  this  position  for  about  six  months,  subsequently  entering  the  service 
of  the  Burlington,  Cedar  Rapids  &  Northern  Railroad  Company  as  stenographer. 
He  next  became  a  clerk  with  the  R.  G.  Dun  Commercial  Agency,  resigning  from 
their  service  about  a  year  later  to  take  the  management  of  the  egg  case  de])art- 
ment  of  the  Cedar  Rapids  factory  of  The  J.  G.  Cherry  Company.  He  retained 
that  position  until  he  came  to  Peoria  in  1901  to  develop  the  local  plant,  which  is 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  egg  cases  exclusively.  This  factory  was  estab- 
lished by  Herbert  T.  Cherry  and  his  brother,  W.  L.,  and  has  proven  to  be  a  most 
lucrative  undertaking.  In  1905  a  change  was  made,  when  they  occupied  the  build- 
ing in  which  their  plant  is  now  housed,  which  was  formerly  used  for  a  grain 
house  but  was  remodeled  and  equipped  and  has  proven  to  be  well  adapted  to 
their  purposes.  Under  the  capable  direction  of  Mr.  Cherry  the  business  of  this 
factory  has  increased  in  a  most  gratifying  manner.  They  are  now  occupying 
twenty  thousand  feet  of  floor  space,  while  it  requires  the  services  of  forty  people 
to  fill  their  orders. 

At  Cedar  Rapids,  on  the  21st  of  June,  1905.  Mr.  Cherry  was  married  to  Miss 
Louise  Henderson,  a  daughter  of  John  B.  and  Helen  <Emerv)  Henderson,  pio- 
neer residents  of  that  cit\',  where  for  many  years  the  father  held  the  position  of 


536  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

secretary  of  the  I-'arniers  Insurance  Company.  They  have  a  very  attractive  and 
pleasant  residence  at  306  Xorth  street,  that  Mr.  Cherry  erected  in  the  year  they 
were  married. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cherry  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  church.  His  social 
affiliations  are  with  the  Creve  Coeur,  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  and  Country  Clubs. 
He  gives  his  political  indorsement  to  the  men  and  measures  of  the  democratic 
partv.  but  is  not  a  politician  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  word.  The  success 
that  has  attended  ^Ir.  Cherry  in  his  business  career  must  be  attributed  very 
largely  to  his  systematic  methods  and  well  defined  purpose  toward  the  achieve- 
ment of  which  he  concentrates  every  effort,  as  is  manifested  in  all  of  his 
transactions. 


CHARLES  C.  DUTCH. 


Charles  C.  Dutch  has  been  an  attorney  at  law  in  Peoria  since  1900,  engaged 
in  general  practice.  His  offices  are  at  Xo.  502  German  Fire  Insurance  building. 
He  came  to  Peoria  in  the  year  mentioned  from  Beardstown,  Illinois,  where  he 
was  born  August  3,  1876,  his  parents  being  John  and  Alice  Dutch.  His  father, 
although  educated  as  a  lawyer,  turned  to  the  mercantile  business  early  in  his 
career  and  became  one  of  the  pioneer  merchants  of  Beardstown.  In  addition 
to  this  pursuit  he  operated  a  line  of  steamboats,  barges  and  grain  elevators  along 
the  Illinois  river.  His  death  occurred  in  July,  1888,  and  that  of  the  mother  in 
February,   1892.  both  being  buried  in  the  Oak  Grove  cemetery  at   Beardstown. 

The  early  education  of  Charles  C.  Dutch  was  accjuired  in  the  town  of  his 
nativity,  there  graduating  from  the  high  school  in  1895.  He  then  entered  the 
literary  department  of  the  University  of  Illinois  and  after  leaving  that  institu- 
tion went  to  the  University  of  Michigan,  where  he  took  a  law  course  and  was 
graduated  with  the  class  of  1900,  with  the  degree  of  LL.B.  After  his  gradua- 
tion he  immediately  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Peoria  where  he  has 
since  remained,  and  has  been  uniformly  successful  as  an  attorney.  He  is  pro- 
gressive in  his  desire  to  keep  abreast  of  the  times  and  is  an  active  member  of  the 
Peoria  Bar  Association. 

^Ir.  Dutch  was  married  at  Beardstown,  Illinois,  October  30,  1902,  to  Miss 
Ma.e  E.  Knight,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Augusta  Knight.  Her  father,  who  was 
a  successful  farmer  in  his  active  career,  is  now  living  retired  at  Beardstown. 
One  son  has  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dutch,  Charles  K.  Dutch.  The  political 
allegiance  of  Mr.  Dutch  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  takes  an  active 
interest  in  political  matters  although  he  never  has  been  a  politician  in  the  often- 
implied  sense  of  the  word.  His  fraternal  connection  consists  of  membership  in 
the  blue  lodge,  while  he  finds  recreation  as  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club 
and  the  Peoria  Country  Club.  The  family  reside  at  237  ]Moss  avenue,  and  the 
hospitalitv  of  the  home  is  enjoyed  by  their  many  friends. 


ALBERT  EWALT. 


Albert  Ewalt,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Logan  township,  was  born  July 
9,  1868.  in  East  Peoria,  Illinois.  His  parents  were  Elias  and  Anna  (Saboren) 
Ewalt,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Sweden  and  came  to  America  in  the  early 
'50s,  locating  in  East  Peoria.  In  their  family  were  two  children  of  whom  Albert 
of  this  review  is  the  younger. 

Alijert  Ewalt  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  remained  at  home  until 
1889  when  he  began  farming  for  himself  in  Rosefield  township  on  a  tract  of 
one  hundred  acres  which  he  rented  for  one  year.     In  1890  he  removed  to  a  farm 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  r)37 

of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres  in  the  same  township  and  resided  on  this 
land  for  seven  years.  Subsequently,  purchasing  three  lots  in  Hanna  City  he 
took  up  his  abode  there  and  was  engaged  in  coal  mining  for  three  years.  He 
then  rented  one  hundred  and  forty  acres  in  Limestone  township,  and  after  two 
years  went  to  Rosefield  township  where  he  resided  for  four  years  on  a  farm 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres.  Later  he  removed  to  the  Samuel  McCluggage 
farm  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  on  section  9,  of  Logan  township,  where 
he  now  resides  and  also  operates  in  addition  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  which 
lie  rents  from  J.  B.  Miller.  He  engages  quite  extensively  in  raising  corn,  wheat, 
oats  and  hay  and  breeds  hogs,  horses  and  cattle. 

On  the  3d  of  November,  1889,  Mr.  Ewalt  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Loveday  Pillman,  who  is  a  daughter  of  Richard  and  Mary  (Quick)  I'illman 
of  Rosefield  township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ewalt  have  become  the  parents  of  four 
children:  Morton  E.,  born  January  2\,  1891  ;  A.  B.,  born  June  22,  1893;  Walter, 
born  September  11,  1895;  and  Thelnia,  born  January  2,  1909.  Mr.  Ewalt  is  an 
enterprising  farmer  and  a  prosperous  citizen.  He  is  a  man  well  liked  and 
highly  esteemed,  and  his  efi^orts  contribute  substantially  to  the  upbuilding  and 
promotion  of  the  interests  of  his  community. 


HOX.  DAXIh:!.  ROI'.IXSOX  SIIEEX. 

Hon.  Daniel  Robinson  Sheen,  the  senior  partner  of  the  law  firm  of  Sheen 
iS;  Galbraith,  403-405  German  Fire  Insurance  building,  in  Peoria,  is  an  attorney 
of  much  ability  and  a  man  of  extended  acquaintance  throughout  Peoria  county 
and  tlie  state  of  Illinois.  He  was  born  in  this  county,  November  29,  1852,  a 
son  of  Peter  and  Melissa  (Robinson)  Sheen.  The  father,  who  was  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  Peoria  county  and  who  assisted  in  building  Jubilee  College,  was  a 
well  known  farmer  and  stock-raiser,  enjoying  an  excellent  reputation  in  the 
community.  He  moved  to  Woodford  county  in  1864  and  his  death  occurred 
in  1901  in  Tazewell  county,  and  that  of  his  wife  followed  in  1904,  both  being 
buried  in  Springdale  cemetery  at  Peoria. 

Daniel  R.  .Sheen  received  his  early  education  at  the  district  and  normal 
schools,  after  which  he  attended  business  college.  Early  in  his  life  he  deter- 
mined upon  giving  his  attention  throughout  life  to  the  practice  of  law  and  im- 
mediately after  business  college  he  liegan  reading  law  with  the  law  firm  of 
Ingcrsoll,  Puterbaugh  Brothers  &  McCune.  He  proved  an  apt  student  and  in 
Jime,  t874,  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  entered  upon  his  professional  practice 
by  opening  a  law  office  but  later  formed  a  partnership  with  Thomas  Black, 
which  he  continued  for  a  time,  after  which  he  entered  into  professional  relations 
with  M.  C.  Ouinn  and  these  two  partners  remained  together  until  in  1885. 
After  the  dissolution  of  that  partnershij)  he  became  associated  with  R.  H.  Lovett, 
a  connection  that  endured  until  1893,  when  he  again  began  practicing  alone,  re- 
maining thus  until  he  joined  P'rank  T.  Miller,  a  jmrtnership  which  continued 
for  seven  years.  .At  the  end  of  that  period  the  law  firm  of  Sheen  &  David  was 
formed,  but  Mr.  David  died  on  May  7,  1912,  and  Mr.  Sheen  then  associated  in 
practice  with  E.  J.  Galbraith. 

Mr.  Sheen  was  married  in  Peoria,  on  the  28th  of  June,  1876,  to  Miss  Sarah 
A.  Stiehl.  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gottfried  Stiehl.  the  father  being  a  well 
known  grocer  of  this  city.  Mr.  Sheen  is  one  of  the  strong  temperance  advo- 
cates of  Peoria  and  his  principles  of  total  abstinence  find  expression  in  his 
political  views,  having  been  a  stalwart  member  of  the  prohibition  party  since 
1876.  In  1908  he  was  the  party's  nominee  for  governor  of  Illinois.  He  was 
elected  in  1904  to  the  forty-fourth  general  assembly  of  the  state,  where  he  served 
with  distinction.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  and   Illinois  Bar  Associations 


538  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

wherein  his  influence  is  widely  felt,  taking  an  active  interest  in  these  organiza- 
tions. He  is  a  member  of  the  Good  Templar  lodge,  a  temperance  organization, 
and  he  is  one  of  its  leading  supporters.  The  family  resides  on  Hamilton  street 
and  the  home  is  noted  for  its  hospitality  to  friends  and  neighbors.  The  profes- 
sional and  political  career  of  the  Hon.  Daniel  R.  Sheen  is  characterized  by  ability 
and  fidelity  to  clients  and  principles.  His  integrity  is  never  questioned  and  hav- 
ing been  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria  county  he  enjoys  the  acquaintance  of  an 
unusually  large  circle  of  friends,  being  made  up  of  representatives  of  practically 
all  the  business,  professional  and  social  classes  of  the  community.  He  has  long 
been  recognized  as  a  successful  attorney  and  has  for  many  years  enjoyed  a 
lucrative  practice. 


THOAIAS  L.  EIBECK. 


Thomas  L.  Eibeck  is  the  president  of  the  Peoria  Bus  &  Baggage  line,  with 
offices  at  709  South  Washington  street,  and  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  men 
in  this  particular  line  of  activity  in  the  city.  He  has  held  his  present  office  since 
July,  191 1,  and  has  been  identified  with  the  baggage  business  since  he  was  four- 
teen years  old.  He  was  born  in  Jubilee,  Illinois.  May  28,  1866,  and  is  the  son  of 
Lawrence  and  Honora  Eibeck.  The  family  is  of  German  origin  and  has  been 
in  this  country  for  a  number  of  years.  Lawrence  Eibeck  came  to  Jubilee,  Illi- 
nois, as  an  infant,  and  spent  the  early  part  of  his  life  in  that  town.  He  was  a 
member  of  Company  K,  Seventy-seventh  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry  during  the 
Civil  war.  He  came  to  Peoria  from  Jubilee  in  1873,  and  took  part  to  some  ex- 
tent in  republican  politics  for  a  time  and  served  as  police  officer  under  F.  Hitch- 
cock. 

Thomas  Eibeck  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria,  which 
he  left  at  the  age  of  fourteen  to  accept  a  position  in  the  baggage  department  of 
the  Peoria  &  Pekin  L'nion  Railway.  At  the  end  of  eighteen  years"  service  for  this 
corporation  he  had  attained  the  position  of  general  baggage  agent,  and  his  suc- 
cess in  this  capacitv  earned  him  a  gratifying  reputation.  In  1904,  while  he  was 
still  connected  with  the  Peoria  &  Pekin  Union  Railway,  Mr.  Eibeck  bought  from 
the  Peoria  Livery  Company  the  bus  and  baggage  line  of  which  he  is  the  present 
head,  and  reorganized  it  in  1907,  at  whiph  time  he  was  elected  vice  president 
and  in  191 1,  president. 

Mr.  Eibeck  was  married  in  Peoria,  on  September  17,  1889,  to  Miss  Lena 
Carroll,  daughter  of  ]\Ir.  and  Mrs.  John  Carroll  of  Spring  Lake,  Illinois,  the 
former  a  pioneer  farmer  of  that  section  of  the  state.  They  are  both  deceased 
and  are  buried  at  JNIanito,  Illinois.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eibeck  have  three  children: 
Nora  G.,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  Peoria  high  school  and  a  bookkeeper  with  the 
Burrough's  Adding  Machine  Company;  !Mrytle  H.,  a  student  at  the  Manual 
Training  high  school;  and  Reeda  M.,  now  in  the  grammar  grades  in  Peoria. 
Mr.  Eibeck's  success  in  life  has  been  remarkable,  and  is  attributable  entirely  to 
his  qualities  of  common  sense  and  proper  a])plication  to  business.  1 


LEONIDAS  B.  MARTIN,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Leonidas  B.  Martin  is  the  oldest  practicing  physician  in  Peoria,  having 
taken  up  the  profession  here  in  1867.  He  is  now  living  partially  retired  and  yet 
many  households  in  which  he  has  been  the  loved  family  physician  for  many 
years  are  loath  to  have  him  discontinue  his  services.  Forty-five  years'  connec- 
tion with  the  profession  here  has  well  established  his  position  as  a  learned,  capa- 


f 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  539 

hie  practitioner  and  his  work  throughout  the  entire  jieriod  has  lieen  of  an  im- 
portant character. 

Dr.  Martin  was  born  in  Catawba,  Clark  county,  Ohio,  March  28,  1845,  his 
parents  being  Dr.  James  W.  and  Mary  M.  (Gardner)  Martin.  The  father  was 
also  a  practicing  physician  who  followed  the  profession  for  twelve  years  liefore 
he  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  arrived  in  December,  186 1.  He  continued  active 
in  his  chosen  line  of  work  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  November  5, 
1885.  He  was  visiting  a  sick  child  when  he  suffered  a  stroke  of  apople.xy  and 
life  was  at  once  extinct. 

Dr.  Leonidas  B.  Martin  was  a  lad  of  six  years  when  brought  by  his  parents 
to  Illinois,  the  family  settling  first  at  Fairview,  Fulton  county,  in  1 85 1.  He  at- 
tended the  local  schools  there  until  December,  i86i,  wdien  a  removal  was  made 
to  Peoria.  He  then  continued  his  education  in  the  high  school  of  this  city  and 
in  1864  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College  of  Ciiicago,  where  he  prepared  himself 
for  his  profession,  being  graduated  from  that  institution.  On  returning  to  this 
city  he  entered  his  father's  office,  which  was  then  located  at  what  is  now  305 
Main  street.  Dr.  L.  B.  Martin  became  associated  with  his  father  in  practice 
and  after  the  latter's  death  continued  in  the  old  location.  The  office  has  been 
remodeled  and  additions  have  been  made  but  Dr.  Martin  still  maintains  it  in  the 
same  place  in  which  he  entered  it  as  a  student  under  his  father,  nearly  fifty 
years  ago.  This  record  is  unparalleled  in  the  medical  history  of  Peoria.  It  is 
said  that  for  a  quarter  of  a  century  he  did  the  work  of  five  ordinary  physicians, 
being  the  busiest  member  of  the  profession  in  Peoria.  He  is  now  practically 
retired,  only  attending  to  such  cases  in  which  his  services  are  insisted  upon. 
While  he  always  remained  as  a  general  practitioner  he  did  much  obstetrical 
work,  and  his  skill  and  ability  in  that  connection  were  marked.  He  has  served 
for  two  years  as  examiner  for  the  pension  board  and  all  through  his  life  he  has 
kept  in  close  touch  with  the  advancement  made  by  the  profession — an  advance- 
ment that  has  continually  revolutionized  the  methods  of  practice.  Progress  has 
been  his  watchword  and  while  he  has  never  hastily  discarded  old  and  time-tried 
methods  the  value  of  which  has  been  proven,  he  has  always  been  ready  to  take 
up  new  ideas  which  his  judgment  has  sanctioned  as  of  value  in  checking  the 
ravages  of  disease. 

Dr.  Martin  was  united  in  marriage,  in  1868,  to  Miss  Mary  Hughes,  of  Peoria,- 
and  unto  them  have  been  born  eight  children,  of  whom  seven  are  living.  Their 
eldest  son,  Leonidas  B.,  died  of  appendicitis  in  February,  igii.  The  others  are: 
Hughes;  Maud,  the  wife  of  Otho  Wakefield,  of  Chicago;  Mabel,  the  wife  of  Dr. 
L.  S.  Brown,  of  Hillsboro,  Illinois :  Ethel ;  James  W. ;  Harry ;  and  Bruce.  Dr. 
and  ]\Irs.  Martin  reside  at  No.  610  Morton  street.  Their  acquaintance  not  only 
largely  covers  the  population  of  Peoria  but  of  the  county  as  well.  The  hospi- 
tality of  many  homes  is  freely  accorded  them  and  their  genuine  personal  worth 
has  gained  for  them  the  warm  and  enduring  regard  and  friendship  of  all.  The 
life  of  Dr.  Martin  has  been  a  serviceable  one.  He  has  been  actuated  in  his  prac- 
tice by  broad  humanitarian  principles  as  well  as  by  a  legitimate  desire  to  attain 
success  and  his  tenderness,  sympathy  and  ready  understanding,  as  well  as  his 
knowledge  of  remedial  agencies  and  methods  of  treatment,  have  been  factors 
in  gaining  for  him  his  high  and  well  merited  re]nitation  as  a  practitioner. 


JOHN   M.  J.ACK. 


John  M.  Jack  is  superintendent  of  The  Barrett  Manufacturing  Company 
of  Peoria,  the  duties  of  which  position  he  has  been  discharging  most  creditably 
for  the  past  three  years.  He  was  born  in  Holyoke,  Massachusetts,  on  the  28th 
of  December,    1882,   and   is  a  son  of  the  late  Archibald  and   Mary    (Wallace) 


540  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Jack.  Oil  the  paternal  side  he  is  of  Scotch  ancestry,  his  father  having  been  born 
and  reared  in  Scotland,  whence  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1870.  The 
father  was  a  paper  maker  by  trade  and  followed  that  occupation  first  in  New 
England  and  later  in  Lockport,  New  York,  where  he  passed  away  in  1909,  at 
the  age  of  sixty  years.  He  was  buried  in  the  Glenwood  cemetery  of  that  city, 
while  the  mother  is  buried  in  Holyoke,  where  she  died  in  1885,  having  attained 
the  age  of  forty  years. 

John  M.  Jack,  who  was  only  a  child  of  three  years  when  his  mother  passed 
awav.  was  reared  in  Lockport,  New  York,  in  whose  graded  and  high  schools 
he  obtained  a  good,  practical  education.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  years  he  laid  aside 
his  text-books  and  entered  the  paper  factory  of  his  uncle,  John  Jack.  He  was 
employed  by  this  concern  for  almost  thirteen  years  and  during  that  period  he 
worked  himself  up  through  the  various  departments  from  a  minor  position  to 
that  of  assistant  superintendent.  Thus  he  acquired  a  thorough  knowledge  of 
the  various  processes  incident  to  the  manufacture  of  paper  and  increased  the 
value  of  his  services  to  the  firm  by  placing  at  their  command  his  inherent  powers 
of  organization  and  executive  ability.  He  resigned  his  position  in  1909  and  in 
May  of  that  year  removed  to  Peoria,  to  become  superintendent  of  the  plant  of 
The  Barrett  Manufacturing  Company,  located  at  the  foot  of  Clark  street.  He 
is  ambitious  and  diligent  and  applies  himself  intelligentl)-  to  anything  he  under- 
takes, striving  to  master  every  detail.  In  his  present  connection  he  manifests 
the  same  general  efficiency  and  resourcefulness  that  characterized  him  in  his 
previous  position,  and  gives  every  assurance  of  developing  into  a  business  man 
of  marked  sagacity  and  capability. 

At  Lockport,  New  York,  on  the  4th  of  September,  1901,  Mr.  Jack  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Sadie  E.  Ryan,  a  daughter  of  William  Ryan,  a  retired  lum- 
berman of  that  city,  and  to  them  have  been  born  three  children.  Thelma  C. 
Janet  E.,  and  Phyllis,  who  is  seven  months  old.  The  two  older  children  are  at- 
tending school.  The  family  reside  at  907  Jackson  street,  and  both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jack  have  made  many  friends  during  the  period  of  their  residence  here. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Jack  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 
He  is  a  republican  and  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  all  public  aiifairs 
and  local  political  matters  and  was  elected  police  commissioner  of  Lockport  at 
the  age  of  twenty-seven.  Here  as  in  his  business  connections  he  evidenced  fore- 
sight and  clear  judgment  making  a  high  mark  as  a  practical  man  of  well  defined 
ideas.  Mr.  Jack  has  made  a  favorable  impression  on  all  with  whom  he  has 
come  in  contact,  and  his  friends  prophesy  for  him  a  successful  future. 


F.  T,.  BRADLEY  &  SON. 

F.  B.  Bradley  &  Son  is  a  firm  name  well  known  in  the  business  circles  of 
Peoria.  It  stands  as  a  synonym  for  all  that  is  up-to-date,  fashionable,  pro- 
gressive and  honest  in  the  line  of  merchant  tailor  and  is  the  business  title  of 
such  an  establishment  at  124  South  Jefferson  street.  The  partners  in  the  under- 
taking are  Frank  B.  Bradley  and  his  son  Richard,  who  have  brought  to  bear  in 
the  conduct  of  their  interests,  broad  intelligence,  unfaltering  activity  and  com- 
mendable ambition,  holding  to  high  standards  of  style  and  workmanship.  Their 
patronage  has  steadily  grown,  the  business  developing  with  notable  rapidity 
within  the  last  few  years. 

Frank  B.  Bradley  began  business  in  Peoria  in  1869  as  a  merchant  tailor  and 
from  the  outset  his  patronage  steadily  increased  until  the  store  became  recog- 
nized as  the  foremost  in  its  line  in  the  city.  He  was  sole  proprietor  until  1902 
when  he  was  joined  by  his  son  Richard  B.  Bradley,  in  a  partnership  relation 
under  the  firm  name  of  F.  B.  Bradlev  &  Son. 


RICHARD  B.  BRADLEY 


i 


'Mi 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  j43 

Frank  B.  Bradle}'  was  born  in  Londonderry,  Ireland,  in  1837,  and  was, 
therefore,  a  young  man  of  about  thirty-two  years  when  he  crossed  the  At- 
lantic. In  i86g  he  came  to  Peoria  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  he  has 
been  known  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city,  his  constantly  extending  trade 
bringing  him  an  ever  widening  acquaintance.  He  possesses  the  native  wit  of 
his  race  and  his  ready  repartee  make  him  in  great  demand  at  banquets  and  on 
public  occasions.  His  son,  Richard  Bradley,  was  born  in  Peoria,  in  1879,  and 
was  twenty-three  years  of  age  when  he  purchased  a  half  interest  in  his  father's 
business.  Since  then  he  has  been  a  leading  spirit  in  the  enterprise,  always  alert 
and  energetic  in  his  efforts  to  acquaint  Iiiniself  with  the  newest  styles  and 
methods.  His  business  dealings  are  thoroughly  reliable  and  he  is  spoken  of 
throughout  the  city  in  terms  of  highest  regarcl  in  commercial  circles.  It  has 
been  said  that  there  is  no  more  popular  or  highly  esteemed  resident  of  Peoria 
than  Richard  Bradley,  who  is  known  to  his  hundreds  of  friends  as  "Dick,"  his 
qualities  of  geniality,  wit  and  unfailing  good  humor  having  gained  him  the 
esteem  and  warm  friendship  of  his  fellow  townsmen.  lie  is  well  known  in 
the  amateur  musical  circles  of  the  city  and  possessing  an  excellent  voice  is 
welcome  wherever  music  holds  sway. 

Richard  Bradley  was  married  in  191 1  to  Miss  Georgia  Harris  of  Bushnell. 
Illinois.  His  social  nature  finds  expression  in  his  memliership  in  the  Elks,  the 
Knights  of  Columbus,  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  while  his  interest  in  Peoria 
and  her  welfare  is  evidenced  in  his  membership  in  the  Peoria  Association  of 
Commerce.  Both  father  and  son  have  a  wide  acquaintance  and  a  circle  of 
friends  that  is  almost  coextensive.  The  long  experience  and  sound  business 
judgment  of  the  senior  partner  are  ably  supplemented  by  the  laudable  ambi- 
tion, energy  and  entcr]irise  of  the  voung  man  until  the  firm  name  of  F.  B. 
Bradley  &  Son  stands  for  all  those  qualities  which  are  indispensable  factors 
in  the  attainment   of  commercial   success   at   the  present   day. 


DIlXISOX  H.  BALDWIX,  D.  D.  S. 

Dr.  Denison  H.  ISaldwin,  who  has  been  actively  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
dentistry  in  Peoria  for  the  past  ten  years,  was  born  at  Tazewell  Court  House, 
A'irginia.  on  the  5th  of  Xovember,  1870.  In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  he 
attended  a  ]>rivate  school  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age  when  he  entered  Emory 
and  Henry  College  at  Emory,  \'irginia.  He  continued  his  studies  there  for  three 
years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  decided  to  adopt  dentistry  for  his  life 
vocation  and  he  accordingly  matriculated  in  the  University  of  Maryland,  at  Balti- 
more. He  spent  two  years  in  pursuing  his  professional  course,  being  awarded 
the  degree  of  D.  D.  S.  with  the  class  of  1891.  In  1894,  Dr.  Baldwin  removed  to 
Illinois,  locating  in  Mount  Carroll,  where  he  most  successfully  engaged  in  prac- 
tice for  eight  years.  From  there  he  came  to  Peoria  in  1902,  establishing  an 
office  in  suite  ^ori.  Masonic  Temple,  where  he  has  since  been  located.  He  has  a 
sjilendidly  equipjjed  office  and  as  he  is  a  practitioner  of  unusual  skill  and  ef- 
ficiency has  succeeded  in  building  up  an  excellent  practice.  During  the  period 
of  his  connection  with  the  ]jrofession  in  Peoria,  Dr.  Baldwin  has  won  especial 
recognition  through  his  proficiency,  which  has  brought  him  much  more  than  a 
local  reputation.  He  is  a  progressive  man,  and  is  constantly  striving  to  improve 
and  advance  in  the  ])rofession.  and  for  this  reason  he  has  on  two  occasions 
taken  post-graduate  courses  in  Chicago.  A  pleasing  personality,  a  highly 
skilled  and  dexterous  hand  and  unusual  inherent  ability,  combined  with 
a  thorough  preparation  and  an  insatiable  desire  for  further  knowledge  have 
Ijeen  the  dominant  factors  in  the  success  that  has  attended  the  efforts  of  Dr. 
Baldwin. 


544  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

On  the  gth  of  January,  1895,  at  Mount  Carroll,  Illinois,  was  celebrated  the 
marriage  of  Dr.  Baldwin  and  Miss  Olive  Holmes,  and  to  them  have  been  born 
two  children :  Kenneth,  who  is  eleven  years  of  age ;  and  Mark,  who  is  six.  The 
family  residence  is  located  at  323  Moss  avenue. 

I'^aternally  Dr.  IJaldwin  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  Masonic  order,  being 
a  member  of  the  blue  lodge,  chapter,  conimandery  and  shrine,  and  he  is  also 
affiliated  with  the  Maccabees,  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Mystic 
Workers,  while  his  connection  with  organizations  of  a  purely  social  nature  is 
confined  to  his  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  In  politics  he  is  a  re- 
publican and  he  maintains  relations  with  the  other  members  of  his  profession 
through  his  connection  with  the  Peoria  County  Dental  Society,  the  Illinois  State 
Dental  Society  and  the  American  Dental  Association.  That  the  quality  and 
standard  of  Dr.  Baldwin's  work  is  exceptionally  high  is  manifested  by  the  fact 
that  he  has  on  several  occasions  presided  at  clinics  given  for  the  benefit  of  his 
fellow  practitioners  at  the  meetings  of  both  the  state  and  national  associations. 
He  has  met  with  most  gratifying  success  since  locating  in  Peoria  and  in  addition 
to  his  fine  private  practice  is  a  member  of  the  dental  staff  at  the  Peoria  State 
Hospital  at  Bartonville.  Dr.  Baldwin  is  held  in  high  esteem  here  both  profes- 
sionally and  socially  and  has  a  large  circle  of  friends,  whose  loyalty  and  regard 
he  has  won  through  his  many  e.xcellent  personal  qualities. 


HOX.  JULIUS  S.  STARR. 

Hon.  Julius  S.  Starr  first  came  into  prominence  in  Peoria  as  a  member  of 
the  bar  and  for  twenty-five  years  continued  in  law  practice  here.  The  ability 
which  he  displayed  in  that  connection  and  his  qualities  of  progressive  citizen- 
ship recommended  him  for  legislative  honors.  His  birth  occurred  in  Fallsburg, 
New  York,  November  3,  1833.  His  forefathers  came  to  Massachusetts  before 
King  Philip's  war  and  one  of  the  officers  who  captured  the  renowned  Indian 
chief  was  a  Captain  Starr,  from  whom  the  family  in  the  present  generation  trace 
their  descent.  His  parents  were  Rev.  Julius  Judson  and  Eliza  (Smith)  Starr, 
the  former  a  minister  of  the  Methodist  church.  The  family  moved  from  Sul- 
livan county,  New  York,  to  Middlelown,  Butler  county,  Ohio,  in  1834,  and  there 
the  father  passed  away  in  1837.  His  widow  remarried  in  1842,  becoming  the 
wife  of  David  Potter,  of  Middletown.  They  remained  residents  of  that  city 
until  1849,  when  they  came  to  Peoria.  Mrs.  Potter,  who  was  born  in  1807, 
passed  away  in  1897,  at  the  very  advanced  age  of  ninety  years. 

Julius  S.  Starr  was  less  than  a  year  old  at  the  time  of  the  removal  of  the 
family  to  Ohio  and  in  the  country  schools  near  Middletown  he  pursued  his 
education.  He  was  reared  to  farm  life  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until 
March,  i860,  when  he  came  to  Peoria  and  began  reading  law  with  Colonel 
Davidson  and  Judge  Williamson,  continuing  his  studies  until  admitted  to  the 
bar  by  the  supreme  court,  May  7,  1862.  He  then  practiced  law  in  Peoria  for 
twenty-five  years  and  was  city  attorney  in  1872  and  1873.  He  was  admitted  to 
practice  in  the  United  states  courts  and  was  accorded  a  liberal  clientage  that 
connected  him  with  much  important  litigation.  In  1888.  however,  he  withdrew 
from  professional  connections  to  enter  the  industrial  field  as  a  manufacturer  of 
agricultural  implements  under  the  name  of  Selby,  Starr  Sz  Company.  He  was 
general  manager  of  the  business  for  a  long  period  and  finally  was  elected  to 
the  presidency  of  the  company.  It  is  the  generally  accepted  opinion  that  a  pro- 
fessional man  does  not  make  a  good  business  man  but  Mr.  Starr  has  pro\'ed 
an  exception  to  the  rule,  for  since  entering  manufacturing  circles  he  has  made 
continuous  progress  and  has  been  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  important  productive 
industries  of  the  city. 


HISTORY  Ol-    PEORIA   COUNTY  ri45 

Mr.  Starr  has  held  various  public  offices.  Aside  from  serving  as  city  at- 
torney he  was  a  member  of  the  legislature  from  1870  to  1874,  his  reelection  being 
the  public  indorsement  of  his  first  term's  service.  In  1878  he  was  nominated 
for  congress  but  was  defeated  by  a  combination  of  democrats  and  greenbacks 
at  the  time  when  Senator  James  G.  Blaine  was  defeated  for  president.  He  was 
appointed  by  President  Harrison  collector  of  internal  revenue  for  the  Peoria 
district  and  held  the  office  for  four  years  and  eleven  months  or  until  a  successor 
was  appointed.  On  the  26th  of  January.  1906,  President  Roosevelt  appointed 
him  surveyor  of  customs  and  he  was  reappointed  by  President  Taft  in  December, 
191 1,  for  another  term  of  four  years.  Mr.  Starr  was  an. ardent  admirer  and 
supporter  of  President  Lincoln.  He  attended  the  first  republican  convention 
ever  held  in  Peoria  county  and  in  fact  aided  in  organizing  the  republican  party 
in  this  county,  and  was  also  present  at  the  national  convention  that  nominated 
Lincoln  in  1S60.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the  national  convention  when  President 
Harrison  was  nominated  and  has  ever  been  an  earnest  worker  in  political  cam- 
paigns. 

On  the  i8th  of  September,  1853,  ^'^^-  Starr  was  married  to  Aliss  Susan 
Comstock,  who  passed  away  in  1887.  In  1889  he  married  Evelyn  Burt.  His 
children  are:  Judson  Starr,  who  married  Dollie  Schnebly ;  Mrs.  M.  E.  Pinckney, 
the  wife  of  H.  K.  Pinckney,  president  of  the  Peoria  &  Pekin  Union  Railroad ; 
Emma,  the  wife  of  Charles  Robison,  of  this  city ;  and  George  S.,  who  passed 
away  about  1907.  Julius  S.  Starr  is  a  member  of  the  Christian  Science  church 
and  in  wjir  times  held  membership  with  the  I'nion  League.  His  has  been  an 
active,  useful  and  honorable  life  crowned  not  only  by  success  but  by  the  good- 
will, confidence  and  high  regard  of  his  fellowmen,  who  have  at  all  times  found 
him  trustworthy,  laboring  for  the  interests  of  the  community,  placing  patriotism 
before  partisanship  and  never  sacrificing  loyalty  in  citizenship  to  personal  ends. 


JOHN  RICHARD  LC:)FGREN. 

John  Richard  I.ofgren,  who  occupies  the  position  of  secretary  of  the  Peoria 
Board  of  Trade,  has  been  identified  with  business  enterprises  in  this  city  since 
1886,  and  has  built  up  for  himself  in  the  course  of  tliat  time  a  reputation  for 
strict  integrity  and  reliable  commercial  methods  in  all  lines  of  business  activities. 
He  was  born  in  Peoria,  .August  17,  1871,  a  son  of  John  E.  and  Augusta  J. 
Lofgren.  His  father  was  a  coppersmith  and  was  a  general  gas  and  steam  fitter 
for  about  fifteen  years.  He  died  in  March,  1894,  at  the  age  of  fifty-one  years 
and  is  buried  in  Springdale  cemetery.  He  is  survived  by  his  wife  who  makes 
her  home  in  Peoria.  Both  parents  were  born  in  Upsala,  Sweden,  and  came  to 
this  country  at  an  early  date. 

John  R.  Lofgren  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria 
which  he  left  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world  as  an 
elevator  operator  in  the  building  in  which  he  has  offices  today.  He  ran  the 
elevator  in  the  Board  of  Trade  liuilding  until  that  structure  burned  in  January, 
1888.  When  it  was  rebuilt  he  obtained  a  position  as  clerk  in  the  office  of  the 
secretary  and  held  that  position  through  the  administrations  of  S.  Wilkinson,  A. 
H.  Rugg  and  K.  C.  Grier.  Upon  the  latter's  resignation,  Mr.  Lofgren's  diplo- 
macy and  tact  and  his  unquestioned  ability  in  his  chosen  position  led  to  his  elec- 
tion in  January,  1907,  to  the  position  of  secretary,  in  which  capacity  he  still 
serves.  The  Peoria  Chamber  of  Commerce  operates  as  a  stock  company  and 
John  Lofgren  beside  being  its  secretary  is  also  on  its  board  of  directors. 

Politically  Mr.  Lofgren  is  a  consistent  republican  and  a  firm  believer  in  the 
principles  and  policies  for  which  that  party  stands.  He  takes  an  intelligent 
interest  in  local  aft'airs  but  has  never  sought  public  office.     He  is  a  blue  lodge 


546  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mason,  [n-ominent  in  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  holds  membership  in  the 
Knights  of  Khorassan.  In  the  Peoria  Social  Athletic  Club  he  finds  that  rest 
and  recreation  necessary  to  fit  him  for  his  daily  task.  His  rise  in  life  has  been 
rapid  and  his  success  along  his  chosen  line  of  activity  has  been  remarkable.  The 
c]uality  of  broad  intelligence  and  liberal  judgment  and  his  faithfulness  in  the 
performance  of  his  duties  have  been  the  dominant  factors  in  his  progress.  He 
is  still  in  the  prime  of  life,  active,  able  and  well  qualified  for  his  position.  He 
has  been  successful  in  the  past  and  can  look  forward  to  still  greater  achieve- 
ments and  prosperity  during  the  coming  years. 


J.  H.  BACON,  M.  D. 


Dr.  J.  H.  Bacon,  who  has  been  engaged  in  the  general  practice  of  medicine 
and  surgery  in  Peoria  for  the  past  six  years,  was  born  in  Bureau  county,  this 
state,  in  1877.  He  is  a  son  of  G.  H.  and  Elizabeth  (Phelps)  Bacon,  the  father 
one  of  the  prosperous  and  highly  successful  agriculturists  of  Bureau  county. 
Both  parents  are  of  English  extraction  and  belong  to  old  colonial  families,  the 
mother's  ancestors  having  come  to  America  ou  the  Mayflower.  The  father  is 
a  direct  descendant  of  Daniel  Bacon,  who  was  a  captain  in  the  colonial  army 
during  the  Revolution  and  died  on  the  English  prison  ship  '"Jersey."  His  son, 
Ely  Bacon,  was  a  captain  of  a  company  of  New  York  Infantry  during  the  War 
of  1812,  and  two  members  of  the  family,  R.  W.  and  C.  Phelps,  participated  in 
the  Reb'ellion.  G.  H.  Bacon  was  one  of  the  early  pioneers  who  fought  against 
the  Indians,  having  spent  ten  years  in  the  west. 

Dr.  Bacon  was  reared  on  the  farm  where  he  was  born  and  acquired  his  pre- 
liminary education  in  the  district  schools  in  the  vicinity  of  his  home.  He  sub- 
sequently enrolled  in  Knox  College,  where  he  continued  his  studies  until  awarded 
the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Science  in  iqoo.  Having  decided  to  become  a  physi- 
cian, he  then  matriculated  in  the  medical  department  of  Johns  Hopkins  Univer- 
sity at  Baltimore,  receiving  his  degree  with  the  class  of  1904.  In  order  to  better 
quality  himself  for  the  practical  duties  of  his  profession  he  took  a  position  as 
resident  physician  in  the  Lakeside  Hospital  immediately  following  his  gradua- 
tion, remaining  there  until  July,  1905.  Feeling  that  he  was  fully  competent  to 
undertake  the  responsibilities  of  a  private  practice  he  came  to  Peoria  and  estab- 
lished an  office  at  2y]  Woolner  Iniilding,  where  he  has  ever  since  been  located. 
During  the  period  of  his  residence  here  he  has  had  ample  opportunity  to  prove 
his  efficiency  and  is  numbered  among  the  able  representatives  of  the  medical 
fraternity  of  the  city.  His  prejiaration  has  been  most  thorough  and  to  this  he 
brings  a  well  trained  mind,  fine  intelligence  and  natural  aptitude  that  well  cjualifv 
him  for  the  arduous  and  exacting  duties  of  his  profession.  He  has  built  up  an 
extensive  practice  and  numbers  among  his  patients  representatives  of  many  of 
the  leading  families  of  the  city.  Dr.  Bacon  resides  at  202  Chambers  avenue, 
where  he  erected  a  very  pleasant  modern  residence  in  1910. 

He  is  a  worthy  exemplar  of  the  Masonic  order  being  a  thirty-second  degree 
Mason  of  the  Scottish  Rite  and  he  also  belongs  to  the  Shrine.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Creve  Coeur  Clul)  and  Association  of  Commerce,  and  has  been  president 
of  the  Men's  Sunday  Evening  Club.  He  takes  an  active  and  helpful  interest  in 
all  things  pertaining  to  the  betterment  of  the  health  and  sanitary  conditions  of 
the  city  and  is  vice  president  of  the  Pure  Milk  Dispensary  and  visiting  physi- 
cian to  the  Tuberculosis  Dispensary,  located  at  310  Chestnut  street.  He  main- 
tains relations  with  his  fellow  practitioners  through  the  medium  of  his  member- 
ship in  the  American  Medical  .\ssociation,  the  Illinois  State  Medical,  the  Peoria 
County  and  City  Medical  Societies,  having  been  secretary  of  the  latter  organiza- 
tion.    He  serves  as  chairman  of  the  Medical  Relief   Committee  of  the   Peoria 


DK.  J.   II.  1!A(  OX 


« 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  549 

Society  for  Prevention  of  Tuberculosis.  He  has  been  surgeon  for  the  Peoria 
Street  Car  Company  and  was  formerly  city  physician.  Dr.  iiacon  is  ambitious 
and  progressive  and  keeps  in  touch  with  the  development  of  his  profession 
through  the  various  medical  and  scientific  journals,  and  is  not  so  conservative  or 
satisfied  with  present  conditions  and  methods  as  not  to  be  willing  to  adopt  the 
newer  theories  when  assured  of  their  efficacy. 


ELMER  E.  NYSTROAl,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Elmer  E.  Xystroni,  who  on  the  14th  of  December,  icjii,  was  called  to 
the  position  of  county  physician  of  Peoria  county,  is  also  engaged  in  attending 
to  a  large  private  and  hospital  practice,  having  attained  a  position  in  professional 
circles  that  is  very  creditable  for  one  of  his  years.  He  was  born  in  Peoria,  July 
29,  1884,  and  is  a  son  of  Nelson  A.  and  Sarah  (Carlson)  Nystrom.  The  name 
indicates  the  Swedish  ancestry.  The  great-grandfather,  Nels  Nystrom,  was  a 
farmer  and  later  became  a  marine  in  the  Swedish  navy,  when,  in  accordance 
with  the  custom  of  the  country,  he  chose  a  surname  on  entering  the  government 
service,  taking  that  of  Xystrom.  He  died  in  1848.  The  grandparents  of  Dr. 
Nystrom  were  Erland  and  Christina  Nystrom  and  the  former,  who  was  born 
in  ( )scarshamn,  Sweden,  in  1812,  died  in  1878.  Nelson  A.  Nystrom,  the  Doctor's 
father,  was  born  in  Oscarshamn,  April  11,  1842,  and  in  early  life  learned  the 
blacksmith's  trade  with  his  father.  Soon  afterward  he  began  taking  contracts 
for  building  stone  bridges  on  the  public  highways  of  his  native  country  and  in 
1869  came  to  America,  landing  at  Quebec.  From  that  point  he  made  his  way 
to  (lalesburg.  Illinois,  where  he  took  up  his  abode  on  the  yth  of  August.  For 
nearly  a  year  he  was  employed  on  a  construction  train  of  the  Chicago,  Ikirlington 
&;  Quincy  Railroad,  lie  afterward  spent  two  winters  in  a  blacksmith  shop  of  an 
agricultural  implement  factory  at  Alonmoutli,  Illinois,  and  in  the  summer  months 
devoted  his  attention  to  farm  work.  He  also  spent  six  months  at  blacksmithing 
for  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincy  Railroad  Company  at  Galesburg  and  in 
1872  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Avery  Planter  Company  there.  He  was 
afterward  for  five  years  connected  with  the  factory  of  George  Brown  in  Gales- 
burg and  in  1878  he  secured  a  position  with  the  Avery  Manufacturing  Company 
of  Galesburg,  the  predecessor  of  the  great  Avery  Company  of  Peoria,  with 
which  he  has  since  been  connected.  He  is  the  oldest  ein])loye  in  their  service  and 
when  he  entered  their  em]iloy  was  their  only  blacksmith.  When  the  plant  was 
removed  ,to  Peoria  he  was  made  foreman  of  the  blacksmithing  department  and 
he  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  wheel  department.  Honest  industry  and  thrift  have 
kept  him  continuously  in  the  employ  of  this  company  and  he  enjoys  the  con- 
fidence and  regard  of  those  whom  he  represents  in  an  unusual  degree. 

On  the  4th  of  January,  1872,  Nelson  Nystrom  was  married,  in  Galesburg, 
to  Miss  Sarah  Carlson,  who  was  born  near  Oscarshamn,  Sweden,  in  March, 
1848,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Carl  and  Lena  (  Pierson  )  Carlson.  They  became 
parents  of  three  children,  John  Lawrence,  Elmer  Edwin  and  Carl  August.  The 
parents  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutlieran  church. 

Elmer  K.  Nystrom  was  reared  in  Peoria,  where  he  attended  a  public  school 
and  later  the  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute.  After  completing  a  three  years' 
course  in  that  institution  he  entered  Augustana  College  at  Rock  Island,  in  which 
he  spent  two  years,  thus  securing  a  broad  literary  education  as  the  foundation 
for  his  professional  learning.  He  prepared  for  the  practice  of  medicine  in  the 
Northwestern  L^niversity  Medical  College  at  Chicago  and  following  his  gradua- 
tion from  that  institution  in  1909  he  spent  one  year  as  interne  in  St.  Luke's  Hos- 
pital of  that  city,  gaining  in  hospital  practice  the  broad  exjierience  which  is  to 
he  obtained   in  no  other  way.     He  thus  came  to  the  outset   of  his  professional 


550  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

career  in  Peoria  well  equipped  for  the  onerous  and  responsible  duties  which 
have  since  devolved  upon  him.  His  practice  is  growing  steadily  and  along 
gratifying  lines.  He  is  serving  on  the  staff  of  the  Deaconess'  Hospital  and  after 
tilling  the  position  of  assistant  county  physician  was  appointed  to  the  office  of 
county  physician  on  the  14th  of  December,  191 1. 

On  the  23d  of  Xovember,  1910,  Dr.  Nystrom  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Elsie  Elizabeth  Olander.  of  Peoria.  He  is  well  known  in  fraternal  circles, 
holding  membership  in  Temple  Lodge,  No.  46,  F.  &  A.  AI.,  in  the  local  Modern 
Woodmen  camp  and  also  in  the  Maccabee  tent.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the 
Fraternal  Order  of  Rangers,  to  the  Royal  Neighbors,  the  Fraternal  Reserves, 
the  Mystic  ^^'orke^s,  the  Independent  Order  of  Svithiod  and  the  Swedish- Ameri- 
can Republican  Club,  of  which  he  is  president.  In  strictly  professional  lines 
he  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society  and  the  Illinois  State 
Medical  Society.  Through  his  association  therewith  he  keeps  informed  concern- 
ing the  advanced  work  being  done  by  the  leading  physicians  and  surgeons 
throughout  the  country.  Moreover,  his  college  training  made  him  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  modern  scientific  methods  of  practice,  which  he  employs  most 
effectivelv  in  his  chosen  life  work. 


WALTER  P.  COLBURN. 

Walter  P.  Colburn,  president  of  the  Colburn-Birks  Company,  is  prominently 
identified  with  the  wholesale  trade  in  Peoria,  having  since  its  organization  been 
the  president  of  this  well  known  drug  concern.  He  was  born  in  Bloomington, 
Illinois,  February  6,  1843,  the  son  of  Dr.  E.  M.  and  Mary  A.  Colburn.  The 
father  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  prominent  practicing  physicians  of  Peoria. 
The  family,  which  is  of  English  origin,  became  established  in  the  new  world 
shortly  after  the  landing  of  the  Mayflower  and  among  its  honored  progenitors 
have  been  many  who  took  part  in  the  Indian  and  Revolutionary  wars  in  colonial 
days.  The  father  died  in  Peoria  in  1895  ^^d  the  mother  passed  away  in  1905. 
Both  were  laid  to  rest  in  Springdale  cemetery  at  Peoria. 

AA'alter  P.  Colburn  attended  the  common  and  high  schools  of  Peoria,  where 
the  family  took  up  their  residence  in  1850.  He  left  the  high  school  at  the  a.ge 
of  eighteen  years,  having  learned  the  retail  drug  business  between  periods  of 
study,  and  went  to  Detroit,  ]Michigan,  where  for  a  time  he  worked  in  the  drug 
stores  of  that  city.  He  later  returned  to  Peoria,  where  he  followed  the  same 
business.  Mr.  Colburn  was  not  only  an  efficient  drug  clerk  but  was  ambitious 
to  make  his  way  in  the  world  and,  being  economical  in  his  habits,  he  saved  out 
of  his  earnings  a  sum  that  enabled  him  in  1863,  by  interesting  other  capital  to 
join  him,  to  organize  the  wholesale  drug  house  of  Simonean  is:  Colburn,  which 
was  incorporated  in  1884  under  its  present  corporate  name.  Mr.  Colburn  was 
president  of  this  drug  concern  from  its  incorporation  and  has  since  retained 
that  position.  The  first  place  of  business  was  at  No.  224  South  Washington 
street  but  the  rapid  growth  of  the  business  necessitated  a  removal  to  larger 
quarters,  the  establishment  then  occtipying  a  frontage  of  over  one  hundred  feet 
and  using  five  floors.  The  last  change  was  made  to  the  Swabecker  building,  only  a 
short  time  ago,  and  the  concern  is  now  admirably  situated  and  equipped  for  the 
splendid  business  which  it  is  doing,  occupying  five  stories.  They  employ  a  force 
of  eighty  people  on  their  office  and  selling  staffs. 

In  Chicago,  on  October  13,  1870,  Mr.  Colburn  was  married  to  Miss  Henrietta 
Bishop,  the  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  Bishop.  The  father  was 
formerlv  a  prominent  resident  of  Peoria.  'Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colburn  have  become 
the  parents  of  two  children :  ^lay,  who  married  G.  De  F.  Kinney,  secretary  of 
the    Colburn-Birks   Company   and   also   interested    in   other    important    business 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  551 

enterprises  of   Peoria;  and  Walter,  who  [lassed  away  on   March  29,   1899,  ^"^ 
is  buried  in  Springdale  cemetery. 

Mr.  Colburn  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Country  Clubs.  He  resides 
in  a  beautiful  home  at  No.  490  Moss  avenue,  which  he  erected  along  the  most 
modern  lines  in  this  splendid  residential  section  of  the  city  in  1903.  The  same 
business  tact,  energy  and  optimism  which  have  figured  so  largely  in  the  success 
which  he  has  achieved  have  made  him  not  only  well  known  throughout  whole- 
sale and  retail  drug  circles  in  the  middle  west  but  have  attracted  to  him  a  large 
circle  of  business  and  personal  friends  in  Peoria  and  elsewhere,  by  all  of  whom 
he  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem.  I'y  his  long,  active  business  career,  in  which 
he  has  so  prominently  been  associated  with  the  growth  and  upbuilding  of  Peoria, 
he  has  been  of  great  service  to  the  city,  community  and  state  and  richly  merits 
the  high  reputation  which  he  enjoys. 


HUGO  LUCAS. 


The  men  who  assist  in  the  organization  of  a  business  enterprise  and  in  its 
development  from  humble  l)eginnings  into  a  great  commercial  institution  require 
for  the  work  brains  and  energy  of  a  high  order.  The  progress  of  a  business,  the 
development  of  its  difl'erent  branches  and  the  direction  of  its  policy  need  a  broad 
intelligence,  a  capacity  for  grasping  intricate  situations,  and  a  power  for  rapid 
and  concentrated  work,  which  few  men  possess.  Hugo  Lucas,  president  and 
treasurer  of  the  firm  of  A.  Lucas  &  Son,  architectural  iron  workers  and  general 
builders,  is  exemplifying  the  truth  of  this  statement.  He  is  a  native  of  Peoria, 
having  been  born  June  25,  1864,  and  is  the  son  of  Adam  and  Fredericka  Lucas. 
His  father  came  to  America  in  1850  and  to  Peoria  a  few  years  later,  where  he 
founded  the  concern  of  which  our  subject  is  the  head  today.  He  has  attained 
the  age  of  ninety  years  and  has  retired  from  active  participation  in  business. 

Hugo  Lucas  received  his  primary  education  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city, 
but  laid  aside  his  books  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  and  at  once  commenced  work  in 
his  father's  factory.  He  learned  the  business  in  all  its  details,  working  in  its 
various  departments  until  he  obtained  an  expert  knowledge  of  iron  work  and 
general  building.  .At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  entered  Parishe's  Business  College 
where  he  took  several  courses  in  commercial  lines  and  then  again  entered  his 
father's  business,  serving  in  various  capacities  until  he  was  finally  elected  secre- 
tary and  treasurer,  and  upon  his  father's  retirement,  ])resident,  which  position 
he  now  holds.  The  history  of  the  concern  of  which  he  is  the  head  is  witliout 
romance  or  glamor  and  yet  having  quietly  grown  to  considerable  proportions  it 
has  become  one  of  the  important  factors  in  Peoria's  industrial  development. 
When  .Vdam  Lucas  came  to  this  city,  he  founded  a  little  business  of  his  own, 
doing  general  architectural  iron  work  and  Isuilding.  He  began  on  a  very  small 
scale,  but  by  his  energy,  industry,  and  unremitting  labor,  he  soon  had  the  enter- 
prise on  a  flourishing  l)asis.  It  was  incorporated  in  1897,  under  the  name  of 
A.  Lucas  &  Son,  and  .\dam  Lucas  retained  the  presidency  until  his  retirement, 
when  the  oftice  descended  to  his  son.  From  the  small  beginning  made  by  .Adam 
Lucas  the  business  has  grown  to  be  one  of  the  large  industries  of  this  city.  The 
firm  makes  a  specialty  of  structural  work  and  coal  screens.  They  employ  an 
average  of  fifty  people  and  their  plant  occupies  one  hundred  and  si.xty-five  by 
two  hundred  and  eighty  feet.  Adam  Lucas'  administration  developed  from  a 
small  beginning  a  prosperous  industry,  and  the  qualities  which  made  him  a  suc- 
cessful man  were  inherited  by  his  son,  who  upon  his  father's  retirement  took 
hold  of  the  direction  of  the  enterprise  with  an  executive  al)ility,  resourceful 
energy  and  keen  business  sagacity  which  had  always  distinguished  his  father. 
He  has  been  instrumental  in  iiringing  about  the  expansion  of  the  concern  during 


552  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  past  few  years.  He  is  in  full  control  of  its  policies,  and  directs  its  new  ven- 
tures successfully,  and  since  he  took  his  first  jiosition  in  the  firm,  has  shown 
himself  a  worthy  son  of  a  worthy  father. 

Hugo  Lucas  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Emil)'  \  onachen,  a  daugjhter  of 
Mr.  and  'Mrs.  Frank  Yonachen,  prominent  pioneer  residents  of  this  city.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lucas  have  one  daughter,  Marie,  attending  public  school.  Mr.  Lucas 
has  always  taken  a  great  interest  in  educational  affairs  in  this  city  and  wa?  for 
some  years  a  director  of  the  Peoria  school  board.  He  is  a  trustee  of  the  Peoria 
Turnverein.  During  his  business  career  he  has  shown  a  power  of  initiative 
and  a  facility  of  resource  which  combined  with  a  capability  for  management 
have  built  up  one  of  the  important  industries  of  Peoria. 


CHESTER  DeWITT  CLARKSOX. 

Chester  DeWitt  Clarkson,  who  for  more  than  twenty  years  has  been  iden- 
tified with  the  laundry  interests  of  Peoria  and  is  numbered  among  the  leading 
business  men  of  the  city,  has  the  added  distinction  of  having  attained  exalted 
rank  in  the  Alasonic  fraternity,  being  one  of  the  most  prominent  members  not 
only  in  local  circles  but  in  those  of  the  state.  His  birth  occurred  in  the  city  of 
Troy,  New  Y'ork,  on  the  4th  of  December,  1871,  his  parents  being  Francis  and 
Josephine  (Cole)  Clarkson.  The  father  was  likewise  a  native  of  the  Empire 
state,  having  been  born  in  Poughkeepsie,  August  12,  1834,  and  there  he  passed 
away  in  1901.  He  was  reared  and  married  in  the  state  of  New  York  and  there 
he  resided  until  1881,  when  together  with  his  wife  and  family  he  came  to  Peoria, 
to  become  superintendent  of  the  Culter  &  Proctor  Stove  Company.  He  retained 
this  position  for  sixteen  years,  at  the  e.xpiration  of  which  time  he  retired  and 
together  with  his  wife  returned  to  Poughkeepsie,  where  the  mother  still  resides. 
Francis  Clarkson  was  one  of  the  loyal,  patriotic  sons  of  America,  who  went  to 
the  front  during  the  Civil  war  in  defense  of  the  Union.  He  was  captain  of 
Company  C,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  New  York  \'olunteers,  and  par- 
ticipated in  twenty-four  battles  and  forty-two  engagements,  receiving  his  dis- 
charge in  June,  1865.  He  was  one  of  the  honored  members  of  the  Grand  Army 
of  the  Republic  and  always  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  work  of  the  organiza- 
tion.    The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clarkson  numbered  three. 

As  he  was  a  lad  of  ten  years  when  he  accompanied  his  people  on  their  re- 
moval from  New  Y'ork,  the  education  of  C.  D.  Clarkson  was  begun  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  city  and  continued  in  those  of  Peoria  until  he  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  high  school.  In  1891,  at  the  age  of  twenty  years,  he  began  his 
business  career  by  engaging  in  the  laundry  business  on  South  Madison  avenue, 
the  enter]M-ise  being  ojjerated  under  the  name  of  the  Clarkson  Laundry.  I-'rom 
earliest  boyhood  he  manifested  more  than  average  enterprise  antl  industrv,  which 
he  ex])ended  most  intelligently  in  the  development  of  this  undertaking,  meeting 
with  success.  He  was  not  easily  satisfied,  however,  his  mind  being  set  on 
higher  achievements  and  was  incapable  of  being  diverted  from  them  by  either 
obstacles  or  difficulties,  while  discouragements,  which  spell  disaster  to  so  many 
ambitious  young  men,  but  stimulated  him  to  yet  greater  efforts.  In  1893,  just 
two  years  after  he  first  engaged  in  business,  lie  purchased  the  laundry  of  Duke, 
Day  &  Company,  while  in  1895  he  again  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  by 
acquiring  the  Empire  Laundry.  He  incorporated  the  three  and  in  1902  erected 
his  present  magnificent  plant,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  substantial 
in  the  city  and  is  fully  equipped  with  every  appliance  and  device  required  in 
the  business.  His  establishment  is  thoroughly  modern  in  every  respect  and  is 
operated  in  strict  accordance  with  the  very  highest  standards.  W'ith  an  equip- 
ment  such  as  his   it   is  possible  to  launder  everything   from  the   daintiest   and 


C.  D.  CLARK  SOX 


ff 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  555 

most  delicate  lace-trimmcd  garments  to  the  coarsest  and  most  serviceable  of 
materials  with  equally  satisfactory  results.  Mr.  Clarkson  employs  skilled  work- 
ers in  his  various  departments,  and  it  is  his  policy  to  strive  to  please  the  most 
e.xacting  housewife  by  the  quality  of  his  work.  He  punctiliously  adheres  to  a 
definite. system  and  method  in  the  operation  of  his  plant,  every  department  being 
capably  directed  while  the  entire  establishment  is  given  the  closest  suiiervision. 
and  to  this  in  all  probability  can  be  attributed  much  of  hi.s  success. 

In  this  city  on  the  3r(l  of  May,  1893,  Mr.  Clarkson  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Alice  M.  Heidrich,  a  daughter  of  Edward  C.  and  Augusta  Heidrich. 
The  father  is  well  known  in  local  business  circles,  being  president  of  the  Peoria 
Cordage  Company  and  one  of  the  stockholders  of  the  First  National  Hank. 
Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clarkson,  and  in  order  of  birth 
they  are  as  follows :  Arthur  D.,  who  is  a  youth  of  sixteen  years ;  Josephine, 
who  has  passed  the  fourteenth  anniversary  of  her  birth ;  and  Florence  C,  who 
is  anticipating  the  celebration  of  her  seventh  birthday. 

The  family  are  members  of  the  First  Baptist  church  and  he  belongs  to  the 
local  Association  of  Commerce  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  while  he  maintains 
relations  with  his  competitors  through  his  connection  with  the  National  Laundry 
Association,  being  the  oldest  member  of  this  organization  in  the  city,  having  be- 
come affiliated  with  it  in  1894.  In  Masonic  circles  Mr.  Clarkson  has  become 
widely  known  throughout  the  state.  He  is  past  master  of  Temple  Lodge,  past 
high  priest  of  Peoria  Chapter,  past  thrice  illustrious  master  of  Peoria  Council, 
and  past  commander  of  Peoria  Commandery,  and  he  is  a  sovereign  prince  of  the 
Princes  of  Jerusalem,  Peoria  Consistory,  and  an  honorary  thirty-third  degree 
Mason.  At  the  present  time  he  is  a  grand  master  of  the  Grand  Council  of  the 
Royal  and  Select  Masters  of  Illinois,  and  he  is  a  past  potentate  of  Mohamniert 
Temple,  Peoria.  Ever  since  becoming  identified  with  the  organization  he  has 
taken  a  very  active  interest  in  all  of  its  work  and  was  instrumental  in  building 
the  temple  in  this  city  and  was  chairman  of  the  building  committee.  The 
political  allegiance  of  Mr.  Clarkson  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  but  he 
has  never  prominently  participated  in  municipal  affairs,  althougli  at  the  last 
election,  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  his  friends,  he  ran  for  alderman  in  the 
fifth  ward  and  is  now  serving  his  first  term  in  that  capacity.  He  is  a  man 
of  such  marked  individuality,  enterprise  and  force  of  character,  that  with- 
out doubt  he  would  have  achieved  sticcess  in  any  undertaking  with  which 
he  might  have  become  identified.  His  connection  with  the  commercial  activi- 
ties of  Peoria  has  almost  reached  the  quarter  of  a  century  mark  and  during 
"  that  time  he  has  established  a  reputation  for  upright  principles,  honorable  meth- 
ods and  integrity  that  is  well  worth  striving  for  and  should  be  to  him  a  source 
of  great  satisfaction. 


.XLl'.ERT  KlEl'ER. 


There  is  perhaps  today  no  more  important  career  open  to  a  man  than  the 
profession  of  architecture.  LIpon  the  ability  and  artistic  sense  of  the  men  who 
follow  it  depend  the  beauty  of  our  cities,  the  efficiency  of  our  office  buildings, 
the  comfort  and  luxuries  of  our  homes.  One  of  the  most  prominent  members 
of  this  profession  in  Peoria  today  is  Albert  Kiefer,  with  offices  at  410  Woolner 
building,  where  he  has  been  located  since  1893.  Albert  Kiefer  was  born  in  this 
city,  June  17,  1869,  and  is  a  son  of  Herman  M.  and  Christina  Kiefer.  His  family 
have  been  natives  of  Peoria  and  residents  of  this  city  for  over  a  quarter  of  a  cen- 
tury and  have  been  prominent  in  this  county  for  over  sixty  years.  Herman  M. 
Kiefer  was  one  of  the  most  enterprising  grain  dealers  of  Peoria  and  when  he  died 
in  1906,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years,  he  had  acquired  a  reputation  for  honor- 
able and  wortliv  methods  of  business.  Christina  Kiefer,  the  mother  of  our  sub- 
ject, died  in  1905  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years. 


556  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Albert  Kiefer  left  the  public  schools  of  Peoria  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years 
and  continued  his  education  with  a  private  tutor  until  he  was  sufficiently  prepared 
to  enter  the  L'niversity  of  Illinois,  which  he  attended  for  about  three  years  and 
a  half.  He  studied  the  profession  of  architecture  in  the  office  of  a  Chicago  firm 
prominent  in  this  line  of  activity,  and  returned  to  Peoria  in  1889,  to  take  a 
position  as  draftsman  in  the  office  of  Alexander  &  Son,  and  in  a  few  3'ears  he 
had  attained  such  a  degree  of  efficiency  in  his  chosen  field  that  he  was  left  in 
entire  charge  of  the  Peoria  office  of  that  firm.  He  started  in  business  for  him- 
self in  1893,  and  for  many  years  carried  on  a  general  architectural  practice, 
but  in  1909  he  began  to  make  steel  construction  the  important  feature  in  his 
work.  He  now  specializes  in  the  erection  of  factory  buildings  and  many  of  the 
most  important  buildings  of  this  kind  in  Peoria  are  the  product  of  his  brain 
and  hand.  The  building  in  which  his  present  offices  are  located  was  erected  by 
Ale.xander  &  Son,  when  ^Ir.  Kiefer  held  the  position  of  chief  draftsman.  He 
built  the  factory  plant  of  the  Herschel  Manufacturing  Company  and  was  pro- 
fessionally connected  with  the  architectural  work  of  the  W'oolner  Distilling  Com- 
pany's building  and  that  of  the  Union  Brewing  Company.  !Many  of  the  public 
buildings  in  Peoria  owe  their  structural  beauty  and  their  designing  to  the  skill 
of  Albert  Kiefer.  He  was  the  architect  of  the  McKinley  and  Glen  Oak  school 
buildings  and  the  designer  of  many  other  structures  in  this  city. 

Mr.  Kiefer  does  not  identify  himself  with  any  particular  political  party, 
voting  for  the  man  whom  he  thinks  is  best  fitted  for  the  position  or  the  measure 
of  benefit  to  the  greatest  number.  He  is  prominent  in  the  ^lasonic  order,  having 
attained  the  thirty-second  degree,  being  a  Noble  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  The 
profession  of  architecture  in  which  he  has  attained  such  eminence  requires  a 
peculiar  type  of  education  and  brain.  Mr.  Kiefer"s  work  is  distinguished  for 
beauty  of  design,  quality  of  material  and  the  artistic  effect  of  the  completed 
building.  He  attributes  much  of  his  undoubted  success  to  his  habit  of  close 
application  to  business,  his  inherent  talent  and  his  desire  to  satisfy  his  many 
clients. 


GEORGE  K.  BEASLEY. 

Prominently  identified  with  the  successful  members  of  the  bar  iu  Peoria  is 
George  K.  Beasley,  who  conducts  a  general  practice  of  law  with  offices  at  105 
North  Jefferson  avenue.  ^Ir.  Beasley,  who  has  practiced  his  profession  in  Peoria 
since  1887,  is  one  of  the  city's  native  sons,  his  birth  occurring  December  3,  1858. 
His  parents  were  N.  K.  and  Susan  H.  Beasley  and  the  father  was  quite  prom- 
inent in  Peoria  where  for  many  years  he  was  school  inspector,  and  also  for  a 
long  time  occupied  the  position  of  auditor  for  the  American  Spirits  Company. 
His  death  occurred  April  29.  1908.  when  he  had  attained  the  age  of  eighty  years. 
The  mother  survives  him  and  is  still  residing  in  Peoria. 

The  primary  education  of  George  K.  Beasley  was  gained  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  city,  but  laying  aside  his  text-books  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years 
he  became  a  page  in  the  criminal  court,  a  position  which  he  held  for  three  years. 
He  was  then  given  the  position  of  librarian  in  the  law  library  of  Peoria  and  it 
was  at  that  time  that  he  began  reading  law.  He  diligently  pursued  his  studies 
until  1884,  wdien  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  by  the  supreme  court.  He  did  not 
immediately  sever  his  connection  with  the  law  library,  however,  as  he  retained 
his  position  as  librarian  initil  1886.  He  then  entered  the  employ  of  the  law  firm 
of  Stevens,  Lee  &  Horton,  a  position  which  he  held  until  1893.  when  he  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  on  his  own  accoimt.  In  the  following  year  he 
formed  a  partnership  with  M.  G.  Leibenstein,  an  association  which  lasted  until 
1897.  After  the  dissolution  of  this  partnership  he  again  entered  the  practice  of 
law  on  his  own  account,  conducting  it  until   1905,  w-hen  he  associated  himself 


GEORGE  K.  BEASLEY 


L 


ci 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  559 

with  Charles  T.  Renter,  with  whom  lie  continued  partnership  relations  for  two 
years  and  since  has  remained  alone  in  the  practice  of  his  profession. 

Mr.  Beasley  was  married  in  St.  Joseph,  Michigan,  December  i,  1904,  to  Miss 
Lillian  F.  Moore,  a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Susan  Moore,  the  father  a  well 
known  building  contractor.  Mr.  Beasley  has  progressive  ideas  along  political 
lines  and  is  an  adherent  of  the  republican  faith.  He  is  an  honored  member  of 
the  Peoria  City  Bar  Association  and  his  standing  among  his  professional  breth- 
ren is  excellent.  In  his  fraternal  relations  he  has  limited  himself  to  member- 
ship in  the  Woodmen  of  the  World.  The  family  residence  is  at  803  ]\Ionson 
street.  During  the  many  years  in  which  Mr.  Beasley  has  practiced  his  profession 
in  his  native  city  his  success  has  been  uniformly  pronounced  while  his  long  resi- 
dence in  the  community  together  with  his  sterling  integrity  and  genial  person- 
ality have  won  for  him  a  large  number  of  friends.  In  his  clientele  may  be  men- 
tioned a  number  of  Peoria's  best  people  and  a  wide  representation  of  Peoria's 
citizenship. 


HON.  SAMUEL  D.  WEAD. 

Hon.  Samuel  D.  \\  ead,  a  well  known  memlK-r  of  the  Peoria  bar  and  a  son  of 
Judge  Hezekiah  M.  Wead,  was  born  at  Lewistown,  Fulton  county,  Illinois,  Decem- 
ber 23,  1852.  He  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  Peoria  when  about  two  years 
of  age  and  in  the  schools  of  that  city  completed  his  education,  save  for  two 
years  spent  in  the  Northwestern  University  at  Evanston,  Illinois.  He  entered 
upon  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  Wead  &  Jack,  in  1871.  Later,  his  studies 
were  directed  exclusively  by  his  father.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1873  and 
at  once  began  the  practice  of  his  profession,  forming  a  partnership  with  Julius 
S.  Starr  which  continued  about  a  year  when  his  health  failed  and  for  two  or 
three  years  thereafter  he  was  obliged  to  put  aside  active  work  in  his  profession. 
In  1883  he  became  a  partner  of  Hon.  John  M.  Niehaus,  then  states  attorney  for 
Peoria  county,  and  the  relationship  thus  formed  continued  until  Samuel  D. 
Wead's  election  to  the  county  bench  in  1890.  He  made  a  creditable  record 
during  his  four  years'  service  as  county  judge,  at  the  end  of  which  term  the  firm 
of  Page,  Wead  &  Puterbaugh  was  organized,  which  firm  continued  until  Judge 
Puterbaugh  was  elected  to  the  circuit  bench  in  1897.  Since  that  time  Air.  Page 
and  Judge  Wead  have  continued  together  in  the  general  practice  of  the  law  and 
have  from  time  to  time  associated  with  themselves  several  younger  men,  the 
present  firm  being  Page,  Wead,  Hunter  &  Scully.  The  ability  and  standing  of 
the  firm  and  of  its  senior  members  particularly  is  perhaps  best  evidenced  by  the 
fact  that  for  many  years  it  has  continued  to  have  entrusted  to  it  much  of  the 
most  important  law  business  transacted  in  central  Illinois. 

Judge  ^^'ead  was  elected  and  served  as  president  of  the  Peoria  County  Bar 
Association  for  the  year  1909.  In  1910,  he  was  elected  as  one  of  the  trustees  of 
Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute,  which  position  he  still  holds :  and  for  more  than 
twenty  years  past,  he  has  held  the  position  of  president  of  the  Workingmen's 
Loan  and  Homestead  Association,  the  oldest  and  perhaps  the  l)cst  known  loan 
association  in  the  city. 

In  1888,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Grace 
Bestor,  daughter  of  George  L.  Bestor  and  grand-daughter  of  George  C.  Bestor, 
who  came  to  the  city  of  Peoria  from  Baltimore,  Maryland,  in  pioneer  times  and 
was  the  first  postmaster  and  one  of  the  early  mayors  of  Peoria. 

Judge  and  Mrs.  W'ead  are  the  parents  of  five  children,  Grace  E.,  Margaret, 
DeForest,  Frank  W.  and  Robert.  The  family  attends  Westminster  Presbyterian 
church. 


560  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  politics,  Judge  Wead  has  always  been  a  consistent  demucrat,  earnestly 
interested  in  the  success  of  those  fundamental  ])rinciples  of  government  which 
he  believes  that  party  best  represents,  but  as  his  adherence  has  been  to  principles 
and  not  to  men.  he  has  not  feared  to  refuse  his  support  to  that  party's  candi- 
dates when,  in  his  judgment,  they  did  not  represent  democratic  principles,  or  the 
tJublic  welfare  made  that  course  desirable. 


GARRET  E.  THOMPSON,  D.  O. 

Dr.  Garret  E.  Thompson,  who  with  a  constantly  growing  ])atronage  is  engagetl 
in  the  practice  of  osteopathy  in  Elmwood,  was  born  at  Washl^urn,  Woodford 
county,  Illinois,  July  4,  1884.  He  is  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Rachel  (North)  Thomp- 
son, the  former  born  in  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  the  latter  in  Wash- 
burn, Illinois.  The  father  was  reared  in  Pennsylvania  and  when  twenty-one 
years  of  age  came  to  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  where  he  purchased  a  farm 
and  has  since  resided,  an  independent  and  prosperous  farmer.  He  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Christian  church.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of 
education  and  believes  in  giving  his  children  the  best  of  advantages.  In  his 
family  were  two  sons.  Dr.  Garret  E.,  of  this  review  and  Ralph. 

Dr.  Garret  E.  Thompson,  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  attended  the  public 
.school  in  Washburn,  Illinois,  and  later  completed  a  high-school  course  there. 
Afterward  he  became  a  student  at  Kirksville,  Missouri,  in  the  American  School 
of  Osteopathy,  from  which  institution  he  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1906. 
Subsequently  he  located  at  Elmwood,  Illinois,  where  he  has  since  followed  his 
profession.  He  was  the  first  osteopath  in  Elmwood  and  as  the  science  of  osteop- 
athy is  a  comparatively  new  one,  he  had  double  work  in  developing  his  practice. 
However,  he  soon  demonstrated  the  value  of  his  work  and  his  practice  is  con- 
tinually growing  and  he  has  developed  a  patronage  which  demands  his  entire 
time.     His  office  is  located  just  west  of  the  fire  station. 

Dr.  Thompson  is  a  young  man  of  marked  enterprise,  wide-awake  and  ener- 
getic, keeping  in  touch  with  the  world's  progress.  Aside  from  his  professional 
work  he  is  a  factor  in  the  commercial  world,  being  the  secretary  and  treasurer 
of  the  Peoria  Trtisswall  Manufacturing  Company.  He  is  recognized  as  one  of 
the  leading  young  men  of  his  town  and  is  greatly  interested  in  all  public  move- 
ments. Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Alasonic  order,  being  a  member 
of  the  blue  lodge  and  also  a  member  of  the  ^lodern  Woodmen  of  America  and 
the  Red  Men. 


ERASTL'S  M.  LAWRENCE. 

Erastus  Al.  Lawrence,  who  since  1903  has  lived  retired  in  Elmwood,  was 
born  in  Coshocton  county,  Ohio,  January  i,  1836,  the  son  of  George  P.  and 
Phoebe  (Butler)  Lawrence,  the  former  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1800  and  the 
latter  .in  Coshocton  county  in  1812.  The  father  was  reared  in  the  Keystone 
state  and  when  a  yoting  man  moved  to  Stark  county,  Ohio,  but  later  removed  to 
Coshocton  county,  where  he  owned  a  farm,  which  he  rented,  was  engaged  in  the 
hotel  business  in  New  Castle  and  also  conducted  a  general  store  there.  He 
])urchased  the  supplies  for  his  store  from  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  and  there 
being  no  railroads  at  that  time,  brought  his  goods  back  by  canal  and  was  often 
forced  to  spend  as  much  as  three  weeks  in  making  one  of  these  trips.  In  1856 
he,  with  his  family  came  to  Peoria  county,  settling  in  Elmwood  township,  where 
he  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land,  which  he  later  added  to,  until 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  561 

lie  owned  three  luuulred  and  forty  aeres.  In  the  declining  years  of  his  life  he 
resided  in  Uouglas,  Knox  county,  Illinois,  where  he  died  in  1874,  and  his  wife, 
having  preceded  him  by  live  years,  died  in  1869.  He  was  a  republican  and  l)oth 
he  and  his  wife  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  In  his  family 
were  eight  children,  of  whom  Erastus  ^I.,  of  this  review,  was  the  third  in  order 
of  birth. 

Erastus  M.  Lawrence  was  reared  in  Coshocton  county,  Ohio,  and  attended 
the  district  school  there.  In  1856,  when  he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  he  came 
to  Illinois  with  his  father  and  remained  under  the  parental  roof,  helping  on  the 
farm  until  he  was  twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  then  began  farming  for  him- 
self, renting  land  of  his  father,  and  later  moved  to  Oak  Hill,  Illinois,  wliere  he 
engaged  in  ojaeraling  a  general  store  for  one  year.  Subsec|uently  he  went  to 
Douglas,  Knox  county,  which  was  then  called  Summit,  and  in  partnership  with 
his  brother-in-law,  AI.  O.  Harkness,  opened  a  general  store  and  lumberyard  and 
also  engaged  in  the  grain  business.  In  1869,  when  his  father  removed  to  Doug- 
las, he  returned  to  the  home  farm,  purchasing  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  it, 
and  there  took  up  general  farming,  meeting  with  great  success.  In  1903  he 
removed  to  Elmwood,  where  he  lives  retired. 

On  the  6th  of  October,  1859,  Air.  Lawrence  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Emma  J.  Green,  a  native  of  New  Castle,  Ohio,  born  T'ebruary  24,  1842.  She 
was  a  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  Green,  both  of  wdiom  were  born  in  England. 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Lawrence  have  become  the  parents  of  five  children :  Airs.  Phoebe 
Troth,  of  Elmwood  township ;  Albert,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years ; 
Mrs.  Hattie  \^'aldron ;  Airs.  Alinnie  W'ilber :  and  Mrs.  Rdna  Shivley,  a  resident 
of  Elmwood. 

^  In  ])olitics  Air.  Lawrence  was  formerly  a  republican  Init  he  now  belongs  to 
tlie  ])roIiil)ition  party.  He  is  a  member  of  the  United  Brethren  church  and  while 
residing  in  the  country  served  as  steward,  class  leader  and  Sundav  school  super- 
intendent of  that  church.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of  education 
and  for  several  years  has  been  school  director  and  school  trustee.  Air.  Law- 
rence is  widely  and  favorably  known  for  his  straightforward  and  honorable 
methods  both  in  business  and  social  relations,  and  is  numbered  among  the  lead- 
ing and  representative  citizens  of  his  home  town,  being  highly  esteemed  for  his 
sterling  worth  and  as  a  promf)ter  of  all  that  tends  to  advance  the  general  welfare. 


LEONARD   11.  SPALDIXC;,  M.  D. 

.Association  with  the  leading  medical  societies  of  the  citv  and  state  keeps  Dr. 
Leonard  II.  Spalding  in  close  touch  with  the  advancement  that  is  being  made 
by  the  medical  profession,  of  which  he  is  a  worthv  representative.  For  more 
than  three  decades  he  has  practiced  medicine  in  Peoria,  locating  here  in  January, 
1881.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  at  Lebanon,  Alarion  county,  Kentucky,  Feb- 
ruary 1 1,  1845,  and  is  a  son  of  Richard  AI.  and  Alary  Jane  (Lancaster)  Spalding. 
His  parents  were  farming  people  and  his  youthful  days  were  spent  upon  the 
home  farm  in  Kentucky,  while  his  education  was  acquired  in  attendance  upon 
the  public  schools  of  Lebanon  and  in  St.  Alary 's  Catholic  College  near  that 
place.  At  the  time  of  the  war,  however,  the  college  was  closed  and  his  father 
then  sent  him  to  a  college  in  Alontreal,  Canada,  where  he  remained  until  after 
the  close  of  hostilities,  when  he  returned  home.  He  then  supplemented  his  broad 
literary  knowdedge  by  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  University  of  Louisville  and 
he  completed  his  course  in  the  University  of  Maryland  at  P)altimore,  where  he 
was  graduated  with  the  class  of   1869. 

Dr.  SiJalding  located  for  practice  at  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  where  he  remained 
two  years,     l-'ailing  health,  however,  caused  him  to  give  u])  the  active  work  of 


562  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  profession  for  three  or  four  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  Kentucky. 
He  then  resumed  his  professional  duties,  opening  an  office  at  Springfield,  that 
state,  where  he  continued  until  1881,  since  which  time  he  has  been  a  resident  of 
Peoria.  His  choice  of  this  city  as  a  location  was  influenced  by  the  fact  that  his 
brother  was  bishop  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church  at  Peoria.  Thirty-one  years 
have  since  come  and  gone  and  Dr.  Spalding  has  continually  progressed,  each 
year  seeing  him  in  advance  of  the  position  to  which  he  had  attained  the  previous 
year.  His  financial  success  has  followed  his  comprehensive  study  and  broad 
experience  which  are  manifest  in  the  excellent  results  which  have  attended  his 
efforts  toward  checking  the  ravages  of  disease.  He  holds  membership  in  the 
Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American 
Medical  Association  and  has  served  as  health  officer  of  the  city. 

Dr.  Spalding  was  united  in  marriage  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  in  1870,  to  Miss 
Mary  A.  Evans,  of  that  city,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  seven  children : 
John  L. :  Anabelle,  the  wife  of  P.  H.  Philbrook ;  Leonard  J.;  Mary,  the  wife  of 
Robert  M.  Lisle,  a  resident  of  Galesburg,  Illinois;  Benjamin  J.;  Henrietta;  and 
Martin  J.  The  last  named  is  now  in  Europe  studying  for  the  priesthood,  pur- 
suing his  course  at  Louvain,  Belgium. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church  and  Dr.  Spalding 
is  interested  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  city's  welfare  and  progress.  He  has 
cooperated  in  many  movements  for  the  general  good,  has  cast  his  influence  on 
the  side  of  improvement  and  has  advocated  high  ideals  of  manhood  and  citizen- 
ship as  well  as  professional  service. 


WALTER  \\'.  \VILLIAMS. 

Walter  W.  Williams  is  general  manager  of  the  Peoria  Artificial  Ice  Company 
at  920  South  Washington  street,  in  which  capacity  he  has  served  since  1909. 
Under  his  direction  the  business  of  the  company,  which  was  at  first  small,  has 
grown  and  developed  into  extensive  proportions  and  this  progress  is  due  in  a 
large  measure  to  his  efficient  and  capable  service.  He  is  a  native  of  Macomb, 
Illinois,  having  been  born  in  that  city  on  Septem1)er  4,  1884.  He  is  a  son  of 
Dr.  O.  ^^'.  and  Katherine  Williams,  the  former  a  prominent  veterinary  surgeon 
of  over  fifty  years'  standing  in  that  district.  Dr.  O.  W.  Williams  served  for 
three  years  and  nine  months  in  Company  H,  Second  Illinois  Cavalry,  in  the 
Civil  war,  and  was  wagon  master  of  his  brigade  during  two  years  of  this  time. 
He  died  in  1906  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years.  His  wife's  death  occurred  in 
18S6,  when  she  was  forty  years  old,  and  they  are  buried  together  in  the  Catholic 
cemetery  at  Macomb.  The  Williams  family  is  of  Spanish  and  Irish  origin,  the 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  having  come  to  America  from  Spain  in  his 
infancy. 

Walter  W.  Williams  received  his  preliminary  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  Macomb  and  graduated  from  the  high  school  of  that  city  in  1900.  He  then 
took  a  private  course  in  electrical  engineering  and  followed  that  profession  from 
1902  until  the  latter  part  of  1909.  He  occupied  the  position  of  assistant  super- 
intendent for  the  American  Bell  Telephone  &  Telegraph  Company  and  later  for 
the  Interstate  Telephone  concern  of  this  city.  In  1909  he  resigned  the  latter 
office  to  accept  the  position  of  general  manager  of  the  Peoria  Artificial  Ice 
Company,  in  which  capacity  he  is  at  present  engaged. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  republican  party  and  votes  this  ticket  consistently  in 
all  national  issues.  He  is  a  member  and  past  grand  chancellor  commander  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  is  prominent  in  the  Dramatic  Order  of  the  Knights  of 
Khorassan,  and  is  an  active  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  In 
all  relations  of  life  Mr.  Williams  has  shown  himself  to  be  efficient  and  in  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  563 

limu  (luring  whicli  he  has  been  manager  of  the  Artificial  Ice  Conii)any  his  marked 
business  ability,  intelligent  service  and  energy  have  contributed  to  the  upbuilding  of 
its  patronage. 

Mr.  Williams  was  married.  June  ii.  igo8,  to  Miss  Nellie  Morrissey,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  Morrissey,  the  former  connected  with  the  National 
Express  Com])anv  of  this  city  and  a  pioneer  resident  of  Peoria.  Mr.  Williams 
occtipies  a  charming  home  at  307  Hillyer  place,  which  is  a  pleasant  meeting  place 
for  his  many  friends. 


ROBERT   T.  SCOTT. 


Koljcrt  I.  Scott,  a  thrifty  and  enterprising  agriculturist  living  on  his  farm  of 
one  hundred  and  seventy-eight  acres  on  sections  15  and  16  of  Rosefield  town- 
ship, dates  his  residence  in  Peoria  county  from  1886,  and  since  that  time  he  has 
not  only  been  an  interested  witness  but  also  a  cooperative  factor  in  many  changes 
which  have  occurred.  He  was  born  in  New-  York,  November  8,  1843,  'I'^d  was 
reared  and  educated  in  his  native  state.  He  came  to  Peoria  county  in  1886,  and 
shortly  after  his  arrival  he  rented  in  Rosetield  townsliip  a  farm  which  he 
operated  for  ten  years,  and  in  1896  bought  his  present  home.  He  engages  in 
breeding  live  stock,  making  a  specialty  of  cattle,  hogs  and  horses  and  also  raises 
vearly  quite  a  large  amount  of  corn,  wheat,  oats  and  hay.  His  richly  cultivated 
farm  is  well  equipped  with  all  modern  improvements  and  accessories,  including 
the  latest  machinery  to  facilitate  the  work  in  the  field. 

Mr.  Scott  wedded  Miss  Eliza  LaMay  of  Radner  township,  and  they  have 
become  the  parents  of  five  children.  They  are:  Cora,  the  wife  of  James  Edward, 
of  Pontiac,  Illinois;  Eva,  who  married  Ernest  Morley,  of  Jubilee  township; 
May,  the  wife  of  Ernest  Hauser,  of  Peoria;  Robert,  at  hnnie;  and  Archil)ald. 
who  died  in  infancy. 

In  politics  J\Ir.  Scott  is  a  republican  and  is  greatly  interested  in  local  party 
issues.  Pie  has  served  as  pathmaster  of  the  township.  The  cause  of  education 
has  always  found  in  him  a  worthy  supporter,  and  he  has  rendered  his  community 
very  efficient  service  as  school  director.  He  is  a  strong  man  of  excellent  judg- 
ment, fair  in  his  views  and  highly  honorable  in  all  his  relations  with  his  fellow- 
men. 


JOSEPH  F.  BOURNE. 


loseph  F.  Bourne,  who  since  February,  igo6,  has  lived  retired  in  Trivoli. 
Illinois,  was  born  June  21,  1847,  in  ^Monument,  I)arnstable  county,  iMassachusetts, 
the  town  which  is  now  known  as  Bourne,  and  is  situated  sixteen  miles  from  Ply- 
mouth Rock.  His  parents  were  Joshua,  Jr.,  also  a  native  of  the  same  town. 
born  in  1802,  and  Mary  (Caddy)  Bourne,  who  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
in  1817.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Joshua  Bourne,  Sr.,  was  also  a  native  of 
Massachusetts  and  was  of  English  descent.  The  father  was  a  sea  captain,  com- 
manding a  sailing  vessel,  and  died  in  1834.  .After  his  death  the  mother  again 
married,  her  second  union  being  with  Mr.  Johnston.  She  later  resided  in  Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts.  In  the  family  of  Joshua  and  Mary  (Caddy)  Bourne 
were  eight  children,  of  whom  Joseph  F.,  of  this  review,  was  the  sixth  in  order 
of  birth.  Now  only  three  survive,  namely:  Jerome  L.,  a  resident  of  lUnirne, 
Massachusetts;  Julius,  of  Lehigh,  Iowa;  and  Joseph  F. 

Joseph  F.  Bourne  was  seven  years  old  when  he  was  brought  to  Peoria  county 
to  live  with  his  uncle,  Melatiah  Bourne,  who  had  taken  uj)  a  government  land 


564  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

claim  in  1834  in  Trivoli  township.  The  name  of  TrivoH  was  suggested  Ijy  the 
uncle  when  the  town  was  laid  out  on  a  part  of  his  farm.  Joseph  F.  Bourne  was 
reared  on  his  uncle's  farm,  attended  school  at  Trivoli  and  when  twenty  years  of 
age  went  to  Lee  county,  Illinois,  and  farmed  one  year.  Afterward  he  went  to 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  where  he  was  employed  for  six  years  in  the  St.  Louis  & 
Iron  .Mountain  Railroad  Shops  as  machinist.  In  1877  he  returned  to  Trivoli. 
began  blacksmithing,  and  after  four  years  established  a  shop  of  his  own,  which 
he  operated  until  h^bruary,  1906,  when  he  retired  from  active  work.  He  now 
lives  in  a  beautiful  new  home  which  he  erected  in  the  summer  of  191 1. 

On  the  30th  of  May,  1875,  ^^^-  Ijourne  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Candace  Gillett,  a  native  of  Elmwood  township,  born  December  10,  1852.  She 
is  a  daughter  of  Joel  B.  and  Melinda  (Brown)  Gillett,  the  former  a  native  of 
New  York  state  and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  Her  paternal  grandparents,  Gardner 
and  Phoebe  Gillett,  were  both  born  in  New  York  and  came  to  Illinois  when 
Peoria  was  only  a  frontier  town,  and  took  up  a  government  claim  in  Rosefield 
township.  The  parents,  Joel  B.  and  Melinda  (Brown)  (iiliett,  came  in  1838  to 
Peoria  county,  where  the  father  owned  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  and 
became  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  successful  men  of  the  community.  He 
passed  away  in  1909  and  his  death  was  deeply  regretted  by  a  host  of  warm 
friends.  The  mother  is  still  living.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bourne  have  become  the 
parents  of  seven  children,  namely:  Douglas,  a  resident  of  London  Mills,  Illinois; 
Harry  ;  Mrs.  Ella  E.  Davis,  of  Oregon ;  Mrs.  Emma  Carpenter,  of  Lena,  Illinois ; 
Ray  and  Roy,  twins;  and  Mrs.  Zula  Lane,  of  Chillicothe.  Illinois. 

In  politics  Mr.  liourne  is  a  republican  and  he  has  served  as  collector  of  taxes. 
He  has  been  iilentilied  since  he  was  twent)'-one  years  of  age  with  the  Masonic 
order,  belonging  to  the  blue  lodge.  He  is  a  man  of  strong  personality  and  is 
greatly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  community.  His  life  has  been  such  as  to 
give  him  a  high  standing  in  the  regard  of  all  who  know  him  and  he  is  generally 
recognized  as  a  man  whose  long  years  of  earnest  labor  have  not  only  contributed 
to  his  own  prosperity  but  also  to  that  of  the  town. 


JOHN    B.   WILTON. 


John  B.  Wilton,  who  is  engaged  in  the  undertaking  business  in  Peoria,  was 
born  in  Beachville,  Ontario,  Canada,  December  26,  1862.  He  is  a  son  of  Rich- 
ard and  Ann  W"ilton,  who  yet  reside  on  the  farm  where  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  born.  The  Wilton  family  is  of  English  descent.  To  his  parents 
were  born  eight  children :  William ;  Thomas ;  John  B.,  of  this  review ;  Eliza- 
beth Elliza,  deceased;  Mary;  Sarah;  Richard;  and  Robert. 

John  B.  Wilton's  early  education,  which  he  received  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  country,  was  very  limited  but,  being  of  a  studious  mind,  he  has 
read  extensively  and  has  become  a  well  informed  man.  He  remained  in  Can- 
ada until  1884  when  he  came  to  Peoria  where  he  entered  the  employment  of 
James  Bennett  and  later  became  Mr.  Bennett's  successor.  His  estal)lishment 
enjoys  a  reputation  second  to  none.  His  place  of  business  is  at  No.  1304  South 
Adams  street  and  he  has  been  in  this  same  location  since  he  first  came  to  Peoria. 
In  other  business  relations  Mr.  Wilton  is  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Loan 
&  Homestead  Association.  His  success  and  prosperity  in  the  business  world 
is  due  to  his  own  energies,  labors  and  excellent  management. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  1885,  Mr.  Wilton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
F.mma  Bennett,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  Piennett,  the  father  being 
the  founder  of  the  business  establishment  of  which  Mr.  Wilton  is  now  the 
owner.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilton  have  become  the  parents  of  three  children:  James, 
who  is  assisting  his  father,  having  charge  of  the  office ;  and  Ruth  and  Florence, 


J.  11.  wii/roN 


Ian 


i 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  567 

both  of  whom  are  students  in  St.  Catherine's  school  at  Davenport,  Iowa.  Fra- 
ternally Mr.  Wilton  is  a  Mason,  having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of 
the  Scottish  Rite,  and  he  is  also  a  member  of  the  Shrine.  He  also  belongs  to 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Ivy  Club.  The  family  reside  at  No.  218  Missouri  avenue  and  arc 
well  known  and  highly  honored  throughout  the  city.  Mr.  Wilton  is  rightly 
classed  among  the  successful  business  men  of  Peoria. 


CFORGE  1!.  TOUllUNTER. 

.\  native  of  Peoria,  and  one  who  has  been  doing  business  in  this  city,  and 
been  prominent  in  its  industrial  circles  for  a  number  of  years,  is  George  B.  Tod- 
hunter,  part  owner  in  the  firm  of  G.  B.  Todhunter  &  Company,  manufacturers 
of  sash  doors,  blinds,  moldings  and  porch  work,  with  offices  at  1717-19-21-23 
South  Washington  street.  Mr.  Todhunter  has  been  associated  in  this  line  of 
activit\-  in  various  capacities  and  with  various  concerns  for  his  entire  business 
life.  His  father  was  in  the  stair  building  business  for  a  number  of  years,  and 
when  the  son  grew  up,  he  also  learned  the  trade,  which  he  has  worked  up  and 
amplified  to  its  present  magnificent  proportions. 

(leorge  Todhunter  was  born  in  Peoria,  April  15,  1867,  the  son  of  George  and 
lulia  Todhunter.  The  family  is  an  old  one  and  of  English  origin,  having  been 
in  America  for  over  one  hundred  years.  George  Todhunter"s  uncle  fought 
through  the  Civil  war  with  great  honor.  His  mother  died  in  Peoria  in  1881,  and 
is  buried  in  Springdale  cemetery.  The  public  schools  of  Peoria  afforded  George 
Todhunter  his  early  education.  '  He  went  to  high  school  for  a  short  time,  but  left 
at  the  age  of  sixteen  to  learn  the  trade  of  stair  building,  which  was  his  father's 
occupation.  When  he  had  mastered  the  details  of  the  industry,  he  entered  upon 
it  as  a  means  of  livelihood,  and  continued  as  a  stair  builder  for  nine  years.  In 
1892,  in  iiartnershi])  with  August  Wahlfeld.  he  began  a  small  manufacturing 
business  along  the  lines  of  his  trade.  .Mr.  Todhunter  was  elected  vice  president 
of  the  concern,  which  is  today  the  great  Wahlfeld  Manufacturing  Company 
of  this  city.  Mr.  Todhunter's  connection  with  this  enterprise  continued  for 
five  years,  when  he  withdrew  to  establish  the  firm  of  Todhunter  &  Alfs,  manu- 
facturers of  window  sashes  and  doors.  The  business  was  incorporated  in  1907, 
with  Mr.  Todhunter  as  president,  and  he  continued  his  identification  with  it  for 
four  years,  selling  out  his  interest  in  March.  191 1.  On  that  date,  he  founded 
the  present  concern  of  which  he  is  the  head,  and  has  been  active  in  its  control 
and  direction  since  that  time.  In  the  one  year  of  its  existence,  the  firm  of  G.  B. 
Todhunter  has  attained  a  degree  of  success  which  is  more  often  the  result  of  a 
long  period  of  activity,  and  hard  work.  The  concern  already  employs  twenty- 
tive  men,  and  has  a  floor  space  of  twenty  thousand  s(|uare  feet.  George  Tod- 
hunter's success  has  not  been  a  matter  of  chance  or  circumstance.  His  c|ualities 
of  mind,  his  activity,  energy  and  resource,  his  sound  business  judgment,  and 
his  honorable  principles  have  made  success  inevitable.  He  thoroughly  under- 
stands the  value  of  hard  work  and  close  application,  and  is  personally  an  expert 
workman  in  his  line.  The  company  of  wliich  he  is  the  head  has  been  in  exist- 
ence one  year,  yet  it  has  already  attained  a  degree  of  success  in  Peoria,  and  a 
position  of  such  weight  in  her  industrial  life,  that  many  older  concerns  might 
well  env\-. 

Mr.  Todhunter  is  much  interested  in  Peoria  real  estate,  and  has  built  at 
different  times  in  his  career,  six  or  seven  residences  in  this  city.  Besides  the 
great  plant  which  houses  the  concern  in  which  he  is  at  present  actively  interested, 
he  was  also  responsible  for  the  great  building  of  the  firm  of  Todhunter  &  Alfs, 
occupving  a  floor  space  of  forty  thousand  s(|uare  feet,  which  was  erected  during 
the  time  of  Mr.  Todhunter's  connection  with  the  concern. 


568  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mr.  Todhunter  takes  an  intelligent  interest  in  public  affairs,  but  beyond 
casting  his  vote  for  the  republican  candidate  at  each  election,  takes  little  active 
part  in  politics.  He  is  a  Knight's  Templar  Mason,  and  a  prominent  member  of 
the  Creve  Coeur  Club. 

Mr.  Todhunter  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Aliss  ^lary  Weeks 
of  this  city  whom  he  wedded  in  1887,  and  who  upon  her  death  in  1897,  left  him 
three  children:  Arthur,  who  is  at  present  associated  with  his  father  in  business; 
Florence,  who  holds  the  jjosition  of  bookkeeper  in  the  firm  of  G.  B.  Todhunter 
&  Company;  and  Clarence,  now  a  student  in  the  Peoria  high  school.  Mr.  Tod- 
hunter's  second  wife  was  Mrs.  Jennie  M.  Downie  whom  he  married  in  1899  at 
Shawano,  Wisconsin.  The  family  residence  is  at  121  Sherman  avenue.  Mr. 
Todhunter's  position  in  business  circles  of  Peoria  is  unquestioned.  In  the  course 
of  his  active  career,  he  has  been  identified  with  three  of  the  largest  concerns 
in  this  city,  all  of  which  were  prominent  and  successful  in  their  line  of  activity, 
and  all  of  which  he  helped  to  found.  His  originality  and  resource,  his  power  of 
initiative,  his  faculty  for  organization,  and  his  rare  business  ability,  have  been 
valuable  assets  to  Peoria  in  her  commercial  and  industrial  life. 


MORRIS  D.  ULLMAX. 


Peoria,  like  many  other  cities  in  the  United  States,  is  indebted  in  a  large 
degree  for  her  commercial  activity,  her  rising  business,  and  her  municipal  prog- 
ress to  merchants  of  Jewish  extraction  and  faith.  Prominent  among  these  is 
Morris  D.  Ullman,  at  present  sole  owner  of  the  wholesale  liquor  firm  of  Henry 
Ullman  &  Son.  He  belongs  to  the  class  of  Jewish  business  men,  of  whom  the 
city  is  justly  proud.  His  commercial  reputation  is  based  on  his  strict  financial 
integrity,  his  sense  of  honorable  activity,  and  his  fair  dealing  in  every  transaction. 

Morris  D.  Ullman  was  born  in  Peoria,  .May  26,  1862.  He  is  the  son  of 
Henry  and  Clara  (Newman)  Ullman,  who  were  residents  of  Peoria  for  many 
years.  Henry  Ullman,  for  years  a  leading  business  man  of  Peoria  and  central 
Illinois,  prominent  in  church  and  all  charitable  work,  passed  from  this  life  the 
morning  of  September  5,  1898,  at  his  home,  211  North  jMonroe  street.  He  was 
born  July  16,  1832,  at  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  and  came  to  America  when  he  was 
fourteen  years  of  age.  He  was  considered  among  the  pioneer  residents  and 
business  men  of  Peoria,  was  highly  respected,  and  the  possessor  of  a  large  circle 
of  friends  and  adherents  drawn  to  him  because  of  his  rare  qualities  of  heart  and 
mind.  While  in  poor  health  for  several  years,  his  death  was  sudden.  It  is  noted 
in  the  obituary  appearing  in  the  Peoria  press  that  Mr.  Ullman  was  at  his  place 
of  business  but  a  few  days  before  his  last  sickness.  In  1856,  he  came  to  Peoria 
from  Lacon,  Marshall  county,  where  he  had  been  engaged  in  the  clothing  busi- 
ness, locating  with  his  brother,  Aaron,  in  a  similar  business  at  Fulton  and  Wash- 
ington streets,  where  they  continued  for  twenty  years.  During  this  time,  their 
brother  David  entered  the  firm  as  a  partner.  Later  Henry  Ullman  engaged  m 
the  wholesaling  of  liquors  and  wines,  the  business  thus  established  as  Henry 
Ullman  &  Son.  now  being  carried  on  by  his  son.  i]\Iorris  D.  Ullman. 

Henry  Ullman  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Clara  Newman,  sister  of  the 
late  Max  Newman,  in  August  1856,  the  forty-second  anniversary  of  their  mar- 
riage being  observed  with  fitting  ceremonies  at  the  Ullman  home,  August  12, 
1898.  They  had  four  children,  two  sons,  Edward  H.  of  Chicago  and  ^lorris  D. 
ol  Peoria;  and  two  daughters,  Hattie  and  Lorena.  Henry  Ullman  for  years 
was  president  of  the  Hebrew  congregation,  Anshai  Emeth,  a  member  of  the 
Peoria  library  board,  and  filled  other  positions  of  trust  and  responsibility  in 
Peoria  and  elsewhere.  He  bore  a  national  reputation  in  the  B'Nai  B'rith,  being 
elected  in  1880  national  president  of  the  grand  lodge     Mrs.  Ullman  was  a  mem- 


I 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  569 

ber  of  the  board  of  the  Cottage  Hospital,  now  the  Proctor  llosjiital.  and  her  lius- 
band  was  of  the  advisory  coniinittee. 

Henr_v  Ullman  was  of  the  strictest  integrity,  of  positive  convictions  based 
upon  a  rare  concejHion  of  right;  self-made,  but  of  rare  refinement  and  self- 
acquired  intellectual  attainments.  In  social  circles  he  was  an  acknowledged 
leader.  I  le  was  deejily  interested  for  years  in  philanthropic  work.  He  held  the 
position  of  president  of  the  Hebrew  congregation  until  a  few  months  before  his 
death,  insisting  upon  declining  the  reelection  in  consequence  of  his  enfeebled 
physical  condition,  though  not  relaxing  his  interest  in  the  completion  of  the 
Monroe  Street  Tem|)le.  He  desired  to  assist  in  the  dedication  of  the  Temple, 
but  this  was  denied  him.  for  death  carried  him  away  a  few  weeks  before  the 
event.  His  advice  in  the  librar\'  board  was  frequently  solicited  and  freely  given. 
His  judgment  was  appreciated  and  his  disposition  was  universally  kind. 

"So  he  left  no  enemies,  and  all  who  know  him  were  his  friends"  is  the  sum- 
ming up  of  his  life  by  a  newspaper  friend. 

Mr.  Henry  Ullman  assisted  in  the  organization  of  .Schiller  Lodge  of  Masons, 
A.  F.  &:  .X.  M.,  serving  as  Master  in  his  customary  able  manner  as  he  acquitted 
himself  in  any  function  he  undertook,  lie  was  universally  spoken  of  as  an  ex- 
emplary husband  and  father  and  his  memory  will  long  be  fondly  cherished. 

The  funeral  services  were  held  at  the  residence,  Wednesday,  September  7, 
Past  Masters  of  Schiller  lodge  acting  as  bearers.  Thev  were  David  Fey,  John 
F.  Heschong,  J.  F.  P)Oerckle,  Christian  Klingle,  Charles  Ulrich  and  Joseph  A. 
Weil,  .\ugust  Pfeiffer  conducted  the  Masonic  services  at  the  cemetery.  Mem- 
bers of  the  library  board,  of  the  congregation  of  Anshai  Emeth  and  the  Old 
Settlers  Union  served  as  honorary  bearers.  Dr.  E.  N.  Calisch  of  Richmond, 
\'irginia,  conducted  the  services,  delivering  the  eulogy,  Dr.  Charles  Levy  reading 
passages  in  Flebrew  and  offering  prayer.  Dr.  Calisch  in  his  oration,  in  part  said : 
"To  his  friends  he  was  loyal.  He  was  a  conscientious  citizen,  a  God-fearing 
Jew.  To  his  children  he  leaves  the  rich  legacy  of  a  good  name  which  is  more 
precious  than  gold  and  more  lasting  than  lirass  or  marble.  To  us  he  leaves  the 
memory  of  his  righteousness  which  will  be  a  perennial  blessing.  He  was  long 
a  leader  among  Jewish  people.  He  served  with  diligence  and  he  represented  the 
congregation  with  dignity.  He  gave  the  best  portions  of  his  intelligence,  his 
energy  and  his  judgment  to  its  progress.  He  had  hoped  and  prayed  that  he 
would  live  to  see  the  dedication  of  the  new  temple,  but  like  Moses  of  old,  he  led 
his  people  to  the  borderland,  but  was  not  permitted  to  cross.  His  eyes  are  now 
open  to  the  perpetual  blessed  light  of  immortality." 

This  legacy  of  an  honorable  life  and  an  unshadowed  name  Flenry  Ullman 
left  to  his  son,  Alorris  Ullman,  wdio  is  now  the  sole  owner  of  the  wholesale  liquor 
Inisiness  of  Henry  Ullman  &  Son.  The  traditions  of  strict  business  honesty,  good 
faith,  and  commercial  honor,  which  during  the  father's  life  were  the  pride  and 
honor  of  the  business,  have  been  carried  out  by  the  son.  The  business  is  growing 
upon  this  firm  foundation,  and  is  important  in  furthering  Peoria's  commercial 
[irogress. 

Morris  D.  L'llman  was  educated  in  the  old  Second  Ward  grammar  school, 
and  in  the  Peoria  high  school.  This  education  was  supplemented  by  a  thorough 
course  in  Coles'  Business  College,  .\fter  the  completion  of  his  school  career, 
Morris  L'llman  began  his  Inisiness  life  by  traveling  for  his  father,  with  whom 
he  later  formed  a  partnership  known  as  Henry  Ullman  &  Son,  and  he  became 
sole  owner  of  the  firm  on  his  father's  death.  As  a  business  man,  Morris  Ullman 
carries  on  the  traditions  of  his  father.  He  is  a  type  of  Peoria  business  man  of 
whom  the  city  is  justly  proud,  and  is  carving  out  for  himself  a  career  of  hon- 
orable industry. 

Morris  Ullman  is  a  strict  adherent  to  the  faith  of  his  fathers.  He  takes  a 
great  interest  in  the  Jewish  afTairs  of  this  city.  He  is  a  Mason  and  a  member  of 
the  Colanthe  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  active  in  the  Jewish  order  I.  O.  B.  B. 


570  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Aiishai  Emeth  temple,  to  which  his  father  gave  so  much 
of  his  time  and  means. 

On  March  30,  1904.  Morris  L'lhnan  married  Miss  Freda  Elizabeth  Frued, 
of  Detroit,  Michigan,  and  they  have  two  children,  Henry  Morris  and  Carolyn 
Frued  I'Uman.  Mrs.  Ullman  is  a  worthy  helpmate  to  her  husband  in  his  honor- 
able life.  She  is  a  devoted  adherent  of  tlie  Jewish  religion,  and  is  active  in  every 
deserving  charity  of  the  city. 

It  is  to  people  like  him,  and  to  business  concerns  like  Henry  Ullman  &  Son, 
that  Peoria  owes  much  of  her  commercial  prosperity.  Men  who  are  intelligent, 
refined,  honorable  and  fair-dealing,  loyal  to  their  faith,  stanch  in  their  beliefs, 
charitable  to  the  poor,  faithful  to  their  friends,  are  the  material  out  of  which 
the  coming  greatness  and  glory  of  the  world  are  to  be  made. 


JOSEPH  E.  DAILY. 


Joseph  E.  Daily,  city  attorney  of  Peoria,  is  a  graduate  of  the  law  depart- 
ment of  Yale  University,  where  he  received  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  He  was  born 
in  Manito,  Illinois,  January  27,  1888,  a  son  of  J.  S.  and  Druie  R.  Daily.  The 
father,  who  came  from  Chillicothe,  Peoria  county,  in  1909,  is  president  of  the 
Daily-O'Brien  Company  of  this  city.  The  grandfather  emigrated  to  the  new 
world  from  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  in  1855,  and  settled  in  Illinois  where  he 
became  well  known,  having  organized  drainage  districts  in  the  counties  of  Taze- 
well and  Mason. 

The  primary  education  of  Joseph  E.  Daily  was  received  in  the  pulilic  schools 
of  Chillicothe  and  he  graduated  from  the  high  school  of  that  city  with  the  class 
of  1904.  After  leaving  school  he  spent  one  year  as  manager  for  the  Postal  Tele- 
graph Company  at  the  Chillicothe  office  and  later  w-as  employed  as  a  telegraph 
operator  by  the  Santa  Fe  Railroad  Company.  Having  through  his  inciustry 
saved  enough  money  for  his  purpose  he  then  attended  the  University  of  Illinois 
for  two  years  and  later  entered  Yale  University,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
with  honors,  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  being  conferred  upon  him.  Immediately 
after  his  graduation  he  located  in  Peoria  for  the  practice  of  his  profession  and 
since  May  i,  191 1,  he  has  filled  the  office  of  city  attorney,  with  offices  in  the  city 
hall.  His  political  allegiance  is  unreservedly  given  to  the  republican  party  and 
he  takes  a  commendable  interest  in  civic  and  political  affairs.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  also  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 
He  makes  his  home  with  his  father,  the  family  .residence  being  at  129  North 
Garfield  avenue.  Mr.  Daily,  although  a  young  man,  gives  promise  of  early  be- 
coming one  of  the  prominent  and  successful  members  of  the  legal  profession  in 
this  part  of  the  state.  His  education  along  literary  and  legal  lines  has  been  lib- 
eral and  the  constant  attention  which  he  gives  to  extending  his  knowledge  and 
proficiency  in  the  law  has  qualified  him  to  hold  with  distinction  to  himself  and 
satisfaction  to  his  party  and  the  city  the  important  office  to  which  he  has  been 
called. 


CHARLES  CRAXE  MILES. 

Charles  Crane  ]\Iiles.  a  partner  in  one  of  the  leading  grain  firms  of  Peoria, 
P.  B.  cS:  C.  C.  Miles,  is  the  junior  member  of  the  firm  established  in  1875.  though 
Mr.  Miles'  initial  activities  in  the  grain  trade  date  back  to  1873,  from  which  time 
he  has  been  continuously  in  that  business.  The  firm  operates  elevators  and  does 
a  general  grain  business.    Charles  C.  ]\Iiles  was  born  Augtist  i.  1852,  in  Wash- 


k^^y^^^^SU^ 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  573 

ington.  Tazewell  county,  Illinois.  His  parents  were  lienjamin  Eustis  and  lane 
(Crane)  Miles.  The  father  was  horn  in  Athens  county,  Ohio,  and  located  in 
\\'ashington,  Illinois,  in  1843.  The  mother  was  born  in  Zanesville,  Ohio,  and 
took  up  her  abode  in  Washington,  Illinois,  about  1845.  The  earliest  ancestor  of 
the  Miles  family  to  come  to  this  country  was  John  Miles,  who  settled  in  Con- 
cord, ^Massachusetts,  about  1635.  Among  the  representatives  of  the  family  were 
soldiers  and  officers  in  the  Revolutionary  and  Civil  wars. 

In  the  ac(|uirement  of  an  education  Charles  Crane  Miles  attended  the  common 
schools  of  Washington,  Illinois.  His  father  owned  a  flour  mill  and  grain  eleva- 
tor, so  that  as  a  boy  the  subject  of  our  sketch  received  his  early  business  training 
along  the  lines  of  commercial  activity  which  he  later  followed.  At  the  age  of 
seventeen  years,  however,  and  until  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  was  telegraph 
operator  and  railroad  agent  for  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  Railway,  his  last 
service  for  that  company  having  been  as  operator  and  train  dispatcher  in  the 
superintendent's  office  in  Peoria.  The  lure  of  the  grain  trade,  however,  pos- 
sessed him  and  in  1873  he  drifted  back  into  the  business  calling  in  which  his 
boyhood  years  had  found  him.  Two  years  later  the  firm  of  P.  B.  &  C.  C.  Miles 
was  established.  During  all  the  years  since  1873  Charles  C.  Miles  has  been  in 
active  grain  business,  which  he  has  followed  very  successfully.  In  addition 
to  his  grain  business,  elevators,  etc.,  he  has  farms  in  Illinois,  Kansas  and  Arizona, 
to  which  he  gives  as  much  of  his  personal  attention  as  is  permitted  by  the  exact- 
ing duties  of  his  other  attairs.  .Mr.  Miles  has  occupied  the  position  of  president 
of  the  Peoria  P.oard  of  Trade  and  is  at  present  one  of  its  directors.  He  is  also 
a  director  of  the  Illinois  National  Bank,  which  office  he  has  held  since  the 
organization  of  that  institution.  He  has  a  creditable  military  record,  having 
served  for  five  years,  from  1875  to  1879  inclusive,  in  the  state  militia  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  National  Blues. 

.Mr.  Miles  was  married  September  25,  1879,  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  to  Miss  Mar- 
garet Flora  Minor,  daughter  of  John  and  Martha  Minor.  Her  father  long  held 
public  office  in  Peoria,  having  at  various  times  been  deputy  sheriff,  superin- 
tendent of  police  and  collector  of  township  taxes.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miles  have  two 
children:  Grant  Minor,  who  married  Miss  Georgia  Rider;  and  Louise  Minor, 
who  wedded  Jeremiah  ]\IcOuade. 

In  political  faith  ?\!r.  Miles  is  a  republican  but  he  has  liberal  tendencies  and 
in  local  affairs  bestows  his  support  upon  his  friends  or  worthy  candidates  in 
other  ])arties.  He  is  a  member  of  some  of  the  fraternal  insurance  orders,  giving 
them  as  much  of  his  time  and  attention  as  could  be  expected  of  a  man  in  his 
strenuous  business  life.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Peoria  Country 
Clubs.  He  has  long  been  a  consistent  member  of  the  First  Congregational 
church,  contributing  liberally  to  its  support.  He  has  been  an  active  Sunday 
school  worker,  having  for  nineteen  years  been  the  superintendent  of  the  school 
with  which  he  is  affiliated.  In  his  business  relations,  his  civic  duties,  his  church 
and  Sunday  school  work  Mr.  Miles  stands  a  prominent  figure  in  the  city  of  which 
he  has  so  long  been  a  resident.  The  city  of  Peoria  has  few  men  of  greater 
worth  than  Mr.  Miles  when  his  various  business,  civic,  religious  and  fraternal 
activities  are  taken  into  account. 


CHARLES  A.  MACAULEY. 

Charles  .\.  Macauley  is  the  general  agent  for  the  John  Hancock  Mutual  Life 
Insurance  Company  in  the  Peoria  district,  with  offices  located  in  suite  809  of  the 
Jefferson  building.  He  has  Ijeen  acting  in  this  capacity  since  July,  1909,  and 
that  he  has  been  efficient  and  fully  competent  to  discharge  the  duties  imposed  is 
manifested  bv  the  period  of  his  service.     He  was  born  in  Detroit,  Alichigan,  on 


574  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

February  25,  1878,  and  is  the  son  of  William  T.  and  ^largaret  ( Hopwood ) 
Macauley.  The  father  founded  and  for  many  years  conducted  a  wholesale  book 
and  stationery  business  in  Detroit,  which  is  now  being  operated  by  his  brother. 
J.  F.  Macauley.  He  passed  away  on  the  5th  of  ]\Iarch,  1897,  and  was  laid  to 
rest  in  the  Woodmere  cemetery  of  that  city  beside  the  mother,  who  died  on 
October  30,  1879.  The  Macauley  family  is  of  Scotch-Irish  origin,  but  they  have 
been  residents  of  America  for  more  than  a  hundred  years. 

The  preliminar\-  education  of  Charles  A.  Macauley  was  obtained  in  the 
public  schools  of  his  native  city,  and  this  was  later  supplemented  by  a  course 
at  Miami  University,  where  he  terminated  his  student  days  in  1896.  During  the 
succeeding  two  years  he  was  identified  with  various  occupations,  but  at  the  age 
of  twenty  he  entered  the  insurance  field,  as  the  local  agent  for  an  Indianapolis 
firm.  He  engaged  in  the  business  with  the  expectation  of  making  it  his  life  voca- 
tion, and  with  this  view  in  mind  applied  himself  tirelessly  to  acquiring  the  faculty 
of  adapting  himself  to  the  innumerable  requirements  essential  to  success  in  this 
profession.  As  a  result  he  made  rapid  progress.  The  company  quickly  recog- 
nized his  powers  and  his  apparently  unlimited  capacity  for  work  so  they  pro- 
moted him  from  time  to  time  in  accordance  with  the  ability  he  exhibited  until  he 
was  superintendent  of  the  office.  Later  he  was  sent  out  on  the  road,  and  for  two 
and  a  half  years  before  coming  to  Peoria  was  their  traveling  representative. 

Mr.  Macauley  was  married  in  December.  1898,  to  Miss  Anne  D.  Clarke,  a 
daughter  of  Thompson  B.  and  Rosamond  E.  Clarke,  of  Florida,  and  to  them  have 
been  born  two  children,  Warren  T.  and  Margaret  Jeanne,  both  of  whom  are  at- 
tending school.     They  reside  at  132  North  Glenwood  avenue. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Alacauley  has  attained  the  rank  of  a  thirty-second  degree 
Mason  of  the  Scottish  Rite,  and  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine  since 
1903.  He  is  affiliated  with  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Peoria  Country  Club 
and  has  held  membership  in  the  Indianapolis  Commercial  Club  for  two  years. 
During  his  college  days  he  was  a  member  of  the  Phi  Delta  Theta  fraternity.  He 
was  at  one  time  president  of  the  Indianapolis  Alumni  Association  and  was  the 
first  president  of  the  Miami  Alumni  Association  of  Indiana.  In  his  political 
views  he  is  republican,  his  support  being  given  to  the  progressive  faction  of  that 
body.  Such  success  as  Mr.  Macauley  now  enjoys  must  be  largely  attributed  to 
the  fact  that  he  started  out  at  the  beginning  of  his  career  with  a  well  defined 
purpose,  toward  the  attainment  of  which  he  has  loyally  labored  despite  the  ob- 
stacles and  disappointments  encountered. 


HENRY  PENK. 


Henry  P'enn,  who  resides  on  his  farm  of  sixty-seven  acres,  in  Rosefield  town- 
ship, was  born  January  2,  1871,  in  Pekin,  Illinois.  His  parents  were  Jacob  and 
Anna  (Ouick)  Penn,  the  former  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  of  Eng- 
land. They  were  married  in  Peoria,  Illinois,  in  1868  and  settled  in  Tazewell 
county.  In  their  family  were  nine  children,  of  whom  Henry,  of  this  review,  was 
the  eldest. 

Henry  Penn  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  remained  at  home  until 
he  was  twentv-one  vears  of  age.  when  he  engaged  in  coal  mining,  which  occupa- 
tion he  followed  for  ten  years.  He  was  first  employed  in  the  mines  at  Hanna 
City  and  later  at  Edwards'Station,  during  which  time  he  was  very  successful  and. 
being  very  thrifty,  laid  by  a  good  sum  of  money.  In  1902  he  rented  one  hundred 
and  twenty  acres  of  land  in  Jubilee  township,  on  which  he  followed  farming  for 
five  vears.'  In  1907  he  purchased  his  present  tract  of  land,  which  was  known  as 
the  \\"illiam  Parr  farm  and  is  located  on  section  27  and  has  on  it  a  coal  mine 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  575 

from  which   Air.   Penn  last  year  cleared  over  thirteen  hundred  dollars.      In  his 
farming  as  well  as  in  his  mining  operations  Mr.  Penn  has  been  successful. 

On  the  i2th  of  February,  1892,  Mr.  Penn  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Martha  Gillman,  who  is  the  daughter  of  George  and  Elizabeth  Gillman,  of  Peoria 
county.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Penn  are  the  parents  of  four  children :  Anna,  who  was 
born  October  24,  1893;  Lizzie,  born  July  23,  1896;  Elmer,  born  July  24,  1898; 
and  Roy,  born  May  2,  1900.  In  politics  Mr.  Penn  is  a  democrat.  He  is  greatly 
interested  in  the  cause  of  education  and  is  at  the  present  time  serving  as  a 
member  of  the  school  board.  Energetic,  diligent  and  persevering,  he  is  always 
fountl  reliable  in  all  his  business  connections  and  stands  for  the  progressive 
element  in  citizenship  and  for  trustworthiness  in  every  relation. 


ABRAHAM  J.XCOBSON. 

Abraham  Jacobsou,  a  practicing  attorney  at  law  and  a  real-estate  dealer  with 
offices  at  435-7  Main  street,  has  been  associated  with  the  professional  and  busi- 
ness life  of  Peoria  since  1896.  He  was  born  at  Suwalken,  Russian  Poland,  Oc- 
tober 12,  1873,  a  son  of  Nathan  and  Rachel  Jacobson.  The  father  came  to 
Peoria  in  1889  and  after  many  years  devoted  to  business,  is  now  living  retired. 

Abraham  Jacobson  received  his  preliminary  education  in  the  land  of  his  birth 
where  he  attended  public  and  private  schools.  After  arriving  in  the  new  world 
in  August,  1892,  he  settled  in  Peoria  and  spent  one  year  in  school,  at  the  end  of 
which  time  he  was  graduated.  After  putting  aside  his  te.xt-books  he  entered  the 
law  offices  of  I.  J.  Levinson,  and  ex-Judge  J.  W.  Maple,  where  he  remained  for 
eight  years.  While  engaged  with  that  law  firm  he  studeid  law  at  night,  after 
his  duties  of.  the  day  were  over.  As  he  was  the  eldest  child  it  was  necessary  for 
him  to  assist  in  the  support  of  the  family.  In  August,  1896,  after  having  gained 
much  practical  experience  in  the  law  office  where  he  had  worked,  and  also  hav- 
ing studiouslv  devoted  his  evenings  to  the  mastery  of  his  chosen  profession,  he 
took  the  examination  before  the  appellate  court  at  Mount  Vernon.  Illinois,  and, 
satisfactorily  answering  the  questions  propounded  to  him,  was  licensed  to  jirac- 
tice  as  an  attorney  bv  the  supreme  court  of  the  state.  In  the  following  year, 
he  formed  a  partnership  with  Robert  Schooles,  the  present  states  attorney,  with 
offices  in  the  old  library  building.  This  partnership  was  continued  until  the  fall 
of  1898,  when  it  was  dissolved  by  mutual  consent,  after  which  he  formed  an- 
other partnership  with  the  Hon.  John  Daily.  This  partnership  was  continued 
four  years  and  the  law  practice  of  the  partners  was  very  satisfactory.  Since 
the  dissolution  of  the  latter  connection,  which  was  also  by  mutual  consent,  Mr. 
Jacobson  has  been  alone  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  has  at  all  times 
been  accorded  a  very  liberal  practice  and  has  been  uniformly  successful.  For 
a  long  time  in  addition  to  his  law  practice  he  has  been  conducting  a  thriving  real- 
estate  business  and,  owing  to  his  ability  to  read  human  nature  and  his  winning 
personality,  has  been  so  successful,  both  in  his  professional  and  business  career, 
that  he  has  now  become  one  of  the  heavy  tax  payers  of  Peoria  county. 

Mr.  Jacobson  was  married  in  Springfield,  Illinois,  October  24,  1909,  to  Miss 
Lena  Olian,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  R.  Olian.  One  daughter  has  been 
born  to  them,  Charlotte  M.,  the  day  of  her  birth  being  July  30,  191 1.  In  his 
political  views  Mr.  Jacobson  is  a  republican.  He  is  a  blue  lodge  Mason  and  also 
an  active  worker  in  the  congregation  of  the  Jewish  churches,  being  a  tru.stee  of 
one  of  them.  The  family  reside  at  320  Crescent  avenue,  in  their  comfortable 
and  well  appointed  home.  His  successful  professional  and  business  career  may 
well  be  taken  as  an  object  lesson  by  the  young  men  of  this  country  who  are 
obliged  to  start  out  in  life  with  nothing  but  their  hands  and  brains  with  which 
to  build  their   fortune.     He  not  only  was   without  means  but   was   re(|uired   to 


576  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

work  while  still  young  to  suj^port  the  family.  Courage  and  unremitting  industry 
were  necessary  for  him  to  succeed  and  the  large  degree  of  success  which  he  has 
won  clearly  indicates  that  he  possesses  those  essential  traits  of  character  in  full 
measure.  He  is  well  known  in  business  and  legal  circles  in  Peoria  and  his  repu- 
tation through  the  community  is  well  established. 


CHARLES  BALLAXCE. 

.\  man  of  remarkable  force  of  character  was  Colonel  Charles  Ballance.  The 
limited  opportunities  of  his  youth  seeemd  no  bar  to  his  progress  and  ambition 
and  energy,  guided  by  sound  judgment  and  upright  principles,  brought  him  from 
humble  surroundings  into  important  professional  connections.  ]\Ioreover,  he 
became  recognized  as  a  man  of  scholarly  attainments  and  one  whose  gifts  were 
ever  wisely  used  for  the  benefit  of  the  public  as  well  as  for  his  personal  advance- 
ment. He  was  born  November  lo,  1800,  in  Madison  county,  Kentucky,  and  came 
of  English  ancestry,  representing  a  family  that  for  more  than  two  centuries, 
however,  has  lived  in  America.  The  first  of  the  name  in  the  new  world  settled 
in  \'irginia.  Following  the  outbreak  of  the  war  with  the  mother  country  Charles 
Ballance,  the  grandfather  of  him  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  espoused 
the  cause  of  the  colonies  and  laid  down  his  life  on  the  altar  of  independence. 
His  son,  Willis  Ballance,  born  and  reared  in  Virginia,  was  married  in  Culpeper 
county  that  state,  in  1796,  to  Joyce  Green  and  soon  afterward  a  removal  was 
made  to  Kentucky. 

Charles  Ballance  was  a  young  child  when  his  mother  died.  The  father  after- 
ward married  again  and  the  boy  seems  to  have  grown  toward  manhood  without 
much  guidance  or  control  aside  from  his  own  strong  sense  of  right.  He  was 
imbued  with  an  unconquerable  desire  to  obtain  an  education  beyond  that  offered 
in  the  country  schools  and  he  eagerly  availed  himself  of  every  opportunity  to 
earn  the  means  that  would  enable  him  to  pursue  a  course  of  study  along  some 
educational  line.  Eventually  he  entered  the  office  of  Judge  Terry  T.  Haggin, 
of  Harrodsburg,  Kentucky,  and  following  his  preparation  for  the  bar  w-as 
engaged  in  practice  in  his  native  state  for  two  years.  He  then  came  to  Illinois 
and  in  183 1  opened  an  office  in  Peoria,,  then  a  small  town.  His  practice  grew 
with  the  growth  of  the  city  and  he  easily  maintained  a  foremost  position  among 
the  members  of  the  Peoria  bar.  He  was  appointed  soon  after  his  arrival  in 
Illinois  to  the  position  of  county  surveyor  of  Peoria  county,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  for  some  years.  That  enabled  him  to  tide  over  the  period  when  a 
small  population  matie  an  extensive  law  practice  impossible,  but  the  number  of 
his  clients  grew  with  the  development  of  the  county  until  his  law  business  made 
strenuous  demands  upon  his  time  and  energies.  In  this  connection  a  con- 
temporary biographer  has  written:  "His  legal  ability  was  of  a  liigh  order  and, 
in  all  questions  involving  the  rights  of  property  holders,  he  had  no  superiors. 
It  was  in  this  line  his  reputation  rests.  Owing  to  the  way  in  which  Illinois  became 
a  part  of  the  United  States  there  was  much  vexatious  controversy  over  the 
"French  claims,'  some  of  which  were  just,  but  many  spurious  and  absurd.  By 
the  purchase  of  a  large  tract  of  land  in  the  southern  part  of  Peoria  (now  Bal- 
lance's  addition),  on  which  some  of  these  claims  infringed,  Mr.  Ballance  became 
almost  immediately  interested  in  the  study  of  land  titles.  For  a  long  series  of 
years  he  fought  these  claims,  sometimes  with  other  attorneys  to  assist  him,  but 
more  frequently  single-handed,  against  some  of  the  best  lawyers  in  the  west. 
Several  of  the  cases  were  carried  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States, 
where  they  were  argued  by  him  in  person.  Sometimes  successful  and  sometimes 
defeated,  he  persevered  till  he  triumphed  over  all  his  opponents  and  removed 
entirely  and  forever  that  incubus  on  the  prosperity  of  the  city,  the  'Peoria  French 
claims,'  so  that  now  no  such  claims  exist." 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  577 

In  1835  Colonel  llallance  was  married  to  Miss  Jnlia  M .  Schnebly,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Henry  Schnebly,  one  of  the  well  known  of  the  old-time  citizens  of  Peoria. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  I'.allance  were  born  ten  children  and  with  one  exception  all 
lived  to  adult  age. 

From  the  beginning  of  his  residence  in  Peoria  Mr.  llallance  was  recognized 
as  a  leader  in  local  jjolitical  circles,  for  his  patriotic  citizenship  and  his  well 
known  devotion  to  the  public  good  caused  his  fellow  townsmen  to  again  and 
again  seek  his  aid  and  cooperation  in  matters  relative  to  the  general  welfare. 
On  attaining  his  majority  he  had  become  a  supporter  of  the  whig  party  with 
which  he  was  identitied  until  it  disbanded  and  he  joined  the  new  republican 
partv,  ftiUowing  its  banners  until  his  demise.  His  indorsement  thereof  came 
about  through  his  opposition  to  the  extension  of  slavery  in  the  northern  territory. 
His  fellow  townsmen  elected  him  mayor  of  Peoria  in  1855  and  he  gave  to  the 
oitv  a  businesslike,  ])ractical  and  beneficial  administration.  Previously  he  had 
been  alderman  from  the  first  w^ard,  which  then  embraced  a  quarter  of  the  entire 
city.  His  individuality  was  strong  and  although  dithering  from  some  others  in 
the  advocacy  of  measures  promotive  of  general  interest,  none  could  impeach  his 
honesty  of  purpose  or  his  desire  to  further  commercial  prosperity.  In  1870  he 
published  a  History  of  Peoria  of  standard  authority  and  of  great  historical  value, 
in  which  his  views  ujion  jniblic  measures  eft'ecting  the  city  are  somewhat  fully  set 
forth,  lie  was  a  stanch  advocate  of  the  L'nion  cause  during  the  Civil  war  and 
although  more  than  sixty  years  of  age  raised,  largely  at  his  own  expense  the 
Sevcnt\ -seventh  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers,  of  which  he  was  elected 
colonel.  It  was  a  matter  of  the  deepest  regret  to  him  that  his  age  and  the  state 
of  his  health  comiJelled  him  to  resign  before  the  regiment  was  ordered  forth  for 
active  service.  Throughout  his  entire  life  he  was  actuated  by  principles  of  loyalty 
and  of  progressiveness  and  citizenship.  Wc  again  quote  from  a  former  biog- 
rapher who  said:  "The  life  of  Colonel  Charles  P>allance  is  a  record  of  energy 
and  of  perseverance  under  difficulties,  crowned  with  ultimate  and  complete  suc- 
cess. Through  the  long  period  of  his  life  he  retained  his  enterprise,  his  cheer- 
fulness of  disposition  and,  above  all,  his  desire  to  know.  The  fact  that  a  subject 
was  new  or  obscure  was  .sufficient  to  inspire  in  him  a  warm  interest,  and  no 
amount  of  difficulty  could  daunt  his  industry.  .Mthough  in  common  with  most 
\oung  men  of  the  early  days  of  the  past  century  he  had  little  direct  schooling, 
his  love  of  study  led  him  in  every  direction  till  his  knowledge  became  encyclo- 
p;edic.  Science  and  philosophy,  theology  and  medicine,  history  and  poetry  all 
interested  him  and  so  well  could  he  converse  on  any  one  of  them  that  to  the 
listener  it  seemed  that  the  subject  under  discussion  must  be  his  chosen  one. 
'Never  waste  a  minute*  was  his  favorite  motto,  and  much  of  his  reading  was  done 
in  the  odd  moments  when  waiting  for  others."  It  was  this  habit  of  his  life  that 
made  Colonel  Ballance  a  man  of  much  more  than  ordinary  ability  with  whom 
association  meant  expansion  and  elevation.  His  career  is  one  which  may  well 
serve  as  a  source  of  inspiration  and  encouragement  to  others,  showing  to  what 
mental  heights  and  to  what  financial  and  political  positions  one  may  attain  who 
possesses  energy,  determination  and  high  purpose. 


EDSON    SMIT 


Prominent  among  the  successful,  energetic  and  progressive  Ijusiness  men  of 
Elmwood  is  I.  Edson  Smith,  who  is  the  senior  member  of  the  hardware  firm  of 
Edson  Smith  &  Son.  A  native  of  Elmwood,  he  was  born  March  5,  US54,  the 
son  of  lames  'M.  and  Catherine  (Xickerson)  Smith,  the  former  born  in  Craw- 
ford county,  Ohio,  April  10,  1823,  and  the  latter  in  the  same  state,  September 
21,  1832.  The  paternal  grandparents,  Ichabod  and  Hannah  Smith,  were  among 
the  earliest,  best  known  and  highly  honored  settlers  of  Peoria  county  and  came 


578  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  Elmvvood  in  1837,  where  they  purchased  a  farm  for  which  they  paid  a  dollar 
and  a  quarter  per  acre.  The  father  of  our  subject,  James  M.  Smith,  came  from 
Ohio  to  Peoria  county  with  his  parents  and  grew  to  manhood  in  Elmwood  town- 
ship. When  only  a  youth  he  bought  a  farm  there  and  gradually  added  to  it  until 
he  owned  two  hundred  and  forty  acres.  From  1868  to  1872  he  was  engaged  in 
farming  near  Morning  Sun,  Iowa.  In  1887  he  retired  from  active  life,  renting 
his  farm,  and  resided  in  Elmwood.  His  wife  is  still  living  in  the  home,  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  town,  which  residence  her  husband  purchased  forty-six  years 
ago.  In  their  family  beside  J.  Edson,  of  this  review,  were  the  following  children : 
George  H.,  who  is  a  banker  at  Pawnee,  Oklahoma;  Mark,  a  contractor  at  Pueblo, 
Colorado;  H.  A.,  who  operates  the  old  homestead;  Mrs.  Jennie  Whitney;  and 
Mrs.   ]Maggie  Condon. 

J.  Edson  Smith  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  and  attended  school  in  Elm- 
wood until  seventeen  years  of  age.  After  leaving  school  he  clerked  for  five  years 
in  a  grocery  store  and  later  in  a  clothing  store.  In  1884  he  established  a  hard- 
ware store  in  Elmwood,  on  the  west  side  of  the  square,  in  the  operation  of  which 
he  has  since  been  engaged.  Being  progressive,  energetic  and  a  keen  business 
man,  he  has  developed  his  store  until  it  is  now  five  times  as  large  as  it  was  when 
first  opened.  He  does  an  extensive  plumbing  and  furnace  business  in  addition 
to  selling  hardware,  and  employs  ten  men.  In  1908  he  took  his  two  sons  into 
partnership  with  him  and  his  business  is  now  operated  under  the  firm  name  of 
Edson  Smith  &  Son. 

On  March  31,  1880,  Mr.  Smith  wedded  [Miss  Inez  Washburn,  a  native  of 
Knox  county,  Illinois,  and  a  daughter  of  Bezelah  and  Sarah  Washburn.  JMr. 
and  Mrs.  Smith  have  become  the  parents  of  two  sons,  Charles  and  James  Willis. 
The  mother  passed  away  December  7,  1908,  leaving  a  large  circle  of  friends  and 
accjuaintances  who  greatly  regretted  her  departure.  Mr.  Smith  is  a  republican 
but  he  has  never  aspired  to  public  ofiice,  preferring  to  give  all  his  time  to  his 
business  interests.  He  pays  much  attention  to  school  matters  and  for  over  twenty 
years  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  school  board.  Fraternally  he  is  identified 
with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  may  well  be  called  one  of  the 
most  prominent  and  leading  citizens  of  Elmwood,  where  he  has  spent  so  many 
years  of  his  life  and  where  he  has  been  so  constantly  identified  with  business  and 
social  relations. 


MARTIN  SEHM. 


Martin  Sehm,  vice  president  and  general  superintendent  of  The  R.  Her- 
schel  .^Manufacturing  Company,  located  in  East  Peoria,  has  been  connected  with 
the  business  interests  of  Peoria  for  twenty  years.  During  that  period  he  has 
manifested  the  diligence,  perseverance  and  unswerving  purpose  characteristic 
of  the  Teutonic  race,  which  gives  them  that  assurance  and  stability  underlying 
their  power.  He  was  born  in  Dresden,  Germany,  on  March  21,  1869,  and  there 
passed  the  first  twenty-three  years  of  his  life. 

Reared  in  a  home  of  comfortable  circumstances,  Martin  Sehm  was  given 
the  advantages  of  a  good  education.  After  leaving  school  he  learned  the  ma- 
chinist's trade  and  then  pursued  a  course  in  a  Technical  High  School.  After 
his  graduation  from  this  institution  he  entered  the  service  of  the  German  gov- 
ernment in  the  capacity  of  draughtsman  in  the  artillery  construction  bureau. 
He  was  subseciuently  employed  in  a  large  steel-rolling  mill  as  superintendent  of 
the  spring  department,  remaining  in  their  service  until  1892.  In  the  latter  year 
he  was  married  and  immediately  thereafter  together  with  his  young  bride  he 
emigrated  to  the  United  States.  Peoria  being  his  destination.  Upon  his  arrival 
here  he  identified  himself  with  The  R.  Herschel  Manufacturing  Company,  which 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  581 

was  then  a  struggling  enterprise  in  its  infancy.  The  plant  was  a  small,  cheaply 
constructed  frame  building  and  gave  little  promise  of  ever  achieving  its  pres- 
ent magnitude.  Mr.  Sehm  was  young,  intensely  energetic  and  possessed  a  re- 
markable capacity  for  work,  and  diligently  ajiplied  himself  to  the  development 
of  the  enterprise.  .\  well  defined  system,  methodically  followed,  sustained  by 
sound  judgment  and  practical  ideas  gradually  brought  results,  and  the  interven- 
ing years  showed  a  marked  progress  and  today  The  R.  Herschel  Manufacturing 
Company  is  one  of  the  stable  and  highly  prosperous  industries  of  East  Peoria. 
The  company  now  owns  about  ten  acres  of  ground  on  which  they  have  erected 
substantial  and  thoroughly  modern  brick  buildings,  while  their  equipment  in- 
cludes every  modern  machine  or  appliance  essential  to  the  successful  opera- 
tion of  a  plant  of  this  kind.  Their  products  have  a  wide  market  and  it  re- 
quires the  service  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  people  to  execute 
their  orders. 

In  September,  1892,  Mr.  Sehm  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Meta 
Herschel,  a  daughter  of  M.  R.  Herschel,  a  resident  of  Niederhaeslich,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Dresden,  Germany.  Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Airs.  Sehm,  as  follows:  Lenora,  a  student  at  Bradley  Institute;  and  Gertrude, 
and  Martin,  Jr.,  who  are  attending  public  school.  The  family  have  a  verv  pleas- 
ant residence  at  123  Chambers  avenue,  that  was  erected  in  1905. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Sehm  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  Masonic  order  and  be- 
longs to  the  Shrine.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Ivy  Clubs. 
He  has  prospered  in  his  undertakings  through  intelligent  and  capable  applica- 
tion of  his  inherent  ability  and  the  conservation  and  expenditure  of  his  forces 
to  meet  the  increasing  demands  of  his  business. 


HIRAM  E.  TODD. 


Hiram  E.  Todd,  a  successful  practicing  attorney  with  law  offices  at  538-539 
Woollier  building,  Peoria,  has  followed  his  profession  in  this  city  since  1897. 
He  was  born  in  Kankakee,  Illinois,  September  10,  1874,  a  son  of  Wilter  W. 
and  Asenath  Todd.  The  family  is  of  English  origin,  its  first  American  progeni- 
tor coming  to  this  country  in  1637.  Representatives  of  the  family  took  part  in 
the  Revolutionary  war  and  the  grandfather,  Hiram  Todd,  was  one  of  the  first 
medical  practitioners  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  where  he  practiced  among  both  the 
white  settlers  and  the  Indians,  at  an  early  day  in  the  history  of  the  Prairie  state. 
He  was  also  a  soldier,  taking  part  in  the  War  of  1812.  His  son,  Walter  W. 
Todd,  was  major  of  the  Seventy-sixth  Illinois  Infantry  from  1862  to  the  close 
of  the  Civil  war,  in  w'hich  he  enlisted  as  a  captain.  He  held  the  office  of  county 
clerk  and  county  treasurer  during  his  political  career  in  Kankakee  county  and 
was  also  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Eastern  Illinois  Hospital  for  the  Insane.  At 
the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1899,  when  he  had  reached  the  sixtieth 
year  of  his  age,  he  held  the  position  of  cashier  of  the  Chicago  Customs  House, 
a  place  which  he  had  occupied  for  some  years.  The  passing  of  the  mother  oc- 
curred in  1895  and  both  were  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Kankakee. 

Hiram  E.  Todd  received  his  jjrimary  education  in  Kankakee,  tl>e  city  of  his 
nativitv,  and  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1893.  .\fter  his  graduation 
he  entered  the  University  of  Illinois,  where  he  studied  for  one  year,  and  then 
entered  the  Kent  College  of  Law,  having  early  determined  to  devote  his  life  to 
that  profession.  He  was  graduated  from  Kent  College  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B. 
in  1897,  and  immediately  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Peoria,  which 
he  has  since  continued  with  uniform  success.  His  ability  as  well  as  his  reliabil- 
ity were  early  recognized  by  the  people  of  Peoria  and  he  was  made  a  member  of 


582  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  county  board  of  supervisors  early  during  his  residence  in  Peoria,  a  position 
which  he  held  for  three  years. 

Hiram  E.  Todd  was  married  in  this  city  September  lo,  1900,  to  Miss  Bertha 
Ferris,  a  daughter  of  Edward  and  Harriet  Ferris,  and  unto  them  have  been  born 
two  children ;  Sarah  G.,  now  a  student ;  and  Harriet,  who  has  not  yet  attained 
school  age.  The  political'  allegiance  of  Mr.  Todd  is  given  to  the  republican  party 
and  he  has  given  considerable  attention  to  politics  although  not  in  the  capacity 
of  an  office  seeker.  He  takes  much  interest  in  civic  affairs  and  his  voice  is  heard 
and  opinions  received  in  all  matters  of  policy  in  which  the  welfare  of  his  cit}' 
and  county  is  concerned.  Fraternally  he  is  a  blue  lodge  Mason  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Creve  Coeur  Clul).  He  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Peoria  and  Illinois 
State  Bar  Associations,  being  elected  president  of  the  former  in  1912.  For  eight 
years  he  has  served  as  superintendent  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church  Sunday 
school.  His  ability  as  a  lawyer  and  the  excellent  reputation  which  he  enjoys  as 
a  member  of  that  profession  have  given  him  a  creditable  standing  among  the 
younger  attorneys  of  Peoria.  His  practice  almost  from  the  beginning  has  been 
very  satisfactory  and  he  achieved  a  gratifying  degree  of  success.  He  has  come 
to  be  well  known  in  legal,  business  and  fraternal  circles  of  the  city  of  his  adop- 
tion and  is  one  of  its  valued  citizens. 


JUDGE  ROBERT  H.  LOVETT. 

Numbered  among  the  successful  members  of  the  Peoria  bar  is  Judge  Robert 
H.  Lovett,  who  has  practiced  his  profession  in  the  county  of  his  nativity  and  iu 
the  city  of  his  adoption  since  1885.  He  has  been  a  master  in  the  United  States 
chancery  court  since  May,  1905,  and  has  also  held  the  distinction  of  being  county 
judge  of  Peoria  county.  He  was  born  at  Brimfield,  Peoria  county,  July  2,  i860, 
a  son  of  Robert  B.  Lovett,  who  was  a  blacksmith  at  that  place,  migrating  from 
Pennsylvania  at  a  comparatively  early  day.  The  family  is  of  French  origin  and 
representatives  of  the  name  settled  in  this  country  before  the  Revolutionary 
war.  Robert  B.  Lovett  passed  away  in  1903,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three  years, 
his  wife  having  preceded  him  to  the  grave  in  1891,  her  death  occurring  on  Feb- 
ruary 22,  when  she  was  sixty-seven  years  of  age.  Both  were  buried  in  the 
family  lot  in  Brimfield  cemetery.  The  father's  death  was  occasioned  by  a  street 
car  accident  in  Peoria. 

Robert  H.  Lovett  is  indebted  to  the  common  schools  of  Peoria  county  for 
his  primary  education,  graduating  from  the  high  school  in  1876  at  the  age  of 
sixteen  years.  After  his  graduation  he  immediately  took  up  the  profession  of 
teacher  in  the  country  schools  for  a  period  of  seven  years.  An  inclination  to- 
ward the  legal  profession  as  a  life  work,  however,  had  been  noticeably  displayed 
and  during  the  greater  part  of  the  period  spent  in  teaching  he  gave  all  of  his 
spare  time  to  reading  law.  After  teaching  for  seven  years  he  attended  normal 
school  for  one  year  and  in  the  fall  of  1885  was  licensed  by  the  supreme  court 
as  a  legal  practitioner.  Immediately  after  being  admitted  to  the  bar  he  began 
the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Peoria  and  a  year  later  entered  into  partnership 
with  Daniel-  R.  Shean,  with  whom  he  remained  associated  until  1904.  when  he 
was  elected  to  the  county  judgeship.  Prior  to  this  he  had  been  appointed,  in 
1900,  as  United  States  commissioner  and  United  States  master  in  chancery.  He 
is  a  member  and  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association  and  also  belongs 
to  the  State  Bar  Association. 

ludge  Lovett  was  married  in  Brimfield,  September  16,  1886,  to  ]\Iiss  Laura 
Gilson,  a  daughter  of  :\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Hosier  Gilson.  To  them  have  been  born  a 
daughter  and  son :  L.  Evangeline,  attending  a  Peoria  school;  and  Elliott  C.,  a 
student  of  the  Bradley  Institute.    The  family  residence  is  at  315  North  Douglas 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  583 

street,  a  home  which  Mr.  Lovett  erected  in  1903.  He  is  a  blue  lodge  Mason, 
being  an  honored  and  active  member  of  that  fraternity.  He  i.s  actively  allied 
with  the  republican  party,  being  secretary  of  the  county  central  committee  of 
that  party.  The  successful  professional  life,  coupled  with  the  official  career  of 
Judge  Lovett,  has  made  him  exceptionally  well  known  throughout  Peoria  county 
and  city,  where  by  his  distinguished  professional  ability  he  has  commended  him- 
self to  a  large  clientele  made  up  of  the  representative  citizenship  of  Peoria. 


WALTER  DE  \ALLE  HOPKINS. 

Walter  De  X'alle  Hojjkins,  a  man  of  affairs,  alert  and  enterprising,  is  ac- 
ceptably filling  the  position  of  school  inspector  and  is  also  prominently  connected 
with  business  interests  as  a  grocer  of  Peoria.  Progress  characterizes  his  ef- 
forts in  both  connections  and  he  seeks  to  inculcate  improved  methods  which  will 
be  productive  of  practical  and  beneficial  results.  He  was  born  January  21,  1879, 
in  Peoria,  in  that  section  of  the  city  which  was  then  known  as  West  Bluff.  1  he 
birth  of  his  father,  Walter  Hopkins,  occurred  on  board  a  transport,  February 
5,  1856,  when  his  parents  were  coming  from  London,  England.  For  a  consid- 
erable period  Walter  Hopkins  was  engaged  in  merchandising  in  Peoria  or  was 
employed  as  a  salesman  here.  He  married  Miss  Sarah  Harvey,  who  was  born 
in  Logan  township,  this  county,  in  i860.  Both  are  still  living.  In  their  family 
were  four  sons  and  a  daughter,  Walter,  Harry,  Herbert,  Robert  and  Elizabeth. 

Reared  under  the  parental  roof  Walter  D.  Hopkins  pursued  his  education  in 
the  old  fifth  ward  school  on  Moss  avenue,  now  known  as  the  Franklin  school. 
On  Saturdays  and  in  the  evenings  when  the  school  session  was  over  for  the  day 
he  worked  in  a  grocery  store  in  West  Bluff,  acquainting  himself  with  the  business 
in  principle  and  detail.  He  continued  to  act  as  a  salesman  in  grocery  stores 
until  about  seven  years  ago  when  he  organized  the  W.  D.  Hopkins  Grocery 
Company  and  began  business  on  his  own  account  at  Madison  avenue  and  Fulton 
street.  His  business  has  steadily  increased  owing  to  capable  management,  re- 
liable methods  and  unfaltering  enterprise,  and  he  is  today  the  leading  grocer  in 
the  down-town  district.  He  carries  a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  both  staple 
and  fancy  groceries  and  at  all  times  his  business  conforms  to  a  high  standard  of 
commercial  ethics. 

Mr.  Hojikins  is  always  interested  in  advancement  and  improvement,  and  to 
this  end  he  belongs  to  the  Peoria  Merchants'  Association,  to  the  Peoria  Retail 
Grocers'  Association,. of  which  he  has  been  secretary  for  the  past  five  years,  and 
to  the  Association  of  Commerce.  His  fellow  townsmen,  appreciative  of  his 
worth  and  ability,  have  called  him  to  public  office.  In  the  fourth  ward  he  was 
elected  school  inspector  in  .\pril,  191 1.  The  race  for  the  nomination  was  a  nota- 
ble one,  Mr.  Hopkins  receiving  support  far  in  advance  of  one  of  the  well-known 
leaders  of  the  part/.  He  became  one  of  the  members  of  the  "reorganized  school 
board"  following  a  movement  in  which  public  opinion  was  aroused  against  old 
time  methods  that  were  detrimental  to  the  best  interests  of  education.  Follow- 
ing his  election  in  April,  191 1,  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  building,  the 
auditing  anfl  the  finance  committees,  and  is  doing  excellent  work  in  those  connec- 
tions. Although  one  of  the  younger  he  is  also  one  of  the  most  active  members 
of  the  school  board,  wise  in  his  understanding  of  public  needs,  valuable  in  his 
service  and  actuated  at  all  times  by  the  spirit  of  progress  because  of  his  realiza- 
tion of  the  worth  of  education  as  a  preparation  for  life's  practical  and  res])on- 
sible  duties. 

On  the  loth  of  September,  1901,  Mr.  Hopkins  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Pearl  Wyatt,  and  with  their  four  children,  Edith,  June,  Walter  and  Keith, 
they  reside  at  No.  306  Third  avenue.     Mr.  Hopkins  and  his  wife  are  identified 


584  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

with  the  Hale  Memorial  ]\Iethodist  Episcopal  church  and  his  membership  rela- 
tions also  extend  to  Temple  Lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  JM.,  Electa  Chapter,  O.  E.  S., 
West  Bluff  Lodge,  K.  P.,  the  Dramatic  Order  of  the  Knights  of  Khorassan,  the 
Fraternal  Reserves  and  the  Court  of  Honor.  Steadfast,  industrious  and  deter- 
mined, his  close  attention  to  business  has  constituted  the  basis  of  his  rise  in 'the 
business  world,  and  his  public  spirited  citizenship  is  the  root  of  his-  politi- 
cal preferment. 


HUGH  E.  WILSON. 


Hugh  E.  Wilson  is  a  general  legal  practitioner  with  offices  at  \'o.  542  Wool- 
ner  building,  where  he  established  himself  October  15,  1909.  He  was  born  near 
Mason  City,  Illinois,  March  21,  1886,  the  son  of  C.  R.  and  Florence  L.  Wilson. 
The  father  is  a  practical  farmer  and  is  still  living  on  the  homestead  upon  which 
he  settled  in  1884.  He  is  a  man  of  prominence  in  the  community  and  is  highly 
respected.  The  family,  which  is  of  English  origin,  was  established  on  the  Amer- 
ican continent  in  the  eighteenth  century. 

The  primary  education  of  Hugh  E.  Wilson  was  gained  in  the  Mason  City 
public  schools  and  he  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1903.  He  then 
entered  the  University  of  Illinois,  from  which  institution  he  was  graduated  in 
1909  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  Immediately  afterward  he  entered  upon  the 
practice  of  his  .profession  in  Peoria  and  from  the  beginning  has  met  with  en- 
couraging success.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association. 

In  political  matters  Mr.  Wilson  is  independent,  supporting  such  candidates 
as  in  his  opinion  are  best  qualified  to  fill  the  positions  to  which  they  aspire. 
Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  ]\Iodern  Woodmen  camp  and  his  social  nature 
finds  expression  in  his  membership  in  the  Psi  Upsilon  fraternity.  He  is  one  of 
the  bright  young  lawyers  of  Peoria,  who  by  his  skill  and  professional  technique 
which  he  has  displayed  since  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  has  been 
marked  as  being  among  those  of  his  class  who  will  attain  eminence  in  his  chosen 
profession. 


HENRY  HERMAN  ALBRECHT. 

With  the  retirement  from  active  business  life  of  Henry  Herman  Albrecht,  in 
1898,  the  drug  trade  of  Peoria  lost  one  of  its  veteran  members.  Mr.  Albrecht's 
name  has  been  associated  with  the  drug  business  in  this  city  for  many  \ears. 
and  his  retirement  cost  Peoria  a  good  druggist  and  an  active  and  representative 
business  man. 

Henry  Herman  Albrecht  was  born  at  Dielsdorf,  Canton  Zurich,  Switzerland, 
on  December  13,  1841,  and  received  a  good  education  in  the  public  schools  of 
that  district.  He  fitted  himself  for  teaching,  but  on  reaching  manhood  gave  up 
the  idea  of  following  that  occupation,  and  left  Zurich  for  America.  He  landed 
in  Newark,  New  Jersey,  in  i860,  where  he  resided  for  three  years,  and  came 
to  Peoria  in  1863.  His  residence  here  since  that  time  has  been  continuous  with 
the  exception  of  one  year  spent  in  Fairbury,  Illinois,  as  a  clerk  in  the  First 
National  Bank  of  that  city.  The  first  position  which  he  obtained  in  Peoria  was 
that  of  clerk  in  a  grocery  store,  owned  by  a  German  lady  of  intense  southern 
sympathies.  During  the  excitement  of  Lincoln's  second  presidential  campaign, 
the  political  views  of  the  owner  of  the  store,  clashed  with  those  of  her  clerk 
to  the  extent  of  open  disagreement,  and  Mr.  Albrecht  lost  his  place  because  he 
was  in  sympathy  with     the   Union  and  opposed  to  slavery.     His  next  position 


ii]-:m;\   II.  Ai.iiKKi  nr 


lien 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  587 

was  with  the  drug  lirm  of  P.  S.  Shelly  &  Son,  117  South  Washington  street. 
Here  he  remained  for  some  time,  becoming  thoroughly  acc[uainted  with  the  busi- 
ness, and  acquiring  an  aptitude  for  it  and  a  proficiency  in  it  which  remained 
with  him  during  his  active  career.  In  1875  he  was  given  a  share  of  the  business, 
.ind  a  few  months  afterward,  Mr.  Shelly  sold  out  his  interest  to  Mr.  Albrecht, 
who  for  many  years  afterward  carried  on  a  most  successful  business  at  117 
South  Washington  street,  at  that  time  the  center  of  the  retail  trade  of  Peoria. 
In  the  year  1885.  Mr.  Albrecht  moved  his  business  to  the  Hamilton  building, 
-i3  South  Adams  street,  where  he  remained  until  i8g8  when  he  was  compelled 
to  retire  on  account  of  failing  health. 

Since  his  retirement,  Mr.  .Albrecht  devotes  his  entire  attention  to  looking 
after  real-estate  interests  in  and  around  Peoria.  He  is  the  owner  of  much  city 
property,  and  has  a  large  farm  near  Washington,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois. 

Henry  H.  Albrecht  was  married  in  iSfiS  to  Miss  Katherine  Seng,  of  W'ash- 
ington,  Illinois,  a  daughter  of  a  pioneer  settler  of  Tazewell  county,  who  came 
to  America  from  Germany  in  1832,  making  his  way  by  boat  up  the  Illinois 
river  to  Chicago.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Albrecht  became  the  parents  of  three  daugh- 
ters :  Mary  Louisa,  the  wife  of  Jack  Weinkauff,  head  chemist  and  part  owner 
of  the  wholesale  drug  firm  of  Sutlifif  &  Case  Company  of  Peoria ;  Nellie,  who 
married  J.  Denzler,  teller  at  the  Home  Savings  &  State  Bank  of  this  city ;  and 
Lillian  Odelia,  at  present  employed  as  a  kindergarten  teacher  in  the  Peoria 
public  schools.  Mr.  Albrecht  and  his  entire  family  are  members  of  the  First 
derman  Alethodist  Episcopal  church.  FTenry  Albrecht  now  resides  at  900  Mon- 
son  street,  this  city.  He  spends  his  winters  at  Miami,  Florida,  where  he  owns  a 
large  grapefruit  grove,  planted  under  his  supervision,  in  which  he  takes  an 
active  and   intelligent  interest. 


DELOSS  STODDARD  BROWN. 

Various  lines  of  business  activity  profited  by  the  cooperation  and  sound  judg- 
ment of  Deloss  Stoddard  Brown.     Capable  of  controlling  extensive  interests,  he 
constantly    broadened    the    scope    of    his    labors    and    business    connections    and 
thereby  contributed  more  and  more  largely  to  public  progress  and  prosperity  as 
well  as  to  individual  success.     He  was  born  in  the  little  hamlet  of  Lightningbug, 
Massachusetts,  on  the  very  top  of  the  Green  mountains,  situated  in  the  town- 
ship of  Cummington,  Hampshire  county.     His  father,  Hiram   Brown,  Sr.,  was 
a  cabinet-maker  and  the  son,  who  was  the  youngest  of  the  family,  soon  found 
himself  the  only  bread  winner  of  the  household,  for  his  older  brothers  drifted 
away    from    home,    in    search    of    more    advantageous    fields    of    labor.     De- 
loss  S.    Brown   worked   at   whatever   labor  presented   itself,   picking   berries   in 
the  summer  months  and  grinding  whetstones  at  the   water  power  mill   in   the 
winter  seasons.     The  rocky  mountainside  seemed  to  indicate  something  of  his 
firm  determination  and  unyielding  spirit  when  with  a  legitimate  purpose  in  view 
he  started  out  to  make  his  way  in  the  world.     Like  his  older  brothers  he,  too, 
soon  discovered  that  his  little  home  town  offered  no  path  to  fortune  and,  leav- 
ing the  old  homestead,  he  at  length  arrived  in  Elmwood,   Peoria  county.     His 
educational  advantages  were  very  limited  and  he  had  no  financial  resources,  ren- 
dering immediate  employment,  therefore,  a  necessity.    The  year  of  his  arrival  in 
this  county  was  1865.     He  soon  found  that  a  certain  jeweler  of  Elmwood  was  a 
drunkard  and  from  him  he  purchased  his  outfit  with  borrowed  money.     Then 
he  began  business  as  a  watchmaker  in  the  window  of  his  brother's  shop.      He 
frankly  acknowledged  that  he  knew  nothing  of  the  trade  but  he  possessed  much 
natural  mechanical  ability  and  ingenuity,  gave  himself  to  the  study  of  the  bus- 


588  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

iness  and  in  course  of  time  built  up  a  large  jewelry  trade,  increasing  the  volume 
of  his  business  to  such  an  extent  that  at  one  time  he  sold  in  a  wholesale  way 
throughout  the  central  west,  having  patrons  in  many  cities,  including  Chicago, 
which  was  then  a  comparatively  small  town.  Year  after  year  he  closely  applied 
himself  to  the  conduct  and  development  of  his  business  and  won  an  enviable 
reputation  as  an  enterprising,  progressive  merchant. 

In  1867  Mr.  Brown  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Frances  Bush,  of  Peoria, 
and  two  years  later  they  were  married.  They  became  parents  of  five  children. 
Anna  Eveline,  Alice  J..  Eugene,  Edna  and  Deloss  S.  His  sons  are  the  most 
prominent  real-estate  men  of  Peoria  and,  operating  under  the  name  of  The 
Brown  Realty  Company,  have  developed  and  sold  several  large  suburban  tracts. 
In  the  year  1876  William  R.  Bush,  Mrs.  Brown's  father,  induced  Mr.  Brown 
to  remove  to  Peoria  and  join  him  in  the  distilling  business,  and  the  two  became 
lifelong  business  partners.  Mr.  Brown  took  up  his  residence  on  the  East  BluiT, 
where  he  lived  until  his  death.  During  a  successful  career  in  Peoria  he  held 
many  positions  of  trust  and  responsibility,  always  meriting  and  enjoying  the 
complete  confidence  of  his  many  acquaintances.  His  opinion  concerning  invest- 
ments and  business  policy  was  as  much  sought  as  that  of  any  man  of  his  time. 
As  the  years  passed  and  prosperity  attended  his  labors  he  extended  his  activities 
along  many  lines,  becoming  associated  with  manufacturing,  farming,  banking, 
municipal  and  mercantile  interests  of  the  county.  By  judicious  purchase  he  ac- 
cumulated large  real-estate  holdings  and  with  the  increase  in  property  values 
these  brought  him  great  wealth.  From  1886  until  the  time  of  his  death  he  con- 
ducted the  piano  and  music  business  known  as  the  Brown,  Page  &  Hillman  Com- 
pany at  309  Main  street,  of  which  he  was  the  sole  owner:  Close  application  was 
his  watchword  and  his  unremitting  devotion  to  business  probably  brought  on  his 
last  illness  resulting  in  his  untimely  death  on  the  ist  of  July,  1906,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-six  years. 

Mr.  Brown  held  to  liberal  religious  views,  and  was  ever  actuated  by  high  and 
honorable  motives  seeking  the  moral  progress  of  his  community.  His  religion 
was  that  of  works  rather  than  of  words  and  he  was  a  pioneer  in  the  advocacy 
and  support  of  charitable  institutions  of  the  city.  His  life  was  absolutely  clean 
in  its  purposes  and  he  numbered  among  his  friends  many  of  the  most  prominent 
men  of  the  city,  including  Parker  Pillsbury.  Charles  C.  Burleigh  and  many  others 
of  note.  Mr.  Brown  was  a  Mason,  holding  membership  in  Horeb  Lodge  of 
Elmwood.  He  was  a  prince  of  entertainers  and  his  salient  traits  of  character 
were  such  as  ever  won  for  him  the  high  regard,  good-will  and  confidence  of 
those  with  whom  he  was  brought  in  contact,  and  he  was  an  acceptable  companion 
in  anv  societv  in  which  intelligence  is  a  necessary  attribute  to  agreeableness. 


HARRY  M.  POWELL. 


There  are  two  distinct  departments  in  newspaper  organization  and  to  make 
any  journal  successful  constant  attention  must  be  paid  to  both  of  these  branches. 
There  must  be  expert  attainment  along  editorial  and  literary  lines  and  there  must 
also  be  shrewd  and  discriminating  business  management.  The  failure  of  many 
daily  papers  is  largely  the  result  of  incapable  executives.  More  attention  is  paid 
to  tile  news  getting  and  editorial  branch  than  to  the  commercial  department  of 
the  enterprise.  The  Peoria  Evening  Star  is  particularly  fortunate  in  its  choice 
of  a  man  to  control  its  business  operations.  Harry  M.  Powell  has  been  prom- 
inently identified  with  the  corporation  controlling  the  Peoria  Star  since  1905. 
and  his  work  in  his  special  line  has  increased  the  circulation  of  the  paper  and 
has  put  it  on  a  sound  and  solid  financial  basis. 

Mr.  Powell  is  a  native  of  Peoria,  where  he  was  born  April  20,   1878.     His 


HISTORY  OF  l>EORL\  COUNTY  589 

parents  were  Edwin  A.  and  Lizzie  D.  Powell,  the  former  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  in  this  county  and  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  practically  all  his 
life.  The  family  came  from  \'irginia  to  this  section  of  the  country  in  1748  and 
its  representatives  have  been  prominent  in  America  since  pre-Revolutionary 
times.  Edwin  A.  Powell,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was  an  important  figure  in 
business  circles  of  this  city  during  his  life.  He  died  in  1899  and  his  grave  is  in 
Springdale  cemetery,  where  his  wife  was  also  buried  on  her  death  in  1905. 

Harrv  M.  Powell  attended  the  public  schools  of  Peoria  and  was  graduated 
from  the  Central  high  school  in  1892.  His  business  career  began  in  the  same 
year,  when  he  started  as  an  office  boy  with  the  Peoria  Grape  Sugar  Trust.  He 
resigned  this  position  to  enter  the  employ  of  a  local  bicycle  firm,  but  left  that 
field  of  activity  soon  afterward  to  become  identified  with  the  newspaper  business 
and  in  this  line  of  activity  he  has  been  prominent  and  successful  ever  since.  ^  He 
has  occupied  his  present  position  as  business  manager  of  the  Peoria  Star  Com- 
pany since  1905  and  during  that  period  has  made  a  record  for  himself  for  capa- 
ble, efficient  and  shrewd  management  of  the  affairs  of  his  employers.  Mr. 
Powell  is  essentially  a  business  man,  capable  of  a  remarkable  amount  of  con- 
centrated work,  shrewd  in  discrimination  and  sound  in  judgment,  and  these 
qualities  have  brought  him  to  a  high  jjosition  in  his  chosen  field  of  activity. 

On  the  loth  of  .\pril,  1907,  Mr.  Powell  was  married,  in  Peoria,  to  Aliss 
Theodosia  Alarsters,  a  daughter  of  William  G.  and  Theodosia  Marsters,  who 
were  well  known  in  this  city  during  their  lives.  Her  father  was  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  lohnson  &  Marsters,  who  did  a  large  and  important  fire  insurance  busi- 
ness for  manv  vears  in  Peoria.  He  was  at  one  time  secretary  of  the  Benevolent 
Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  was  a  prominent  man  in  business  circles  of  this  city 
until  his  death.  ^Mr.  Powell  and  his  wife  are  the  parents  of  one  child,  William 
Edwin,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  12th  of  March,  1908.  The  family  reside  at 
No.  123  Moss  avenue  in  a  beautiful  and  artistic  home  erected  by  Mr.  Powell  in 
1908. 

Politically  Mr.  Powell  is  a  stanch  democrat  and  is  a  firm  believer  in  the  prin- 
ciples and  policies  for  which  this  party  stands.  He  takes  an  intelligent  interest 
in  current  affairs  and  was  appointed  by  Governor  Deneen  as  democratic  mem- 
ber of  the  state  board  of  arbitration.  He  holds  membership  in  the  Benevolent 
Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  is  well  and  prominently  known  among  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  is  endowed  in  an  eminent  degree  with  those 
qualities  of  concentrated  industry  and  power  of  initiative  which  win  success  in 
any  business  career.  He  has  made  the  Peoria  Star  well  known  and  financially 
prosperous  and  his  ability  and  able  direction  have  placed  that  newspaper  upon  .\ 
solid  business  footing. 


JAMES  R.  CARTER. 


lames  R.  Carter,  superintendent  of  the  J.  G.  Cherry  Company,  is  a  most  en- 
terprising young  man  of  promising  future.  He  was  born  in  Harrisburg,  \  ir- 
ginia,  on  the  15th  of  January,  1879,  and  is  a  son  of  Robert  Carter,  a  carpenter 
by  trade. 

Reared  at  home  at  the  usual  age  James  R.  Carter  was  i)laccd  m  the  iniblic 
schools  of  his  native  town,  where  he  pursued  his  education  until  he  had  attained 
the  age  of  twelve  years.  His  text-books  were  then  laid  aside  in  order  that  he 
might  become  self-supporting.  He  first  found  employment  in  a  grist  mill  in 
his  home  town.  Being  an  energetic  youth  of  practical  ideas,  early  realizing  that 
thrift  and  industry  are  essential  factors  in  successful  achievement,  he  applied 
himself  intelligently  to  the  mastery  of  every  detail  of  the  Inisiness.  His  efforts 
in  this  direction  were  so  well  rewarded  that  four  years  later,  at  the  age  of  si.x- 


590  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

teen,  he  was  offered  and  accepted  the  position  of  miller  at  Carlton,  Maryland. 
He  was  employed  in  the  Carlton  Mills  for  four  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which 
time  he  came  to  Illinois,  first  settling  in  Chicago.  A  few  months  later  he  came 
to  Peoria,  becoming  a  resident  of  this  city  in  1899.  P'or  three  years  thereafter 
he  worked  for  the  street  car  company  in  the  capacity  of  conductor,  withdrawing 
at  the  end  of  that  time  to  enter  the  machine  shop  of  E.  M.  Smith.  Two  years 
later  he  removed  to  Kansas  City,  but  he  only  remained  there  about  twelve 
months,  returning  to  Peoria  in  1905  to  accept  a  position  in  the  factory  of  J.  G. 
Cherry  Company,  manufacturers  of  egg  cases.  He  fully  appreciated  the  fact 
that  this  afforded  excellent  opportunities  for  advancement  and  applied  his  best 
energies  and  highest  intelligence  to  his  duties.  His  employers  early  recognized 
his  worth  and  subsequently  promoted  him  to  the  position  of  superintendent'. 
The  responsibilities  this  entailed  brought  to  light  hitherto  unexpected  powers 
and  Mr.  Carter  early  manifested  the  executive  ability  and  foresight  that  marked 
him  as  one  not  only  fully  qualified  to  direct  but  to  lead.  Since  he  became  con- 
nected with  this  firm  six  years  ago  he  has  rebuilt  the  plant  and  has  installed  new 
machinery  practically  throughout  the  establishment,  introducing  many  ideas  and 
innovations  entirely  his  own.  He  is  absorbed  in  his  work,  and  is  constantly 
striving  to  improve  the  enterprise  in  every  possible  way,  transmitting  his  enthu- 
siasm to  his  workmen,  who  thus  find  greater  pleasure  in  the  execution  of  their 
duties.  A  practical  man  of  original  ideas  and  progressive  methods,  he  possesses 
the  vital  force  and  enterprise  to  successfully  direct  and  promote  an  industry 
under  most  trying  competitive  conditions,  and  is  becoming  recognized  as  one  of 
the  industrial  leaders  in  the  city. 

On  the  31st  of  October,  1905,  Mr.  Carter  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Maribel  Jennings  of  Peoria.  Illinois,  and  a  daughter  of  the  late  Joel  Jennings, 
a  well  known  agriculturist  of  Patoka,  this  state.  Two  sons  have  been  born  of 
this  marriage.  Mr.  Carter  owns  his  residence  and  several  other  pieces  of  prop- 
erty here  and  at  Averyville. 

He  is  not  afifiliated  with  any  clubs  or  fraternal  organizations,  devoting  his 
entire  time  to  the  development  of  his  business  interests  and  his  family.  His 
achievements  are  highly  deserving  of  commendation  as  they  are  the  well  merited 
remarks  of  honest  endeavor  and  painstaking  eff'orts  exercised  by  a  man  who  has 
been  self-supporting  from  his  early  boyhood. 


PROFESSOR  JOHN  ARLEIGH  HAYES. 

Professor  John  .\rleigh  Hayes,  a  Harvard  man,  whose  liberal  educational 
training  has  well  qualified  him  for  responsible  duties  in  educational  circles,  is 
now  filling  the  position  of  county  superintendent  of  schools,  to  which  he  was 
elected  in  September,  1910.  He  holds  to  high  standards  in  this  work,  is  pro- 
gressive in  his  methods,  and  under  his  direction  the  schools  of  the  county  are 
making  substantial  and  practical  advancement. 

Professor  Hayes  is  still  a  young  man,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Prim- 
field,  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  on  the  19th  of  January,  1877.  His  father.  Charles 
Hayes,  was  a  native  of  England,  but  when  seven  years  of  age  was  brought  to 
America  by  his  parents,  who  settled  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.  Later  a  removal  was 
made  to  Earlville,  Iowa,  where  he  was  reared  to  manhood,  and  on  starting  out 
in  life  for  himself,  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching.  When  twenty-two  years 
of  age  he  removed  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  where  he  has  since  engaged  in 
teaching  and  farming,  meeting  with  success  in  both  lines  of  endeavor.  He  now 
lives  in  Brimfield  and  has  a  well  improved  farm  in  this  vicinity.  In  politics  he 
has  alwavs  been  an  active  democrat  and  has  held  a  number  of  local  positions, 
including  that  of  town  clerk.     He  has  also  been  school  treasurer  and  the  cause 


J.  A.  HAVES 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  593 

of  education  has  found  in  him  a  stalwart  champion,  for  he  recognizes  in  it  the 
bulwark  and  defense  of  the  nation.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Hindle,  of 
Peoria  county,  a  member  of  one  of  the  early  English  families  here,  and  tliey 
became  the  parents  of  eight  children,  of  whom  seven  are  yet  living. 

Professor  John  A.  Hayes  was  reared  in  a  home  of  culture  and  refinement 
where  intellectual  progress  was  rated  at  its  true  worth,  recognizing  the  fact  that 
in  providing  their  children  with  good  educational  advantages  they  gave  them 
a  jiriceless  gift.  The  parents  thus  made  it  possible  for  John  .A.  Hayes,  as  well  as 
other  memliers  of  the  family,  to  pursue  their  studies  beyond  the  public-school 
course.  He  was  graduated  from  the  Western  Normal  College  with  the  class 
of  1896  and  afterward  entered  the  Illinois  State  Normal.  Later  he  went  east 
for  further  study  and  entered  the  scientific  course  in  Harvard  University,  with 
the  class  of  1903.  He  then  returned  to  his  home  state  and  took  up  the  profes- 
sion of  teaching,  being  connected  with  the  schools  at  Monica,  Illinois,  for  a 
time.  In  1905  he  accepted  the  position  of  principal  of  the  Loucks  school  in 
Peoria,  remaining  in  charge  for  three  years,  when  he  was  appointed  assistant 
county  superintendent  of  schools.  In  the  fall  of  1910  he  became  a  candidate  for 
count}-  superintendent  and  in  the  election  in  September  was  chosen  to  that  office 
as  the  successor  of  C.  U.  Stone.  He  has  since  satisfactorily  served  as  the  head 
of  the  school  system  of  the  county  and  his  well  formulated  plans  for  improve- 
ment have  been  followed  by  excellent  results.  He  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the 
best  work  that  is  being  done  in  city,  country  and  state  schools,  is  a  reader  of 
the  foremost  educational  journals,  and  while  he  has  adopted  ideas  advanced  by 
others,  he  has  also  displayed  much  of  the  spirit  of  the  initiative  in  formulating 
plans  especially  adapted  to  needs  and  conditions  here. 

In  Princeville,  in  1Q06,  Professor  Hayes  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Cora  \'.  P)Uck,  a  daughter  of  M.  H.  Buck,  a  retired  farmer  of  Princeville.  They 
have  one  child,  Gertrude  Elizabeth.  The  parents  hold  membership  in  the  Meth- 
odist church  and  are  interested  and  active  in  its  work.  Professor  Hayes  gives 
his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  fraternally  is  connected  with 
the  Masons,  the  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America.  Wherever  known  he  is  held  in  high  regard  and  most  of  all, 
where  he  is  best  known.  He  is  always  to  be  found  in  those  circles  where  the 
most  intelligent  men  are  gathered  in  the  discussion  of  vital  and  significant  ques- 
tions and  his  influence  and  labors  have  been  a  potent  factor  for  progress. 


HENRY  C.  BLOCK. 


The  pages  of  this  work  illustrate  the  lives  of  many  successful  men,  who  have 
risen  from  poverty  to  opulence  and  influence,  but  of  none  can  it  be  said  more 
truthfully  than  of  Henry  C.  Block  that  his  work  from  beginning  to  end  was 
actively  creative,  public-spirited,  inspired  by  a  generous,  proud  and  loyal  heart, 
and  useful  to  the  last  degree.  The  prosperity  of  a  city  is  mirrored  in  the  devel- 
opment and  increase  of  its  commercial  activity.  The  enterprise,  activity  and 
success  of  the  business  men  of  a  city  are  the  ground  work  of  its  pros|)erity. 
When  business  grows,  a  city  grows.  Therefore  to  the  men  who  have  linked  their 
fate  with  the  progress  of  a  city,  who  have  contributed  to  its  growth  by  giving  all 
their  faculties  and  talents  to  the  upbuilding  of  its  industries,  that  city  owes  a  debt 
of  gratitude.  A  man  to  whom  Peoria  is  indebted  in  a  large  degree  in  this  man- 
ner, is  the  gentleman  whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  Henry  C.  Block. 

Thoroughly  conversant  with  the  details  of  his  profession,  energetic  in  all  his 
commercial  transactions,  as  well  as  honorable  and  high-minded  in  all  the  different 
phases  of  life,  Mr.  Block  occupies  an  enviable  position  among  his  fellow  citizens, 
who  willingly  accord  to  him  a  place  in  their  first  ranks,  not  alone  for  his  many 


594  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

business  qualities,  but   for  every  trait  that  marks  tlie  true  Christian  gentleman 
and  man  of  honor. 

Henry  C.  Block,  who  is  now  president  of  the  great  dry-goods  firm  of  Schip- 
per  &  Block,  of  Peoria,  was  born  in  Leer,  East  Friesland,  Germany,  in  1842. 
His  father  kept  a  small  dry-goods  and  dyeing  establishment  in  Leer,  and  the  boy 
was  conversant  with  the  details  of  the  business  from  an  early  age.  He  was  edu- 
cated in  Germany,  receiving  the  excellent  course  of  study  which  the  high  schools 
of  that  country  offer  to  its  young  men.  Immediately  on  leaving  school,  he  entered 
his  father's  dry-goods  store,  where  he  learned  the  business  thoroughly  by  expe- 
rience in  all  its  departments.  He  also  worked  as  a  clerk  in  two  large  dry-goods 
stores  in  Germany  before  sailing  for  America  in  1865  at  the  age  of  twenty-three 
years.  He  landed  first  in  Xew  York,  where  he  worked  for  a  year  in  a  dry-goods 
store.  In  1866  he  came  west  and  settling  in  Pekin,  Illinois,  accepted  a  position 
as  clerk  in  the  store  of  George  Tom.  The  following  year,  he  came  to  Peoria  and 
entered  the  employ  of  the  Roebeck  Dry  Goods  Company  then  doing  lousiness  on 
Main  street.  However,  he  remained  in  Peoria  but  a  short  time,  after  which  he 
returned  to  Pekin  to  work  for  Bonk  &  Company,  leading  dry-goods  merchants  of 
that  city.  In  1869  Mr.  Block's  energy  and  business  qualifications  were  rewarded 
by  the  offer  of  a  partnership  in  the  business,  which  he  accepted.  The  business 
was  reorganized,  and  the  firm  name  changed  to  Schipper  &  Block,  under  which 
name  it  is  now  in  a  flourishing  condition  in  Pekin,  Illinois.  In  1880,  Henry  C. 
Block  joined  with  his  brother  Frederick  and  Mr.  Schipper,  and  later  was  joined 
by  Theodore  Kuhl,  in  opening  a  store  in  Peoria,  which  was  the  foundation  of 
the  present  magnificent  business  of  Schipper  &  Block  of  this  city.  Frederick 
Block  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  business  men  of  his  time,  and  he  put  into 
his  new  project  all  of  his  business  knowledge,  his  energy  and  activity.  The  be- 
ginning was  small — a  little  store  on  South  Adams  street.  But  the  business  policy 
of  perfect  honesty,  one  price  for  all,  strict  integrity  in  all  business  dealings, 
straight-forward  methods,  and  no  misrepresentation  of  goods,  prevailed  then  as 
it  prevails  now,  and  the  little  store  grew  and  prospered.  It  soon  moved  into  the 
store  which  is  at  present  occupied  by  the  Martin  Dry  Goods  store,  where  its  re- 
markable success  continued  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1896  the  store  again 
moved  into  larger  quarters,  occupying  the  present  site  of  P.  A.  Bergner  &  Com- 
pany in  the  Woolner  building  at  the  corner  of  Fulton  and  Adams  streets.  Here 
it  remained  for  ten  years,  growing  continually,  keeping  up  steadfastly  to  its 
original  high  standard  of  efficiency  and  gradually  growing  to  be  the  largest  dry- 
goods  store  in  Peoria.  Six  years  ago  it  was  found  that  the  business  was  too 
large  even  for  the  quarters  in  the  Woolner  building,  and  the  present  magnificent 
store  was  erected  across  the  street  from  its  old  site  at  the  corner  of  Fulton  and 
Adams  streets.  This  "Big  White  Store"  is  the  pride  of  Peoria  today.  It  is  the 
largest  dry-goods  store  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago.  Every  department  is  as 
efficiently  and  as  perfectly  equipped  as  a  separate  store.  It  is  a  hundred  stores 
in  one.  Everything  can  be  bought  there,  from  pins  to  the  most  magnificent  gowns 
that  the  markets  of  the  world  have  to  ofifer.  It  has  nine  stories — ^^seven  floors, 
a  basement  and  a  sub-basement,  and  the  business  done  every  day  is  enormous. 
The  furniture  department,  which  was  formerly  conducted  as  a  separate  store 
under  the  name  of  the  Schipper  &  Block  Furniture  Company,  has  now  been  in- 
corporated into  the  main  store,  and  occupies  two  floors  of  the  building.  There 
are  three  warehouses  built  behind  the  store  which  are  used  as  workrooms,  and 
for  storing  and  manufacturing  furniture  and  picture  frames.  Recently  a  tunnel 
was  constructed  under  the  alley,  and  the  delivery  department  was  changed  from 
the  main  building  to  the  warehouses.  But  with  all  this  success,  the  policy  which 
directed  the  little  store  in  1880,  directs  the  enormous  corporation  today.  The 
success  of  Henry  C.  Block  and  of  Schipper  &  Block  is  based  on  honesty,  strict 
business  integrity,  and  keeping  to  the  one  price  idea.  Henry  C.  Block  is  presi- 
dent of  the  company.     He  has  amassed  a  splendid  fortune,  and  has  made  a  busi- 


HISTORY  OF  I'EORIA  COUNTY  595 

ness  reputation  of  which  he  has  every  reason  to  be  proud,  yet  in  manner  lie  is 
unassuming  and  his  tastes  are  modest.  True  worth,  however,  cannot  he  hidden 
and  all  with  whom  Mr.  Block  has  been  brought  in  contact  recognize  his  sterling 
qualities  of  manhood  and  citizenship  and  pay  to  him  that  tribute  of  esteem  and 
admiration  which  is  accorded  to  honorable  manhood  in  every  land  of  the  world. 

Henry  C.  Block  was  married  in  Pekin,  in  1871,  to  Miss  Louisa  Smith,  a  mem- 
ber of  a  prominent  family  of  manufacturers  in  Germany,  and  his  married  life 
has  been  particularly  happy.  He  has  never  mingled  much  in  politics,  devoting 
his  time  entirely  to  business  affairs,  but  he  is  interested  in  the  public  ([uestions 
of  his  day,  and  has  always  been  affiliated  with  the  rejniblican  partv.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  belongs  to  the  ^lethodist  church. 

Mr.  Block  has  built  up  by  his  energy  and  business  acumen  the  magnificent 
business  at  whose  head  he  is  today.  He  has  attained  enviable  distinction  in  the 
business  world  by  his  indomitable  perseverance  in  any  undertaking  he  once  em- 
barks in,  his  boldness  of  operation  in  his  projects,  his  unusual  capacity  for  judg- 
ing the  motives  and  merits  of  men,  and  the  integrity  and  loyalty  of  his  devotion 
to  his  friends.  While  in  his  business  career  he  has  passed  on  to  a  position  of 
v/ealth  and  prominence,  he  has  never  neglected  the  opportunities  to  assist  a  fel- 
low traveler  on  life's  journey,  his  hand  being  often  extended  to  aid  some  one  to 
whom  nature,  fate  or  environment  have  seemed  less  kindly.  His  life  has  been  in 
large  measure  an  exemplification  of  his  Ijelief  in  the  universal  brotherhood  of 
man.  He  has  never  allowed  questionable  methods  to  form  a  part  of  his  business 
career,  and  over  the  record  of  his  life  there  falls  no  shadow  of  suspicion  of  evil. 


GEORGE  W.  BURTON. 

George  W.  Burton,  a  young  Peoria  lawyer,  with  offices  in  the  Mayor  build- 
ing, was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C.  April  13,  1880.  His  father.  Robert  A.  Bur- 
ton, also  is  a  lawyer,  engaged  in  general  practice  in  Chicago. 

George  W.  Burton  graduated  from  Hyde  Park  high  school  (Chicago)  in 
1897.  Following  some  miscellaneous  employments,  including  newspaper  re- 
porting, law  office,  street  railway,  census  office  and  other  work  he  graduated  ni 
June,  1902,  frorrt  the  law  department  of  Columbian  University,  ( now  George 
Washington  University)   of  Washington,  D.  C. 

After  two  years  in  Chicago  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Illinois  Traction 
System  in  a  minor  cajiacity  in  the  office  of  L.  E.  Fischer,  then  general  manager. 
at  Danville,  Illinois. 

Mr.  Burton  came  to  Peoria  in  December,  1908.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Peoria  and  Illinois  State  Bar  Associations,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club.     His  political  preference  is  republican. 

Mr.  Burton  is  engaged  in  general  practice  and  is  also  general  counsel  of  the 
Illinois  Traction  Svstem. 


lOHN  R.   lOHNSON. 


John  R.  Johnson,  who  is  numbered  among  the  successful  farmers  of  Lime- 
stone township,  was  born  in  Germany,  October  8.  1846.  His  parents  were  Rent 
and  Gretchen  (Ollrechs)  Johnson,  who  came  to  .\merica  in  1851  and  settled  in 
Peoria,  where  they  resided  for  eighteen  years.  Subsequently  they  removed  to 
a  farm  in  Peoria  township,  where  they  spent  the  rest  of  their  lives. 

John  R.  Johnson  was  only  five  years  of  age  when  his  parents  brought  him 
to  Peoria,  where  he  was  reared  and  received  his  education.     Fie  remained  under 


596  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  CDUXTY 

the  parental  roof  until  he  was  twenty-four  years  of  age  and  then  took  up  the 
cooper  trade  in  Peoria,  which  he  followed  until  1874.  At  that  time  he  rented  a 
farm  of  eighty  acres,  on  which  he  was  engaged  in  farming  for  two  years.  In 
1876  he  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Limestone  township, 
which  is  part  of  his  present  farm,  paying  twenty-five  dollars  per  acre,  the  same 
being  now  worth  one  hundred  dollars  per  acre.  In  1888  he  bought  an  adjoining 
eighty  acres.  He  successfully  engages  in  general  farming,  having  one  hundred 
acres  in  hav,  twenty-five  in  corn,  eleven  in  oats  and  eighteen  in  wheat,  while  the 
remaining  number  of  acres  which  are  pasture  land,  are  used  for  his  hogs,  cattle 
and  horses. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  1873,  Mr.  Johnson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Catherine  Benders,  a  daughter  of  Ben  and  Anna  (Stroman)  Benders,  formerly 
of  Limestone  township.  Mrs.  Johnson  and  her  sister.  Bertha  (Benders)  Anton, 
came  from  Germany  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  in  1872.  The  sister  died  in  1906, 
at  the  age  of  sixty  years.  ^Ir.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  have  become  the  parents  of 
eight  children:  Rent,  born  ^^lay  14,  1874;  Ben,  born  August  25,  1876:  John,  born 
November  21,  1878;  George,  born  April  13,  1881  :  Annie,  born  March  3,  1883; 
Henry,  born  September  23,  1885;  Maggie,  born  June  20.  1887:  and  Carl,  born 
February  28,  1893.  'Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  now  have  twenty-three  grandchil- 
dren. He  and  his  family  are  zealous  members  of  the  German  Lutheran  church. 
He  has  a  w'ide  circle  of  acquaintances  in  the  community  where  he  has  made  his 
home  for  so  many  years  and  is  best  liked  where  he  is  best  known — a  fact  in- 
dicative of  qualities  of  character  that  are  commendable,  ever  commanding  respect 
and  regard. 


lOHX  W.  BUSHELL. 


The  name  of  Bushell  has  been  prominent  in  business  and  manufacturing 
circles  in  Peoria  for  over  fifty  years.  The  family  is  at  present  represented  in 
this  city  by  John  W".  Bushell,  head  of  A.  A.  Bushell  &  Son.  general  roofers  and 
builders  of  asphalt  pavement,  which  business  was  handed  down  to  him  by  his 
father,  who  had  been  prominently  connected  with  it  for  many  years  before  his 
death. 

John  W.  Bushell  was  a  native  of  Peoria,  having  been  born  in  this  city  in  1862. 
His  father  was  Augustine  Andrew  Bushell,  a  native  of  Ireland,  born  in  Dublin, 
August  31,  1833.  He  came  to  Canada  in  1841.  but  spent  most  of  his  boyhood 
at  Xewburg,  New  York,  where  he  received  a  common-school  education,  and 
learned  the  tinner's  trade.  In  1852,  Augustine  Bushell  came  to  Peoria  for  the 
first  time,  and  worked  at  tinning  until  1854,  when  he  again  returned  to  New- 
burg  where  he  married  Miss  Anna  T.  Callahan,  mother  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch.  In  1855  they  returned  to  Peoria,  where  Augustine  Bushell  pursued 
the  occupation  of  tinning  and  general  roofing,  thus  laying  the  foundation  of  the 
magnificent  business  along  this  line  of  which  his  son  is  head  at  the  present 
time.  Augustine  Bushell  was  an  accomplished  musician,  and  helped  in  the  organ- 
ization of  the  famous  Spencer's  band,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  noted  institutions 
of  its  kind  in  Peoria  county.  Augustine  Bushell  died  in  Peoria.  October  20, 
1888,  and  the  march  at  his  funeral  was  played  by  the  members  of  Spencer's 
band,  which  he  had  helped  to  organize.  Augustine  Bushell's  political  affiliations 
were  strictly  democratic,  and  he  was  a  devout  member  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
church.  He  was  the  father  of  eight  children  of  whom  six  are  now  living: 
Charlotte  ^I..  who  married  Frank  Kimmett  of  Peoria :  Robert  E. ;  Monica,  the 
wife  of  James  E.  Bennett  of  Peoria :  Mary  Emma :  Ruth  E..  who  married  Dr. 
W.  T.  Whalen  of  this  city :  and  John  \\'.  at  present  head  of  the  great  asj^halt 
business. 


J.  w.  I'.rsiiEr.L 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  599 

John  \V.  Bushell  received  his  education  in  the  grammar  and  high  schools 
of  Peoria.  Upon  his  father's  death  in  1888  he  succeeded  to  the  business,  which 
still  retains  the  firm  name  of  A.  A.  Bushell  &  Son.  It  is  a  magnificent  concern 
at  the  present  time,  located  on  South  Washington  street,  and  doing  an  immense 
business  in  its  different  branches.  The  roofing  department  has  progressed  and 
flourished  more  and  more  every  year,  while  the  asphalt  interests  are  a  business 
in  itself.  Most  of  the  asphalt  pavements  in  Peoria  are  the  work  of  A.  A.  Bushell 
&  Son,  and  the  success  in  this  line  which  Augustine  Bushell  won  by  hard  work, 
constant  absorption  in  business,  and  strict  honesty,  John  W.  Bushell  has 
carried  on  by  the  kindred  qualities  of  broad  intelligence,  energy,  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  science  of  asphalt  making  from  beginning  to  end,  and  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  honest  principles  of  his  father. 

In  1885  John  W.  Bushell  married  Miss  Catherine  Donnellv  of  Peoria  and 
they  l)ecame  the  parents  of  eleven  children.  Mr.  Bushell  attends  St.  Marks 
church  and  is  actively  interested  in  its  affairs.  His  business  reputation  is  im- 
questioned  in  Peoria,  and  his  success  is  founded  upon  uprightness  of  purpose 
and  scrupulously  honest  methods. 


HENRY  G.  SCHWEITZER. 

Henry  G.  Schweitzer,  president  of  The  Cereal  Food  Company,  is  one  of 
the  enterprising  representatives  of  the  manufacturing  interests  of  Peoria,  who 
has  made  a  name  and  place  for  himself  in  the  local  business  circles  by  reason  of 
the  keen  discernment,  well  defined  methods  and  general  intelligence  he  has  mani- 
fested in  the  development  of  his  industry.  He  was  born  in  San  Jose,  Mason 
county,  Illinois,  on  February  14,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  G.  and  Christina 
Schweitzer.  The  father  was  one  of  the  very  early  pioneer  settlers  of  Mason 
county,  where  he  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  during  the  remaining  period 
of  his  active  life.  He  was  living  in  retirement  at  the  time  of  his  death  which 
occurred  in  July,  1894,  at  the  venerable  age  of  eighty-three.  He  was  survived 
by  the  mother,  who  was  seventy-seven  when  she  passed  away  in  1897.  The 
family  is  of  German  nationality,  the  father  having  been  born  and  reared  in  the 
old  country,  whence  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1830. 

Reared  on  the  farm  where  he  was  born,  Henry  G.  Schweitzer  passed  the 
early  years  of  his  life  in  a  manner  typical  to  the  country  lad  of  Illinois  at  that 
period.  He  received  but  a  limited  education,  having  left  school  at  the  age  of 
eleven  years  in  order  to  assist  his  father  with  the  operation  of  the  farm.  Dur- 
ing the  succeeding  six  years  he  gave  his  undivided  attention  to  the  work  of  the 
fields  and  care  of  the  stock,  but  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  started  out  to 
make  his  own  way  in  the  world.  Feeling  that  commercial  activities  offered 
better  remuneration  for  the  same  amount  of  labor  than  agriculture  he  deter- 
mined to  qualify  himself  for  a  business  career.  The  first  two  years  after  leav- 
ing hemic  he  worked  at  various  occupations,  subsequently  coming  to  Peoria  where 
he  obtained  a  salesman's  position  with  The  Comstock  Avery  Furniture  Com- 
pany. He  continued  in  the  service  of  this  firm  for  seventeen  years,  thus  ac- 
quiring a  very  thorough  knowledge  of  modern  commercial  methods  and  at  the 
same  time  slowly  accumulating  the  necessary  capital  to  engage  in  business  for 
himself.  In  1900,  he  resigned  his  position  and  went  into  the  vinegar  and  pickle 
business,  his  establishment  being  conducted  under  the  name  of  The  Central  City 
Pickle  Company.  After  developing  this  into  a  well  organized  and  thriving  activity, 
he  disposed  of  it  and  bought  up  the  Norman,  Case,  Smith  Cereal  Food  Com- 
pany. He  increased  the  capitaHzation  of  this  concern  from  five  thousand  to 
twenty-two  thousand  dollars,  which  resulted  in  a  corresponding  increase  in  its 
sales  department.     Mr.  Schweitzer  possesses  sotmd  judgment  and  practical  ideas 


600  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  reinforces  these  with  the  tireless  energy  and  the  determination  of  purpose 
that  invariably  bring  success  in  any  undertaking.  He  incorporated  his  enter- 
prise in  April,  1910,  and  removed  his  plant  to  the  foot  of  Cedar  street,  where 
they  are  still  located.  Through  his  intelligent  and  capably  executed  system  the 
business  is  developing  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner  and  they  now  occupy  a 
new  building,  three  hundred  by  fifty  feet. 

Mr.  Schweitzer  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  union  was  with  Miss 
Lucy  Muhl,  who  passed  away  on  February  22,  1896,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  Spring- 
dale  cemetery.  Two  boys  were  born  to  them :  Harry  E.,  who  is  now  twenty- 
two  years  of  age  and  the  secretary  of  The  Cereal  Food  Company ;  and  Lucien 
M.,  who  is  a  youth  of  fifteen  years.  On  the  6th  of  May,  1898,  Mr.  Schweitzer 
was  married  to  Miss  Katherine  Strunk,  a  daughter  of  Carl  Strunk,  the  father 
a  well  known  merchant  tailor  of  this  city.  One  child  has  been  born  to  Mr. 
Schweitzer  and  his  second  wife,  Corrinne,  who  is  attending  school.  The  fam- 
ily live  at  122  Barker  avenue,  where  Mr.  Schweitzer  erected  a  very  pleasant 
residence  in  1890. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schweitzer  are  members  of  the  German  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  and  fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America 
and  the  Travelers  Protective  Association,  while  in  politics  he  is  a  republican. 
He  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  for  practically  thirty  years,  having  first  lo- 
cated here  iu  1883,  and  during  the  intervening  years  he  has  manifested  those 
qualities  that  have  won  him  recognition  as  a  man  of  more  than  average  ability. 
His  progress  in  the  business  world  has  not  been  at  all  phenomenal,  but  the  slow, 
steady  advance  of  the  man  with  a  definite  aim  and  strongly  concentrated  forces; 
the  essential  factors  for  success  in  any  career. 


JAMES  TOWLE  ROGERS. 

Sixty  years  of  successful  business  in  a  city,  entitles  a  man  to  be  numbered 
among  the  citizens  who  have  contributed  to  the  growth  and  progress  of  that 
city.  Individual  success  in  business  is  coincident  with  a  share  in  the  communal 
prosperity.  No  man  can  do  his  work  well  and  honestly,  build  up  his  busmess 
along  lines  of  integrity  and  honor,  from  small  beginnings  to  a  successful  cul- 
mination, without  being  a  factor  in  the  growth  and  industrial  upbuilding  of  the 
city  in  which  he  lives.  A  man  of  this  class,  one  who  has  given  his  undivided 
attention  for  a  half  a  century  to  an  honorable  calling,  promoting  the  prosperity 
of  Peoria  by  the  sure  means  of  his  personal  success,  is  James  Towle  Rogers, 
pioneer  lumberman  and  successful  business  man  of  this  city. 

James  Towle  Rogers  was  born  in  Brockport,  New  York,  January  10,  1833. 
His  parents  were  Pelatiah  and  Mary  Rogers,  of  good  old  American  stock,  proud 
to  trace  their  ancestry  back  to  the  Captain  Rogers,  who  came  over  to  this  coun- 
try in  the  Mayflower,  and  whose  descendants  in  this  country  wherever  found, 
are  carrying  out  his  traditions  of  stanch  and  sturdy  independence.  Mr.  James 
Rogers'  education  was  received  in  the  country  schools  and  in  Knox  Seminary. 
He  came  to  Peoria  at  an  early  age,  and  after  two  years  spent  in  the  grocery 
business  m  this  city,  he  began  dealing  in  all  kinds  of  lumber.  His  first  lumber 
mill  was  opened  in  Peoria  in  March,  1858.  It  was  situated  at  the  corner  of 
Fayette  and  Washington  streets.  He  put  his  entire  time,  and  his  concentrated 
eflforts  into  his  work,  doing  almost  all  of  the  work  himself,  and  building  up  by 
his  unflagging  industry,  his  strict  honesty  and  his  unvarying  attention  to  the 
turning  out  of  perfect  workmanship,  an  industry  which  grew  and  flourished 
year  bv  year.  He  next  opened  a  plant  at  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Harrison 
streets!  and  this  was  an  enlargement  and  improvement  over  the  original  lumber 
mill.     When  the  business  grew  too  large  even  for  these  quarters,  Mr.   Rogers 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  60] 

moved  his  establishment  to  its  present  location  at  1016  South  Washington 
street.  He  has  been  known  for  half  a  century  in  I'eoria  as  an  expert  lumber- 
man, who  is  intimately  acquainted  with  the  details  of  the  business,  and  as  a 
man  who  carved  out  his  own  success  by  the  sure  methods  of  honesty  and  fair 
dealing.  He  does  not  specialize  in  any  particular  branch,  but  does  general  mill- 
ing and  sawing  of  lumber.  He  has  always  been  affiliated  with  the  republican 
party,  but  reserves  the  right  to  vote  for  the  man  whom  he  considers  best  fitted 
for  the  position.  He  belongs  to  no  secret  societies  nor  to  any  clubs,  but  lets  his 
business  absorb  all  his  energies.  He  is  a  devoted  and  prominent  member  of  the 
First  Congregational  church. 

On  ()ctol)er  8.  18(^3,  Mr.  Rogers  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Williams  Dinwid- 
dle, a  daughter  of  Hugh  and  Mary  Dinwiddic  of  Peoria.  Of  this  union  were  born 
four  children :  Harry  James,  who  married  Caroline  Sammis ;  Mary,  the  wife 
of  James  L.  Bickford ;  Herbert  Dinwiddle,  who  married  Edith  A.  Quinn ;  and 
Charles  Offield,  who  married  Jetta  M.  Bailey.  He  is  now  seventy-nine  years  of 
age,  and  stands  at  the  summit  of  a  successful  career,  happy  in  the  knowledge 
that  his  prosperity  is  the  deserved  reward  of  an  honorable  and  upright  life. 


AUGUSTIN  V.  D.  ROUSSEAU. 

Among  the  leading  members  of  the  legal  profession  in  Peoria  who  have  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  comparatively  early  life  may  be  mentioned  Augustin 
V.  D.  Rousseau,  a  general  practitioner,  with  offices  at  No.  127  North  Jefferson 
avenue,  at  which  he  has  been  practicing  since  igoi.  He  was  born  in  Peoria, 
October  16,  1874,  a  son  of  the  late  A.  V.  D.  and  Katherine  E.  (Bowman)  Rous- 
seau. The  father  was  a  well  known  wholesale  grocer  of  Peoria,  formerly  of 
Hennepin,  Putnam  county,  Illinois,  who  settled  in  Peoria  in  1869.  From  the 
time  of  his  identification  with  the  wholesale  grocery  trade  in  Peoria  until  his 
death  he  made  that  his  business.  The  family  is  of  French  origin  and  was  es- 
tablished in  the  new  world  before  the  days  of  the  Revolutionary  war  and  the 
great-grandfather,  Charles  Huelett,  was  a  soldier  in  the  American  army  during 
the  Revolutionary  period.  The  great-grandfather,  Louis  Rousseau,  emigrated 
from  France  to  the  island  of  San  Domingo,  having  obtained  from  Louis  XIV 
a  large  tract  of  land  in  that  island.  He  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1789 
and  settled  in  Philadelphia.  The  father  died  in  1903,  at  the  age  of  sixty  years, 
and  the  mother  passed  away  in  igo6,  at  the  age  of  fifty-seven  years.  The 
mother's  family  settled  in  Peoria  in  i860. 

Augustin  V.  D.  Rousseau  attended  the  common  schools  of  Peoria  and  was 
graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1894.  He  then  entered  the  University  of 
Michigan,  wherein  he  pursued  his  studies  for  four  years,  being  graduated  from 
that  institution  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  Plis  legal  knowledge  was  obtained 
partly  in  the  University  of  Michigan  and  partly  in  the  law  office  of  Jack  .S. 
Tichenor  in  Peoria.  Mr.  Rousseau  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1901  and  he  has 
since  practiced  his  profession  in  this  city.  His  career  has  been  a  distinguished 
and  successful  one  and  he  is  an  honored  member  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association. 
He  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  matters  affecting  the  welfare  of  his  city, 
community  and  state  and  is  secretary  of  the  Peoria  Deep  Waterway  Association. 

In  Tremont,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  on  June  2,  1903,  Mr.  Rousseau  was 
imited  in  marriage  to  Miss  Helen  M.  Campbell,  a  daughter  of  Adams  A.  and 
Lida  ( Briggs )  Campbell.  The  father  passed  away  recently  and  the  mother  died 
in  Peoria  in  1897,  being  buried  in  Springdale  cemetery.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rous- 
seau have  one  daughter,  Dorothea,  born  September  10,  1908,  and  a  son,  Clem- 
ant  Van  Dyke,  born  September  26,  191 1. 


602  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Politically  Mr.  Rousseau  is  affiliated  with  the  republican  party,  and  was 
justice  of  the  peace  from  1905  to  1909.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur 
Club,  and  in  his  religious  connection  belongs  to  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church,  of 
which  he  was  a  vestryman.  The  family  during  the  winter  months  occupy  their 
home  at  No.  302  Bigelow  street  and  during  the  warm  season  they  reside  at 
Prospect  Heights.  Peoria  is  fortunate  in  having  as  a  member  of  its  legal  pro- 
fession a  young  man  with  the  ability  possessed  by  Air.  Rousseau.  His  profes- 
sional knowledge  is  exhaustive  and  in  his  presence  he  is  tactful,  his  ability  win- 
ning him  a  greater  degree  of  success  than  usually  falls  to  the  lot  of  an  attorney 
of  his  age  and  experience. 


CH.\RLES  H.  FELTMAN. 

Peoria,  with  its  pulsing  industrial  activities,  its  excellent  shipping  facilities 
and  its  favorable  location  in  the  center  of  the  great  grain  belt  of  the  country,  is 
continuously  drawing  to  itself  important  business  concerns  and  eliciting  the  co- 
operation and  activity  of  business  men  of  marked  enterprise  and  capability.  For 
a  quarter  of  a  century  Charles  H.  Feltman  has  occupied  a  central  place  on  the 
stage  of  commercial  and  financial  progress  and  is  today  widely  known  as  a  suc- 
cessful grain  merchant,  as  a  promoter  of  the  Central  National  Bank  and  as  the 
president  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade.  He  was  born  in  Kenosha,  Wisconsin, 
March  31,  1859,  his  parents  being  Henry  and  Catharine  (von  der  Velde)  Felt- 
man.  The  father,  leaving  Westphalia,  Germany,  in  1836,  when  a  mere  boy, 
sailed  for  America  and  for  a  number  of  years  thereafter  made  his  home  in 
Chicago.  He  was  married  in  Wisconsin  to  Catharine  von  der  V'elde,  who  in  the 
year  1848  accompanied  her  parents  from  Hanover,  Germany,  the  family  being 
among  the  first  to  leave  their  section  of  the  fatherland  for  America.  The  family 
home  was  established  in  Wisconsin  and  there  Mr.  and  ]\Irs.  Feltman  began  their 
domestic  life,  removing  several  years  later  to  Pekiii,  Illinois.  It  was  in  1864 
that  Henry  Feltman  took  up  his  abode  in  Pekin,  where  for  many  years  he  con- 
ducted business  successfully  as  a  lumber  merchant. 

Charles  H.  Feltman,  a  lad  of  five  years  at  the  time  of  the  removal  to  -this 
state,  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Pekin  and  made  such 
progress,  owing  to  his  natural  aptitude  for  study,  that  at  the  notably  early  age 
of  fourteen  he  was  able  to  enter  the  Iowa  Wesleyan  University  at  Mount  Pleas- 
ant, having  the  distinction  of  being  the  youngest  scholar  ever  enrolled  in  that 
institution  of  learning.  While  a  student  there  he  joined  the  Beta  Theta  Pi,  a 
college  fraternity,  and  the  only  secret  society  with  which  he  has  ever  become 
identified.  After  two  years  of  steady  work  at  !Mount  Pleasant  he  decided  to 
enter  the  business  world  and  although  his  father  was  a  man  of  considerable 
wealth  and  would  gladly  have  aided  his  son  in  establishing  himself  in  business, 
the  latter  preferred  to  "row  his  own  canoe,"  as  he  expresses  it,  and  from  the  age 
of  sixteen  has  depended  entirely  upon  his  own  labor  and  resources.  He  secured 
the  position  of  bookkeeper  at  the  Smith  Wagon  ^\'orks  in  Pekin  and  afterward 
became  bookkeeper  for  Wilson  &  Holcomb,  jiroprietors  of  a  distillery  there. 
On  the  incorporation  of  that  business,  the  members  of  the  firm,  in  recogintion  of 
the  efficient  and  faithful  service  of  Mr.  Feltman,  had  certain  stock  in  the  cor- 
poration laid  away  for  the  young  bookkeeper.  The  work  of  the  latter  was  so 
satisfactory  that  when  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age  he  was  elected  secretary  and 
manager  of  the  company,  filling  the  dual  position  with  distinction  for  a  number 
of  years. 

In  1886  Mr  Feltman  resigned  his  position  and  came  to  Peoria,  entering  the 
grain  commission  firm  of  Smith.  Hippen  &  Company,  which  had  its  home  office 
in  Pekin.     He  acted  as  managing  partner  at  Peoria  and  five  years  later,  follow- 


C.  11.   FKLTMAX 


11 
H 

« 


* 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  605 

ing  the  death  of  Mr.  llippen,  entered  the  grain  trade  on  his  own  account,  thus 
estabhshing  himself  in  the  business  in  which  he  is  now  most  successfully  en- 
gaged, ranking  with  the  foremost  grain  merchants  of  Peoria.  He  is  a  man  of 
determined  purpose  and  keen  insight,  forceful  and  resourceful,  and  his  persever- 
ance, combined  with  keen  business  judgment,  enables  him  to  carry  forward  to 
.successful  completion  whatever  he  undertakes.  In  addition  to  the  grain  business 
Mr.  I'eltman  is  the  owner  of  two  well  imi)roved  forms,  one  comprising  three 
hundred  acres  in  Elmwood  tow^iship  and  the  other  two  hundred  and  forty  acres 
in  Richwoods  township.  He  is  identified  with  financial  circles  as  one  of  the 
directors  of  the  Central  National  Bank  of  Peoria,  to  which  office  he  was  called 
in  1908,  while  for  a  long  term  of  years  he  has  been  one  of  its  stockholders.  For 
a  quarter  of  a  century  he  has  operated  on  the  Board  of  Trade  of  Peoria  and  is 
now  its  honored  president.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Illinois  Grain  Dealers' 
Association,  the  National  Hay  Association  and  the  National  Grain  Dealers'  As- 
sociation. 

On  the  jth  of  February,  1895,  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Feltman  was  married  to  Tvliss 
Ethel  E.  Smith,  and  they  are  now  parents  of  two  daughters  and  a  son,  Catharine, 
Marion  and  Carl.  The  family  occupies  a  beautiful  and  well  appointed  residence 
at  No.  401  West  Armstrong  avenue,  and  Mr.  Feltman  owns  other  choice  resi- 
dence property  in  the  city.  The  family  attend  the  First  Congregational  church. 
Mr.  Feltman  serving  at  the  present  time  for  the  third  term  as  a  church  trustee. 
He  belongs  also  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Transportation  Club  and  to  the 
Association  of  Commerce,  organizations  in  which  he  takes  a  lively  interest,  con- 
tributing to  their  advancement  in  a  financial  way  and  through  active  cooperation. 
It  is  characteristic  of  him  that  he  works  diligently  in  behalf  of  any  movement  or 
measure  with  which  he  becomes  identified.  His  interests  are  varied  and  each 
organization  or  enterprise  with  which  he  is  connected  feels  the  stimulus  of  his 
indefatigable  energy  and  his  progressive  spirit.  His  opinions  carry  weight  in 
social  as  well  as  business  circles  and  he  has  attained  a  position  that  classes  him 
with  Peoria's  most  rejiresentative  and  honored  business  men. 


HUGH  LINWOOD  DICKSON. 

Hugh  I.inwood  Dickson,  general  counsel  for  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomo- 
tive Firemen  and  Enginemen,  with  offices  on  the  twelfth  floor  of  the  Jefferson 
building,  Peoria,  since  January  i,  1909,  is  an  attorney  of  broad  professional 
knowledge  and  experience.  He  was  born  in  Water  Valley,  Mississippi,  August 
12,  1S71.  the  son  of  William  R.  and  Ella  P.  (McCornico)  Dickson. 

His  preliminary  education  was  acquired  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of 
Water  \'alley  and  he  later  entered  the  law  department  of  the  University  of 
Mississippi,  remaining  a  student  of  that  institution  during  1895  'i^d  1896.  On 
March  20.  1896,  he  was  adtnitted  to  the  bar  by  the  supreme  court  of  Jackson, 
Mississippi,  and  at  Water  \"alley,  Mississippi,  he  at  once  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  his  profession.  In  December  of  that  year  he  went  to  Memphis.  Tennessee, 
where  he  remained  until  June,  1899,  when  he  removed  to  Kingman,  Arizona.  In 
November.  1900,  he  was  elected  attorney  for  Mohave  county  and  in  1902  he  was 
reelected,  serving  until  1905,  when,  in  January  of  that  year  he  removed  to  San 
Bernardino,  California,  where  he  again  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession. 
In  November,  1906,  he  was  elected  district  attorney  for  a  term  of  four  years  but 
resigned  this  position  toward  the  close  of  1908  and  immediately  thereafter  set- 
tled in  Peoria.  Mr.  Dickson  still  retains  his  membership  in  the  San  Bernardino 
Bar  Association,  of  which  he  is  an  honored  and  valued  member. 

His  family  consists  of  two  daughters :  Margaret,  who  is  six  years  of  age ;  and 
Dorothy,  aged  three  years.     His  fraternal  connection  is  limited  to  membership 


606  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

in  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  The  family  residence  is  at  Xo.  319 
Indiana  avenue.  Mr.  Dickson  possesses  a  broad  knowledge  of  the  law  and  has 
the  advantage  of  a  diversified  experience  in  dit^erent  parts  of  the  United  States. 
He  is  fast  building  up  a  lucrative  practice  in  Peoria  and  has  already  attained  a 
creditable  standing  in  professional  and  business  circles  in  the  cty  of  his  adoption. 


M.  D.  SPURCK,  AI.  D. 


Dr.  M.  D.  Spurck.  a  well  known  representative  of  the  medical  profession  in 
Peoria,  makes  a  specialty  of  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  ear,  nose  and 
throat  and  has  maintained  his  offices  in  the  JelTerson  building  since  the  ist  of 
May,  1910.  His  birth  occurred  in  this  city  on  the  i6th  of  May,  1882,  his  par- 
ents being  M.  D.  and  Harriet  (Selby)  Spurck.  The  father,  a  pioneer  manu- 
facturer of  corn  planters,  passed  away  in  1897,  at  the  age  of  sixty-three  years, 
his  remains  being  interred  in  St.  Joseph's  cemetery.  His  widow  makes  her  home 
at  No.  401  Monroe  street  and  has  an  extensive  circle  of  friends  in  Peoria. 

M.  D.  Spurck  pursued  his  education  in  this  city  until  graduated  from  the 
high  school  in  1900,  when  he  entered  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  which  in- 
stitution conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  AI.  D.  in  1904.  He  then  spent  a  year 
as  interne  in  St.  Christopher's  Hospital  at  Philadelphia  and  subsequently  served 
as  externe  at  the  Wills  Eye  Hospital  for  eighteen  mouths.  In  1907  he  went  to 
Europe,  continuing  his  studies  in  the  hospital  of  the  University  of  \'ienna  and 
acting  as  clinical  assistant  in  the  ear,  nose  and  throat  department  of  that  institu- 
tion during  the  years  of  1907,  1908  and  1909.  While  a  resident  of  \ienna  he 
spent  eighteen  months  as  assistant  in  the  private  office  and  hospital  of  Dozent 
Hajek.  His  thorough  training  abroad  well  equipped  him  for  his  chosen  life  work 
and  since  his  return  to  America  he  has  practiced  successfully  as  a  specialist  in 
the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  ear.  nose  and  throat,  making  Peoria  the  scene 
of  his  professional  labors.  He  holds  membership  in  the  Peoria  County  Medical 
Society,  the  Pepper  Medical  Society  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  Alpha  Mu  Pi 
Omega  Medical  Fraternity.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Country 
Clubs  and  fraternally  is  identified  with  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks. 
His  residence  is  at  No.  401  Monroe  street.  Though  still  a  young  man.  Dr. 
Spurck  has  already  attained  a  position  in  professional  ranks  which  augurs  vv-ell 
for  the  future. 


CLARENCE  W.  HEYL. 

Clarence  W.  Heyl,  an  attorney  at  law  conducting  a  general  practice,  has  of- 
fices at  307  German  Fire  Insurance  building,  in  Peoria,  where  he  has  been  lo- 
cated since  1907.  He  was  born  at  Alanito,  Mason  county,  Illinois,  on  the  14th 
of  May,  1884,  a  son  of  William  E.  and  Etura  Heyl.  The  former  is  a  merchant, 
farmer  and  grain  dealer  residing  at  Manito.  The  family  is  of  German  origin  and 
the  grandfather.  Christian  Heyl,  settled  in  Groveland,  Illinois,  in  1846. 

Clarence  W.  Heyl  received  his  preliminary  education  at  the  district  school 
near  his  father's  home  and  completed  a  high-school  course  at  Washington.  He 
then  came  to  Peoria  where  he  attended  Brown's  Business  College,  after  which 
he  was  employed  by  Fred  Ticknor,  insurance  inspector,  as  bookkeeper  for  three 
years.  He  then  obtained  the  position  of  special  representative  for  the  new  Eng- 
land Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company  and  during  the  time  he  served  this  com- 
pany was  engaged  in  going  to  school,  his  active  service  being  during  vacations. 
His  choice  of  a  profession  having  been  determined,  in  1904  he  entered  the  I  Hi- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  607 

nois  Wesleyan  University  and  Law  School  at  Bloomington,  taking  both  the  lit- 
erary and  legal  courses,  and  upon  the  completion  of  his  studies  there  he  passed  a 
satisfactory  examination  and  was  graduated  with  the  degree  of  LL.B..  being 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  December,  1907.  Immediately  after  his  admission  to  the 
bar  he  settled  in  Peoria  and  began  practicing  his  profession.  He  returned,  how- 
ever, in  June,  1908,  to  the  law  school  for  the  purpose  of  taking  post-graduate 
work.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  County  and  State  Bar  Associations,  keep- 
ing in  close  touch  with  the  advancement  made  in  his  profession. 

Mr.  Heyl  was  married  in  Paragould,  Arkansas,  December  25,  1909,  to  Miss 
Mayme  Randolph,  a  daughter  of  E.  E.  and  Laura  Randolph,  the  former  a  lum- 
ber and  stave  manufacturer.  To  this  union  has  been  born  a  daughter,  Helen 
Grace,  whose  birth  occurred  June  25,  191 1.  Mr.  Heyl's  allegiance  is  given  to 
the  republican  party  and  though  not  a  politician  in  the  sense  of  being  an  oiifice 
seeker  he  gives  considerable  attention  to  the  political  matters  of  the  state  and 
nation.  He  is  a  life  member  of  the  Phi  Gamma  Delta,  a  Greek  letter  fraternity, 
and  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America  and  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  In  his  religious  connec- 
tion he  is  a  trustee  of  the  Hale  Memorial  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  both 
he  and  his  wife  are  actively  engaged  in  church  work.  The  family  residence  is 
at  103  Tobias  street,  a  beautiful  and  comfortable  home.  .Although  a  voung  man 
and  of  comparatively  short  professional  experience  he  is  rapidly  building"  up  a 
steady  practice.  He  is  among  the  most  respected  citizens  of  the  city  and  the 
fidelity  with  which  he  cares  for  all  cases  entrusted  to  him  has  gained  the  con- 
fidence of  the  public  generally. 


WILLIAM   S.   KELLOGG. 

William  S.  Kellogg,  an  attorney  at  law  conducting  a  general  practice  with 
offices  at  407  German  Fire  Insurance  building,  has  been  identified  with  Peoria 
and  here  practiced  his  profession  since  1883.  He  was  born  at  Pekin,  Illinois,  June 
24,  1842,  a  son  of  Benjamin  Kellogg,  who  was  connected  with  the  mercantile 
trade,  being  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Grain  &  Kellogg,  established  in  1829.  He 
passed  away  December  22,  1855. 

William  S.  Kellogg  received  his  early  educational  training  in  the  ])ul)lic  schools 
of  Pekin,  later  entered  the  Jubilee  College  and  still  later,  in  1838,  became  a  stu- 
dent in  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Lima,  New  York,  where  he  ])repared  himself 
to  enter  the  University  at  Rochester,  New  York,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  1865,  receiving  his  degree  of  A.  B.  When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  he  enlisted, 
in  April,  1861,  in  Company  F,  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Infantry,  serving  as  a  sol- 
dier in  the  defense  of  his  country.  After  that  he  again  took  up  the  study  of  law, 
entering  Harvard  Law  School,  where  he  studied  for  one  year,  after  which  he 
returned  to  Pekin  to  read  law  with  a  local  attorney  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  1869.  He  at  once  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  with  the 
exception  of  the  period  while  he  was  deputy  circuit  clerk  at  Pekin,  from  1876  until 
1881,  has  pursued  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  this  city  continuously  since. 
As  a  member  of  the  legal  ])rofession  Mr.  Kellogg  has  been  successful  but  his 
distinguishing  service  has  been  that  of  an  organizer  of  drainage  districts,  a  serv- 
ice which  has  benefited  the  community  in  a  most  material  way.  His  first  un- 
dertaking of  this  kind  was  when  he  organized  the  Spring  Lake  drainage  district 
which  contains  fifteen  thousand  acres.  He  next  organized  the  Ilallock  and 
Medinah  district  in  Peoria  county,  comjirising  three  thousand,  five  hundred 
acres.  After  that  he  organized  the  East  Peoria  drainage  and  levee  district  in 
Tazewell  county  which  comprises  about  eight  hundred  acres.  To  the  organiza- 
tion of  these  drainage  districts  and  the  prosecution  of  the  work  of  reclaiming 
these  vast  tracts  of  rich  agricultural  lands  he  devoted  ten  vears  of  his  life,  mak- 


608  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ing  during  that  time  a  specialty  of  that  business.  He  has  become  widely  known 
through  his  activity  in  drainage  work  and  at  the  same  time  possesses  a  most 
creditable  standing  among  his  brethren  of  the  legal  profession  in  the  county  and 
city.  He  has  kept  pace  with  legal  matters  and  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Piar 
Association. 

Mr.  Kellogg  was  married  in  Rochester,  New  ^'ork.  October  i8.  1866,  to  Miss 
Jennie  Allen,  of  that  city,  a  sister  of  Dr.  William  H.  Allen,  of  F'ekin,  Illinois. 
Six  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kellogg  but  the  eldest,  Benjamin, 
died  on  the  4th  of  July.  1905,  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight  years,  his  remains  being 
interred  at  Mount  Hope  cemetery,  Rochester,  New  York.  The  surviving  mem- 
bers of  the  family  are  as  follows :  Richard  Allen,  who  is  serving  as  circuit  clerk 
of  Peoria  county ;  Frances  E.,  who  married  Richard  H.  Reilly,  corporation 
counsel  of  Peoria ;  William  S.,  Jr.,  an  inventor  and  mechanic ;  Anna  A.,  who  is 
graduate  of  the  Chicago  University  and  is  now  teaching  German  and  English 
literature  in  the  Peoria  high  school :  and  Susan  A.,  now  residing  in  Los  Angeles, 
California  for  her  health. 

The  political  allegiance  of  Mr.  Kellogg  is  given  to  the  democratic  party  and 
to  the  promotion  of  the  principles  of  the  democracy  he  has  given  a  liberal  share 
of  his  time  and  attention.  In  his  fraternal  connections  he  has  long  been  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Knights  of  Maccabees.  During  the  long  professional  career  of  Mr. 
Kellogg  in  Peoria,  in  which  time  he  has  not  only  been  actively  engaged  as  a  prac- 
ticing attorney  at  law  but  also  distinguishing  himself  as  the  prime  factor  in  the 
reclaiming  of  many  thousands  of  acres  of  fine  alluvial  soil,  he  has  become  widely 
and  favorably  known.  There  may  be  those  who  have  to  a  greater  degree  dis- 
tinguished themselves  as  members  of  the  bar  but  the  peculiar  and  valuable  serv- 
ices which  he  has  rendered  to  his  county  and  state  will  serve  to  make  him  long 
remembered  after  his  life's  work  is  done. 


C.  D.  HARTMAN,  D.  \'.  S. 

Dr.  C.  D.  Hartman  is  one  of  the  leading  veterinary  surgeons  of  Peoria, 
where  he  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  practice  for  twenty-two  years.  He 
was  born  in  Bird-in-Hand,  Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  July  3,  i860, 
and  is  a  son  of  Christian  and  Anna  (Dipple)  Hartman.  The  father,  whose 
energies  were  always  devoted  to  agricultural  pursuits,  was  a  native  of  Ger- 
manv,  but  the  mother  was  born  in  the  state  of   New  York. 

The  bovhood  and  youth  of  Dr.  Hartman  were  passed  on  his  father's  farm, 
in  the  cultivation  of  which  he  began  to  assist  while  still  a  very  young  lad.  He  at- 
tended the  district  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education  and  while  en- 
gaged in  the  mastery  of  his  studies,  was  laying  the  foundation  for  his  present 
career  by  assisting  his  father  with  the  care  of  the  stock,  thus  assimilating  a  large 
amount  of  practical  knowledge  that  has  since  been  of  inestimable  assistance  to 
him.  After  attaining  maturity  he  decided  to  adopt  his  present  profession,  and 
therefore  matriculated  in  the  American  \'eterinary  College  at  New  York  city, 
remaining  a  student  in  that  institution  for  three  years,  during  which  period  he 
covered  both  the  regular  and  post-graduate  courses.  He  established  an  office  in 
Peoria  on  the  19th  of  March,  1890.  and  here  he  has  ever  since  been  located. 
Dr.  Hartman  early  became  recognized  as  a  most  efficient  and  worthy  represen- 
tative of  his  profession,  and  has  met  with  most  gratifying  success,  his  prac- 
tice having  increased  until  he  now  has  all  that  he  can  do.  Both  his  office  and 
residence  are  located  at  712  Franklin  street,  where  he  has  a  fine  brick  building 
and  also  a  barn,  that  is  thoroughly  and  fully  equipped  with  everything  needed 
in  his  practice. 


DR.  C.  D.  HARTMAN 


i 

1  !1 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  611 

On  the  19th  of  March,  1882,  Dr.  Hartnian  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Lichtenberger,  and  to  them  were  born  three  children,  as  follows:  Ivan 
and  Webster,  both  of  whom  are  living  in  Peoria ;  and  Anna,  who  married  Al- 
bert Edwards,  also  of  this  city. 

In  matters  of  citizenship  Dr.  Hartman  is  public-spirited  and  progressive 
and  most  loyal  to  Peoria  and  its  institutions,  lie  votes  the  repuljlican  ticket 
but  has  never  been  an  aspirant  for  official  honors,  although  his  services  are  always 
at  the  command  of  the  municipality  in  the  progress  and  development  of  which 
he  takes  an  active  and  helpful  interest.  He  is  a  member  of  the  ^Masonic  order, 
belonging  to  Temple  Lodge  of  Peoria  and  also  of  the  Modern  Wodmen  of 
.\merica,  belonging  to  Charter  Oak  Lodge.  He  takes  a  lively  interest  in  military 
affairs  and  organized  Troop  G,  of  the  First  Illinois  Cavalry  and  was  its  second 
lieutenant.  Dr.  Hartman  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  those  who  have  come  in 
contact  with  him  in  a  professional,  social  or  business  way  and  during  the  twenty- 
two  years  of  his  residence  in  the  city  he  has  won  and  retained  the  friendship  of 
many  of   its   foremost  and  representative  citizens. 


LESLIE  DON  PUTERBAUGH. 

It  has  often  been  made  to  redound  to  the  credit  and  honor  of  the  individual 
when  he  starts  out  in  life  empty-handed  or  without  special  family  or  pecuniary 
connections  and  wins  his  advancement  through  personal  and  persistent  effort. 
Such  a  task  is  indeed  worthy  of  commendation  and  yet,  perhaps  the  most  dif- 
ficult position  in  which  one  can  find  himself  is  that  which  places  him  in  compar- 
ison with  the  records  of  an  illustrious  and  honored  ancestry.  The  son  of  one 
of  the  distinguished  lawyers  and  jurists  of  Illinois,  Leslie  Don  Puterbaugh,  now 
judge  of  the  circuit  court,  chose  for  his  life  work  a  profession  in  which  indi- 
vidual effort  and  ability  constitute  the  only  ladder  on  which  one  may  cUmb  to 
success.  His  inheritance  of  strong  mentality  has  been  used  wisely  and  well  in 
that  close  application  "and  earnestness  of  purpose  without  which  advancement  at 
the  bar  is  never  secured. 

He  was  born  in  Pekin  in  1858,  the  son  of  Judge  Sabin  D.  Puterljaugh,  jurist 
and  author,  who  removed  with  his  family  to  Peoria  in  1862,  so  that  the  son  pur- 
sued his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city.  In  his  youth  he  determined 
lo  follow  in  his  father's  professional  footsteps  and  after  careful  preparation 
for  the  bar.  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1879.  He  then  joined  his  father  as  a 
member  of  the  firm  of  Puterbaugh  &  Puterbaugh,  a  connection  that  was  con- 
tinued until  the  death  of  the  senior  partner,  in  1892.  They  engaged  in  general 
practice,  their  clientage  connecting  them  with  the  most  important  litigation  heard 
in  the  courts  of  the  district.  Following  the  demise  of  his  father.  Judge  Puter- 
baugh became  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Page  &  Puterbaugh,  which  was  event- 
ually Page,  Wead  &  Puterbaugh.  This  connection  was  continued  until  his  elec- 
tion to  the  position  of  circuit  judge.  In  the  meantime  he  had  been  elected  judge 
of  the  probate  court  in  1890  and  reelected  in  1894,  and  his  record  in  that  con- 
nection recommended  him  for  further  judicial  honors,  so  that  in  1897  '^^  was 
called  to  the  bench  of  the  circuit  court,  whereon  he  is  now  serving  a  third  term. 
His  decisions  indicate  strong  mentality,  careful  analysis,  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  the  law  and  an  unbiased  judgment.  The  judge  of  the  bench  fails  more  fre-. 
quently  perhaps  from  a  deficiency  in  that  broadmindedness  which  not  only  com- 
prehends the  details  of  the  situation  quickly  but  ensures  a  complete  self-control  un- 
der even  the  most  exasperating  conditions,  than  from  any  other  cause ;  and  the 
judge  who  makes  a  success  in  the  discharge  of  his  multitudinous  delicate  duties 
is  a  man  of  well  rounded  character,  finely  balanced  mind  anfl  of  splendid  in- 
tellectual attainments.  That  Judge  Puterbaugh  is  regarded  as  such  as  jurist  is 
a  uniformly  accepted  fact. 


612  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

In  addition  to  his  work  on  the  bench  and  &s  a  representative  of  the  bar  Judge 
Puterbaugh  has  been  well  known  in  banking  circles  as  a  director  of  the  Commer- 
cial German  National  Bank  since  its  organization  and  also  of  the  Dime  Savings 
&  Trust  Company.  He  is  likewise  vice  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute.  Mr.  Puterbaugh  edited  Puterbaugh's  Illinois 
Common  Law  and  Chancery  Pleading  and  Practice  and  also  Puterbaugh's  Michi- 
gan Chancerv  Pleading  and  Practice.  In  other  ways  his  activities  touch  the  gen- 
eral interests  of  society  and  constitute  a  factor  in  the  general  progress  and  im- 
provement. 

His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  fraternally  "he  is 
connected  with  the  Masons,  having  taken  the  Knight  Templar  degree  in  the 
commandery.  Energy,  determination  and  ambition  have  with  him  spelled  suc- 
cess. At  the  outset  of  his  career  he  recognized  the  fact  that  industry  is  just  as 
essential  in  the  professions  as  in  the  fields  or  in  the  counting  room,  and  his 
thoroughness  in  the  preparation  of  every  case  and  his  ability  in  its  presentation 
brought  him  to  a  position  which  eventually  recommended  him  for  judicial  hon- 
ors, in  which  connection  he  is,  like  his  honored  father,  making  a  record  that 
.  places  the  name  of  Puterbaugh  high  on  the  roll  of  Peoria's  eminent  citizens. 


ISAAC  J.  LEVINSON. 


Isaac  I.  Levinson,  whose  offices  are  located  in  the  W'oolner  building,  has 
been  a  prominent  representative  of  the  legal  fraternity  in  Peoria  for  almost  a 
third  of  a  century  and  has  taken  an  active  and  leading  part  in  the  work  of  Jewish 
charitable  organizations  here.  His  birth  occurred  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  on  the 
30th  of  November,  1857,  his  parents  being  Jacob  and  Deborah  Levinson.  The 
father  was  one  of  the  pioneer  Jewish  merchants  of  Cincinnati,  settling  there 
about  1827.  He  passed  away  on  the  i8th  of  October,  i8g8,  having  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  survived  his  wife,  who  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  April,  1879. 

In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  Isaac  J.  Levinson  attended  the  public 
schools  of  Cincinnati.  When  a  youth  of  thirteen  he  left  high  school  to  enter 
the  employ  of  Dr.  Isaac  M.  Wise,  with  whom  he  remained  for  about  three  years, 
studying  bookkeeping  in  the  evenings.  Subsequently  he  taught  bookkeeping  in 
a  Cincinnati  night  school  and  acted  as  an  instructor  in  a  night  high  school  at 
Proctor,  Kentucky,  in  the  meantime  being  employed  as  bookkeeper  by  a  lum- 
ber company  of  that  place.  After  returning  to  Cincinnati  he  kept  books  for  A. 
and  J.  Schredski,  a  wholesale  clothing  firm,  devoting  his  evenings  to  the  study 
of  law  together  with  Alfred  M.  Cohn  and  Charles  Spritz.  In  1877  he  entered 
the  law  office  of  Jacob  Newman  as  office  boy  and  won  steady  promotion  until 
he  became  chief  law  clerk.  On  the  17th  of  March,  1880,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  bv  the  supreme  court  of  Illinois  and  in  the  following  August  opened  an 
office  in  Peoria,  where  he  has  remained  continuously  since.  The  zeal  with  which 
he  has  devoted  his  energies  to  his  profession,  the  careful  regard  evinced  for  the 
interests  of  his  clients  and  assiduous  and  unretaxing  attention  to  all  details  of 
his  cases,  have  brought  him  a  large  business  and  made  him  very  successful  in  its 
conduct.  Being  a  man  of  splendid  executive  ability  and  sound  judgment,  his 
cooperation  has  been  sought  in  the  management  of  important  business  enter- 
, prises  and  he  is  now  a  director  of  the  Peoria  Commission  Company  and  secre- 
tary and  director  of  the  Imperial  Cotton  ^Milling  Company  and  of  the  Union 
Brewing  Companv  of  this  city.  He  is  likewise  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  estate 
of  Samuel  Woolner,  deceased',  which  is  one  of  the  largest  estates  in  Peoria.  He 
is  at  the  head  of  the  legal  department  of  the  Municipal  Engineering  Company 
and  has  long  enjoyed  an  enviable  reputation  as  an  able  representative  of  his 
profession. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  613 

On  the  24th  of  June,  1885,  in,  Peoria,  Mr.  Levinson  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Aliss  Belle  Woolner,  a  daughter  of  Abraham  ^V'oolner  and  a  rejirescntative  of 
one  of  the  distinguished  Jewish  families  of  this  city.  Our  subject  and  his  wife 
have  one  son,  Jerome,  who  is  general  agent  of  the  Central  Union  Life  Insurance 
Company.  The  family  residence  is  at  No.  910  North  Madison  street — one  of 
the  Woolner  houses. 

Mr.  Levinson  is  a  democrat  in  politics  and  has  served  as  secretary  of  the 
Peoria  board  of  improvements  for  two  and  a  half  terms.  In  fraternal  circles  he 
is  well  known  as  a  Master  Mason  and  has  been  for  thirty-two  years  the  Peoria 
representative  of  the  Independent  Order  of  B'Nai  B'rith.  He  is  at  the  head  of 
all  the  Jewish  charitable  societies  of  Peoria  and  under  his  able  direction  for 
thirty-two  years  splendid  results  have  been  attained.  At  this  point  it  would  be 
almost  tautological  to  enter  into  any  series  of  statements  as  showing  Mr.  Levin- 
son to  be  a  man  of  broad  intelligence  and  genuine  public  spirit,  for  these  have 
been  shadowed  forth  between  the  lines  of  this  review.  Strong  in  his  individuality, 
he  never  lacks  the  courage  of  his  convictions  but  there  are  as  dominating  elements 
in  this  individuality  a  lively  human  sympathy  and  an  abiding  charity,  which,  as 
taken  in  connection  with  the  sterling  integrity  and  honor  of  his  character,  have 
naturally  gained  him  the  respect  and  confidence  of  men. 


ANDREW  LINDSAY  McCOY. 

About  the  year  1720  two  Scotch  brothers,  Robert  and  Alexander,  went  from 
the  northernmost  part  of  Scotland,  then  occupied  by  their  clan,  McKay,  to  Ulster 
county,  Ireland,  where  they  remained  for  a  few  years.  There  their  surname  took 
on  the  Irish  sound  of  "o,"  instead  of  "a,"  being  afterward  called  McCay  and  then 
McCoy.  The  elder  of  the  two  brothers,  Robert,  settled  in  Peters  township,  Cum- 
berland county,  afterward  Franklin  county,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  took  up 
large  grants  of  land.  He  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  Pennsylvania,  dy- 
ing in  that  state  in  1740  and  leaving  a  son  of  the  same  name,  Robert.  This  son 
married  his  cousin,  Sally  McCoy,  daughter  of  the  first  Alexander  McCoy,  and 
left  a  large  family  on  his  death.  He  was  a  captain  in  the  Revolutionary  war, 
raising  and  equipping  a  company  of  his  own,  and -was  killed  in  the  battle  of 
Crooked  Bullet.  Andrew  Lindsay  McCoy,  now  president  of  the  James  McCoy 
Company,  wholesale  grocers  of  Peoria,  is  the  great-grandson  of  Alexander.  He 
was  born  in  this  city  December  i,  1839,  and  is  a  son  of  John  A.  and  Eliza  McCoy. 
The  father  was  the  first  of  the  name  to  come  to  Peoria,  settling  here  in  1836. 
His  business  was  that  of  general  merchandising  and  he  was  prominent  in  local 
affairs,  occupying  the  position  of  county  treasurer  and  justice  of  the  peace  for 
many  years.  He  died  in  this  city  in  1885,  and  was  survived  by  his  wife  until 
1901,  when  she  died  and  was  buried  beside  him  in  Springdale  cemetery.  The 
sturdv  Scotch  virtues,  of  shrewd  business  ability,  caution  in  the  expenditure  of 
money  and  keen  commercial  insight,  which  distinguished  the  business  transac- 
tions of  the  father  are  daily  reflected  in  the  action  of  the  son. 

Andrew  Lindsay  McCoy's  early  education  was  received  in  a  private  school 
in  Peoria  and  upon  his  graduation  he  went  immediately  into  the  wholesale  gro- 
cery business  with  the  firm  of  P.  O.  Loucks.  He  continued  in  this  line  of  busi- 
ness for  several  years,  occupying  various  positions  with  the  different  firms  in  this 
city,  until  1862,  when  his  brother,  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Hibben,  started  in 
the  wholesale  business  on  their  own  account  and  emjjloyed  him  as  salesman  for 
the  firm.  Later  the  organization  of  the  firm  was  changed  and  it  became  known 
as  McCoy  &  Straut.  Mr.  Straut  died  in  1887  and  Andrew  McCoy  was  admitted 
to  a  partnership  and  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  its  i^resent  title,  James  Mc- 
Coy &  Company.     During  the  entire  period  of  his  connection  with  the  firm  the 


614  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

business  has  increased  and  its  success  at  the  present  time  is  untjuestioned.  Andrew 
McCoy  has  been  in  full  charge  of  the  firm  and  in  control  and  direction  of  its 
policy  since  1887.  His  business  success  is  founded  upon  his  qualities  of  steady 
application  to  business,  power  of  organization  and  ready  adaptability  to  different 
conditions.  He  attributes  much  of  his  progress  to  his  ability  to  choose  the  right 
associates  in  his  business  life. 

On  October  8,  1S74,  .\ndrew  Lindsay  McCoy  was  married,  in  Hagerstovvn, 
iMarvland,  to  Miss  Ida  Weis,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Ezra  Weis,  a  ])rominent  physician 
of  tliat  city.  'Sir.  and  Mrs.  IVlcCoy  have  three  children:  Helen  Ida,  a  graduate 
of  the  Peoria  high  school ;  Charles  Lester,  director  and  buyer  for  his  father's 
company  and  a  graduate  from  Princeton  University  with  the  class  of  1895;  and 
Lynn  S.,  who  is  connected  with  the  Remington  Arms  Company  of  New  York 
city.  Andrew  Lindsay  McCoy  resides  at  413  Monroe  street,  in  a  beautiful  home 
which  he  erected  in  1895.  The  wholesale  grocery  company,  of  which  he  is  the 
dominant  figure,  at  the  present  time  is  one  of  the  largest  institutions  of  its  kind 
in  the  city.  It  owes  much  of  its  success  to  the  energy,  ability  and  common  sense 
of  Andrew  Lindsay  McCoy. 


CARL  KOECHLIN. 


Carl  Koechlin.  a  well  known  architect  of  Peoria  with  an  office  at  700  Obser- 
vatory building,  where  he  has  been  located  since  1907,  was  born  in  \'ienna,  Austria, 
on  the  29th  of  September,  1858,  and  is  a  son  of  Carl  and  Johanna  Koechlin. 
P)Oth  parents  are  now  deceased,  the  mother  having  passed  away  on  the  21st  of 
December,  1892,  at  the  age  of  sixty,  while  the  father's  death  occurred  at  Josefs- 
thal,  i;ohemia,  on  Tune  10,  1908.    They  are  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Josefsthal. 

Carl  Koechlin  "was  reared  in  his  native  land,  obtaining  his  jireliminary  edu- 
cation in  the  schools  of  Prague,  Bohemia.  He  subsequently  pursued  a  technical 
course  in  both  Vienna  and  Prague,  being  graduated  from  the  university  in  the 
latter  place  in  188 1.  Immediately  thereafter  he  went  to  Russia  as  the  represen- 
tative of  a  company  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  brewing  machinery,  retainmg 
this  position  for  eighteen  months.  At  the  expiiration  of  that  time  he  returned 
home  to  make  pre])arations  to  come  to  America,  having  decided  to  become  a 
citizen  of  the  United  States.  He  took  passage  for  this  country  in  December, 
18S2,  landing  in  New  York.  He  remained  in  that  city  for  two  and  a  half  years, 
being  engaged  during  that  time  in  the  photo  engraving  business.  Being  de- 
sirous of  seeing  more  of  the  country  he  then  traveled  through  the  east  and  south, 
continuing  to  follow  the  same  line  of  work  in  the  various  cities  throughout  that 
section.  In  1885  he  located  at  Columbus,  Georgia,  engaging-  in  the  photo  en- 
graving business  there  until  1890.  In  the  latter  year  he  entered  the  employ  of 
the  Chattahoochee  Brewing  Company,  as  traveling  representative  and  assistant 
manager.  He  resigned  his  position  in  1891  and  became  associated  with  \\  .  A. 
\\'illauer,  a  brewmaster,  and  together  they  opened  a  brewery  at  Sheffield.  .\la- 
bama,  at  that  time  an  enterprising  and  thriving  city.  They  were  caught  in  the 
financial  stringency  of  1892  and  1893,  however,  and  were  compelled  to  close 
down  their  plant,  after  a  loss  of  about  fourteen  thousand  dollars.  ^Ir.  Koechlin 
next  went  to  Louisville,  Kentucky,  as  foreman  of  construction  for  the  firm  of 
H.  H.  Symms  &  Company.  In  the  fall  of  1894,  the  company  transferred  him 
to  Indianapolis,  where  he  continued  in  their  service  until  1897.  He  then  accepted 
a  position  as  draftsman  in  the  office  of  Kingan  &  Companv,  remaining  in  their 
service  until  1899  when  he  came  to  this  city  and  took  a  similar  position  with  A. 
B.  Nesbit.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Nesbit  in  December,  1899,  Mr.  Koechlin 
obtained  a  position  with  the  Peoria  Stone  &  ]Marble  Works,  being  identified 
with  them  until  1905.     In  the  latter  year  he  resigned  his  position  and  opened  an 


CARL  KOECHLIN 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  617 

office  with  Albert  Kiefer,  with  whuiii  he  was  associated  for  two  years.  They 
dissolvcil  partnership  in  1907  and  Mr.  KocchHn  has  ever  since  been  in  business 
alone.  Me  is  a  very  able  man,  and  through  his  general  competence  and  efficiency 
has  won  recognition  that  has  brought  him  some  excellent  contracts.  He  does 
not  specialize  but  docs  general  work  and  was  the  designer  of  Princess  Theatre 
in  the  Luthy  building  and  he  also  designed  and  is  su])erintending  the  construction 
of  the  new  reinforced  concrete  factory  of  Thomas  i5t  Clarke  and  he  is  likewise 
engageil  in  tlie  construction  of  a  large  printing  establishment  for  Henniges  & 
Company.  There  are  many  examples  of  his  work  throughout  the  city  and  all 
manifest  an  appreciation  of  artistic  values  as  applied  to  the  practical  needs  and 
requirements  for  which  they  are  designed.  He  has  a  thorough  technical  knowl- 
edge of  his  business  and  is  very  practical  in  his  ideas,  while  in  his  methods  he 
is  enter])rising  and  progressive. 

lndiana].)olis  was  the  scene  of  'Mr.  Koeehlin's  marriage  on  the  gth  of  Pel:)ru- 
ary.  1898,  to  Miss  Emma  Gierke,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  Gierke,  the 
father  owning  and  operating  a  bookbindery  in  that  city.  Two  children  have  been 
born  to  Mr.  and  ]\Irs.  Koechlin :  Margaret,  who  is  attending  the  public  school: 
and  Carl,  Jr.,  who  is  about  two  years  of  age.  The  family  reside  at  3015  North 
Madison  street. 

Mr.  Koechlin  is  a  member  of  The  Workmen's  Death  &  Sick  Benefit  Asso- 
ciation and  the  German  Beneficial  Union  and  he  also  belongs  to  the  Free  Order 
of  Rangers.  He  is  a  socialist  in  his  political  views  and  always  gives  his  support 
to  the  men  and  measures  of  that  party,  believing  that  their  policy  is  best  adapted 
tn  subserve  the  highest  interests  of  the  maioritv. 


GUSTAV  R.  SWANSON. 

(lustav  R.  Swanson,  general  agent  of  the  Security  Life  Insurance  Company  of 
America  for  the  state  of  Illinois,  is  recognized  as  one  of  Peoria's  most  promising 
young  business  men.  He  was  born  in  Linkoping,  Sweden,  on  the  i6th  of  July, 
1883,  and  is  a  son  of  Solomon  and  Sarah  (Johnson)  Swanson,  natives  of  the 
same  place.  His  parents  remained  in  the  old  country,  where  the  father  engaged 
in  the  clothing  business  until  his  death  on  the  17th  of  September,  1909.  The 
mother,  however,  survives  and  makes  her  home  in  Linkoping. 

The  first  sixteen  years  in  the  life  of  Gustav  R.  Swanson  w^ere  passed  in  his 
native  land,  where  he  was  given  the  advantages  of  a  good  education  and  also  of 
a  thorough  musical  training.  From  early  childhood  the  lad  had  been  strongly 
attracted  to  America,  and  at  last  wanning  the  consent  of  his  parents  to  leave  home, 
in  1899  he  took  passage  for  the  United  States.  His  destination  was  Peoria,  where 
he  arrived  on  the  13th  of  March.  As  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  be  self-sup- 
porting, during  the  early  years  of  his  residence  here  he  became  connected  with 
various  local  orchestras,  making  his  living  in  this  way  until  1904.  It  was  not  his 
intention  to  follow  this  kind  of  work  permanently,  however,  so  during  this  time 
he  took  a  commercial  course  in  Brown's  Business  College,  thus  acquiring  the 
theoretical  knowledge  essential  to  entering  upon  a  business  career.  Upon  attain- 
ing his  majority  he  gave  up  his  orchestra  work  and  engaged  in  the  insurance 
business.  During  the  first  few  months  he  worked  as  a  local  agent,  manifesting 
such  unusual  capaliilities  that  he  was  soon  appointed  district  agent  for  the  .Secu- 
rity Life  Insurance  Comjiany  of  America.  He  is  an  ambitious,  enterprising  man, 
who  ajjplies  himself  intelligently  to  anything  he  undertakes,  concentrating  his 
entire  powers  upon  his  business,  his  efforts  lieing  correspondingly  rewarded. 
In  1906,  two  years  after  he  first  became  identified  with  the  company,  he  was 
awarded  the  general  agency  for  the  state  of  Illinois,  and  during  the  period  of 
his  service  in  this  connection  has  proven  himself  fully  worthy  of  the  confidence 


618  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

reposed  in  him  by  the  efficiency  with  which  he  has  discharged  his  duties.  He 
is  directing  his  department  in  a  highly  capable  manner,  and  is  meeting  with 
unusual  success  in  its  development,  the  business  having  shown  a  marked  annual 
increase  during  the  five  years  he  has  had  it  in  charge. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  1909,  Mr.  Svvanson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Nellie  Nelson,  a  daughter  of  James  Nelson,  a  railroad  machinist  residing  at  No. 
238  Rock  Island  avenue,  Peoria.  They  are  both  active  workers  in  the  Swedish 
Lutheran  church,  in  which  they  hold  membership.  Politically  he  is  a  republican 
and  is  affiliated  with  the  Swedish-American  Republican  league  of  Illinois,  of 
which  he  is  the  treasurer.  Although  he  has  not  yet  attained  the  age  of  thirty 
years,  Mr.  Swanson  has  made  marked  progress  in  his  career  and  has  achieved 
more  than  many  men  who  are  years  his  senior.  His  pleasing  personality,  geniality 
and  marked  enterprise  as  well  as  his  general  capability  assure  his  success  and  well 
qualify  him  for  the  business  he  is  engaged  in. 


JAMES  E.  MURPHY. 


The  position  of  manager  of  any  of  the  great  industrial  enterprises  of  the 
present  day  is  the  pivotal  point  upon  which  the  success  or  failure  of  many  insti- 
tutions of  this  kind  rests.  The  manager  must  have  his  hand  upon  the  pulse  ot 
commercial  conditions  and  must  be  ready  at  any  time  to  change  his  policy  in 
accordance  with  them.  He  must  know  his  business  world  thoroughly,  must  be 
active  in  all  the  relations  of  his  life  and  not  only  be  an  industrious  business  man 
but  also  one  who  is  capable  of  superintending  and  directing  subordinates.  Upon 
his  ability  in  this  line  depends  much  of  the  success  of  the  enterprise  which  he  is 
managing  and  his  failure  in  this  regard  may  spell  failure  for  his  firm.  An  expert 
manager  and  one  well  qualified  to  fill  his  position  is  James  E.  Murphy,  of  the 
Madigan  &  Walsh  Company,  a  cooperage  manufacturing  concern,  the  factory  of 
which  is  at  the  foot  of  Chicago  street  in  this  city.  Mr.  Murphy  is  experienced 
in  his  line  of  activity  and  has  occupied  the  position  of  manager  for  this  great  in- 
dustrial institution  since  1889.  He  is  a  native  of  Peoria,  having  been  born 
January  i,  1865,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Bridget  (Grant)  ]\Iurphy.  His  father 
was  a  native  of  Ireland  and  in  1847  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  New  York,  where  he 
resided  until  1852,  when  he  came  to  Peoria  and  interested  himself  in  many  differ- 
ent lines  of  business  in  this  city  until  his  death,  in  1887,  at  the  age  of  sixty-five 
years.  Bridget  Murphy  died  in  September,  1883,  ^t  the  age  of  fifty-four  years, 
and  is  buried  beside  her  husband  in  St.  I\Iary"s  cemetery  in  Peoria. 

Parochial  and  public  schools  of  Peoria  aiTorded  James  E.  Murphv  his  primary 
education.  He  attended  the  Peoria  high  school  for  a  short  time  but  left  at  the 
age  of  sixteen  years  to  enter  the  Parish  Business  College,  which  is  now  called 
Brown's  Business  College,  in  this  city.  His  first  venture  in  business  was  as  a 
newspaper  reporter,  in  which  position  he  continued  for  about  one  year,  when  he 
resigned  and  in  partnership  with  three  other  Peorians  started  a  newspaper.  This 
was  the  Peoria  Sunday  Herald,  which  existed  but  a  verv  short  time,  when  its 
operation  was  abandoned  by  its  organizers  for  lack  of  funds.  In  1887  he  entered 
the  railway  mail  service  being  so  employed  for  three  years.  He  resigned  his 
position  to  accept  employment  with  the  Madigan  &  Walsh  Company  in  1889.  with 
which  concern  he  has  since  been  identified.  At  the  time  of  his  first  coimection 
with  this  firm  the  enterprise  was  an  extremely  small  one  but  was  rapidlv  grow- 
ing and  developing  along  progressive  lines.  In  1897  't  was  incorporated,  Mr. 
Murphy  being  elected  president  of  the  company.  Under  his  direction  and  as  a 
direct  result  of  his  ca]iacity  for  management  and  control  the  business  of  the 
firm  increased  enormously  from  year  to  year.  Its  market  was  enlarged,  the  qual- 
ity of  its  output  became  definitely  better  and  in  a  few  years  it  was  recognize.  1 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  619 

in  Peoria  as  one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  Mr.  Murphy 
held  the  office  of  president  of  the  Madigan  &  Walsh  Company  until  1899,  when 
the  entire  stock  of  the  concern  was  sokl  to  the  Kentucky  Distilleries  and  Ware- 
house Company,  Mr.  Murphy's  interests  going  along  with  the  rest  of  the  stock. 
He  was  then  called  to  his  present  position  as  treasurer  and  manager,  in  which 
capacity  he  has  attained  remarkable  success.  He  is  at  ]iresent  president  of  the 
Newport  Stave  Company  at  Eldorado,  Arkansas,  and  holds  the  same  position  in 
the  I.-ouisiana  Stave  &  Heading  Comiiany  at  Monroe,  Louisiana. 

Mr.  Murphy  takes  an  intelligent  interest  in  public  affairs  of  the  city  and  state, 
voting  the  democratic  ticket.  He  served  for  ten  years  as  a  member  of  the  state 
central  democratic  committee  and  was  police  and  fire  commissioner  of  Peoria 
for  some  time.  He  is  prominent  in  the  Roman  Catholic  church  and  is  a  member 
of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  an  organization  affiliated  with  that  body.  I  le  is  an 
active  member  of  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  is  well  known  in 
the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  holds  his  position  as  manager  of  the  Madigan  &  Walsh 
Company  with  the  ability  and  success  which  distinguishes  all  of  his  commercial 
operations.  He  is  a  keen  business  man,  shrewd  and  discriminating  in  his  com- 
mercial transactions,  active  in  management  and  steady  in  progress,  and  his  sound 
business  judgment  is  an  active  factor  in  the  success  of  the  firm  with  which  he 
has  been  identified  since   1889. 


JOHN  A.  VANCE. 


John  A.  Vance,  a  well  known  contractor  and  builder  of  Elmwood.  has  since 
1904  been  the  successful  owner  and  operator  of  a  cement  block  factory  in  this 
town.  He  was  born  in  Highland  county,  Ohio.  January  29,  1854,  the  son  of 
Andrew  and  Hariett  (Kibler)  Vance,  the  father  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and 
the  mother  of  Ohio.  Andrew  \'ance  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  Ohio  when  he 
was  eight  years  of  age,  and  he  grew  to  manhood  and  was  married  in  that  state. 
In  18O9,  together  with  his  family,  he  came  to  Illinois,  locating  in  Peoria  county 
and  later  removing  to  Knox  county.  Throughout  his  active  life  he  was  engaged 
in  farming.  He  lived  retired  in  Elmwood,  having  reached  the  age  of  eighty-six 
years,  when  his  death  occurred  in 'March,  1912.  In  his  political  views  he  has 
ever  been  a  stanch  democrat.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church  and  his 
wife  was  also  of  the  Baptist  faith.  She  passed  away  in  1908.  In  their  family 
were  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living.  They  are :  Mrs.  Lavisa  Rog- 
ers, Strodder  L.,  Cornelius  .-\ndrew,  and  John  A.  of  this  review 

The  last  named  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Illinois, 
and  later  attended  the  high  school  at  Yates  City.  Subsequently  he  began  work 
on  the  farm,  where  he  remained  until  he  was  twenty-nine  years  of  age.  He  then 
took  U])  the  contracting  and  building  business,  having  all  his  life  been  somewhat 
interested  in  that  work,  and  he  has  followed  this  occupation  ever  since.  He  has 
a  wide  and  remunerative  business,  which  extends  over  a  radius  of  twenty-five 
miles  around  Elmwood.  In  1904  he  started  a  cement  block  factory  and  now  has 
an  extensive  shipping  business,  having  about  twenty-two  men  in  his  employ. 
He  also  carries  a  large  stock  of  paints  and  has  in  his  employ  a  large  force  of 
painters  and  masons.  He  is  contemplating  starting  next  year  an  automobile  es- 
tablishment, of  which  he  will  also  be  the  manager. 

In  1880  Mr.  Vance  was  married  to  Miss  Katie  Yager,  a  native  of  Canada,  and 
a  daughter  of  Philip  Yager,  who  came  several  years  ago  to  the  United  States, 
where  he  passed  away.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  \'ance  have  been  born  two  children: 
Earl  W.,  who  married  Miss  Fannie  Remmlee ;  and  Lehbelle,  who  is  at  home. 
In  his  political  views  Mr.  \'ance  is  a  rei)ul)lican,  although  he  has  never  cared  to 
"hold  office.     He  gave  excellent  service  for  eleven  years  as  a  member  of  the  city 


620  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

council.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  Horeb  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  with 
the  Arcanus  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Mr.  \'ance  has 
been  extremely  successful  as  a  contractor  and  builder  and  also  in  the  manage- 
ment of  his  cement  block  factory,  and  is  considered  among  the  prominent  busi- 
ness men  of  P'lniwood  where  he  has  the  high  regard  of  all  his  associates.  In 
the  community  interests  of  his  town  he  takes  an  active  and  helpful  part,  sup- 
porting the  various  measures  that  have  for  their  objects  the  welfare  and  ad- 
vancement of  the  town  and  county. 


WILLIAM  R.  CONE. 


William  R.  Cone  is  the  senior  member  of  the  real-estate  firm  of  Cone  & 
Sears,  real-estate  brokers,- with  ofiices  at  Xo.  loi  North  Jefferson  avenue,  and 
president  of  the  Sloan  Abstract  Company,  incorporated.  He  has  occupied  the 
latter  position  since  1904.  He  was  born  in  Gilman,  Illinois,  February  12,  1874, 
the  son  of  Spencer  S.  and  Araminta  Cone.  The  father  came  to  Peoria  in  1896, 
having  previously  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at  Gilman  up  to  the  time 
of  his  removal  to  Peoria.  The  family  is  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction,  the  first 
representative,  Daniel  Cone,  coming  to  the  new  world  in  1662.  General  Cone, 
of  Revolutionary  fame,  has  in  the  subject  of  this  review  a  direct  descendant, 
while  Daniel  Cone,  the  first  American  progenitor,  married  a  lady  whose  parents 
settled  in  this  country  in  1635.  Spencer  S.  Cone,  the  father  of  our  subject,  is 
now  living  retired  at  Peoria. 

The  preliminary  education  of  William  R.  Cone  was  gained  in  the  public 
schools  of  Gilman,  and  also  in  the  high  school,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in 
1892.  He  later  entered  Knox  College  at  Galesburg  and  was  afterward  a  stu- 
dent at  the  Illinois  Wesleyan  University,  of  Bloomington,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  1900  with  the  degree  of  LL.  D.  Following  the  graduation  he  settled 
in  Peoria,  where  he  became  interested  in  the  real-estate  business.  The  broad 
legal  knowledge  which  he  had  received  proved  to  be  extremely  useful  to  him  and 
as  his  abilities  peculiarly  fitted  him  to  handle  real-estate  transactions,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  business  almost  from  the  beginning.  The  loan  department  of  his  busi- 
ness is  an  important  one,  and  in  that  as  well  as  in  the  real-estate  department.  Mr. 
Cone's  legal  training  was  of  much  value  . 

At  Peoria  on  September  26,  1905,  Mr.  Cone  was  married  to  Miss  Kathryn 
Christian,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Christian.  The  parents  reside  in 
Hancock  county  and  the  father  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  Mr.  Cone  is  a 
Blue  Lodge  Mason  and  he  is  also  a  member  of  the  Sigma  Chi  fraternity  and  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  has  by  his  winning  personality  formed  a  large  acquain- 
tance in  Peoria  and  his  successful  business  career  as  well  as  his  general  reputa- 
tion for  sterling  integrity  and  ability  have  made  him  respected  wherever  he  is 
known. 


L.  W.  MOOREHOUSE. 


L.  W.  Moorehouse,  who  has  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  Peoria,  here 
enjoys  an  enviable  reputation  as  a  valued  and  public-spirited  citizen  who  has 
done  noteworthy  service  as  a  member  of  the  city  school  board,  manifesting  effi- 
ciency and  integrity  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  a  public  official.  For  the 
past  two  decades  lie  has  been  engaged  in  business  as  a  dealer  in  meats  at  the 
corner  of  First  and  Sanford  streets.  He  was  born  in  this  city  in  1857  and  is 
a  son  of  William  and  .Amelia  Moorehouse,  natives  of  Hamburg,  Germany,  whence 
they   emigrated   to  the   United  States   in    1842,   locating  in   Peoria.     They   first 


1..  w".  M(>iii;i:iiiU'SE 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY    ■  623 

resided  on  Adams  street  but  subsequently  removed  to  Water  street,  both  resi- 
dences being  clapboard  houses.  The  father,  who  was  a  cabinet-maker  by  trade, 
was  an  exceptionally  good  musician  and  was  the  organizer  of  the  old  (iermania 
Band,  among  whose  members  were  numbered  John  F.  King,  William  Murphy, 
the  ])ioneer  grocer,  and  several  other  jirominent  business  men  of  that  ])crio(l. 
Unto  William  and  Amelia  Aloorehouse  were  born  five  children,  three  daughters 
and  two  sons,  as  follows:  ^linnie.  who  is  the  widow  of  J.  Claypool ;  Mary,  now 
Mrs.  Hirt,  who  resides  at  No.  222  First  avenue  in  Peoria ;  Charlotte,  who  mar- 
ried James  McMurray;  George,  who  passed  away  in  1910;  and  L.  W.,  of  this 
review.  William  Moorehouse,  the  father  of  these  children,  was  called  to  his 
final  rest  in  1859.  The  following  year  his  widow  gave  her  hand  in  marriage 
to  Charles  Rauthenberg,  a  potter  by  trade,  by  whom  she  had  five  children,  three 
daughters  and  two  sons,  namely:  Louisa;  Amelia:  Frank  and  Katie,  butb  of 
whom   are   deceased ;  and   Edward. 

In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  L.  W.  Moorehouse  attended  the  old 
Greeley  or  Fourth  \\'ard  school,  which  was  the  seat  of  learning  of  so  many  of 
Peoria's  prominent  citizens.  After  laying  aside  his  text-books  he  entered  the 
potterv  of  Tobias  Bradley,  one  of  the  wealthy  pioneer  business  men  of  this  city, 
and  while  there  employed  was  a  witness  of  the  fatal  accident  to  the  proprietor 
of  this  industry.  He  next  entered  the  service  of  James  Dohney,  the  plumber, 
with  whom  he  spent  four  years  learning  the  trade.  .\t  the  expiration  of  that 
time  he  took  a  position  with  Simpson,  McGlynn  &  Klingle,  who  were  also  en- 
gaged in  the  plumbing  business.  When  he  left  their  service  he  went  to  Chica.go 
and  was  connected  with  the  hotel  business  for  eighteen  years,  after  which  he 
was  a  cook  in  the  employ  of  the  Santa  Fe  Railroad  Company  for  a  time.  He 
subsequently  returned  to  Peoria  and  in  October,  1892,  established  the  meat 
business  he  is  still  conducting.  He  has  met  with  very  good  succes  in  this  enter- 
prise and  enjovs  an  excellent  patronage  that  nets  him  a  handsome  annual  income. 
He  served  for  two  years  as  vice  president  of  the  Master  P>utchers'  Association 
of  the  I'nited  States  and  has  held  all  of  the  positions  in  the  Retail  Merchants' 
Association  except  that  of  president. 

For  his  wife  and  helpmate,  Mr.  Moorehouse  chose  Miss  Maggie  Kerwin. 
and  they  became  the  parents  of  eight  children,  seven  sons  and  one  daughter,  but 
one  of  the  sons  is  now  deceased. 

The  political  allegiance  of  Mr.  Moorehouse  is  accorded  to  the  Rei)ul)lican 
party,  and  for  the  past  fourteen  years  he  has  been  actively  identified  with  numi- 
cipai  affairs  in  various  capacities.  He  is  now  serving  as  a  member  of  the  house 
of  correction  committee,  having  received  his  appointment  from  Mayor  Wood- 
ruff, and  has  established  an  excellent  record  by  reason  of  the  ]irompt  and  capa- 
ble discharge  of  his  duties.  Plis  most  notable  service,  however,  has  been  in  con- 
nection with  the  city  school  board,  of  which  body  he  has  been  a  member  for 
six  years,  and  will  without  doubt  be  reelected  to  the  same  position  at  the  next 
election.  In  the  fulfillment  of  his  public  duties,  Mr.  ^Moorehouse  exhibits  the 
close  attention  to  details  and  careful  su])ervision  of  expenditures  that  has  always 
characterized  him  in  the  direction  of  his  own  affairs,  as  he  maintains  that  a 
public  office  is  a  public  trust  and  that  a  man  in  the  employ  of  the  municii)ality  is 
no  more  justified  in  wasting  the  money  of  the  people  who  entrust  him  with  a 
public  position  than  he  would  be,  were  he  in  the  service  of  a  private  corporation. 
He  has  high  standards  of  citizenship  and  regards  it  the  duty  of  every  man  in 
public  life  to  be  just  as  conscientious  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  to  the  com- 
munity as  a  whole  as  he  would  be  in  conducting  a  transaction  with  a  single 
individual.  Ever  since  he  has  been  in  jniblic  office  Mr.  Moorehouse  has  worked 
tirelessly  to  bring  about  various  reforms  in  connection  with  the  department  of 
education  and  has  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  some  results  from  his  work, 
although  there  is  still  much  to  be  achieved.  He  well  deserves  recognition  as  a 
public  benefactor,  having  by  his  investigations  saved  the  city  a  great  deal  of 
unnecessarv    expenditure    on    public    school    buildings   and    in    other    matters    of 


624  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

similar  nature.  He  stands  high  in  the  esteem  of  the  community  at  large,  who 
recognize  in  him  a  man  of  sound  principles  and  incorruptihle  integrity  who  can 
always  be  depended  upon  to  do  what  he  considers  to  be  right  in  the  face  of  the 
strongest  opposition.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons  and  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  having  been  a  member  of  the  former  for  thirty-two  years 
and  of  the  latter  for  fourteen  years.  Xo  breath  of  suspicion  has  ever  assailed 
his  good  name  and  on  the  contrary  he  stands  as  a  splendid  type  of  the  honorable, 
reliable,  successful  man,  the  public-spirited  citizen  and  the  trustworthy   friend. 


WALTER  KEE  MAXWELL. 

Walter  Kee  Maxwell,  who  for  many  years  has  been  a  well  known  representa- 
tive of  journalistic  interests  and  is  an  editorial  writer  for  the  Peoria  Herald 
Transcript,  was  born  in  Bardolph,  AIcDonough  county,  Illinois,  January  12,  1879, 
a  son  of  H.  A.  and  ]\Iary  (Kee)  ^Maxwell,  both  of  Cadiz,  Ohio,  where  the  father 
engaged  in  teaching.  In  their  family  were  thirteen  children,  of  whom  twelve  are 
living. 

Walter  K.  Maxwell  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Bardolph 
and  afterward  became  actively  engaged  in  newspaper  publication  in  the  office  of 
the  Bardolph  News,  owned  and  founded  by  his  brother.  He  entered  the  ofifice 
at  the  age  of  fifteen  years  and  there  remained  for  two  years  setting  type  and 
familiarizing  himself  with  different  phases  of  newspaper  publication.  He  later 
founded  the  Kane  Telegram  at  Kane,  Illinois,  which  he  operated  for  two  years, 
and  then  went  to  Smithfield,  Illinois,  and  was  employed  by  the  Smithfield  Sun 
for  two  years,  when  a  disastrous  fire  swept  the  town,  destroying  the  business. 
Removing  to  Oneida,  Illinois,  he  established  the  Oneida  News,  which  he  con- 
ducted for  nine  years,  leaving  that  paper  to  come  to  Peoria,  where  he  joined  the 
editorial  staff  of  the  Peoria  Herald-Transcript  as  feature  writer.  His  reputa- 
tion as  a  business  man  and  one  thoroughly  acquainted  with  all  phases  of  news- 
paper publication  had  long  since  been  established  and  in  Feljruary,  191 1,  he  suc- 
ceeded George  Fitch  as  editor  of  the  paper.  In  dictating  its  policy  he  keeps  in 
mind  the  most  progressive  methods  of  newspaper  publication  and  in  his  editorials 
shows  a  masterly  treating  of  subjects  under  discussion,  upholding  the  reputa- 
tion of  the  Herald-Transcript  as  one  of  the  leading  metropolitan  papers  of  the 
Mississippi  vallev.    He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Press  Humorous  Association. 

On  the  1 2th  of  October,  1900,  Mr.  Maxwell  was  married  to  Miss  .Alma  Bur- 
nett, of  Kane,  Illinois,  and  thev  have  two  children.  Burnett  and  Irene  Louise. 


HARRY  S.  MILLER. 


Harry  S.  Miller  is  the  junior  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Dailey  &  Miller, 
The  copartnership  is  comparatively  a  new  formation  but  both  members  are  expe- 
rienced lawyers,  Mr.  Aliller  having  practiced  for  twenty-two  years,  or  since  his 
admission  to  the  bar  when  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  His  work  in  the 
profession  has  been  marked  by  an  earnestness  and  a  thoroughness  which  have 
won  him  advancement.  He  was  born  in  Peoria,  August  8,  1869,  and  is  a  son  of 
Henrv  C.  and  Elizabeth  L.  (Fisher)  Miller.  The  father  was  for  a  number  of 
years  engaged  in  the  contracting  and  Iniilding  business  and  is  now  living  retired. 
He  came  to  this  city  about  i860  from  Newport,  Kentucky,  and  in  the  interven- 
ing years  has  done  much  to  improve  the  city  along  building  lines. 

The  games  of  youth  and  the  work  of  the  public  schools  occupied  the  atten- 
tion of  Harry  S.  Miller  in  his  boyhood,  and  when  he  looked  over  the  field  of 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  625 

business  to  determine  upon  a  life  vocation,  he  decided  upon  the  practice  of  law 
and  began  studying  in  the  office  of  Starr  &  Starr,  with  whom  he  remained  for  a 
year  and  a  half'  He  then  continued  his  reading  with  Henry  C.  Fuller  as  his  pre- 
ceptor and  was  in  his  office  when  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  then  opened  an  office 
for  himself  and  practiced  in  this  city  for  about  two  years,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  he  removed  to  Creede.  Colorado,  which  was  then  a  mining  camp.  He  looked 
carefully  over  the  field  but  saw  no  immediate  prospect  for  success  there  and  after 
three  months  returned  to  Peoria.  Here  he  entered  into  partnership  with  R.  II. 
Radley  and  opened  a  law  office,  practicing  in  that  connection  in  the  Woolner 
building.  Two  years  later  the  firm  dissolved  and  Mr.  Miller  then  entered  into 
partnership  with  Robert  Scholes,  the  present  states  attorney.  Their  business 
association  was  continued  for  three  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  Mr.  Miller 
formed  a  partnershij)  with  the  Hon.  John  Dailey,  with  whom  he  has  been  asso- 
ciated since  1904,  his  partner  being  the  present  state  senator  from  this  district. 
They  do  general  trial  work  entirely  and  are  strong  advocates  before  the  courts. 
Mr.  Miller  has  always  realized  that  success  depends  largely  upon  a  thorough 
preparation  of  his  cases  and  has  never  feared  that  laborious  work  of  the  office 
which  must  precede  the  presentation  of  his  case  in  the  court  room.  His  reason- 
ing is  strong,  his  deductions  logical  and  his  points  follow  in  a  natural  sequence 
that  cannot  fail  to  impress  court  and  jury  with  the  correctness  of  his  opinion. 
He  never  fails  to  command  the  attention  of  those  in  the  court  room  and  seldom 
fails  to  win  the  verdict  desired. 

On  the  26th  of  November,  1902,  Mr.  Miller  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mabel  Peterson,  a  daughter  of  John  and  I'atience  Peterson,  of  Peoria.  There  are 
now  two  interesting  little  daughters  in  the  household,  \'irginia  and  Harriet.  The 
parents  are  well  known  socially  and  their  own  home  is  characterized  by  an  at- 
tractive and  generous  hospitality.  Mr.  Miller  is  interested  in  all  matters  of  pro- 
gressive citizenship  to  the  e.xtent  of  giving  his  cooperation  w^herever  his  aid  can 
be  of  avail,  but  he  has  little  time  for  work  outside  of  his  profession,  his  practice 
having  constantly  grown  in  volume  and  importance. 


EDWARD  D.  McCABE. 

Since  1891  Edward  D.  McCabe  has  been  a  practicing  attorney  at  law  in  Peo- 
ria, Illinois,  with  offices  at  127  North  Jefferson  street.  He  was  born  in  Peoria 
county  in  1859,  and  is  a  son  of  a  pioneer  family  of  the  county,  his  parents  being 
Patrick  and  Catherine  McCabe.  The  father  followed  agricultural  pursuits. 
Both  parents  were  natives  of  Ireland  and  are  now  deceased. 

Edward  D.  McCabe  received  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools  near 
his  father's  farm  and  afterward  attended  the  Brimfield  high  school,  while  later 
he  entered  St.  A'iateur's  College  at  Kankakee.  At  the  close  of  his  studies  at  col- 
lege, he  engaged  in  farming  until  appointed,  in  1887,  to  a  position  in  the  govern- 
ment service  as  United  States  store  keeper  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  a  postion  which 
he  occupied  for  over  two  years.  In  1889.  desiring  to  enter  the  legal  profession, 
he  resigned  his  position  to'  enter  the  law  department  of  the  University  of  Michi- 
gan, from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1891,  receiving  the  degree 
of  LL.  B.  Immediately  after  his  graduation  therefrom  he  cameto  Peoria  where 
he  has  since  remained  in  the  jjractice  of  his  profession.  He  is  vice  president  and 
a  director  of  the  Lake  \iew  State  Bank  of  Chicago,  his  brother,  Ceorge  \V.  Mc- 
Cabe, being  president  thereof. 

Mr.  McCabe  is  an  active  and  honored  member  of  the  Peoria  and  the  State 
Bar  .Associations.  In  his  political  faith  he  is  a  democrat,  and,  in  1908,  was 
elected  democratic  central  committeeman,  a  position  which  he  held  with  credit 
to  himself  and  his  party  until  1910.    He  occupies  the  position  of  public  guardian 


626  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUXTY 

in  and  for  Peoria  county.     He  is  a  member  of  several  fraternal  and  social  asso- 
ciations and  clubs. 

His  practical  knowledge  and  careful  application  of  the  law,  coupled  with  good 
business  judgment,  and  his  kindly  treatment  of  all  persons,  have  combined  to 
give  Mr.  iMcCabe  a  creditable  standing  among  the  members  of  his  profession 
as  well  as  a  good,  clean  and  abundant  clientage. 


JOHN  C.  BECKENHAUPT. 

John  C.  Beckenhaupt,  who  for  nearly  twelve  years  has  been  grain  sampler  on 
the  "board  of  trade,  is  one  of  Peoria's  native  sons,  his  birth  having  occurred  here 
on  the  6th  of  July,  1877,  and  a  sou  of  John  H.  Beckenhaupt. 

The  education  of  John  C.  Beckenhaupt  was  acquired  in  the  public  schools 
and  the  old  business  college,  his  student  days  being  terminated  at  the  age  of 
fourteen  years.  For  two  years  thereafter  he  was  employed  in  the  planing  mill 
of  George  J.  Raton.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  severed  his  connection 
with  this  enterprise  and  entered  the  employ  of  Rowley  &  W' iley,  members  of  the 
board  of  trade.  During  the  succeeding  seven  years  he  held  various  clerkships 
on  the  board  and  in  1900  was  appointed  to  the  position  he  now  holds.  He  has 
given  very  satisfactory  service  in  this  capacity,  having  applied  himself  closely  to 
the  business  and  acquiring  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  essential  points  necessary 
to  the  successful  discharge  of  his  duties.  He  is  exceptionally  well  informed  on 
all  matters  vitally  affecting  the  grain  business  and  is  recognized  as  a  highly  effi- 
cient man  in  his  line,  having  manifested  unusual  ability  in  this  direction  during 
tlie  period  of  his  connection  with  the  positon  he  is  now  filling. 

This  citv  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Beckenhaupt's  marriage  on  the  12th  of  June, 
1901,  to  Miss  Marv  Hastings  Harlow.  They  are  both  members  of  the  Central 
Christian  church,  in  the  work  of  which  they  take  a  helpful  interest,  and  frater- 
nally he  is  affiliated  with  Lodge  No.  47,  K.  of  P.,  in  which  he  has  held  all  of  the 
chaiVs.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Dramatic  Order  of  the  Khorassan  and  of  the 
North  American  Union.  Mr.  Beckenhaupt  is  one  of  the  widely  known  men  in 
the  business  and  commercial  circles  of  the  city,  among  whom  he  numbers  many 
friends.  He  is  a  man  of  many  estimable  qualities,  whose  unsullied  reputation  and 
honorable  business  methods  entitle  him  to  the  respect  he  is  accorded  by  all  who 
have  had  dealings  with  him. 


FRANK  A.  IIAI.I. 


Probably  the  greatest  service  a  man  can  do  for  his  fellowmen  is  to  perform 
honorably  and  well  the  duties  of  a  public  office  intrusted  to  him.  To  be  success- 
ful in  this  way  a  man  must  give  his  energies,  his  intelligence  and  activity  to  the 
cause  of  the  people,  must  be  broad-minded  and  liberal  and  must  have  a  moral 
character  uncontaminated  by  personal  ambitions.  All  these  characteristics  Frank 
A.  Hall,  now  acting  as  justice  of  the  peace,  possesses  in  an  eminent  degree.  He 
has  the  distinction  of  being  the  youngest  man  ever  elected  to  this  position  in 
Peoria  countv  . 

Frank  A.' Hall  is  a  native  of  Peoria,  where  he  has  spent  almost  his  entire  life 
and  was  born  in  1882.  His  early  education  was  acquired  in  the  grammar  and 
high  schools  of  this  city.  For  a  period  of  three  years  he  taught  school  in  Peo- 
ria countv  and  later  attended  the  University  of  Illinois  from  which  he  was 
graduated  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.    Shortly  afterward,  on  passing  the  required 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  629 

examination  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Illinois.     He  returned  to  Peoria  and 
took  up  the  general  practice  of  law,  meeting  with  remarkable  success. 

Mr.  Hall  was  elected  to  his  present  position  of  justice  of  the  peace  for  Peoria 
county  by  an  overwhelming  majority  in  the  spring  of  191 1.  His  politics  are 
consistently  republican.  He  is  afifiliated  with  the  Masonic  lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M., 
and  is  a  member  of  the  Sigma  Alpha  Epsilon  and  the  Phi  Delta  Phi  fraternities. 
His  offices  are  in  the  Majestic  Theater  building  on  South  JefYerson  street,  and 
here  he  holds  court  and  carries  on  a  general  law  practice.  The  success  which 
he  has  attained  has  been  highly  deserved  and  the  experience  which  he  is  now 
gaining  will  be  one  of  the  valuable  assets  in  his  future  career.  He  looks  upon 
public  office  as  a  gift  of  the  people  and  he  regards  it  as  his  duty"  to  do  everything 
in  his  power  to  promote  the  welfare  and  insure  the  prosperity  of  his  fellow 
citizens.  He  never  allows  his  personal  prejudice  to  interfere  with  the  conduct  of 
his  office.  He  performs  the  duties  incident  to  his  position  as  justice  of  the 
peace  in  a  careful  manner  and  with  a  keen  appreciation  of  their  importance  and 
a  knowledge  of  the  responsibility  which  rests  upon  his  shoulders. 


JOHN  A.  BUSH. 


lohn  A.  Bush,  the  honored  president  of  the  Old  Settlers'  Association, 
to  whose  zeal  and  interest  the  organization  largely  owes  its  upbuilding,  is  also 
numbered  among  the  veteran  business  men  of  Peoria  where  for  a  half  century  he 
has  been  actively  engaged  in  industrial  enterprises.  He  is  well  known  as  a  de- 
orator,  painter  and  paperer  and  his  business  has  assumed  large  proportions.  His 
establishment  is  located  on  Jefferson  avenue  in  the  Cole  building,  and  his  inter- 
ests are  conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  J.  A.  Bush  &  Son.  There  is  perhaps 
not  another  Inisiness  man  in  all  Peoria  who  has  so  long  been  connected  with  the 
activities  of  the  citv.  He  was  born  in  Cumberland  county,  Pennsylvania,  February 
16,  1829,  a  son  of' George  and  Maria  (Zilsie)  r.ush,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  the  Keystone  state.  The  son  was  reared  and  educated  in  Pennsylvania  and 
there  learned  the  trades  of  cabinet-making  and  painting  in  Cumberland  county. 
In  1849  he  left  home  and  after  two  mouths  spent  in  Burlington,  Iowa,  came  to 
Peoria.  He  immediately  resorted  to  the  trade  of  painting  in  order  to  provide 
for  his  support,  and  was  further  actuated  by  a  laudable  ambition  to  make  for 
himself  a  prominent  place  in  business  circles.  He  was  not  long  in  gaining  a  lib- 
eral patronage  as  a  dealer  in  wall  paper  and  as  a  house  and  sign  painter  and 
decorator.  He  now  has  the  largest  and  best  establishment  of  the  kind  in  the 
town,  and  although  he  is  now  eighty-four  years  of  age  is  still  active,  working 
daily  on  painting  or  sign  painting  contracts.  In  August,  191 1,  he  painted  the 
seals  of  the  states  in  colors  for  the  Old  Settlers'  Picnic.  He  has  ever  held  to 
high  standards  in  his  work,  and  the  excellence  thereof  has  been  manifest  in  his 
continually  growing  success. 

Mr.  Bush  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susan  O.  Hedenberg,  a  native  of 
Tacksonville.  Illinois,  and  a  daughter  of  the  Rev.  J.  Hedenberg.  They  became 
the  parents  of  six  children  :  John  .\. ;  Nettie  ;  Frank  H. ;  E.  Johnson  ;  and  Laura 
and  Kate,  who  died  in  infancy.  The  son  Edward  is  now  associated  with  his 
father  in  business  under  the  firm  style  of  J.  A.  Bush  &  Son. 

While  Mr.  Bush  has  made  for  himself  a  creditable  position  in  business  cir- 
cles, many  other  interests  have  claimed  his  time  and  attention.  He  has  always 
given  his  support  to  anv  improvements  furthering  the  welfare  of  the  city.  He  is 
the  oldest  Odd  Fellow  in  the  state  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  grand  lodge  of 
Odd  Fellows  since  i860.  For  sixteen  years  he  has  been  a  delegate  from  Colum- 
bia Lodge,  No.  21,  of  Peoria.  He  is  a'  member  of  the  Peoria  Encampment,  No. 
15,  T.  O^C).  F..  and  has  filled  all  of  the  chairs  in  the  subordinate  camp,  has  passed 


Vol.  II—; 


630  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  chair  of  the  grand  encampment  in  1857;  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Peoria 
I'atriarchal  Degree  and  was  Cieneral  of  Equipments  to  the  same  with  the  rank  of 
major.  He  held  membership  in  the  Ivnights  of  Pythias,  is  a  charter  member  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Alutual  Aid,  for  fifty-seven  years  a  member  of  Peoria 
Lodge,  No.  15,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  is  still  active  therein,  and  joined  the  chapter 
of  Masons  in  1863,  belonging  to  the  Peoria  Knights  Templar.  He  is  the  oldest 
living  member  in  this  organization  today  in  Peoria  city,  an  active  member  of  the 
Peoria  Consistory  and  a  member  of  the  Shrine.  He  has  always  been  an  inter- 
ested worker  in  all  of  these  orders  and  as  such  has  a  state-wide  reputation  and 
in  his  life  .exemplifies  their  beneficent  spirit.  Of  Columbia  Lodge,  No.  21,  I.  O. 
O.  F.,  of  Peoria,  he  has  been  a  member  for  sixty-three  years. 

During  the  period  of  the  Civil  war  he  was  a  sutler  to  the  Eighth  and  Seven- 
teenth Regiments  of  Illinois  X'olunteer  Infantry.  For  many  years  he  has  been 
president  of  the  Peoria  County  Old  Settlers'  Association  and  at  the  recent  meet- 
ing was  chosen  for  life.  To  him  is  due  the  success  and  upbuilding  of  this  or- 
ganization, of  which  Peoria  count}'  has  every  reason  to  be  proud.  It  is  composed 
of  men  and  women  who  have  been  most  active  in  promoting  the  welfare  and 
progress  of  this  part  of  the  state  and  whose  work  shall  live  long  after  they  have 
passed  from  the  scene  of  earthly  activities.  John  A.  Bush  is  one  of  four  men 
now  living  that  came  to  Peoria  when  a  great  part  of  the  land  which  now  is  cov- 
ered with  this  flourishing  city  was  a  cornfield  and  all  business  was  transacted  on 
Water  street.  It  consisted  at  that  time  of  about  two  thousand  inhabitants.  Mr. 
Bush  is  a  man  of  strong  character,  resolute  and  determined  and  yet  at  all  times 
kindly  and  considerate.  Few  men  of  Illinois  outside  of  the  political  leaders  are 
more  widely  and  favorably  known.  In  his  case  old  age  does  not  suggest  want 
of  occupation  or  idleness ;  it  does  not  indicate  a  diminution  of  mental  or  spiritual 
force.  On  the  contrary,  he  is  of  that  class  of  men,  comparatively  few  in  num- 
ber, who  grow  strong  mentally  and  spiritually  as  the  years  go  by  and  continually 
give  out  of  their  rich  stores  of  wisdom  and  experience  for  the  benefit  of  others. 


JOHN  SANBORN  STENENS. 

John  Sanborn  Stevens,  who  passed  away  on  the  4th  of  March.  1912,  was  the 
senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Stevens,  Miller  &  Elliott  and  one  of  the  veteran 
members  of  the  Peoria  bar.  He  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  courts  of  the 
state  in  1865  and  for  forty-seven  years  continued  an  active  representative  of  the 
legal  profession,  his  ability  and  his  industry  maintaining  him  in  a  foremost  posi- 
tion among  the  lawyers  of  the  state.  Moreover,  his  character  was  such  as  placed 
him  with  the  foremost  representatives  of  the  legal  profession  and  in  his  life  he 
exemplified  that  for  which  the  law  stands — justice,  truth  and  the  protection  of 
right  and  liberty.  He  was  born  in  Bath,  New  Hampshire.  September  16,  1838, 
and  his  parents,  Joshua  and  Abigail  (Walker)  Stevens,  were  also  natives  of  the 
same  state.  The  father,  however,  was  of  English  lineage,  while  the  mother  came 
of  Scotch  ancestry.  They  were  married  in  the  city  of  Bath,  Maine,  and  there 
continued  their  residence  until  1849.  when  they  removed  to  Hardwick.  \'ermont. 

John  S.  Stevens  was  at  that  time  a  youth  of  about  eleven  years  and  there  he 
acquired  his  early  education  and  prepared  for  college  as  a  student  in  Caledonia 
Academy.  In  the  meantime  he  provided  for  his  own  support  by  working  upon 
a  farm  and  bv  teaching  during  vacations  in  the  district  schools.  In  1858  he  en- 
tered Dartmouth  College  and  was  graduated  with  honors  in  the  class  of  1862, 
receiving  therefrom  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts,  while  later  his  alma  mater 
conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  He  thus  laid  the  foundation 
for  his  professional  knowledge  in  broad  general  learning.  Soon  afterward  he 
came  to  Peoria,  where  he  devoted  two  years  to  the  ]-)rofession  of  teaching,  spend- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  631 

iiig  the  first  year  in  the  grammar  schools  and  the  succeeding  year  as  a  teacher  in 
the  high  school  of  the  city.  While  thus  engaged  he  found  time  to  carry  on  the 
purpose  which  he  had  long  cherished — that  of  studying  law.  He  began  his  read- 
ing in  the  oftice  of  .Alexander  McCoy,  a  prominent  attorney  of  the  city,  and  after 
a  thorough  course  of  study  secured  admission  to  the  bar  in  June,  I<S65.  His  pre-' 
ceptor  at  once  admitted  him  to  a  partnership  that  was  continucfl  until  1870.  In 
that  year  Mr.  Stevens  became  a  partner  of  judge  David  McCuUoch  and  was  thus 
engaged  in  practice  until  1876,  wdien,  without  solicitation  on  his  part,  he  was 
tendered  the  office  of  postmaster  of  the  city  by  President  Grant.  He  accepted 
and  during  the  succeeding  four  years  gave  much  of  his  attention  to  the  duties  of 
tlie  position,  although  he  did  not  withdraw  entirely  from  practice  and  in  1877 
formed  a  partnershij)  with  Senator  John  S.  Lee.  P.  W.  (iallagher  was  also  ad- 
mitted to  the  partnership  and  later  Walter  S.  Horton  entered  the  firm.  P'or 
some  time  the  legal  business  of  the  firm  was  conducted  under  the  style  of  Stev- 
ens, Lee  &  Horton,  and  later  William  T.  .\bbott  became  a  partner.  Mr.  Horton 
withdrew  to  remove  to  Chicago  and  subsequent  changes  in  the  personnel  of  the 
firm  led  to  the  adoption  of  the  style  of  Stevens,  Miller  &  Elliott.  While  ad- 
vancement at  the  bar  is  proverbially  slow  Mr.  Stevens  was  not  long  in  winning 
recognition  as  an  able  and  learned  lawyer  and  one  capable  of  handling  intricate 
and  involved  problems  of  jurisprudence.  Thus  from  an  early  period  in  his 
career  he  was  accorded  an  extensive  clientage  of  an  important  character  and  was 
recognized  as  one  of  the  distiiiguished  lawyers  of  the  Peoria  bar.  -If  further 
proof  of  his  high  standing  were  needed  it  would  be  found  in  the  fact  that  in  IQ02 
lie  was  honored  with  the  presidency  of  the  Illinois  State  Bar  Association. 

In  June,  1868,  j\Ir.  Stevens  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  M.  Part- 
lett,  a  native  of  Peoria,  and  a  daughter  of  .\mos  P.  Bartlett,  who  was  a  pioneer 
merchant  here.  The  two  children  born  of  this  marriage  died  in  infancy.  Mr. 
Stevens  was  a  member  of  Christ  Church  Reformed  Episcopal  and  he  was  long 
closelv,  actively  and  heliifully  identified  with  the  moral  progress  of  the  com- 
munity. In  his  political  views  Mr.  Stevens  was  a  stalwart  republican  since  the 
organization  of  the  party  and  was  frequently  tendered  the  nomination  for  the 
state  legislature  but  always  declined  the  honor.  However,  he  did  effective  work- 
in  the  interests  of  the  party,  serving  as  a  member  of  its  local  and  state  conven- 
tions and  also  as  a  member  of  the  state  committee  in  1900.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  board  of  school  inspectors  and  the  cause  of  education  was  always  sure  of 
his  cham])ionship.  His  labors  at  all  times  constituted  an  element  in  promoting 
progress  and  improvement  along  the  lines  which  aft'ect  general  interests  of  society 
and  at  the  same  time  his  devotion  to  his  profession  brought  him  to  a  position  of 
distinction  as  a  member  of  the  Illinois  bar.  He  was  a  man  entirely  free  from 
ostentation  or  display.  He  lived  his  life  (juietly  yet  he  ever  held  to  profound 
convictions  of  right  and  wrong  and  strove  to  reach  the  high  ideals  of  manhood 
and  citizenship  which  he  set  up.  The  nobility  of  his  character  was  found  in  this 
very  simplicity ;  the  strength  of  his  position  as  a  leading  member  of  the  bar  had 
its  root  in  the  fact  that  he  was  always  direct  in  his  work  and  never  sought  to  lead 
the  court  astray  in  the  matter  of  fact  or  law.  His  entire  life  record  was  as  an 
open  book  which  all  might  read  and  upon  its  pages  there  was  found  no  stain 
nor  dishonor.  While  he  Iiimself  held  to  high  ideals  he  was  slow  in  condemnation 
of  others  and  his  hand  at  all  times  reached  out  in  ready  sympathy  to  assist  those 
who  were  attempting  to  climb  upward.  .\  fitting  tribute  to  the  life  of  Judge 
Stevens  was  paid  by  the  Par  Association  in  resolutions  which  read :  "The  char- 
acter of  the  good  citizen,  as  measured  after  his  decease,  is  always  determined  by 
his  life's  history ;  by  his  faithfulness,  integrity  and  uprightness  in  his  dealings ; 
by  the  confidence  and  esteem  in  which  he  was  ever  held  by  his  associates  and 
the  general  public,  and  their  estimate  of  him  as  a  man  and  a  citizen.  Additional 
elements  enter  into  the  requisites  of  a  true  lawyer.  We  measure  him  not  only 
liv  his  ahilitA-  and  his  knowledge  of  the  law  and  of  the  fundamental  princii)les 


632  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  jurisprudence,  but  further  by  his  individual  uprightness  and  by  his  conscien- 
tious elevation  of  right  and  truth  and  justice;  by  his  condemnation  of  wrong;  by 
his  honest  and  faithful  discharge  of  duty  to  his  clientage ;  by  his  fearless  advo- 
cacy of  his  honest  convictions  and  by  his  constant  remembrance  that  he  is  jjart 
and  parcel  of  the  machinery  under  our  system  of  government  charged  with  the 
administration  of  justice. 

"Mr.  Stevens  was  a  typical  lawyer,  and  had  an  unusually  exalted  idea  of  the 
requirements  of  his  profession,  and  never  faltered  in  the  expression  of  his  opin- 
ions regarding  legal  ethics,  and  particularly  with  reference  to  those  high  prin- 
ciples of  justice  and  equity  required  in  the  administration  of  the  law.  It  has 
been  given  to  comparatively  few  lawyers  to  possess  in  so  large  a  degree  so  many 
of  the  high  qualities  required  in  a  perfect  lawyer  as  were  found  concentrated  in 
Mr.  Stevens;  and  after  a  service  of  continuous  practice  of  over  forty-five  years, 
with  a  large  clientage  during  the  entire  period,  the  act  that  such  clientage  at  all 
times  had  in  him  the  highest  degree  of  confidence  and  esteem  and  continued 
faithful  to  him  until  the  end,  is  a  sufficient  testimonial  of  his  legal  ability,  faith- 
fulness and  integrity. 

"With  his  associates  in  the  practice  and  particularly  with  the  younger  mem- 
bers of  the  bar,  he  at  all  times  exhibited  the  same  genial  and  kindly  spirit.  He 
was  ever  ready  to  give  to  others  the  benefit  of  his  own  long  experience  and  his 
counsel.  He  was  never  ruffled  save  when  confronted  with  a  case  of  wrong,  op- 
pression or  injustice;  and  for  such  cases  he  never  failed  to  forcibly  express  his 
convictions  of  disapproval  and  hatred. 

"Apart  from  his  profession  of  law,  Mr.  Stevens  had  great  administrative 
ability  and  excelled  in  good  common  sense  and  sound  judgment,  and  had  a  broad 
comprehensive  knowledge  of  business  affairs.  It  was  his  well-earned  reputa- 
tion for  honesty,  integrity  and  good  business  ability  that  rendered  him  a  favorite 
instrument  for  the  conduct  of  large  and  important  trusts,  and  it  can  be  truly 
said  that  the  beneficiaries  of  such  trusts  never  failed  to  find  him  a  faithful,  able 
and  conscientious  servant  and  trustee. 

"In  every  department  of  life  Mr.  Stevens  at  all  times  stood,  and  was  rec- 
ognized throughout  the  entire  state,  as  a  lawyer,  citizen  and  a  man  of  distin- 
guished character ;  and  by  his  decease  not  only  the  bar  of  Peoria,  but  our  citv  and 
state,  have  lost  a  capable,  honest  and  conscientious  law-yer  and  a  distinguished 
and  highly  esteeemd  citizen.  Words  are  vain  to  even  attempt  to  express  the  loss 
to  those  of  his  own  household.  To  the  loving  and  beloved  wife,  now  bereaved. 
the  members  of  the  Bar  of  Peoria  extend  their  most  profound  sympathy. 

Committee." 


FREDERICK  K.  SIDLEY.  M.  D. 


Dr.  Frederick  K.  Sidley,  specializing  in  his  practice  in  the  treatment  of  dis- 
eases of  the  ear,  nose  and  throat,  in  which  connection  his  advanced  studies 
have  given  him  marked  skill,  has  for  eleven  years  been  a  representative  of  the 
medical  fraternitv  in  Peoria,  locating  in  this  citv  in  1901.  He  was  born  in 
Chicago.  Illinois, 'in  1873,  a  son  of  W.  K.  Sidley.  At  the  usual  age  he  entered 
the  public  schools  and  when  he  had  passed  through  the  grammar  grades  became  a 
pupil  in  the  South  Division  high  school  of  his  native  city,  pursuing  there  a  three 
years'  course.  He  next  entered  the  University  of  Chicago,  pursuing  a  three 
years'  literary  course  and  later  entered  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1897.  With  comprehensive 
understanding  of  the  principles  and  jiractices  of  general  medicine  and_  surgery, 
he  entered  the  Xew  York  Eye  and  Ear  Hospital,  a  college  of  Xew  York  city, 
in  order  to  equip  himself  for  special  lines  of  practice.  He  spent  a  year  and  a 
half  there  in  studying  diseases  of  the  ear,  nose  and  throat,  after  which  he  went 
to  San   Tuan,  Porto  Rico,  where  he  practiced  until  1901.     That  year  witnessed 


DE.   FREDERICK  K.   SIDLEY 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  635 

his  arrival  in  i'eoria,  where  he  has  since  remained  and  in  rhinology  and  laryng- 
ology his  work  has  been  particularly  efficacious.  He  is  equally  well  knowai  as  an 
aurist  and  is  now  acting  as  ear,  nose  and  throat  surgeon  of  St.  l'>ancis  Hospital 
at  Peoria.  He  limits  his  practice  to  those  lines  and  has  become  widely  recognized 
as  an  eminenet  specialist,  whose  ability  has  lifted  him  far  beyond  the  ranks  of 
mediocrity.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State 
.Medical  Society  and  the  American  Aledical  Association,  and  through  the  pro- 
ceedings of  those  bodies  keeps  in  touch  with  the  advanced  work  that  is  being 
done  by  the  profession. 

Dr.  Sidley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Irvine  llrown,  of  Chicago,  and 
unto  them  has  been  born  a  son.  Frederick,  whose  natal  year  was  lyo".  Dr. 
Sidley  is  a  Mason.  e-xem]jlifying  in  his  life  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft.  He 
belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  to  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  has  many 
friends  in  those  organizations — men  who  esteem  him  for  his  individual,  personal 
worth  as  well  as  for  his  professional  attainments. 


LEMON  HILL  WILEY. 

There  are  many  interesting  incidents  in  the  life  record  of  Lemon  Hill  Wiley 
covering  a  long  experience  as  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war,  as  a  musician  in  connec- 
tion with  bands  and  orchestras  and  later  as  a  political  leader,  in  which  connection 
he  has  done  important  public  service.  He  was  born  in  Carmichaels,  Greene 
county,  Pennsylvania,  April  17,  1844.  His  father,  also  a  native  of  that  place,  was 
a  blacksmith  and  wagon  maker  by  trade.  In  early  life  he  was  elected  justice  of 
the  peace  and  thereafter  to  the  end  of  his  days  at  each  regular  election  was  the 
candidate  of  both  the  whig  and  democratic  parties.  He  became  widely  known 
as  Squire  Wiley  and  his  record,  uniformly  characterized  by  justice  and  equity, 
won  him  the  high  commendation  of  the  public.  He  died  in  1882  and  in  the  same 
decade  his  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  May  Jackson,  passed  away.  She 
was  born  in  Greene  county,  near  Carmichaels,  Pennsylvania,  and  their  children 
were  Jackson,  William,  Lemon  H.,  Elizabeth,  Margaret,  Mardelia  and  two  who 
died  in  infancy. 

Lemon  H.  Wiley  attended  the  country  schools,  in  which  he  ac(|uainted  him- 
self with  the  usual  branches  of  learning  that  constituted  the  public-school  cur- 
riculum. He  was  too  much  of  a  musician,  however,  to  make  a  good  blacksmith, 
although  he  entered  his  father's  shop  and  attempted  to  learn  the  trade.  He  would 
whistle  while  he  was  pounding  the  hot  iron  and  the  nails  which  he  was  attempt- 
ing to  draw,  for  so  the  process  was  termed,  would  grow  cold.  At  length  his 
father  said:  "You  are  no  blacksmith.  I  will  make  of  you  a  musician."  Nothing 
could  have  better  suited  the  lad  and  for  years  his  developing  musical  talent  kept 
him  in  a  foremost  position  among  musical  leaders  of  this  and  other  states.  lie 
completed  a  course  of  study  in  Green  Academy  and  then  joined  a  cavalry  com- 
pany as  bugler.  This  was  in  the  spring  of  1861  and  the  company  was  preparing 
to  go  to  war.  It  had  been  organized  but  had  not  been  mustered  in,  but  Mr. 
Wiley  met  with  parental  opposition  and  was  sent  by  his  father  to  Illinois  in 
1862,  this  way  hoping  that  the  change  of  scene  and  interests  would  take  away 
the  boy's  wish  to  enter  the  army.  L.  H.  Wiley  arrived  in  this  state  in  June, 
1862,  and  on  the  4th  of  July  came  from  Elmwood  to  Peoria,  on  which  day  he 
heard  Colonel  Robert  G.  Ingersoll  deliver  an  address  in  Frink's  Hollow.  He 
went  back  to  Elmwood  again  enthused  with  the  purpose  of  defending  the  Union 
cause  and  enlisted  in  Company  I  of  the  Seventy-seventh  Illinois  Infantry.  Col- 
onel D.  P.  Grier  was  then  organizing  a  regiment,  which  was  sworn  in  on  the  2d 
of  September  at  Camp  Peoria.  .After  several  weeks  spent  in  camp  here  the 
troops  proceeded  southward  to  Cincinnati,  crossed  the  river  to  Covington  anil 
were  brigaded  at  once  with  the  Nineteenth  Kentucky,  the  Eighty-third  Ohio  and 


636     •  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

the  Twenty-third   Wisconsin   Regiments.     They  marched  through  Kentucky   to 
Louisville,  took  boats  for  Memphis  and  thence  went  into  action.     Their  first  en- 
gagement was  at  Chickasaw  Bluff  and  they  were  also  in  the  first  attack  on  Vicks- 
burg.     The  Union  troops  were  driven  back  there  and  afterward  proceeded  up 
the  Yazoo  river  to  Arkansas  Post  but  later  were  at  Milliken's  Bend  and  Young's 
Point,  camping  at  the  latter  place  under  command  of  General  Grant.     When  the 
army  was  brought  into  action  they  crossed  the  Mississiippi  river  at  Bruensberg, 
twenty  miles  south  of  Vicksburg.     They  participated  in  the  siege  of  that  city, 
remaining  on  the  Mississippi  side  of  the  river  until  the  surrender  on  the  4th  of 
July,   18O3.     Later  they  were   sent  to   Jackson.   Mississippi,   but  afterward   re- 
turned to  Vicksburg  and  took  boats  there  for  New  Orleans.     From  the  latter 
point  they  proceeded  to  Brasher  citv  and  organized  for  the  Red  River  camiaaign 
under  General  N.  P.  Banks.    After 'meeting  defeat  at  Pleasant  Hill  on  the  8th  of 
April  they  fought  their  way  back  to  the  Mississippi  river,  proceeded  again  to 
New  Orleans,  thence  to  Mobile,  back  to  New  Orleans  and  afterward  to  Mata- 
gorda Bay.     They  aided  in  the  capture  of  Fort  Gaines  and  Fort  Morgan  at  the 
entrance  of  Mobile  Bay  and  from  the  latter  fort  built  roads  to  the  bay  and  cap- 
lured  other  forts,  leading  eventually  to  the  surrender  of  Mobile.     The  Seventy- 
seventh  Illinois  was  the  first  regiment  to  land  on  the  Mobile  side.     Later  they 
proceeded  up  the  Alabama  river  and  during  the  trip  learned  of  the  assassination 
of  President  Lincoln.     At  length  the  force  in  front  of  them  surrendered.     Mr. 
Wiley  was  within  four  miles  of  Mobile  at  the  time  of  the  big  explosion  of  the 
Mobile  cotton  press  when  tons  of  ammunition  exploded  wiih  such  terrific  force 
that  the  concussion  raised  him  two  feet  from  his  knapsack  on  which  he  was  sit- 
ting.   By  boat  the  troops  proceeded  to  New  Orleans  and  with  the  close  of  their 
term  of  enlistment  returned  to  Peoria  by  way  of  St.  Louis  and  Cairo,  being  mus- 
tered out  at  S]5ringfield  in   1864.     The  Seventy-seventh  Regiment  and  its  band 
then  made  a  tour  of  the  country,  visiting  each  place  where  one  of  the  companies 
had  been  organized  and  everywhere  received  a  most  joyous  welcome  home.     Mr. 
Wiley  was   at   that  time   playing  the  cornet   and   was  leader   of   the  band.     A 
prominent  citizen,  John  Todhunter,  asked  him  to  remain  in  Peoria,   which  he 
did,  joining  Spencer's  band.     Later  he  was  employed  in  Strickler's  book  store 
on  Main   and   Adams   streets  and   subsequently   in   the   music  house  of   Knolte 
&   Bacon.     When    Mr.   Knolte   went   to   San    Francisco   Mr.   Wiley   engaged   in 
business  on   his  own   account,   occupying  one-half   of   a  store   room,   the   other 
half  of   which   was   used  as  a   jewelry   store  by   Fred   Eynathen.     In    1870  he 
sold  his   stock  to    Woodruff'   &   Powers    of   Chicago   but   remained  with   them, 
handling   music   and   also   having  a   small    interest   in   the  business.      When    he 
severed  his  connection  with  that  house  he  went  upon  the  road  and  for  twelve 
years   traveled    in   connection    with    the    show   business,    spending   the   last    five 
years   of   that   period    with    Haverly's    Mastodon    Minstrels.       In     1880-1    they 
went  to  Europe,  spending  five  months  abroad.     They  played  at  Her  Majesty's 
Theater  in  London   and  the  Queen   and  other  members  of  the  court   were   in 
attendance  at  some  of  the  performances.     They  also  played  in  Liverpool.  Man- 
chester,   Leeds    and    Newcastle,    returning    thence    to    London    for   two    weeks' 
engagement  before  sailing  for  America.     They  landed  in  Brooklyn,  New  York, 
two  weeks  before  the   inauguration  of   President   Garfield   in    1881   and   played 
in  that  city,   in   Philadelphia  and  in   Baltimore  before  going  to  Washington.  D. 
C,  for  inauguration  week.     Haverly's  band  constituted  a  feature  of  the  inaug- 
ural parade,   with   Mr.   Wiley  as    leader.      Less  than    a   year    later   that  band 
headed  the  escort  t.o  the  funeral  procession,  its  solemn  strains  being  in  marked 
contrast  to  the  music  played  on  that   former  occasion  when  all  was  rejoicing 
throughout  the  national  capital.     At  the  head  of  this  band,  ranking  as  one  of 
the    foremost    musical    organizations    of    the    kind    in    the    country.    Mr.    Wiley 
traveled  from  New  Orleans  throughout  the  south  and  northward  to   Portland. 
Maine.      He  visited    San   Francisco.    New   York   and   many   intermediate   points, 
directing  the  band  which  everywhere  won  high  honor  and  great  applause. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  637 

On  severing  his  connection  with  Haverly's  band  Mr.  Wiley  returned  to 
Feoria  in  1884  and  for  six  years  thereafter  was  manager  of  the  Grand  Opera 
House.  Gradually  he  drifted  into  politics  and  during  Mayor  C.  C.  Clarke's 
administration  was  alderman  of  the  first  ward.  He  set  himself  resolutely  to 
the  task  of  bringing  about  needed  reforms  and  improvements  that  would  bene- 
fit the  entire  citv  and  succeeded  in  reducing  the  price  of  electric  lighting  from 
a  dollar  and  a  lialf  to  ninety  cents.  He  was  chairman  of  the  lamps  and  light- 
ing committee  of  the  city  council  and,  although  his  position  was  bitterly  con- 
tested, he  won  a  big  victory  for  the  people.  He  has  ever  been  recognized  as 
an  honorable,  straightforward  man,  whose  activities  are  resultant  and  whose 
interests  have  never  been  measured  by  the  inch  rule  of  self;  on  the  contrary, 
he  has  looked  to  the  welfare  of  the  majority  and  in  public  and  private  con- 
nections his  labors  have  been  an  element  for  progress.  In  1894,  during  the 
second  session  of  the  fifty-fourth  congress,  he  was  taken  to  Washington  by 
Representative  Jose])h  \'.  (jraff  and  became  assistant  door  keeper  in  the  house 
of  representatives,  so  continuing  until  191 1,  when  a  democratic  congress  was 
assembled  and  he  was  succeeded  in  the  office  by  one  of  that  political  faith. 
However,  Senator  Cullom  and  Senator  Cummins  of  Iowa  were  numbered 
among  his  warm  personal  friends  and  through  their  influence  and  that^  of 
Senators  Smoot  and  Lodge  of  the  committee  on  senate  patronage  Colonel  Wiley 
was  made  a  door  keeper  on  the  senate  side  for  life,  the  appointment  coming  to 
him  in  recognition  of  his  long  and  efficient  service  for  the  people  and  the  nation 
as  a  soldier  and  in  other  capacities.  It  was  a  just  tribute  to  his  worth  and 
ability  and  to  his  long  manifested  fidelity  to  the  interests  of  the  people  at  large. 

Colonel  Wiley's  fame  as  a  musician  extends  from  ocean  to  ocean.  He  was 
national  bugler  for  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  at  the  encampments  held 
under  the  direction  of  General  Wiser  of  Wisconsin  and  under  Corporal  Tan- 
ner of  Washington.  His  experience  as  a  national  bugler  covered  five  weeks' 
of  a  tour  made  by  distinguished  generals  and  organized  by  General  Alger.  On 
the  tour  were  General  Sickles,  General  Tom  Stewart  of  Pennsylvania,  General 
O.  O.  Howard,  Corporal  Tanner,  Major  Burst  of  Chicago  and  General  Warden 
of  Massachusetts.  They  traveled  through  the  doubtful  portion  of  eleven  states 
in  the  interest  of  sound  money  and  protection  during  the  McKinley  campaign. 
Colonel  \\''iley  then  returned  to  Chicago  and  joined  the  "flying  squadron"  for 
McKinley,  a  companv  formed  of  governors  and  ex-governors,  with  whom  he 
traveled 'through  the' state  of  Illinois.  Colonel  Wiley  has  figured  prominently 
in  all  efiforts  of  this  kind  and  in  all  the  prominent  musical  events  of  Illinois 
as  band  master,  soloist,  cornetist  or  bugler.  During  1898  he  spent  five  weeks 
in  Ohio  in  the  campaign  for  Governor  Nash.  He  was  for  two  weeks  in  the 
camjiaign  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  as  bugler  in  the  interest  of  Representative  James 
Southard.  He  was  also  for  ten  weeks  in  the  campaign  for  Richard  Yates, 
then  the  nominee  for  governor  of  Illinois,  during  which  period  he  visited  every 
countv  in  the  state.  \\'hen  he  was  attending  the  World's  Fair  in  Chicago, 
he  as  'a  bugler  gave  the  signal  that  closed  the  Fair.  At  the  St.  Louis  Exposition 
in  1904  he  had  charge  of  the  Indian  band  at  the  Indian  school,  and  afterward 
toured  the  country  with  this  organization  for  about  two  years. 

On  July  15,  1872,  in  Peoria,  Illinois,  Mr.  Wiley  was  married  to  Miss  Alta 
Wilson,  a  daughter  of  Levi  anl  Mary  (Pickering)  Wilson.  Mr.  Wilson  was 
one  of  the  pioneers  of  Peoria  county  and  had  for  years  been  foreman  of  the 
Rock  Island  railroad  shops,  but  lived  retired  at  the  close  of  his  life.  He  died 
in  iqoo  and  Mrs.  Wilson  passed  away  in  1903.  Mr.  Wiley  was  an  honored 
member  of  the  Masonic  order  and  a  Noble  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  was 
affiliated  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  a  member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  the  Maccabees  and  the  Musicians  I'nion.  He  also  had  long  been  a 
member  of  the  old  Peoria  Choral  Union. 

His  abilitv,  natural  and  acquired,  as  a  musician,  while  of  the  highest  order, 
is  not  all  that  has  won  him  popularity  and  prominence  in  this  state  and  through- 


638  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

out  the  country.  He  had  the  quaHties  which  make  for  leadership  in  political 
circles,  the  sound  business  judgment,  the  keen  insight,  the  sagacity  and  the 
alertness.  Added  to  these  his  geniality  and  unfeigned  cordiality  have  rendered 
him  popular  wherever  he  is  known  and  won  for  him  a  circle  of  friends  almost 
coextensive  with  the  circle  of  his  acquaintances. 


ALBERT  SALISBURY. 


Albert  Salisbury  is  well  known  in  Peoria  as  a  pioneer  railroad  man  and  an 
honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  He  has  a  record  of  thirty-nine  years'  identi- 
fication with  railroading,  first  as  track  foreman,  later  as  freight  conductor  and 
then  as  passenger  conductor  and  his  service  was  continuous,  with  the  exception 
of  two  years  which  he  spent  as  a  member  of  Sturgis'  Independent  Rifle  Com- 
pany. He  has  now  retired  from  active  life  and  is  living  at  No.  1108  North 
Madison  street.  He  was  born  in  Scipio,  Cayuga  county,  New  York,  January  27, 
1829,  and  is  the  son  of  Cumins  and  Harriette  (Smith)  Salisbury,  the  former  a 
native  of  Rhode  Island  and  the  latter  of  New  York.  The  father  was  a  pros- 
perous farmer  and  secured  his  first  tract  of  land  from  the  government  in  1835. 

Mr.  Salisbury  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Hudson,  ]\Iichigan,  and 
began  his  active  career  as  a  railroad  man  in  1852,  when  he  obtained  a  position 
as  track  foreman  with  the  Lake  Shore  &  Michigan  Southern  Railroad.  He  was 
later  promoted  to  the  position  of  freight  conductor  for  the  Chicago  &  Alton 
line,  which  had  headquarters  in  Bloomington  and  ran  trains  between  that  city, 
Alton,  Joliet  and  Chicago,  which  reached  Chicago  over  the  Chicago,  Rock  Is- 
land &  Pacific  Railroad,  with  the  Rock  Island  employes  as  pilots.  Upon  the  out- 
break of  the  Civil  war  in  1861  Air.  Salisbury  resigned  his  position  and  enlisted 
in  Sturgis'  Independent  Rifle  Company,  which  was  armed  and  equipped  by 
Solomon  Sturgis,  of  Chicago.  He  served  nineteen  months,  spending  most  of 
that  time  in  West  Virginia.  He  was  present  at  the  engagement  at  Rich  Moun- 
tain on  July  II,  1861,  and  was  transferred  to  Washington  after  the  first  battle 
of  Bull  Run.  Here  he  acted  as  provost  guard  in  General  McClellan's  body- 
guard. He  was  given  his  honorable  discharge  in  November,  1862,  and  returned 
to  Peoria,  resuming  his  duties  as  passenger  conductor,  with  which  line  of  occu- 
pation he  was  actively  identified  for  thirty-nine  years,  when  he  retired  with  a 
comfortable  competence. 

In  Peoria  Mr.  Salisbury  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Jane  (Keits)  Slater, 
a  daughter  of  Edward  and  Catherine  Keits,  of  this  city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Salis- 
bury have  one  daughter,  Mrs.  Ida  Pfeiffer.  who  is  residing  at  No.  1108  North 
Madison  street. 

Mr.  Salisbury  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  Socialist  party.  He  be- 
longs to  Bryner  Post,  No.  67,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the  Order  of 
Railway  Conductors  of  Peoria.  During  the  years  of  his  active  service  he  worked 
steadily,  judiciously  and  with  untiring  energy,  faithfully  performing  his  duties 
and  obtaining  recognition  as  a  reliable,  competent  and  trustworthy  man.  He 
well  deserves  his  period  of  rest  for  it  was  earned  by  diligence  and  industry. 


OLIVER    T.    BAILEY. 


About  the  time  of  the  close  of  the  Civil  war,  Oliver  J.  Bailey  was  a  sturdy 
farmer's  son  about  twenty  years  old,  with  no  particular  education  beyond  that 
which  the  common  schools  of  his  county  afforded.  Prevented  by  the  war,  which 
threw  upon  him  the  care  of  his  mother  and  sisters  from  regular  school  attend- 


I 


ALBERT  SAMSllI  l;V 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  641 

ance  he  bought  a  copy  of  Blackstone,  and  another  of  the  Enghsh  Common 
Law,  and  proceeded  to  take  the  first  step  toward  the  attainment  of  his  life's 
ambition.  The  history  of  Peoria  is  more  or  less  a  history  of  similar  cases,  of 
men  who  supplemented  the  defective  education  of  the  schools  of  their  time, 
by  strict  application,  resolute  determination  and  unflinching  will.  Oliver  J. 
Bailey  was  determined  to  be  a  lawyer.  How  well  he  succeeded  in  this,  his 
life  record  shows. 

Oliver  J.  Bailey  inherited  from  his  father  the  qualities  which  made  his  life 
successful.  When  he  was  two  years  old,  his  parents,  Morrison  and  Mary 
Bailey,  removed  from  Arcadia,  New  York,  where  Oliver  was  born  in  1846, 
to  government  land  in  Illinois.  Morrison  Bailey's  farm  was  in  Will  county, 
near  Joliet.  He  worked  indefatigably,  farming,  and  selling  and  improving, 
and  finallv  disposed  of  his  farm  at  a  protit,  and  removed  to  Iowa.  Then  the 
war  broke  out.  Oliver  Bailey's  father  enlisted  in  1862,  Thirty-Second  Iowa 
V^olunteers.  and  served  his  regiment  as  quartermaster  through  the  war.  Oliver 
was  thirteen  years  old  when  upon  his  young  shoulders  devolved  the  care  and 
su]>port  of  his  mother  and  sisters.  Those  were  days  when  even  the  boys  of  the 
countrv  must  be  men,  and  Oliver  assumed  his  great  responsibility  unfalteringly. 
He  entered  the  store  of  Nathan  Hungerford,  and  worked  there  for  five  years, 
burving  his  great  ambition  to  be  a  lawyer,  in  order  that  his  mother  and  the 
younger  children  might  have  his  care.  As  soon,  however,  as  his  father's  return 
"left  him  free  to  follow  his  own  plans,  he  went  straight  to  Illinois  where  he  man- 
aged to  be  appointed  deputy  circuit  clerk  of  De  Kalb  county,  and  began  studying 
law  in  earnest  under  General  F.  P.  Partridge.  Mr.  Bailey  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1868,  and  his  legal  career  since  that  time  has  been  a  series  of  successes. 
Nothing  could  conquer  the  farmer  boy  and  his  Blackstone  of  fifty  years  ago. 

Mr.  Bailey  started  the  practice  of  law  immediately  upon  his  admission,  and 
by  1872  was  successful  enough  to  be  admitted  to  partnership  with  James  H. 
Sedgwick,  and  they  practiced  at  Sycamore,  Illinois,  and  later  removed  to  Chi- 
cago, where  their  law  practice  grew  and  extended  until  it  was  at  last  very  suc- 
cessful. Later  Mr.  Sedgwick  and  Mr.  Bailey  moved  their  law  business  to 
Peoria.  B.  L.  T.  Bourland,  even  at  that  time  a  leading  business  man  of  the 
city,  had  charge  of  the  Peoria  branch  of  the  Aetna  Life  Insurance  Company's 
investment  agencies.  The  business  was  an  extensive  and  complicated  one,  and 
the  company  wished  to  place  a  responsible  man  in  the  position  of  general  attor- 
ney for  their  interests  to  work  with  Mr.  Bourland.  They  chose  Mr.  Bailey 
for  the  place,  and  the  firm  of  Bourland  i^-  Bailey  soon  became  one  of  the  most 
extensive  and  prosperous  firms  in  the  state,  a  preeminence  which  it  holds  to  this 
day. 

The  position  in  which  Mr.  Bailey  found  himself  at  this  time,  called  for  the 
keenest  legal  acumen,  shrewd  far-sightedness  and  consummate  ability  to  handle 
men  and  things,  and  these  requisites  were  never  lacking.  The  legal  business 
which  it  involved  was  far-reaching.  Great  interests  were  almost  always  at 
stake,  and  upon  the  good  judgment,  the  care  and  watchfulness  of  the  general 
attorney,  these  interests  depended.  Mr.  Bailey  proved  himself  the  man  for 
the  position.     He  was  admitted  to  the  United  States  supreme  court  in  1878. 

Mr.  Bailey  did  not  allow  his  law  business,  extensive  though  it  was  to  engross 
his  entire  attention.  He  was  essentially  a  public  man,  active  in  municipal  af- 
fairs. His  career  as  a  banker  might  have  filled  the  life  and  taken  the  entire 
time  of  a  more  ordinary  man.  He  was  for  some  years  president  of  the  Central 
National  Bank,  and  of  the  Title  &  Trust  Company,  and  vice  president  of  the 
Dimes  Savings  Bank.  He  is  also  interested  in  the  educational  and  philan- 
thropic institutions  of  his  city.  He  is  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of 
Bradlev  Polytechnic  Institute  and  of  the  Cottage  Hospital  .Association  and  Friends 
Home.  He  holds  the  same  high  executive  office  in  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  and  is  vice  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  John  C.  Proctor 


642  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Endowment   and   is   at  present  giving  much   of  his  time   and  attention   to  this 
charity. 

In  1865  Mr.  Bailey  married  Aliss  Mary  E.  Needham,  of  Geneva,  IlHnois. 
They  have  two  children,  Ralph  Needham  and  Edna  Lillian  Bailey.  He  is  a 
stanch  republican  politically,  and  a  firm  believer  in  the  tenets  of  the  Congrega- 
tional church.  Mr.  Bailey  stands  today  an  acknowledged  success.  He  has 
accumulated  a  large  fortune  during  his  life,  which  he  manages  with  sound 
judgment  and  helpful  charity.  He  is  vitally  interested  in  all  movements  for 
the  material,  moral  and  educational  welfare  of  his  city,  in  whose  future  he  has 
the  most  loyal  faith.  Peoria  is  proud  of  Mr.  Bailey,  as  she  is  proud  of  every 
one  of  her  many  broad-minded,   intelligent   public-spirited  citizens. 


ANDREW  T.  GRIMES. 

Andrew  J.  Grimes,  a  well  known  attorney  of  Peoria,  has  here  been  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  law  since  1899  and  has  also  devoted  considerable  attention 
to  the  real-estate  business  during  the  past  decade.  His  offices  are  at  No.  129 
North  Jefferson  avenue.  His  birth  occurred  at  Cadiz,  Ohio,  in  September.  1841, 
the  parents  being  Anderson  and  .Ann  Grimes.  In  1840  the  father,  a  retired 
merchant,  came  with  his  family  to  Peoria,  Illinois. 

.\ndrew  J.  Grimes  pursued  his  education  in  Peoria  until  graduated  from  the 
high  school  and  then  secured  employment  as  clerk  in  a  store,  while  subse- 
quently he  became  a  traveling  salesman  for  a  wholesale  firm  of  Philadelphia. 
Pennsylvania.  Later  he  became  a  partner  in  the  wholesale  clothing  establish- 
ment of  Bennett  Brothers  &  Company,  being  thus  identified  with  mercantile 
interests  until  the  partnership  was  dissolved  in  1889.  Subsequently  he  turned 
his  attention  to  the  study  of  law  and  in  due  time  was  admitted  to  the  bar  by  the 
state  and  federal  courts.  Since  1899  he  has  been  an  active  legal  practitioner 
of  Peoria,  and  the  large  clientage  accorded  him  is  proof  of  the  enviable  reputa- 
tion which  he  has  gained  in  the  field  of  his  chosen  profession.  During  the 
past  ten  years  he  has  also  been  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  to  some 
extent,  successfully  dealing  in  western  lands. 

In  1888,  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Grimes  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella  P. 
Palmer,  of  Maine,  her  parents  being  G.  W.  and  Elizabeth  Palmer,  both  of 
whom  are  deceased.  Her  father  was  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business  in  the 
Pine  Tree  state.  Mr.  Grimes  resides  at  No.  117  West  .\rmstrong  avenue  in  a 
building  which  he  acc|uired  by  purchase.  He  has  during  the  past  few  years 
erected  several  houses  which  he  has  sold.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance  to 
the  republican  party  and  has  served  as  county  supervisor  for  a  period  of  six 
years.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
and  professionally  he  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  Bar  Association.  He  is 
well  known  in  Peoria  and  has  a  large  circle  of  friends  in  professional  and  social 
circles. 


HERBERT  FOX. 


"Herbert  Fox,  a  well  known  grain  sampler  of  Peoria,  where  he  has  been 
following  this  occupation  for  the  past  twenty-three  years,  is  a  native  of  Eng- 
land, his  birth  having  occurred  at  Sheffield,  on  the  26th  of  July,  1865.  His 
father  was  William  P>.  Fox,  who  died  in  the  mother  country  in  1867.  Herbert 
Fox  was  brought  to  this  country  by  George  Thompson,  who  settled  in  Peorin 
county  in  1871,  following  agricultural  pursuits.  Our  subject  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools  until   he  mastered   the   common  branches   and   while  pursuing  his 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  643 

studies  assisted  in  the  cultivation  of  the  fields  and  the  care  of  the  stock  until 
he  was  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  practical  duties  of  the  farm.  It  was  on 
this  farm  that  he  laid  the  foundation  for  the  business  which  he  has  since  suc- 
cessfully followed,  through  his  practical  experience  with  the  various  cereals, 
in  the  different  stages  of  their  development.  Such  information  can  only  he 
acquired  through  actual  experience,  as  has  oftentimes  been  demonstrated,  and 
the  knowledge  which  Mr.  Fox  there  gleaned  has  been  of  inestimable  value  to 
him.  Agricultural  pursuits  did  not  have  enough  attraction  for  him,  however, 
to  make  them  his  life  vocation  and  in  1888  he  left  the  farm  and  found  employ- 
ment with  the  Board  of  Trade  in  October  of  that  year,  where  he  has  been 
employed  in  the  same  capacity  as  grain  inspector  up  to  the  present  time. 

In  this  city  on  the  23d  of  July,  1891,  Mr.  Fox  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Mollie  Robinson,  a  daughter  of  James  M.  Robinson,  and  they  have  be- 
come the  parents  of  two  children :  Harry  R.,  who  is  a  youth  of  nineteen  yeai  s ; 
and  Gladys  May,  who  has  passed  the  seventeenth  anniversary  of  her  birth. 

The  fraternal  relations  of  Mr.  Fox  are  confined  to  his  membership  in  Charter 
Oak  Camp,  No.  87.  M.  W.  A.,  and  in  politics  he  is  a  republican.  He  is  one  of 
the  best-informed  grain  men  in  the  city  and  is  recognized  as  an  authority  in 
his  line  and  has  met  with  excellent  success  in  his  business. 


lAKE  E.  STILWELL. 


Jake  E.  Stilwell.  who  for  twenty-five  years  was  engaged  in  railroading  in 
Peoria  but  is  now  live-stock  inspector  at  the  Union  Stock  Yards,  was  born  in 
this  city  on  the  6th  of  August,  1854.  He  is  of  Scotch  and  German  extraction  and 
is  a  son  of  William  Stilwell,  who  for  many  years  was  engaged  in  blacksmithing 
here. 

Peoria  has  always  been  the  home  of  Jake  E.  Stilwell.  who  pursued  his  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  until  he  had  attained  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  .After 
terminating  his  school  days  he  began  earning  his  living,  as  an  employe  of  the 
Comstock-Avery  Furniture  Company,  for  which  firm  he  worked  for  several 
years.  In  1S76  at  tlie  age  of  twenty-two.  he  entered  the  service  of  the  Chicago, 
Rock  Island  &  Pacific  Railroad  Company  in  the  capacity  of  fireman.  He  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  this  position  for  two  and  a  half  years  at  the  end  of  which 
time  he  was  made  night  foreman  in  a  round  house.  Ten  months  later  he  was 
promoted  to  the  position  of  engineer,  serving  in  this  capacity  for  twenty-one 
years,  during  nineteen  of  which  he  was  detailed  to  passenger  service.  Mr.  Stil- 
well made  an  excellent  record  while  railroading,  never  having  sustained  an  in- 
jury during  the  twenty-five  years  he  was  in  the  service  and  having  met  with  but 
one  accident.  This  misfortune  occurred  two  miles  west  of  llishop  Hill,  Illinois, 
where  his  train  left  the  track  and  turned  completely  over,  but  no  one  was  in- 
jured. He  gave  up  railroading,  to  turn  his  attention  to  commercial  pursuits  and 
for  several  years  thereafter  was  the  proprietor  of  a  grocery  store  at  the  corner 
of  Monroe  and  Morton  streets.  He  subsequently  disposed  of  this  store  and  in 
1904  was  appointed  live  stock  inspector  at  the  local  stock  yards,  where  he  has 
been  discharging  the  duties  of  this  position  for  the  past  eight  years. 

In  1878.  Mr.  Stilwell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Heinerman.  of 
this  city,  a  daughter  of  Andrew  Heinerman,  a  brick  mason  by  trade  and  a  native 
of  Germany,  as  is  Mrs.   Stilwell. 

More  than  ihirtv  vears  have  elapsed  since  Mr.  Stilwell  was  initiated  into  the 
Masonic  fraternity  in  which  he  has  attained  high  rank,  and  six  years  ago  he  af- 
filiated with  Alohammed  Shrine.  His  political  indorsement  he  gives  to  the  repub- 
lican partv  and  his  fellow  townsmen  have  rewarded  his  party  fealty  by  electing 
him  as  alderman  from  the  first  ward  on  several  occasions.     He  served  in  this 


644  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

capacity  from  1898  to  1905,  at  the  expiration  of  whicli  time  he  refused  to  permit 
his  name  to  be  put  up  for  reelection,  but  three  years  later  he  again  assumed  the 
duties  of  this  office  and  continues  to  serve  in  this  capacity.  Mr.  Stilwell  has  es- 
tablished an  excellent  record  for  upright  manhood  and  honorable  citizenship  dur- 
ing the  long  period  of  his  public  service  and  highly  merits  the  esteem  and  re- 
spect he  is  accorded  in  the  community. 


CHARLES  E.  NIXON. 


Charles  E.  Nixon,  whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  is  the  proprietor  of  the 
Nixon  Printing  &  Paper  Box  Company,  one  of  the  largest  concerns  of  its  kind 
in  the  city.  He  was  born  in  Eureka,  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  October  11, 
1854.  The  family  left  that  city  when  Charles  Nixon  was  two  years  old,  and 
settled  in  Toulon,  Illinois,  where  they  remained  for  twenty-five  years.  Charles 
Nixon  was  educated  in  the  grammar  and  high  schools  of  Toulon,  Illinois,  and 
after  his  graduation  started  immediately  in  the  printing  business,  in  which  he 
is  still  engaged.  In  1888  Mr.  Nixon  came  to  Peoria  to  find  a  larger  field  for 
his  efl^orts. 

The  name  of  Nixon  today  stands  for  all  that  is  best  in  the  printing  line  in 
the  city.  Mr.  Nixon  has  no  hobbies  that  anyone  has  heard  of,  except  the  one 
of  doing  his  work  as  it  should  be  done  and  doing  it  intelligently.  He  possesses 
an  industry  which  his  will  never  allows  to  falter  and  his  prosperity  is  due  to 
his  unflagging  industry,  his  close  study  of  the  situation  as  a  whole  and  his 
utilization  of  opportunities  as  they  presented  themselves. 

Mr.  Nixon  has  moved  his  shop  several  times  during  his  twenty-five  years 
in  the  city,  but  has  always  been  faithful  to  Washington  street.  He  is  now 
located  at  112  South  Washington  street  and  is  doing  a  prosperous  business 
there,  which  is  increasing  in  extent  from  year  to  year.  Mr.  Nixon  has  never 
taken  an  active  part  in  political  controversies  or  sought  public  office,  although 
his  affiliations  are  in  a  general  way  republican.  He  is  active  in  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Maccabees,  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Association  of  Commerce. 

In  1890,  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Charles  Nixon 
and  Miss  Maude  Benner  of  Peoria.  They  have  one  daughter,  Helen  Margaret, 
who  is  now  attending  the  Chicago  University, 


JOHN  F.  KING. 

Broad  and  varied  have  been  the  interests  whicli  have  claimed  the  time  and 
attention  of  John  F.  King,  and  his  activities  have  brought  him  into  close  con- 
nection with  the  history  of  Peoria,  of  which  city  he  is  one  of  the  oldest  living 
native  sons.  He  is  a  son  of  Samuel  Brick  and  Josina  (McComsey)  King,  the 
father  a  native  of  New  Jersey  and  the  mother  of  Ohio.  They  were  residents 
of  Urbana,  Ohio,  both  coming  to  Peoria  on  September  20,  1831.  The  journey 
between  the  two  places,  which  is  now  only  a  comparatively  short  one,  then  re- 
quired manv  days  for  they  crossed  the  country  in  a  wagon  drawn  by  oxen,  travel- 
ing under  the  most  primitive  conditions.  Hardships  were  features  of  the  trip 
and  there  were  perilous  incidents  to  jsioneer  travel  that  were  also  to  be  guarded 
against.  The  days  had  lengthened  into  weeks  before  they  reached  their  desti- 
nation for  they  were  able  only  to  cover  a  short  distance  between  sunrise  and 
sunset  and  then  camp  out  along  the  way  for  the  night.  When  six  weeks  had 
passed,  however,  they  reached  their  destination.     This  was  the  year  before  the 


.11 II IX    F.   KING 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  647 

Black  Hawk  war  occurred.  Throughout  a  radius  of  sixty  miles  there  were 
only  sixty-five  people.  .\  few  scattered  log  cabins  along  the  river  constituted 
the  nucleus  of  the  present  city  of  Peoria.  In  fact  there  were  about  twelve  fam- 
ilies in  all  and  conditions  of  life  were  such  as  one  usually  meets  on  the  frontier. 
The  village  was  known  as  Fort  Clark  and  communication  with  the  outside  world 
was  ditticult.  It  was  not  until  1835  that  steamljoats  made  trips  up  and  down  the 
river,  bringing  the  little  village  into  closer  connection  with  the  outside  world. 
The  district  around  about  was  wild,  undeveloped  and  unimproved  and  there 
were  many  evidences  of  Indian  occupancy  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Wild  game 
of  all  kinds  could  be  had  in  abundance  and  wolves  made  the  nights  hideous  with 
their  howling.  It  was  amid  such  surroundings' in  the  little  frontier  village  that 
John  F.  King  was  born.  The  father  was  successful  in  business,  as  success  was 
counted  in  those  days,  and  in  1842  he  i)uilt  a  pottery  on  the  present  site  of  the 
Central  high  school.  He  had  learned  the  potter's  trade  while  still  living  in 
Urbana  and  his  knowledge  and  previous  experience  enabled  him  to  conduct  a 
profitable  business  after  establishing  his  factory  in  Peoria.  Eventually  however. 
he  sold  his  pottery  to  George  Alter  and  withdrew  from  that  industry  to  open  a 
drug  store  of  which  he  remained  in  charge  for  ten  years.  He  then  sold  out  to 
take  a  position  of  government  store  keeper,  in  which  capacity  he  served  for  a 
decade.  In  1870  he  became  government  ganger  at  Peoria  under  General  Hen- 
derson. Ten  years  afterward  he  retired  from  active  business  and  on  the  4tli 
of  November,  1887,  he  passed  away  in  Peoria  in  the  eighty-second  year  of  his 
age.  In  his  family  were  fourteen  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  liviing : 
Samuel  T.,  living  in  Newhall,  Los  Angeles  county,  California;  Mrs.  Martha  J. 
Patee,  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana ;  and  John  F.,  of  this  review. 

There  were  no  public  schools  in  Peoria  during  the  early  boyhood  of  John 
F.  King,  but  he  utilized  such  books  as  were  at  his  command  in  the  acquirement 
of  an  education  and  all  through  his  life  has  broadened  his  knowledge  by  reading, 
observation  and  experience.  He  became  a  bricklayer  and  general  building  con- 
tractor. The  business  grew  continuously  and  he  ultimately  added  a  mantel  and 
grate  store  with  which  he  was  connected  up  to  the  time  of  his  retirement  from 
active  business  about  eighteen  years  ago.  In  the  meantime  his  establishment 
had  become  an  extensive  one,  his  sales  reaching  a  large  annual  figure,  for  he 
handled  all  the  latest  goods  in  his  line  that  the  markets  afforded  and  did  most 
attractive  work  in  supplying  the  needs  of  his  many  patrons. 

On  July  25,  1867,  at  Toulon.  Stark  county,  Illinois,  John  F.  King  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Permelia  P.  Godfrey,  and  to  them  were  born  six  children: 
John  F. :  William  B.,  who  died  in  childhood;  Maude,  now  the  wife  of  George 
Lewis  Casey,  of  Seattle,  Washington;  Harry  P.,  Jessie  May,  the  wife  of  J.  F. 
Kuecher;  and  Walter  C.  All  through  his  life  Mr.  King  has  been  an  interested 
student  of  the  science  of  geology,  his  knowledge  vying  with  those  who  have  de- 
voted their  entire  life  to  the  study  of  the  science.  He  has  gathered  together  a  rare 
collection  of  geological  specimens  to  which  he  is  constantly  making  additions. 
He  is  also  deeply  interested  in  the  study  of  history  and  his  knowledge  concern- 
ing Peoria  and  her  annals  is  almost  encyclopedic.  He  relates  many  interesting 
incidents  and  details  of  the  early  days,  his  reminiscences  and  recollections  being 
authoritative  information  because  he  has  been  an  eye  witness  of  scenes  and 
incidents  which  he  describes.  He  is  today  one  of  the  best  known  residents  of 
Peoria.  Few  indeed  even  approximate  his  length  of  residence  here,  covering  a 
period  of  more  than  seventy-five  years.  His  memory  goes  hack  to  the  days  of 
Peoria's  villagehood,  when  a  few  homes  along  the  river  bank  constituted  the 
town.  Fie  has  been  an  interested  witness  of  its  continuous  growth  and  expan- 
sion and  as  a  factor  in  its  business  life  has  contributed  to  its  material  upbuild- 
ing while  his  aid  and  influence  have  at  all  times  been  given  to  matters  and  move- 
ments that  have  had  for  their  object  the  growth,  development  and  welfare  of 
the  community  at   large.      In   politics   he   was   originally   an    anti-slavery    whig. 


648  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Ijut  allitd  himself  with  the  new  republican  ])arty  and  cast  his  first  presidential 
vote  for  Fremont  and  Dayton  in  1856.  He  served  for  several  terms  in  the  city 
council  as  alderman  and  the  citizens  of  Peoria  are  indebted  to  his  efforts  for 
some  of  the  best  and  most  needed  improvements  adopted  to  benefit  the  city. 
In  religion  he  simply  looks  through  nature,  up  to  Nature's  God.  Every 
prominent  citizen  of  Peoria  knows  John  I"'.  King  and  is  proud  to  call  him 
friend.  His  geniality  and  cordiality  have  made  him  popular  and  the  high  re- 
gard entertained  for  him  is  the  legimate  result  of  a  well  spent  and  honorable 
life. 


CHARLES  S.  STUBBLES. 

Among  the  prominent  lawyers  of  Peoria  who  have  distinguished  themselves 
in  the  practice  of  their  profession  is  Charles  S.  Stubbles,  who  with  offices  at 
rooms  1-2,  Grimes  building,  127  North  Jefferson  avenue,  has  since  1904  been  a 
practicing  attorney  at  law,  being  licensed  to  appear  before  all  courts  in  the  coun- 
try. He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1886  but  did  not  engage  in  active  practice 
until  1901.  He  was  born  six  miles  east  of  Lacon,  Marshall  county,  Illinois, 
February  6,  1862,  a  son  of  the  Rev.  W.  J.  and  Sophia  Ann  Stubbles.  The  father 
was  one  of  the  pioneer  preachers  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  in  Illinois. 

Charles  S.  Stubbles  received  his  preliminary  education  at  .\bingdon,  Illinois, 
and  there  entered  the  office  of  an  ex-attorney  general  of  Illinois,  where  he  read 
law  for  a  considerable  period.  He  is  electro-metalurgist  for  the  W'altham  \\'atch 
Company.  His  services  are  particularly  valuable  to  these  concerns  for  he 
invented  the  modern  dial  process  and  in  ten  years  has  handled  one  mil- 
lion, eight  hundred  thousand  dollars  worth  of  gold  bullion  used  in  the 
construction  of  watch  cases  for  the  companies  by  whom  he  is  employed.  In  ad- 
dition to  the  duties  which  he  is  performing  for  the  great  watch  firms  who  regu- 
larly employ  him,  he  has  practiced  as  an  attorney  at  law  since  igoi.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association,  taking  active  interest  in  the  affairs  of  that 
organization.  In  his  political  views  he  is  a  republican  and  fraternally  he  be- 
longs to  the  Modern  \\'oodmen  of  America  and  the  Rangers.  The  important 
position  as  electro-metalurgist  to  several  of  the  largest  watch  companies  in  the 
LTnited  States,  in  addition  to  his  professional  practice,  makes  him  a  prominent 
figure  in  business  and  professional  circles  in  Peoria.  His  time  is  most  fully  em- 
ployed and  his  clientele  includes  a  large  number  of  well  known  people  of  Peoria 
whose  interests  he  unswervingly  protects. 


ROBERT  N.  McCORMICK. 

Robert  N.  McCormick,  a  successful  general  practitioner  of  law,  with  offices 
at  No.  428  W'oolner  building,  where  he  established  himself  on  January  i,  1890, 
was  born  on  the  old  farm  homestead  in  Logan  county,  Illinois,  near  Lincoln, 
November  29,  1863,  the  son  of  James  and  Eliza  McCormick.  The  parents 
were  both  natives  of  Scotland  and  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  or  about 
1857,  settling  in  Washington,  D.  C.  The  father  was  a  stone  cutter  by  trade  and 
during  the  period  of  his  residence  in  Washington  he  worked  on  some  of  the 
government  buildings.  In  1861  he  removed  to  Illinois  and  settled  upon  a  farm 
which  he  at  once  began  to  improve  and  develop,  following  agricultural  pursuits 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1896,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years.  The 
mother  passed  away  in  1904,  at  the  age  of  seventy  years,  and  both  are  buried  in 
the  family  lot  in  Bethel  cemetery,  near  the  old  homestead. 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  (U9 

Robert  N.  McCormick  took  his  first  steps  in  learning  in  the  district  school 
near  his  father's  farm  and  when  he  was  not  occupied  with  his  books  he  assisted 
his  father  with  the  farm  work.  In  1883  he  entered  the  Normal  school  at  \'al- 
paraiso,  Indiana,  where  he  studied  for  two  years,  after  which  he  taught  school 
for  two  and  one-half  years  and  then  took  up  the  study  of  law  at  Lincoln,  Illinois, 
in  the  office  and  under  the  direction  of  the  firm  of  Beach  &  Hodnett.  He  proved 
to  be  an  industrious  and  apt  student  and  was  able  to  pass  the  prescribed  examina- 
tion, being  admitted  to  !)ractice  In*  the  supreme  court  of  Illinois  in  1889.  Follow- 
ing his  admission  to  the  bar  he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Peoria 
and  later  became  associated  with  W.  V.  Tefft,  a  partnership  which  was  con- 
tinued from  1890  to  1892.  He  then  received  the  appointment  of  deputy  circuit 
clerk  under  James  E.  Pillsbury,  an  office  which  he  filled  until  i8g6,  at  which 
time  he  resumed  private  practice  which  he  has  since  continued  with  marked 
success.  He  has  taken  an  active  interest  in  business  matters  aside  from  his  pro- 
fessional career  and  is  now  serving  as  president  of  the  I'pland  Improvement 
Association. 

In  Ottawa,  Illinois,  on  October  2-j,  1891,  Mr.  McCormick  was  married  to 
Miss  Adele  M.  Elliott,  the  daughter  of  Henry  F.  and  Eunice  .A.  Elliott.  Mr. 
Elliott,  who  resided  near  Lincoln,  Illinois,  was  a  successful  farmer  and  a  highly 
esteemed  man.  He  passed  away  March  22,  1898,  and  his  remains  were  interred 
in  a  cemetery  at  Madison  Park,  Illinois.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCormick  are  the  par- 
ents of  two  children:  Harriett  E..  who  is  a  student  at  the  Bradley  Institute;  and 
Robert  E.,  who  is  attending  the  Whittier  school. 

The  political  allegiance  of  Mr.  McCormick  is  accorded  the  democratic  party 
although  he  is  liberal  and  independent  in  his  preference  of  jaolitical  candidates. 
He  is  an  active  and  valued  member  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association,  to  which  he 
contributes  materially  in  advice  and  influence.  Fraternally  he  is  a  blue  lodge 
Mason  and  he  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  Camp.  Socially  he  is  a  member 
of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCormick  are  communicants  at  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church, 
I0  which  they  are  liberal  contributors.  The  familv  residence  is  at  No.  177  North 
Institute  place  and  here  their  many  friends  are  always  assured  of  a  cordial 
greeting. 


TAMES  W.  HILL. 


James  \V.  Hill,  master  mechanic  and  master  car  builder  of  the  Peoria  & 
Pekin  Union  Railway  Company,  has  long  been  retained  in  this  capacity,  having 
first  entered  upon  the  duties  of  this  position  in  1887.  He  is  widely  known  in 
local  railway  circles  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  both  his  employers  and  asso- 
ciates. 

He  is  of  New  luigland  extraction  and  was  born  in  northern  X'ermont,  liut  left 
there  in  early  childhood  and  went  to  western  New  York.  There  he  was  reared 
to  manhood  and  accjuired  his  education,  but  belonging  to  a  family  in  moderate 
circumstances  was  afiforded  but  meager  advantages  in  early  life.  He  attended 
the  village  school  during  the  winter  months  and  in  summer  worked  on  a  farm 
until  he  was  twelve  years  old,  when  he  began  his  business  career  a  clerk  in  a 
general  store.  He  was  fortunate  in  obtaining  a  position  with  a  man  sufficiently 
unselfish  to  consider  his  future,  and  aftord  him  the  ojiportunity  of  continuing  his 
education  in  the  village  school.  The  lad  posscsed  unusual  mechanical  skill  and 
his  all-consuming  desire  to  acquire  further  knowledge  along  these  lines  led  him 
to  give  up  his  clerkship  at  the  end  of  three  years,  and  when  he  was  sixteen  he 
entered  a  machine  shop  as  an  apprentice.  During  the  succeeding  four  years  he 
diligently  applied  himself  to  mastering  his  trade  during  the  day,  while  his  even- 


650  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ings  were  devoted  to  the  study  of  mechanics.  At  the  expiration  of  this  period 
of  service  he  obtained  a  position  as  a  fireman  on  a  locomotive,  and  proving 
efficient  and  ca])able.  after  a  year's  time  he  was  promoted  to  engineer.  He  re- 
tained this  position  for  a  similar  period  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  was  made 
master  mechanic  over  three  hundred  miles  of  railroad.  This  was  a  very  respon- 
sible position  for  one  of  his  years.  He  was  not  yet  twenty-three,  but  that  he  was 
fully  competent  to  discharge  his  duties  in  this  connection  is  manifested  by  his 
long  period  of  service  in  the  same  capacity.  He  has  ever  since  been  a  master 
mechanic  in  the  railway  service  with  the  exception  of  a  period  of  eight  years, 
when  he  was  in  the  employ  of  Fairbanks-Morse  &  Company,  of  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, as  mechanical  engineer.  In  1887  he  became  identified  with  the  Peoria  & 
Pekin  Union  Railway  Company  and  for  the  past  twenty-five  years  has  retained 
his  present  position  of  master  mechanic  and  master  car  builder  for  that  compan}-. 
Ever  since  granted  the  right  of  franchise  Mr.  Hill  has  been  a  stanch  sup- 
porter of  the  governmental  principles  as  formulated  by  Thomas  Jeflrerson,  and 
in  1908  he  was  nominated  for  congress  in  the  sixteenth  district  on  the  democratic 
ticket.  He  is  a  great  admirer  of  the  late  Henry  George  and  firmly  believes  that 
many  of  our  governmental  ills  would  be  abolished  by  the  adoption  of  single  tax. 
the  cause  of  which  he  enthusiastically  champions.  ^Ir.  Hill  is  a  worthy  exemp- 
lar of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  has  been  affiliated  with  the  commandery  for 
the  past  thirty-five  years.  He  has  long  been  identified  with  the  .\merican  Society 
of  Mechanical  Engineers,  having  held  positions  that  qualified  him  for  admission 
to  this  organization  since  1884,  while  for  twenty-three  years  he  was  an  active 
member  of  the  American  Railway  Master  Mechanics  Association  and  in  1910 
was  made  an  honorary  member.  In  civic  as  well  as  business  affairs  Mr.  Hill  is 
enterprising  and  progressive  and  is  always  ready  to  accord  his  support  and  co- 
operation to  every  movement,  the  adoption  of  which  he  feels  will  redound  to  the 
benefit  of  the  majority. 


ARTHUR   T.   AXTCLIFF. 

In  the  long  years  of  his  connection  with  the  business  interests  of  Peoria, 
Arthur  T.  .\ntcliff  ever  commanded  the  high  respect  and  confidence  of  his  fel- 
lowmen.  Although  he  started  out  in  life  empty-handed  he  came  in  time  to  a 
prominent  position  as  the  founder  and  head  of  the  Peoria  Brass  Foundry  & 
Heating  Company,  of  which  he  retained  the  presidency  until  about  two  years 
prior  to  his  death,  when  he  retired  from  business  life.  He  was  born  at  Gring- 
ley-on-the-Hill,  Doncaster,  England,  on  the  7th  of  June,  1847,  his  parents  being 
Thomas  H.  and  Elizabeth  (Wall)  Antcliff,  who  w-ere  also  natives  of  that 
countr\-.  The  son  was  but  three  years  of  age  when  the  parents  came  to  Amer- 
ica, landing  in  New  Orleans,  whence  the}-  proceeded  up  the  Mississippi  and 
Illinois  rivers  to  Peoria.  The  family  home  was  established  at  P)rimfield  where 
the  father  conducted  a  blacksmith  shop.  The  son  pursued  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  that  locality  and  early  came  to  a  realization  of  the  value  of  industry 
and  perseverance  through  assisting  his  father  in  the  smithy.  The  years  passed 
and  the  country  became  involved  in  Civil  war.  To  the  first  call  issued  by 
President  Lincoln  for  volunteers  both  father  and  son  responded,  joining  Com- 
pany A  of  the  Seventeenth  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry,  of  which  Thomas  H. 
Antcliff  was  made  orderly  sergeant,  while  the  son.  then  only  fourteen  years  of 
age.  became  a  drummer  boy.  At  the  battle  of  Shiloh  the  father  was  seriously 
wounded,  being  shot  through  both  arms,  and  the  son  was  sent  home  to  take  care 
of  him  while  en  route,  both  receiving  at  that  time  an  honorable  discharge. 

Later  the  family  removed  to  Peoria  and  Thomas  H.  Antcliff'  served  for  one 
term  as  poor  master  and  also  one  term  as  coroner.     The  boy  entered  business 


ARTHUK  T.  ANTCLIFF 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  653 

life  ahiiiu  that  time,  ami  through  the  ensuing  years  to  his  death  was  dependent 
u|xin  his  own  resources  and  graduall\-  he  worked  his  way  upward.  He  began 
learning  the  brass  founding  and  plumbing  trade,  and  after  continuing  for  a 
while  in  the  employ  of  others  eventually  embarked  in  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count, becoming  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Couch  &  Heyle.  Subsequently  he 
established  the  Peoria  lirass  Foundry  &  Heating  Company,  and  upon  the  in- 
corporation of  the  business  was  elected  its  president,  in  which  position  he  con- 
tinued until  his  retirement  more  than  two  years  prior  to  his  death.  He  ad- 
vanced gradually,  and  in  all  his  business  career  took  no  backward  steps.  He 
learned  valuable  lessons  in  the  school  of  experience,  and  each  year  found  him 
better  qualified  for  imjjortant  and  responsible  duties  and  labors.  Increasing 
success  year  after  year  at  lengtli  brought  Mr.  .\ntcliff  a  very  substantial  com- 
petence and  he  retired,  feeling  his  income  was  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  rest 
from  further  labor  and  yet  supply  himself  and  family  with  all  the  necessities 
and  comforts  and  some  of  the  luxuries  of  life. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1870,  Mr.  AntclifF  was  married  to  Miss  Augusta 
Kemper,  a  daughter  of  Christian  and  Marie  (Kahler)  Kemper,  who  were  na- 
tives of  Germany,  and  upon  coming  to  .America  settled  in  Peru,  Illinois,  while 
subsequently  they  established  their  home  in  Peoria.  To  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  .\ntcliff 
were  born  two  daughters.  Emma  and  Augusta.  The  death  of  Mr.  Antcliff  oc- 
curred Xovember  5,  1911.  and  was  a  matter  of  deep  regret,  not  only  to  his 
immediate  family  but  also  to  the  hundreds  of  friends  he  left  behind.  He  was 
not  only  widely  known  in  trade  circles  but  also  in  fraternal  relations,  for  he 
was  a  prominent  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine, 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and 
the  Bryner  Post,  G.  A.  R.  In  the  latter  organization  he  maintained  pleasant 
relations  with  his  old  army  comrades,  and  throughout  his  entire  life  he  was  actu- 
ated by  a  spirit  of  jiatriotic  devotion  to  his  country  and  her  welfare.  He  voted 
with  the  republican  party,  feeling  its  princijiles  contained  the  best  elements  of 
good  government.  He  was  at  all  times  public  spirited,  and  his  cooperation 
could  ever  be  counted  upon  to  further  movements  for  the  general  good.  He 
never  neglected  any  business  opportunity  leading  to  legitimate  advancement, 
and  yet  he  did  not  allow  industrial  pursuits  to  so  monopolize  his  time  as  to  make 
him  neglectful  of  other  duties  of  life.  He  stood  firm  in  the  support  of  his 
opinions  and  convictions,  and  ever  sought  that  which  is  best  for  the  individual 
and  the  community  at  large. 


SABIN  DON    PUTERBAUGH. 

.\mong  the  illustrious  men  of  Illinois  Sabin  Don  Puterbaugh  is  numbered. 
His  contributions  to  the  literature  of  the  legal  profession,  his  distinguished 
career  upon  the  bench  and  his  worth  as  a  private  citizen,  all  entitle  him  to 
recognition  and  have  made  his  history  a  chapter  in  the  annals  of  the  state.  He 
was  born  in  Miami  county,  Ohio,  September  28,  1834.  His  father,  Jacob  Puter- 
baugh. removed  with  his  family  to  Illinois  in  1839  and  established  his  home  on 
a  farm  near  Mackinaw,  Tazewell  county,  so  that  the  usual  experiences  and 
environments  of  farm  life  were  Sabin  Don  Puterbaugh's  in  his  boyhood  and 
youth.  He  was  indebted  to  the  common  schools  for  the  early  educational  ad- 
vantages which  he  enjoyed  and  in  1854  he  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching, 
which  he  followed  for  two  terms  at  llopedale.  In  1835,  however,  he  accepted 
an  office  at  Pekin,  that  of  deputy  circuit  court  clerk,  and  while  thus  engaged 
devoted  his  leisure  hours  to  the  study  of  law  until  he  was  qualified  in  January. 
1857,  '^o  pass  an  examination  before  a  committee  of  which  Abraham  Lincoln 
was  a  member.     Having  been   admitted  to  the   bar  by   the   supreme  court,   he 


65i  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

at  once  entered  into  partnership  with  Hon.  Samuel  W.  Fuller,  then  ol  I^ekin 
and  also  state  senator  from  that  district.  His  initial  experience  as  a  practi- 
tioner proved  his  knowledge  and  his  worth  and  constituted  the  foundation  upon 
which  was  built  his  later  distinguished  career.  Following  the  dissolution  of 
the  firm  in  1858,  Air.  Puterbaugh  practiced  alone  for  two  years  and  in  i860 
entered  into  partnership  with  John  B.  Cohrs.  In  the  following  year,  however, 
professional  duties  and  personal  interests  were  put  aside  that  he  might  defend 
the  Union  cause  on  the  field  of  battle.  He  enlisted  in  the  Eleventh  Illinois 
cavalry  and  was  commissioned  by  Governor  Yates,  the  first  major  of  the  regi- 
ment, under  Colonel  Robert  G.  Ingersoll.  In  February,  1862,  he  went  with  his 
regiment  to  Camp  Benton,  near  St.  Louis,  and  was  soon  afterward  detached 
with  the  first  battalion  to  join  General  Grant  in  the  advance  up  the  Tennessee. 
Later  the  remainder  of  the  regiment  came  up  with  them,  arriving  just  before 
the  engagement  at  Pittsburg  Landing,  in  which  they  took  an  active  part.  Re- 
porting with  two  companies  of  the  Eleventh  Regiment  to  General  Prentiss  on 
the  morning  of  April  6,  1862,  the  first  day  of  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  Major  Puter- 
baugh and  his  command  were  about  the  first  to  receive  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
and  sustained  considerable  loss  in  men  and  horses.  They  afterward  partici- 
pated in  the  advance  on  Corinth  and  in  July,  1862,  Major  Puterbaugh  was 
ordered  with  two  companies  to  Bolivar,  Tennessee,  after  which  they  engaged 
in  scouting  through  western  Tennessee  and  northern  Minnesota.  They  like- 
wise participated  in  a  battle  near  Bolivar  on  the  30th  of  August,  where  the 
major  and  his  command  were  highly  commended  by  General  Leggett  in  his 
report.  On  the  3d  of  October  came  the  hotly  contested  battle  of  Corinth,  in 
which  J\Iajor  Puterbaugh  and  his  command  also  participated.  In  November. 
1862,  he  tendered  his  resignation  and  returned  home. 

Immediately  after  returning  to  private  life  Major  Puterbaugh  established 
his  office  in  Peoria  and  here  entered  upon  the  active  practice  of  law,  in  which 
he  continued  to  the  time  of  his  death,  thirty  years  later.  In  1864  he  entered 
into  partnership  with  Colonel  R.  G.  and  E.  C.  Ingersoll.  under  the  firm  name 
of  Ingersoll  &  Puterbaugh.  This  continued  until  June.  1867,  when  the  latter 
was  elected  judge  of  the  circuit  court  for  a  term  of  six  years.  His  career  on 
the  bench  was  distinguished  by  a  masterful  grasp  of  every  problem  presented 
for  solution  and  by  the  utmost  fairness  and  impartiality.  As  a  judge  he  en- 
joyed the  confidence  and  approval  of  the  entire  bar  and  proved  himself  the 
peer  of  the  ablest  jurists  of  Illinois.  Following  his  retirement,  in  Alarch, 
1873,  he  removed  to  Chicago,  where  he  engaged  in  practice  for  nine  months, 
also  spending  much  of  the  time  in  the  preparation  of  the  legal  works  which  he 
expected  soon  to  publish.  In  October,  1874.  he  again  came  to  Peoria,  and  for 
three  vears  was  in  partnership  with  John  S.  Lee  and  M.  C.  Quinn.  Afterward 
he  was  joined  by  his  son,  Leslie  D.  Puterbaugh,  in  a  partnership  that  was 
maintained  until  the  father's  death.  The  firm  occupied  a  foremost  position 
in  the  ranks  of  the  legal  fraternity  in  Illinois  and  their  practice  was  ever  a 
most  extensive  and  important  one.  Aside  from  the  active  work  which  he  did 
as  a  lawyer  and  advocate  Sabin  D.  Puterbaugh  made  a  valuable  contribution  to 
legal  literature  as  the  author  of  "Puterbaugh's  Common  Law  Pleadings  and  Prac- 
tice," which  was  first  published  in  1863.  Its  reception  by  the  profession  is  indi- 
rated  in  the  fact  that  between  1866  and  1888  five  other  editions  were  brought  from 
the  press.  In  1879  he  published  "Puterbaugh's  Chancery  Pleadings  and  Prac- 
tice," of  which  a  second  edition  was  issued  in  1873  and  a  third  in  188S.  Plis 
research  and  investigations,  his  broad  legal  learning  and  his  spirit  of  initiative 
gave  him  rank  with  the  leading  legal  writers  of  the  country  and  made  his 
record  one  which  reflects  credit  and  honor  upon  the  history  of  the  profession 
in  Illinois. 

On  the  18th  of  November,  1857,  Judge  Puterbaugh  was  united  in  marriage 
at  Pekin,  Illinois,  to  Miss  Anna  E.  Rye  and  they  became  the  parents  of  two 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  655 

sons  and  a  daughter.  Leslie  D..  Walter  and  Frances  L.,  the  last  named  being 
now  Airs.  Blanchard  H.  Lucas.  Judge  Puterbaugh  died  September  25.  18(12. 
at  tlie  comparative!}-  early  age  of  fifty-eight  years,  yet  his  contribution  to  the 
world's  work  far  exceeded  that  accomplished  by  many  a  man  who  passes  be- 
\ond  the  Psalmist's  allotted  span  of  life.  He  ever  stood  for  progress  and 
advancement  and  kept  pace  with  the  onward  march  of  the  world.  His  reading 
was  broad  and  he  possessed  the  statesman's  grasp  of  affairs.  His  early  politi- 
cal allegiance  was  given  to  the  democratic  party.  During  the  war  he  espoused 
the  cause  of  the  republican  party  and  in  1888  served  as  presidential  elector,  at 
which  time  he  cast  the  vote  of  Illinois  for  James  A.  Garfield.  Political  honors, 
however,  had  no  attraction  for  him,  for  he  felt  that  his  real  life  work  was 
the  practice  of  law  and  in  this  he  ably,  wisely  and  conscientiously  used  the 
talents  that  were  given  him  and  gained  the  honor  and  distinction  which  the 
world  instinctively  pays  to  the  man  of  superior  ability. 


LAMES   11.    MILLER. 


James  IS.  Miller,  living  on  his  farm  which  is  situated  one  and  one  half  miles 
south  of  Hanna  City,  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  county  since  1845.  I^e  ^^'^^ 
1  orn  in  I'reble  county,  Ohio.  April  12,  1830,  the  son  of  Ezra  and  Nancy  (Weed) 
-Miller,  who,  in  1845  tame  by  water  route  from  Cincinnati  to  Peoria  where  they 
-ettled  on  a  farm  of  forty  acres  which  the  father  had  purchased  the  previous 
\ear.  In  their  family  were  ten  children,  of  whom  James  P..  of  this  review  is  the 
■-econd  in  order  of  birth. 

James  B.  Miller,  being  fifteen  years  of  age  when  he  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Peoria  county,  grew  to  manhood  there  and  remained  at  home  helping  his 
father  on  the  farm  until  1855.  At  that  date  he,  together  with  his  father,  pur- 
chased a  tract  of  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Logan  township,  and  soon  afterward 
he  bought  an  adjoining  eighty  acres,  and  later  purchased  his  father's  share  in  the 
first  eighty.  He  became  very  successful  in  his  financial  affairs  and  in  time 
owned  five  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  in  Peoria  county,  and  at  the  same 
time  a  general  merchandise  store  at  Smithville  which  store  he  operated  for  four- 
teen years.  Later  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Hanna  City,  and  his 
merchandise  was  the  first  hauled  over  the  Iowa  Central  Railroad  out  of  Peoria. 
He  was  widely  known  throughout  the  entire  county,  and  for  thirty  years  in  a 
grove  on  his  farm  known  as  .Miller's  Grove,  he  held  a  Fourth  of  July  celebration, 
furnishing  political  speakers,  band  music,  fireworks  and  refreshments  to  all  the 
farmers  for  miles  around.  Mr.  IMiller  now  owns  one  hundred  and  forty  acres  in 
the  farm  on  which  he  resides. 

On  the  2ist  of  November,  1855,  Mr.  Miller  wedded  Aliss  Nancy  A.  Smith, 
and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  seven  children :  William  Fulton,  born  May 
24.  1837.  who,  for  the  past  twenty-two  years  has  been  a  mail  clerk  on  the  Iowa 
Central  Railroad;  Martha  Isadora,  who  was  born  January  27,  1859,  and  died 
.\ugust  17,  i860;  James  Smith,  who  was  born  April  20,  i860,  and  is  engaged  in 
farming  in  Logan  township;  Thomas  Porter,  who  was  born  July  12,  1862  and 
died  Se])tember  25,  1885  ;  Anna  Belle,  who  was  born  December  8,  1864,  and  is 
the  widow  of  'Sir.  Walters,  who  was  a  farmer  in  Limestone  township;  John 
( iordon,  who  was  born  October  14,  1870,  and  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Logan 
township;  and  Ralph  Marion,  who  was  liorn  April  13.  1873,  and  is  a  farmer  near 
Sjiedds,  Oregon.  Mrs.  Nancy  A.  Smith  .Miller  ]:)assed  away  February  8,  igio, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years  nine  months  and  four  days.  She  was  a  member 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  church,  and  was  greatly  loved  by  all  who  knew  her. 

In  politics  Mr.  Miller  is  a  stanch  republican  and  he  is  a  faithful  member  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  church.    He  has  now  resided  in  Peoria  countv  for  more 


656  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

than  sixty-six  years  and  he  has  witnessed  the  entire  growth  and  development 
of  this  section  of  the  country.  He  has  always  shown  great  interest  in  all  that 
pertains  to  the  general  welfare,  and  has  been  known  as  a  public-spirited  man  who 
has  always  found  time  and  inclination  to  cooperate  in  the  movements  for  the 
public  good.  In  all  the  relations  of  life  he  has  been  honorable  and  straight- 
forward, and  his  example  is  well  worthy  of  emulation. 


JOSEPH  FRYE  HAZZARD. 

Joseph  Frye  Hazzard  is  a  native  son  of  Peoria  and  as  an  important,  able 
and  highly  conscientious  government  official,  as  a  progressive,  loyal  and  public- 
spirited  citizen,  has  won  the  respect  and  esteem  of  many  friends  and  has  reflected 
credit  upon  the  community  in  which  he  was  born.  He  has  held  an  appoint- 
ment in  the  United  States  revenue  service  since  1877  and  during  the  thirty- 
five  years  of  his  connection  with  this  line  of  activity  has  made  a  record  that  is 
above  suspicion  and  beyond  reproach.  Mr.  Hazzard  was  born  in  Peoria  on  May 
15,  1843,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Margaret  (Brestel)  Hazzard.  The  family  is 
of  English  origin  but  was  founded  in  America  about  1635.  The  grandparents 
of  our  subject  were  Stephen  and  Mary  (Russell)  Hazzard,  natives  of  Milford, 
Delaware,  where  his  father  was  born.  The  latter  was  a  builder  by  trade  and 
followed  this  line  of  occupation  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  for  some  time. 
His  residence  in  Peoria  dates  from  1840  and  he  lived  in  this  city  from  that  time 
until  his  death  which  occurred  while  he  was  visiting  his  brother,  William  H. 
Hazzard,  who  was  at  that  time  president  of  the  Fulton  National  Bank  of  Brook- 
lyn, X'ew  York.  James  Hazzard  passed  away  in  1888.  His  wife  was  a  native 
of  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania,  and  came  to  Peoria  with  her  parents  in  1835. 
She  was  a  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  (  Miller)  Brestel,  and  made  Peo- 
ria her  home  for  forty-eight  years.     She  died  in  1883. 

Joseph  F.  Hazzard  was  reared  at  home  and  attended  the  district  schools. 
In  1854  he  was  enrolled  as  a  student  in  the  old  Peoria  Academy,  which  is  not 
now  in  existence;  In  1855  the  city  public  schools  were  organized  and  Mr.  Haz- 
zard entered  the  first  high  school  of  the  citv,  being  a  member  of  the  same  class 
in  which  Robert  J.  Burdette  was  a  student.  When  he  laid  aside  his  books  he 
learned  the  brick  mason's  trade,  beginning  active  life  for  himself  when  he  was 
fourteen  years  of  age.  After  he  had  served  his  apprenticeship  he  joined  his 
father  in  the  contracting  and  building  business  and  for  twelve  years  was  success- 
ful and  prosperous  in  this  line  of  activity.  His  business  standards  were  always 
high  and  his  methods  of  operation  honest  and  straightforward.  He  was  imme- 
diately and  rapidly  successful  and  his  business  flourished  until  1877  when  he 
was  appointed  by  John  Sherman,  then  secretary  of  the  treasury,  to  the  United 
States  internal  revenue  service,  where  for  thirty-five  years  he  has  been  active 
and  prominent  He  was  first  a  storekeeper,  then  a  ganger,  and  afterward  a 
special  gauger,  and  his  activities  were  eventually  broadened  to  include  those 
of  an  internal  revenue  agent.  He  is  now  one  of  the  most  thoroughly  efficient 
members  of  the  government  service  in  Peoria  and  the  details  of  his  activities 
are  carried  on  carefully  and  conservatively  but.  nevertheless,  along  progressive 
lines.  He  is  capable,  alert  and  enterprising  and  has  founded  a  distinct  and  sub- 
stantial success  upon  long  experience  and  personal  efficiency.  Of  all  the  phases 
of  his  business  he  has  a  comprehensive  knowledge  and  has  met  with  the  meas- 
ure of  success  which  always  rewards  earnest,  persistent  and  well  directed  labor. 

On  October  24,  1866,  Mr.  Hazzard  was  vmited  in  marriage  in  Peoria,  to 
Miss  Louisa  Adelaide  Phenix,  who  was  born  at  Saratoga  Springs.  New  York, 
a  daughter  of  Leander  and  Mary  E.  (Pearsons)  Phenix,  and  to  their  union 
were  born  four  children:  Florence,  now  Mrs.  John  I.loyd  of  Los  Angeles,  Cal- 


JOSEl'll    I'.    IIAZZAIM) 


cot 


> 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  659 

ifornia;  William,  who  is  the  cashier  of  the  Commercial  German  Xational  Hank 
of  Peoria;  Dr.  Charles  llazzard,  a  practicing  ]3hysician  of  New  '^'ork  city;  and 
Mary,  who  also  makes  her  home  in  New  York  city. 

Mr.  Hazzard  is  prominent  in  the  Masonic  order  and  has  held  membership 
in  Peoria  Lodge,  Xo.  15,  F.  &  A.  M.,  since  1865.  He  was  master  of  this  or- 
ganization from  1873  to  1874  and  was  initiated  according  to  the  Scottish  Rite 
in  1875.  He  has  gone  through  several  of  the  chairs  of  that  organization.  He 
belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  holds  membership  in  the  Hale 
Memorial  church.  He  is  one  of  the  most  jirominent  figures  in  the  afifairs  of  that 
organization  and  when  the  original  church  was  erected  he  prepared  the  plans 
and  constructed  the  building.  He  has  been  a  trustee  since  1868  and  his  ad- 
ministrative business  ability  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  material 
growth  of  the  organization.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Hazzard  is  a  stanch  and 
consistent  republican  and  has  voted  the  ticket  since  the  organization  of  the  party 
in  the  time  of  .Abraham  Lincoln.  He  is  numbered  among  the  early  settlers  in 
Peoria  and  has  seen  the  wonderful  growth  and  ]irogress  of  that  city  and  its 
development  into  its  present  metropolitan  condition.  Mr.  Hazzard  has  been 
an  interested  witness  and  in  some  ways  an  active  participant  in  this  change 
and  his  loyalty  to  his  native  city  is  beyond  <|uestion.  He  is  well  known  in  the 
community  where  his  entire  life  has  been  spent  and  has  a  wide  acquaintance 
here.  He  has  won  uniform  trust  and  good-will  by  reason  of  a  life  which  in  all 
its  phases  is  straightforward  and  honorable  and  actuated  by  imusual  ideals  of 
personal  service. 


JOHN   P..  KING. 


One  of  the  successful  attorneys  at  law  of  Peoria,  conducting  a  general  [prac- 
tice, is  John  B.  King,  with  offices  at  No.  321  Main  street.  Mr.  King  has  prac- 
ticed his  ]3rofession  in  this  city  since  1904.  Lie  was  born  in  .\thensvillc,  Illinois, 
August  7,  1877,  the  son  of  Judge  David  F.  and  Nancy  E.  King.  The  father  was 
born  in  Texas  and  was  brought  to  Illinois  by  his  parents  by  wagon  when  less 
than  one  year  old.  He  early  acquired  a  taste  and  inclination  for  the  law  and, 
studying  industriously,  he  was  enabled  to  pass  the  required  examination  and  was 
admitted  to  practice,  later  becoming  judge  of  the  county  court  of  Greene  county, 
Illinois. 

John  P..  King  attended  the  public  schools  of  Roodhouse,  Illinois,  graduating 
with  honors  from  the  high  school  in  1895.  '^^  then  engaged  in  teaching  school 
in  Roodhouse  and  while  thus  employed  gave  all  the  time  he  could  ])ossibly  spare 
to  reading  law  under  his  father's  tuition,  with  the  result  that  on  April  18,  1900, 
upon  passing  the  re(|uired  examination,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  Immedi- 
ately thereafter  he  formed  a  copartnership  with  Judge  J.  C.  Bowman  of  Car- 
rollton,  Illinois,  with  whom  he  was  associated  in  practice  for  two  years,  when  the 
partnership  was  dissolved.  He  then  practiced  alone  for  two  years  at  Rood- 
house.  Illinois,  after  which  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Leaton  Boggess,  with 
offices  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  a  relationship  which  was  continued  until  1910,  when 
Thomas  P..  Lewis  of  Fairbury,  Illinois,  was  admitted  to  the  firm,  the  name  be- 
coming that  of  King,  Boggess  &  Lewis.  Later  Mr.  Boggess  withdrew  and  the 
firm  became  King  &  Lewis,  a  relationship  which  still  continues.  This  firm  has 
practiced  with  uniform  success  and  is  known  as  one  of  the  able  and  reliable  law 
firms  of  the  city.  Mr.  King  is  an  active  and  honored  member  of  the  Peoria 
Bar  Association.  He  has  become  affluent  in  circumstances,  owning  several  fine 
farming  properties  in  the  county.  He  has  also  built  extensively  in  the  city  of 
Peoria,  where  he  owns  a  number  of  good  properties  and  the  residence  in  which 
he  now  lives,  at  No.  178  North  Institute  place,  which  he  purchased  before  its 
completion  and  finished  under  his  personal  supervision. 


660  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

At  Roodhouse,  Illinois,  on  October  3,  1901,  Mr.  King  was  married  to  Aliss 
Celia  Sawyer,  a  daughter  of  W.  H.  Sawyer,  a  merchant  of  Liberty,  Kansas. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  King  have  two  children,  a  daughter,  Ardelia  E.,  aged  six  years, 
and  a  son,  John  IJradshaw,  Jr.,  whose  birth  occurred  on  June  16,  1912.  In  his 
political  views  .Mr.  King  is  a  democrat  and  has  served  on  the  democratic  state 
central  committee.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  and  of  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  First  Congrega- 
tional church  at  Peoria.  He  has  long  been  well  known  in  legal  and  business  circles 
in  Peoria  county  and  city  and  is  also  well  and  favorably  known  in  Greene  county, 
where  he  practiced  for  four  years  previous  to  his  coming  to  Peoria.  He  enjoys 
a  lucrative  practice  and  ranks  among  the  first  lawyers  of  the  city. 


CLYDE  R.   BIRKETT. 


Clyde  R.  Birkett,  with  offices  at  127  North  Jefferson  avenue,  has  since  1909 
been  a  general  practitioner  of  law  in  Peoria,  Illinois.  He  was  born  at  Washing- 
ion,  Tazewell  county,  this  state,  January  10,  1886,  the  son  of  William  and  Ellen 
Birkett.  The  father,  formerly  a  successful  farmer,  is  now  living  retired.  The 
early  education  of  the  son  was  received  in  the  district  school  near  his  father's 
farm  and  between  times  of  study  he  lent  assistance  to  his  father  and  thus  grew 
to  manhood.  After  leaving  the  district  school  he  attended  high  school  in  W  ash- 
ington  and  Peoria,  being  graduated  from  the  latter  with  the  class  of  1904,  after 
which  he  took  a  course  at  Brown's  Business  College  in  this  city.  He  then  entered 
the  Illinois  Wesleyan  College  of  Law,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  June, 
with  the  class  of  1908,  receiving  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  He  immediately  entered 
upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  returning  after  one 
year  to  this  citv,  and  from  his  earliest  experience  as  a  lawyer  he  has  met  with 
gratifying  success. 

In  his  political  affiliation  he  is  an  adherent  to  the  principles  and  policy  of 
the  republican  party.  He  is  a  member  of  the  national  legal  fraternity,  the  Phi 
Delta  Phi  and  Peoria  Lodge,  B.  P.  O.  E.  This  rising  young  attorney  exhibits 
in  the  success  with  which  he  handles  cases  entrusted  to  him  a  distinctive  ability 
which  augurs  well  for  the  larger  successes  he  is  destined  to  attain.  He  gives 
close  attention  to  the  details  of  business  entrusted  to  him  and  by  the  loyal  and 
able  manner  in  which  he  looks  after  his  clients'  interests  is  building  up  a  most 
satisfactory  practice. 


lOHN  B.  HARDAW.VY. 


John  B.  Hardawav.  who  is  attorney  for  the  Illinois  Traction  System  with 
offices  on  the  third  floor  of  the  Mayer  building,  has  been  connected  in  a  profes- 
sional way  in  Peoria  since  October,  1910.  He  was  born  at  Jeffersontown,  Ken- 
tucky, August  16,  1884,  a  son  of  the  Rev.  R.  M.  and  Emma  C.  (Cox)  Hard- 
away.  The  father  has  for  a  long  tinije  been  a  well  known  minister  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church.  South. 

lohn  B.  Hardawav  received  his  preliminary  education  at  the  St.  Charles  Mil- 
itary College,  of  St.  Charles,  Missouri,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  the 
spring  of  1905.  After  his  graduation  he  entered  the  Washington  University  of 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  taking  the  law  course  in  that  institution.  Diligently  pursu- 
ing his  studies  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1909,  winning  his  degree  of 
LL.  B.  Subsequent  to  his  graduation  from  the  law  school  he  began  practicing 
in  St.  Louis,  where  after  one  year's  experience  he  received  his  present  appoint- 
ment as  attornev  for  the  Illinois  Traction  System. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  U61 

Mr.  Ilardaway  was  married  at  Carrolton,  Missouri,  June  28.  191 1,  to  IMiss 
Kathreen  Graham,  a  daughter  of  James  F.  and  Fannie  Graham.  In  his  political 
views  Mr.  Hardaway  is  an  adherent  to  the  tenets  of  the  democartic  party.  His 
fraternal  relations  are  limited  to  membership  in  the  Delta  Chi,  a  college  frater- 
nity. He  resides  at  No.  207  West  McCune  avenue,  in  a  comfortable,  well  ap- 
pointed home.  The  exclusive  practice  to  which  Mr.  Hardaway  gives  practically 
his  entire  attention  is,  from  the  attorney's  viewpoint,  a  very  satisfactory  one. 
By  his  skill  as  a  practitioner  before  court  and  jury  as  well  as  his  ability  and  in- 
clination to  settle  cases  out  of  court  he  has  made  his  services  valuable  to  the  Illi- 
nois Traction  Company  in  whose  employ  he  has  been,  since  coming  to  Peoria  in 
October,  1910.  His  professional  standing  is  recognized  as  iieing  most  creditable 
and  he  has  formed  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  ac(]uaintances  not  only  in  Peoria 
but  throughout  the  county. 


UFRLIERT   EDMUND   HEWJTT. 

Herbert  Edmund  Hewitt,  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Hewitt  &  Emerson, 
architects,  with  offices  located  at  No.  321  Main  street,  is  one  of  the  highly 
successful  representatives  of  his  profession  in  the  city.  He  was  born  in  Bloom- 
ington,  this  state,  on  the  20th  of  July,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of  C.  E.  and  Helen 
(Thomson)  Hewitt.  The  father  was  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  church  of  this 
city  from  1880  to  1890,  and  was  secretary  of  the  divinity  school  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Chicago  from  that  time  until  his  death  in  November,  191 1.  Both 
parents  are  of  English  extraction  and  are  representatives  of  old  colonial  families, 
our  subject's  great-great-grandfather,  Edmund  Plewitt,  having  participated  in 
the  Revolutionary  war.  The  mother  is  connected  with  the  Gillette  family,  which 
is  of  I'rench  and  English  origin,  and  is  a  first  cousin  of  William  Gillette,  the  actor. 

The  greater  part  of  the  preliminary  education  of  Herbert  E.  Hewitt  was 
obtained  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city.  He  was  graduated  from  the  high 
school  in  1889  ami  the  following  autumn  he  continued  his  studies  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  Illinois,  at  Urbana.  He  subseciuently  matriculated  in  the  Massachu- 
setts Institute  of  Technology,  at  Boston,  jjeing  graduated  with  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Science,  in  1894.  Feeling  the  need  of  further  work  along  some 
special  lines  he  then  pursued  a  post-graduate  course  at  the  University  of  Chicago. 
In  the  s])ring  of  1895  he  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  profession  as  a  draughts- 
man in  the  office  of  a  Chicago  architect,  continuing  in  that  service  for  two  years. 
In  April,  1897.  he  resigned  his  position  and  returning  to  Peoria  formed  a  part- 
nership with  Josejjh  ^Vechselberger,  with  whom  he  w-as  associated  in  business 
for  a  year.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  bought  out  his  partner's  interest, 
continuing  alone,  with  the  exception  of  one  year,  until  May,  1909,  when  he  took 
Frank  N.  Emerson  into  partnership.  Mr.  Hewitt  has  a  thorough  knowledge 
and  fine  appreciation  of  the  practical  and  artistic  value  of  his  work  and  unites 
the  two  in  a  highly  satisfactory  and  efficient  manner.  He  possesses  rare  me- 
chanical ability  and  this  imited  with  his  excellent  technical  training,  practical 
ideas  and  sound  judgment  results  in  the  production  of  designs  well  calculated  to 
meet  the  re(|uirements  for  which  they  are  intended,  being  at  the  same  time  artis- 
tically consistent  therewith.  Since  locating  here  he  has  been  asked  to  design  many  of 
the  public  and  business  buildings,  including  the  Jefferson  hotel,  the  Shriners' 
Temple,  the  Orpheum  Theatre,  the  G.  A.  R.  Memorial  Hall,  the  Creve  Coeur  Club 
and  the  Country  Club.  He  has  also  designed  and  superintended  the  erection 
of  some  of  the  finest  residences  in  the  city,  his  efforts  in  this  direction  having 
been  especially  satisfactory.  That  his  reputation  is  more  than  a  local  one  is 
indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  has  planned  and  erected  a  number  of  buildings  in 
the  south,  including  the  Hotel  Goldman  at  Fort  Smith,  Arkansas ;  the  Illinois 
State  Building  at  the  South  Carolina  exposition,  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina ; 


662  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  the  Monmouth  College  buildings  at  Monmouth.  Illinois;  as  well  as  a  large 
number  of  school  buildings. 

Lvnn,  Massachusetts,  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Hewitt's  marriage  on  the  lOth 
of  October,  1906.  to  Miss  Helen  Carter,  a  daughter  of  Ruel  W.  and  Clara 
(  Towers )  Carter,  both  representatives  of  old  Hoston  families,  where  for  many 
years  the  father  was  engaged  in  business.  He  passed  away  in  1909.  and  is  buried 
in  the  cemetery  at  Lynn,  in  which  city  the  mother  still  resides.  Two  children 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hewitt,  as  follows:  Carter  Edmund,  born 
October  6,  1907;  and  Gillette,  born  IMay  3,  1910.  The  family  home  is  located 
at  "ji"/  ;Moss  avenue,  where  in  1910,  Mr.  Hewitt  erected  a  residence  that  is  a 
most  worthy  example  of  his  work. 

yix.  and  Mrs.  Hewitt  are  members  of  the  First  Baptist  church,  of  which  he 
is  a  former  trustee,  and  fraternally  he  is  a  Mason,  having  taken  the  degrees 
of  the  blue  lodge.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Country  Clubs, 
while  in  politics  he  is  a  republican.  Mr.  Hewitt  has  achieved  an  enviable  repu- 
tation, which  far  exceeds  local  limits  and  the  worth  of  his  work  is  evidenced 
bv  his  extensive  business  in  this  state. 


FREDERIC  ROBERT  A\"ERY. 

\\  ho  can  say  what  Peoria  would  be  if  the  Avery  interests  had  not  featured 
as  a  factor  in  its  upbuilding.  The  name  has  ever  stood  as  a  synonym  for  activity 
and  progressiveness  here  and  the  record  of  Frederic  R.  Avery  has  been  in 
keeping  with  the  untarnished  name  ever  borne  by  the  family.  Deep  regret  on 
the  part  of  his  many  friends  was  felt  when,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-six  years, 
he  was  called  from  this  life,  being  thus  forced  to  relinquish  a  work  in  which 
he  was  giving  every  evidence  of  ability  and  progressiveness.  He  was  born  in 
Galesburg,  Illinois,  November  5,  1869,  and  passed  away  on  the  15th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1906.  He  was  a  son  of  Robert  H.  Avery,  who  was  also  a  native  of  Gales- 
burg, born  on  the  21st  of  January,  1840.  \\'hile  spending  his  youthful  days 
upon  the  old  home  farm  he  was  also  acquiring  his  education  in  the  public 
schools  and  in  the  academy  of  his  home  town.  He  had  barely  attained  his 
majority  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out  and  he  joined  the  boys  in  blue,  serving 
for  almost  four  years  in  defense  of  the  Union,  during  which  he  spent  eight 
months  as  a  prisoner  of  war.  It  was  while  he  was  incarcerated  at  Anderson- 
ville  that  his  mind  evolved  the  plan  for  the  first  farm  implement  which  he  manu- 
factured— a  cultivator — and  he  afterward  put  his  ideas  to  the  practical  test 
in  the  building  of  a  machine  which  constituted  the  first  step  in  the  development 
of  the  great  industry  that  is  now  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Avery  Com- 
pany of  Peoria.  When  the  war  was  over  he  returned  to  Galesburg  and  de- 
voted four  years  thereafter  to  farm  work  and  to  invention.  In  1869  he  was 
joined  by  his  brother  Cyrus  IM.  Avery  in  the  establishment  of  a  business  for  the 
manufacture  of  the  Avery  cultivator.  From  that  period  to  the  present  the 
scope  of  the  business  has  been  continuously  increased  and,  although  the  original 
promoters  have  passed  away,  their  work  still  lives  on  in  the  great  Avery  plant 
at  Peoria.  Success  attended  their  efforts  at  Galesburg  and  in  1882  they  re- 
moved to  Peoria,  where  the  following  year  the  partnership  of  R.  H.  and  C.  M. 
Avery  was  organized  into  a  stock  company  and  chartered  under  the  name  of  the 
Avery  Planter  Company,  of  which  Robert  H.  Avery  continued  to  be  the  pres- 
ident during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Arotmd  the  plant  grew  the  suburban 
town  of  Averyville,  housing  the  many  employes  in  the  factory.  The  business 
has  continuously  grown  since  that  day,  Robert  H.  Avery  remaining  an  active 
factor  in  its  successful  conduct  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  when 
he  was  on  a  trip  to  California,  September  13,  1892,  when  he  was  but  little  more 


niKDKUKK   R.   A\K1!V 


' 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  6(i5 

than  fifty-two  years  of  age.  His  activity,  indeed,  constituted  a  valued  con- 
tribution to  the  world's  work  and  especially  to  the  commercial  and  industrial 
progress  of   Peoria. 

His  son  Frederic  Robert  A\cry  jjursucd  his  education  in  the  pul>lic  schools 
of  Galesburg,  in  Knox  College  of  that  city  of  which  he  was  a  graduate  and  in 
Amherst  College,  devoting  several  years  to  the  mastery  of  such  branches  of 
learning  as  would  qualify  him  for  life's  practical  and  responsible  duties.  Dur- 
ing that  period  he  became  a  member  of  the  lleta  Theta  Pi.  He  left  school  at 
the  age  of  twenty-three  years  and  entered  at  once  upon  active  relations  with  the 
.\vcry  Manufacturing  Comi\iny.  mastering  the  business  both  in  principle  and 
detail.  I'ollowing  the  death  of  his  father  he  became  treasurer  of  the  comi^any 
in  181  )2  and  his  recognized  aliility  as  an  organizer  constituted  a  power  in  the 
upbuilding  and  development  of  the  concern.  His  labor,  indeed,  proved  a  valuable 
force  in  the  growth  of  the  business  and  in  addition  to  his  service  as  treasurer 
he  was  also  at  the  head  of  the  purchasing  department.  His  thorough  study  of 
the  business  in  every  branch  and  his  study  of  the  trade  at  large  made  his  opinions 
of  value  in  shaping  the  policy  of  this  mammoth  concern,  which  stands  at  the 
head  of  the  productive  industries  of  the  city.  He  never  faltered  when  a  task 
was  to  be  accomplished  Ijut.  calling  forth  all  the  resources  of  his  nature,  con- 
tinued at  the  task  until  it  was  performed  and  success  resulted. 

On  the  1st  of  June,  1897,  Mr.  Avery  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Clara 
L.  Mercer,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  A.  and  Elizabeth  (Kinsman)  Mercer.  They 
became  the  parents  of  two  children,  Elizabeth  and  Frederic  M.,  both  of  whom 
are  yet  attending  school.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Avery  was  a  republican 
and,  while  he  did  not  seek  nor  desire  public  office,  he  was  active  in  behalf  of 
the  welfare  of  the  city,  giving  ready  cooiieration  to  various  projects  which  stood 
for  the  city's  development  and  uplntilding.  When  leisure  permitted  he  in- 
dulged in  travel,  which  was  to  hiin  a  principal  source  of  rest  and  recreation. 
He  loved  art,  was  loyal  in  his  friendships  and  devoted  to  his  home.  He  stood 
as  a  high  type  of  the  enterprising,  honorable,  progressive  young  business  man 
and  yet  he  did  not  allow  the  mammoth  business  of  the  industry  with  which 
he  was  connected  to  monopolize  his  time  and  attention  to  the  exclusion  of  other 
activities.  His  was  a  well  balanced  character  and  in  his  passing  Peoria  lost  one 
of  her  most  worthy  and  honored  young  business  men.  Few  men  within  the 
short  span  of  life  of  thirty-six  years  leave  so  indelible  an  impress  upon  the  his- 
torv  of  the  communitv  with  which  thev  are  connected. 


CLIFFORD    MASON    AXTHONY. 

Substantial  expansion  of  his  business  interests  placed  Clifford  Mason  An- 
thony in  control  of  extensive  banking  and  investment  affairs,  and  investigation 
into  his  record  shows  that  the  business  policy  which  he  has  followed  has  ever 
commended  him  to  the  generous  support  of  the  public  and  to  the  confidence  of 
those  with  whom  he  has  had  dealings.  He  is  preeminently  a  man  of  energy,  but 
of  energy  well  directed  and  wisely  applied.  He  has  never  wasted  his  strength 
in  attemiJting  to  overcome  insurmountable  obstacles  nor  in  occupying  an  untena- 
ble position,  for  when  he  sees  such  before  him  he  seeks  out  another  course, 
knowing  that  there  is  more  than  one  road  to  success  and  that  the  essential  re- 
quirements are  imfaltering  energy  and  ready  adaptability.  After  long  connec- 
tion with  banking  and  investment  activities  he  is  now  living  retired.  He  was 
born  in  Washington.  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  a  son  of  Charles  S.  N.  and  Eliza- 
beth (Bulkeley)  Anthony,  who  were  pioneers  of  this  state.  The  son  pursued 
his  education  in  the  public  and  private  schools  of  his  native  town  and   in  the 


666  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

military  school  at  Stamford,  Connecticut.  He  started  out  in  the  business  world 
as  a  clerk  in  the  employ  of  his  elder  brother,  Charles  E.  Anthony,  who  in  com- 
pany with  Henry  Denhart  conducted  a  general  mercantile  and  private  banking 
business  in  Washington.  After  a  short  preliminary  training  Clifford  AI.  Anthony 
was  appointed  to  a  clerical  i)osition  in  the  banking  department  and  thus  became 
identified  with  a  held  of  business  in  which  he  was  destined  to  win  prominence 
and  success.  As  the  months  passed  by  his  experience  developed  his  latent  powers 
and  subsequently  he  joined  Charles  E.  Anthony,  Henry  Denhart,  Dr.  R.  B.  AI.  Wil- 
son and  Charles  A.  Wilson  in  organizing  the  Bank  of  Chatsworth  at  Chatsworth, 
Illinois,  of  which  he  was  made  general  manager.  In  addition  to  the  conduct  of 
a  general  banking  business  he  established  a  loan  department,  giving  special  at- 
tention to  loaning  money  on  farm  mortgages,  and  this  soon  became  an  important 
and  profitable  feature  of  the  business.  Three  years  later  the  firm  disposed  of 
the  bank  at  Chatsworth  and  transferred  the  mortgage  loan  department  to  Wash- 
ington, Mr.  Anthony  entering  into  partnership  with  the  previously  organized  firm 
of  Anthony  &  Denhart,  accepting  the  position  of  cashier  in  the  bank  and  mana- 
ger of  the  loan  department.  He  continued  with  that  business  until  1885,  when 
he  disposed  of  his  interest  but  retained  for  himself  the  farm  loan  branch  of  the 
business,  which  under  his  personal  supervision  grew  largely  and  became  a  very 
profitable  enterprise. 

Seeking  a  broader  field  of  labor,  Air.  Anthony  came  to  Peoria  and,  finding 
conditions  here  favorable  for  the  successful  conduct  of  a  business,  he  was  joined 
a  few  months  later  by  his  brother  Charles,  at  which  time  was  organized  the  firm 
of  C.  E.  and  C.  AI.  Anthony,  investment  bankers,  at  No.  424  Alain  street. 
There  the  business  was  conducted  for  many  years  and  their  clientage  steadily 
grew.  The  field  of  their  operations  continually  broadened  and  in  1889  they 
opened  a  branch  office  in  Omaha.  Two  years  later  the  business  was  reor- 
ganized and  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the  Anthony  Loan  &  Trust  Com- 
pany, with  the  subject  of  this  review  as  vice  president  and  general  manager. 
In  1898  he  was  chosen  to  the  presidency  of  the  company  and  so  continued  until 
his  retirement  from  active  business  life  in  1903.  In  1885  a  branch  organization 
had  been  established  under  the  name  of  the  Peoria  Safe  Deposit  Company,  of 
which  C.  AI.  Anthony  was  also  the  president.  He  is  a  man  of  determined  pur- 
pose and  his  carefully  formulated  plans  constituted  the  basis  of  success  which 
l)rought  liim  to  a  prominent  position  in  financial  circles.  He  saw  and  utilized 
opportunities  which  others  passed  heedlessly  by  and  at  all  times  he  kept  in  close 
touch  with  every  phase  of  the  business  situation  of  the  country  bearing  upon 
his  individual  interests.  In  his  vocabulary  there  is  no  such  word  as  fail.  \\'hen 
one  avenue  of  opportunity  has  seemed  closed  he  has  sought  out  another  path 
whereby  he  might  reach  the  desired  goal.  At  the  same  time,  too,  his  methods 
have  ever  been  such  as  would  bear  the  closest  investigation  and  scrutiny.  He 
ranked  with  the  best  known  and  most  successful  bankers  in  this  part  of  the  state 
and  although  the  loan  department  placed  millions  of  dollars  in  circulation,  while 
the  securities  were  sold  to  all  classes  of  investors,  never  in  all  his  dealings  did 
one  of  his  clients  foreclose  a  mortgage  placed  by  him  nor  lose  a  dollar  upon  any 
of  their  securities.  These  results  have  l^een  obtained  through  strict  conservative 
management  and  close  personal  attention  to  the  nature  and  character  of  all  se- 
curities and  investments. 

On  the  14th  of  November,  1895,  Air.  Anthony  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Flora  Thomas,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  D.  E.  Thomas,  of  Lacon,  Illinois,  and 
they  have  one  son,  Emerson  T.,  who  was  born  July  9,  1898,  and  attends  school. 
Air.  Anthony  is  a  prominent  Alason,  having  attained  the  thirty-second  degree 
of  the  Scottish  Rite.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  other  lead- 
ing clubs  and  social  organizations  of  Peoria  and  the  Union  League  Club  of 
Chicago.  His  political  allegiance  has  ever  been  given  to  the  republican  party 
since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise  and  his:  religious  faith  has 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  667 

long  been  manifest  in  his  membership  in  the  Presbyterian  cliurch.  He  has  a 
wide  acquaintance  among  business  and  moneyed  men  througliout  the  state  and 
enjoys  in  unusual  degree  the  respect  and  confidence  of  colleagues  and  contem- 
poraries. His  ability,  his  straightforward  methods  and  his  genuine  personal 
worth  have  united  to  win  for  him  high  standing  in  business  and  social  circles. 
He  looks  at  life  from  the  broad  standpoint  of  an  enterprising  business  man  who 
keeps  in  touch  with  the  world's  thought  and  work  and  each  year  that  has  passed 
has  chronicled  his  achievements,  finding  him  in  a  position  far  in  ad\ance  of  that 
which  he  had  reached  the  previous  year. 


ED\V.\RD  HINE. 


Edward  Hine,  president  of  the  Edward  Mine  &  Company  printing  establish- 
ment, which  is  located  at  307  South  Washington  avenue,  was  born  in  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  January  21,  1851.  His  parents  were  John  M.  and  Mary  Hine,  who  in 
1853  came  to  Peoria,  where  the  father  followed  his  trade  of  carpentering  and 
cabinetmaking.  John  M.  Hine  passed  away  in  1858  and  his  wife,  surviving  him 
for  a  number  of  years,  died  in  1883.     Both  are  buried  in  the  old  city  cemetery. 

Edward  Hine,  being  only  two  years  of  age  when  brought  by  his  parents  to 
this  city,  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  here,  but  at  the  age  of  eleven 
he  left  school  and  began  learning  the  printer's  trade.  Subseciuently  he  was  con- 
nected with  various  printing  establishments  until  he  entered  in  business  for  him- 
self, buying  out  the  M,  C.  Nason  plant.  From  the  very  beginning  of  his  work 
he  met  with  success  and  his  business  gradually  increased  until  in  1907  it  was  in- 
corporated into  the  present  company,  of  which  Mr.  Hine  became  president.  It 
is  now  one  of  the  leading  and  prosperous  printing  establishments  of  the  citv. 

In  Peoria,  on  the  3d  of  February,  1873,  Mr.  Hine  was  married  to  Miss  Pau- 
line Buechner,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Fredericka  Buechner.  The  parents 
are  now  both  deceased  and  are  buried  in  Springdale  cemetery.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hine  have  been  born  three  sons  and  one  daughter,  as  follows :  Edward 
W.,  who  is  connected  with  the  Peoria  Journal ;  Robert  E. ;  Caroline  D.,  who  is 
the  wife  of  George  O.  Kroeger.  a  grocer  of  Pekin,  Illinois ;  and  Allen  T.,  who 
is  attending  school.  The  family  reside  at  922  East  Nebraska  avenue,  and  its 
different  members  are  highly  esteemed  here  by  all  who  know  them.  In  his 
political  views  Mr.  Hine  is  a  democrat  and  he  has  twice  served  as  assessor  of 
Peoria  township,  first  from  1881  to  1882  and  again  from  1885  to  1887.  From  1877 
to  1892  he  was  a  member  of  the  school  board,  serving  as  president  from  1878  to 
1890  and  as  treasurer  for  the  rest  of  the  time.  ITe  is  a  member  of  the  Crystal 
Club  and  has  many  friends  and  acquaintances  in  the  social  and  business  world. 


CH.\RLES  D.  BRAINARD. 

The  insurance  interests  of  Peoria  are  a  growing  factor  in  its  commercial  life. 
The  number  of  agencies  is  becoming  more  numerous  every  year  and  the  city  is 
now  recognized  as  a  good  field  for  this  line  of  activity.  Prominent  among  the 
men  who  have  contributed  their  share  toward  making  these  statements  true,  is 
Charles  D.  Brainard,  who  for  the  past  twenty  years  has  been  identified  with  the 
insurance  business  in  Peoria.  He  was  born  June  27,  T843,  '"  Cedarville,  Her- 
kimer county.  New  York,  the  son  of  Sardis  and  Pamela  (Day)  Brainard.  The 
family  removed  to  Delavan,  Wisconsin,  when  Charles  D.  Brainard  was  still 
very  young,  and  the  public  schools  of  that  city  afforded  him  his  educational  op- 
portunities.    He  was  graduated  from  the  Delavan  high  school  in  1859,  and  for  a 


668  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

number  of  years  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  Mr.  Brainard  came  to 
Peoria,  Illinois,  from  Beloit,  Wisconsin,  in  March,  1863,  and  engaged  in  the  dry- 
goods  business  with  the  firm  of  Johnston  &  Coskery  in  the  location  now  occupied 
bv  Clarke  &  Co..  at  102  South  Adams  street.  Later  he  was  in  the  notion  business 
with  John  A.  Bush  on  Main  street,  and  then  in  the  employ  of  the  grain  firm, 
Hancock,  Beals  &  Company,  and  with  Clarke  &  Easton  in  the  distillery  business. 
He  subsequently  entered  the  insurance  line,  with  which  he  has  been  connected 
for  the  past  twenty  years. 

Politically  Mr.  Brainard  is  a  stanch  republican  believing  firmly  in  the  princi- 
ples and  ideas  for  which  that  party  stands,  and  he  has  held  public  office  in  this 
city  for  a  number  of  years.  From  i8g6  to  i8g8  he  was  city  assessor  of  Peoria 
and  in  igoo  he  was  elected  township  collector.  In  both  of  these  capacities  he 
proved  himself  an  able,  resourceful  and  practical  business  man,  honest  in  all  his 
dealings,  and  thoroughly  worthy  of  the  trust  imposed  in  him. 

Fraternally,  Charles  D.  Brainard  is  a  member  of  Illinois  Lodge,  No.  263.  z\.  F. 
&  A.  M. ;  of  Peoria  Consistory,  A.  A.  S.  R. ;  and  of  Mohammed  Temple,  Oasis  of 
Peoria.  He  is  past  officer  of  Columbia  Lodge.  No.  21,  and  Peoria  Encampment, 
No.  15,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  past  brigade  commander  of  the  Patriarchs  ]\lilitant,  I.  O.  O.  F. 
and  past  chancellor  and  past  commander.  Knights  of  Pythias. 

On  January  26,  1865,  Mr.  Brainard  was  married  in  Peoria  to  ]\liss  Jennie 
Bush,  daughter  of  George  and  Maria  Bush,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  who  came 
to  Peoria  when  their  daughter  Jennie  was  a  child.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brainard 
have  one  daughter,  Ella,  who  is  the  wife  of  Louis  B.  Van  Nuys  of  this  city. 
Mr.  Brainard  is  well  known  in  fraternal  and  insurance  circles  of  Peoria  as  an 
upright,  honorable  and  worthy  citizen. 


L\MES  CLARK. 


In  a  historv  of  Peoria  county's  development  mention  should  be  made  of 
James  Clark,  who  was  one  of  the  early  residents  of  this  part  of  the  state,  com- 
ing here  when  much  of  the  land  was  still  uncultivated  prairie  and  when  the 
now  thriving  towns  and  cities  were  small  villages  or  had  not  yet  come  into  ex- 
istence. He  was  then  a  young  man,  arriving  here  about  the  time  he  attained 
his  majority,  and  from  that  period  until  his  death  he  was  closel}-  associated  with 
the  agricultural  interests  and  the  substantial  ujibuilding  of  the  county. 

A  native  of  England,  Air.  Clark  was  born  February  22,  1819.  his  father  be- 
ing James  Clark,  Sr.,  who  came  of  a  good  old  English  family  and  acquired  an 
excellent  education  while  spending  his  youthful  days  in  his  native  land.  James 
Clark,  Sr..  entered  business  life  in  a  clerical  position  in  a  counting  house  and 
bank,  but  afterward  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  and  became 
manager  of  fifteen  hundred  acres  in  England.  The  stories  which  reached  him 
concerning  the  advantages  and  opportunities  of  the  new  world,  however,  proved 
very  attractive  and,  hoping  to  better  his  financial  condition  in  the  new  world, 
he  sailed  for  the  L'nited  States  in  1837  in  company  with  his  son  James.  They 
did  not  tarry  on  the  Atlantic  coast  but  made  their  way  into  the  interior,  travel- 
ing most  of  the  way  on  foot  that  they  might  see  the  country.  Realizing  the 
value  of  the  open  prairie.  Mr.  Clark,  Sr.,  secured  a  quarter  section  of  land,  which 
in  time  he  converted  into  a  good  farm,  continuing  its  cultivation  until  death 
ended  his  laliors  in  1841.  When  he  first  located  on  his  farm  he  had  to  have 
a  plow  to  break  the  prairie  sod  and  ingeniously  contrived  one  which  was  a  great 
improvement  on  any  which  was  then  in  use.  He  secured  the  cooperation  of  a 
blacksmith,  who  made  the  share  and  an  upright  piece,  which  Mr.  Clark  attached 
to  the  beam,  and  to  this  he  added  a  frame  mould,  fastening  the  pieces  together 
with  iron  rods,  and  with  this  implement  be  could  throw  the  sod  in  any  direction 


JAMES  CLARK 


10 


£«! 


;pefi 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  liTl 

he  wished.  His  device  attracted  the  attention  of  Toln-  \-  Anderson,  who  after- 
ward became  famous 'as  plow  manufacturers,  and  they  in\itcd  Mr.  Clark  to 
Peoria  to  discuss  with  them  the  plan  upon  which  a  plow  should  be  built.  'J'hey 
realized  the  practicability  of  his  idea  and  followed  his  directions  in  every  respect 
in  the  manufacture  of  breakin.s?  plows.  About  1839  Mr.  Clark  imported  from 
England  the  first  grain  drill  that  was  ever  used  in  Peoria  county.  He  was  a 
progressive  agriculturist,  using  methods  far  in  advance  of  those  employed  by 
manv  of  his  neighbors,  and,  although  he  lived  in  Peoria  county  but  a  short 
period,  he  left  the  imprint  of  his  individuality  upon  its  development  and  progress. 

lames  Clark,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  was  about  twenty-two 
years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  father's  death.  The  same  year  he  took  charge 
of  the  household  and  in  March.  1842,  his  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Isabella  Walker,  died.  In  October  of  that  year  Mr.  Clark  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Susan  Benson,  a  sister  of  the  Rev.  John  I'.enson.  wdio  for  many 
vears  was  the  honored  rector  of  Christ  Episcopal  church  of  Limestone  Prairie. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  became  the  parents  of  five  children:  Susan  H.,  who  is  now 
deceased:  Ella  G.,  a  resident  of  Peoria;  James  Benson,  who  died  leaving  two 
children,  Ruth  Lois  and  James  Benson  Clark,  Jr.:  John  W.  W.  Clark,  who  is 
living  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  has  four  children,  Douglas  C,  Lucia  L., 
Lois  M.  and  Susan  B. :  and  Cyril  B.,  of  Peoria,  who  has  si.x  children.  Grace  C, 
Cyril  !'..,  Ir.,  Margaret,  Mary  C,  John  r.enson  and  Catherine  P.  Douglas  C. 
Clark  is  married  and  has  two  children,  Dudley  K.  and  Burton  L. 

Mr.  Clark  gave  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  from  the  time 
of  its  organization  and  kept  well  informed  on  the  question  and  issues  of  the 
day  but  never  sought  nor  desired  public  office.  He  held  to  the  religious  faith 
of  his  ancestors,  both  he  and  his  wife  Ijeing  members  of  the  Episcopal  church. 
His  death  occurred  October  24,  1900.  and  in  his  passing  the  community  lost  a 
rejiresentative  and  honored  citizen,  one  who  from  early  pioneer  times  had  taken 
an  active  and  helpful  part  in  the  work  of  general  progress  and  improvement. 
He  lived  to  see  this  section  of  the  state  converted  from  a  wild  and  undevelojjed 
region  into  one  of  rich  fertility,  while  the  little  town  of  Peoria  grew  into  one 
of  the  great  metropolitan  cities  of  the  Mississippi  valley.  He  ever  rejoiced  in 
what  was  accomplished  and  his  labors  were  an  element  in  the  general  growth 
and  inijirovement,  especially  along  agricultural  lines.  His  life  was  honorable 
and  upright  and  those  who  knew  him  respected  him   for  his  sterling  worth. 


OTTO  TRIEBEL. 


As  a  representative  man  of  industry  as  applied  to  art,  we  select  him  whose 
name  heads  this  sketch.  Otto  Triebel,  sculptor,  monument  builder  and  marble 
worker,  who  has  attained  notable  distinction  along  these  lines,  has  been  identified 
with  the  marble  and  monument  trade  of  Peoria  for  over  fifty  years.  He  was 
born  in  Roemhild,  Germany,  in  1830,  of  a  family  of  some  local  importance,  his 
parents  being  Henry  and  Friedericke  Triebel.  Henry  Triebel  was  at  that  time 
burgomaster  of  Roemhild,  Bavaria,  a  city  in  the  northern  part  of  that  kingdom, 
near  the  .^axon  border.  When  about  fourteen  years  of  age.  Otto  Triebel  began 
to  study  sculpture  and  devoted  his  entire  life  to  that  art  and  to  the  art  of  work- 
ing in  marble.  He  was  nineteen  years  of  age  when  he  left  his  native  district  and 
went  to  Hungary,  where  he  had  a  brother  at  Buda  Pesth  who  was  a  silversm'th. 
The  re\T)lution  in  that  country  compelled  him  to  leave  and  he  took  passage  on  a 
sailing  vessel,  and  after  a  two  months'  trip  on  the  ocean,  landed  in  America. 
He  located  first  near  Belleville,  Illinois,  in  what  was  called  the  Latin  settlement, 
which  was  made  up  of  men  who  had  escaped  from  Germany  in  1848,  during 
the  revolution.     Later,  he  went  to  St.  Louis,  and  he  became  a  permanent  resi- 


672  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

dent  of  Peoria  in  1853.  Here  he  entered  the  employ  of  Mr.  Jewell,  who  was 
engaged  in  the  marble  business,  and  at  length  liis  capability  and  careful  expendi- 
ture brought  him  sufficient  capital  to  enable  him  to  engage  in  business  on  his  own 
account  in  the  establishment  of  monument  and  marl:)le  works  in  the  spring  of 
1872,  and  this  business  has  been  a  leading  feature  in  commercial  circles  of  Peo- 
ria since  that  time.  For  years  he  continued  actively  in  business  and  succeeded  in 
winning  an  extensive  patronage,  for  his  work  was  neat  and  artistic,  his  orders 
were  promptly  executed  and  delivered,  and  his  dealings  were  always  of  a  most 
reliable  and  trustworthy  character.  About  twenty  years  prior  to  his  demise  he 
practically  retired  and  enjoyed  a  well  earned  rest,  the  fruit  of  his  former  toil 
supphing  him  with  all  the  necessities  and  comforts  of  life. 

During  his  life.  Otto  Triebel  was  one  of  Peoria's  most  prominent  citizens 
and  his  talents  brought  him  much  in  demand  for  work  on  boards  of  public  insti- 
tutions. He  served  two  terms  as  city  treasurer  and  several  terms  as  county 
supervisor  and  school  inspector.  He  was  a  charter  member  of  the  German  Free 
school  on  Second  street,  and  was  actively  interested  in  it  all  during  his  life.  He 
was  prominent  in  the  Schiller  lodge  of  the  Masonic  order. 

In  September,  1854,  Otto  Triebel  married  Elise  Schearer,  a  native  of  Switzer- 
land, who  was  brought  to  America  when  but  seven  years  of  age  by  her  father, 
Henry  Schearer,  who  became  a  cigar  merchant  of  Peoria,  where  he  took  up  his 
abode  in  1846.    The  death  of  Otto  Triebel  occurred  in  ?ilay,  1910. 

Air.  and  Airs.  Otto  Triebel  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  three  of  whom 
became  members  of  the  firm  of  Triebel  &  Sons.  In  order  of  birth  the  children 
were  as  follows:  Henry  G. ;  William  H.;  Albert,  who  is  now  a  wholesale  grocer 
of  Stillwater,  Minnesota;  Bertha,  the  wife  of  John  Schlatter  of  Peoria;  Fred, 
who  is  a  sculptor  of  considerable  reputation,  now  studying  in  Rome,  Italy,  his 
famous  study  in  bronze  of  Roljert  G.  Ingersoll  being  now  on  exhibit  in  the  show 
rooms  of  the  firm  of  Triebel  &  Sons;  Louis,  deceased;  Frieda,  who  has  also 
passed  away;  Charles,  a  contractor  of  Cedar  Rapids.  Iowa;  Louisa,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Henry  Bartlett  of  San  Diego,  California;  and  Otto,  who  is  in  business 
with  his  brother  Henry. 

Winning  as  he  did,  large  success  as  a  clear-headed,  straightforward  man,  a 
leader  in  enterprises  requiring  combinations  of  men  and  money  to  carry  to  a 
successful  issue,  he  fully  deserved  the  recognition  he  received  as  a  worthy,  ener- 
getic citizen,  a  business  man  of  fine  judgment  and  of  rare  probity.  To  such  men 
is  due  in  a  great  degree  the  remarkable  development  and  growth  of  the  city  of 
Peoria  and  the  state  of  Illinois. 


KASJENS  &  ENTWISTLE. 

Kasjens  &■  Entwistle  are  successfully  engaged  in  the  operation  of  a  pkimli- 
ing  and  heating  plant  at  421  Hamilton  boulevard,  Peoria,  where  they  have  been 
located  since  establishing  their  business  on  the  ist  of  January,  1909.  They  are 
both  skilled  mechanics  and  practical  business  men,  whose  general  experience  and 
thorough  training  in  their  line  well  qualifies  them  to  undertake  the  development 
of  an  enterprise  of  this  nature.  They  make  a  specialty  of  installing  steam  and 
hot  water  heat  and  pneumatic  water  supply  in  country  and  suburban  residences 
and  are  being  favored  with  as  many  orders  as  they  are  able  to  fill  with  their  pres- 
ent force.  Although  they  have  only  been  engaged  in  this  business  for  three 
years,  it  has  been  their  fortune  to  be  awarded  some  very  good  contracts,  which 
they  have  filled  so  satisfactorily  that  one  order  resulted  in  the  next.  Their  work 
has  been  satisfactory  and  they  have  every  reason  to  feel  encouraged. 

Theodore  Kasjens,  senior  partner  of  the  firm,  was  born  in  Peoria,  on  July 
27,  1879,  and  is  a  son  of  Jacob  U.  Kasjens,  a  car  carpenter,  for  many  years  em- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  673 

ployed  at  the  corner  of  Pekin  and  Union  streets.  In  the  acquirement  of  his 
education  he  attended  the  old  Douglas  school  until  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age, 
when  he  entered  the  blacksmith  department  of  the  carriage  shop  of  \\'illiam  llupe 
to  learn  the  trade.  Three  years  later  he  withdrew  from  this  ])osition  and  found 
cni[)loyment  in  the  Hoklas  box  factory,  remaining  there  until  1898.  In  the  latter 
\ear  he  became  identitied  with  the  plumliing  and  heating  departments  of  the 
Brass  Foundry  &  Heating  Company,  continuing  in  their  employ  until  1909. 
Here  he  was  given  the  advantages  of  a  very  thorough  training  and  excellent  ex- 
perience, the  value  of  which  was  greatly  increased  by  his  previous  connections. 
On  the  1st  of  January,  1909,  he  withdrew  from  the  service  of  the  latter  company 
and  became  associated  with  William  H.  Entwistle  in  purchasing  the  plumbing 
department  of  his  employers,  wdiich  they  have  ever  since  conducted  with  con- 
stantly increasing  success. 

-\Ir.  Kasjeus  is  not  married  and  makes  his  home  with  a  brother.  Fraternally 
he  is  identified  with  liaker  Camp,  Xo.  843.  M.  W.  A.,  and  in  politics  he  is  a 
republican.  He  is  well  known  here,  being  connected  with  some  of  the  city's 
early  pioneers,  among  them  Theodore  Garlings,  who  is  his  uncle  and  one  of  the 
oldest  residents  of  Peoria.  Mr.  Kasjens  is  a  man  of  sound  principles  and  the 
highest  integrity,  who  from  day  to  day  strives  to  discharge  his  duties  to  the  best 
of  his  ability  and  his  efforts  are  being  crowned  with  corres]ionding  success. 

William  H.  Entwistle.  the  other  member  of  the  firm  of  Kasjens  &  Entwistle, 
was  l)orn  in  Peoria  on  the  12th  of  April,  1882,  and  is  a  son  of  William  Entwistle, 
an  old  resident  of  the  city  and  for  many  years  a  locomotive  engineer  in  the  serv- 
ice of  the  Chicago,  Purlington  &  Ouincy  Railroad  Company. 

Reared  at  home,  in  the  acc|uirement  of  his  education  William  H.  Entwistle 
attended  the  public  schools  until  he  was  thirteen  years  of  age,  when  he  became  a 
wage  earner.  Until  1897  he  was  employed  in  the  store  of  Schipper  &  Block. 
Leaving  their  service  he  worked  for  a  year  in  a  bicycle  manufacturing  shop  and 
at  the  end  of  that  time  became  identified  with  the  Brass  Foundry  &  Heating 
Comjiany.  He  first  entered  their  plumbing  department,  going  from  there  into 
the  machine  shop  while  he  was  later  transferred  to  the  brass  department.  Hav- 
ing mastered  the  details  of  each  of  these  departments  he  was  ]3ut  in  the  office, 
remaining  there  until  the  ist  of  January,  1909.  when  he  and  Mr.  Kasjens  ]nir- 
chased  the  plumbing  department  of  this  company.  Mr.  Entwistle.  like  his  part- 
ner, is  a  skilled  mechanic  of  much  experience  and  is  in  every  way  well  qualified 
to  successfully  operate  the  business  he  has  acquired. 

In  this  city  on  the  loth  of  September,  1904,  ^Tr.  Entwistle  was  united  in 
marriage  to  ]\Iiss  Margaret  Dillon,  a  daughter  of  Mathew  Dillon,  and  they  have 
become  the  parents  of  two  sons,  of  five  and  three  years  respectively. 

Fraternally  ]\Ir.  Entwistle  is  identified  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the 
Alodcrn  Woodmen  of  .America  and  he  votes  with  the  republican  party.  He  is 
an  amiiitious  and  enterprising  man  of  progressive  ideas  and  sound  judgment 
who  is  making  a  creditable  record  in  his  business  and  is  justified  in  taking  pride 
in  his  achievements,  both  as  a  workman  and  as  a  representative  of  the  local  in- 
dustrial interests. 


J.  H.  ULRICH,  M.  1). 


Dr.  J.  H.  Ulrich,  who  for  the  past  eleven  years  has  been  successfully  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  medicine  and  surgery  at  Peoria,  maintains  his  offices  at  No. 
510  Alain  street.  His  birth  occurred  in  this  city  on  the  9th  of  .April,  1876.  his 
parents  being  Charles  and  Amelia  Ulrich.  The  father,  who  worked  as  a  book- 
keeper, crossed  the  Atlantic  from  Germany  to  the  United  States  in  or  about  iSfio. 
He  passed  away  in  September,  1910,  and  was  Intried  in  the  Springdale  cemetery 
at  Peoria.     His  widow  makes  her  home  in  this  city. 


674  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

J.  H.  Ulrich  left  school  at  the  age  of  fourteen  and  obtained  employment  in  a 
drug  store,  working  thus  for  several  years.  In  1895  he  was  graduated  from  the 
Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy  and  subsequently  spent  two  more  years  in 
the  service  of  Peoria  druggists.  Desiring  to  make  the  practice  of  medicine  his 
life  work  he  entered  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  Chicago  in  1898 
and  in  Alay,  1901.  won  the  degree  of  M.  D.  From  that  time  to  the  present  he 
has  followed  his  profession  in  Peoria,  his  practice  steadily  growing  as  he  has 
demonstrated  his  ability  to  cope  with  the  intricate  problems  that  continually  con- 
front the  physician  in  his  efiforts  to  restore  health  and  prolong  life.  He  is  the 
vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Medical  Society  and  holds  membership  in  the  Illi- 
nois State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association. 

On  the  30th  of  June.  1903.  in  Peoria.  Dr.  Ulrich  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Minnie  Zimmerman,  a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Minna  Zimmerman.  Mr.  Zimmer- 
man, who  is  now  deceased,  was  one  of  the  pioneer  druggists  of  Peoria.  His  wife 
survives  him.  Dr.  Ulrich  has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish 
Rite  in  Masonry  and  also  belongs  to  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  makes  his  home  at 
No.  no  Armstrong  avenue.  He  maintains  the  strictest  conformity  to  the  high- 
est professional  ethics  and  enjoys  in  full  measure  the  confidence  and  respect  of 
his  professional  brethren  as  well  as  of  the  general  public. 


I 


JOSEPH  ELDER. 


On  the  pages  of  Peoria's  history  the  name  of  Joseph  Elder  is  honoral)ly 
inscribed.  As  a  business  man  and  citizen  his  record  is  above  reproach,  and  his 
sterling  c|ualities  were  familiar  to  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  a  man  of 
action  rather  than  of  theory,  and  his  labors  constituted  resultant  forces  in  the 
attainment  of  individual  success  and  in  the  promotion  of  public  progress  and 
prosperity.  For  some  years  he  was  connected  with  the  lumber  business  and 
afterward  with  the  grain  trade  of  Peoria,  but  the  later  years  of  his  life  he 
spent  in  honorable  retirement.  He  was  born  in  Titusville,  Pennsylvania,  March 
15.  1S20,  and  act|uired  his  education  in  the  schools  of  the  east,  after  which  he 
entered  business  life  as  a  merchant.  He  continued  in  active  connection  with  trade 
circles  in  Pennsylvania  until  1857,  when  he  disposed  of  his  interests  in  the  Key- 
stone state  and  removed  westward,  settling  in  Peoria,  where  for  thirty-five  years 
he  made  his  home.  Here  he  became  general  traveling  agent  for  Bissell  &  \Villard, 
wholesale  dealers  in  dr\^  goods  and  notions,  making  his  trips  by  team,  for  at  that 
time  there  were  no  railroads  in  this  part  of  the  state.  He  spent  two  years  in 
that  manner  and  then  severed  his  connection  with  the  business  in  order  that  he 
might  embark  in  commercial  pursuits  on  his  ow-n  account.  His  frugality  and 
careful  expenditure  made  this  course  possible,  and  in  1859  he  entered  into  part- 
nership with  William  A.  Herron  in  the  lumber  business.  Success  attended  the  new 
undertaking,  and  they  were  together  in  business  for  about  ten  years,  at  the  end 
of  which  time  ^Ir.  Elder  retired  from  the  lumber  trade  and  in  1869  engaged  in 
the  grain  business  as  a  partner  of  David  McKinney.  This  relationship  was 
maintained  until  1891,  and  through  the  intervening  years  the  firm  occupied  a 
prominent  place  as  representatives  of  the  grain  trade  in  Peoria.  The  volume 
of  business  constantly  grew  and  the  extent  and  importance  of  their  operations 
brought  them  sulistantial  and  gratifying  success.  Ill  health,  however,  forced  Mr. 
Elder's  retirement  in  1891,  and  his  remaining  days  were  spent  in  the  enjoyment 
of  rest  which  he  had  truly  earned  and  richly  deserved.  As  a  business  man  his 
course  was  above  reproach,  and  his  word  was  recognized  to  be  as  good  as  any 
bond  ever  solemnized  by  signature  or  seal. 

On  the  22(1  of  June,  1863,  Mr.  Elder  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Louisa 
C.  Dinwiddle,  a  daughter  of  Hugh  and  Marv  (  Williams  I   Dinwiddle,  who  were 


JOSEPH  ELDER 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  677 

natives  of  Gettysburg,  Pennsylvania.  The  father  was  descended  from  one  of 
the  old  Scotch  faniihes  of  America,  two  brothers  of  the  name  having  come  to 
the  new  world  in  1640  in  order  to  escape  religious  persecution  in  their  native 
land.  Hugh  Dinwiddie,  the  great-great-grandfather  of  Mrs.  Elder,  was  a 
general  under  George  Washington  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  ances- 
tral history  of  the  family  is  one  of  which  Mrs.  Elder  has  every  reason  to  be 
proud.  By  her  marriage  she  became  the  mother  of  five  children:  Mary  D., 
the  \vife  of  R.  B.  Ketchum  of  Billings,  Montana :  Anna  Louise,  who  died  in 
1882:  Joseph  E.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  in  Omaha,  Nebraska; 
Emma  M.,  who  is  married  to  C.  .S.  Jones,  of  F'eoria  ;  and  Herbert  D.,  who  passed 
awav  in  1907.  There  is  also  one  grandchild,  Florence  Louise,  who  is  the  daughter 
of  Joseph  F.  and  Ella  (  Hall)  Elder,  of  Omaha. 

Mr.  Elder  stood  at  all  times  for  that  which  is  progressive  in  citizenship. 
When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  he  was  drafted  for  service,  but  a  physical  defect 
prevented  him  from  taking  part  in  active  duty.  He  was.  however,  a  strong 
sympathizer  of  the  Union  cause  and  sent  a  substitute  to  the  army.  He  always 
voted  with  the  republican  party,  and  did  everything  in  his  power  to  promote 
its  growth  and  further  its  success.  For  eight  years  he  served  as  a  member 
of  the  city  council  from  the  third  ward,  and  during  that  period  labored  effect- 
ively and  earnestly  for  the  welfare  of  the  cit\-,  opposing  useless  expenditures,  yet 
never  advocating  retrenchment  to  the  extent  of  blocking  progress.  He  was  a 
director  and  at  one  time  the  president  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade  and  was 
also  a  member  of  the  Chicago  Board  of  Trade.  He  was  a  man  of  strong  purpose, 
high  principles  and  of  lofty  ambition.  His  religious  belief  was  manifest  in  his 
membership  in  the  First  Presbyterian  church,  in  which  he  served  as  a  trustee, 
and  its  teachings  proved  the  guiding  principles  of  his  life.  He  was  never  content 
to  choose  the  second  best  but  always  made  choice  of  that  which  is  most  worth 
while. 


ISAAC  EVANS. 


Isaac  Evans,  of  No.  310  North  Orange  street,  is  nearing  the  eightieth  year  of 
his  life  and  has  been  for  almost  half  a  century  a  resident  of  Peoria.  He  has 
founded  well  deserved  success  in  business  upon  the  firm  basis  of  honor  and  good 
faith  and  finds  his  reward  in  widespread  respect  and  esteem.  He  was  born  in 
Oxford  township,  Coshocton  county,  Ohio,  July  13,  1S33,  and  is  a  son  of  Joseph 
and  jMargaret  Evans.  His  father  was  a  successful  farmer  and  was  active  in 
promoting  the  progressive  and  scientific  aspects  of  that  occupation. 

Isaac  Evans  was  educated  in  the  country  schools.  He  attended  sessions  dur- 
ing the  winter  and  during  the  remaining  months  of  the  year  he  worked  upon  the 
home  farm.  His  educational  advantages  were  not  of  an  unusual  sort  but  by 
wise  application  and  the  consistent  use  of  every  opportunity  which  offered  itself 
he  fitted  himself  for  teaching.  He  received  at  that  time  a  premium  for  excellent 
penmanship  which  was  awarded  him  by  the  Coshocton  high  school.  His  work 
has  always  been  distinguished  by  the  same  thoroughness  which  enabled  him  to 
obtain  high  honors  at  a  time  when  ojjportunities  tor  preparation  were  limited. 
In  1853  lis  removed  to  Crawford  county,  Illinois,  locating  on  a  farm  near  Olney, 
and  there  engaged  in  general  farming  until  1864.  In  that  year  he  removed  to 
Peoria  and  established  himself  as  a  painter  and  paper-hanger,  later  opening  a 
grocery  store  at  Main  and  Elizabeth  streets,  on  West  Bluff.  He  gave  up  the 
mercantile  line  in  i8g2  and  is  now  active  as  a  painter.  At  seventy-nine  years  of 
age  he  substantiates  his  boast  that  he  does  twenty-six  hours  of  work  in  twenty- 
I  four. 

Isaac  Evans  has  three  living  children :  Willis,  who  is  secretary  of  tlie  Peo- 
;  ria  Association  of  Commerce ;   Lona   Rebecca,  who  married   William   Hazzard, 


678  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

cashier  of  the  German  National  Bank  of  Peoria;  and  RoUa  Quayle  who  is  a 
draughtsman  in  Washington,  D.  C.  Mr.  Evans  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
lodge  and  has  been  active  in  that  organization  for  iifty-five  years.  He  was  a 
charter  member  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Masonic  lodge  at  Sumner,  Law- 
rence county,  and  he  assisted  three  years  ago  in  the  celebration  of  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  its  organization.  His  politics  are  consistently  republican  but  he 
has  never  sought  pul)lic  office.  He  is  deeply  interested  in  the  growth  and  de- 
velopment of  Peoria  and  has  always  cooperated  in  any  movement  looking  to- 
ward its  commercial,  social  or  political  development.  He  belongs  to  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  church,  being  a  charter  member  of  the  Hale  Memorial,  which  was 
originally  Hale  Chapel,  and  was  founded  in  1866.  He  has  always  been  actively 
identified  with  the  affairs  of  this  church.  He  is  a  man  of  varied  interests,  and 
is  religious,  friendly  and  of  a  kindly  spirit  and  he  finds  his  greatest  joy  in  the 
fact  that  he  is  a  plain,  honest  and  hard-working  citizen,  counting  everyone  his 
friend. 


LEE  H.  LORD. 


When  effort  and  ambition  supplement  native  intelligence  the  result  is  as- 
sured. The  logical  outcome  of  such  c|ualities  is  advancement  and  success — a 
fact  which  finds  its  exemplification  in  the  life  record  of  Lee  H.  Lord,  a  whole- 
sale hardwood  lumber  dealer  of  Peoria.  Since  engaging  in  this  business  he  has 
met  with  excellent  success  and  is  today  one  of  the  foremost  merchants  in  his 
line  in  eastern  Illinois.  Each  step  in  his  business  career  has  been  a  forward  one 
since  he  started  out  in  life  on  his  own  account  when  sixteen  years  of  age.  He 
was  born  in  Batavia,  Illinois,  on  the  28th  of  December,  1861,  and  is  a  son  of 
Dr.  Isaac  Lord,  who  for  many  years  was  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  in 
that  city.  When  Lee  H.  Lord  was  but  two  years  of  age  his  parents  removed  to 
Poughkeepsie,  New  York,  where  they  resided  for  six  years.  The  boy  there 
began  his  education,  which  was  continued  in  the  public  schools  of  Brooklyn, 
New  York,  subsequent  to  the  establishment  of  the  family  home  in  that  city.  He 
was  twelve  years  of  age  when  he  returned  to  the  middle  west,  continuing  his 
education  in  the  preparatory  department  of  the  Christian  University  at  Canton. 
Missouri.  His  student  days  were  terminated  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  by  his 
entrance  into  business  circles.  However,  in  the  school  of  experience  he  has 
learned  many  valuable  lessons.  A  receptive  mind  and  a  retentive  memory  have 
constantly  broadened  his  knowledge  and  made  him  an  alert,  energetic  business 
man  whose  efforts  are  resultant  factors  in  the  attainment  of  success.  He  was 
first  employed  in  the  local  freight  office  of  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  &  Pacific 
Railroad  Company  at  Chicago,  and  the  fidelity  and  ability  which  he  displayed  in 
that  connection  led  to  his  promotion.  For  three  and  a  half  years  he  filled  the 
position  of  assistant  chief  clerk  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  was  made  freight 
solicitor  in  the  manufacturing  district — a  position  of  responsibility  bringing  large 
returns  to  the  company.  He  readily  adafhed  himself  to  his  new  work  and  the 
value  of  his  service  in  that  connection  suggested  him  for  a  position  of  still  greater 
responsibility.  At  the  end  of  a  period  of  three  years  he  was  sent  to  Moline.  Illi- 
nois, as  joint  agent  for  the  Rock  Island  and  the  St.  Paul  Railroad  Companies, 
and  the  United  States  Express  Company.  For  four  years  he  occupied  that  po- 
sition and  was  then  transferred  to  Peoria  as  soliciting  freight  agent  for  the 
Rock  Island  and  as  agent  for  the  Great  Eastern  Railroad  Company,  in  which 
capacity  he  continued  imtil  1895.  In  that  year  he  resigned  in  order  to  engage  in 
business  for  himself,  prompted  thereto  by  laudable  ambition  and  the  recognition 
of  his  own  capacities  and  powers.  From  the  outset  the  new  undertaking  pros- 
pered and  something  of  the  volume  of  his  present  business  is  indicated  in  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  679 

fact  that  he  handles  hardwood  lumber  in  carload  lots  only,  lie  has  made  a  care- 
ful study  of  the  trade  and  of  everything  connected  with  the  lumber  business, 
with  wiiich  he  is  very  familiar  in  every  detail.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance 
among  lumbermen,  not  only  in  Illinois  but  in  other  states  as  well,  and  his  busi- 
ness is  of  that  class  which  contributes  to  public  prosperity  as  well  as  to  indi- 
vidual success. 

On  the  19th  of  October,  1887.  Mr.  Lord  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Emma  St.  Johns,  a  daughter  of  A.  R.  St.  Johns,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  St. 
Johns  &  Brown,  pioneer  commission  men  in  the  Union  Stock  Yards  of  Chicago. 
Three  children  have  ijeen  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord,  as  follows:  Leslie,  a 
graduate  of  Bradley  College  and  now,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years,  engaged 
in  business  with  his  father ;  and  Dorothy  and  Esther,  aged  respectively  nineteen 
and  seventeen  years,  both  of  whom  are  college  students.  Mr.  Lord's  envialjle  so- 
cial position  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  and  Illinois  X'alley  Yacht  Clubs  and  in  the  latter  organization  is  a  director 
and  chairman  of  the  racing  committee.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the  Association  of 
Commerce  and  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  its  movements  and  projects  for  the  de- 
velopment of  the  city  along  material  lines.  He  is  intensely  interested  in  all  plans 
for  the  city's  adornment  and  for  the  improvement  of  any  conditions  relating  to 
the  welfare  of  its  inhabitants.  His  business  career  indicates  that  opportunity  is 
open  to  all  and  that  energy,  determination  and  close  application  are  the  essen- 
tial elements  of  success.  He  has  never  neglected  any  opportunity  that  has  come 
to  him,  has  proven  faithful  to  every  trust  reposed  in  him  and  when  in  the  employ 
of  the  railroad  companies  never  manifested  a  feeling  that  perhaps  he  has  given 
greater  service  than  was  requited  in  his  salary.  On  the  other  hand,  he  proved  his 
worth  to  the  companies  which  he  represented  and  thereby  won  advancement. 
Since  starting  out  independently  in  the  lumber  trade  he  has  in  every  connection 
displayed  correct  business  principles  and  closely  adhered  to  the  highest  standards 
of  commercial  ethics.  His- energy  and  activity  have  thus  been  rendered  most 
effective  and  his  prosperity  is  certainly  well  merited. 


WILLIAM  \'.  TEFFT. 


A  representative  of  the  legal  fraternity  of  the  legal  fraternity  of  Peoria 
whose  professional  relations  were  established  in  this  city  in  1887,  is  William  V. 
Tefft,  a  general  practitioner  of  law  with  offices  at  No.  928  Jefferson  building. 
He  was  horn  in  Delavan,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  April  8,  1863,  a  son  of 
Stephen  P.  and  Elizabeth  Tefft.  The  father,  who  was  a  well  known  farmer  in 
Tazewell  county,  died  in  1902  at  the  age  of  seventy  years,  and  his  wife's  demise 
followed,  on  the  26th  of  September,  191 1,  when  she  was  seventy-eight  years  old, 
both  being  buried  in  the  Springdale  cemetery.  The  grandparents  were  among 
the  earliest  pioneer  residents  of  Tazewell  county,  having  established  a  colony 
■>vhere  Delavan  now  stands.  The  home  of  the  Teffts,  which  was  built  in  1840,  is 
still  standing.  The  material  of  which  it  was  built  came  from  Providence.  Rhode 
Island,  and  was  shipped  l)y  water  by  way  of  the  (nilf  of  Mexico  and  the  Missis- 
sippi river,  landing  near  the  jilace  where  the  building  was  erected,  on  one  of  the 
old  trails  of  Illinois.  This  house  is  at  present  occupied  by  a  representative  of 
the  Teft't  family. 

William  \'.  Tefft  received  his  preliminary  education  in  the  Delavan  public 
schools  and  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1882.  For  five  years  there- 
after he  taught  school  in  Tazewell  and  Logan  counties  but,  having  a  taste  for 
law,  he  early  began  studying  to  fit  himself  for  legal  practice  and  was  able,  in 
1885,  to  pass  the  required  legal  examination,  being  admitted  to  the  bar  in  that 


680  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

year.  He  did  not  begin  actively  to  practice  his  profession,  however,  until  18S7. 
Early  in  his  career  he  began  specializing  in  corporation  law  and  is  now  practi- 
cally giving  that  branch  of  practice  his  sole  attention.  He  is  one  of  the  leading 
supporters  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association  of  which  he  is  an  honored  member. 

Mr.  Tefft  was  married  in  Peoria  in  February,  1893,  to  Miss  ^label  P.  Doug- 
las, a  daughter  of  Tracy  and  Luthera  Douglas,  both  old  settlers  of  Peoria  county. 
Her  father  is  deceased  and  is  buried  in  the  Springdale  cemetery  at  Peoria.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tefft  have  been  born  two  sons  and  one  daughter :  Ivan  D.,  a 
student  at  Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute;  Lionel  V.,  a  student  at  the  same  school; 
and  Leah  M.,  attending  public  school.  Mr.  Tefft  gives  his  political  allegiance  to 
the  democratic  party  and  has  had  a  public  career  of  considerable  importance. 
He  was  city  attorney  for  two  terms,  and  before  completing  the  second  term  was 
elected  to  the  position  of  states  attorney,  in  which  capacity  he  served  one  term. 
Fraternally  he  is  a  Mason,  being  a  member  of  the  blue  lodge,  consistory  and 
shrine.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  was  chancellor  of 
the  commandery.  He  belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  was  at  one  time  its  vice  president.  In 
addition  he  belongs  to  the  Ivy  Club.  The  family  residence  is  at  No.  200  Park- 
side  drive,  a  beautiful  home.  Mr.  Tefft  erected  the  structure,  which  is  con- 
sidered one  of  the  prettiest  residences  in  the  city.  He  has  long  been  con- 
sidered as  belonging  to  the  front  rank  of  the  legal  fraternity  in  Peoria,  has 
through  his  careful  attention  to  business,  his  loyalty  to  the  cases  entrusted  to 
him  and  the  distinctive  ability  which  he  Shows  in  the  practice  of  his  profession 
gained  a  large  clientele  which  is  constantly  increasing.  His  professional  reputa- 
tion is  widely  known,  not  being  confined  to  the  city  of  Peoria,  and  his  standing, 
both  as  a  citizen  and  lawyer,  is  unquestioned. 


NICHOLAS  ULRICLI. 


As  a  conspicuous  example  of  the  business  acumen,  integrity  and  stability  of 
our  German-American  citizenship,  Nicholas  Ulrich  may  be  pointed  to  with  pride 
by  his  German  friends,  while  he  is  welcomed  by  those  of  American  birth  as  well 
as  by  the  representative  sons  of  various  foreign  climes.  He  is  head  of  the  firm  of 
Nicholas  Ulrich  &  Company,  a  private  banking,  farm  and  mortgage  loan  con- 
cern, the  oldest  of  its  kind  in  Peoria,  he  having  established  that  business  in 
1874.  The  offices  of  the  company  are  at  327-28-29  Jefferson  building.  Air. 
Ulrich  was  born  in  Germany,  February  23,  1850,  and  until  a  youth  of  sixteen 
was  reared  and  trained  in  the  efficient  schools  of  the  fatherland.  Having  rela- 
tives in  the  new  world  of  promise  and  opportunity,  he  set  out  alone  for  the 
United  States  in  1866,  his  destination  being  Peoria,  Illinois,  where  his  relatives 
resided.  On  his  arrival  here  he  at  once  entered  the  employ  of  his  uncle,  \'a\- 
entine  Ulrich,  a  grocer,  and  later  entered  the  grocery  business  on  his  ow-n  ac- 
count. After  spending  a  few  years  in  that  branch  of  commercial  activity  he 
became  inclined  toward  the  legal  profession  and  read  law  in  the  office  of 
Cratty  Brothers  in  Peoria  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1876.  He  continued 
the  practice  of  his  profession  until  1888,  when  his  banking  and  loan  business 
had  assumed  such  proportions  as  to  demand  his  entire  time  and  attention.  He 
therefore  retired  from  the  practice  of  law  and  has  since  occupied  himself  ex- 
clusively directing  the  affairs  of  his  present  business.  Mr.  Ulrich  is  also  a 
stockholder  and  director  in  the  Illinois  National  Bank  of  Peoria.  His  early 
education  in  Germany,  his  reading  and  practice  of  law,  his  keen  observance  of 
men  and  affairs  peculiarly  fitted  Mr.  Ulrich  for  the  successful  conduct  of  his 
present  large  and  constantly  increasing  business  and  contributed  in  no  small 
degree  to  the  position  of  influence,  esteem  and  aflluence  which  he  has  achieved. 


NICHOLAS  rr.Ricii 


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occ; 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNT.Y  683 

-Mr.  Ulrich,  in  1872,  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Carrie  Kreuter,  of 
Peoria,  a  dau<,'hter  of  Jacob  Kreuter.  To  -Mr.  and  Airs.  Ulrich  were  born  three 
chil(h"en:  Elsie,  the  wife  of  John  II.  Merkle.  of  Peoria;  Olive,  who  gave  her 
hand  in  marriage  to  E.  L.  Alayall  of  Peoria;  and  I\Iay,  who  is  at  home. 

P'raternally  Mr.  Ulrich  is  identified  with  the  Masons,  belonging  to  the  Knight 
Templar  commandery  and  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the 
Creve  Coeur,  the  Peoria  Country  and  the  Illinois  Valley  Yacht  Clubs.  His 
life  w'ork  and  activities  have  contributed  in  large  degree  to  the  material  pros- 
perity and  progress  of  the  city  of  his  adoption,  and  as  a  result  of  his  long  res- 
idence in  Peoria,  his  liberality  and  his  genial  nature,  he  has  attracted  a  large 
circle  of  friends  whose  confidence  he  enjoys  and  in  the  association  of  whom  he 
finds  nnich  pleasure. 


SMITH  F.  ATWOOD. 


Smith  F.  Atwood.  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  the  city  of  Peoria 
on  the  9th  day  of  June,  1865,  a  son  of  William  W.  and  Nancy  (Frye)  Atwood, 
both  of  whom  can  trace  their  ancestry  back  to  Revolutionary  times. 

He  was  reared  on  a  farm  on  Orange  Prairie  where  he  helped  in  clearing  the 
timber,  and  otherwise  aided  materially  in  improving  and  develojiing  the  land  into 
a  modern  and  productive  farm.  It  was  in  the  country  school  he  received  his 
early  education.and  he  later  took  a  course  in  the  State  Normal  School  at  \'alpa- 
raiso,  Indiana,  where  he  finished  his  collegiate  course  in  1885.  Returning  from 
college  to  the  farm  he  was  engaged  until  after  his  majority  in  agricultural  and 
stock-raising  pursuits,  after  which  he  concluded  to  devote  his  life  energies  to  the 
practice  of  law.  He  entered  the  law  office  of  W.  T.  Whiting,  of  this  city,  re- 
maining there  until  admitted  to  the  practice  of  law,  which  was  after  passing  the 
examination  before  the  supreme  court  of  the  state  of  Illinois,  at  Springfield  in 
the  year  1890.  Thereafter  he  immediately  entered  into  the  active  practice  of 
law,  of  which  vocation  he  has  made  a  success  and  is  assistant  state's  attorney  of 
Peoria  county  and  village  attorney  for  the  village  of  Averyville. 

On  .Se|)tember  i,  1886,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Fannie  Harris, 
a  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  Harris.  His  wife  died  on  the  4th  of  June, 
1906.  leaving  her  husband  and  three  children,  Georgia,  Loyal  and  Vera. 

Mr.  Atwood  has  always  been  active  in  politics  since  he  became  of  age,  having 
held  several  prominent  political  positions  of  trust.  He  was  for  one  term  ])resi- 
dent  of  the  village  of  North  Peoria,  now  a  beautiful  resident  jiortion  of  the  city 
of  Peoria.  He  was  for  a  number  of  years  a  member  of  the  repulilican  county 
central  committee  and  in  that  capacity  was  an  ardent  and  earnest  supporter  of 
the  iirincipals  of  his  party  and  is  now  an  energetic  and  progressive  member  of  the 
board  of  supervisors  of  Peoria  county,  which  position  he  has  held  on  different 
occasions. 

Aside  from  his  professional  and  political  services  Mr.  .\twood  has  been 
prominent  in  building  up  the  city  and  county  of  Peoria  in  numerous  ways. 
Public-spirited  and  progressive  in  principle,  he  is  keenly  interested  in  the  future 
welfare  of  the  community.  A  self-made  and  positive  man.  it  was  he  who  laid 
out  the  route  of  the  Peoria  &  Galesburg  Electric  Railway,  fully  recognizing  the 
importance  of  securing  interurban  roads  for  the  city.  He  personally  supervised 
the  surveying  of  the  route,  himself  carrying  one  of  the  instruments  necessary  to 
the  survey.  Mr.  Atwood  attended  to  the  incorporation  of  the  company,  did  all 
the  other  legal  work  in  connection  therewith  as  well  as  .secure  the  right-of-way 
and  the  franchises  in  the  several  towns  through  which  the  route  will  traverse, 
necessary  for  the  construction  and  operation  of  the  railway.  The  road  will  be 
from  Peoria  to  the  county  farm,  thence  iiaralleling  the  Iowa  Central  Railway  to 


684  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Farinington,  thence  across  the  country  to  Maquon,  a  town  on  the  Chicago,  Bur- 
lington &  Ouincy  Railwav,  thence  practically  paralleling  the  Chicago,  Burling- 
ton &  Quinl-y  to'  Knoxville.  thence  to  East  Galesburg,  and  thence  to  (ialesburg. 
He  is  the  president  of  the  comiKuiy  and  is  confident  of  the  construction  and 
operation  of  the  road  at  an  early  date.  At  this  time  he  is  active  in  securing  the 
necessary  capital  for  the  construction  and  equipment  of  the  same,  which  will 
require  about  two  million  dollars. 


HON.  PERCI\'AL  G.  RENNICK. 

Hon.  Percival  G.  Rennick  of  Peoria,  has  a  wider  acquaintance  probably, 
than  any  other  citizen  of  that  city.  While  disclaiming  political  power  he  is  a 
recognized  leader  of  the  republican  party.  At  the  present  time  he  is  collector  of 
internal  revenue  for  the  fifth  district  of  Illinois,  which  from  a  business  stand- 
point is  the  most  important  federal  position  within  the  gift  of  the  president  of 
the  United  States.  He  has  handled  during  the  last  eleven  years  an  average  of 
more  than  thirty-three  million  dollars  per  year.  A  portion  of  his  time  is  devoted 
to  lecture  work  and  literary  contributions. 

Mr.  Rennick  was  born  at  Knowlton,  Canada,  and  came  to  Stark  countv.  Illi- 
nois, with  his  parents  in  1867  being  then  less  than  three  years  old.  Pie  is  the 
youngest  son  of  Francis  and  Sarah  (Cousins)  Rennick.  The  father  came  from 
the  north  of  Ireland  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  and  settled  at  :\Iontreal,  Canada, 
where  he  afterward  met  and  married  Sarah  Cousins.  He  worked  some  time  as 
a  surveyor  and  afterward  engaged  in  the  grain  business.  Later  he  moved  with 
'his  fam'ily  to  the  United  States  establishing  his  home  at  Toulon  where  he  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch  received  his  rudimentary 
education. 

Beginning  his  education  in  that  district  Percival  G.  Rennick  was  m  due 
lime  graduated  from  the  high  school  at  Toulon  and  was  then  graduated  from  the 
Illinois  Normal  College.  He  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching  and  became 
principal  of  the  Castleton  and  Wyoming  graded  schools  occupying  both  posi- 
tions during  the  period  of  four  ye'ars.  He  proved  himself  to  be  an  able  edu- 
cator, contributing  largely  to  the  successful  development  of  the  educational  in- 
stitutions with  which  he'  was  connected.  He  read  law  for  two  years  under  a 
private  tutor,  and  though  he  has  never  engaged  in  active  practice  his  knowledge 
of  the  profession  has  been  of  immense  value  to  him  in  other  relations.  In  iSSq 
he  was  appointed  by  Hon.  Julius  S.  Starr,  then  collector  of  internal  revenue  to 
the  position  of  inspector.  He  served  in  that  capacity  for  four  years  at  the  end 
of  which  time  he  became  bookkeeper  for  the  Wilson  Wholesale  Grocery  Com- 
pany. In  i8qfi  he  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  principal  circuit  court,  acting  in 
that  capacity  until  chosen  for  his  present  position  as  collector  of  internal  revenue 
for  the  fifth  district  of  Illinois. 

On  the  loth  of  April,  i8qo,  Air.  Rennick  was  married  to  Miss  Jennie  Ghar- 
rett,  a  daughter  of  B.  F.  Gharrett  of  Castleton.  Mr.  Rennick  holds  meihbership 
in  the  Episcopal  church,  Peoria  Consistory  and  Commanderv,  Mohammed  Temple, 
Lodge  47g,  A.  F.  &  A.  ^I..  the  Odd  Fellows,  Elk,  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
and  the  various  clubs  of  the  city.  He  was  active  in  recruiting  Troop  G  of  the 
First  Illinois  Cavalrv,  and  in  1899,  the  date  at  which  this  troop  was  mustered  in, 
he  was  chosen  second  lieutenant.  His  private  business  interests  include  con- 
nection with  the  Working  Men's  Loan  &  Homestead  .Association  of  which  he  has 
been  a  director  for  fifteen  vears,  one  manufacturing  concern,  a  southern  lumber 
company  and  several  smaller  interests.  He  served  one  term  as  national  president 
of  the  Fraternal  Reserve  Life  Association,  during  which  time  he  wrote  a  new 
ritual  for  the  association  which  was  unanimously  adopted  at  the  national  conven- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  685 

tion.  As  a  lecturer  and  entertainer  he  is  known  throughout  a  large  part  of  the 
United  States  and  at  the  date  of  this  sketch  is  having  the  largest  number  of  calls 
yet  received  l)v  him.  There  are  few,  if  any,  lecturers  who  have  greater  ability, 
and  in  the  humorous  line  and  field  of  entertainment  he  has  no  superiors  in  the 
entire  country.  He  is  widely  known  and  in  Illinois  his  personal  friends  are 
numbered  by  the  thousands.  As  has  been  said  he  is  one  of  Peoria's  best  known 
citizens,  genial,  courteous,  popular — "A  prince  of  good  fellows."  Moreover  he 
is  a  winner  in  every  endeavor.  He  has  the  resolute  spirit,  the  capability  and 
initiative  which  enable  him  to  carrv  forward  to  successful  conii)letion  whatever 
he  undertakes.  He  has  kept  in  touch  with  the  world's  best  thought  and  progress. 
He  is  alive  to  every  activity  and  to  every  vital  question  of  the  present  hour 
whether  it  has  relation  to  his  important  business  interests,  his  official  duties,  his 
lecture  work,  or  his  political  activity. 


JOHN  W.  CULBERTSON. 

The  legal  profession  today  holds  out  high  rewards  to  honorable  industry, 
cultivated  talents,  probity  and  'integrity,  which  have  been  transmitted  to  its  mem- 
bers through  unbroken  generations  from  Chase,  and  Martin,  I'inkney  and  Mc- 
Mahon. 

John  \V.  Culbertson,  who  was  up  to  the  time  of  his  death  an  able  and  suc- 
cessful member  of  the  Peoria  bar,  is  a  worthy  type  of  this  class  of  lawyer.  All 
through  his  life,  he  maintained  the  high  standard  of  integrity  which  was  a  fixed 
principle  with  him,  and  at  his  death  he  left  behind  him  a  reputation  for  clear- 
sighted discrimination  of  values,  strict  honesty  of  purpose,  and  cool,  prudent  and 
wide-reaching  judgment. 

John  W.  Culbertson  was  l)orn  at  Wooster,  Ohio,  on  the  ist  of  November, 
i860,  his  parents  being  Hugh  M.  and  Margaret  (Sanderson)  Culbertson.  The 
father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  and  agriculturists  of  that  place  and  gave  his 
political  allegiance  to  the  'democracy.  He  passed  away  in  1897,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-one  vears,  having  long  survived  his  wife,  who  was  called  to  her  final 
rest  in' 1872.  '  The  remains  of  both  were  interred  in  the  family  lot  in  the  cemetery 
at  Wooster,  Ohio.  The  Culbertsons  are  of  Scotch-English  origin,  the  first  rep- 
resentative of  the  name  in  this  country  settling  in  Pennsylvania.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject  participated  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 

In  the  ac(|uireinent  of  an  education  John  W.  Culbertson  attended  a  country 
school  until  fifteen  years  of  age  and  then  entered  the  normal  department  of 
the  Northern  Ohio  University  at  Ada,  Ohio,  also  taking  a  law  course  at  the 
same  institution.  Subsequently  he  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching,  but  later 
returned  to  the  university  and'  on  the  completion  of  his  course  received  the  de- 
gree of  r.achelor  of  Science.  In  1885  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  by  the  supreme 
court  of  Ohio.  In  Januarv.  i88fi,  he' came  to  Peoria,  and  secured  employment  as 
bookkeeper  with  the  McLaughlin  Gas  &  Steamfitting  Company,  remaining  in 
that  capacitv  for  about  two  years.  Since  1887,  however,  he  has  devoted  his  atten- 
tion to  the' general  practice  of  law,  and  won  by  intelligent  application  of  his 
talents  an  extensive  and  gratifying  clientage.  He  was  a  strong  advocate  with 
the  jury  and  concise  in  his  appeals  "before  the  court.  Much  of  the  success  \yhich 
attended  him  in  his  professional  career  is  undoubtedly  due  to  the  fact  that  in  no 
instance  did  he  ever  permit  himself  to  go  into  court  unless  he  had  absolute  confi- 
dence in  the  justice  of  his  client's  cause.  Basing  his  eflforts  on  this  principle, 
from  which  there  are  far  too  many  lapses  in  the  jirofessional  ranks,  it  naturally 
followed  that  he  seldom  lost  a  case  in  whose  support  he  was  enlisted. 

On  the  22d  of  December,  1898  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Culbertson  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Egberdine  Simmering.     Mrs.  Culbertson's  father,  a  carpenter  and 


686  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

contractor  by  trade,  was  an  old  settler  in  Peoria.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Culbertson  had 
one  child.  Helen,  who  died  in  infancy  and  was  buried  at  Springdale  cemetery. 

Mr.  Culbertson  was  strongly  democratic  in  his  political  affiliations,  and  held 
the  office  of  city  attorney  in  1892-3.  He  stood  high  in  the  Masonic  fraternity  and 
was  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Bar  Association. 

When  Mr.  Culbertson  died  on  December  5,  191 1,  the  legal  profession  of 
Peoria  lost  one  of  its  most  distinguished  representatives.  If  we  were  to  attempt 
to  characterize  in  a  single  sentence  the  achievements  of  Mr.  Culbertson,  it  could 
perhaps  best  be  done  in  the  words :  the  success  of  an  honest  man,  in  whose  life 
marked  legal  ability  and  humanitarianism  were  well  balanced  forces.  His  in- 
domitable energy,  unfailing  memory,  critical  accuracy  of  analysis,  his  power  of 
endurance  and  above  all  his  sturdy  honesty,  enabled  him  to  rise  to  a  high  point 
of  legal  attainment.  He  devoted  his  life  to  his  profession,  and  has  been  deservedly 
crowned  with  its  choicest  rewards.  To  attain  the  success  he  reached,  he  never 
resorted  to  extraneous  means  or  influences,  or  any  of  the  arts  by  which  popu- 
larity is  sometimes  purchased  at  the  expense  of  truth.  He  rose  to  the  high  place 
which  he  held  at  the  time  of  his  death,  simply  by  patient,  arduous  and  unremit- 
ting toil,  unfaltering  courage  and  inflexible  determination  to  succeed. 


JAMES  A.  WATERHOUSE. 

A  life  actuated  by  high  principles  to  which  he  was  always  most  loyal  brought 
James  A.  Waterhouse  the  regard  and  friendship  of  his  fellowmen.  At  different 
periods  he  made  his  home  in  Peoria,  where  he  had  many  friends.  He  was 
born  at  Glossop,  Derbyshire,  England,  May  21,  1852,  and  had  passed  the  fifty- 
seventh  milestone  on  life's  journey  when  called  to  his  final  rest  on  the  5th  of 
October,  1909.  He  was  of  English  lineage,  being  a  direct  descendant  of  John 
Waterhouse,  who  was  born  in  Saddleworth,  England,  while  at  a  still  more  re- 
mote date  it  is  found  that  his  Saxon  ancestors  emigrated  from  their  native  land 
to  Yorkshire,  England.  This  was  about  1400.  The  family  became  connected 
with  cloth  manufacture  there,  and  some  of  their  descendants  still  continue  in  that 
line  of  business.  Prosperity  has  attended  the  family  in  different  generations  and 
they  have  become  property  owners,  and  have  been  prominent  in  public  office. 

In  tracing  the  line  of  descent  down  to  James  A.  Waterhouse  we  find  that 
one  of  his  ancestors,  James  Waterhouse  was  the  eldest  son  of  seven  children 
of  John  Waterhouse  previously  mentioned,  and  that  his  birth  occurred  in  Saddle- 
worth,  England,  in  1782.  He  abandoned  the  cloth  manufacturing  industry  and 
devoted  his  time  to  parish  business,  serving  as  constable,  overseer  of  the  poor 
and  in  other  offices.  He  had  a  family  of  ten  children,  the  ninth  being  George 
F.  Waterhouse,  who  was  born  at  Saddleworth,  England,  Alarch  22.  1824.  There 
he  was  reared  and  became  a  pattern-maker,  winning  the  reputation  of  being 
the  most  skillful  workman  in  that  line  in  that  part  of  the  country.  \\'hen  his 
father  died  he  succeeded  him  in  the  position  of  governor,  or  relieving  officer 
of  Glossop  parish,  but.  on  the  advice  of  his  physician,  started  for  America,  hoping 
the  voyage  would  be  beneficial  to  his  failing  health.  He  completed  the  voy- 
age, but  nine  days  after  reaching  the  home  of  his  brother,  Wright  ^^■aterhouse, 
in  New  York,  he  passed  away,  leaving  a  widow  and  three  sons,  William  T.,  James 
\..  and  Frederick  A.  For  a  number  of  years  he  had  been  a  local  preacher  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  was  a  very  active  worker  in  the  Sunday 
school.  In  Glossop,  England,  on  the  6th  of  April.  1848.  he  had  wedded  Miss 
Mary  Ann  Thorpe,  the  wedding  being  celebrated  in  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  chaiiel. 
They  were  the  first  couple  to  be  married  in  a  "dissenting"  chapel  in  that  i:>art 
of  the  countrv.     Mrs.   Waterhouse  was  a  daughter  of  William   and   Elizabeth 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  689 

(Boden)  Thorpe,  and  also  came  of  pure  English  ancestry.  In  early  nianhood 
William  Thorpe  removed  from  Yorkshire  to  Derbyshire,  and  following  his 
marriage  lived  in  Glossop  until  he  was  accidentally  shot  when  forty-two  years 
of  age.  In  early  life  he  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  and  afterward  became  a 
contractor  and  builder,  employing  a  large  force  of  men.  He  was  also  pro])rietor 
of  a  grocery  store.  After  her  husband's  tragic  death  Mrs.  Thorpe,  with  the 
assistance  of  her  father-in-law,  successfully  conducted  the  business  for  a  num- 
ber of  years.  She  died  at  the  home  of  her  son  John  in  Manchester,  England, 
when  seventy-five  years  of  age. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  in  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  lines  James  A. 
Waterhouse  was  descended  from  good  old  English  families.  Practically  his  en- 
tire life  was  spent  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  He  had  scarcely  passed 
the  period  of  infancy  when  the  family  emigrated  to  America  and  the  father 
died.  His  widowed  mother  brought  her  children  to  Peoria  and  here  James  A. 
Waterhouse  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  jniijlic  schools,  but  early  feeling 
it  incumlient  upon  him  to  provide  for  his  own  support  as  his  mother  was  in 
straitened  circumstances,  he  left  school  at  the  age  of  twelve.  Before  he 
had  entered  his  teens  he  was  employed  as  an  errand  boy  in  the  dry-goods  store 
of  Clarke  &  Company.  He  afterward  became  connected  with  Dewein's  whole- 
sale leather  store  in  which  he  continued  for  three  years  and  then  accepted  a 
position  in  the  local  freight  office  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Warsaw  Railroad. 
His  next  jjosition  was  with  i\I.  W.  Goss,  general  agent  of  the  Star  Union  Line, 
and  in  1876  he  went  to  Richmond,  Mrginia,  with  Mr.  Goss  when  the  latter  was 
made  general  freight  agent  of  the  Chesapeake  &  Ohio  Railroad.  He  was  chief 
clerk  for  Mr.  Goss  and  upon  that  gentleman's  retirement  due  to  ill  health  he 
took  charge  of  his  affairs  and  so  capably  did  he  administer  them  that  it  was 
with  regret  that  the  company  accepted  his  resignation,  which  he  tendered  that 
he  might  return  to  Peoria,  feeling  it  his  duty  to  remain  with  his  mother.  He 
was  then  appointed  to  the  head  of  the  claim  department  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria 
iS:  Warsaw  Railroad  and  was  afterward  made  local  freight  agent,  which  position 
he  contiiuied  to  fill  until  1885.  In  that  year  he  accepted  the  position  of  general 
manager  of  the  Peoria  Transfer  &  Storage  Company,  of  which  he  was  one  of 
the  organizers,  filling  that  position  until  August  1889,  when  he  sold  his  stock 
and  aided  in  forming  the  Chillicothe  Paper  Company  of  Chillicothe.  Illinois, 
becoming  its  president  and  treasurer.  A  paper  mill  was  erected  and  the  busi- 
ness was  successfully  conducted  until  the  financial  depression  of  1893  when  the 
company  failed.  Mr.  Waterhouse  was  also  president  of  the  Kearney  Paper 
Company  at  Kearney,  Nebraska.  In  1893  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  was  there- 
after connected  with  the  real-estate  business  in  this  city  until  his  death.  He  was 
a  man  of  irreproachable  honor,  of  high  character  and  lofty  principles,  and 
although  he  met  reverses  in  business,  no  one  ever  lost  a  dollar  through  his  deal- 
ings. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  1877.  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Waterhouse  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Jennie  NefT,  the  only  daughter  of  John  C.  and  Sarah  (White) 
NefT  of  Columbus.  Ohio.  She  was  born  in  Alton.  Ohio.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Waterhouse  became  active  members  of  the  Calvarv  Presbyterian  church  and 
earnest  workers  in  the  Sunday  school.  Mr.  Waterhouse  joined  the  church 
on  its  organization  and  served  for  a  number  of  years  as  one  of  its  elders  and 
as  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees.  He  was  likewise  one  of  the  assistant 
superintendents  of  the  Sunday  school  and  did  everything  in  his  power  to  pro- 
mote the  growth  of  the  church  and  extend  its  influence.  He  was  ever  free 
from  ostentation  but  possessed  sterling  traits  of  character  that  were  manifest 
in  continuous  kindliness  and  helpfulness  to  others.  He  was  a  lover  of  all  that 
was  beautiful,  an  advocate  of  all  that  is  ennobling,  and  he  stood  as  a  man 
among  men.  Although  his  educational  opportunities  were  limited  he  contin- 
ually broadened  his  knowledge  by  reading,  experience  and  observation,  and  he 


690  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

possessed  a  retentive  memory.  He  stood  as  a  high  type  of  Christian  gentle- 
man, prizing  character  above  all  things,  and  at  all  times  realizing,  as  Lincoln 
expressed  it.  that  "There  is  something  better  than  making  a  living — making 
a  life." 


THOMAS  F.  TALLYN. 

Thomas  F,  Tallyn,  of  Radnor  township,  is  a  native  resident  of  Peoria  county, 
his  birth  having  occurred  in  Rosefield  township  on  March  5,  1851.  His  father. 
Thomas  Tallyn,  was  born  in  1820  in  Devonshire,  England,  and  came  to  America 
in  1847,  locating  in  Rosefield  township.  He  followed  his  brother  who  had  come 
to  this  country  for  the  purpose  of  engaging  in  agricultural  pursuits.  Thomas 
Tallyn  was  a  farmer  in  England,  and  after  coming  to  Peoria  county  settled  in 
Rosefield  township,  and  later  operated  a  farm  which  he  had  rented  there.  In 
185 1  together  with  John  P'ord,  a  brother-in-law,  he  purchased  a  quarter  section 
of  prairie  land  in  Radnor  township,  which  the  two  young  men  cleared,  broke 
and  cultivated.  He  became  a  prominent  man  in  this  part  of  the  county,  and  was 
progressive  and  energetic,  devoting  all  his  time  to  general  farming.  Greatly  in- 
terested in  educational  work  he  served  as  school  director  in  Radnor  township  for 
several  years,  but  never  sought  nor  desired  other  public  office.  He  had  three 
brothers,  who  also  coming  from  England,  located  in  Peoria  county.  There  were 
also  two  brothers  and  three  sisters  who  remained  in  England.  Thomas  Tallyn 
died  in  1876  on  his  farm  on  section  32  of  Radnor  township.  His  wife.  Eliza- 
beth (Frye)  Tallyn,  the  mother  of  our  subject,  was  also  a  native  of  Devonshire, 
England.  She  accompanied  her  husband  to  America  soon  after  their  marriage, 
and  spent  the  rest  of  her  life  in  Peoria  county. 

In  the  family  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Frye)  Tallyn  were  seven  children: 
William,  who  was  a  farmer  in  Kickapoo  township  of  this  county,  and  who  died 
in  1909;  Thomas  F.,  of  this  review;  Elizabeth,  who  passed  away  in  Prospect 
Heights,  this  state,  in  1906;  Frank,  who  lives  with  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
and  who  has  traveled  extensively  in  the  United  States,  and  especially  in  the  west ; 
Liicy.  who  died  in  1886  and  who  was  the  wife  of  ^^'illiam  Jones,  who  resides  on  a 
farm  joining  the  land  of  Thomas  F.  Tallyn  of  this  review :  John,  who  operates 
the  old  Tallyn  homestead ;  and  Mary,  who  is  the  second  wife  of  William  Jones, 
formerly  the  husband  of  her  sister,  Lucy. 

Thomas  F.  Tallyn  was  one  month  of  age  wlien  his  father  moved  to  section  32 
of  Radnor  township.  He  grew  to  manhood  on  this  old  homestead,  and  all  his  life 
has  been  associated  with  the  work  on  the  farm.  He  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon school,  having  attended  the  Tucker  school,  which  is  located  verv  close  to  his 
old  home  and  his  present  farm.  While  still  under  thirty  years  of  age  he  pur- 
chased the  farm  which  he  now  owns,  having  at  that  time  not  a  dollar  to  pay  on 
it,  and  today  he  owns  it  all  free  from  encumlirances,  and  besides  has  other  valu- 
able real  estate.  Forty  acres  of  the  land  originally  acquired  by  his  father  and 
his  uncle,  when  they  first  settled  in  this  township,  now  belongs  to  him.  In  addi- 
tion he  owns  eighty  acres  of  the  original  Chase  quarter  in  this  township.  His 
present  place  is  the  original  Ford  homestead,  and  is  located  but  a  few  yards  north 
of  his  boyhood  home.  Mr.  Tallyn  has  always  engaged  in  general  farming  and 
stock-raising,  and  now  has  over  one  hundred  head  of  hogs,  about  ten  head  of 
horses  and  ten  head  of  cattle.  He  has  ever  been  very  successful  in  his  work, 
and  his  prosperity  is  due  to  his  own  labors  and  good  business  judgment. 

On  the  2ist  of  May,  1892,  Mr.  Tallvn  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Minnie  Rockell,  who  was  born  May  17,  1865,  in  Radnor  township,  verv  near  her 
present  home.  She  was  the  youngest  of  a  family  of  four  children.  The  others 
are :     Anna,  who  is  now   Mrs.   Perrin,  and   resides  on  a   farm  near   Massena, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  691 

Iowa ;  Charles,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  near  Massena,  Iowa ;  and  Agnes,  who 
is  now  ]\Irs.  Mitchell,  and  resides  on  a  farm  near  Winnemac,  Indiana.  When 
Minnie  (Rockell)  Tallyn  was  two  years  of  age  her  mother  died,  and  she  was 
reared  in  the  home  of  Cyrus  Tucker,  and  as  did  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  she 
attended  the  Tucker  school.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tallyn  have  been  born  four  chil- 
dren :     Clarence  R.,  Ella,  Everett  Thomas  and  Anna. 

Mr.  Tallyn  having  always  resided  in  Radnor  township,  has  seen  the  early  de- 
velopment of  this  section  of  Peoria  county.  He  recalls  the  time,  although  he  was 
then  a  very  small  boy,  when  the  Knoxville  road,  which  is  near  his  present  home, 
was  a  stage  route, .and  Kickapoo,  a  neighboring  town,  was  a  stage  stop.  He  has 
in  his  possession  now  an  arrow  head  and  other  Indian  trinkets,  which  he  has 
from  time  to  time  picked  up  on  his  father's  farm.  There  is  in  the  Peoria  county 
museum,  a  tomahawk  which  was  found  on  his  old  homestead  by  his  brother  in 
his  childhood  days.  This  was  given  to  Mr.  Clifford,  a  neighboring  farmer,  who 
collected  many  relics,  and  at  his  death  it  was  transferred  to  the  museum. 

In  politics  Mr.  Tallyn  is  a  republican,  but  in  local  elections  he  votes  for  the 
man  whom  he  thinks  to  be  best  qualified  to  fill  the  office.  He  has  given  much  at- 
tention to  educational  work,  and  for  more  than  nine  years  has  served  as  school 
director  in  his  township.  He  was  reared  in  the  Baptist  church,  and  socially  is  a 
member  of  the  Radnor  Grange.  He  has  through  life  been  a  total  abstainer  from 
tobacco  and  intoxicating  drinks,  but  never  has  been  active  in  prohibition  move- 
ments. A  lifelong  resident  of  Radnor  township,  he  has  many  acquaintances 
here,  and  is  highly  respected  by  all  who  know  him.  He  has  not  only  been  an 
interested  witness  in  the  development  of  this  part  of  the  state,  but  ever  has  been 
a  most  helpful  factor  in  its  general  advancement. 


Wll.l.lA.M    II.  .\Yl.KS\VORTH,  .M,   1), 

Numbered  among  the  successful  medical  practitioners  of  Peoria  who  bring 
to  the  performance  of  their  duties  a  thorough  knowledge  of  materia  medica 
and  anatomy,  as  well  as  a  ripe  experience,  is  Dr.  William  H.  .-Xylesworth,  re- 
siding at  725  ]\Iain  street,  where  he  also  has  his  offices.  He  was  born  in  Lena- 
wee county,  ^lichigan,  May  17,  1854,  a  son  of  Jason  H.  and  Margaret  (  Hin- 
man)  Aylesworth.  The  family  was  established  in  America  in  colonial  days 
and  contributed  representatives  to  the  Revolutionary  war  and  also  to  all  other 
wars  in  which  the  United  States  has  been  engaged.  The  father,  Jason  H.  Ayles- 
worth, was  shot  at  the  battle  of  luka  during  the  Civil  war,  dying  thirty  days 
alter  the  wound  was  received,  and  was  Ijuried  at  LaGrange,  Tennessee. 

William  H.  Aylesworth  received  his  preliminary  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  Jackson  county,  Michigan,  graduating  from  the  high  school  of  his 
native  city.  His  education  was  obtained  unrler  vuiusually  trving  circumstances 
as  the  untimely  death  of  the  father  left  his  mother  without  support,  and  W'il- 
liam  -Aylesworth  in  order  to  help  defray  the  living  expenses  of  the  family  went 
to  work  at  the  age  of  eight  years,  for  twenty-five  cents  a  day  and  board,  for 
a  man  who  later  became  his  stepfather.  He  was  thus  engaged  until  he  attained 
the  age  of  thirteen  years,  living  the  while  under  the  parental  roof.  At  that  time 
he  left  home  and  accepted  employment  on  a  neighboring  farm.  He  worked 
there  for  some  time  and  meanwhile  learned  the  carpenter's  trade,  showing 
particular  adaptability  to  that  work.  When  he  attained  the  a.ge  of  twenty-five 
years,  he  obtained  a  position  with  the  Mobile  &■  Xew  Orleans  Railroad  Com- 
pany as  assistant  purchasing  agent  and  made  his  headquarters  at  Mobile,  .Ala- 
bama. While  working  for  this  company  he  purchased  practically  all  the  timber 
which  they  used.  He  had  at  an  early  period  in  life  conceived  the  desire  to 
become  a  practicing  physician  and  after  working  for  the  ATobile  &  New  Orleans 


692  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Railroad  Company  for  one  year  returned  home  and  began  fitting  himself  for 
entrance  to  the  University  of  Michigan.  During  all  this  time  he  had  cared  for  his 
mother  as  well  as  earned  the  money  to  meet  his  own  expenses.  He  graduated 
from  the  medical  deiiartnient  of  the  State  University,  June  28,  1882,  receiving 
his  degree  of  M.  D.  Since  that  time,  however,  he  has  taken  other  courses 
calculated  to  better  fit  him  for  an  extended  practice  in  medicine  and  surgery. 
He  first  began  practicing  his  profession  at  Cedar  Springs,  Michigan,  where  he 
continued  with  gratifying  success  for  five  years,  after  which  he  went  to  Grand 
Rapids,  where  he  practiced  three  years.  He  then  went  to  St.  Joseph,  Missouri, 
and  was  for  two  years  identified  with  the  medical  profession  in  that  city,  going 
from  there  to  Fairfield,  Iowa,  where  he  practiced  five  years,  settling  in  Peoria 
county  in  1899  at  Hanna  City,  where  he  remained  until  1909,  when  he  settled 
in  Peoria.  During  the  Spanish-American  war  he  volunteered  his  services  as 
an  army  surgeon  and  served  as  personal  physician  to  General  Shafter.  He  is 
president  of  the  Illinois  Automobile  &  Parts  Company  and  is  secretary  of  the 
Texas,  Kansas  &  Missouri  Coal  Land  &  Fuel  Company. 

Dr.  Aylesworth  was  married  at  Cedar  Springs,  Michigan,  November  20,  1883, 
to  Miss  Jessie  Van  Winkle,  daughter  of  Rev.  Peter  Van  Winkle,  who  was  at 
tlie  time  of  his  daughter's  marriage  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Grand 
Rapids,  Michigan.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Aylesworth  has  been  born  one  daughter, 
Ella  J.,  who  became  the  wife  of  E.  H.  Schimpfif.  In  his  political  views  Dr. 
Aylesworth  is  republican.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  in  which  he  has  occupied  all  of  the  official  chairs.  His  broad  experi- 
ence in  the  medical  profession  together  with  his  aptness,  his  constant,  steady 
and  natural  ability  have  rendered  him  one  of  the  successful  practitioners  of 
his  profession  in  the  city  of  Peoria.  Having  for  a  considerably  long  period 
resided  in  Peoria  county  he  has  become  well  and  favorably  known  in  the  entire 
community  and  his  professional  services  are  sought  not  only  in  this  city  alone 
but  throughout  the  surrounding  country.  In  professional  circles  his  reputation 
is  among  the  best  and  his  personal  acquaintance  being  large  makes  him  a  con- 
spicuous figure  among  professional  men  and  one  of  whom  Peoria  may  well  be 
proud. 


WALTER  G.  CAUSEY. 


In  financial  circles  of  Peoria  \\'alter  G.  Causey  is  well  known  by  reason  of 
the  extensive  business  which  he  has  built  up  in  mortgage  loans  and  investments. 
Real-estate  dealing  likewise  forms  a  branch  of  his  business  and  he  has  well 
appointed  offices  in  the  Jeflferson  building.  Like  many  of  the  representative, 
progressive  and  successful  business  men  of  this  city  he  is  a  native  of  Peoria, 
his  birth  having  here  occurred  September  22,  1871.  His  parents  were  Aaron 
and  Sarah  (Blackburn)  Causey,  who  became  residents  of  Peoria  in  the  early 
'50s.  The  father  was  for  years  a  representative  of  the  Singer  Sewing  ^Machine 
Company  and  was  widely  and  favorably  known  in  business  circles  throughout 
this  part  of  the  state.  His  death  occurred  in  November.  1879.  The  mother 
passed   away   in   November,    1910. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof,  ^^'alter  G.  Causey 
devoted  the  period  of  his  youth  to  the  acquirement  of  an  education  until  he 
had  supplemented  his  public-school  course  by  a  course  in  Brown's  Business  Col- 
lege. He  made  his  initial  step  in  the  commercial  world  as  an  employe  of  Day 
Brothers  &  Company,  drygoods  merchants,  with  whom  he  remained  for  seven 
years,  advancing  from  the  position  of  errand  boy  to  that  of  salesman.  He  after- 
ward entered  the  employ  of  the  Monarch  Distillery  as  clerk,  in  which  capacity  he 
continued  for  three  vears.  when  he  took  a  position  in  the  office  of  the  Corning 
Steel  Company  of  Chicago,  where  he  remained  for  four  years.     On  the  expi- 


\\'AI>TEU  (i.  CAUSEY 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  695 

ration  of  that  period  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  was  with  the  Xewell  Coal  Com- 
pany as  cashier  for  tliree  years.  He  then  took  charge  of  the  office  of  EHot  & 
Joseph  E.  Callender,  real-estate  and  mortgage  brokers,  which  had  been  estab- 
lished by  Eliot  Callender  in  i8go.  Five  years  later  M.  Causey  joined  Eliot 
Callender  in  a  partnership  relation  under  the  style  of  Callender  &  Causey, 
which  was  continued  until  the  business  was  taken  over  by  Mr.  Causey.  He 
has  been  a  director  of  the  State  Trust  & -Savings  Bank  of  Peoria  since  January, 
1910.  Previous  to  that  time  he  had  been  for  several  years  one  of  the  stockholders 
of  the  institution.  He  is  regarded  as  a  conservative  investor  whether  in  behalf 
of  himself  or  others,  and  as  a  result  has  secured  a  large  clientage  in  the  mort- 
ga.ge,  loan  and  investment  business.  He  keeps  in  close  touch  with  the  money 
market  and  the  soundness  of  his  judgment  is  manifest  in  the  excellent  results 
which  have  crowned  his  labors. 

On  September  16,  1903,  Mr.  Causey  was  imited  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Florine 
Thielens,  of  New  York,  and  to  them  is  accorded  the  hospitality  of  many  of 
Peoria's  attractive  homes.  They  are  members  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church 
and  for  twelve  years  Mr.  Causey  has  been  one  of  its  vestrymen.  He  was  also 
one  of  the  first  secretaries  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  belongs  also  to  the  Peoria 
Country  Clulj — two  of  the  leading  social  organizations  of  the  city.  He  is  a  di- 
rector of  the  Association  of  Commerce,  the  National  Implement  &  Vehicle  show 
and  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  His  life  record  in  its  continuous 
advancement  indicates  that  success  is  ambition's  answer. 


CHARLES  CHESTER  CUTTER. 

Charles  Chester  Cutter,  of  the  Cutter  Coal  Company,  has  passed  the  entire 
period  of  his  business  career  in  Peoria,  of  which  city  he  is  a  native,  his  birth  hav- 
ing occurred  on  August  15,  1873.  He  is  descended  from  well  known  pioneer 
families  of  this  city,  his  father  having  been  the  late  William  Cutter,  while  his 
mother's  maiden  name  was  Jennie  Wrigley. 

Reared  at  home,  at  the  usual  age  Charles  Chester  Cutter  entered  the  graded 
schools,  completing  his  education  with  a  three-year  course  in  high  school.  After 
leaving  school  he  accepted  a  minor  position  in  the  First  National  Bank,  where  he 
began  his  business  career.  He  applied  himself  earnestly  to  his  work  and  as  he 
proved  to  be  efificient  and  capable  was  promoted  as  rapidly  as  his  progress  war- 
ranted until  he  had  attained  the  position  of  assistant  cashier,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  for  five  years.  He  resigned  his  position  with  this  institution  in  No- 
vember, 1910,  after  nineteen  years  and  two  months  service,  and  engaged  in  the 
retail  coal  business  with  his  brother,  Weston  Cutter.  Their  yard  was  first  located 
at  413  to  415  North  .\dams  street,  but  as  this  was  not  conveniently  situated  for 
receiving  shipments,  being  some  distance  from  the  railroad,  they  removed  in 
July,  191 1,  to  their  present  location  at  1610  South  Washington  street,  which  is 
adjacent  to  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincy  tracks.  As  the  members  of  the 
firm  are  widely  acquainted  in  the  community  and  are  known  to  be  young  men  of 
honesty  and  integrity  they  have  been  accorded  a  very  satisfactory  patronage, 
and  have  every  reason  to  feel  assured  of  the  successful  development  of  their 
enterprise. 

On  the  loth  of  October,  1907,  Mr.  Cutter  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Florence  Ambridge  of  .Milwaukee,  and  they  reside  at  312  Indiana  avenue.  Two 
daughters  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cutter:  Ethel  Anne,  who  is  three 
years  of  age ;  and  Florence  Ambridge,  a  babe  of  three  months,  w-ho  has  been 
named  for  her  mother.  Mrs.  Cutter  is  a  daughter  of  George  William  and  Jessie 
(Ashley)  Ambridge,  both  natives  of  Connecticut,  the  mother  having  been  born 
in  Desby.  The  maternal  grandfather,  the  Rev.  William  B.  Ashley,  was  likewise 
a  native  of  Connecticut  and  a  minister  in   the   Episcopal  church.     He  became 


696  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

f|uite  prominent  in  his  profession  and  was  for  seventeen  years  rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Episcopal  church  in  Milwaukee. 

In  matters  of  religious  faith  Mr.  Cutter  is  a  Presbyterian  and  holds  mem- 
bership in  the  First  church  of  this  city,  while  IMrs.  Cutter  is  a  communicant  of 
St.  Paul's  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Cutter  is  a  member  of  the  Country  Club  and 
also  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  of  which  he  was  secretary  for  one  year  and  treas- 
urer for  two.  His  political  allegiance  .he  gives  to  the  republican  party,  and  al- 
though he  takes  an  active  interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  community  wel- 
fare has  never  sought  official  honors.  He  is  a  young  man  of  good  business  capac- 
itv,  practical  in  his  ideas  and  sound  in  his  judgment,  and  is  directing  his  under- 
takings with  the  caution  and  foresight  that  invariably  lead  to  success. 


PEORIA    DRILL   &    SEEDER    COMPANY. 

The  Peoria  Drill  &  Seeder  Company's  factory  located  at  No.  2400  Ferry 
street,  is  one  of  the  most  recently  established  and  thriving  industries  of  the  cit'y. 
This  company  was  organized  late  in  1904  and  began  operations  on  the  ist  of 
January,  1905.  Their  plant  is  built  on  a  piece  of  ground  five  and  a  half  acres 
in  area  which  was  formerly  the  property  of  Selby,  Starr  &  Company,  imple- 
ment manufacturers.  The  company  was  incorporated  in  1905  with  Clarence  A. 
Pattison,  the  present  president  and  secretary,  and  Luther  E.  Roby,  present 
treasurer  and  superintendent.  They  make  a  specialty  of  the  manufacture  of 
grain  drills  and  seeders  and  as  they  turn  out  articles  of  good  quality  and  work- 
manship are  meeting  with  excellent  success  in  their  undertaking.  When  they 
first  began  operations  seven  years  ago  they  gave  employment  to  only  fifty  men, 
but  their  business  has  developed  to  such  an  extent  that  they  have  been  com- 
pelled to  enlarge  their  plant  until  they  now  require  the  services  of  from  two 
hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hundred  workmen  in  order  to  be  enabled  to  fill  their 
orders.  These  employes  are  mostly  highly  skilled  mechanics.  Both  Mr.  Patti- 
son and  Mr.  Roby  are  thoroughly  familiar  with  every  branch  of  the  implement 
business  and  they  also  possess  the  powers  of  organization  and  executive  ability 
essential  to  the  successful  operation  and  development  of  an  industry  of  this  size. 
The  magnitude  of  their  business  is  constantly  increasing  and  present  conditions 
would  indicate  that  the  Peoria  Drill  &  Seeder  Company  will  become  one  of  the 
largest  and  most  substantial  enterprises  of  the  city.  The  systems  and  policies 
of  the  firm  are  such  as  to  inspire  trust  and  confidence  in  all  who  have  dealings 
with  them,  as  their  products  are  always  found  to  be  exactly  as  represented  and 
they  cheerfully  correct  any  errors  or  misunderstandings,  even  when  there  is  a 
doubt  as  to  their  own  responsibility.  They  are  Iwth  men  of  progressive  ideas 
and  their  factory  is  conducted  in  strict  accordance  with  the  highest  principles  of 
modern  commercialism.  They  always  strive  to  keep  their  word  as  well  as 
their  contracts,  realizing  that  the  best  way  to  keep  the  good-will  of  their  patrons 
is  to  be  considerate  and  reliable  in  the  fulfilment  of  their  obligations. 

Clarence  A.  Pattison,  president  and  secretary  of  the  Peoria  Drill  &  Seeder 
Company,  was  born  at  Dowagiac,  ^Michigan,  in  1869,  and  there  reared  to  the 
age  of  twentv  years,  receiving  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  In  1890  he 
left  home  and  went  to  Fargo.  North  Dakota,  to  accept  a  position  as  a  traveling 
salesman  for  the  Dowagiac  Manufacturing  Company,  manufacturers  of  grain 
drills.  Three  years  later  he  removed  to  Kansas  City  to  l)ecome  manager  of 
their  brancli  house,  remaining  there  until  1897.  when  he  withdrew  from  this 
connection  in  order  to  Ijecome  manager  of  the  Haworth  &  Sons  Corn  Planter 
Works  at  Decatur,  Illinois.  He  discharged  the  duties  of  the  latter  position  for 
four  vears,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  came  to  Peoria  and  together 
with  Luther  E.  Roby  and  others  organized  the  Peoria  Drill  &  Seeder  Company. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  697 

When  the  company  was  incorporated  he  was  made  vice  president  and  secretary 
and  in  1909  became  president  and  secretary.  This  enterprise  lias  thrived  from 
the  first  and  is  now  one  of  the  well  established  and  substantial  operations  of 
the  city.  Mr.  Pattison's  wide  experience  in  the  implement  business  united  with 
his  powers  as  an  organizer  and  executive  well  qualify  him  for  the  duties  of  the 
position  he  is  now  filling.  To  him  must  be  attributed  much  of  the  credit  for 
the  rapid  and  permanent  development  of  the  business,  as  he  uses  rare  sagacity 
and  excellent  judgment  in  the  methods  he  employes  in  ])lacing  their  products 
on  the  market.  He  has  every  reason  to  feel  gratified  with  the  success  attend- 
ing his  endeavors,  as  the  firm's  books  have  annually  shown  a  marked  increase 
not  only  in  the  amount  of  their  sales  Ijut  also  in  the  number  of  their  patrons. 

Dowagiac,  Michigan,  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Pattison's  marriage  on  the  30th 
of  January,  1894,  to  Miss  Theo  Rudolphi,  a  native  of  that  city  and  a  daughter 
of  Dr.  A.  T.  Rudolphi.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pattison  have  one  daughter,  Kathryn, 
who  is  six  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Pattison  is  affiliated  with  the  Scottish  Rite  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Maccabees,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Illinios  \'a1- 
ley  Yacht  Club  and  the  Peoria  Implement  and  \'ehicle  Club.  He  is  treasurer 
of  the  National  Association  of  .Agricultural  Implement  and  V'ehicle  Manufac- 
turers, vice  president  of  the  National  Grain  Drill  Association  and  a  director 
of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce.  He  is  highly  esteemed  among  his  busi- 
ness associates,  generally,  his  upright  princi])les  and  standards  of  commercial 
integrity  winning  him  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  has  tran- 
sactions. He  has  met  with  much  more  than  average  success  in  his  career  but 
those  who  know  him  recognize  it  as  the  well  merited  re\vard  of  unceasing  energy 
and  determination  of  purpose. 


WESTON   CUTTER. 


Weston  Cutter,  of  the  Cutter  Coal  Company,  located  at  1610  South  Wash- 
ington street,  is  one  of  the  representative  members  of  Peoria's  younger  com- 
mercial circles.  He  was  born  in  this  city  on  the  6th  of  November,  1883,  and 
here  he  was  likewise  reared  and  educated.  He  had  completed  the  course  of 
the  grammar  school  and  was  a  junior  in  the  high  school  when  he  terminated  his 
student  days,  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  and  entered  the  business  world.  His 
first  position  was  in  the  office  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  but  he 
subsequently  withdrew  from  their  employ  and  entered  that  of  the  Acme 
Harvester  Company.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  years  he  left  the  service  of  the 
latter  comjiany  and  again  engaged  in  railroad  work.  As  he  is  ambitious  he  was 
not  satisfied  to  remain  an  employe,  so  he  industriously  applied  himself  to  acquire 
sufficient  capital  to  engage  in  business  for  himself.  By  thrift  and  enterprise 
he  was  able  to  realize  his  ambition  in  1908,  and  resigning  his  position  he  engaged 
in  the  retail  coal  business  with  his  brother  Charles  C.  Cutter,  under  the  firm 
name  of  the  Cutter  Coal  Company.  Pioth  young  men  are  well  known  and  highly 
esteemed  in  Peoria,  and  in  the  conduct  of  their  enterj)rise  have  adopted  a  policy 
that  has  won  them  the  confidence  of  all  who  have  dealings  with  them,  and 
has  been  one  of  the  dominant  factors  in  their  success.  They  are  enjoying  an 
excellent  patronage,  which  is  constantly  increasing,  and  have  every  reason  to 
teel  gratified  with  the  development  of  their  business. 

In  this  city  on  the  iith  of  May,  191 1,  Mr.  Cutter  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Sanchen  Strehlow,  a  daughter  of  Rudolph  and  Abbey  (Ball)  Strehlow. 
The  parents,  who  reside  at  2409  Seventh  street,  are  pioneer  citizens  of  Peoria 
and  one  of  the  citv's  first  families. 


698  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cutter  are  members  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church, 
and  he  also  belongs  to  the  Illinois  Valley  Yacht  and  the  Peoria  Canoe  Clubs. 
He  is  one  of  the  early  members  of  the  latter  and  was  serving  on  the  house 
committee  when  the  new  club  house  was  built.  It  is  the  second,  if  not  the 
largest,  exclusive  canoe  club  in  the  world.  They  have  a  beautiful  club  house, 
which  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  seventy  thousand  dollars,  located  on  the  upper 
lake  of  the  Illinois  river,  along  the  Galena  road.  It  is  one  of  the  most  exclusive 
social  organizations  in  the  city,  its  membership  being  limited  to  one  hundred, 
and  they  now  have  a  long  waiting  list.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cutter  are  both  very 
popular  socially.  Mr.  Cutter  is  just  finishing  a  handsome  house  at  229  Tobias 
street  which  will  be  the  family  residence. 


NATHAN  GILES. 


The  life  record  of  Nathan  Giles  covered  eighty-one  years.  In  the  later 
period  he  lived  retired  but  for  many  years  he  was  numbered  among  the  lead- 
ing agriculturists  of  Peoria  county  and  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers,  who 
contributed  largely  to  the  early  progress  and  development  of  this  section  of 
the  state,  especially  along  agricultural  lines.  He  was  born  in  Oneida  county, 
New  York,  November  15,  1827,  a  son  of  Thomas  and  Ann  (Pickin)  Giles, 
who  were  natives  of  Wales.  The  father  was  a  soldier  in  the  British  army  and 
was  sent  to  the  island  of  St.  Helena  to  act  as  guard  over  Napoleon  Bonaparte 
during  the  period  of  his  banishment  there.  While  engaged  in  that  duty  he  was 
married  on  that  island  and  three  of  his  children  were  born  there.  At  length  he 
came  to  America  with  his  family  and  took  up  the  trade  of  a  stone  mason  in  the 
state  of  New  York,  but,  thinking  that  the  west  held  still  better  opportunities,  he 
came  to  Peoria  in  1836  and  here  purchased  the  land  that  is  now  owned  by  his 
descendants.  This  was  a  tract  of  eighty  acres,  which  he  bought  from  William 
Hale  for  eight  dollars  per  acre.  He  died  in  1838,  two  years  after  coming  to 
Peoria,  but  his  wife  survived  for  many  years,  passing  away  in  1854.  Their  chil- 
dren were  seven  in  number.  Thomas,  Joseph,  William,  Alice,  Nathan,  George  and 
Sarah.    The  elder  daughter  became  the  wife  of  James  Peters. 

Nathan  Giles  was  quite  young  when  his  parents  removed  from  Oneida  county 
to  Oswego  county.  New  York,  where  he  pursued  his  education  as  a  public- 
school  student  until  after  the  removal  of  the  family  to  the  west  in  1836,  when  he 
went  to  Richmond,  New  York.  There  he  continued  until  1843,  when  he  pro- 
ceeded to  Wisconsin  and  for  ten  months  worked  in  the  lead  mines  of  Galena. 
In  1844  he  arrived  in  Peoria  and  took  up  his  abode  on  Knoxville  road,  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  city  of  Peoria,  which  at  that  time,  however,  con- 
tained a  population  of  only  a  few  hundred.  With  characteristic  energy  he 
began  to  develop  and  cultivate  that  land  and  was  thus  engaged  unitl  1849.  when, 
attracted  by  the  discovery  of  gold  in  California,  he  started  for  the  Pacific  coast, 
accompanied  by  his  brother  William.  They  joined  a  large  party,  making  the 
trip  overland  with  ox  teams,  traveling  by  way  of  St.  Joseph,  Brownsville,  Fort 
Kearny,  North  Platte  and  thence  to  the  Sacramento  valley  in  California.  Mr. 
Giles  prospected  all  through  that  state  and  also  made  several  trips  northward 
to  Portland  and  to  Oregon  City.  He  intended  to  enter  into  the  cattle  business 
but  did  not  regard  the  prospects  as  very  favorable  and  in  consequence  returned 
to  Illinois  by  way  of  the  Panama  route  and  New  York,  arriving  at  his  home 
on  the  22d  of  December.  1853,  after  an  absence  of  four  and  a  half  years.  He 
then  entered  industrial  circles  in  connection  with  brick  manufacture,  in  which 
business  he  continued  for  ten  years.  He  next  took  up  farming  in  Richwoods 
township  and  was  thus  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil  for  another  decade.     He  then 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  701 

traded  that  property  for  more  land  and  sold  some  of  his  real  estate  at  a  very 
gratifying  figure.  In  1885  he  erected  the  present  home  in  the  city  and  retired 
from  active  life  save  for  the  supervision  which  he  gave  to  his  landed  interests 
and  investments.  In  his  vocabulary  there  was  no  such  word  as  fail.  He  was 
determined  and  energetic  and  careful  management  of  his  business  affairs  brought 
him  to  a  creditable  financial  position,  enabling  him  in  his  later  years  to  put 
aside   further  business  duties  and  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his   former  toil. 

On  the  i8th  of  December,  1856,  Mr.  Giles  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Catherine  Claussen,  and  unto  them  were  born  five  children.  .\nna,  the  eldest, 
is  the  wife  of  Arthur  Keithley,  of  Peoria,  and  they  have  four  children.  Giles 
E.,  Olive  May,  Amy  and  Lillie  Lucille.  Lucy  became  the  wife  of  Frank  Car- 
rington  but  both  are  now  deceased.  They  had  three  children:  Annie  I.,  the 
wife  of  J.  G.  Frye ;  Nathan ;  and  Washington,  who  is  deceased.  Olive  is  the 
wife  of  Edwin  Sherwood,  of  Peoria,  and  their  children  are:  Mrs.  Kate  E. 
Morton,  who  has  a  daughter,  Mildred,  and  lives  in  I'.oaz,  Alabama;  Ruth  R., 
and  Abijah  M.  Alice  C.  Giles  is  the  fourth  member  of  the  family  and  .Andrew 
N.  has  passed  away. 

Mr.  Giles  always  took  an  active  part  in  ])iilitics,  giving  loyal  support  to  the 
democratic  party  until  1861.  when  the  paramount  questions  and  issues  of  the 
day  brought  about  the  critical  situatimi  of  the  country  led  him  to  espouse  the 
cause  of  the  republican  party,  of  which  he  was  ever  afterward  a  stanch  advo- 
cate. .Several  times  his  fellow  townsmen  called  him  to  public  office  and  for 
eleven  years  he  served  as  supervisor  of  Richwoods  township  and  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  building  committee  at  the  time  of  the  erection  of  the  Peoria  county 
courthouse.  He  w'as  a  ])rominent  and  well  known  pioneer,  active  in  the  move- 
ments for  the  county's  welfare  and  development,  and  his  labors  were  of  a  prac- 
tical and  resultant  character.  He  reached  a  ripe  and  honorable  old  age,  passing 
away  November  23,  igo8,  soon  after  he  had  come  to  the  eighty-first  milestone 
upon  life's  journey.  He  deserved  much  credit  for  what  he  had  accomplished, 
as  he  started  out  in  life  for  himself  at  a  very  early  age  empty-handed.  He 
knew  what  earnest,  persistent  toil  meant  and  he  ever  recognized  the  fact  that 
all  worthy  success  is  that  which  is  honorably  won.  Tndustrv  and  integritv. 
therefore,  became  the  salient  feature  in  his  life  and  gained  for  him  prosperity 
and  an  honored  name. 


RUDOLPH    SMITTL 


Prominent  among  the  native  residents  of  Limestone  township  is  Rudolph 
Smith,  who  is  numbered  as  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of  his  community. 
He  was  born  April  24,  1858,  his  parents  being  John  and  Catherine  (Crues) 
Smith,  who  came  from  Germany,  settling  in  Peoria  county  in  1856.  In  their 
family  were  seven  children,  of  whom  Rudolph,  of  this  review,  was  the  fourth 
in  order  of  birth. 

Rudolph  Smith,  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  remained  at  home  until 
twenty-one  years  of  age  and  then  was  employed  in  farm  work  for  two  years. 
In  1881  he  rented  a  farm  which  he  operated  for  eight  years.  In  i8gi  he  pur- 
chased in  Limestone  township  eighty  acres,  for  which  he  paid  four  thousand 
dollars  and  which  are  a  part  of  his  present  farm.  To  this  in  1893  '^^  added 
thirty  acres,  for  which  he  paid  sixteen  hundred  dollars,  and  in  1902,  sixty-five 
acres,  for  which  he  paid  four  thousand,  five  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  and  in 
1907,  eighty  acres,  paying  for  it  sixty-four  hundred  dollars.  Later  he  sold 
fifteen  acres,  so  that  he  now  has  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  in  all.  He  engages 
extensively  in  raising  grain  and  live  stock  and  has  ever  met  with  excellent 
success. 

Mr.  Smith  married  Miss  Annie  B.  Look,  a  daughter  of  Barney  and  Cather- 


702  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY      • 

ine  (Horn)  Look,  \iiie  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith,  two 
of  whom  are  deceased.  They  are:  Johannes  Johnson,  deceased;  Catherine  G. ; 
Katie;   |ohn  J.;  Claus  J.;  Barney,  deceased;  Barney;  Everett;  and  Rudolph. 

Mr.  Smith  and  his  famly  are  devout  members  of  the  German  Lutheran 
church  and  their  lives  are  guided  according  to  its  teachings.  He  is  known  as 
a  steady,  reliable,  persevering  man  and  whatever  he  undertakes  he  carries  for- 
ward to  successful  completion.  This  reputation  has  made  him  a  person  on 
whom  his  associates  can  always  depend  and  the  permeating  influence  of  his 
life  is  set  forth  in  an  upright  character  and  in  straightforward  dealings  in  both 
social  and  business  circles. 


ALBERT  WEIL,  M.  D. 


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Dr.  Albert  Weil  has  been  a  member  of  the  medical  fraternity  in  Peoria  for 
the  past  eighteen  years  and  has  won  a  place  among  the  foremost  representatives 
of  the  profession  here.  His  offices  are  in  the  JeiTerson  building.  His  birth 
occurred  in  this  city  on  the  17th  of  March,  1864,  his  parents  being  Isaac  A. 
and  Babetta  Weil.  The  father,  who  was  among  the  earliest  pioneers  of  Peoria, 
was  successfully  engaged  in  business  as  a  wholesale  liquor  dealer.  His  political 
allegiance  was  given  to  the  democratic  party.  His  demise  occurred  in  1900, 
when  he  had  attained  the  age  of  sixty  years,  while  his  wife  was  called  to 
her  final  rest  in  1884  at  the  age  of  forty-eight.  The  remains  of  both  were 
interred  in  Springdale  cemetery. 

Albert  Weil  obtained  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  and  subse- 
quently pursued  a  course  of  study  in  the  Chicago  College  of  Pharmacy,  from 
which  institution  he  was  graduated  in  1884.  After  serving  an  apprenticeship 
with  A.  Reen  and  F.  C.  Bourscheidt,  he  embarked  in  the  drug  business  on  his 
own  account  at  the  corner  of  Eaton  and  Adams  streets,  there  remaining  for 
five  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  had  saved  sufificient  money 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  a  course  in  Rush  IMedical  College,  from  which  insti- 
tution he  was  graduated  in  1893  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.  He  was  then  ap- 
pointed surgeon  on  the  dispensary  staiY  of  the  Michael  Reese  Hospital,  serving 
in  that  capacity  for  eighteen  months.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  returned  tn 
Peoria  and  in  1894  was  appointed  surgeon  of  the  Central  City  Railroad  Com- 
pany. Soon  afterward  he  was  appointed  chief  surgeon  of  the  local  street  car 
lines — a  position  which  he  has  held  ever  since.  In  1895  he  was  elected  county 
physician  on  the  democratic  ticket  over  eight  republican  aspirants  and  also  wonjjll" 
a  reelection,  serving  for  two  terms.  Subsequently  he  acted  for  eight  years  as 
countv  physician  under  Coroner  Harper.  In  1907  he  was  appointed  health 
commissioner,  serving  in  that  capacity  during  Mayor  O'Connor's  administration.  j^)«M 
Owing  to  his  individual  efforts,  the  long  planned  Isolation  Hospital  became  a 
reality,  a  structure  being  erected  at  a  cost  of  twenty-two  thousand  dollars  which' 
is  a  credit  to  the  city.  Just  before  resigning  the  office  of  health  commissioner 
he  was  appointed  chief  surgeon  of  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad  Company  for 
this  district  and  has  held  that  position  continuously  since,  while  recently  he  was 
also  appointed  surgeon  for  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Ouincy  Railroad  Com 
pany.  On  the  organization  of  the  Peoria  Pekin  Terminal  Company  he  was  ap-I  M 
pointed  its  surgeon  and  has  since  remained  in  that  capacity.  He  likewise  repre-lfcpa 
sents  the  McKinley  Traction  Company  as  chief  surgeon  for  all  local  lines.lBlWi 
Dr.  Weil  is  also  a  member  of  the  Proctor  Hospital  stafT  and  keeps  in  closeil^ii 
touch  with  the  progress  of  his  profession  throtigh  his  membership  in  the  Pcoriar 
IMedical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  the  American  Medical  As-H?S«i 
sociation  and  the  Railroad  Surgeon's  Society  of  North  America.  „ 

On  the  1st  of  April,  1890,  in  Peoria,  Dr.  Weil  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss|j'iiiiii 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  703 

Sarah  Tiiteur,  by  whom  he  has  two  children :  Gladys,  who  is  a  student  in  Brad- 
ley Institute ;  and  Helen,  who  is  pursuing  her  studies  in  St.  Mary's  College  of  In- 
diana. The  family  residence  is  at  No.  414  Knoxville  avenue.  Dr.  Weil  has  at- 
tained the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  in  Masonry  and  is  a  member 
of  the  blue  lodge  and  the  Shrine.  He  likewise  belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protec- 
tive Order  of  Elks,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  is  most 
conscientious  in  the  performance  of  his  professional  duties  and  in  every  relation 
of  life  is  actuated  by  high  and  honorable  ]irinciples.  I  lis  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. 


EDWARD  D.  EDWARDS. 

,         Almost  a  half  century's  residence  in  Peoria  county  has  made  Edward  D.  Ed- 
!■  wards  well  known  to  a  large  proportion  of  its  citizens,  for  through  this  period  he 
lias  been  in  different  ways  closely  associated  with  its  commercial,  industrial  and 
agricultural  interests  and  at  the  same  time  has  taken  an  active  and  helpful  part  in 
j  promoting  the  work  of  public  progress,  being  at  all  times  a  public-spirited  citizen. 
I  He  represents  one  of  the  oldest  families  of  this  part  of  the  state  and  was  born  on 
ji  the  old  homestead  farm  on  section  24,  Roselield  township,  .May  23,  1853.     His 
J!  parents  were  Edward  D.  and  Susan  E.  (Schnebley)  Edwards,  the  latter  a  repre- 
l^sentative  of  the  old  and  prominent  Schnebley  family  of  Maryland.     The  father 
I  was   a   son   of   Thomas   and    Elinor    Edwarils.    who   removed   with    their    family 
ji  from  Hampshire  county,  Virginia,  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  in  i«S33.    They  were 
among  the  first  settlers  in  this  section  and  the  village  of  Edwards  was  named  in 
their  honor.    Four  generations  of  the  Edwards  family  have  now  been  represented 
in  this  county  and  all  have  been  identified  with  agricultural  interests.     The  old 
homestead  farm  in  Rosefield  township  was  originally  owned  by  Edward  D.  and 
Francis  A.  Edwards,  jointly,  but  has  since  been  sold.     The  father,  Edward  D. 
•  Edwards,  Sr.,  entered  several  hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  early  days  and  in 
|i  addition    to    being    an    enterprising    and    prosperous    farmer    he    engaged    in 
I  railroad  building,  constructing  about  ten  miles  of  the  Peoria  &  Oquawka  Rail- 
I  road,  now  a  part  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  iv  Quincy  system.     He  led  a  busy 
f  and  useful  life,  which  won  for  him  the  resi)ect  and  confidence  of  friends  and 
neighbors,  and  his  labors  were  crowned  with  a  gratifying  measure  of  success. 
To  him  and  his  wife  were  born  the  following  named:     Thomas  H.,  who  was  a 
soldier  of  the  Civil  war,  but  is  now  deceased ;  Ellen  ].,  who  became  the  wife  of 
David  Geigley  both  of  whom  have  now  passed  away;  John  S.,  who  died  in  in- 
fancy;   Alary   A.,   deceased;    Francis   A.,   who   is   mentioned   elsewhere    in    this 
volume;  Edward  D. ;  George  W.,  deceased;  and  Susan,  the  wife  of  R.  F.  Van 
Arsdale,  of  Galesburg.  Illinois. 

Edward  D.  Edwards,  our  subject,  was  reared  on  the  old  homestead  and  the 

■fj  usual  experiences  of  farm  life  were  his,  his  time  being  divided  between  the  duties 

,,flof  the  schoolroom,  the  pleasures  of  the  playground  and  the  work  of  the  fields. 

He  pursued  his  education  to  the  age  of  twenty  years  and  then  began  farming, 

working  in  the  employ  of  others  until  he  was  able  to  purchase  land.     Frugality, 

industry  and  ambition  were  the  qualities  that  enabled  him  in  time  to  become  the 

owner  of  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Rosefield  township,  which 

he  purchased  in  1884.     He  cleared  and  improved  this  tract  and  converted  it  into 

;ji  rich  and  [iroductive  fields.     He  afterward  opened  a  general  store  in  Edwards, 

1  which  he  conducted  for  five  or  six  years,  when  he  sold  out  and  turned  his  at- 

j  tention  to  the  coal  trade,  operating  a  mine  in  connection  with  Michael  Cusack  at 

Youngsiding.     There  he  continued  in  the  coal  business  for  about  seven  years  and 

his  undertakings  in  that  direction  also  met  with  success,  for  it  is  characteristic 


704       '  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  Mr.  Edwards  that  he  accompHshes  what  he  undertakes,  his  vocabulary  know- 
ing no  such  word  as  faik  In  the  meantime  he  removed  his  family  to  I'eoria,  in 
1903,  and  the  succeeding  two  years  he  disposed  of  his  business  interests  else- 
where that  he  might  remain  at  home  with  his  family  in  this  city.  Subsequently 
he  erected  seven  or  eight  houses  as  an  investment  and  now  devotes  his  time 
to  looking  after  his  property  in  the  city  and  his  extensive  farming  interests. 
Otherwise  he  is  living  retired,  for  his  energy  and  indefatigable  labor  in  former 
year.s  brought  to  him  the  substantial  success  which  now  enables  him  to  rest  from 
further  labor  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil. 

On  the  "th  of  August,  1877,  Mr.  Edwards  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Luella  O.  McVicker,  a  daughter  of  John  W.  and  Melissa  (Shepard)  McVicker. 
They  have  two  children:  Edna  Mamie,  at  home;  and  Charles  Ellis,  who  in  1902 
married  Eva  M.  Mapole  and  conducts  one  of  his  father's  farms,  being  the  fourth 
generation  of  the  family  identified  with  agricultural  pursuits  in  Peoria  county. 
There  are  two  children  of  this  marriage,  Luella  Belle  and  Enid  E.  The  family  is 
a  prominent  one,  having  an  extensive  circle  of  friends  in  Peoria,  and  their  home 
is  justly  celebrated  for  its  warm-hearted  hospitality.  Mr.  Edwards  votes  with 
the  republican  partv,  which  he  has  supported  since  casting  his  first  presidential 
ballot  for  Rutherford  P..  Hayes.  A  residence  of  almost  fifty  years  in  the  county 
has  made  him  thoroughlv  acquainted  with  its  history.  He  has  been  an  interested 
witness  of  its  upbuilding  and  the  work  which  was  instituted  by  his  grandfather 
and  carried  on  by  his  father  is  continued  by  him.  He  is  a  man  of  genuine  per- 
sonal worth  and  his  sterling  traits  of  character  have  established  him  on  a  high 
plane  in  public  regard.  ^ 


6 
EDWARD  A.   PRATT.  % 


One  of  the  most  flourishing  institutions  in  the  city  of  Peoria  and  one  doin] 
business  along  original  and  rapidly  developing  lines  is  The  Edward  A.  Pratt 
Audit  Company,  located  in  the  New  Jefferson  building,  since  its  incorporation 
in  1910.  The  company  takes  its  name  from  its  president,  Edward  A.  Pratt, 
the  founder  of  the  bus'iness  in  this  city,  whose  energy  and  resource  have  been 
largely  responsible  for  its  splendid  growth. 

Edward  A.  Pratt  is  a  native  of  Illinois,  having  been  born  in  Thomson,  Car- 
roll  county,  February    16,    1868.     His  parents  were   Israel  and  Rebecca    Pratt,, 
the    former   an   extensive    farmer   and   stock   dealer   in    Carroll   county.      Israel 
Pratt,  the  father  of  our  subject,  died  in  Thomson,  December  30,   1874,  having 
survived  his   wife   since   February   26.    1868.     They   are   buried   side  by   side   m 

Carroll  countv. 

Edward  A.  Pratt  received  his  primary  education  in  the  common  schools  of 
his  native  city,  and  later  entered  the  Ohio  W'esleyan  University  of  Delaware, 
Ohio.  However,  he  was  unable  to  complete  a  college  course  and  subsequently 
taught  school  for  some  time  and  later  acquired  a  half  interest  in  a  newspaper 
at  lohnstown,  Ohio.  This  he  operated  for  some  time,  later  removing  to  Col- 
umbus, Ohio,  and  there  took  a  thorough  course  at  a  local  business  college.  Mr. 
Pratt  soon  obtained  employement  and  later  became  secretary  of  The  Ohio 
Pipe  Company,  remaining  in  this  connection  for  about  seven  j'ears.  In  1896, 
he  went  to  Chicago  andsoon  after  became  a  public  accountant,  and  has  been 
associated  with  this  line  of  activity  ever  since.  He  spent  the  years  from  1896 
to  1908  doing  all  kinds  of  expert  auditing  and  accounting  in  Chicago,  where 
he  gained  a  wide  professional  experience  and  a  reputation  for  thoroughness 
and  individualitv  in  his  work. 

On  the  1 5th"  of  Tulv,  igo8,  when  he  had  already  gained  a  high  place  m  the 
ranks  of  his 'profession  as  an  expert  accountant,  ^fr.  Pratt  came  to  Peoria  and 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  707 

upened  offices  in  this  city  as  Edwani  A.  Pratt  &  Company.  Public  Accountants 
and  Auditors.  His  efficiency  was  soon  recognized  and  his  business  grew  until 
it  was  decided  to  enlarge  the  capacity  and  incorporate  the  com])any.  This  was 
done  in  September,  ifjio.  with  ]\Ir.  Pratt  as  president.  The  business  has  proved 
so  successfid  and  has  developed  with  such  rapidity  that  now  several  auditors 
are  regularly  employed  with  contracts  in  many  cities  of  Illinois,  Indiana  and 
Ohio.  It  is  a  significant  fact  that  the  Pratt  Audit  Company  does  work  year 
after  year  for  the  same  concerns,  particularly  large  wholesale  and  manufactur- 
ing establishments,  auditing  and  systematizing  their  accounts  and  records  and 
giving  them  detailed  reports  of  their  business  in  convenient  book  form.  The 
firm  makes  a  specialty  of  establishing  systems  for  the  handling  of  the  accoimts 
of  any  business,  furnishing  siiecial  books  and  records  which  sim])lify  the  work 
and  save  much  money  and  time.  The  business  in  Chicago  is  still  in  active  opera- 
tion and  increasing  rapidlw  The  offices  of  the  firm  in  that  city  are  in  the  Old 
Colony  building.  A  branch  has  also  been  established  in  Springfield,  Illinois,  and 
other  branches  are  contemplated. 

On  P'ebruary  i6,  1894,  Mr.  Pratt  was  united  in  marriage  at  Columbus.  Ohio, 
to  Miss  Alys  Hull  Crawford,  a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Sarah  Crawford,  of 
Lancaster,  Ohio.  They  are  the  parents  of  two  children:  Gladvs  C,  who  is  now 
a  student  at  liradley  F'olytechnic  Institute ;  and  Edward  H.,  attending  the  Whit- 
tier  school.  The  family  residence  is  in  the  Cplands  at  No.  2532  Columliia  ter- 
race, near  P)radley  Park,  and  is  a  hosjjitaljle  meeting  place  for  their  number- 
less friends. 

Politically,  Mr.  Pratt  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  rciniblican  jiarty,  and  takes 
a  lively  interest  in  public  affairs,  although. he  never  seeks  office  for  himself.  He 
is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason  of  Peoria  Consistory,  and  also  belongs  to  the 
Nobles  of  the  Mystic  Shrine,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  holds  membership 
in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  Mr.  Pratt  has  gained  success  in  the  few  years  of 
his  activity  in  this  city,  which  is  inseparable  from  e.xpert  accomplishment  in 
any  line.  His  work  is  thorough  and  his  audit  reports  clear  and  complete,  and 
many  large  business  institutions  in  the  middle  west  now  employ  the  services  of 
The  Edward  A.  Pratt  Audit  Company,  regularly.  Mr.  Pratt  has  developed 
municipal  accounting  and  public  corporation  records  along  original  lines,  bring- 
ing much   prestige  to  his  company. 

He  is  a  vigorous  man  in  the  prime  of  life,  is  doing  much  valuable  work,  and 
is   building   a    wide   rejnitation    for   ability   and    integrity. 


TORN  D.  BUSH. 


John  D.  LSush  has  been  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  in  Peoria  for  the 
past  twenty-six  years.  He  is  a  native  of  this  city,  his  birth  having  occurred  on 
the  7th  of  ^lay,  1859.  He  is  a  representative  of  one  of  the  early  pioneer  families. 
His  father,  William  R.  Bush,  came  here  from  Indiana  in  1836  and  established  a 
distillery  which  he  operated  for  many  years. 

Reared  at  home  John  D.  Bush  was  educated  in  the  graded  and  high  schools 
of  this  city,  his  student  days  terminating  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  when  he 
graduated  from  the  latter  institution.  Immediately  thereafter  he  entered  his 
father's  office  in  the  capacity  of  bookkeeper,  retaining  this  position  until  1885. 
In  that  year  he  gave  up  his  position  and  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business,  first 
handling  only  local  property.  He  began  by  making  a  specialty  of  the  erection 
and  sale  of  homes  on  an  installment  plan  and  met  with  success  in  this  undertak- 
ing. In  1905,  he  practically  withdrew  from  this  line  of  lousiness  and  devoted  his 
entire  attention  to  the  exploitation  of  Mississippi  farm  lands.  He  has  acc|uired 
a  large  tract  of  valuable  land  on  the  gulf,  which  is  most  productive  and  which 


708  HISTORY  OF  PHORIA  COUNTY 

he  is  offering  for  sale  on  very  reasonable  terms.  Mr.  Bush  is  a  capable  business 
man  of  high  principles  and  honorable  methods  and  is  meeting  with  success  in  the 
promotion  of  his  present  project,  because  he  has  the  confidence  of  his  townsmen 
who  feel  assured  that  he  will  not  be  connected  with  any  enterprise  that  is  not 
exactly  as  represented  in  every  respect. 

On  the  30th  of  March,  1893,  Mr.  Bush  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Clara 
M.  Griffith  of  Stockton,  California,  a  granddaughter  of  old  Captain  Moss  of  , 
Peoria.  Two  daughters  have  been  born  to  ]Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bush :  Harriet  A., 
who  is  seventeen  years  of  age,  and  Mary  H..  who  is  sixteen,  both  of  whom  are 
now  attending  Downer  College  at  Milwaukee.  The  family  reside  in  the  Peters 
apartment  building  at  No.  518  Hamilton  street. 

Mr.  Bush  is  one  of  the  alert,  enterprising  business  men  of  the  city,  progres- 
sive and  energetic  in  his  methods  and  the  possessor  of  the  essential  factors  which 
make  for  success  in  any  line.  His  belief  in  himself  gives  him  the  power  and  en- 
thusiasm to  arouse  and  stimulate  the  interest  of  those  with  whom  he  comes  in 
contact,  thus  winning  him  the  cooperation  and  support  essential  to  the  success- 
ful promotion  of  every  enterprise,  whether  public  or  private,  which  he  under- 
takes. 


CHARLES  E.  FULKS. 


Charles  E.  Fulks  was  born  in  Beardstown,  Illinois,  February  10.  1856,  a  son 
of  John  B.  and  Sarah  Ann  Fulks.  The  father  resided  in  Kentucky,  where  for 
many  years  he  was  a  leading  and  influential  citizen,  serving  for  a  number  of 
terms  as  a  member  of  the  state  legislature,  and  removing  to  Illinois  served  as 
sheriff"  of  Cass  county.  By  trade  he  was  a  printer  and  was  at  one  time  editor  of 
the  Beardstown  Gazette.  He  died  in  1866  and  for  twenty  years  was  survived 
by  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  1886,  the  remains  of  both  being  laid  to  rest  in 
a  cemetery  at  Beardstown,  Illinois. 

The  educational  opportunities  of  Charles  E.  Fulks  were  quite  limited.  He 
pursued  his  studies  through  some  of  the  grammar  grades  of  the  Beardstown  pub- 
lic schools  but  at  the  age  of  ten  years  entered  his  father's  printing  office,  where 
he  learned  the  trade.  In  1881  he  was  elected  cashier  of  the  Cass  County  Bank, 
and  his  worth  in  matters  of  citizenship  was  also  recognized  and  he  was  called  to 
the  office  of  city  clerk,  which  position  he  was  filling  in  1884  when  he  decided  to 
remove  to  Peoria.  Upon  his  arrival  in  this  city  he  obtained  a  position  as  book- 
kee]ier  with  S.  FI.  Thompson  &  Company,  wholesale  grocers,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  for  five  years.  Early  in  the  spring  of  1890  S.  H.  Thompson  decided 
fo  retire  and  his  business  was  purchased  by  D.  H.  Bethard,  Carl  Jobst  and  Charles 
E.  Fulks,  who  were  fellow  employes  of  Mr.  Thompson,  and  organized  the  firm 
of  Jobst-Bethard  Company  of  which  our  subject  has  filled  the  office  of  secretary 
and  treasurer  since  the  incorporation  of  the  company.  From  that  time  forward 
the  growth  of  the  business  has  been  continuous  and  its  history  constitutes  an  im- 
portant chapter  in  the  commercial  annals  of  Peoria.  As  he  has  prospered  Mr. 
Fulks  has  extended  his  efforts  in  other  directions  and  is  now  one  of  the  direct- 
ors of  the  Schipper  &  Block  Dry  Goods  Company,  one  of  the  largest  stores  "of 
this  kind  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago. 

On  the  25th  of  May,  1882,  in  Beardstown,  Illinois.  Mr.  Fulks  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  J.  Orwig.  a  daughter  of  John  W.  and  Jane  Orwig,  pioneer  resi- 
dents of  that  city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fulks  have  two  children,  Edna  and  George  W.. 
the  latter  now  assistant  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Jobst-Bethard  Company, 
while  the  former  is  the  wife  of  Roy  \'.  Engstrom,  who  is  a  consulting  engineer 
and  builder  of  reinforced  concrete  buildings  at  Seattle,  W'ashington,  and  who  at 
one  time  was  a  professor  in  the  University  of  Illinois  at  Champaign.     Mr.  and 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  '  709 

Mrs.  Fiilks  occupy  a  pleasant  and  well  appointed  home  at  No.  447  Moss  avenue 
and  their  friends  in  this  city  are  legion.  Mr.  Fulks  holds  membership  in  the 
Country  Club  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  otherwise  is  well  known  socially  in 
Peoria.  He  is  a  prominent  Mason,  having  taken  high  rank  in  the  order.  He  is  a 
past  master  of  Illinois  Lodge,  No.  263 ;  F.  &  A.  M. ;  past  commander  of 
Peoria  Commandery,  No.  3,  K.  T. ;  past  M.  P.  sovereign  of  St.  Helena  Conclave, 
No.  3.  Knights  of  Constantine,  while  at  the  present  time  he  is  tilling  the  office  of 
illustrious  commander  in  chief  of  Peoria  Consistory,  A.  A.  S.  R.  Social,  frater- 
nal and  municipal  interests  maintain  in  Mr.  Fulks  an  even  balance  to  his  great 
business  activity  and  make  his  a  well  rounded  character. 


OTTO  REIMERS. 


Otto  Reimers,  who  is  the  owner  of  an  excellent  farm  of  sixty-six  acres,  situ- 
ated two  and  one-half  miles  northeast  of  Hanna  City,  in  Rosefield  township,  was 
born  in  Davenport,  Iowa,  November  22,  1878.  He  was  reared  and  educated  in 
his  native  town  and  came  to  Hanna  City  in  1902.  Shortly  afterward  he  pur- 
chased his  present  farm,  for  which  he  paid  nineteen  hundred  dollars  and  which 
has  increased  in  value  until  it  is  now  worth  about  three  times  its  purchase  price. 
He  engages  in  general  farming  but  makes  a  specialty  of  raising  stock  and  grain 
and  his  well  tilled  fields  annually  yield  him  a  good  competence. 

On  the  17th  of  April.  1901,  Air.  Reimers  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Daisy  Boxwell,  who  was  born  and  reared  in  Davenport,  Iowa.  In  politics  Mr. 
Reimers  votes  the  republican  ticket,  believing  that  the  principles  of  this  party  are 
most  conducive  to  good  government.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  all  that  pertains 
to  the  welfare  and  uplniilding  of  the  community  and  all  measures  of  reform  and 
progress  receive  his  support.  During  the  years  of  his  residence  here  he  has 
gained  many  friends  by  reason  of  his  social,  genial  nature  which  everywhere  com- 
mands the  high  regard  and  confidence  of  the  people. 


CHARLES  F.  BLACK. 


Charles  F.  Black,  United  States  marshal,  to  which  position  he  was  appointed 
on  the  1st  of  May,  1910,  was  born  at  Harkers  Corners,  Peoria  county,  November 
6,  1859,  his  parents  being  Gain  R.  and  Susan  Matilda  (Powell)  Black,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  \'irginia.  The  father  comes  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry, 
while  the  mother  was  of  Scotch  lineage. 

Charles  F.  Black  supplemented  a  common-school  course  by  two  years'  study 
in  the  Peoria  County  Normal  and  then  entered  Brown's  Business  College,  from 
which  he  was  in  due  time  graduated.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  farming 
and  stock-raising,  and  also  engaged  successfully  in  shipping  live-stock,  but  at 
length  abandoned  private  business  interests  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  po- 
litical duties.  However,  he  is  a  director  in  the  Farmers'  Grain  &  Lumber 
Company  of  Glasford.  He  was  first  called  to  office  when,  in  1887,  he  was  made 
highway  commissioner  of  Hollis,  which  office  he  continued  to  fill  until  1893.  In 
the  latter  year  he  was  elected  assessor  and  served  for  three  years,  or  until  1896. 
He  was  then  made  supervisor  and  filled  that  position  for  six  consecutive  years, 
or  until  1902,  when  he  was  elected  to  represent  his  district  in  the  state  legisla- 
ture. He  remained  a  member  of  the  general  assembly  through  three  terms,  be- 
ing reelected  in  1906  and  again  in  190S.  While  connected  with  the  house  he 
proved  one  of  the  active  working  members,  connected  with  much  constructive 
legislation,  advocating  at  all  times  such  measures  as  he  deemed  beneficial  to  the 


710  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

commonwealth  at  large.  On  the  ist  of  May,  19  lo,  he  was  appointed  United 
States  marshal  and  is  now  tilling  that  position.  In  politics  he  has  always  heen 
a  republican  and  is  a  believer  in  high  taritT  on  luxuries. 

In  St.  Louis  on  the  i6th  of  May,  1908,  Mr.  Black  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Edith  Brown,  a  daughter  of  Quinlan  Brown,  of  Sterling,  Colorado.  In 
1909  Mr.  Black  was  called  u])on  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  died  on  the 
16th  of  January.  In  fraternal  relations  Air.  Black  is  well  known  as  a  high  de- 
gree Mason,  holding  membership  in  the  consistory  and  in  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He 
also  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  society.  There  is  in  his  entire  life  history  no 
esoteric  ])hase  and  his  position  is  never  an  equivocal  one;  he  openly  avows  his 
policy  in  regard  to  political  affairs  and  is  only  conservative  when  guarding  the 
interests  of  the  public,  not  in  the  expression  of  his  opinions  concerning  any  point 
of  vital  significance  to  the  community.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  throughout 
the  state  and  enjoys  thv.^  warm  regard  of  his  political  colleagues  and  contempora- 
ries and  of  many  friends  whom  he  has  met  in  purely  social  ways. 


ROSS  J.  CANTERBURY. 

Ross  J.  Canterbury,  city  engineer  and  one  of  the  representative  young  men  of 
Peoria,  was  here  born  in  1884.  His  father,  A.  C.  Canterbury,  came  to  this  state 
originally  from  Kentucky  and  engaged  in  the  live-stock  business  in  Peoria,  where 
he  reared  his  family.  Spending  his  boyhood  days  vmder  the  parental  roof,  Ross 
J.  Canterbury  pursued  his  education  in  the  city  schools  and  also  in  Bradley  In- 
stitute, from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1906  on  the  completion 
of  a  course  in  the  engineering  department.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  rail- 
way and  mining  engineering,  in  which  field  he  continued  until  1909,  when  he  was 
appointed  assistant  city  engineer.  His  service  in  that  connection  was  of  such 
excellence  that  on  the  ist  of  December,  1910,  he  was  elected  city  engineer  and 
is  now  filling  that  office.  His  college  training  and  his  ]irevious  experience  well 
qualified  him  for  this  work  and  he  is  proving  a  most  faithful  incumbent. 

In  191 1  Mr.  Canterbury  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Gertrude  Allen,  of 
Peoria,  a  daughter  of  J.  S.  Allen.  They  are  well  known  young  people  of  the 
city,  having  an  extensive  circle  of  friends  and  the  hospitality  of  many  of  the 
attractive  homes  here  is  freely  accorded  them.  In  politics  Mr.  Canterbury  has 
always  been  a  republican  and  it  was  as  the  candidate  of  this  party  that  he  was 
elected  to  the  position  which  he  is  now  creditably  filling. 


WILLIAM  F.  MEIDROTH. 

William  F.  Meidroth  was  born  in  Peoria,  September  9,  1856,  a  son  of  Wil- 
liam and  Caroline  (Lidle)  Meidroth.  The  father's  birth  occurred  in  Nord- 
hausen,  Germany,  in  1822,  and  his  death  in  Peoria  in  1873,  when  he  was  fifty- 
one  years  of  age.  He  was  a  cabinet-maker  by  trade  and  after  1854  came  to 
America.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Swabia,  came  to  the  United  States  in  company 
with  her  brother  and  two  sisters,  and  in  1855  she  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to 
William   Meidroth. 

Their  son,  \\'illiam  F.  Meidroth,  entered  business  circles  as  an  employe  in 
a  tobacco  factory  at  Peoria  and  subsequently  became  a  typesetter  in  the 
office  of  the  Deutsche  Zeitung.  where  he  was  employed  for  five  years,  during 
which  period  Captain  Fresenius  was  the  editor.  He  also  "held  cases"  on  the 
National  Democrat.  He  afterward  went  to  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  where  for 
two  years  he  had  charge  of  a  fine  Kentucky  stock  farm  and  prepared  cattle  for 


A\'.    !•■.    .MKII)i;n|  II 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  713 

exhibition.  In  1878  he  became  a  member  of  the  Peoria  fire  department,  witli 
which  he  was  connected  for  four  years. 

His  association  with  his  present  line  of  business  l)egan  in  September,  1881, 
when  he  entered  the  employ  of  Charles  Block,  with  whom  he  remained  for 
four  years.  In  1885  he  started  in  business  on  his  own  account  at  Bridge 
Junction,  where  he  remained  for  five  years,  and  in  1891  opened  the  Pabst  buffet 
rni  the  ground  floor  of  the  Niagara  building,  which  was  one  of  the  largest 
and  most  elegantly  equipped  bufifets  in  the  city  outside  of  Chicago.  He  prided 
himself  on  the  good  (|uality  of  refreshments,  both  solid  and  liquid,  and  the 
attention  and  service  rendered  by  his  employes.  In  1901  his  ten-year  lease  at 
the  Xiagara  exjMred,  whereupon  he  fitted  up  a  new  place  of  business  at  No.  104 
South  Jefferson  avenue,  which  was  one  of  the  coziest  gentlemen's  resorts  in 
the  state.  In  igio  he  opened  up  the  finest  buflfet  in  the  state  in  the  JetYerson 
office   building,   where   he  is   now   conducting  business. 

Mr.  Meidroth  was  married  in  Peoria,  January  15,  1878,  to  Miss  Josephine 
Moutier  and  they  became  parents  of  two  sons :  Arthur  J.,  who  is  general  man- 
ager of  the  l.os  Angeles  Paving  Brick  Company,  of  Los  Angeles,  California; 
and  William  F.,  who  is  with  the  engineering  corps  in  the  United  States  war 
department.  Mrs.  Meidroth  died  in  1884  and  Mr.  Aleidroth's  second  marriage 
was  with  Miss  Josephine  Tendering  at  Pekin,  Illinois,  on  the  12th  of  October, 
1886.  They  have  two  children,  Leslie  and  Bernadine.  Mr.  Meidroth  is  a 
democrat  in  his  political  views  and  his  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Masons, 
the  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of   Pythias  and  the  Heptasophs. 


VOLNEY  H.  FREEMAN. 

It  is  the  generally  accepted  opinion  that  the  enterprising  and  successful  man 
of  business  has  few  of  those  qualities  which  are  manifest  in  an  artistic  or  poetic 
nature,  but  \'olney  H.  Freeman  not  only  made  continuous  progress  in  business 
circles  but  also  gave  evidence  of  much  more  than  ordinary  literary  ability. 
He  was  born  in  Glenville,  Schenectady  county,  New  York,  in  1824,  and  had 
traversed  life's  journey  for  about  eighty  years  when  called  to  his  final  rest  on  the 
27th  of  May,  1904.  His  parents  were  farming  people  who  lived  about  three  miles 
west  of  Schenectady  and  in  that  locality  Volney  H.  Freeman  spent  his  boyhood 
and  youth.  He  was  a  pupil  in  the  district  schools  of  the  neighborhood  and  when 
not  busy  with  his  text-books  assisted  in  the  work  of  the  home  farm  until  nearly 
twenty  years  of  age.  He  then  left  home  and  in  1844  began  teaching  in  the 
country  schools,  following  that  profession  until  1851.  He  came  west  to  Illinois 
about  1850  and  taught  his  last  term  of  school  at  Farmington,  this  state,  in  thfe 
following  year. 

About  that  time  Mr.  Freeman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Dix- 
son,  of  Harkness  Grove,  Illinois,  and  immediately  afterward  he  began  farming, 
which  pursuit  he  followed  for  three  years.  Fie  then  sold  his  land  and  took  up 
his  abode  in  Peoria,  with  the  business  interests  of  which  city  he  was  continuously 
identified  throughout  his  remaining  days.  Here  he  first  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture and  sale  of  sad.dlcry  and  harness,  conducting  his  business  in  a  storeroom 
which  he  purchased  from  the  late  Thomas  Dobbins.  After  six  years  spent  in  that 
field  of  labor  he  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  to  include  the  auction  busi- 
ness, conducting  both  interests  for  a  year.  He  then  discontinued  the  manufac- 
ture and  sale  of  harness  and  erected  a  business  block  on  South  Washington  street, 
in  which  he  carried  a  stock  of  general  merchandise  and  also  dealt  in  real  estate 
and  conducted  an  auction  business  for  twenty-five  years.  On  the  expiration  of 
that  jjeriod  he  closed  out  his  genera!  merchandise  and  auction  house  and  for  five 
years  thereafter  conducted  a  shoe  business.     He  then  began  the  publication  of  his 


714  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

"Book  of  Poems,"  of  which  ten  thousand  copies  were  sold.  He  afterward  con- 
ducted a  real-estate  office  and  devoted  his  time  largely  to  the  management  and 
control  of  his  extensive  real-estate  holdings.  From  time  to  time  he  had  invested 
in  property  until  he  was  the  owner  of  much  valuable  realty  in  Peoria,  deriving 
therefrom  a  substantial  annual  income.  He  was  a  mjn  of  marked  energy  and 
singleness  of  purpose  and  in  all  of  his  business  enterprises  was  successful. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Freeman  were  the  parents  of  two  sons  both  of  whom  are  de- 
ceased, leaving  Mrs.  Freeman  as  the  sole  survivor  of  the  Httle  household  which 
once  numbered  four  members.  She  makes  her  home  at  No.  141 3  Xorth  Perry 
avenue,  and  has  many  friends  in  Peoria.  Eight  years  have  passed  since  Mr. 
Freeman  was  called  from  this  life  but  his  memory  is  yet  cherished  by  many  who 
knew  him.  He  was  a  public-spirited  man,  deeply  interested  in  all  that  pertained 
to  the  welfare  and  development  of  the  city  in  which  he  so  long  made  his  home. 
His  aid  could  always  be  covmted  upon  as  a  factor  in  movements  for  the  public 
good  and  his  cooperation  was  of  a  practical  and  therefore  beneficial  character. 
He  reached  an  advanced  age,  respected  and  honored  by  all  who  knew  him. 


ADDISON  H.  WHITE. 


Addison  H.  White  is  the  secretary  and  general  manager  of  the  Senet  Cedar 
Company,  manufacturers  of  sweeping  compoimd,  the  place  of  business  being 
situated  at  1500  North  Adams  street,  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  Peoria  county, 
September  11,  i860,  the  son  of  O.  H.  and  Martha  (Coe)  White.  The  White 
family  is  of  English  origin  and  came  to  America  in  the  Mayflower.  Addison  H. 
White  of  this  review  is  a  direct  descendant  of  Peregan  White,  who  was  born 
shortly  after  the  Mayflower  landed.  Members  of  the  White  family  have  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  various  affairs  of  this  country.  Spencer  White  operated 
a  sawmill  on  Rock  Island  before  that  island  was  purchased  by  the  government, 
which  established  thereon  a  large  United  States  arsenal  and  armory.  The  pater- 
nal and  maternal  grandfathers,  Mr.  White  and  Mr.  Moss,  came  to  Peoria  county 
in  1835,  and  other  members  of  the  Moss  family  also  located  here  about  that 
time.  The  father,  O.  H.  White,  was  a  traveling  salesman  for  the  firm  of  Culter 
&  Proctor,  stove  manufacturers,  and  he  sold  the  first  stoves  that  were  ever  made 
by  that  firm.  He  resides  at  Aspen,  Colorado,  in  which  city  his  wife  passed 
away  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight.     She  is  buried  there. 

Addison  H.  White  received  his  primary  education  in  the  public  school.  The 
first  of  these  he  attended  was  a  district  school  and  then  he  received  instruction 
in  the  private  school  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Chais  and  complemented  his  education  by  a 
course  in  Parrish's  PiUsiness  College.  Subsequently  he  engaged  as  a  clerk  in  the 
grocerv  business  of  John  \^'ise  and  later  entered  the  hardware  business  of  A.  R. 
Thompson  in  the  same  capacity.  In  1893  '""^  became  connected  with  the  Metro- 
politan Life  Instirance  Company,  with  which  firm  he  remained  for  eight  years, 
and  during  five  and  a  half  years  of  this  time  he  was  assistant  superintendent  in 
the  various  offices  of  this  company.  Afterward  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  be 
came  identified  with  the  Peoria  Life  Insurance  Company,  holding  the  position  of 
superintendent  of  agents,  and  continued  in  this  work  for  three  years.  He  then 
bought  a  half  interest  in  his  present  business,  traveling  for  the  same  for  a  few 
years  and  then  assisted  in  forming  the  present  corporation,  which  was  organized 
August  9,  1909.  The  business  was  established  as  a  copartnership  and  was  re- 
organized under  its  present  name  after  Mr.  White  had  purchased  an  interest 
therein.  Since  this  it  has  grown  wonderfully  and  from  a  small  beginning  has 
developed  into  a  large  concern.  During  the  last  year  Mr.  White  has  had  entire 
charge  and  has  been  very  successful.  This  prosperity  is  entirely  due  to  his  splen- 
did business  foresight  and  his  untiring  energ^^ 


illSTURY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  715 

In  Peoria,  on  September  28.  1886,  Mr.  White  was  married  to  Miss  Lotta 
Barfoot,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Barfoot,  pioneer  residents  of  Peo- 
ria county.  The  father,  who  was  formerly  engaged  in  the  painter's  business, 
lived  for  a  number  of  years  retired  and  passed  away  in  igii.  Mr.  White  gives 
his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  For  many  years  he  has  been  an 
active  worker  in  the  Congregational  church  and  was  one  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers of  the  Plymouth  church  of  that  denomination  in  this  city.  He  resides  in  his 
beautiful  home  at  No.  314  .Archer  avenue  and  well  deserves  to  be  numbered 
among  the  prosperous  and  highly  honored  residents  of  this  city. 


FRANK  MACHIN  STORY. 

Sixty-seven  years  ago  Henry  Story  and  his  wife  left  Sheffield,  England, 
crossed  the  Atlantic  and  located  their  first  home  in  America  at  the  corner  of 
Fourth  and  Sanford  streets  in  Peoria.  The  city  was  then  only  a  country  village, 
undeveloped  and  unorganized.  There  were  no  municipal  improvements  and  wild 
grass  had  to  be  mowed  with  a  scythe  within  a  few  blocks  of  their  home.  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Story  family  have  lived  in  Peoria  since  that  time  and  today 
Frank  M.  Story  is  spending  his  retired  life  in  this  city.  He  has  been  identified 
with  various  business  enterprises  for  over  fifty  years,  during  which  time  he  has 
witnessed  the  develojiment  of  the  city  and  has  contributed  toward  it,  the  rest 
which  he  is  now  enjoying  being  well  deserved  and  fully  earned.  He  was  born  in 
Sheffield,  England,  October  17,  1S42,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Hannah 
(Machin)  Story,  both  natives  of  that  city.  His  father's  birth  occurred  in  181 1, 
and  he  remained  in  England  until  1845.  In  that  year  he  came  to  the  United 
States,  locating  in  Peoria,  where  in  1846  he  built  a  home  on  the  corner  of  Fourth 
and  Sanford  streets.  The  house  is  still  standing  and  for  over  half  a  century 
constituted  the  family  residence.  Henry  Story  was  a  worker  in  ivory  and  hard- 
woods for  the  cutlery  trade  and  followed  this  line  of  occupation  in  Sheffield. 
All  of  the  elephant  tusks  that  came  to  Sheffield  and  valuable  hard  woods  were 
brought  to  his  establishment,  in  which  he  did  this  class  of  work  for  the  different 
cutlery  firms  of  England.  When  he  came  to  America  he  specialized  in  the  turn- 
ing of  billiard  balls  and  did  other  work  along  the  same  line  for  a  number  of 
years.  He  also  built  wagon  hubs,  stair  pilasters  and  made  fishing  rods.  The  lat- 
ter he  constructed  along  an  original  plan  of  his  own,  hollowing  them  out  into 
telescope  form  so  that  they  served  as  a  walking  stick.  Mr.  Story  has  now  in 
his  possession  several  tools  and  poles  constructed  by  his  father. 

■The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  in  the  Peoria  public  schools  and  dur- 
ing his  childhood  spent  much  of  his  time  helping  his  father.  After  he  laid  aside 
his  books  he  established  himself  in  the  photographic  business  and  was  successful 
in  this  line  of  occupation  for  sixteen  years,  abandoning  it  at  the  end  of  that  time 
to  take  a  position  as  traveling  salesman  in  the  employ  of  Harsch  Brothers,  a 
concern  which  later  operated  under  the  name  of  Harsch  &  Griswold,  and  subse- 
c|uently  as  Griswold  &  Company,  and  the  National  Biscuit  Company.  After 
twenty-four  years'  service  with  the  above  concerns  he  retired  from  active  life 
about  the  year  igoi  in  order  to  take  care  of  his  father  during  his  last  illness. 
He  is  now  living  in  a  comfortable  and  pleasant  home  located  at  501  North  street, 
to  which  he  moved  after  fifty-nine  years  of  continuous  residence  in  the  old  home- 
stead. 

On  February  19,  1874,  Mr.  Story  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  C. 
Elliot,  a  daughter  of  Judge  William  and  Frances  fCrissy)  Elliot,  of  Farmington, 
Illinois,  and  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  respectively.  Mrs.  Story's  father  was  a 
prominent  attorney  in  Fulton  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Story  have  three  children : 
Mabel  Frances,  who  lives  with  her  parents ;  Wilhelmina  Blanche,  who  married  F. 


716  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

D.  Crawshaw,  a  professor  in  the  University  of  Wisconsin ;  and  Clara,  who  mar- 
ried Henry  Newton  Kipp  of  Pontiac,  Illinois. 

In  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Story  is  a  consistent  republican  and  actively 
interested  in  local  affairs,  although  he  never  seeks  public  office.  He  is  a  devout 
adherent  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  He  has  lived  almost  his  entire  life  m 
Peoria  and  is  numbered  among  the  representative,  substantial  and  public-spirited 
men  of  the  city.  He  is  one  of  the  well  known  citizens  and  during  the  course  of 
a  long  and  useful  life  has  made  the  energy,  integrity  and  practical  industry  by 
which  he  promoted  his  own  prosperity  become  influential  factors  in  municipal 
"■rowth. 


WILLIAM  A.  WILLARD.  ■ 

Many  years  have  passed  since  William  A.  Willard  departed  this  life  but  there 
are  also  many  men  now  well  known  and  prominent  in  business  circles  who  re- 
member him  with  gratitude  for  his  generous  assistance  or  kindly  words  of  advice 
when  they  were  at  the  turning  points  of  their  careers.  His  own  success  as  a 
merchant  was  well  deserved,  it  being  the  fitting  and  merited  reward  of  earnest, 
persistent  and  carefully  directed  labor.  He  was  born  July  27,  1828,  at  Rocking- 
ham, Windham  county,  Vermont,  and  died  July  17,  1865,  at  Saxton's  River, 
\'ermont,  while  on  a  visit  to  his  native  state.  His  parents  were  Alpheus  and 
Maria  (Sabin)  Willard,  natives  of  Saxton's  River  whence  they  made  the  over- 
land trip  to  Illinois  long  before  the  era  of  railroad  travel  and  settled  in  ISrim- 
field,  Peoria  county,  in  1838.  They  were  among  the  first  to  take  up  their 
abode  in  that  district  and  contributed  to  its  early  substantial  development 
and  upbuilding. 

William  A.  Willard  was  at  that  time  but  ten  years  of  age.  Only  six  years 
before  had  the  Black  Hawk  war  occurred  and  there  were  still  many  evidences 
of  Indian  occupancy  to  be  found  in  the  state.  Then  too,  there  were  great  prai- 
rie stretches  in  Illinois  that  were  unclaimed  and  forests  that  were  uncut.  His 
educational  opportunities  at  Brimfield  were  very  limited  for  his  father  died 
when  a  comparatively  young  man,  and  Mr.  ^^'illard  was  forced  to  earn  his  own 
living.  His  widowed  mother  opened  her  home  which  was  at  that  time  a  log 
cabin  for  a  school,  which  was  attended  by  the  children  of  neighbors  in  and  near 
Brimfield.  After  a  few  years  William  A.  Willard  came  to  Peoria  and  entered 
the  employ  of  Moses  Pettengill,  Peoria's  "grand  old  man,"  of  the  pioneer 
days.  This  man,  whose  example  and  precepts  so  greatly  aided  and  encour- 
aged many  a  youth  starting  on  life's  journey,  proved  indeed  a  friend  to  Mr. 
Willard  and  the  latter,  early  developing  high  principles  as  well  as  a  spirit  of  in- 
dustry and  determination,  made  continuous  progress.  He  saved  bis  monev  and 
by  frugal  living  at  length  acquired  sufficient  capital  to  enable  him  to  engage  in 
merchandising  on  his  own  account.  He  continued  for  many  years  as  one  of 
Peoria's  prominent  and  successful  young  business  men  but  about  three 
years  prior  to  his  death  his  health  began  to  fail  and  while  on  a  business  trip 
east  the  final  summons  came.  He  was  a  self-made  man  and  took  advantage 
of  every  legitimate  opportunity  presented  and  by  unflagging  industrv  and  honor- 
able effort  gradually  worked  his  way  upward  in  the  business  world.  He  was 
but   thirty-six   years  of   age   when   he   passed   from   this   life. 

On  the  8th  of  Sentember.  1852,  in  Peoria.  Illinois.  Mr.  Willard  had  mar- 
ried Miss  Theresa  Bissell,  who  was  born  July  22.  rS^o.  in  Colebrook,  Coos 
county.  New  Hampshire,  a  daughter  of  Morean  and  Octa  I  Porter)  Bissell.  of 
Colebrook,  who  became  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin,  where  the  father  followed 
the  occupation  of  farming.  Both  Air.  and  Mrs.  Willard  were  descendants 
of  old     New   England    families   that   helped  to  shape   the   destiny  of   the   coun- 


WILLIAM  A.  WILLARD 


WILLIAM    A.   WILLARU 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  721 

try.  liy  their  marriage  were  born  four  children:  l->ank,  of  Detroit  who  had 
three  children,  Warren  A.,  Kingman  S.  and  Margaret  T.,  deceased;  Marv  i;.. 
who  occupies  the  family  home  with  her  mother;  and  William  and  Marrv  1!.,  who 
have  passed  away. 

]\Ir.  Willard  lived  an  earnest  Christian  life  as  an  active  member  of  St.  Paul's 
Episcopal  church,  in  which  he  served  as  vestryman.  In  politics  he  was  a  demo- 
crat and  a  great  admirer  of  Stephen  A.  Douglas.  At  one  time  he  served  as 
mayor  of  Peoria  and  at  the  time  of  his  demise  he  was  a  member  of  the  board 
of  school  inspectors.  He  was  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic  and  prime  movers 
in  securing  for  the  city  an  adequate  water  supply  and  personally  championed 
the  movement  that  secured  the  first  mercantile  library  for  the  city  of  Peoria. 
He  was  prominent  in  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  was  also  a  faithful  member 
of  the  Odd  Fellows  lodge.  He  loved  his  friends  and  delighted  in  dispensing 
generous  hospitality  and  was  ever  a  most  genial,  courteous  and  kindlv  host. 
He  read  broadly  and  though  his  school  advantages  in  youth  were  very  limited 
he  became  a  well  informed  man.  It  was  his  great  delight  to  aid  others  and  he 
took  an  especially  great  interest  in  the  boys  and  young  men  of  the  city  who  in- 
deed found  in  him  a  friend.  His  success  as  a  merchant  and  his  prominence 
as  a  citizen  were  well  deserved.  Thnnighout  his  life  he  never  chose  the  second 
best  in  anything  Init  sought  to  attain  tlie  highest  and  reached  ever  after  lofty 
ideals.  His  career  was  an  inspiration  and  an  encouragement  to  others  and  he 
ever  held  with  Abraham  Lincoln  that  "There  is  something  better  than  mak- 
ing a  living — making  a  life.".  Mrs.  Willard  passed  away  on  May  23.  iqu.  at 
the  age  of  eighty-two  years. 


GEORGE  W.  HERMANN. 

George  W.  Hermann,  who  is  the  proprietor  of  a  general  merchandise  store 
and  who  has  also,  since  1896,  acted  as  superintendent  of  the  post  office  at  Bar- 
tonville,  was  born  in  Limestone  township,  Peoria  county,  November  21,  1872. 
He  is  a  son  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth  (  Fitchen )  Hermann.  The  father  came 
with  his  parents  from  Darmstadt,  Germany,  to  America  in  1847  and  settled  on 
a  farm  in  Limestone  townshi]).  Llere  the  grandfather  was  engaged  in  general 
agricultural  pursuits  with  much  success,  and  his  farm  covered  the  present  site 
of  the  Carter  brick  yard. 

George  W.  Hermann  received  his  early  education  in  the  district  school  which 
is  known  as  the  Oak  Grove  school  and  afterward  completed  a  course  in  I5rown's 
Business  College.  Subsequently  he  was  employed  for  one  year  on  a  farm  in 
East  Peoria,  after  which,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  took  a  position  in  the 
grocery  store  of  H.  B.  Bess  in  Peoria  and  remained  there  for  about  one  year. 
He  then  worked  for  seven  months  in  the  retail  grocery  store  of  Joseph  Stalter, 
which  was  located  at  the  corner  of  Monroe'  and  Morgan  streets.  Afterward 
he  took  charge  of  the  grocery  store  of  Scholl  Brothers  and  remained  with  them 
for  some  time.  On  January  5,  1891,  he  came  to  Bartonville,  where  he  managed 
the  grocery  store  for  J.  &  J.  Hill  until  April  7,  1893.  when  he  purchased  the 
same  and  has  since  carried  on  the  business  for  himself.  He  has  added  in  the 
meantime  a  mercantile  and  general  department.  In  1896  he  also  became  super- 
intendent of  the  postoffice  here,  which  he  oversees  in  connection  with  his  mer- 
cantile store.     He  erected  his  business  building  here  and  also  two  residences. 

At  Bartonville,  March  i,  1893,  Mr.  Hermann  was  married  to  Miss  Maria 
J.  Hill,  daughter  of  John  Hill,  who  was  formerly  a  merchant  at  Bartonville  and 
who  built  the  first  store  of  this  city.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hermann  have  been 
born  six  children,  namely:  Ray  William,  who  assists  his  father  in  the  store; 
Lloyd  Wilbert ;  Lizzie  Irene ;  Node  Justin ;  George  Joseph ;  and  Susanna  Dor- 
othy.    The  five  last  named  are  attending  school. 


722  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mr.  Hermann  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  since  1904  has  served  as  a 
notary  public.  Fraternally  he  is  identitied  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America.  He  acts  as  treasurer  of  the  Workingmen's  Sick  and  Death  Benefit  Fund 
and  has  ever  taken  an  active  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  community.  He  is 
a  well  liked  and  successful  merchant  here  and  his  prosperity  is  due  to  his  own 
splendid  business  foresight  and  energ}'. 


J.  M.  DAN'ID. 


J.  M.  David,  who  was  the  junior  partner  of  the  law  firm  of  Sheen  &  David, 
with  offices  at  No.  403-405  German  Fire  Insurance  building,  was  a  resident  of 
Peoria  since  IQ09,  in  which  year  the  partnership  was  formed.     He  was  born  at 
Bladen,  Nebraska,  July  15,  1884,  a  son  of  Isaac  and  Mary  J.  David.     The  father 
died  in  1895,  being  "buried  at  Bladen,  while  the  mother,  who  survives  her  son,  the 
subject  of  this  review,  made  her  home  with  him  in  Peoria  until  his  demise.     His 
primary  education  J.  M.  David  received  in  Nebraska  and  in  Washington,  Illinois. 
He  was  graduated  from  the  Galesburg  high  school  in  1902,  after  which  he  entered 
the  Illinois  Wesleyan  Law  School,  and  after  his  graduation  from  that  institu- 
tion in  1905  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  October  of 
the  same   year.     His  first  legal  practice  was  when   he  became  connected  as  a 
partner  with  the  firm  of  Sheen,  Miller  &  David.    After  remaining  with  this  firm 
for  a  time  he  withdrew  and  practiced  alone  for  two  years,  and  when  Mr.  Miller 
withdrew  from  the  firm  of  Sheen,  Miller  &  David,  and  became  associated  with 
the  Hon.    lohn   S.   Stevens,   Mr.   David   again   entered   into  a   partnership   with 
Daniel  R.  Sheen,  his  uncle.    The  practice  of  this  firm  was  most  satisfactory  and 
J.  M.  David  acquired  an  excellent  standing  and  reputation  in  the  community  in 
connection  therewith. 

Mr.  David  was  married  in  Wolcott,  Indiana,  June  14,  191 1,  to  Miss  June  E. 
Unroe,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  i\Irs.  John  E.  Unroe.  Her  father  is  a  well  known 
cement  contractor  at  Wolcott.  In  political  matters  Mr.  David  was  independent, 
preferring  to  support  for  nomination  and  office  such  candidates  as  he  considered 
best  fitted  for  the  positions.  He  was  an  enthusiastic  member  of  the  Peoria  Bar 
Association,  being  a  regular  attendant  at  its  meetings.  He  was  well  known  as  a 
promising  young  attorney  and  his  demise  occasioned  widespread  and  deep  regret. 
Always  lovallv  giving  his  attention  and  energy  to  the  causes  entrusted  to  him  he 
was  on  the  road  to  success  and  his  practice  had  become  quite  extended.  He  made 
his  home  with  his  mother  at  519  Fifth  street. 


WILLIAM  F.  HARTMAN. 

\\illiani  F.  Hartman,  who  has  the  exclusive  agency  for  electric  pianos  in 
central  Illinois  and  eastern  Iowa,  maintaining  an  office  at  207  Bridge  street,  Peo- 
ria, was  born  at  Wapello,  Iowa,  on  the  5th  of  February,  1864.  His  father.  Henry 
Hartman,  was  born  and  reared  in  Germany,  whence  he  emigrated  to  the  United 
States  in' 1834.  He  sailed  from  Hamburg,  and  upon  his  arrival  in  this  country 
settled  in  Louisa  county,  Iowa,  acquiring  government  land  in  the  vicinity  of 
Wapello.  There  he  reared  his  eight  children,  devoting  the  remainder  of  his  life 
to  the  further  improvement  and  cultivation  of  his  land. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  William  F.  Hartman  were  unusually  hard,  as  at 
the  age  of'  eight  years  he  began  assisting  his  father  with  the  operation  of  the 
home  farm,  such  education  as  he  received  being  acquired  prior  to  that  time.  In 
1880,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  he  left  home  and  started  out  to  make  his  own  way  in 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  723 

the  world.  Never  having  learned  a  trade,  agricultural  pursuits  were  the  only  oc- 
cupations open  to  him,  and  his  energies  daring  the  succeeding  fourteen  years 
were  entirely  devoted  to  farming  and  threshing.  In  the  latter  year  he  removed 
to  Boston,  Illinois,  where  he  worked  in  the  sawmills  during  the  winter  months 
and  engaged  in  threshing  in  the  summer,  remaining  there  for  two  years.  His 
next  removal  was  to  Illinois  City,  Rock  Island  county,  Illinois,  and  there  for 
three  years  he  followed  the  same  vocations.  From  there  he  removed  to  Musca- 
tine, Iowa,  and  contracted  in  a  sawmill  where  they  handled  hardwood  lumber  ex- 
clusively. He  gave  up  this  position  in  1903,  however,  and  coming  to  Peoria  es- 
tablished an  agency  for  electric  pianos  and  other  musical  instrunieiits,  which  he 
both  rents  and  sells.  His  territory  is  good  and  he  has  succeeded  in  establishing 
a  profitable  business  and  is  meeting  with  satisfactory  financial  returns. 

On  the  1st  of  Jaiuiary,  1886,  Mr.  Hartman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Emma  Moore  of  Columbus  Junction,  Iowa,  and  a  daughter  of  Lafayette  Moore. 
The  fraternal  relations  of  Mr.  Hartman  are  confined  to  his  membership  in  the 
Eagles.  Such  success  as  has  rewarded  his  efforts  must  be  attributed  to  his  enter- 
prise and  determination  of  purpose. 


CHARLES   V.  ENGSTROM. 

The  life  record  of  Charles  V.  Engstrom  is  indicative  of  the  fact  that  success 
has  its  root  in  individual  qualities  and  not  in  any  environment  or  fortunate  com- 
bination of  circumstances.  Careful  analyzation  as  to  the  causation  of  success 
proves  clearly  that  industry,  intelligently  directed,  is  the  basis  of  all  business  ad- 
vancement and  so  it  has  been  in  the  case  of  Charles  V.  Engstrom,  who  for  a 
quarter  of  a  century  has  been  identified  with  the  wholesale  leather  trade  of  Peo- 
ria. A  native  of  Sweden,  he  was  born  at  Kalmar,  on  the  loth  of  November, 
1854.  He  acquired  his  education  in  his  native  land,  where  he  remained  until 
fifteen  years  of  age,  when,  in  i86g,  he  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  emigra- 
tion to  the  new  world.  The  family  made  their  way  westward  to  Galesburg,  Illi- 
nois, and  the  boy  soon  secured  employment  as  a  farm  hand,  to  which  work  he 
gave  his  time  and  attention  until  1873.  He  then  came  to  Peoria  and  entered  into 
active  connection  with  railroad  work  as  an  employe  on  the  old  Rock  Island  & 
Peoria  line.  He  was  ambitious,  however,  to  engage  in  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count and  eagerly  availed  himself  of  any  opportunity  leading  in  that  direction. 
In  1876  he  established  a  custom  shoe  shop  in  connection  with  C.  A.  Malm,  the 
partnership  continuing  for  five  years,  or  until  1881,  when  he  purchased  Mr. 
Malm's  interest  and  was  thereafter  alone  in  business  until  1887.  In  that  year 
he  changed  the  direction  of  his  activities  somewhat  by  entering  the  leather  and 
shoe  findings  business  in  connection  with  W.  P.  Bowers.  This  partnership  was 
maintained  uninterruptedly  for  seventeen  years,  or  until  1904,  when  Mr.  Eng- 
strom became  the  sole  proprietor  and  is  today  one  of  the  leading  wholesale 
leather  dealers  of  this  part  of  the  state.  As  the  years  have  passed  his  trade  has 
developed  along  substantial  lines  owing  to  the  enterprise,  the  close  application  and 
the  unfaltering  energy  of  him  who  is  at  its  head.  His  patronage  has  shown  a 
marked  increase  from  year  to  year  and  his  volume  of  trade  is  now  large. 

On  the  31st  of  December,  1879,  Mr.  Engstrom  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Bessie  Anderson,  of  Galesburg,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  four  children, 
of  whom  three  are  living:  Ella  Victoria,  the  wife  of  Dr.  William  N.  Cosley,  of 
Peoria ;  Roy  V.,  who  married  Miss  Edna  Fulks  and  is  a  resident  of  the  state  of 
Washington  ;  and  Charles  I...  who  is  engaged  in  business  with  his  father. 

Mr.  Engstrom  is  well  known  as  a  member  of  Fort  Clark  Lodge,  No.  toB, 
I.  O.  O.  F.,  in  which  he  has  filled  all  the  chairs.  He  belongs  to  Peoria  Lodge, 
No.  15,  F.  &•  A.  M.,  and  to  Peoria  Camp,  No.  812,  M.  W.  A.,  and  is  also  treasurer 


724  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  the  Deaconess  Home  and  Hospital.  Making  a  close  study  of  economic,  socio- 
logical and  political  problems,  Mr.  Engstrom  has  become  identified  with  the  so- 
cialist party,  to  which  for  fifteen  years  he  has  given  his  support,  believing  that  in 
its  principles  are  found  the  solution  for  many  of  the  vital  questions  which  are 
before  the  country.  Mr.  Engstrom  has  at  all  times  evidenced  those  qualities 
which  stamp  him  as  a  man  of  integrity  and  high  purpose  and  in  matters  of  citi- 
zenship his  public  spirit  and  progressiveness  are  manifest  in  his  loyal  indorse- 
ment of  every  movement  that  he  believes  will  advance  the  welfare  of  the  com- 
munitv. 


XEWTUX    .-M.VTTHEWS. 

Newton  Matthews,  who  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  courtty  since  1843,  was 
in  the  years  of  his  early  manhood  connected  with  the  profession  of  law  but  for 
the  past  twentv  years  has  given  his  time  and  energies  only  to  the  supervision  of 
his  invested  interests  and  personal  business  affairs.  He  was  born  June  30,  1841, 
in  Henry  county,  Illinois,  and  is  a  direct  descendant  of  Cobit  Matthews,  who 
married  Miss  Mary  Carrington.  Both  were  natives  of  Hartford.  Connecti- 
cut. Their  son,  Simeon  Matthews,  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rhoda 
Royce,  of  Litchfield  county.  Connecticut,  a  daughter  of  David  and  Jane  (  Foote) 
Royce.  They  were  the  grandparents  of  Xewton  Matthews  and  the  parents  of 
Leman  Matthews,  who  was  born  in  Hartford  county,  Connecticut.  October  30, 
1816.  In  the  fall  of  1839  the  last  named  sought  a  home  in  Illinois.  He  was  a 
young  man  of  aliout  twenty-three  years  when  he  left  New  England,  traveling 
by  wagon  from  Connecticut  to  Albany,  thence  by  the  Erie  canal  to  Buffalo  and  by 
the  steamer  Anthony  Wayne  to  Chicago.  There  he  hired  a  man  to  haul  his  goods 
to  La  Salle  and  for  three  years  therafter  he  was  a  resident  of  Henry  county, 
Illinois.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  removed  to  Peoria  county,  settling 
in  Medina  township  in  1843.  As  the  years  passed  on  he  became  a  large  land 
ow-ner  and  was  extensivelv  engaged  in  farming  to  the  time  of  his  death.  He  con- 
tributed largelv  to  the  pioneer  development  of  this  part  of  the  state  and  his 
energy  and  industry  made  him  a  prosperous  agriculturist.  He  married  Miss 
Mabel  Barker,  who  was  born  in  Connecticut,  Alarch  18,  1815,  and  died  on  the 
29th  of  November,  1892.  They  were  the  parents  of  three  children:  Newton; 
Wallace,  who  was  born  January  12.  1843;  ^^id  Emily,  born  November  14.  1845. 

Newton  ^latthews  was  not  yet  two  years  of  age  when  the  family  came  to 
this  county.  He  pursued  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Peoria,  which  he 
attended  until  twenty-one  years  of  age,  after  which  he  began  reading  law  in  the 
office  of  Johnson  iK:  Hopkins,  with  whom  he  remained  for  three  years.  On  the 
expiration  of  that  period  he  went  to  Chicago  and  in  1866  was  admitted  to  the 
bar.  He  then  began  practice  and  followed  the  profession  successfully  for  a  few 
years,  or  until  his  private  business  interests  claimed  all  of  his  time.  He  had  in- 
vested quite  extensively  in  real-estate  and  the  management  of  his  property  made 
heavy  demands  upon  his  energies.  For  the  past  twenty  years  he  has  given  all 
of  his  time  to  his  personal  business  affairs  and  yet  at  different  periods  in  his 
life  he  has  rendered  important  public  service,  filling  a  number  of  public  offices. 
He  has  been  active  as  a  political  leader  in  Peoria,  stanchly  advocating  demo- 
cratic principles,  and  during  President  Cleveland's  administration  he  was 
largely  instrumental  in  securing  the  appointment  of  J.  W.  Hunter  to  the  position 
of  internal  revenue  collector  in  a  spirited  contest  with  a  number  of  candidates 
for  the  position.  His  motto  has  ever  been  clean  politics  and  he  has  been  a  pro- 
nounced foe  to  graft  and  to  misrule  in  municipal  affairs.  He  served  for  many 
years  on  the  board  of  supervisors  of  Peoria  and  over  his  offiicial  record  there 
falls  no  shadow  of  wrong  or  susjiicion  of  evil. 

In  1869  Mr.  Matthews  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  .Ann  Chambers,  who 


XliWTOX   MATTHEWS 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  727 

died  in  1906,  leaving  three  children:  Pearl,  who  is  the  wife  of  Walter  H.  Kirk, 
a  lawyer  of  Peoria,  and  the  mother  of  one  child.  Evangeline;  Maud,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Dr.  E.  A.  Bradley  of  Peoria;  and  Wilbur,  who  is  United  States  store- 
keeper and  gauger.  He  is  married  and  has  one  child,  Priscilla  Matthews. 
After  losing  his  first  wife  Air.  Alatthews  married  again,  his  second  union  be- 
ing with  Airs.  Harriet  M.  Baker.  Mr.  Matthews  is  a  member  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club  and  also  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  Illinois  Lodge,  A. 
F.  &  A.  M.,  while  in  Peoria  Consistory  he  has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree 
of  the   Scottish  Rite. 


KARL    WUIJ 


Karl  Wolf,  proprietor  and  manager  of  the  Hotel  Meyer,  in  which  connection 
he  is  proving  a  popular  host,  was  born  in  Germany  in  1874.  He  has  followed  in 
the  business  footsteps  of  his  father,  John  Wolf,  who  was  a  hotel  proprietor  in 
that  country.  The  son  remained  a  resident  of  his  native  land  until  1893,  when, 
at  the  age  of  nineteen  years,  he  came  to  America,  making  his  way  at  once  into 
the  interior  of  the  country.  Settling  at  Peoria,  he  entered  its  business  circles  in 
connection  with  Die  Sonne,  a  German  newspaper,  learning  the  printer's  trade. 
After  he  had  thoroughly  acquainted  himself  with  the  mechanical  part  of  the 
work  and  had  gained  considerable  knowledge  concerning  the  methods  of  gather- 
ing news  and  compiling  a  paper,  he  joined  leading  German  citizens  in  founding 
and  publishing  the  Peoria  Volksfrcund,  which  he  conducted  for  nine  years.  His 
business  ability  and  enterprise  were  manifest  in  the  success  that  attended  his 
efforts  during  that  period  and  he  became  well  known  as  a  prominent  representa- 
tive of  the  German  press  of  Illinois. 

Mr.  Wolf  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Josephine  Meyer,  a  daughter  of 
August  Meyer,  a  hotel  keeper.  The  wedding  was  celebrated  five  years  ago  and 
of  this  marriage  two  children  have  been  born,  Paula  and  Johanna.  After  his 
marriage  Mr.  Wolf  became  proprietor  and  manager  of  the  Hotel  Meyer,  situ- 
ated at  the  corner  of  Oak  and  Adams  streets,  and  is  numbered  among  the 
successful  hotel  men  of  the  city.  He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  Turn  Verein,  Con- 
cordia Singing  Society  and  is  a  director  of  the  German  free  school.  His  promi- 
nence and  popularity  in  the  German  American  circles  of  the  city  are  widely  ac- 
knowledged. .\side  from  his  membership  connections  already  mentioned  he  be- 
longs to  the  Woodmen  of  the  World  and  to  St.  Joseph's  Benevolent  Society.  The 
latter  indicates  that  a  spirit  of  helpfulness  and  broad  humanitarianism  rules  him 
in  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen.  He  came  to  America  empty-handed  and 
has  since  been  forced  to  depend  upon  his  own  resources.  He,  therefore,  has 
great  sympathy  with  others  who  are  starting  out  in  life  without  capital  and  is 
ever  ready  to  extend  a  hand  of  assistance  where  he  believes  that  material  aid 
will  prove  beneficial. 


SHERMAN  ANDREW  HUNT. 

The  old  homestead  farm  of  the  Hunt  family  lies  four  miles  south  and  a  mile 
west  of  Trivoli.  There  occurred  the  birth  of  Elijah  Hunt  and  of  his  son  Sher- 
man Andrew  Hunt,  whose  name  stands  at  the  head  of  this  review.  The  former 
was  born  August  20,  1833.  and  was,  therefore,  forty-nine  years  of  age  when  he 
passed  away  in  1882.  He  had  been  an  active  farmer  to  the  time  when  his  health 
failed.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Adelaine  Murdaugh,  was  born 
in  Pana  and  is  now  sixty-nine  years  of  age.     By  her  marriage  she  became  the 


728  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

mother  of  seven  children,  four  daughters  and  three  sons,  WilHam  C,  Sherman 
A.,  Harry  A.,  Mrs.  Edith  Miskimmen,  Mrs.  Eva  Clark,  Cora  and  Grace.  The 
last  two  are  now  deceased. 

At  the  usual  age  Sherman  A.  Hunt  entered  the  public  schools  and  therein 
pursued  his  studies  while  spending  his  boyhood  and  youth  upon  the  home  farm, 
where  his  birth  occurred  July  24,  1865.  He  resided  continuously  on  the  old 
homestead  to  the  time  of  his  marriage,  which  was  celebrated  June  30,  1885,  when 
he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  Miss  Rickie  Becker,  a  native  of  Richwoods  town- 


Dthy 
three  years  of  age  on  the  22d  of  December,  191 1. 

Following  his  marriage  Sherman  A.  Hunt  engaged  in  farming  in  Richwoods 
and  in  Medina  township  until  1885,  when  he  established  his  home  in  Peoria,  ac- 
cepting a  position  in  the  livery  stable  of  B.  F.  Bowman  on  West  Bluff.  He  was 
afterward  employed  in  the  Great  Western  Distillery  until  1897,  when  he  entered 
the  employ  of  the  Clarke  Brothers  Distilling  Company,  being  associated  with  that 
corporation  until  he  received  his  appointment  as  deputy  sheriff  on  the  ist  of 
November,  1899.  under  Sheriff  John  Kinsey,  under  whom  he  served  for  three 
years.  He  continued  in  the  position  for  four  years  under  Sheriff  D.  E.  Potter 
and  then  entered  the  detective  service  in  connection  with  the  Central  Detective 
Association.  In  1909  he  was  elected  constable  for  a  term  of  six  years  and  is 
now  acting  in  that  capacity.  Two  years  ago  he  was  a  candidate  for  sheriff  at 
the  primaries  but  was  defeated  by  a  small  majority.  He  has  always  given  his 
political  support  to  the  republican  party.  As  deputy  sheriff"  he  handled  four 
hundred  insane  patients  who  were  taken  to  Watertown  and  Jacksonville  asylums 
and  in  all  that  number  there  were  no  mishaps.  He  is  justly  proud  of  the  record 
that  he  has  made  in  office,  for  his  duties  have  ever  been  discharged  with  prompt- 
ness and  fidelitv  and  sound  judgment  has  guided  him  in  all  of  his  official  connec- 
tions. While  serving  under  Sheriff'  Potter  he  was  chief  deputy  and  was  in 
charge  of  criminal  work. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Hunt  is  a  IMason,  belonging  to  Temple  Lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M., 
and  he  also  liolds  membership  in  Peoria  Camp,  M.  W.  A.  Honorable  purpose, 
activity  and  fidelity  have  characterized  him  in  every  relation  of  life.  He  is  both 
energetic  and  progressive  and  these  qualities,  combined  with  reliability,  insure 
his  advancement. 


WILLIAM  H.  ROGERS. 


William  H.  Rogers  who  passed  away  at  his  home  in  Radnor  township  on 
January  31,  191 1,  was  one  of  the  early  resjdents  of  Peoria  county.  He  was  born 
October  11",  1836,  in  New  York  state  in  Maranac  which"  was  his  mother's  first 
home  in  America.  His  father,  John  S.  Rogers,  was  born  in  New  York  state, 
of  German  descent,  .-\ugust  4,  1808.  He  was  drowned  in  the  Mississippi  river, 
luly  9,  1843,  while  bringing  his  familv  to  Illinois  where  they  were  to  settle. 
The  mother  of  William  H.  Rogers,  of  this  review,  was  Mary  Ann  (Seddan) 
Rogers.  She  was  a  native  of  England,  born  December  25,  1807,  and  was 
brought  to  America  when  she  was  five  years  of  age,  by  her  parents,  who  settled 
in  Maranac,  New  York.  She  died  in  Peoria  county,  March  12,  1879.  In  the 
family  of  John  S.  and  Mary  Ann  (Seddan)  Rogers  were  nine  children:  Ely 
B  born  September  7,  1828;  Margaret,  born  November  8,  1829;  George  A., 
born  October  8,  1831  ;  Calvin  C,  born  June  18,  1833:  John  S..  born  January 
18,  1835;  William  H..  of  this  review;  James  H.,  born  January  31.  1839;  Mmet 
S.,'born  September  9,   1S40:  and  David  J.,  born  September  10.  1842.    The  only 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  729 

living  members  of  this  family  are  Minet  S.,  who  now  resides  at  El   Paso.  Illi- 
nois, and  David  ].,  who  lives  in  East  Peoria,  Illinois. 

William  H.  Rogers  was  brought  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  in  1843,  when  he 
was  six  years  of  age.  The  family  located  in  Jubilee  township,  Illinois,  and 
there  he  grew  to  manhood  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools 
When  he  was  si.xteen  years  of  age  he  began  working  as  a  farm  hand,  and 
received  eight  dollars  per  month  as  compensation  for  his  services.  In  1861 
he  moved  to  Radnor  township,  buying  there  eighty  acres  of  land,  which  was 
located  a  short  distance  west  of  D«niap,  and  is  the  birthplace  of  his  sons,  John 
L.  and  Elmer  B.,  and  his  daughter,  Mina  E.  All  his  life  he  was  engaged  in 
general  farming  and  he  was  very  successful  in  his  financial  transactions.  At 
the  time  of  his  death  he  owned  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Nebraska, 
which  is  now  in  possession  of  his  son,  Logan  A.,  and  he  also  owned  four  luui- 
dred  and  ninety  acres  in  Radnor  township,  which  now  belongs  to  his  sons. 

In  1861  Mr.  Rogers  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Janette  E.  Wakefield, 
and  immediately  after  their  marriage  they  removed  to  Radnor  township,  where 
they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  Janette  E.  (Wakefield)  Rogers,  was 
born  on  November  22,  1841,  in  Radnor  township,  about  three  miles  west  of 
Dunlap,  near  the  present  home  of  her  sons  John  L.  and  Elmer  B.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  John  L.  ^^'akefield,  who  was  born  of  Scotch  parentage,  in 
Chester  county,  Pennsylvania,  June  18,  1794.  Her  mother  was  Martha  ( .'->trick- 
ler )  W'aketicld.  who  was  born  of  English  parentage  in  Dauphin  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, October  27,  1805.  John  L.  Wakefield  was  a  weaver,  and  he  worked 
at  that  trade  in  Pennsylvania,  also  in  Boerne,  Warren  county,  Ohio.  He  left 
Pennsylvania  for  Warren  county,  Ohio,  in  1821,  and  remained  in  that  place 
until  the  fall  of  1834.  In  1S36  he  and  his  wife  came  to  Illinois  locating  on 
section  18  in  Radnor  township,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives  there. 
He  passed  away  November  8,  1881,  and  his  wife  February  19,  1879.  In  their 
family  were  fifteen  children:  Jonathan,  born  January  28,  1824;  Sarah,  born 
March  24,  1825;  Elizabeth,  born  August  2,  1826:  George  W.,  born  April  27, 
1828;  Joseph,  born  February  28,  1830;  William,  born  January  30,  1832;  Re- 
becca, born  January  27,  1834;  Lucinda,  born  March  24,  1836;  Wilson  N.,  born 
March  7,  1837;  Maria,  born  June  15,  1839;  Janette  E.,  who  was  the  wife  of 
William  H.  Rogers;  John  T.,  born  April  21,  1843;  James  K.,  born 
July  27,  1845;  Henry  D.,  born  September  9,  1846;  and  Sophia  L.,  born  Janu- 
ary 28,  1849.  Maria,' who  now  resides  in  Dunlap,  and  Sophia,  of  Lenox,  Iowa, 
are  the  only  surviving  members  of  the  family.  Mr.  and  "Sirs.  William  Rogers 
became  the  parents  of  seven  children :  Logan  A.,  who  is  engaged  in  farming 
in  Nebraska;  Charles  S.,  a  retired  farmer  at  Estherville,  Iowa;  Wilson  N.,  who 
is  engaged  in  farming  near  Dunlap;  William  J.,  of  Dunlap;  John  L.,  of  this 
township;  Mina  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Mr.  A.  Y.  Case,  a  farmer  near  Dunlap; 
and  Elmer  B.,  of  this  township. 

William  H.  Rogers  was  a  republican  in  politics,  and  for  many  years  he  served 
as  commissioner  of  Radnor  township.  All  his  life  he  was  greatly  interested  in 
educational  advancement,  and  for  more  than  twenty  years  was  a  school  director. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  were  earnest  and  devoted  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church.  Both  were  well  known  and  highly  honored  throughout  this 
community,  and  their  deaths  were  deeply  deplored  by  many  friends  and  acc|uain- 
tances.  Air.  Rogers  passed  away  January  31,  191 1,  and  his  wife,  preceding 
him  by  a  great  number  of  years,  passed  away  .-Xpri!  14,  1888.  The  work  on  Mr. 
Rogers'  old  homestead  is  carried  on  now  by  his  two  sons :  John  L.,  who  resides 
a  short  distance  east  of  the  old  family  residence,  and  Elmer  B.,  who  lives  at 
the  homestead. 

John  L.  Rogers  was  born  on  his  father's  old  home  place  May  5,  1879,  and 
was  reared  there  and  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  Radnor  township.  He 
has  always    followed   the   occupation   of   general    farming,   and   now   operates   a 


730  HISTORY  OF  TEORIA  COUNTY 

large  farm  in  Estherville,  Iowa,  to  which  he  moved  in  March,  1912.  lie  mar- 
ried on  November  21,  1900,  at  Dunlap,  Illinois,  Miss  Myrtle  Byers,  the 
daughter  of  Thomas  R.  and  Arminda  Phoebe  (Yates)  Byers,  the  father  of 
Scotch  and  the  mother  of  English  descent.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  L.  Rogers 
have  been  born  two  children,  both  of  whom  now  are  attending  school.  They 
are:  Ruth,  born  September  2.  1901  ;  and  Justin,  born  February  20,   igofi. 

Mina  E.  (Rogers)  Case,  the  only  daughter,  was  born  on  the  old  homestead 
on  March  30,  1886,  was  reared  there  and  educated  in  the  common  schools  of 
Radnor  township.  She  was  married  on  September  17,  1908,  to  A.  Y.  Case,  a 
son  of  Charles  Case.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Case  have  one  child,  Aldah,  born  September 
30,  1910. 

Elmer  B.  Rogers  was  born  on  the  homestead  on  which  he  now  lives,  Feb- 
ruary 14,  1887,  and  is  the  youngest  of  his  father's  family.  He  was  reared  here 
and  attended  the  common  schools  in  Radnor  township,  and  later  was  a  student 
in  the  Princeville  high  school.  He  has  always  followed  general  farming  and  is 
now  operating  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  his  father's  old  homestead. 
On  August  I,  1907,  he  married  Miss  Lelia  Byers,  who  is  a  sister  of  Myrtle 
(Byers)  Rogers,  the  wife  of  the  brother,  John  L.  Rogers.  IMr.  and  Mrs.  Elmer 
13.  Rogers  have  become  the  parents  of  one  son.  Otto,  who  was  born  March  27, 

1909. 

The  brothers  are  well  known  throughout  Peoria  county.  They  have  ever 
maintained  the  excellent  reputation  of  the  family  that  was  established  by  their 
worthy  father.  They  are  both  greatly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity, and  the  elder,  John  L.  Rogers,  has  served  as  school  director,  an  office 
which  he  held  for  three  years.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  and  fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 


lOHN  COMSTOCK. 


No  history  of  Peoria's  pioneer  development  and  progress  would  be  com- 
plete without  extended  reference  to  John  Comstock,  a  business  man  of  marked 
ability  and  enterprise  who  recognized  and  grasped  the  opportunities  which  sur- 
rounded him  and  thus  gradually  worked  himself  upward  to  the  plane  of  af- 
fluence. In  all  his  dealings  his  integrity  was  unquestioned,  and  throughout 
his  life  he  stood  for  that  which  is  most  commendalile  in  the  relations  of  man 
with  his  fellowmen. 

Ohio  numbered  Mr.  Comstock  as  a  native  son.  his  birth  having  occurred  in 
Taylorsville,  that  state,  on  the  20th  of  November.  1818.  His  life  span  covered  the 
intervening  years  to  the  5th  of  August,  1905.  He  was  early  thrown  upon  his 
own  resources  for  his  father,  who  was  a  civil  engineer,  died  in  1829,  and  soon 
afterward  his  mother  passed  away  so  the  boy  was  left  an  orphan  at  the  early 
age  of  eleven  years.  He  then  went  to  live  with  an  older  sister  with  whom 
he  remained  for  two  years,  but  when  a  lad  of  thirteen  years  started  out  in  life 
on  his  own  account.  From  that  time  forward  until  his  death  he  depended 
upon  his  own  resources  and  as  the  years  passed  he  continually  advanced  in  the 
business  world  until  he  gained  a  prominent  position  as  one  of  the  most  capable 
and  successful  of  real-estate  dealers  in  Peoria  and  throughout  the  state.  He 
made  his  initial  start  in  the  business  world,  however,  at  Zanesville,  Ohio, 
where  he  was  employed  in  a  flour  mill  for  two  years  and  also  in  other  work  by 
which  he  could  earn  an  honest  living.  In  1837  he  went  to  New  Orleans  with  a 
boat  load  of  flour  and  afterward  up  the  Red  river,  but  did  not  make  perma- 
nent location  in  that  part  of  the  country,  going  east  to  Louisville,  Kentucky, 
where  he  learned  the  cutter's  trade  in  a  merchant  tailoring  establishment.  He 
afterward  mastered  all  branches  of  the  business  and  was  employed  in  Louisville 


JOHX  COMSTOCK 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  733 

until  a  strike  was  ordered  by  the  tailors  of  that  city  and  he  left  Louisville  for 
Peoria,  arriving  here  by  boat  on  the  9th  of  January.  1840.  It  was  a  small  and 
comparatively  unimportant  town  which  welcomed  him,  but  he  believed  its  future 
would  give  him  opportunities.  He  opened  a  merchant  tailoring  establishment 
and  after  conducting  business  alone  for  a  time  he  became  senior  partner  in  the 
the  firm  of  Comstock  &  Clegg.  The  confinement  of  the  shop,  however,  told  upon 
his  health,  and  because  of  this  he  began,  in  1853,  to  deal  in  real  estate,  his  opera- 
tions in  that  direction  enabling  him  to  s])end  considerable  time  out  of  doors.  In 
those  days  military  titles  covered  all  the  desirable  vacant  land  in  northwestern 
Illinois,  and  an  understanding  of  the  laws  governing  land  titles  was  a  valuable 
as-set  to  anyone  engaged  in  that  line  of  business.  Mr.  Comstock's  educational 
privileges  had  been  very  limited,  but  at  this  period  he  began  to  study  and  read 
land  laws  and  pursued  his  investigations  until  he  became  a  recognized  authority. 
His  opinions  were  respected  by  the  best  lawyers  of  the  day,  including  such  well 
known  members  of  the  bar  as  Judges  Purple,  Cooper,  \\'illiamson,  Puterbaugh, 
Manning  and  Browning.  His  judgment  is  the  matter  of  land  titles  was  rarely 
questioned,  and  his  opinions,  once  formed,  were  never  wavering.  His  knowledge 
and  experience  in  this  direction  stood  him  well  in  hand,  and  he  became  one  of 
the  most  successful  real  estate  men  in  the  city.  As  the  years  progressed  he 
not  only  handled  property  but  engaged  also  in  speculative  building,  erecting 
manv  houses  and  business  blocks,  some  of  which  he  sold  and  others  rented. 
In  1883  he  became  connected  with  James  M.  Morse  in  the  real  estate  business, 
and  the  dealings  of  the  firm  were  of  a  most  important  character.  His  labors 
contributed  much  toward  the  uphuiUiing  of  the  city,  and  whatever  he  undertook 
he  carried  out  to  a  successful  completion. 

In  other  ways  aside  from  his  business  Mr.  Comstock  contributed  to  the 
work  of  public  progress.  At  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  he  was  a  stalwart  advo- 
cate of  the  Union  cause  and  gave  liberally  of  his  means  to  support  and  u])hold 
the  Union  army.  So  valuable  was  his  aid  in  this  connection  that  Richard 
Yates,  who  was  then  governor  of  the  state,  conferred  upon  him  a  colonel's  com- 
mission. His  work  was  unique  and  certainly  most  commendable  in  this  con- 
nection. He  not  only  raised  and  financed  a  company  of  infantry  but  made 
most  liberal  provision  for  the  widows  of  all  of  the  soldiers  who  were  mem- 
bers of  that  company,  giving  to  each  whose  husband  lost  his  life  at  the  front 
a  quarter  section  of  land.  This  being  rich  Illinois  prairie  land,  the  property 
through  development  became  very  valuable  and  provided  a  livelihood  for  many 
families.  Colonel  Comstock's  work  in  this  connection  is  indeed  worthy  of  the 
highest  praise  and  indicates  not  only  his  loyalty  to  the  Union  but  his  spirit  of 
broad  humanitarianism  and  helpfulness.  He  always  remained  a  stalwart  advo- 
cate of  progressive  measures  for  the  public  good,  and  yet  he  had  no  political 
aspirations  nor  would  he  consent  to  become  a  candidate  for  ofifice.  His  views, 
however,  accorded  with  the  principles  of  the  republican  party  and  he  never 
faltered  in  his  allegiance  to  the  cause  which  he  espoused.  He  stanchly  op- 
posed anything  like  misrule  in  municipal  government  and  believed  that  the 
ideals  of  citizenship  should  be  as  high  and  public  service  as  clean  as  a  man's 
record  in  his  business  or  his  home  relations.  His  political  allegiance  was  given 
to  the  republican  party  and  he  served  as  the  first  president  of  the  Republi- 
can  Club   of   Peoria. 

On  the  sixth  of  October,  1851.  l\Ir.  Comstock  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Amelia  A.  Molineau,  who  still  survives  him.  as  do  eight  of  his  children, 
namely:  Helena  A.,  John,  Spencer.  Nathaniel,  Mary,  Jessie,  Mrs.  Susan  Hart 
and  Mrs.  Eva  Schelley.  The  last  named  is  a  resident  of  St.  Louis.  Another 
daughter,  Mrs.  Bena  Strecker,  died  in  TO03.  Mr.  Comstock  passed  away  on 
the  5th  of  .'\ugust,  1905,  when  he  was  eighty  seven  years  of  age.  Lie  was  one 
of  the  first  members  of  the  Peoria  lodge  of  Masons  and  he  also  held  member- 
ship  in   the   Royal    .Arch   Chapter.      Later   in   life   he   joined    and   attended   the 


734  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Episcopal  church.  He  served  on  the  bnildiii!^  committee  of  tlie  .Masonic  Tem- 
ple and  at  all  times  was  deeply  and  helpfully  interested  in  the  organization 
which  has  as  its  basic  principle  the  brotherhood  of  man.  His  life  was  indeed 
an  honor  to  the  community  in  which  he  lived  and  his  character  was  such  as  at 
all  times  commanded  respect.  He  certainly  deserved  great  credit  for  what 
he  accomplished,  inasmuch  as  he  started  out  in  life  empty-handed  and  with 
few  of  the  advantages  which  most  boys  enjoy.  At  a  time  when  lads  are 
largely  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  an  education  he  was  earning  his  own  living. 
As  the  years  passed  he  increased  his  usefulness  by  reason  of  his  determination, 
energy,  enterprise  and  ambition  and  his  work  figured  as  a  factor  in  Peoria's  up- 
building and  progress  as  well  as  in  his  own  success. 


lAMES  T.  JOHNSON. 


Success  in  life  is  not  so  much  a  matter  of  many  opportmiities  as  it  is  of  the 
shrewd  and  discriminating  use  of  time  and  talent.  The  career  of  James  T.  John- 
son, now  living  retired  in  his  pleasant  home  at  2904  South  Adams  street,  Peoria, 
is  an  example  of  the  truth  of  this  statement.  He  began  his  career  when  he  was 
eight  years  old  as  a  trapdoor  opener  in  a  coal  mine,  and  closed  his  active  business 
life  upon  his  retirement  as  president  of  the  Peoria  Coal  Drill  Works. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  bom  in  New  Richmond,  England.  September  2,  1843,  his 
parents  being  Thomas  and  Dina  (Truesdale)  Johnson,  both  natives  of  England, 
who  never  left  their  native  country.  Their  son  received  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Great  Britain  but  laid  aside  his  school  books  at  the  early  age 
of  eight  years  when  he  entered  the  employ  of  a  coal-mining  company.  His 
duties  were  to  open  and  close  the  trapdoor  leading  into  the  mine.  He  had  to 
rise  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  work  for  sixteen  hours  every  day.  work- 
ing in  cold  water  up  to  his  knees.  He  often  worked  in  places  where  the  cold 
water  dripped  from  above  and  soaked  his  clotlies.  His  hours  were  long,  his 
pay  meager  and  the  conditions  of  his  life  hard  and  cruel  in  the  extreme.  He 
was  often  beaten  by  his  employer  and  put  to  tasks  entirely  unsuited  to  a  boy  of 
eight  vears.  However,  he  gradually  worked  his  way  upward  from  his  humble 
position,  and  by  his  energy,  resource  and  careful  saving  improved  his  position 
until  when  he  was  twenty-eight  years  of  age  he  engaged  in  the  contracting  busi- 
ness on  his  own  account,  making  a  specialty  of  tunneling.  He  took  one  of  the 
largest  contracts  in  that  line  ever  let  in  England,  which  was  to  drill  a  tunnel 
through  two  thousand,  one  hundred  yards  in  the  county  of  Durham.  He  left 
England  when  he  was  thirty-six  years  old  and  came  to  this  country,  settling  in 
Irving  Station,  eighteen  miles  east  of  Pittsburg,  in  Pennsylvania.  He  started  his 
business  career  in  this  country  by  engaging  in  coal  mining  and  was  so  occupied  in 
the  states  of  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Iowa.  He  had  a  resourceful  and 
intelligent  mind  and  a  discriminating  grasp  of  what  was  needed  to  promote  the 
]irogress  and  development  of  the  coal  interests  in  this  countn-.  For  years  he  had 
interested  himself  in  machinery  and  in  due  course  of  time  had  become  the  in- 
ventor of  various  attachments  for  mining  implements  which  have  made  devices 
so  used  more  simple  and  effective.  His  first  patent  was  taken  out  in  1885  and  was 
an  improvement  upon  a  coal  miner's  drill.  He  received  the  world's  prize  at  the 
Columbian  Exposition  in  Chicago  for  improved  mining  machinery.  During  his 
travels  he  had  come  to  the  conclusion  to  remove  his  home  to  the  middle  west, 
and  subsequently  had  become  connected  in  Peoria  with  the  Peoria  Coal  Drill 
Works,  of  which  he  later  became  ])rcsident,  and  with  which  three  of  his  sons, 
James,  Fred  and  Walter,  are  now  connected. 

At  one  period  in  his  career  Mr.  Johnson  became  interested  in  Illinois  farm 
lands  and  bought  for  himself  a  large  tract  of  land  just  oustide  of  the  city  of  Peo- 


I! 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  735 

ria.  This  he  owned  and  operated  for  a  number  of  years  and  was  extremely  suc- 
cessful along  this  line.  His  farm  is  today  one  of  the  most  modernly  equipped 
in  central  Illinois  and  he  still  takes  a  keen  interest  in  its  development.  Mr.  John- 
son has  always  had  tirm  faith  in  the  commercial  future  of  Peoria,  and  the  com- 
fortable fortune  which  he  has  accumulated  in  the  course  of  his  life  has  always 
been  invested  in  local  enterprises.  He  has  erected  a  large  number  of  buildings 
in  this  city,  including  the  one  at  31 14  South  Adams  street  in  which  his  business 
is  located.  This  structure  is  modern  in  every  detail  and  thoroughly  equipped 
along  modern  lines  of  construction.  It  has  a  frontage  of  one  hundred  feet  and 
is  one  of  the  imposing  buildings  in  this  city. 

In  1869,  before  leaving  the  mother  country,  Mr.  Johnson  had  married,  in  the 
county  of  Durham,  Elizabeth  Thompson,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Catherine 
(McKinsey)  Thompson,  both  natives  of  England.  Her  father  was  engaged  in 
coal  mining  in  the  old  country  and  there  died  in  1876,  at  the  age  of  sixty-twc 
years,  while  the  mother  survived  until  1903,  attaining  the  remarkable  age  of 
ninety-six  years.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  fourteen  children  were  born,  of 
whom  eight  are  now  living,  namely :  James,  who  is  connected  with  the  Peoria 
Coal  Drill  Works  in  Peoria ;  Maggie,  who  makes  her  home  in  Chicago ;  Lilly ; 
Fred,  who  is  also  connected  with  his  father's  iiusiness ;  Joseph;  Katie;  Ida; 
and  Walter,  who  is  likewise  associated  with  the  Peoria  Coal  Drill  Works.  In 
January,  1908,  Mr.  Johnson  lost  his  wife,  who  had  lieen  an  able  helpmate  and  an 
active  factor  in  his  success.  She  is  buried  in  the  family  lot  at  Springdale  ceme- 
tery, in  this  city.  Their  eldest  son,  William  T.,  who  died  in  1909,  is  buried  in 
the  same  cemetery.  Mr.  Johnson  lost  his  eldest  daughter,  Harriet,  in  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  where  she  found  her  last  resting  place. 

James  T.  Johnson  is  now  living  in  honorable  retirement  after  an  active  and  suc- 
cessful business  career.  When  he  was  a  little  boy,  spending  his  time  opening  and 
closing  a  trapdoor  in  a  coal  mine,  his  opportunities  did  not  seem  bright,  and  yet 
at  that  time  he  had  the  future  before  him,  full  of  hard  work  it  is  true,  but  des- 
tined to  be  rewarded  and  crowned  by  much  success  and  a  happv  and  honorable 
retirement  after  hard  labor. 


FRANCIS  MARION  EVANS. 

The  presidency  of  the  Peoria  lioat  Company  and  the  holding  of  large  real- 
estate  interests  closely  connect  Francis  Marion  Evans  with  the  business  circles 
of  Peoria  and  at  the  same  time  he  is  active  in  politics  as  a  republican  leader,  fill- 
ing the  position  of  county  game  commissioner  at  the  present  writing  in  1912. 
He  was  born  in  Le  Roy,  Dawson  township,  McLean  county,  Illinois,  March  25, 
1874.  His  father,  Francis  Marion  Evans,  also  a  native  of  that  township,  was 
sixty-six  years  of  age  when  he  passed  away  in  1908.  His  father  also  bore  the 
name  of  Francis  Marion  Evans  and  he  and  two  of  his  brothers  were  the  first 
white  settlers  in  McLean  county.  I-'rom  that  pioneer  period  the  Evans  family  has 
been  closely  and  helpfully  identified  with  the  work  of  development  and  progress 
there.  The  mother  of  Francis  Marion  Evans  of  this  review  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  .Adelaide  V.  Bump  and  was  born  in  Hudson  township,  McLean  county, 
where  her  life  was  passed,  her  death  occurring  only  six  months  after  her  hus- 
band's demise. 

Their  son  Francis  Marion  Evans,  one  of  a  family  of  eight  children,  attended 
the  public  schools  in  P)looniington  and  also  the  Normal  .State  L^niversity  at  Nor- 
mal, pursuing  a  two  years'  course  in  electricity.  lie  devoted  several  years  there- 
after to  electrical  work  and  traveled  for  the  Manhattan  Electric  Company  of 
New  York.  He  was  also  on  the  road  for  local  electric  firms  and  then  took  up 
the  duties  of  fireman  and  engineer  on  a  locomotive.     In  1894  he  came  to  Peoria 


736  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  has  since  been  identihed  with  the  business  and  political  interests  of  this  city. 
Wisely  using  his  time  and  opportunities,  he  has  eventually  become  president  of 
the  Peoria  Boat  Company  and  is  engaged  in  the  sale  of  motor  boats  beside  repre- 
senting several  other  business  interests.  He  has  made  large  and  judicious  invest- 
ments in  real  estate  and  his  property  holdings  are  extensive,  yielding  him  a  grati- 
fying income.  At  one  time  he  was  inspector  of  streets  under  Mayor  Woodruff 
and  also  filled  the  position  of  police  inspector.  Later  he  went  upon  the  road  as 
representative  of  Clarke  (S:  Company,  distillers  and  makers  of  alcohol.  He  was 
again  called  to  public  office  in  his  recent  appointment  by  Governor  Deneen  to  the 
position  of  county  game  commissioner.  He  has  long  been  an  active  factor  in 
political  circles  and  his  o])inions  carry  weight  in  the  local  councils  of  the  repub- 
lican party.  He  is  now  chairman  of  the  senatorial  committee,  which  position  he 
has  filled  since  the  enactment  of  the  primary  law.  He  is  noted  for  his  capacity 
for  work  and  for  his  administrative  ability  and  it  is  well  known  that  his  devo- 
tion to  the  public,  interests  insures  prompt  and  faithful  performance  of  his 
official  duties. 

In  1897  J\Ir.  Evans  was  married  to  JMiss  Elizabeth  Pipes,  a  daughter  of 
George  Pipes,  a  prominent  raiser  and  dealer  of  live-stock  in  this  county.  A  son 
has  been  born  to  them,  Francis  Marion  I\'.  The  family  home  is  at  No.  105  Elm- 
wood  avenue  and  the  warm-hearted  hospitality  j\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Evans  extend  all 
friends  and  acquaintances  render  it  exceedingly  attractive.  Mr.  Evans  is  a  well 
known  young  man,  progressive  and  enterprising.  He  stands  close  to  the  dis- 
tinguished politicians  of  the  state  and  in  Peoria,  where  his  business  record  is  a 
familiar  one.  he  enjoys  confidence  and  warm  regard  because  of  the  good  use  he 
has  made  of  his  time  and  talents. 


JACOB  C.  GMELICH. 


Jacob  C.  Gmelich,  a  progressive  young  business  man  of  enterprise  and 
ability,  has  for  practically  twelve  years  been  operating  a  confectionery  and 
bakery  establishment  at  No.  313  Main  street,  Peoria,  where  he  enjoys  an  excel- 
lent patronage.  He  was  born  in  Peru,  Illinois,  on  the  8th  of  July.  1878,  and 
is  a  son  of  Gottlieb  Gmelich.  The  father  was  born  in  Germany,  but  for  many 
years  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  at  Peru,  where  he  is  numbered 
among  the  representative  citizens.  He  takes  an  active  interest  in  all  public 
affairs  and  at  different  times  has  been  called  to  public  oft'ice,  having  served 
as  county  treasurer.  Gottlieb  Gmelich  served  in  the  Civil  War  and  is  a 
member   of   the   Grand   Army   of   the   Republic. 

The  early  education  of  Jacob  C.  Gmelich  was  obtained  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  town,  after  which  he  attended  St.  Bede  College  for  two  years. 
When  his  studies  were  completed  he  entered  the  candy  factory  of  Fred  San- 
ders at  Detroit,  Michigan,  in  the  capacity  of  an  apprentice,  remaining  there  for 
eight  years.  During  that  period  he  thoroughly  mastered  every  detail  of  this 
industry,  in  which  he  became  most  proficient.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time 
he  removed  to  New  York,  settling  in  Buffalo,  where  he  operated  a  confec- 
tionery establishment  for  the  greater  part  of  a  year.  From  there  he  came 
to  Peoria  and  in  July,  1901,  opened  his  business  at  No.  313  Main  street.  Here 
he  is  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  all  manner  of  plain  and  fancy  confections, 
ice  creams  and  plain  and  fancy  bakery  goods,  including  all  kinds  of  pastries 
and  cakes.  In  addition  to  this  during  the  noon  hour  he  serves  a  light  luncheon, 
and  bakery  lunches  during  the  entire  day.  Everything  that  is  sold  in  his  estab- 
lishment is  manufactured  there  and  is  of  exceptionally  good  quality.  He  em- 
ploys only  the  very  best  of  ingredients  in  the  manufacture  of  his  goods,  which 
are  advertised  to  be  absolutely  pure  and  are  offered  at  reasonable  prices.     In 


JACOB    ('.   (;.\IKI.I(  u 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  739 

the  development  of  his  business  Mr.  Gmelich  has  met  with  such  success 
that  in  August,  1908,  he  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  by  estabUshing 
a  branch  store  at  No.  log  South  Adams  street.  This  is  conducted  on  exactly 
the  same  Hues  as  his  original  store,  excepting  that  all  the  baking  is  done  at 
the  former  place.  He  has  succeeded  in  establishing  more  than  a  local  repu- 
tation and  ships  his  bakery  goods  and  ice  creams  to  families  in  nearby  towns 
and  is  building  up  a  profitable  out-of-town  retail  business.  He  gives  his  per- 
sonal supervision  and  attention  to  every  detail  connected  with  his  stores  and  fac- 
tory, which  he  strives  to  operate  in  strict  accordance  with  the  highest  standards 
of  cleanliness  and  sanitation.  Mr.  Gmelich  is  now  making  arrangements  to  re- 
move his  store  from  No.  313  Main  street  to  No.  323  Main  street,  where  he 
expects  to  more  than  double  his  present  capacity  and  will  install  extensive 
modern  improvements,  not  the  least  of  which  will  be  a  beautifully  decorated 
and  attractively  furnished  refreshment  parlor.  He  has  secured  a  ten-year  lease 
on  the  property  and  will  doubtless  meet  with  success  in  his  new  venture.  His 
establishments  are  neat  and  attractive  in  appearance.  He  keeps  a  high  class 
of  help  and  is  particular  to  see  that  every  patron  is  accorded  the  most  cour- 
teous and  considerate  treatment.  The  methods  and  policy  adopted  in  the  con- 
duct of  his  business  are  such  as  to  commend  him  to  the  confidence  of  all  wlio 
have  transactions  with   him   and  nautrally   he   is   prospering. 

In  June,  1902,  ]\Ir.  Gmelich  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lena  Merkel, 
and  to  them  have  been  born  two  children,  of  whom  one,  Robert,  is  living.  Fra- 
ternally Mr,  Gmelich  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  Masonic  order  and  holds 
membership  in  the  commandery,  shrine  and  the  consistory,  and  he  is  also  affili- 
ated with  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  He  is  likewise  a  valued 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  His  political  views  coincide  with  the  princi- 
ples of  the  republican  party,  to  whose  men  and  measures  he  gives  his  support 
at  national  elections.  On  other  occasions  he  votes  for  the  man  he  deems  best 
qualified  for  the  office.  He  is  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  practical  views  and 
has  been  identified  with  various  local  movements  and  enterprises  and  was  at 
one  time  vice  president  of  the  Peoria  Fountain  Company.  Mr.  Gmelich  has 
made  orderly  progression  in  the  development  of  his  career  and  is  meeting  with 
success  by  reason  of  his  close  concentration  and  the  sagacity  he  has  manifested 
in  the  direction  of  his  business  interests.  In  the  city  of  Peoria  he  is  widely  recog- 
nized as  a  popular  and  public-spirited  citizen  and  one  whose  cooperation  can  be 
counted  upon  to  further  any  measure  or  movement  calculated  to  promote  the 
general    welfare. 


ALLEN  &  LARGE. 


Allen  &  Large,  wholesale  dealers  in  cigars  and  pipes,  are  proprietors  of  one 
of  Peoria's  most  recent  and  thriving  commercial  establishments,  which  has  been 
conducted  under  the  above  name  for  less  than  a  year,  although  the  enterprise 
was  founded  practically  nine  years  ago.  It  was  first  organized"  by  Mr.  .Allen  in 
1903  under  the  firm  name  of  Frederick  J.  Allen,  and  continued  to  be  conducted 
under  that  name  at  the  present  location,  320  South  Washington  street,  until  the 
spring  of  191 1.  On  the  ist  of  March,  that  year,  Mr.  Large  came  into  the  busi- 
ness as  an  ecjual  partner,  the  firm  name  being  changed  to  Allen  &  Large.  The 
added  capital  has  enabled  them  to  enlarge  their  enterprise  and  extend  the  scope 
of  their  business  and  they  have  every  reason  to  feel  encouraged  and  most  san- 
guine regarding  the  future  of  their  establishment.  Both  proprietors  are  travel- 
ing on  the  road  and  they  also  employ  four  salesmen,  their  territory  being  eastern 
Iowa,  Illinois  and  western  Indiana.  They  are  both  enterprising  and  capable 
young  men,  and  have  used  such  intelligence  and  discrimination  in  the  develop- 


740  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

nient  of  their  business  that  tliey  have  succeeded  in  building  up  a  profitable  trade. 
The  patronage  of  the  house  has  shown  a  marked  increase  ever  since  it  was 
founded,  but  with  their  increased  capital  and  sales  force  their  development  is 
bound  to  be  more  rapid,  while  their  prosperity  seems  assured.  Both  Mr.  Allen 
and  Mr.  Large  have  been  covering  the  territory  in  which  they  are  now  doing 
business  for  a  good  many  years,  as  they  were  formerly  in  the  employ  of  large 
local  wholesale  concerns,  and  are  well  known  to  the  retail  trade  and  have  a  good 
personal  following. 

Frederick  J.  Allen,  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  .\llen  &  Large,  is  a  native 
of  Peoria,  his  birth  ha\'ing  occurred  in  1877,  and  a  son  of  James  S.  Allen,  a  well 
known  paving  contractor  of  this  city.  He  is  indebted  to  the  local  public  schools 
for  his  preliminary  education,  which  was  later  su])plemented  by  a  commercial 
course,  his  student  days  being  terminated  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years.  He  then 
entered  upon  the  active  duties  of  a  business  career  as  an  employe  of  Oaksford  & 
Fahnestock,  wholesale  grocers.  When  he  first  entered  their  service  he  was  as- 
signed a  minor  position  on  the  office  force,  where  he  not  only  efficiently  dis- 
charged his  duties  but  attentively  applied  himself  to  the  mastery  of  the  business, 
qualifying  himself  for  advancement.  He  was  ambitious  and  enterprising  and 
wanted  to  make  rapid  progress,  but  being  a  practical  and  intelligent  youth  early 
realized  that  development  in  any  line  means  the  thorough  mastery  of  a  multitude 
of  minor  and  apparently  unessential  details,  so  he  made  it  one  of  his  principles 
to  do  to  the  best  of  his  ability  anything  he  undertook.  Such  qualities  as  he  mani- 
fested never  go  unobserved,  and  in  connection  with  his  rare  faculty  of  doing 
things  quickly  and  efficiently,  he  possessed  the  rarer  gift  of  recognizing  and 
anticipating  possible  requirements,  always  showing  a  personal  interest  in  his 
work.  He  was  soon  promoted  from  his  clerical  position  to  the  sales  department 
and  subsequently  went  on  the  road  as  a  traveling  salesman.  Later  he  was  called 
into  the  house  and  made  buyer  of  one  of  the  departments,  continuing  to  be 
identified  with  this  company  until  1903.  It  was  his  intention  not  always  to  re- 
main in  the  service  of  others,  however,  and  this  ambition  constantly  stimulated 
him  to  renewed  and  greater  efforts,  and  despite  the  fact  that  he  had  a  most 
promising  future  with  this  firm  he  severed  his  connection  with  them.  He  had 
long  believed  that  the  wholesale  cigar  and  pipe  business  aflforded  better  oppor- 
timities  for  a  man  of  limited  capital  than  almost  any  other  line,  so  he  pur- 
chased a  stock  and  began  operations  at  the  firm's  present  location.  His  experi- 
ence l:)Oth  as  salesman  and  Ijuver  gave  him  the  needed  practical  knowledge  of 
conditions  generallv  to  qualify  him  to  make  a  success  of  his  undertaking,  ^^'hen 
he  had  his  staff  organized  and  was  ready  for  operations,  he  decided  to  go  on  the 
road  himself.  That  he  did  not  miscalculate  the  possibilities  of  an  enterprise  of 
this  kind  is  evidenced  by  the  excellent  business  the  company  is  now  doing. 

On  the  4th  of  October,  1905,  Mr.  Allen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Irene 
Hart,  a  niece  of  the  late  John  Comstock,  one  of  Peoria's  oldest  and  most  highly 
esteemed  pioneers.  Mr.  Allen  belongs  to  the  United  Commercial  Travelers. 
His  career  has  been  characterized  by  orderly  and  permanent  progression  and  his 
future  as  gauged  by  his  past  looks  most  promising  and  should  bring  to  him  the 
greater  satisfaction  and  commendation  because  it  has  been  self-won. 

Frank  H.  Large  is  one  of  the  most  recent  acquisitions  to  the  wholesale  com- 
mercial fraternity  of  Peoria,  where  he  has  long  been  recognized  as  a  capable  and 
promising  business  man.  He  was  born  in  Denver,  Colorado,  on  the  13th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1879,  and  is  a  son  of  the  late  Theodore  S.  Large,  president  of  the  Peoples' 
Fire  Insurance  .Agency  of  Denver.  The  father  was  for  many  years  successfully 
identified  with  the  insurance  interests  of  Denver,  in  which  city  he  passed  away 
in  igoi. 

Following  the  death  of  his  father,  Frank  H.  Large  left  his  native  city,  in 
whose  public  schools  he  was  educated,  and  came  to  Peoria  and  has  ever  since 
resided  here.  He  has  made  his  own  way  in  the  world  since  he  was  a  lad  of 
fourteen  years,  his  first  position  having  been  in  a  local  machine  shop,  where  he 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  741 

was  employed  for  about  three  years.  In  i8g6  he  withdrew  from  this  vocation 
and  went  to  work  for  tlie  Wilson  Grocery  Company,  remaining  in  their  service 
for  eight  years.  While  there  engaged  he  industriously  applied  himself  to  acquir- 
ing a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  business  generally,  and  as  he  was  a  bright, 
capable  and  ambitious  youth,  he  became  quite  proficient.  The  firm  early  recog- 
nized his  worth,  giving  evidence  of  their  appreciation  by  promoting  him  to  the 
position  of  traveling  salesman,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until  1904.  He  then 
left  their  employ  to  become  identified  with  The  Jobst-Bethard  Grocery  Company, 
being  a  salesman  of  this  house  for  seven  years.  On  the  ist  of  March,  191 1,  he 
resigned  his  position  to  become  associated  in  business  with  Mr.  Allen,  it  having 
long  been  his  ambition  to  have  an  establishment  of  his  own.  He  was  in  every  way 
fully  qualified  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  such  a  connection,  being  thoroughly 
conversant  with  trade  conditions  generally  and  having  a  large  personal  follow- 
ing among  the  retail  business  men  of  this  state.  As  a  salesman,  Mr.  Large  is 
ranked  among  the  best  in  the  city,  and  he  has  the  additional  advantage  of  pos- 
sessing fine  powers  of  organization  and  keen  business  sagacity.  He  has  made 
an  excellent  record  during  the  entire  period  of  his  commercial  career  and  there 
is  no  question  luit  that  the  powers  he  exercised  to  the  financial  benefit  of  others 
will  materially  aid  in  promoting  the  development  of  the  house  of  Allen  &  Large. 

On  the  2hih  of  August,  1906,  Mr.  Large  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Rourke, 
a  dauglitcr  of  the  late  Charles  Bourke,  who  was  postmaster  of  Peoria  during  the 
pioneer  days.  He  was  one  of  the  town's  oldest  citizens,  and  had  resided  for 
over  fifty  years  at  203  Sixth  avenue,  where  he  passed  away  in  November,  iqii. 

Mr.  I.arge  has  attained  high  rank  in  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  is  a  member 
of  the  Mohammed  Shrine.  He  also  belongs  to  the  United  Commerical  Travelers 
and  the  Travelers  Protective  Association.  He  is  a  man  of  pleasing  personalit\' 
and  genial  nature  and  is  very  po|)ular  with  his  business  associates,  the  respect  of 
whom  he  has  won  and  retained  through  the  upright  principles  and  honorable 
metliods  he  employs  in  all  of  his  transactions. 


THOMAS  B.  LEWIS. 


Thomas  B.  Lewis  is  a  member  of  the  law  firm  of  King  &  Lewis,  and  has 
been  engaged  in  [iractice  for  the  last  three  years.  He  was  born  in  Fairbury,  Illi- 
nois, on  November  12.  1884.  His  parents  are  Dr.  G.  C.  and  Ella  L.  (Beach) 
Lewis,  the  father  a  well  known  physician  in  his  section  of  the  state.  He  is 
affiliated  with  various  medical  societies  and  the  National  Geographic  Society. 
They  make  their  home  at  Fairbury,  Illinois. 

Thomas  B.  Lewis  graduated  from  the  I'airbury  high  school  with  the  class 
of  1902.  He  continued  his  studies  in  Northwestern  University  for  two  years, 
subsequently  entering  the  University  of  Illinois.  In  this  institution  he  pursued 
a  literary  course  until  1905,  when  he  matriculated  in  the  law  department,  being 
awarded  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  in  1908.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  state 
of  Illinois  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 

In  Beardstown,  Illinois,  January  12,  1910,  Mr.  Lewis  was  married  to  Miss 
Jeanette  E.  Schmoldt,  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Lina  Schmoldt.  The  father,  who 
is  deceased,  was  one  of  the  prominent  citizens  of  Cass  county  and  for  many 
years  was  actively  connected  with  political  and  ])ublic  affairs.  He  was  for  some 
time  a  member  of  the  deep  waterway  commission  and  was  serving  on  this  board 
at  the  time  of  his  demise.  He  was  identified  with  various  local  enterprises,  chief 
among  these  being  the  First  State  Bank  of  Beardstown,  of  which  he  was  presi- 
dent. He  was  a  worthy  exemplar  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  had  attained 
high  rank  in  this  order.  Mrs.  Schmoldt  survives  and  makes  her  home  in  Peoria 
with  her  daughter  and  son-in-law,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis,  at  342  Crescent  avenue. 


742  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

During  his  university  days  Thomas  B.  Lewis  joined  the  DeUa  Tau  Deha  and 
Phi  Deha  Phi  fraternities,  with  both  of  which  he  still  keeps  in  touch.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Illinois  Valley  Yacht  Clubs  and  maintains  rela- 
tions with  the  members  of  his  profession  through  the  Peoria  County  Bar  Asso- 
ciation.    He  gives  his  political  indorsement  to  the  republican  party. 


EDGAR   A.    STRAUSE. 

Success  is  but  a  relative  term,  the  value  of  wdiich  must  be  determined  not 
only  by  the  position  to  which  an  individual  has  attained  but  also  by  the  starting 
point  of  his  career.  Judged  in  this  connection,  Edgar  A.  Strause  has  made 
notable  and  creditable  advancement.  He  started  out  in  life  without  any  especially 
favorable  circumstances  to  aid  him  and  laid  the  foundation  for  his  success  in 
thoroughly  learning  the  tobacco  trade.  He  is  today  at  the  head  of  an  extensive 
tobacco  house  and  is  furthermore  prominently  known  in  Peoria  as  a  leading 
factor  in  financial  circles,  being  the  president  of  the  State  Bank  &  Trust  Com- 
pany. A  native  of  \  irginia,  he  was  born  in  the  old  historic  city  of  Richmond, 
on  the  13th  of  August,  187 1,  his  parents  being  Philip  and  Henrietta  Strause. 
His  father  was  a  dry-goods  merchant  of  that  city,  where  he  continued  to  make 
his  home  until  his  death  in  1879.  His  widow  still  survives  and  now  lives  in 
Burlington,  Iowa,  with  two  sons. 

It  was  in  Richmond  that  Edgar  A.  Strause  was  reared  and  in  the  acquirement 
of  his  education  attended  the  local  schools,  passing  through  consecutive  grades 
until  he  became  a  high-school  student.  At  an  early  age  he  felt  it  necessary  to 
provide  for  his  own  support  and  first  spent  two  years  in  the  employ  of  his 
brothers,  Isadore  and  ?ilark  Strause,  who  were  their  father's  successors  in  the 
wholesale  and  retail  dry-goods  business.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
began  acquainting  himself  with  the  tobacco  business,  entering  a  leaf  tobacco 
factory,  where  he  gained  a  knowledge  of  the  trade.  He  followed  the  sales  in 
open  market  and  afterward  went  to  North  Carolina,  where  he  engaged  in  buying 
leaf  tobacco  until  about  1891.  In  that  year  he  became  a  resident  of  Blooming- 
ton,  Illinois,  where  he  represented  the  Drummond  Tobacco  Company,  having 
charge  of  sales  as  manager  for  central  Illinois.  He  came  to  Peoria  in  1893  in 
the  same  capacity  and  continued  with  that  house  in  this  city  for  seven  years. 
He  then  became  representative  for  Illinois  for  the  Best  &  Russell  Company  as 
sales  manager  and  his  territory  also  covered  a  part  of  Indiana.  This  company  is 
prominently  known  as  importers  and  manufacturers  of  cigars  and  he  continued 
with  the  house  until  he  withdrew  from  that  connection  to  enter  business  on 
his  own  account.  In  his  individual  imdertaking  he  prospered  and  has  made 
continuous  advance.  He  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  firm  of  E.  .■\.  Strause  & 
Companv.  wholesale  and  retail  distributors  of  cigars,  operating  six  separate 
stores  in  Peoria.  He  has  been  engaged  in  the  cigar  business  on  his  own  account 
for  about  twelve  years  and  is  now  one  of  the  foremost  representatives  of  the 
trade  in  eastern  Illinois.  He  is  thoroughly  acquainted  with  every  branch  of  the 
business  in  the  field  of  manufacture  as  well  as  in  the  sales  department  and  his 
long  experience,  comprehensive  knowledge  and  progressive  methods  have  con- 
stituted the  broad  foundation  upon  which  he  has  builded  his  present  day  success. 

Into  other  fields  j\Ir.  Strause  has  also  extended  his  eflforts  and  his  name  is 
today  an  honored  one  in  financial  circles,  for  he  is  the  president  of  the  State  Bank 
&  Trust  Company  of  Peoria,  to  which  position  he  was  called  in  1909  after  two 
years  of  service  as  vice  president,  while  previous  to  that  time  he  had  served 
for  two  years  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  directors,  being  elected  to  that  posi- 
tion on  the  organization  of  the  bank.  The  same  business  qualities  which  have 
brought  him  success   in  the  cigar  trade  have  contributed  to  the  upbuilding  of 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  745 

the  bank,  which  is  now  regarded  as  one  of  the  safe  and  rehahle  moneyed  insti- 
tutions of  the  city. 

In  1895  Air.  Strause  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Flora  W'erscliutz,  of 
Peoria,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  three  children,  Clifford,  Edgar  and  Jack. 
The  mother  died  July  9,  1909,  her  death  being  the  occasion  of  deep  regret  to 
many  friends.  Mr.  Strause  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
having  taken  the  thirty-second  degree  in  the  Scottish  Rite  and  also  crossed  the 
sands  of  the  desert  with  the  Xobles  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  likewise  belongs 
to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  to  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  His 
record  is  a  notable  example  of  the  fact  that  success  and  an  honorable  name  may 
be  won  simultaneously.  At  the  outset  of  his  career  he  realized  that  "there  is 
no  royal  road  to  wealth"  and  he  saw,  too,  that  close  application  and  unremitting 
energy  must  constitute  the  chief  forces  in  the  attainment  of  success.  His  life 
has,  indeed,  been  a  busy  and  useful  one,  but  it  has  also  been  fruitful  of  sub- 
stantial results  and  while  perhajis  less  spectacular  than  that  of  the  military  or 
political  leader  it  has  been  none  the  less  useful  and  valuable. 


COLOXEL  ALLEN  L.  FAHNESTOCK. 

In  the  cotirse  of  his  long  career  of  eighty-four  years  Colonel  Allen  L.  Fahne- 
stock  has  been  actively  identified  with  the  life  of  his  country  in  many  different 
directions.  He  has  served  in  her  wars,  been  prominent  in  her  manufacturing 
industries  and  active  in  her  politics  and  has  contributed  much  to  her  commercial 
progress  and  development.  He  is  now  a  resident  of  Glasford,  Peoria  county, 
Illinois,  where  he  is  doing  a  flourishing  business  along  mercantile  lines. 

iMr.  Fahnestock  is  of  German  origin  and  the  ancestry  dates  back  to  the 
great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  Dietrich  Fahnestock,  who  was  born  in  West- 
:  phalia,  Prussia,  and  died  in  that  country  in  1775.  Jacob  Fahnestock,  the  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  was  the  next  in  line.  His  birth  occurred  December  25, 
1769,  and  he  was  the  first  of  the  name  to  settle  in  America.  His  wife,  Salome 
Fahnestock,  was  born  November  14,  1772.  Their  son  and  our  subject's  father, 
Jacob  Fahnestock,  was  born  in  Adams  county,  Pennsylvania,  January  26,  1801, 
and  died  in  Lancaster,  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  September  9,  1841.  His  wife  was 
Maria  Harmon  a  native  of  Adams  cotmty,  Pennsylvania,  where  her  birth  oc- 
curred May  16,  1806.  She  survived  her  husband  until  Alay  24,  1895,  at  which 
date  her  death  occurred. 

Colonel  Allen  L.  Fahnestock  was  born  in  Abbottstown,  Adams  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, February  9,  1828.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  county  and  remained  at  home  until  he  was  eleven  years  of  age. 
In  1839  he  went  to  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  where  he  worked  in  a  store  for  some 
time.  Later  he  went  to  Timber  township  and  carried  the  mail  once  a  week  be- 
tween Lancaster  and  Peoria,  receiving  for  his  services  twenty-five  cents  a  trip. 
He  attended  school  for  a  brief  period  and  subsecjuently  went  to  Peoria  and 
learned  the  cooper's  trade  in  the  shop  of  James  Souls.  When  he  had  mastered 
its  details  he  worked  at  the  business  for  a  short  time,  and  by  strict  economy  he 
managed  to  save  thirty-five  dollars  out  of  his  first  year's  wages  and  sixty  dol- 
lars out  of  his  second.  After  two  years  he  returned  to  Lancaster  where  he  ob- 
tained a  position  in  the  employ  of  J.  W.  Robbins,  making  flour  barrels  at  fifteen 
cents  apiece.  After  his  marriage,  which  took  place  in  1847,  he  became  a  manu- 
facturer of  barrels  on  his  own  account  and  emjiloyed  a  large  force  of  men.  At 
'about  the  same  time  he  was  elected  to  his  first  political  office,  which  was  that  of 
township  clerk.  Later  he  became  a  supervisor  and  between  1856  and  1861  served 
as  tow  nship  school  treasurer. 


746  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

On  August  27,  1862,  Colonel  Fahnestock  enlisted  in  Company  1,  Eighty- 
sixth  Illinois  X'oluntecr  Infantry  and  was  mustered  into  service  with  the  com- 
mission of  captain.  The  following  year  he  obtained  his  promotion  as  major,  and 
on  April  13,  1864,  was  made  lieutenant  colonel.  On  account  of  his  able  service 
and  his  unblemished  record  he  obtained  his  promotion  as  colonel,  May  11,  1865, 
and  was  mustered  out  of  service  with  his  honorable  discharge  on  the  6th  of  June, 
1865.  While  in  the  army  he  kept  a  diary  of  each  day's  work,  the  battles  in  which 
he  was  engaged,  and  a  complete  record  of  the  life  of  the  camps.  This  has  been 
of  great  value  to  the  government  on  many  occasions.  He  has  rewritten  it  once 
and  is  now  engaged  in  a  second  revision  of  the  manuscript.  Me  is  also  copying 
the  reports  of  all  the  officers  of  his  brigade  which  were  sent  to  headquarters 
every  day  during  the  war.  When  Colonel  Fahnestock  was  discharged  from  the 
army  he  again  entered  commercial  circles  with  which  he  had  been  connected 
since  1847.  He  dealt  in  all  kinds  of  dry  goods,  groceries  and  drugs,  and  for  some 
time  he  was  interested  in  the  lumber,  brick,  coal  and  lime  business  of  the  town- 
ship. He  was  intensely  interested  in  the  collection  of  rare  relics  and  at  one  time 
had  what  was  probably  the  largest  number  of  specimens  in  the  state.  His  entire 
collection  amounted  to  seven  thousand  different  relics,  but  he  lately  sold  five 
thousand  of  these. 

On  the  5th  of  August,  1847,  Colonel  Fahnestock  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Sarah  E.  Doane.  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  where  her  birth  occurred  in 
1830.  They  became  the  parents  of  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  still  living, 
namely,  Charles,  Alphonso.  Frank,  John  and  Mary.  Colonel  Fahnestock  is  at 
the  present  time  actively  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Re- 
public. He  belongs  to  Timber  Post,  No.  432,  G.  A.  R.,  and  was  the  first  post 
commander  of  that  organization  and  was  subsequently  reelected  to  this  position 
several  times.  He  has  always  been  a  republican  in  politics  and  in  1866  served 
one  term  as  treasurer  of  Peoria  county.  He  is  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  and  has 
always  been  prominent  in  the  affairs  of  that  organization.  He  is  today  one  of 
the  foremost  merchants  of  Glasford,  Illinois,  where  his  well  known  principles  of 
strict  integrity  and  upright  methods  have  gained  him  his  success. 


CHARLES  S.  DF  GRAFF. 

Charles  S.  De  Graff  is  a  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Peoria, 
who  is  now  serving  on  the  school  board  of  the  city  and  at  the  same  time  is  con- 
ducting a  printing  establishment  as  publisher  and  editor  of  the  Masonic  Xews, 
in  connection  with  which  he  operates  a  job  printing  department.  His  place  of 
business  is  at  the  corner  of  North  Adams  and  Eaton  streets  and  his  identification 
with  the  printing  interests  of  the  city  dates  from  1897,  at  which  time  he  re- 
moved to  Peoria  from  Tazewell  county.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Hardin 
county,  Iowa,  February  23,  1864.  and  is  a  son  of  Hiram  De  Graff.  In  his  boy- 
hood he  entered  the  public  schools  and  when  not  busy  with  his  text-books  he 
worked  in  the  fields,  being  reared  upon  the  home  farm  in  the  usual  manner  of 
lads  of  the  period.  The  task  of  plowing,  ])lanting  and  harvesting  early  became 
familiar  to  him  and  through  this  means  he  learned  the  value  of  industry  and 
persistency.  He  did  not  desire  to  make  agricultural  j)ursuits  his  life  work,  how- 
ever and,  leaving  the  farm,  went  to  Blooniington,  Illinois,  where  he  learned 
the  job  printing  business.  In  fact,  he  acquainted  himself  with  the  various 
branches  of  the  printer's  trade  and,  working  his  way  upward  in  that  connection, 
eventually  became  proprietor  and  editor  of  the  Tremont  Sun,  which  he  published 
at  Tremont,  Tazewell  county,  for  about  seven  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  j 
period  he  disposed  of  his  paper  there  and  in  1897  came  to  Peoria.  Here  he  es- 
tablished a  job  printing  office,  which  he  has  since  conducted,  although  he  has! 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  747 

extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  to  include  the  publication  of  the  Masonic 
News,  of  which  he  is  also  the  editor.  I-Ie  entered  upon  active  connection  with 
that  paper  in  Novemjjer,  1899,  and  has  made  it  one  of  the  most  interesting  and 
widely  read  magazines  of  the  craft. 

Mr.  De  Graff  is  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life,  having  been  married  to 
Miss  Hlla  W.  Funson,  of  lUoominglon,  Illinois.  They  have  become  the  parents 
of  four  children,  three  sons  and  a  daughter,  namely,  Frank,  Alvin,  Louis  and 
Elsie  May.  The  father  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp  and  of  the 
l-^raternal  Reserves,  and  his  Masonic  relations  are  with  Peoria  Lodge,  No.  15. 
He  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  teachings  of  the  order  and  has  made  the  Ma- 
sonic News  of  widespread  interest  to  the  brethren  of  the  fraternity.  In  the 
development  of  this  paper  he  has  shown  excellent  business  ability,  increasing  its 
circulation  until  it  now  has  five  thousand  subscribers.  The  paper  is  published 
monthly  and  is  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  craft  and  to  Masonic  news  in 
general.  Mr.  Ue  Graff  is  a  member  of  Grace  Presbyterian  church,  in  which  he 
is  serving  as  one  of  the  trustees,  and  his  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  city 
is  further  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  school  board, 
in  which  connection  he  exercises  his  official  prerogatives  in  support  of  many 
])lans  and  projects  toward  improving  the  school  system  and  advancing  its 
standard.  Indeed,  his  influence  is  always  on  the  side  of  material,  social,  intel- 
lectual and  moral  development  and  his  position  upon  any  vital  or  significant 
c|uestion  is  never  an  equivocal  one. 


FRANK  J.  QUINN. 


It  is  an  undoubted  fact  that  the  future  of  any  city  rests  upon  the  ability 
and  capacity  of  its  young  business  and  professional  men.  The  bar  of  Peoria 
has  been  noted  for  many  years  for  the  eminence  of  its  members,  and  the  men 
who  were  the  great  and  active  lawyers  of  yesterday  have  transferred  their 
traditions  of  personal  and  professional  success  to  the  generation  of  today.  In 
no  case  is  this  more  true  than  in  that  of  Frank  J.  Quinn,  one  of  Peoria's  best 
known  and  most  widely  popular  attorneys.  His  father,  Michael  C.  Quinn,  now 
retired,  was  a  leading  attorney  in  this  city  for  many  years,  and  by  his  harc\ 
work  attained  many  noteworthy  achievements.  The  son  is  following  success- 
fully in  the  footsteps  of  his  distinguished  father. 

Frank  J.  Quinn  was  born  in  Chicago,  January  23,  1866.  His  parents  were 
.Michael  C.  and  .Mary  (Hurley)  Quinn,  both  natives  of  Ireland.  Michael  C. 
Quinn  was  born  in  that  country  in  1840,  and  came  to  America  when  only  a 
child,  receiving  his  edtication  in  the  schools  of  Holyoke,  Massachusetts.  He 
came  to  Peoria  in  1867,  after  a  short  residence  in  Chicago,  and  is  living  at 
602  North  Madison  avenue,  this  city.  Michael  C.  Quinn  has  been  prominent 
in  local  affairs.  He  was  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  Peoria  city  council, 
and  also  of  the  school  board.  He  served  two  terms  in  the  Illinois  house  of 
representatives,  and  was  also  for  several  years  city  attorney  of  Peoria.  He 
practiced  law  in  conjunction  with  Hon.  S.  D.  Pulerbaugh,  John  S.  Lee  and 
Daniel  1\.  Sheen.  Later  he  was  associated  with  his  son,  Frank  J.  Quinn  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession. 

Frank  J.  Quinn  received  his  early  education  in  the  German  ward  and  high 
schools  of  Peoria,  and  acquired  his  B.  A.  degree  at  St.  \'iateur's  College  at 
Bourbonnais  Grove,  Illinois.  Upon  his  graduation  he  spent  some  time  as  a 
reporter  on  various  Peoria  newspapers.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1892, 
and  spent  the  years  between  1893  and  1897  as  assistant  to  Richard  J.  Cooney, 
then  states  attorney  of  Peoria  county.  Since  that  time,  he  has  been  engaged 
in  the  general  practice  of  law  in  Peoria  as  a  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Quinn, 


748  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Quimi  &•  McGrath.  Mr.  Quinn  is  possessed  of  a  mind  capable  of  grasping 
the  most  intricate  details  of  a  case,  and  of  apprehending  at  once  its  vital  points. 
He  has  a  breadth  of  vision  and  a  soundness  of  judgment  found  only  in  con- 
junction with  extraordinary  talent.  His  most  prominent  characteristic,  how- 
ever, is  his  gift  of  oratory.  Possessed  of  a  commanding  presence,  a  clear, 
beautiful,  and  well  modulated  voice,  a  logical  and  clearly  defined  train  of 
thought,  and  a  command  of  the  English  language  which  finds  its  outlet  in  lumi- 
nous and  beautiful  words,  Mr.  Quinn  has  gained  for  himself  more  than  a  local 
reputation  as  an  orator.  His  gift  has  won  more  than  once  a  case  for  him  in  the 
course  of  his  legal  career,  and  his  inherent  Celtic  qualities  of  enthusiasm  and 
abounding  vitality  are  valuable  assets  to  him  in  his  professional  life.  Mr. 
Quinn  takes  a  great  interest  in  the  cause  of  education  and  was  for  several 
years  a  member  of  the  Peoria  school  board  and  a  director  of  the  Peoria  public 
library.  He  belongs  to  several  fraternal  insurance  organizations,  is  a  promi- 
nent Knight  of  Columbus,  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  and  connected 
with  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce.  Politically,  he  is  a  loyal  democrat, 
voting  always  with  that  party,  and  believing  firmly  in  the  principles  for  which 
it  stands.  His  opinions  are  solicited  and  heeded  in  local  and  state  politics  and 
his  name  has  been  mentioned  as  a  democratic  possibility  for  governor  of  Illi- 
nois. 

Frank  J.  Quinn  was  married  in  Peoria,  August  22,  1893,  to  Miss  Jennie 
McAvoy  of  this  city,  and  their  married  life  has  been  a  happy  one.  Mr.  Quinn 
has  long  been  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  promising  and  rising  professional 
men  of  Peoria,  a  man  of  high  ideals,  native  intelligence  and  broad  capacity, 
who  has  done  much  in  the  course  of  his  career  to  raise  the  standard  of  legal 
attainment  to  a  higher  plane — beyond  commercialism. 


GEORGE  \\'.  BLACK. 


George  \V.  Black,  an  able  young  attorney,  conducting  a  general  law  practice 
with  offices  at  No.  11 16  Jefferson  building  since  January  i,  1908,  was  born  at 
Oakland,  Illinois,  June  23,  1882.  His  parents  were  W.  J.  and  Melissa  D.  Black. 
The  father  was  for  many  years  a  grocer  at  Oakland.  He  was  a  veteran  of  the 
Civil  war,  volunteering  in  1861  when  the  war  cloud  arose,  in  the  Fifty-fifth  Illi- 
nois Infantry,  with  which  he  served  for  three  years.  His  death  occurred  in 
November,  1904,  when  he  was  sixty-five  years  of  age,  while  the  mother  passed 
away  August  18,  19CX),  at  the  age  of  fifty-four  years.  Both  are  buried  in  Rose- 
dale  cemetery  at  Oakland.  On  the  paternal  side  the  family  is  of  Scotch-Irish 
origin,  while  the  maternal  ancestors  for  centuries  lived  in  X'irginia.  where  they 
were  plantation  owners. 

George  \V.  Black  is  indebted  for  his  early  education  to  the  public  schools  ot 
Oakland  and  was  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  the  class  of  1899.  He  then 
entered  the  University  of  Illinois  at  Champaign,  graduating  from  that  institu- 
tion in  1903  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  Being  in  need  of  means  with  which  to 
continue  his  education  he  had  previous  to  this  time  taught  in  the  high  school  at 
Oakland.  Following  his  graduation  from  the  LTniversity  of  Illinois  he  became 
principal  of  the  Monticello  high  school,  a  position  which  he  filled  for  two  years 
with  distinction  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  the  hoard  of  education.  Having 
conceived  a  w'ell  defined  taste  for  the  law,  he  entered  the  law  department  of  the 
University  of  Chicago,  where  he  pursued  his  studies  with  unremitting  energy, 
graduating  in  the  class  of  1908  with  the  degree  of  J.  D.  and  also  receiving  the 
honorary  title  of  "Cum  Laude."  Immediately  after  his  graduation  he  began 
the  practice  of  law  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  where  he  remained  one  year.  Hav- 
ing been  offered  the  position  of  assistant  attorney  for  the  Illinois  Traction  Com- 


GEORGE  \V.  I'.LACK 


1 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  751 

pany.  he  settled  in  Peoria  and  discharged  the  ckities  that  devolved  upon  him  in 
that  connection  with  credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  the  company.  In  Jan- 
uary, 191 1,  he  resigned  his  position  for  the  purpose  of  becoming  a  general  prac- 
titioner of  the  law  and  as  such  he  has  met  with  gratif\ing  success.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Peoria  P)ar  Association  and  is  active  in  his  participation  therein. 
The  political  allegiance  of  Mr.  Black  is  given  to  the  re]nil)lican  party,  and  in 
his  fraternal  connections  he  is  a  blue  lodge  Mason  and  also  holds  membership 
in  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  He  has  been  very  successful  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession  and  he  is  not  only  popular  with  his  associates  of. 
the  bar  but  enjoys  an  excellent  reputation  as  a  lawyer  and  a  citizen  in  the  city 
and  county  of  Peoria,  where  he  is  well  known. 


GEORGE  \V.  KATZING. 

George  W.  Katzing,  who  from  his  early  youth  has  been  engaged  in  the  con- 
fectionary business  in  Peoria,  is  one  of  the  city's  native  sons,  his  birth  having 
occurred  at  809  Fourth  street  on  the  2d  of  December,  1859.  His  father,  Louis 
Katzing,  was  born  and  reared  in  Berlin,  Germany,  whence  he  emigrated  to 
the  United  States,  locating  in  Peoria  in  1845.  This  was  some  years  prior  to 
the  advent  of  the  first  railroad  and  Mr.  Katzing  found  employment  as  engineer 
in  the  old  still  houses  then  in  operation.  Flere  he  subsequently  married 
Miss  Elizabeth  SchafYenberg.  a  native  of  Germany,  and  they  became  the  parents 
of  three  children:  George  W.,  our  subject;  Mrs.  Charles  Wegan,  whose  hus- 
band is  engaged  in  the  insurance  business  in  Detroit,  Michigan;  and  Louise, 
who  is  associated  in  business  with  her  brother  and  presides  over  their  attrac- 
tive home  on  Grand  \'iew  drive. 

The  entire  life  of  George  W.  Katzing  has  been  jiassed  in  Peoria,  in  whose 
public  schools  he  pursued  his  education  to  the  age  of  eleven  years.  He  then 
laid  aside  his  text-books  and  became  errand  boy  for  Fred  Eynatton,  the  jeweler. 
His  duties  there  were  quite  varied  and  among  other  things  he  was  entrusted 
with  the  responsibility  of  winding  the  tower  clocks  on  the  old  court  house, 
Hale  chapel  and  the  Congregational  church,  the  importance  of  which  task  he 
fully  appreciated  and  enjoyed.  He  remained  in  the  service  of  Mr.  Eynatton 
for  eighteen  months,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  severed  his  connection 
with  the  jewelry  business  and  found  employment  in  an  ice  cream  plant.  This 
occupation  engaged  his  attention  for  several  years,  when  he  withdrew  from 
it  and  for  several  months  clerked  in  a  dry-goods  store,  but  at  the  expiration 
of  that  time  again  became  identified  with  the  ice  cream  and  confectionary  busi- 
ness. .\s  this  line  appealed  to  him  more  strongly  than  anything  else  with  which 
he  had  been  connected,  he  decided  to  ap])ly  himself  to  the  mastery  of  its 
every  detail  and  adopt  it  for  his  life  vocation,  appreciating  the  opportunities 
it  afforded  financially.  l-'rom  early  childhood  he  had  been  trained  in  haliits 
of  thrift  and  industry  and  as  he  was  an  ambitious  youth  naturally  he  aspired 
to  have  an  establishment  of  his  own.  With  this  thought  as  an  inspiration 
he  was  stimulated  to  unusual  efforts  and  ultimately  acc]uired  the  means  to 
engage  in  business  for  himself.  It  was  necessary  for  him  to  begin  in  a  small 
way  but  he  possessed  business  sagacity,  and  realized  that  the  best  way  to 
develop  his  enterprise  was  to  offer  a  superior  article  at  a  moderate  price.  By 
this  means  he  met  with  little  difficulty  in  establishing  a  reputation  and  as  his 
circumstances  warranted  enlarged  his  business.  He  has  used  intelligence  in 
the  direction  of  his  endeavors  and  has  been  rewarded  with  corresponding  suc- 
cess. His  is  now  one  of  the  oldest  and  best  established  concerns  of  the  kind 
in  the  city  and  he  enjoys  an  extensive  patronage.  He  has  a  most  attractive 
and  finely  equipped  parlor  at  326  Main  street  and  numbers  among  his  customers 
many  of  the  best  people  of  the  town. 


752  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Neither  Air.  Katzing  or  his  sister  have  ever  married  and  they  have  always 
made  their  home  together  and  they  are  also  associated  in  business.  He  has 
been  very  much  interested  in  poultry  for  many  years  and  has  at  his  home 
some  fine  fowls  in  which  he  finds  much  enjoyment  and  takes  great  pride. 
Fraternally,  Mr.  Katzing  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a 
man  of  niany  substantial  qualities  who  is  accorded  the  esteem  and  respect  of 
a  large  circle  of  acquaintances.  During  the  long  period  of  his  connection 
with  the  commercial  interests  of  the  city,  he  has  always  manifested  the  highest 
principles  and  strictest  integrity  in  all  of  his  transactions.  He  is  in  every 
sense  of  the  word  "self-made,"  as  he  has  been  practically  self-supporting  from 
the  age  of  eleven  years,  his  achievements  being  entirely  attributable  to  his 
unceasing  energy,  practical  ideas  and  sound  judgment. 


STACY   li.   HART. 


Tile  well  known  manufacturer  of  Peoria,  Stacy  LI.  Hart,  is  president  of 
the  Hart  Grain  Weigher  Company  and  the  Hart  Foundry  Company.  These 
firms  have  the  distinction  of  employing  more  men  and  disbursing  a  greater 
amount  of  money  in  wages  than  any  other  firm  in  the  city  of  Peoria.  The 
offices  and  works'  of  the  concerns  of  which  he  is  president  are  located  at  Xo. 
lOO  Eaton  street,  where  they  have  been  maintained  since  the  organization  of 
the  company  in  October,  1889.  He  was  born  in  Deavertown,  Morgan  county. 
Ohio,  December  6,  1847,  the  son  of  James  W.  and  Mary  Hart. 

The  earlv  vouth  of  Mr.  Hart  was  passed  in  Ohio  and  his  education  was 
acquired  in  the  schools  of  th^t  state.  In  1863  he  came  to  Peoria  and  here  the 
subject  of  this  review  continued  his  educational  pursuits  for  a  time,  after  which 
he  began  working  for  James  Selby  &  Company,  manufacturers  of  corn-planting 
machinerv.  He  remained  with  that  firm  for  fourteen  years,  attaining  great 
proficiency  in  the  work  and  showing  such  skill  that  by  the  time  he  was  twenty 
years  old 'he  had  charge  of  practically  the  entire  factory.  He  has  shown  great 
executive  ability  in  the  handling  of  business  and  men,  and  today  is  at  the  head 
of  the  largest  factory  in  the  city. 

On  the  4th  of  January.  1865,  Mr.  Hart  volunteered  as  a  soldier  in  the  Fed- 
eral amiy  for  service  in  the  Civil  war.  He  served  under  A.  J.  Smith,  major 
general  of  the  Sixteenth  United  States  army  corps,  and  was  at  the  siege  and 
capture  of  the  Spanish  Fort,  the  principal  defense  of  Mobile,  which  fort  was 
the  last  stronghold  of  the  Confederacy.  He  manhed  from  there  to  Mont- 
gomery, Alabama,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  the  time  he  served  m 
patrol  duty.  He  was  honorably  mustered  out  of  service  at  the  expiration  of 
his  time  of  service. 

The  inventive  genius  of  Mr.  Hart  has  been  one  of  his  most  valuable  assets. 
In  the  fall  of  1878  he  invented  a  grain  drill  which  he  named  the  Union  drill, 
and  formed  a  partnership  with  Frank  Hitchcock,  who  for  twelve  years  was 
sheriff  of  Peoria  county,  embarking  in  the  business  of  manufacturing  the 
machinery  which  he  had  invented.  This  association  was  continued  until  1886, 
when,  on  account  of  a  fire  which  destroyed  the  plant  and  embarassed  the  man- 
ufacturers, the  concern  was  sold  to  Selby  Starr  &  Company,  which  firm  was 
later  succeeded  by  the  Peoria  Drill  &  Seeder  Company.  His  next  example 
of  creative  genius  was  the  invention  of  a  grain  weigher  for  threshing  machinery 
and  upon  perfecting  his  invention  he  was  successful  in  organizing  a  company 
for  its  manufacture,  he  being  the  president  of  the  concern.  The  business  has 
grown  rapidly,  three  hundred  men  being  now  employed  in  the  works  which 
occupy  practically  an  entire  block  of  land.  In  order  to  meet  the  constantly 
increasing  demand  for  the  plant's  output,  plans  are  now  being  matured  for  a 
material  increase  in  the  producing  capacity  of  the  works. 


4 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  75;] 

Air.  Hart  is  a  repulilican  and  has  served  as  a  niembcr  of  the  city  council. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  the  consistorv  and 
Shrine,  and  he  also  holds  membershij)  relations  in  the  Royal  Arcanum  and 
the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  Socially  he  is  a  member  of  the 
Cjrand  Army  of  the  Re])ul)lic  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  It  falls  to  the  lot 
of  few  business  men  to  have  had  a  more  varied  career  than  that  of  Stacy 
B.  Hart,  who  is  a  living  example  of  what  may  be  accomplished  bv  a  wide-awake 
business  man  of  ability  in  this  great  republic.  Catastrophe  did  not  daunt  his 
courage  but  with  persistence  and  skill,  after  suffering  losses  which  would  have 
discouraged  the  ordinary  man  he  recouped  his  fortune  by  creating  the  greatest 
manufacturing  business  at  present  in  Peoria.  Although  his  name  is  a  house- 
hold word  in  Peoria  and  Peoria  county  his  acquaintance  and  reputation  are 
not  confmed  by  county  lines  but  extend  to  all  parts  of  the  grain-producing 
sections  of  the  United  .States  and  Canada. 


ROBERT  H.  STOUT. 


kubcrt  11.  Stout  is  tlie  superintendent  of  the  Peoria  division  of  the  Pru- 
dential Insurance  Company  in  which  executive  power  and  administrative  ability 
are  brought  into  play  in  the  conduct  of  a  business  which  is  growing  in  volume 
and  importance.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  for  only  five  years  but  is 
well  estalilished  as  a  representative  business  man  of  this  city.  He  was  born  in 
Georgetown,  Brown  county,  Ohio,  September  i6,  1869,  and  is  a  son  of  Patton 
and  Alalinda  (Tucker)  Stout,  who  were  farming  ])eople.  The  son  was  reared 
in  Cieorgetown  and  attended  the  local  schools.  Throughout  his  entire  life, 
since  the  completion  of  his  education,  he  has  been  connected  with  insurance 
interests  and  his  advancement  in  this  connection  is  due  to  his  individual  merit 
and  fidelity  to  duty.  He  started  in  insurance  circles  as  a  solicitor  with  the 
Prudential  Insurance  Company  of  America,  which  he  has  represented  for 
eighteen  years.  He  was  appointed  assistant  superintendent  of  Cincinnati  in 
1S94,  and  in  1901  was  advanced  to  the  position  of  superintendent  of  the  Cin- 
cintiati  district  over  which  he  had  charge  until  1907.  In  that  year  he  was 
transferred  to  Covington,  where  he  remained  until  September,  1907,  when  he 
came  to  Peoria.  As  superintendent  at  this  place  he  has  nine  assistants  under 
him  and  forty  seven  agents.  Of  his  assistants  four  are  located  in  Peoria,  one 
in  Canton,  one  in  Pekin,  two  in  Burlington  and  one  in  Champaign,  Illinois. 
Since  making  his  initial  step  in  the  business  world  he  has  thoroughly  familiar- 
ized liimself  with  every  phase  of  the  insurance  business  and  has  by  reason  of  his 
ability  and  trustworthiness  been  advanced  to  a  position  of  prominence.  It  is 
undeniable  that  life  insurance  is  playing  an  important  jiart  in  human  afifairs 
today.  As  a  medium  for  thrift  and  an  investment  furnishing  protection  to  the 
family  it  stands  alone.  As  the  safeguard  of  millions  of  homes  it  has  done 
much  to  tide  families  over  an  hour  of  adversity.  The  Trade  Journal  wrote: 
"In  this  great  work  humanity  is  doing  for  itself  through  the  medium  of  life 
insurance  no  comi)any  stands  more  firmly  entrenched  in  the  public  mind  tlian 
the  Prudential  Insurance  Company  of  America,  the  company  with  the  'strength 
of  Gil^iraltar.'  Established  only  thirty-six  years  ago  the  Prudential  is  today 
the  living  embodiment  of  a  great  success  won  through  enterprising  business 
methods,  lilierality  to  policy  holders,  a  strong  reliable  brand  of  life  insurance 
and  fair  dealing  to  all.  The  Prudential  toiiay  has  offices  in  nearly  every  city 
of  imjiortance  in  the  United  States  and  Canada.  It  entered  Illinois  in  1886 
and  cotumenced  operations  in  Peoria  in  1888.  The  company's  business  in  the 
Peoria  district  compares  favorably  in  proportion  to  size  to  that  of  any  other 
district   of    Illinois.     The   Prudential   met   with   success   in   this  field   from   the 


754  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

first.  The  business  which  the  Prudential  had  in  force  here  at  the  end  of  the 
first  year  amounted  to  eight  hundred  and  forty-five  poHcies  for  seventy-three 
thousand  dollars  life  insurance.  Now  the  company  has  over  fifty-two  thousand 
policies  in  this  territory  on  a  population  in  Peoria  and  nearby  towns  of  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand.  The  total  amount  of  insurance  in 
force  in  this  district  is  over  six  and  one-half  million  dollars.  The  Prudential 
has  its  office  in  Peoria  in  the  Masonic  Temple  building,  in  charge  of  -Superin- 
tendent Robert  H.  Stout,  with  a  staff  of  nine  assistant  superintendents  and 
forty-seven  agents.  The  territory  covered  by  Peoria  agents  includes  Peoria, 
Bloomington,  Canton,  Pekin,  Champaign  and  adjacent  towns.  Superintendent 
Stout  has  been  in  the  Prudential's  service  for  eighteen  years  and  was  formerly 
in  Covington,  Kentucky.  He  has  with  him  ten  members  of  the  Prudential 
Old  Guard,  which  means  these  men  have  been  with  the  company  for  five  years 
or  more.  He  succeeded  Superintendent  J.  H.  Monteith  in  September,  1909, 
Mr.  Monteith  having  been  promoted  to  division  manager  in  the  home  office  at 
New-ark,  New  Jersey.  The  total  payments  to  policy  holders  in  the  Peoria 
district  since  the  company  started  business  here  amounts  to  over  one-half  mil- 
lion dollars.  The  Prudential  issues  a  great  variety  of  life  and  endowment 
policies  and  was  the  first  company  to  successfully  introduce  a  monthly  income 
policy  by  which  a  wife  receives  a  stipulated,  guaranteed  monthly  income  after 
the  death  of  her  husband.  The  Prudential  has  over  ten  million  policies  in 
force  in  the  entire  United  States  and  Canada  and  was  the  first  company  to 
introduce  industrial  life  insurance  in  America." 

In  1894,  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Mr.  Stout  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Edith  Gertrude  Thompson,  of  Ripley,  Ohio,  and  unto  them  have  been  born 
three  children,  Ethel,  Lillian  Marie  and  Edith  G.  During  their  residence  in 
Peoria  they  have  become  firmly  entrenched  socially  as  well  as  in  business  circles, 
the  hospitality  of  many  of  the  best  homes  of  the  city  being  cordially  extended 
them.  While  Mr.  Stout  is  preemnently  a  business  man  he  is  not  neglectful  of 
his  obligations  in  other  directions  and  where  the  welfare  and  interests  of  the 
city  are  involved  he  always  cooperates  heartily  on  the  side  of  progress,  reform 
and  improvement. 


WILLIAM  S.  PARRY. 


For  thirty  years  William  S.  Parry  has  been  associated  with  Clarke  Brothers 
&  Company,  distillers  and  blenders,  of  Peoria,  of  which  he  is  now  the  secretary 
and  treasurer.  He  entered  the  employ  of  the  company  when  a  youth  of  seven- 
teen years  and  gradually  worked  his  way  upward  through  intermediate  positions 
until  on  the  incorporation  of  the  business  in  1899  he  was  chosen  to  his  present 
office.  Even  then  he  was  but  thirty-five  years  of  age.  He  was  born  in  this  city 
on  July  8,  1864,  a  son  of  Stephen  Parry,  who  at  one  time  was  a  well  known, 
active  and  successful  contractor  here.  In  his  youthful  days  the  son,  after  he 
put  aside  his  text-books,  became  connected  with  Clarke  Brothers  &  Company,  to 
the  interests  of  which  he  has  devoted  the  greater  part  of  his  time  and  attention 
to  the  present  day.  He  thoroughly  acquainted  himself  with  the  business  as  he 
worked  up  through  successive  positions  and  year  by  year  his  responsibilities  and 
duties  increased  until,  when  papers  of  incorporation  were  taken  out,  he  was 
named  as  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  company.  What  this  means  may  be 
determined  somewhat  in  the  fact  that  this  is  the  largest  exclusive  distillery  of 
whiskey  in  the  world.  Their  business  is  one  of  notable  magnitude,  the  output 
covering  a  very  wide  territory.  The  plant  is  splendidly  equipjied  with  all  up-to- 
date  improvements  and  the  processes  of  manufacture  are  of  the  most  modern 
kind.    The  house  has  always  held  to  a  high  standard  concerning  the  excellence 


WILLIAM    S.   PARRY 


ku 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  m 

of  its  product  and  its  business  methods  conform  to  strictly  honorable  trade  rela- 
tions. 

In  1892  Mr.  Parry  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Agnes  Stevenson,  of 
Jacksonville,  Illinois.  He  is  exceptionally  well  known  in  Masonic  circles  and  has 
taken  all  of  the  degrees  of  the  York  and  Scottish  Rites  except  the  thirty-third 
degree.  He  is  now  a  Knight  Templar,  a  member  of  the  Consistory  and  also  a 
member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine  and  he  has  held  all  of  the  offices  in  the  various 
branches  of  Masonry,  serving  as  thrice  illustrious  master  of  the  council,  as  high 
priest  of  the  chapter,  as  eminent  commander  of  the  commandery  and  as  M.  P. 
sovereign  of  Red  Cross  lodge  of  Constantine.  He  is  also  a  trustee  of  Mohammed 
Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  belongs  likewise  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
lodge,  in  which  he  has  served  as  master  of  cxchec]uer.  He  belongs  'to  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club  and  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  he  has  a  beautiful  home  at  Xo.  604 
Moss  avenue,  which  is  the  most  beautiful  and  exclusive  street  in  Peoria.  To 
start  out  comparatively  empty-handed  and  work  upward  to  a  position  among 
the  most  successful  business  men  of  the  city  requires  qualifications  of  a  superior 
order,  and  yet  his  ability  is  such  as  any  man  may  cultivate ;  his  career,  therefore, 
serving  as  a  source  of  inspiration  to  those  who  desire  to  attain  success. 


HON.  L.  O.  EAGLETON. 

Strong  purpose  and  laudable  ambition  actuated  the  life  of  Hon.  L.  O. 
Eagleton  at  the  outset  of  his  career,  as  was  manifest  in  his  etTorts  to  secure 
an  education  and  prepare  himself  for  the  prominent  position  to  which  he  has 
attained  as  an  attorney  at  law.  Since  entering  upon  active  practice  his  prog- 
ress has  been  continuous  and  he  is  now  accounted  one  of  the  foremost  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Peoria  bar.  He  has  practiced  in  this  city  since  1897,  includ- 
ing four  years'  service  as  probate  judge.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  Jasper 
county,  Illinois,  February  22,  1868,  his  parents  being  \\'illiam  and  Sarah  (  Kern  ) 
Eagleton.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  large  stock  buyer,  raiser  and  shiiijier, 
his  operations  in  that  line  exceeding  those  of  any  other  resident  of  thai  part 
of  the  state.     He  died  in   1876  but  the  mother  is  still  living. 

Upon  the  home  farm  the  Hon.  L.  O.  Eagleton  was  reared,  with  the  usual 
experiences  of  the  farm  boy  who  divides  his  time  between  the  acquiremeni 
of  an  education  in  the  district  schools,  the  pleasures  of  the  playground  and 
the  work  of  the  fields.  In  early  manhood  he  took  up  the  profession  of  teach- 
ing, which  he  followed  for  three  years,  first  having  charge  of  a  rural  school, 
afterward  becoming  a  village  school  teacher  and  later  securing  the  position  of 
principal  of  the  school  at  Enfield.  White  county,  Illinois,  where  he  remained 
for  a  year.  In  the  fall  of  i8qi,  with  four  other  young  men  from  Jasper  county, 
he  entered  the  McKendree  College,  at  Lebanon,  Illinois,  and  during  their  col- 
lege days  they  "batched"  and  practiced  strict  economy  in  order  to  make  their 
way  through  school.  In  the  summer  of  1893  Mr.  Eagleton  sold  school  supplies 
in  order  to  pay  his  way  through  college  the  succeeding  year.  He  completed 
his  course  in  McKendree  in  the  class  of  1894,  winning  the  Bachelor  of  Science 
degree  and  then  with  the  same  determination  that  had  made  him  master  his 
course,  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  law  at  the  Northwestern  Law  School, 
through  which  he  worked  his  way.  graduating  therefrom  in  the  class  of  1897. 
He  then  returned  to  Peoria  with  Frank  Fulton,  a  fellow  classmate  at  the 
Northwestern,  and  they  entered  into  a  partnership  which  continued  for  a  year. 
Mr.  Eagleton  afterward  jiracticed  alone  for  a  time  but  is  now  senior  partner 
of  the  law  firm  of  Eagleton  &  Stone,  his  associate  being  Hon.  Claud  U.  Stone, 
member  of  congress.     The  firm  is  accorded  a  large  and  distinctively  represen- 


758  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

lative  clientage  and  their  work  before  the  courts  has  been  of  a  most  important 
cnaracter. 

Mr.  Eagieton  has  continually  proven  his  ability  to  cope  with  the  intricate 
problems  of  the  law,  to  correctly  analyze  his  case  and  to  arrive  at  sound  and 
logical  deductions  and  conclusions.  In  1906  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of 
probate  judge  on  the  democratic  ticket,  at  which  time  Colonel  James  M.  Rice, 
the  editor  of  this  volume,  was  a  candidate  for  the  same  office  before  the  pri- 
maries. At  that  time  Judge  Eagieton  and  Colonel  Rice  were  occupying  the 
same  suite  of  rooms  in  the  old  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  building, 
where  Colonel  Rice  still  has  his  offices.  During  their  entire  campaign,  in  which 
they  were  political  opponents  but  warm  professional  and  personal  friends,  they 
used  the  same  office  and  employed  the  services  of  the  same  stenographer — a 
notable  example  of  broad-mindedness,  transcending  all  mere  difference  of  opin- 
ion, each  with  a  recognition  of  the  individual  worth  of  the  other.  Judge  M.  j\I. 
Bassett  became  the  nominee  of  the  republican  party.  He  had  served  the  people 
as  state  senator  and  was  a  probate  judge  and  a  candidate  for  reelection.  Judge 
Eagieton  was  elected  although  the  county  was  normally  about  two  thousand 
republican.  He  continued  to  preside  over  the  probate  court  for  four  years, 
his  term  expiring  in  December,  1910,  when  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law 
and  has  since  been  recognized  as  one  of  the  foremost  representatives  of  the 
Peoria  bar. 

In  1894  ^Ir.  Eagieton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Minnie  Pierce,  a 
daughter  of  the  Rev.  B.  R.  Pierce,  a  Methodist  Episcopal  minister,  who  for 
twelve  years  was  a  presiding  elder  in  southern  Illinois  and  is  now  deceased. 
The  four  children  of  this  marriage  are  Benjamin  Pierce,  ^^'illiam,  Lee  and 
Clififord  Eagieton. 

In  his  political  views  Judge  Eagieton  has  always  been  an  earnest  democrat 
and  a  stanch  supporter  of  the  principles  of  the  party.  However,  he  was  elected 
and  served  as  supervisor  from  Richwood  township  from  1900  until  1902,  but 
with  this  exception  he  has  never  held  political  office  outside  the  strict  path  of 
his  profession.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Masons,  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America  and  the  Mvstic  Workers  of  the  World.  He  has  filled  all  of  the  chairs 
in  the  local  lodge  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  is  a  member  of  the  grand  lodge 
of  the  state.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  in  his  membership  in  the  Arcadia 
Presbyterian  church.  Wherever  known  he  is  held  in  high  regard  and  most 
of  allwhere  he  is  best  known.  He  is  a  broad  and  liberal-minded  man  of  high 
purposes  and  principles  and  his  innate  ability  of  character  has  gained  for 
him  the  honor  and  respect  of  all  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact,  while 
his  abilitv  has  won  for  him  distinction  as  a  member  of  the  bar. 


H.  L.  LEI  BROCK 


Among  the  prosperous  farmers  of  Rosefield  township  is  numbered  H.  L. 
Leibrock,  who  was  born  in  Ohio,  July  12,  1868.  He  was  fifth  in  order  of  birth 
in  a  familv  of  eleven  children  of  Daniel  and  Christina  (Guenowine)  Leibrock. 
When  only  eleven  years  of  age  H.  L.  Leibrock  left  home  and  was  employed 
on  a  farm  until  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age.  He  then  learned  the  plastering 
trade,  which  he  followed  for  seventeen  years  after  his  removal  to  Illinois.  In 
1901  he  rented  eighty  acres  in  Limestone  township  and  engaged  for  one  year 
in  farming  the  same.  In  1902  he  rented  in  Logan  township  one  hundred  and 
sixtv  acres,  which  he  farmed  for  five  years  and  then,  in  1907,  he  purchased 
his  present  farm  of  one  hundred  acres,  which  is  located  on  section  33  of  Rose- 
field  township.     He  engages  extensively   in  raising  grain  and  stock,  making  a 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  759 

specialty  of  full-blooded  Duroc  Jersey  hogs.  He  has  been  dealing  in  this  breed 
of  stock  for  the  past  two  years  and  now  has  on  hand  one  hundred  and  ten 
of  the  same. 

On  the  1st  of  March,  1900,  Mr.  Leibrock  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Lydia  McElroy,  who  was  a  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Jane  McElroy,  of  Lime- 
stone township.  In  politics  Mr.  Leibrock  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican 
party,  and  fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 
He  is  a  zealous  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  follows  faithfully  its 
teachings.  Being  greatly  interested  in  all  measures  that  tend  to  educational 
advancement,  he  is  now  efficiently  serving  as  school  director.  He  is  energetic 
and  progressive,  considerate  of  his  associates,  and  is  esteemed  and  honored  by 
all  who  know  him. 


■FREDERICK  L.  REITZ. 

Frederick  L.  Reitz  is  vice  president  and  general  manager  of  the  firm  of  C. 
E.  Wheelock  &  Company,  wholesale  and  retail  dealers  in  crockery,  glassware, 
queensware  and  the  accessories  commonly  handled  with  this  line.  This  is  the 
largest  concern  of  its  kind  in  Peoria.  Mr.  Reitz  is  also  vice  president  of  the 
Best  Manufacturing  Company  of  Peoria,  who  specialize  in  stairs  and  indoor 
woodwork.  He  is  likewise  vice  president  of  the  firm  of  Sprouse  &  Company, 
Inc.,  of  Tacoma,  Washington,  importers  of  specialties,  and  is  a  stockholder  in 
the  Illinois  National  Bank  of  Peoria.  Mr.  Reitz  was  born  in  Germany,  Janu- 
ary 6,  1869,  a  son  of  Nicholas  and  Emma  Reitz,  and  his  education  was  studiously 
gained  in  the  schools  of  the  city  of  Berlin.  By  close  application  to  work,  which 
has  since  characterized  his  business  pursuits,  he  completed  the  prescribed  studies 
in  those  excellent  schools  when  little  more  than  twelve  years  of  age  and  then 
came  with  his  parents  to  the  United  States,  the  family  home  being  established 
in  Peoria,  Illinois.  Mr.  Reitz  has  been  a  resident  of  this  citv  since  1882.  Arriv- 
ing in  the  new  world,  he  at  once  entered  the  employ  of  Peoria's  pioneer  crockery 
firm,  P.  F.  Schelly  &  Son.  When  he  had  l:>een  three  years  with  that  firm  the 
concern  went  out  of  business  and  he  accepted  a  position  as  salesman  for  the 
Miller  Brothers'  crockery  house,  a  wholesale  and  retail  establishment  on  Main 
street.  Peoria.  The  year  after  Mr.  Reitz  began  working  for  Miller  Brothers,  he 
purchased  the  entire  business  and  for  one  year  conducted  it  along  former  lines 
under  his  own  name.  One  year  later,  however,  in  order  to  meet  the  growing 
demands  created  by  Mr.  Reitz'  business  ability  and  successful  commercial  meth- 
ods, the  business  was  enlarged  and  incorporated,  our  subject  becoming  the  vice 
president  of  the  company.  Upon  the  death  of  C.  E.  Wheelock,  whose  name 
the  present  corporation  now  retains,  Mr.  Reitz  became  active  manager  of  the 
wholesale  department,  a  position  which  his  early  training  and  careful  attention 
to  all  details  of  the  business  fitted  him  to  occupy  most  successfully  and  wliicji 
he  has  since  filled  with  much  credit  to  himself  and  profit  to  his  company.  In 
his  present  capacity  as  buyer  and  manager  he  makes  frequent  trips  to  Europe, 
searching  the  markets  of  the  old  world  and  selecting  and  buying  carefully  in 
order  to  meet  the  exacting  demands  made  upon  the  company  by  a  large  number 
of  dealers  throughout  the  country.  His  cooj^eration  has  been  sought  in  the 
management  of  other  inifiortant  enterprises  and  at  the  present  time  he  acts  as 
vice  president  of  both  the  Best  Maiuifacturing  Company  of  Peoria  and  the 
firm  of  Sprouse  &  Company  in  Tacoma,  Washington. 

Mr.  Reitz  was  married  to  Miss  Maggie  Bachelet,  of  r,ouisville,  Kentucky. 
To  them  was  born  a  daughter.  Marguerite,  who  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Torthat, 
of  Peoria.  Mr.  Reitz  is  a  member  of  the  IMasonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  all 
the  various   departments   of   that   ancient  and   honorable   order      He   is   also   a 


760  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Ckib  of  Peoria  and  has  always  taken  great  interest 
in  the  Turn  \'erein  of  this  city.  The  life,  business  and  social  achievements  of 
Mr.  Reitz  comprise  a  long  chapter  of  successes,  he  being  a  living  exemplifica- 
tion of  what  intelligence,  application  and  economy  will  do  for  a  young  man 
who  is  dependent  upon  his  own  resources  in  the  building  up  of  a  name  and 
fortune.  His  achievements  came  not  by  chance  but  were  earned  by  brain  and 
the  sweat  of  brow  in  the  hard  school  of  life  and  experience,  and  his  present 
enviable  station  in  life  may  be  profitably  emulated  by  any  of  the  present  gen- 
eration. 


ELOF  E.  OLSON. 


Elof  E.  Olson  who,  since  October,  1909,  has  been  engaged  in  the  general 
merchandise  business  in  Hanna  City,  was  born  in  Sweden,  March  28,  1871. 
His  parents  were  Ola  and  Hannah  (Anders)  Eskelson,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Sweden,  the  father  dying  there  November  20,  1878.  The  mother  ac- 
companied her  son,  Elof  E.  of  this  review,  to  America  in  1888  and  located  in 
Elmwood  township  where  she  died  December  23,  1899,  at  "the  age  of  seventy- 
two.     In  her  family  were  nine  children  of  whom  Elof  E.  is  the  youngest. 

Elof  E.  Olson  was  reared  and  educated  in  Sweden,  and  upon  coming  to 
America  in  1888  he  located  in  Elmwood  township  where  he  purchased  in  1896 
a  tract  of  five  acres  of  land,  and  the  following  year  bought  an  adjoining  five 
acres,  the  next  year,  forty  acres  and  in  1909,  ten  acres.  He  resided  on  the 
farm  until  1905  when  selling  it  he  purchased  in  Trivoli  township  eighty  acres 
which  in  1908  he  sold  and  then  bought  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Elm- 
wood township  three  miles  north  of  Trivoli.  In  October,  1909,  he  removed  to 
Hanna  City  where  he  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business  and  is  now 
successfully  conducting  the  same.  He  still  owns  his  farm  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  in  Elmwood  township  besides  having  some  interest  in  property  in 
Hanna  City.  On  the  i6th  of  August,  191 1,  Mr.  Olson  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Tracy  Molchin  of  Hanna  City. 

Mr.  Olson  is  thrifty,  energetic,  and  has  been  very  successful  in  the  country 
he  has  chosen  to  make  his  home.  While  directly  connected  with  the  farming 
interests  he  steadily  advanced  in  a  financial  way.  and  upon  turning  his  attention 
to  the  general  merchandise  business  he  is  meeting  with  equal  success. 


GEORGE  ASAHEl.   WILSON.   M.  D. 

In  all  of  his  life  history  Dr.  George  Asahel  Wilson's  position  was  never  an 
equivocal  one  and  he  probably  never  weighed  an  act  of  his  life  in  the  scale  of 
policy ;  with  him  it  was  a  question  of  right  and  principle  and  his  support  of 
any  public  or  private  measure  indicated  his  belief  in  the  value  and  righteous- 
ness of  the  case.  As  a  physician,  as  a  lawyer  and  as  a  public  official  he  there- 
fore made  a  most  creditable  record  and  among  the  veterans  of  the  Civil  war 
residing  in  this  part  of  the  state  none  were  held  in  higher  regard  than  Dr. 
George  A.  Wilson.  The  birth  of  Mr.  Wilson  occurred  upon  the  old  home 
farm  in  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  on  December  9,  1840.  He  was  a  repre- 
sentative of  one  of  the  honored  pioneer  families  in  this  state.  His  parents, 
Jacob  and  Emily  (Donahoe)  Wilson,  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  this 
part  of  the  state,  having  about  1823  or  1824  become  residents  of  what  is  now 
Fond  du  Lac  township,  Tazewell  county.  For  a  considerable  period,  however, 
that  district  was  embraced  within  the  borders  of  Peoria  county,  but  when  the 


DR.  GE0R(;E   a.  WILSON 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  765 

new  county  of  i'eoria  was  organized  Jacob  Wilson  was  aijpointed  by  Governor 
Coles  one  of  the  first  justices  of  the  peace,  and  on  the  22d  of  March,  1825,  he 
performed  the  first  marriage  ceremony  in  the  new  county,  the  participating 
parties  being  William  lilanchard  and  IJetsey  Donahoe,  the  latter  a  sister  of 
Emily  Donahoe,  who  in  December  of  the  same  year  became  the  wife  of  Jacob 
Wilson.  The  young  couple  began  their  domestic  life  on  a  farm  at  the  foot 
of  the  bluff  just  opposite  the  site  of  the  present  village  of  Averyville.  For 
forty-four  years  they  resided  there  and  with  the  agricultural  development  of 
the  county  Mr.  Wilson  was  closely  and  prominently  identified.  Success  at- 
tended his  efforts  and  he  and  his  father-in-law,  Major  Donahoe,  were  for  many 
years  numbered  with  those  wdio  paid  the  largest  amount  of  taxes  in  their  part 
of  the  county.  They  were  zealous  in  the  upbuilding  and  development  of  their 
success,  and  prosperity  attended  them.  As  soon  as  the  public  lands  were 
placed  ui)on  the  market  Mr.  Wilson  had  secured  a  half  section  which  with  the 
increase  in  population  grew  rapidly  in  value,  his  holdings  being  also  greatly  pro- 
moted in  value  by  the  many  substantial  improvements  placed  thereon.  With 
the  further  division  of  the  state  into  counties  the  district  in  which  the  Wilson 
family  lived  became  a  part  of  Tazewell  county,  but  because  of  their  proximity 
to  the  village  of  Peoria  they  continued  to  maintain  a  very  close  relation  with 
its  peojile.  They  were  known  as  prominent  and  devoted  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist church  and  services  at  their  home  were  frequently  attended  by  Peoria 
residents  of  the  same  denominational  faith.  They  always  entertained  the  min- 
isters who  visited  this  section  and  at  times  several  of  them  would  meet  in  Mr. 
Wilson's  home.  He  built  the  first  church  in  that  settlement  located  at  what 
is  now  the  intersection  of  the  Pekin  and  Spring  Bay  road  with  that  leading  to 
Metamora.  He  also  furnished  and  hauled  the  rafters  for  the  first  Methodist 
church  erected  in  Peoria.  In  fact  he  did  everything  in  his  power  to  advance 
the  work  of  the  chruch  and  promote  the  spiritual  development  of  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  lived.  Flis  labors  were  indeed  an  essential  and  valuable 
element  in  the  early  upbuilding  of  the  county  and  no  pioneer  settler  is  more 
worthy  of  praise  than  this  man  who,  reared  upon  the  frontier,  was  always 
loyal  to  the  interests  of  his  home  locality  and  did  everything  in  his  power  to 
promote  the  higher  civilization  here.  His  long,  useful  and  honorable  life  was 
closed  in  death  on  the  15th  of  September,  1869,  while  his  widow  long  survived 
him,  d\ing  on  the  25th  of  November,  1888.  They  reared  a  large  family  and 
two  of  their  sons,  Joseph  F.  and  George  A.,  became  soldiers  of  the  Union 
army  in  the  Civil  war,  while  a  third  son,  Robert  T.,  became  a  sutler  and  was 
killed  in  an  attack  by  guerrillas  near  Helena,  Arkansas,  on  the  Mississippi  river. 
In  the  engagement  of  Fort  Donelson  Joseph  Wilson  was  severely  wounded, 
causing  the  loss  of  nearly  the  whole  of  his  lower  jaw  bone.  It  was  only 
through  the  heroic  eft'orts  of  his  brother,  George,  that  he  was  rescued  form  the 
perilous  condition  and  brought  to  his  home,  where  through  skillful  treatment 
his  life  was  saved.  Joseph  F.  W'ilson  was  a  lawyer  by  profession  but  by  reason 
of  the  injury  he  sustained  w-as  totally  disabled  from  continuing  in  practice 
and  was  therefore  given  important'  positions  in  the  government  service  at 
Washington,  which  he  creditably  filled  to  the  time  of  his  death,  on  the  4th 
of  January,   i8g8. 

Farm  life  early  became  familiar  to  George  A.  Wilson,  whose  youthful  days 
were  spent  on  the  old  homestead  while  his  early  education  was  acquired  in  the 
local  schools.  With  a  desire  to  enter  upon  a  professional  career  he  subsequently 
became  a  student  in  the  senior  preparatory  department  of  Eureka  College  in 
September,  1856,  there  pursuing  his  studies  for  two  years.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  same  class  as  the  Rev.  B.  J.  Radford,  D.  D..  now  president  of  the 
college ;  Hon..  Jonathan  H.  Rowell,  late  member  of  congress,  and  Charles  P. 
Taggart,  at  one  time  county  superintendent  of  schools  of  Peoria  county.  Dr. 
Wilson   did   not  graduate   from   that   institution   hut   left   there   in   June,    1858, 


766  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  enter  upon  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  office  of  Drs.  John  D.  Arnold  and 
Clark  D.  Rankin,  of  Peoria.  He  afterward  matriculated  in  Rush  Medical  Col- 
lege of  Chicago,  attending  lectures  there  until  about  the  time  of  the  outbreak 
of  the  Civil  war,  when,  within  a  short  period  of  his  expected  graduation,  he 
abandoned  his  studies  and  joined  the  Union  forces.  On  the  25th  of  Alay, 
1861,  he  became  a  private  of  Company  G,  Seventeenth  Regiment,  Illinois  \'ol- 
unteer  Infantry,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Leonard  F.  Ross.  The  com- 
pany in  which  he  enlisted  was  made  up  largely  of  volunteers  from  Woodford 
and  Tazewell  counties,  with  many  of  whom  he  had  become  acquainted  at  or 
near  Eureka,  including  Captain  Otis  A.  Burgess  and  the  first  lieutenant,  Jona- 
than H.  Rowell,  who  were  his  intimate  friends. 

Dr.  Wilson  was  soon  thereafter  assigned  to  duty  in  the  regimental  hospital 
where  he  gained  much  valuable  experience.  After  more  than  a  year's  service 
in  that  capacity  he  was  appointed  first  assistant  surgeon  in  the  Fourteenth 
Regiment  of  Illinois  Cavalry,  then  recruiting  at  Peoria,  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Horace  Capron,  Dr.  Wilson  was  mustered  in  with  that  regiment 
January  7,  1863.  He  was  with  the  Seventeenth  Regiment  in  the  hotly  con- 
tested engagement  at  Fredericktown,  Missouri,  on  October  21,  1861,  his  com- 
mand being  in  the  lead  there.  He  was  also  at  Fort  Donelson  where  his  brother 
was  so  desperately  wounded,  and  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  where  the  regiment  did 
much  to  save  Grant's  army  from  disaster  on  the  first  day  of  that  memorable 
contest.  While  with  the  Fourteenth  Cavalry  he  accompanied  his  regiment  in 
all  of  its  weary  marches  and  raids  until  August  3,  1864,  when,  during  Stone- 
man's  raid  in  the  vicinity  of  ]\Iacon,  Georgia,  he  was  made  prisoner  and  was 
confined  at  Macon  and  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  until  the  last  day  of  October, 
when  he  was  exchanged.  He  remained  at  the  front  until  it  was  an  assured  fact 
that  victorv  would  crown  the  Union  arms  and  then  resigned  his  office  on  the 
7th  of  April,  1865,  his  regiment,  however,  remaining  at  the  front  until  the  31st 
of  July,  following. 

After  his  return  from  the  war  Dr.  Wilson  entered  again  upon  the  study 
of  medicine  and  completed  a  course  in  Rush  Medical  College  by  graduation 
with  the  class  of  1866.  He  opened  an  office  in  Peoria  and  was  not  long  in  secur- 
ing a  liberal  practice,  but  political  activity  interfered  with  his  service  in  the 
line  of  his  profession.  In  1S68  he  accepted  the  nomination  of  the  democratic 
party  for  the  office  of  circuit  clerk  of  Peoria  county  and  his  election  came  in 
recognition  of  his  ability  and  his  character  as  a  citizen  and  his  patriotic  devo- 
tion to  his  country,  for  the  republican  party  was  then  in  the  ascendency  in 
Peoria  county  and  elected  Judge  Isaac  Taylor,  John  D.  McClure  and  John  C. 
Yates,  who  were  candidates  for  the  offices  of  county  treasurer,  county  clerk  and 
judge  of  the  county  court,  respectively.  His  comrades  in  the  Civil  war,  however, 
rallied  to  the  support  of  Dr.  Wilson  and  gave  him  a  handsome  majority.  He 
made  a  capable  incumbent  in  the  office,  his  record  being  such  that  he  had  no 
difficulty  in  winning  a  reelection  at  the  close  of  his  first  term.  Had  he  desired 
he  might  have  had  the  nomination  for  a  third  term  but  the  holding  of  office 
for  more  than  two  terms  being  then  a  vital  question  in  politics,  upon  which 
the  democratic  party  had  taken  the  negative  side,  he  declined  to  again  seek 
the  nomination.  He  was  a  strong  advocate  of  democratic  principles.  In  this 
connection  a  contemporary  biographer  has  written :  "While  taking  the  side  of 
the  war-democrats  in  support  of  the  government  in  its  efforts  to  suppress  the 
rebellion,  and  having  for  four  years  rendered  his  personal  services  in  the  army, 
he  never  yielded  up  those  principles  of  JefTersonian  democracy  which  he  con- 
sidered essential  to  good  government.  He  was  in  favor  of  maintaining  state 
sovereignty  so  far  as  compatible  with  the  preservation  of  the  Union  and  against 
every  tendency  to  centralization  of  power  in  the  general  government ;  he  was 
opposed  to  all  class  legislation  which  would  tend  to  build  up  one  class  of  inter- 
ests to  the  detriment  of  another ;  he  was  opposed  to  the  concentration  of  wealth  : 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  767 

in  the  hands  of  banks  and  other  corporations  and  in  favor  of  a  currency  issued 
directly  by  the  government  and  having  a  gold  and  silver  basis ;  in  short,  he  was 
an  earnest  advocate  of  all  those  measures  which  had,  in  former  times,  distin- 
guished the  democrats  from  the  old  line  whigs.  He  therefore  earnestly  sup- 
ported his  party  and  endeavored  by  every  means  in  his  power  to  promote  its 
success.  When  Grover  Cleveland  came  to  the  front  as  a  political  factor,  and 
long  before  he  was  nominated  to  the  presidency  Dr.  Wilson  was  his  ardent 
admirer." 

While  tilling  the  office  of  circuit  clerk  Dr.  Wilson  embraced  his  opportunity 
of  studying  law  and  in  1876  won  admission  to  the  bar.  He  entered  upon  prac- 
tice following  his  retirement  from  office  and  made  a  most  creditable  record 
as  a  capable,  efficient  and  painstaking  lawyer.  He  had  become  well  established 
in  practice  when  in  1885  President  Cleveland  appointed  him  to  the  responsi- 
ble'position  of  collector  of  interal  revenue  for  the  fifth  district  of  Illinois.  This 
position  he  filled  with  great  ability  for  four  years,  when  the  republican  party 
came  into  power  and  he  resigned,  to  be  succeeded  by  one  of  the  opposing  party. 
He  was  practically  too  earnest  and  devoted  a  democrat  for  his  own  good,  for 
he  was  twice  induced  to  accept  the  nomination  for  congress  when  he  knew 
that  election  was  an  impossibility.  Notwithstanding,  he  was  opposed  on  each 
occasion  by  popular  candidates  of  the  republican  party  he  succeeded  in  mater- 
ially reducing  their  majorities,  thus  showing  his  political  strength  and  his  popu- 
larity. 

When  he  withdrew  from  the  office  of  collector  of  internal  revenue  Dr.  Wil- 
son again  took  up  the  practice  of  law,  forming  a  partnershii)  with  Dan  F.  Raum. 
He  afterward  practiced  in  connection  with  the  Hon.  Sabin  D.  Futerbaugh,  for- 
merl\-  circuit  judge.  He  was  later,  however,  made  deputy  collector  of  internal 
revenue  under  James  W.  Hunter,  following  the  reelection  of  Grover  Cleve- 
land to  the  presidency.  He  continued  in  that  position  until  impaired  health 
forced  his  retirement.  For  several  years  prior  to  his  demise  his  health  gradually 
failed  under  the  insidious  ravages  of  a  spinal  complaint  tliat  was  brought  about 
through  e.xjiosure  and   injury   during  the   war. 

On  the  21  St  of  February,  1876.  Dr.  Wilson  was  married  to  Miss  Helen 
Alarr  Hoskinson.  a  daughter  of  John  L.  Hoskinson,  an  infiuential  citizen  of 
Macoml:),  Illinois.  Dr.  Wilson  was  most  devoted  to  his  family,  finding  his 
greatest  delight  in  su])plying  them  with  all  that  could  contribute  to  their  welfare 
and  happiness.  Mrs.  \\'ilson  still  remains  a  well  known  and  prominent  resident 
of  Peoria.  She  is  the  secretary  of  the  Peoria  Historical  Society,  belongs  to  the 
Peoria  Woman's  Club  and  at  her  own  Ijeautiful  home  at  No.  405  North  Monroe 
street  dispenses  a  gracious  and  generous  hospitalitv. 

Dr.  Wilson  became  one  of  the  organizers  of  Bryner  Post,  No.  67,  G.  A..R., 
and  was  its  commander  in  1882.  Since  his  death  the  George  A.  Wilson  circle 
of  the  Ladies  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  have  honored  him  in  thus 
naming  their  organization.  When  death  called  Dr.  Wilson  on  the  6th  of  April, 
igoo,  his  remains  were  carried  to  their  last  resting  place  by  comrades  of  Bry- 
ner Post.  Of  him  it  was  written  at  the  time  of  his  death:  "Probably  no  man 
ever  lived  who  more  fully  exhibited  the  true  spirit  of  democracy  in  his  daily  life 
and  conversation.  .At  all  times  and  in  all  jilaces  he  was  the  same  frank,  courag- 
eous, open-handed  gentleman.  He  recognized  neither  caste  nor  creed,  age  or 
condition.  He  saw  only  the  man  created  free  and  equal  with  himself  and  entitled 
to  the  same  consideration.  The  same  kind  consideration  for  his  fellowmen 
which  characterized  his  every-day  life  led  him  to  discard  the  rigid  doctrines  held 
by  the  so-called  orthodox  churches  and  to  unite  with  the  Universalists.  His  life, 
public  and  private,  political  and  domestic,  was  pure  in  an  eminent  degree  and, 
although  sometimes  seemingly  engulfed  in  the  maelstrom  of  party  politics  he  in- 
variably came  out  triumphant  and  without  a  smirch  upon  his  character."  Out 
of  the  struggle  with  small  n|ipnrtunities  he  had  come  finallv  into  a  field  of  broad 


768  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

activity  and  usefulness.  The  beauty  of  his  better  self  lives  on  in  the  lives  of 
those  who  came  under  his  influence.  He  reached  a  ripe  old  age  but  although 
the  frost  of  winter  was  on  his  head  the  flowers  of  spring  were  in  his  heart. 


DA\TD  HENRY  fROCTOR. 

Death  often  removes  from  our  midst  those  whom  we  can  ill  afford  to  lose, 
men   whose  ability,   strength   of   character   and   high   purpose   place   them   ma 
prominent  and  honorable  position  as  leaders  in  the  work  of  the  community  in 
which  they  live.     Such  was  the  record  of  David  H.  Proctor,  and  called  from 
this  life  when  but  forty  years  of  age.  his  death  was  the  occasion  of  most  deep 
and  widespread  regret.     He  had  endeared  himself  to  all  who  knew  him  by  his 
attractive  social  qualities,  by  his  business  ability  and  integrity  and  by  an  up- 
right life  that  was  actuated' at  all  times  by  most  honorable  purposes.     He  was 
born  in  Peoria,  September  23.  1865,  and  passed  away  on  the  loth  of  February, 
1906.     He  was  a  son  of  Ezekiel  Allen  and  Emily  (Powell)   Proctor,  and  a  rep- 
resentative of  one  of  Peoria's  leading  families.     His  paternal  grandparents  were 
John  and  Edna   (Dean)    Proctor,  who  carefully  guided  the  education  of  their 
son,  Ezekiel  Allen,  who  was  born  in  Henniker,  Xew  Hampshire,  October  5,  1819. 
and'  supplemented  his  public-school  education  by  an  academic  training.   He  started 
westward  in  1840,  about  the  time  he  attained  his  majority,  and  after  residing  for 
brief  periods  in  Cincinnati,  Louisville  and  St.  Louis  proceeded  by  boat  up  the 
Illinois  river  to  Lewiston,   Illinois,  where   for  one  term  he   engaged   in   teach- 
ing  school.     He   then   continued  his   journey   to    Peoria   where   he   was   joineil 
by  his  brother,   I.   Francis  Proctor,  and  made  permanent  settlement.     At   that 
day  the  city  contained  a  population  of  about  seven  or  eight  hundred,  was  with- 
out railroad,  and  stage  coach  and  river  transportation  afforded  the  only  con- 
nection with  the  outside  world.     The  work  of  development  and   improvement 
seemed  scarcelv  begun  in  this  region.     The  wolves  often  made  the  night  hid- 
eous with  their  howling,  and  it  was  no  unusual  sight  to  see  deer  upon  the  open 
prairie.      JNIr.   Proctor,   however,   bravely   faced   the   difficulties   and  dangers  01 
pioneer   life   and   gradually   worked   his    way    upward   in   business   circles.      In 
1843  he  began  the  manufacture  of  agricultural  implements,  and  the  followmg 
year  was  joined  hv  his  brother.  John  C.   Proctor,  in  a  partnership  which  con- 
tinued until    1859.'    Success   attended  their  efforts,   and   in   later  years  Ezekiel 
Allen   Proctor  figured  prominently   in   financial  circles  as  one  of  the  directors, 
and  afterward  as  president  of  the   ^Mechanics'   &   Merchants   Bank  of   Peoria. 
He.  later  in  life,  retired  from  active  business  management  except  for  the  super- 
vision he  gave  to  his  farming  and  stock-raising  interests.     He  won  success  at 
the  cost  of  earnest,  self-denying  labor  and  never  at  the  sacrifice  of  others'  inter- 
ests or  opportunities.     On  the   i8th  of  January.   1850.  he  wedded  ^liss  Emily 
Powell  of  Long  Ridge.  Marshall  county.  Illinois,  and  they  became  the  parents 
of  five  sons,  two  dying  in  infancy,  and  three  who  reached  middle  age  and  died 
while  in  the  prime  of  life  with  a  brilliant  future  before  them. 

David  H.  Proctor  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria  until  he  reached 
the  age  of  sixteen  years  when  his  desire  to  become  an  active  factor  in  the  busi- 
ness world  led  him' to  accept  a  position  in  the  office  of  the  J.  C.  Proctor  Lumber 
Company,  of  which  his  uncle  was  senior  member.  His  original  position  was  a 
clerical  one.  but  his  close  application,  enerey  and  ready  adaptability  enabled 
him  to  gradually  work  his  way  upward  until  he  was  active  in  the  management  of 
the  busmess.  In  180^,  on  the  death  of  his  brother,  he  assumed  complete  charge 
of  the  business,  which  he  conducted  in  a  most  capable  and  successful  manner. 
He   readily   recognized   and   utilized   his   opportunities  and   combined    seemingly 


DAVID    11.    I'KIKTOR 


'It, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  771 

diverse  elements  into  a  liarmonious  whole.  He  displayed  notable  tact  in  hand- 
ling men  and  situations,  and  guided  the  destinies  of  the  business  to  a  successful 
completion.  He  was  not  only  well  known  in  the  lumber  trade,  but  had  reached 
a  position  where  his  name  was  an  honored  one  on  all  commercial  paper.  Just 
a  month  prior  to  his  death  he  was  elected  a  director  of  the  First  National  Bank 
of  Peoria,  becoming  one  of  the  youngest  bank  directors  of  the  city.  He  seemed 
in  the  very  height  of  his  powers  and  his  manhood  when  death  called  him  and 
cut  short  a  career  of  brilliancy  and  honor. 

On  the  8th  of  October,  1895,  ^J^''-  Proctor  had  married  Miss  Emma  I.cniisc 
Klingel,  a  daughter  of  Christian  and  Anna  M.  (Schertz)  Klingel,  the  father  a 
native  of  Germany,  while  the  mother  was  born  in  Peoria.  The  former  came 
to  America  in  the  early  '30s,  settling  in  Peoria  where  he  was  prominently 
known.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Proctor  became  parents  of  a  daughter,  Edna  Dean.  Mr. 
Proctor  was  a  man  of  excellent  qualities,  very  sociable  and  congenial,  possessing 
in  a  large  measure  those  traits  of  character  which  win  friendship  and  regard. 
He  was  fond  of  outdoor  life  and  enjoyed  all  manly  sports.  He  greatly  en- 
joyed art,  music  and  travel,  and  was  a  lover  of  all  that  is  good  and  beautiful. 
His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  at  no  time  did 
he  neglect  his  duties  of  citizenship.  He  attended  the  Congregational  church 
and  found  in  its  teachings  man}-  of  the  rules  which  governed  his  conduct. 
He  held  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Countrv  Club,  the  Duck 
Island  Club  and  was  also  a  member  of  the  Peoria  lodge  of  Elks,  taking  an 
active  and  helpful  interest  in  the  affairs  of  these  different  organizations.  His 
life  exemplified  the  truth  of  the  Emersonian  philosophv  that  "The  wav  to  win 
a  friend  is  to  be  one."  He  appreciated  the  good  in  others  and  valued  friend- 
ship highly ;  in  fact  all  through  his  life  he  sought  those  influences  which  are 
elevating.  It  seems  the  natural  order  of  things  when  an  individual  passes 
from  life  at  old  age,  but  when  one  is  cut  off  in  the  prime  of  manhood  the 
reason  remains  an  unsolved  mystery  to  those  who  are  left  behind.  Yet,  in  a 
life  record  that  covered  only  forty  years,  David  H.  Proctor  accomplished 
more  than  many  a  man  who  reaches  old  age,  and  left  behind  him  a  memory 
that   will  be  honored  and  cherished   for  vears  to  come. 


AUGUST  J.  REINMANN. 

August  J.  Reinmann  has  progressed  but  a  comparatively  short  distance  on 
life's  journey,  but,  while  a  young  man,  he  occupies  a  creditable  and  enviable 
position  in  business  circles  as  the  president  and  general  manager  of  the  Rein- 
mann Brothers  Company,  successors  to  the  Brown  &  Timberman  Manufacturing 
Company,  manufacturers  of  bank  and  store  fixtures  at  Nos.  115  to  119  North 
Washington  streets,  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  February  3,  1884,  his 
parents  being  August  and  Lena  (Becker)  Reinmann.  The  father  is  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Reinmann  Brothers  Company  and  is  a  well  known  contractor  and 
builder  here,  having  i)ecn  a  resident  of  the  city  for  more  than  a  half  century. 
Throughout  much  of  this  period  his  name  has  been  a  synonym  not  only  for 
industry  and  sound  judgment  but  also  for  honorable  dealing  in  business  circles. 

August  J.  Reinmann  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  public  schools, 
after  which  he  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  under  the  direction  of  his  father. 
In  1910  in  connection  with  his  brother,  R.  H.  Reinmann,  and  his  father,  August 
Reinmann,  he  took  over  the  business  of  the  Brown  &  Timberman  Manufactur- 
ing C'omjjany  and  in  June,  igii,  this  was  reorganized  under  the  ])resent  style. 
They  do  a  general  line  of  mill  work  and  are  manufacturers  of  interior  finish- 
ing, store,  office  and  bank  fixtures.  August  J.  Reinmann  is  the  president  and 
manager  with  his  brother  as  treasurer  and  his  father  as  secretary  of  the  com- 


772  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

pany.  In  ihis  connection  he  has  Ijecome  well  established  as  a  leading  young 
business  man  of  this  city.  The  enterprise  which  he  now  largely  controls  is  one 
of  growing  importance.  The  output  finds  favor  with  the  public  and  the  trade  is 
increasing  rapidly. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Reinmann  is  well  known  as  a  member  of  the  Maccabees. 
He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  work  and 
is  assistant  physical  director  of  the  association  here.  He  recognizes  the  fact  that 
in  youth,  the  critical  period  in  the  life  of  a  boy,  he  should  be  surrounded  with 
the  influences  that  call  forth  and  direct  his  latent  powers  and  energies  in  the 
best  possible  way  and  train  his  better  nature  to  an  appreciation  and  acceptance 
of  high  and  honorable  principles.  He  is  thus  putting  forth  effective  and  earnest 
effort  to  support  and  extend  the  work  of  the  Young  Alen's  Christian  Association 
and  his  labors  in  this  line  as  in  his  business  are  proving  very  resultant. 


HENRY  F.  BREMER. 


Henry  F.  Bremer  is  the  president  and  founder  of  The  Central  Stone  Com- 
pany, manufacturers  of  building  stone,  which  is  one  of  the  thriving  and  rapidly 
developing  enterprises  of  Peoria.  He  was  born  at  Ottawa.  Illinois,  on  IMarch 
30,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  F.  and  Mary  Bremer.  The  father,  a  native 
of  Germany  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1857  and  subsequently  located  in 
Illinois.  He  was  a  stone  cutter  by  trade  and  followed  that  occupation  for  many 
years  both  here  and  in  Ottawa.  When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  Henry  F.  Bremer 
enlisted  in  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  Volunteer  Infantry  and  went  to  the  front, 
where  he  remained  until  honorably  discharged  at  the  close  of  hostilities.  He 
passed  awav  on  the  23d  of  December,  1901,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  Spring- 
dale  cemeterv,  as  was  also  the  mother,  whose  death  had  occured  in  November, 
1900. 

Henry  F.  Bremer  was  only  a  child  when  his  parents  located  m  Peoria,  and 
here  he  has  passed  the  greater  part  of  his  life.  He  was  third  in  order  of  birth 
in  a  family  of  nine  children.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  left  school  and  began 
his  apprenticeship  as  a  stone  cutter,  and  has  ever  since  been  identified  with  this 
line  of  work.  From  the  time  he  was  sixteen  until  he  was  thirty-four  he  worked 
as  a  journevman,  his  varied  experience  while  so  serving  proving  of  incalculable 
assistance  to  him  in  his  business  career  later.  He  was  too  ambitious,  however, 
to  continue  to  work  on  a  salary,  and  recognizing  an  excellent  opening  here 
for  an  establishment  such  as  he'  is  now  conducting  he  organized  The  Central 
Stone  Companv.  This  industry  has  thrived  from  its  incipiency,  its  development 
being  characterized  by  a  marked  and  substantial  progress  that  now  numbers  it 
among  the  stable  and' well  organized  activities  of  the  city.  Mr.  Bremer  is  both 
resourceful  and  sagacious  and  not  only  possesses  the  power  to  organize  but  to 
promote  an  undertaking  and  to  his  perseverance  and  determination  of  purpose 
must  be  attributed  the  prosperity  that  has  attended  his  eft'orts.  He  is  thor- 
oughly reliable  and  trustworthy  and  has  established  for  himself  a  reputation  that 
greatly  helps  to  sell  his  products. 

At  Princeton,  this  state,  on  the  i6th  of  :May,  1898.  Mr.  Bremer  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  Brunzel,  a  daughter  of  Frank  and  Lena  Erunzel, 
farming  people  of  Kansas.  One  son,  Henry  F.,  Jr.,  has  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bremer. 

Fraternally.  Mr.  Bremer  is  affiliated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  and 'is  a  member  of  the  Order  of  Ben  Hur.  His  political  prerogatives 
he  exercises  in  support  of  the  men  and  measures  of  the  republican  party,  but 
has  never  been  connected  with  official  life.  He  has  always  utilized  his  time  to 
the  best  possible  advantage  and  has  grasped  every  opportunity  honorably  open 


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MAKV   DAXIKLS  HENEBERV 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  773 

to  him  for  the  advancement  of  his  interests,  finding  his  highest  commendation 
in  the  fact  that  such  success  as  has  attended  his  efforts  is  entirely  attributable 
to  his  own  endeavors. 


MARY  DANIELS  HENEBERY. 

The  battles  of  this  world,  its  honors,  its  victories,  its  struggles,  its  triumphs, 
its  rewards  and  its  glories  are  for  the  men.  The  great  industries,  the  spreading 
commerce,  the  rising  municipalities,  the  upbuilding  of  cities,  the  conquering  of 
the  sea,  the  tilling  of  the  land,  the  progress  of  nations,  all  militate  to  the  honor 
and  glor\  of  the  men  who  upraise  them.  And  yet  in  the  final  analysis,  the  foun- 
dation of  nations  rests  upon  the  women.  Our  mothers  make  us  what  we  are. 
The  influence  of  a  good  and  noble  woman,  living  out  a  virtuous  and  sacrificial 
life  in  her  home  and  among  her  people,  is  the  leading  and  final  factor  in  the  fu- 
ture greatness  of  her  sons.  On  its  lofty  and  high-minded  women,  wives  and 
mothers  of  its  future  citizens  the  progress  of  America  depends. 

.\  woman  of  this  type,  one  of  the  many  Christian  women  about  whom  we 
hear  too  little,  died  in  Peoria  on  March  13,  1912.  Airs.  Mary  Henebery  was 
seventy-seven  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  death,  and  was  one  of  Peoria's  most 
prominent,  charitable  and  religious  women.  Pier  life  was  an  epitome  of  all 
womanly  virtue.  For  over  half  a  century  she  lived  with  her  husband  and  chil- 
dren, a  truly  noble  wife  and  mother.  Her  influence  extended  into  all  the  chari- 
table and  religious  movements  of  her  time,  and  many  a  humble  woman,  many  a 
poor  man,  many  a  hungry  child  has  cause  to  rememljer  her  boundless  love  and 
kindness. 

Mrs.  Henebery  was  born  in  Ireland  .in  1834.  She  remained  in  her  native 
country  until  she  was  fifteen  years  of  age,  receiving  her  early  education  there. 
In  1840  she  came  to  America  and  ultimately  to  Peoria.  At  a  very  early  age,  she 
married  Mathew  Henebery.  one  of  Peoria's  most  prominent  and  successful  busi- 
ness men.  The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henebery  was  ideal.  No  one  can  esti- 
mate the  value  and  influence  of  such  a  w^oman  to  her  husband  and  to  her  chil- 
dren. The  sons  and  daughters  of  Mrs.  Henebery  have  to  thank  their  mother  for 
the  memory  of  a  happy  and  serene  childhood,  for  a  training  in  the  Christian  vir- 
tues which  have  made  their  lives  better  and  more  faithful,  and  for  a  beautiful 
and  joyous  home.  The  life  of  most  women  is  comprised  in  this;  and  failing  this 
she  fails  all.  Yet  Mrs.  Henebery  added  to  this,  a  mind  equal. to  any  emergency, 
a  talent  for  business  which  she  employed  in  the  administration  of  her  husband's 
estate  of  over  half  a  million  dollars,  which  he  left  to  her  in  trust  at  the  time  of 
his  death.  Her  able  administration  of  her  fortune,  her  keen  appreciation  of  busi- 
ness facts,  her  strict  justice,  her  sterling  honesty,  were  among  the  most  notable 
phases  of  her  character.  Mrs.  Henebery  left  this  legacy  of  spotless  virtue, 
boundless  charity,  and  Christan  motherhood  to  her  children,  of  whom  seven  are 
living,  one  son,  Richard  J.  Henebery  of  this  city,  and  six  daughters:  Mrs.  E.  J. 
Cashin  of  Peoria;  Mrs.  Samuel  Cummings  and  Aliss  Lucy  Henebery,  also  of 
Peoria ;  l\Irs.  Robert  De  W'ald  and  Mrs.  Charles  Aluehler  of  Fort  Wayne.  Indi- 
ana:  and  Mrs.  E.  T.  Muir  of  Detroit,  ^Michigan. 

During  her  early  life,  Mrs.  Henebery  was  an  untiring  worker  in  the  cause  of 
charity.  No  poor  child,  no  needy  w-oman,  no  unfortunate  man  sought  her  aid 
in  vain.  She  gave,  and  gave  freely  to  the  Roman  Catholic  church  and  its  chari- 
ties, of  which  church  she  was  a  devoted  and  loyal  member  during  her  lifetime. 
In  igo6  she  presented  to  St.  John's  parish,  in  the  south  part  of  the  city,  a  mag- 
nificent school  for  the  education  of  its  children.  She  saw  the  need  of  this  par- 
ticular parish  for  a  good  school,  she  saw  the  poverty  of  the  families  which  made 
it  up,  and  she  placed  in  the  hands  of  Rev.  Father  Ouinn  the  means  of  building  a 


774  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

magnificently  equipped  school,  that  the  children  of  the  parish  might  have  the 
benefit  of  a  moral  and  Christian  education.  The  Henebery  Memorial  school  is 
today  an  institution  second  to  none  in  the  city  in  perfection  of  equipment,  and 
not  the  least  noble  of  Mrs.  Henebery's  many  noble  acts,  is  this  opportunity  she 
has  given  to  the  people  of  St.  John's  parish  to  instill  ideals  of  virtue  and  generous 
nobility  into  the  hearts  of  its  children. 

Reverend  Father  Quinn,  in  his  lieautiful  eulogy  of  Mrs.  Henebery  at  her 
funeral  said  in  part:  "We  mourn  at  the  bier  of  a  good  woman.  The  passing  of  j 
one  of  her  type  is  a  loss  to  the  race.  The  whole  world  should  mourn.  If  society 
be  moral  at  all,  it  is  because  there  is  morality  at  home.  If  there  be  a  public 
conscience,  it  is  because  our  mothers  are  conscientious.  We  shall  never  know 
this  side  of  eternity  what  we  owe  or  what  the  world  owes  to  a  good  mother.  It 
is  the  Christian  mother  who  glorified  the  world  and  made  it  her  debtor.  If  there 
are  good  men  in  the  world,  men  whose  lofty  characters  make  them  Christ-like, 
it  is  because  they  had  good  mothers :  In  Mrs.  Henebery,  we  mourn  the  loss  of  an 
ideal  Christian  mother,  one  of  a  generation  passing  away  all  too  soon,  for  whose 
sterling  worth,  spotless  purity  and  measureless  faith  we  can  never  be  too  grate- 
ful to  God.  There  were  few  more  deeply  religious  women,  into  the  te.xture  of 
whose  lives  were  woven  more  beautiful  and  exalted  characteristics.  Religion 
was  to  her  of  supreme  value  and  she  fulfilled  its  duties  conscientiously.  She 
loved  humanity.  She  was  unselfish.  To  be  unselfish  is  to  be  heroic.  It  is  at  the 
very  heart  of  religion.  Her  whole  thought  was  more  for  others  than  for  herself. 
Her  charities  were  many  and  modestly  veiled. 

"Mrs.  Henebery  was  an  ideal  mother.  She  labored  to  make  her  home  a 
Christian  home  and  her  children  dutiful  children  of  God.  'No  artist's  work  is  so 
high.'  says  a  writer,  "so  noble,  so  grand,  so  enduring,  so  important  for  all  time, 
as  the  making  of  a  character  in  a  child,  and  the  mother's  heart  is  the  child's 
schoolroom."  Such  was  Mrs.  Henebery's  noble  mission,  and  faithfully  she  ful- 
filled it." 


HON.  CHARLES  N.  BARNES. 

Since  1895  the  subject  of  this  review  has  been  connected  in  a  prominent 
way  with  the  legal  profession  of  Peoria.  He  is  at  present  senior  member  of  the 
firm  of  Barnes  &  Burke,  whose  offices  are  at  No.  33  Mayer  building.  Mr.  Barnes 
was  born  in  \A'ashburn,  Illinois,  March  25,  i860,  the  son  of  H.  T.  and  Anice 
(Little)  Barnes.  The  father  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Alarshall  county 
and  his  life  was  devoted  to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  took  an  active  interest  in 
civic  affairs,  was  a  stanch  republican,  a  respected  citizen  and  a  successful 
farmer.  His  death  occurred  in  1895,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years,  and  the 
mother's  demise  followed  in  1900,  when  she  was  sixty-two  years  of  age.  Both 
parents  are  buried  in  the  Barnes  cemetery  at  \^'ashburn.  The  Barnes  family 
is  of  Scotch  ancestry  and  was  founded  in  this  country  in  the  nineteenth  century 

Charles  N.  Barnes  attended  the  public  schools  of  Washburn,  Illinois,  and 
was  graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1878.  Early  in  his  stud 
ent  life  he  inclined  toward  the  law  as  a  profession  and  in  accordance  with  his 
determination  to  become  an  attorney  he  entered  Iowa  State  University  at  Iowa 
City,  graduating  from  this  institution  in  1881  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  He 
then  entered  the  Law  School  of  the  Northwestern  University  at  Chicago,  Illi 
nois,  and  was  graduated  LL.  B.  in  1883.  He  began  the  practice  of  his  profes 
sion  at  Wenona,  Illinois,  and  later  removed  to  Peoria,  engaging  in  general  prac 
tice  in  this  city.  He  attained  protuinence  both  as  a  lawyer  and  as  a  citizen  and 
in  1892  he  was  elected  to  the  state  senate  on  the  democratic  ticket,  serving  in 
that  capacity  for  four  years.     He  ran  for  congress  in  the  sixteenth  district  ir 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  777 

i8y8,  but  was  defeated  by  J.  \".  Gratt.  He  then  resumed  the  practice  of  law, 
forming  a  partnership  with  A.  H.  Burke,  a  relationship  which  still  continues. 
Mr.  Barnes  is  an  active  member  of  both  the  Peoria  and  State  Bar  Associations. 

At  Marion,  Ohio,  on  the  2ist  of  January,  1887,  Mr.  Barnes  was  united  iti 
marriage  to  Miss  Anna  Guthery,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  D.  Guthcry. 
The  father,  who  was  a  large  real-estate  owner,  is  now  deceased  and  both  par- 
ents are  buried  in  the  Guthery  cemetery  at  Larue,  Ohio.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnes 
are  the  parents  of  three  children:  John  T.,  who  pursued  the  agricultural  course 
in  the  University  of  Illinois  at  Champaign  and  is  now  engaged  in  farming  near 
Washburn ;  Mildred  G.,  who  attended  National  Park  Seminary,  at  Washington, 
D.  C. ;  and  C.  Howard,  a  student  in  the  Peoria  high  school. 

Mr.  Barnes  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  ])arty.  In  his  fra- 
ternal connections  he  is  a  chapter  Mason  and  belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protec- 
tive Order  of  Elks,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  .Amer- 
ica. Air.  Barnes  enjoys  a  wide  acquaintance  and  an  excellent  reputation  not 
only  in  Peoria  county  and  city  but  throughout  the  state,  having  formed  an  ex- 
tensive acquaintance  all  over  the  commonwealth  of  Illinois  during  his  four  years' 
service  in  the  senate.  As  an  attorney  he  has  shown  marked  ability  and  his  prac- 
tice has  been  universally  successful.  His  clientele  is  of  the  highest  order  and 
the  business  accorded  his  firm  is  most  satisfactory.  He  has  always  taken  a  deep 
interest  in  municipal  and  political  affairs  and  is  numbered  among  Peoria's  most 
valued  and  respected  citizens. 


TOHN   I.  CROWDER. 


On  the  roster  of  city  officials  of  Peoria  appears  the  name  of  John  I.  Crowder 

'  who  since  May  i,  1901,  has  acceptably  and  creditably  filled  the  position  of  city 

comptroller.     He  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Sangainon  county,  Illinois,  April  27, 

1 1859,  and  is  the  son  of  John  C.  and  Ursula    (Wilton)    Crowder.     The  father 

^was  a   farmer  by  occupation,   following  that  pursuit  in   Sangamon  county    for 

many  years  or  until  the  time  of  his  death. 

.\  farmer  lad,  John  J.  Crowder  early  became  familiar  with  the  best  methods 
I  of  planting,  plowing  and  harvesting,  working  in  the  fields  through  the  summer 
I  months,  while  in  the  winter  seasons  he  attended  the  country  schools  and  thus 
■  laid  the  foundation  for  his  education.  Suhsetjuently  he  continued  his  studies 
'  in  the  schools  of  Springfield  and  later  still  more  advanced  opportunities  were 
I  aftorded  him  in  a  course  in  the  University  of  Kansas  at  Lawrence,  that  state. 
I  He  then  returned  to  Springfield,  where  he  engaged  in  teaching  school  for  four 
years,  becoming  principal  of  one  of  the  schools  in  that  city.  His  leisure  hours 
were  devoted  to  the  study  of  law  and  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  the  capital 
I  city  in  May,  1890.  He  at  once  entered  upon  active  practice  there  and  remained 
I  in  .Springfield  for  two  years,  after  which  he  came  to  Peoria,  in  1892.  Here  fie 
'  opened  a  law  office  and  has  since  engaged  in  general  practice.  He  does  not 
I  specialize  along  a  certain  line  Init  keeps  well  informed  concerning  the  various 
I  branches  of  the  profession  and  his  knowledge  is  adequate  to  the  needs  of  a 
I  growing  and  important  patronage,  as  is  indicated  by  the  favorable  verdicts 
I  which  he  has  won  in  the  presentation  of  his  cause  before  the  courts.  His 
lability  has  won  recognition  in  appointment  to  office.  He  served  as  assistant 
[city  attorney  for  five  months,  filling  out  the  unexpired  term  of  John  Daily. 
He  was  also  city  collector  of  Peoria  for  two  years  and  the  record  which  he 
made  in  this  position  commended  him  for  the  present  office  of  city  comptroller, 
I  which  he  is  now  filling. 

Mr.  Crowder  was  married  to  Miss  Addie  F.  Coleman,  a  daughter  of  .\Ibert 

Vol.  II_.-5  5 


778  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

and  Sarah  Coleman,  of  Peoria.  They  now  have  one  child,  Dorothy.  Mr. 
Crowder  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  also  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  is  representing  the  local  lodge  of  the  latter  order 
in  the  grand  lodge.  His  religious  faith  is  evidenced  in  his  membership  in 
the  First  Baptist  church  and  his  influence  is  always  given  on  the  side  of 
right,  improvement  and  progress.  In  a  profession  where  advancement  depends 
entirely  ujjon  individual  merit  and  ability  he  is  steadily  working  his  way  up- 
ward and  in  official  connections  he  has  gained  the  distinction  of  making  for 
himself  a  clean  and  creditable  record  as  an  incumbent  in  public  office. 


D.  DOWNING. 


J.  D.  Downing,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Logan  township,  was  born 
in  Peoria  county  in  1849.  His  parents  were  John  and  Marguerete  (Parks) 
Downing,  who,  in  1830,  came  from  Ohio  to  Peoria  county  where  they  pur- 
chased eighty  acres  of  unimproved  land  in  Logan  township.  At  that  time 
there  were  numerous  prairie  chickens  and  deer  in  this  section  of  the  country. 
J.  D.  Downing  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  and  remained  at  home 
until  he  was  twenty-three  years  of  age,  helping  his  father  to  clear  and  culti 
vate  the  farm.  He  then  began  farming  for  himself  in  Logan  township,  and 
now  owns  forty  acres  and  rents  an  adjoining  sixty  acres,  making  in  all  one 
hundred  acres  in  the  tract  on  which  he  carries  on  agricultural  pursuits.  He 
cultivates  yearly  fifty  acres  of  corn  and  twenty-five  acres  of  wheat,  and  has 
twenty  acres  in  hay  and  five  in  pasture.  He  engages  in  raising  live  stock,  to 
the  amount  of  about  seventy-five  head  of  hogs,  fifteen  head  of  cattle  and 
fourteen  head  of  horses  yearly. 

Mr.  Downing  has  been  twice  married.  In  1S73  he  wedded  Miss  Anthea 
Cox,  who  died  in  October,  1879,  leaving  three  children:  Robert,  Alarguerete 
and  Charles,  who  is  deceased.  Mr.  Downing's  second  union  was  to  Miss 
Hester  Buchanan,  and  to  them  have  been  born  seven  children :  Zula  M.,  Bertha 
v.,  Estella  P.,  Wilbur  D.,  John  D.,  Myrtle  and  Sylvia  B. 

In  politics  Mr.  Downing  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  partv,  and 
for  the  past  fifteen  years  he  has  efficiently  served  in  the  capacity  of  road  com- 
missioner. He  is  conscientious  in  all  business  relations,  industrious  in  his  farm 
ing  pursuits  and  has  the  high  regard  of  all  who  know  him.' 


HOWARD  MOODY. 


Howard  Moody,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising 
is  a  native  resident  of  Rosefield  township.  He  was  born  May  13,  1866,  the  son 
of  James  M.  and  Ellen  H.  (Morris)  Moody,  the  father  born  in  Ireland  in  1834 
and  the  mother  in  Peoria  county  in  1843.  James  M.  Moody  was  brought  tc 
America  in  1842  by  his  parents,  John  S.  and  Elizabeth  Moody,  who  located  in 
Rosefield  township,  where  they  purchased  at  first  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
and  later  added  to  it  eighty  acres.  They  both  died  there,  the  mother  in  186S 
and  the  father  in  1900.  In  their  family  were  three  children,  James,  Thoma; 
and  Mary  Ann. 

James  M.  Moody  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty- 
five  years  of  age,  when  he  rented  a  farm  which  he  operated  for  twelve  years  and 
subsequently  purchased  eighty  acres  in  Rosefield  township,  and  added  to  this 
forty  adjoining  acres.  At  the  death  of  his  father,  John  S.  Moody,  James  M 
Moody  inherited  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land  and  in  1900  he  purchased 


GEORGE  T.  PAGE 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  779 

forty  acres  adjoining  it.  In  the  family  of  James  M.  and  Ellen  H.  (Morris) 
Moody  were  nine  children,  as  follows:  Harry  M.  and  Nellie,  both  of  whom  are 
deceased ;  Howard,  of  this  review ;  Mary  A.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Walter  J.  Green, 
of  North  Creek,  Ohio;  Catherine  E.,  the  wife  of  Eugene  C.  Wrigley,  of  Peoria, 
Illinois;  James  H.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  at  Trivoli;  Harry, 
deceased :  Hugh  H.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  in  Peoria ;  and 
Marcus  H.,  who  is  a  farmer  in  Rosefield  township. 

Howard  Moody  was  reared  and  educated  in  Rosefield  township  and  remained 
with  his  parents  until  1892,  when  he  estalilished  a  home  of  his  own.  From  1889 
to  1900  he  was  engaged  in  the  threshing  business.  He  purchased  one  hundred 
acres  of  his  present  farm  in  November,  1889,  and  in  1904  added  to  it  forty  acres 
and  in  1906  another  one  hundred  acres,  so  that  he  now  owns  in  all  two  hundred 
and  forty  acres.  He  engages  in  the  cultivation  of  grain  and  also  raises  stock, 
making  a  specialty  of  horses.  He  has  nine  registered  stallions,  two  being  PercTi- 
eron  and  seven  Standard  bred.  He  also  has  twenty-three  head  of  brood  mares 
and  colts,  seven  Standard  bred  brood  mares  and  six  of  the  Percheron  grade, 
and  seven  Standard  bred  colts  and  three  of  the  gelding  grade. 

On  the  if^th  of  November,  1S92,  Mr.  Moody  wedded  Miss  Clara  A.  P.eccher, 
•who  IS  a  daughter  of  A.  H.  and  Sally  (Fisher)  Beecher,  of  Logan  township. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moody  have  become  the  parents  of  six  children:  Mandella  H.,  who 
was  born  March  29,  1894,  and  who  is  studying  with  the  International  Corres- 
pondence School;  Alorris  B.,  born  December  i,  1896;  Rilma  I.,  born  October 
28,  189S;  James  R.,  born  May  16,  1901  ;  Leland  M.,  born  October  21,  1903;  and 
Clarita  E.,  born  March  22,  1906. 

Politicallv  Mr.  INIoody  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  He  is  a 
stanch  friend  of  education  and  is  rendering  most  efficient  service  as  school  trus- 
tee, being  elected  in  1910.  He  is  widely  known  in  the  community  where  he  has 
spent  many  years  of  his  life,  is  one  of  its  substantial  farmers  and  is  much 
esteemed  for  his  many  splendid  qualities.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  the  welfare 
of  Rosefield  township  and  of  Peoria  county,  and  uses  his  influence  in  support  of 
all  measures  of  reform  and  progress. 


GEORGE  T.  PAGE. 


George  T.  Page  is  not  only  one  of  the  best  known  but  also  one  of  the  best 
loved  citizens  of  Peoria.  Manv  lines  of  activity  claim  his  cooperation  and  profit 
by  his  judgment.  \\  hile  recognized  as  an  eminent  member  of  the  Peoria  bnr 
he  is  equally  well  known  by  reason  of  his  activity  in  social  circles  and  along 
charitaljle  lines.  His  vision  of  life  is  broad  and  his  recognition  of  the  obligations 
of  the  individual  to  society  at  large  has  made  him  a  helpful  factor  in  many  pro- 
jects which  ameliorate  the  hard  conditions  of  life  for  the  unfortunate. 

Mr.  Page  was  born  in  Spring  Bay,  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  September 
22,  1859,  a  son  of  T.  C.  S.  and  Cordellia  E.  (Shope)  Page.  For  several  genera- 
tions his  ancestors  on  the  paternal  side  had  been  residents  of  New  Hampshire. 
His  great-grandparents,  Andrew  and  Elizabeth  Page,  and  his  grandparents.  Johr; 
and  Betsy  Page,  having  all  been  natives  of  that  state.  T.  C.  S.  Page,  was, 
likewise,  born  there,  and  became  the  father  of  the  family  in  Illinois.  The  great- 
grandfather of  George  T.  Page  in  the  maternal  line  was  Andrew  Richmond,  who 
was  born  in  Mississippi.  His  grandfather,  Simon  P.  Shope,  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania. His  grandmother,  Lucinda  (Richmond)  Shope  and  his  mother,  Cor- 
dellia E.  (Shope)  Page,  were  both  natives  of  Mississippi. 

The  family  having  been  established  in  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  George  F. 
Page  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  and  afterward  spent  six 
months  as  a  student  in  the  State  University.     He  later  followed  the  teacher's 


780  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

profession  in  his  native  county  but  soon  afterward  went  to  Metamora,  Illinois, 
where  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  law  under  the  direction  of  his  brother,  who 
was  a  senior  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Page  &  Ellwood.  On  the  14th  of  Jan- 
uary, 1882,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  Ottawa  but  impaired  health  prevented 
him  from  at  once  entering  upon  active  practice.  He  was  ordered  to  a  higher 
altitude  to  recuperate  and  went  to  Denver,  Colorado.  There  he  followed  the  pro- 
fession of  law  until  able  to  return  to  Illinois  when  he  joined  his  brother  S.  S.  Page, 
for  practice  in  the  courts  of  Peoria.  Subsequently  he  became  a  member 
of  the  law  firm  of  Worthington,  Page  &  Brady  and  later  senior  partner  of  the 
firm  of  Page,  Wead  &  Ross.  He  is  now  at  the  head  of  the  firm  of  Page,  Wead, 
Hunter  &  Scully  with  offices  in  the  Jefferson  building.  He  has  attained  great 
prominence  as  a  representative  of  the  legal  profession  here  and  in  fact  is  one  of 
the  best  and  most  favorably  known  members  of  the  Illinois  bar.  Dignity  marks 
him  in  all  his  professional  relations,  conservatism  is  manifest  in  his  practice  and 
his  comprehensive  and  accurate  knowledge  of  the  law  is  evidenced  in  his  clear  and 
careful  presentation  of  his  cause.  The  high  regard  entertained  for  him  by  his 
professional  brethren  was  evidenced  in  his  election  to  the  presidency  of  the  Illi- 
nois Bar  Association  of  which  he  is  now  the  head.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
general  council  of  the  American  Bar  Association. 

George  T.  Page  was  married  in  Decatur,  Illinois,  on  September  7,  1887,  to 
IVTiss  Jennie  S.  Stevens,  and  they  have  one  child.  Gerald  H.  Page.  In  politics  Mr. 
Page  is  an  independent  democrat  with  belief  in  most  of  the  policies  of  the  party, 
yet  reserving  for  himself  the  right  of  exercising  his  franchise  according  to  his 
personal  convictions.  He  is  active  in  the  affairs  of  the  Association  of  Commerce 
and  is  serving  on  the  board  of  its  directors.  He  is  socially  prominent  and  is  a 
leading  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  Religion  means  more  to  him  than 
Sabbath  observance  and  his  recognition  of  the  truth  of  the  universal  brotherhood 
of  man  finds  expression  in  an  active  and  adequate  interest  in  charitable  work  in 
Peoria.  While  extremely  unostentatious  in  that  connection,  it  is  well  known 
that  he  has  been  a  liberal  supporter  of  many  benevolent  movements  and  societies. 
He  is  now  the  president  of  the  Peoria  Associated  Charities  and  Philanthropies 
and  no  movement  looking  to  the  relief  of  the  poor  and  needy  seeks  his  coopera- 
tion in  vain.  His  perceptive  faculties  enable  him  to  understand  the  individual 
and  approach  him  according  to  the  needs  and  situation  of  the  case.  He  has  al- 
ways been  one  of  the  world's  workers  yet  there  is  nothing  spectacular  in  his  ca- 
reer. Duty  and  the  higher  manifestation  of  human  interest  and  sympathy  have 
shaped  his  life  and  guided  him  in  all  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen. 


rOHN  C.  STREIBICH. 


Various  important  business  interests  feel  the  stimulus  of  the  enterprise  and 
energy  and  profit  by  the  cooperation  of  John  C.  Streibich,  who  in  his  business 
career  has  made  steady  progress  and  is  now  conducting  a  large  and  profitable 
enterprise  as  a  dealer  in  commercial  supplies  and  in  wrapping,  building  and  roof- 
ing paper.  He  is  also  a  director  of  the  Illinois  National  Bank  and  president  of 
the  Schembs  Printing  Company  of  Peoria  and  has  important  business  connec- 
tions outside  of  this  city.  He  was  born  in  Peoria,  November  25,  1858,  and  is 
the  son  of  Friederich  and  Sarah  Streibich,  the  former  one  of  the  early  citizens 
here,  arriving  about  1845. 

John  C.  Streibich  was  reared  in  this  city  and  in  his  boyhood  attended  the 
public  schools.  Throughout  his  entire  business  career  he  has  been  connected 
with  the  paper  trade.  In  1873  he  began  to  work  in  a  paper  store,  continuing 
in  that  line  until  he  established  a  business  of  his  own.  He  acquainted  himself 
with  the  trade  in  principle  and  detail  and  won  gradual  advancement  through  his 


i 


JOHN  C.  STRKIIIK  II 


coninif 
mercia 

itieGl 
Mam 

biibl): 

id^ 
of  llif 
prepai 
ingtiin 

Peoria 
Hank 
These 
In 
H.K1 
promi 
in  Ma 
k!r, 
men;- 
strictl 
Clite 
those 


mil 
Kinsti 
he  ha: 
pablk 


bonii 
Oorei 
diedt 
iathei 
W 
ofB 
years. 
tordi 
of  coi 
fami 
iorw 
provei 
01  Ian 
seven 
larsoi 
years 
Jity-c 
ship,' 
atres. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  783 

capability,  his  industry  and  his  fidelity.  At  length  when  the  capital  saved  from 
his  earnings  was  sufficient  he  embarked  in  Ijusiness  on  his  own  account,  handling 
commercial  supplies  and  all  kinds  of  wra])ping,  building  and  roofing  paper,  com- 
mercial stationery  and  printing  paper,  lie  is  the  exclusive  agent  in  Peoria  for 
the  Globe  Wernicke  letter  files  and  elastic  cabinets  and  for  the  Herring-Hall- 
Marvin  fire  and  burglar  proof  steel  safes  and  vaults.  With  the  development  of 
his  business  as  a  dealer  in  paper  he  naturally  extended  his  efforts  to  kindred  lines 
and  became  president  of  the  Schembs  Printing  Company  of  Peoria  and  a  director 
of  the  Usona  Manufacturing  Com])any  of  Aurora,  Illinois,  manufacturers  of 
prepared  roofing.  His  original  paper  store  was  located  at  Xo.  301  South  Wash- 
ington street  and  was  opened  in  1884.  It  was  then  but  a  small  enterprise  but  has 
gradually  grown  and  is  now  many  times  larger.  In  addition  to  handling  in 
Peoria  all  kinds  of  wrapping  and  building  paper  and  commercial  stationery. 
Wank  books,  etc.,  he  handles  the  Usona  roofing  papers  manufactured  at  Aurora. 
These  are  of  various  kinds,  supplying  every  need  known  to  the  trade. 

In  1885  Mr.  Streibich  was  married  to  Miss  Camilla  Klewe.  a  daughter  of 
H.  Klewe.  of  Peoria,  and  they  have  one  child,  Anna  .Adele.  Mr.  Streil)ich  is 
prominent  in  fraternal  organizations.  He  has  taken  the  Knight  Templar  degree 
in  Masonry  and  is  also  a  Xoble  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  a  Knight  of  Pvthias. 
belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  of  which  lodge  he  is  a  charter 
member,  the  Fraternal  Reserve,  and  the  Improved  Order  of  Red  Men.  In  more 
strictly  social  lines  he  is  connected  with  the  Crave  Coeur  and  the  Peoria  Country 
Clubs.  His  social  and  commercial  prominence  are  well  merited,  for  in  him  are 
those  commendable  traits  of  character  which  work  for  progress  along  business 
and  individual  lines.  Notably  energetic,  prompt  and  reliable,  he  possesses  the 
quality  of  commercial  sense,  which  is  too  often  lacking  in  the  business  world, 
combined  with  resistless  will  ]5ower.  His  methods,  too,  have  alwavs  been  of  a 
constructive  character  and.  never  seeking  success  at  the  cost  of  another's  failure, 
he  has  gained  not  only  material  jirosjierity  but  the  good-will  and  confidence  of  the 
public. 


BERN  HARD  DORENBUS. 

Bernhard  Dorenbus,  who  is  a  prosperous  farmer  of  Rosefield  township,  was 
born  in  Germany,  May  10,  1S57.  His  parents  were  John  and  Mary  (Charles) 
D'orenbus,  who  came  to  America  in  1S61,  locating  in  Peoria,  where  the  mother 
died  the  following  year,  leaving  five  children.  For  the  following  four  years  the 
father  kept  his  children  together  and  then  had  to  make  other  provisions  for  them. 

When  Bernhard  Dorenbus  was  nine  years  of  age  he  was  taken  to  the  home 
of  Henry  Heuermann,  in  Limestone  township,  where  he  remained  for  three 
years.  Afterward  he  was  employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  eleven  years,  working 
for  different  men  in  Limestone  and  Logan  townships.  In  1884  he  rented  a  farm 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Kickapoo  township,  where  he  was  engaged  in 
farming  for  three  years,  and  in  1887  he  bought  eighty  acres  in  Logan  township, 
for  which  he  paid  twenty-four  dollars  per  acre.  He  cleared,  cultivated  and  im- 
proved his  farm  and  resided  on  it  ten  years.  In  1894  he  exchanged  that  tract 
of  land  for  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Trivoli  township,  which  he  sold  after 
seven  years  at  eighty  dollars  per  acre,  in  1901  purchasing  for  four  thou.sand  dol- 
lars one  hundred  acres  in  Logan  township,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  for  four 
years  and  then  sold  tha  same  for  seven  thousand  dollars.  In  1909  he  bought  for 
fifty-one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  one  hundred  and  six  acres  in  Rosefield  town- 
ship, where  he  now  resides.  His  farm  is  all  in  hay  and  pasture  except  thirteen 
acres,  on  which  he  raises  corn.  He  has  an  excellent  house  and  also  a  splendidly 
equipped  barn,  having  about  eight  head  of  horses  and  an  automobile. 


784  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Mr.  Dorenbus  wedded  Miss  Cecilia  Doubet,  who  was  a  daughter  of  Joseph 
and  .Mary  Ann  (McRie)  Doubet,  of  Logan  township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dorenbus 
have  become  the  parents  of  two  children:  Edward,  born  September  22,  1893: 
and  Mar>'  Ann,  born  October  5,  1895.  Mr.  Dorenbus  has  served  for  two  years 
as  road  overseer.  He  is  greatly  interested  in  school  work  and  is  now  filling  his 
second  term  as  school  director.  'Sir.  Dorenbus  deserves  much  credit  for  the 
work  he  has  accomplished  and  may  truly  be  called  a  self-made  man,  for  he  started 
in  life  emptv-handed  and  has  worked  his  way  up  until  he  is  now  numbered 
among  the  substantial  farmers  of  Rosefield  township. 


I 


S.  M.  MILLER. 


S.  M.  Miller,  inventor  and  manufacturer,  who  is  the  president  of  the  Miller 
Safety  Lock  Company  of  Peoria,  was  born  on  August  4,  1851,  on  a  farm  in 
Morrow  county,  Ohio,  a  son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  Ann  (Call)  Miller.  He  is 
a  descendant  of  the  early  pioneers  and  noted  Indian  fighters  and  is  related  to 
the  Poe  family  to  which  Adam  and  Andrew  Poe  belonged,  who  killed  the  Big 
Foot  Indian  chief  and  were  therefore  famous  as  Indian  fighters.  His  two 
great-grandfathers  on  his  mother's  side  fell  in  action  in  the  Revolutionary 
war.  His  grandfather,  David  Call,  served  as  captain  in  the  War  of  1812  under 
General  Harrison,  who  afterward  became  president.  The  family  is  of  Pennsyl- 
vania-German descent.  The  father  of  S.  M.  ^Miller  was  a  carpenter  and  me- 
chanic and  was  during  his  lifetime  thus  identified  with  industrial  pursuits.  In 
1856  he  came  with  his  family  to  the  city  of  Peoria  and  remained  here  until 
the  following  spring,  when  he  moved  to  McDonough  county,  Illinois,  settling 
on  a  farm  on  which  he  made  his  home  for  one  year.  In  1858  he  removed  to 
a  farm  one  and  a  half  miles  east  of  Dunlap  in  Peoria  county,  where  he  remained 
until  the  spring  of  1861.  His  next  move  was  to.  a  place  two  miles  east  of 
Princeville.  in  this  county,  where  he  purchased  a  farm,  besides  renting  adjoin- 
ing land,  and  carried  on  farming  there  extensively  until  the  fall  of  1867,  when 
he  sold  his  land  and  moved  to  Benton  county,  Missouri,  where  he  settled  on  a 
large  property  and  remained  for  three  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he 
bought  land  in  Henry  county,  Missouri,  and  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits 
until  August  8,  1873.  S.  M.  Miller,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  helping  his  father 
with  the  work  on  this  place. 

The  son  accompanied  his  father  on  his  various  removals  and  early  became 
familiar  with  the  labors  which  fall  to  the  lot  of  an  agriculturist.  At  the  age 
of  twentv-two  years  he  drove  a  team  of  horses  from  Missouri  to  the  eastern 
part  of  Ohio  and  was  forty-five  days  in  making  the  trip.  He  remained  in  Oliio 
tor  three  years  and  in  the  spring  of  1876  drove  back  to  Peoria  county,  arriving 
in  June.  He  then  purchased  a  farm  in  Hallock  township  in  the  northern  part 
of  Peoria  county,  of  which  he  remained  the  owner  until  1901.  As  a  farmer 
he  was  verv  successful,  brought  his  fields  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation, 
kept  his  buildings  and  fences  in  good  repair  and  his  mechanical  skill  and 
inclination  were  of  great  advantage  in  doing  many  things  around  the  farm 
and  keeping  it  neat  in  appearance.  His  live  stock  also  looked  well  cared  for 
and  he  took  pride  in  his  herds  and  treated  his  animals  kindly.  He  was  con- 
sidered one  of  the  enterprising,  progressive  and  successful  farmers  of  the  com- 
munity. In  the  meantime,  however,  he  had  turned  his  attention  to  industrial 
pursuits,  having  in  1892  become  the  owner  of  a  portable  sawmill  which  he 
operated  in  Woodford,  Marshall  and  Peoria  counties  for  twelve  years.  Early 
in  his  career,  in  1887,  he  spent  a  year  in  Florida,  leasing  his  farm,  and  while 
in  the  south  followed  the  carpenter's  trade  as  contractor  and  builder  until  he 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  785 

went  into  the  sawmill  and  lumlier  business.  He  found  a  market  for  his  output 
in  the  large  coal  mines  and  carried  on  an  extensive  business  there.  In  1891 
he  exchanged  his  farm  for  land  in  Nebraska.  He  moved  to  Peoria  in  1904, 
where  he  has  ever  since  lived.  Through  his  skill  and  ingenuity  he  has  given 
to  the  public  various  useful  and  valuable  mechanical  devices,  some  of  which 
are  now  upon  the  market  finding  a  ready  sale.  He  has  succeeded  in  invent- 
ing the  only  practical  mechanical  elevator  safety  lock  that  is  on  the  market 
and  working  successfully.  It  makes  it  impossible  for  an  accident  to  occur, 
thus  preventing  ninety-five  per  cent  of  elevator  accidents  which  happen  by 
reason  of  open  doors,  people  getting  on  or  off  of  cars  or  falling  down  the  open 
shaft.  The  device  compells  the  operator  to  stop  his  car  at  a  safe  landing  for 
receiving  and  discharging  passengers  before  the  door  can  be  opened.  It  also 
locks  the  power  while  the  door  is  open  so  that  it  must  be  closed  and  locked 
before  it  is  possible  to  start  the  car.  Mr.  Miller  has  other  inventions  now 
perfected  and  patents  applied  for  which  he  expects  soon  to  place  upon  the 
market.  We  can  justly  class  him  with  the  public  benefactors  and  he  prides 
tiimself  on  being  a  useful  member  of  society  who  will  leave  something  to  bene- 
fit humanity  long  after  laying  aside  his  earthlv  labors. 

On  the  14th  of  June.  1883,  S.  M.  Miller  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Clara  E.  Brown,  the  only  child  of  Elder  S.  H.  Brown,  who  formerly  edited  the 
Christian  Gleaner,  a  i'eoria  paper,  and  later  on  |)ublished  the  Chillicothe 
Enquirer,  published  at  Chillicothe,  Illinois.  He  was  a  minister  of  the  Christian 
church  and  filled  the  pulpit  of  that  denomination  for  twenty-seven  years.  He 
was  first  ajipointed  to  the  ministry  of  that  church  in  Brunswick,  McDonough 
countv,  where  he  was  residing  with  his  family  at  the  time  of  the  marriage  of 
his  daughter.  Mr.  and  INlrs.  Miller  have  become  the  parents  of  eight  children: 
Alabel  E.,  the  wife  of  Fred  Hunt;  and  Frank  E.,  Emmett  S.,  Lyman  H..  .Alma 
E.,  Merrion  M.,  Howard  B.  and  Earl  C.  The  three  eldest  sons  are  engaged 
in  business  with  their  father,  and  are  of  great  assistance  to  him,  having  become 
skilled  mechanics.  Mr.  Miller  prefers  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his 
inventions,  which  promise  gratifying  returns.  He  may  well  be  proud  to  have 
bv  his  life  work  contributed  great  benefits  to  his  fellowmen  and  his  life  may 
rightly  be  called  one  of  great  usefulness. 


EMIL  H.  SCHIMPFF. 


The  efficient  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Illinois  .Xutomobile  &  Parts  Com- 
pany, the  headquarters  of  which  are  at  828  Main  street,  Peoria,  Illinois,  is  Emil 
H.  Schimpft',  a  skilled  machinist  and  a  good  business  man.  He  was  born  in 
Peoria,  January  2,  1883,  a  son  of  Henry  and  Caroline  Schimpff,  the  former  of 
whom  came  from  the  vicinity  of  East  St.  Louis  with  his  parents  about  1850. 
The  father  for  the  greater  part  of  his  life  was  a  retail  grocer,  a  business  which 
he  continued  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1909,  at  the  age  of  fifty-nine 
years.  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  Springdale  cemetery,  Peoria,  in  the 
family  lot. 

Emil  H.  Schimpff  received  a  good  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools 
of  Illinois  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  put  aside  his  text-books  and  began 
learning  the  machinist's  trade,  in  which  he  developed  much  proficiency.  After 
learning  his  trade  he  became  interested  in  the  automobile  business  and  in  1904 
became  a  stockholder  in  the  company  of  which  he  is  now  secretary  and  treasurer. 
Two  years  later,  having  taken  an  active  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  company 
and  exhibiting  in  a  marked  degree  his  broad  knowledge  of  the  machinist's  trade, 
a  competent  master  of  that  trade  being  desirable  in  the  personnel  of  the  com- 


I 


786  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

pany,  he  was  elected  secretary  and  treasurer,  a  position  which  he  has  since 
held.  He  is  of  great  value  to  the  company  and  now  practically  manages  the 
business.  Since  his  election  as  secretary  and  treasurer  the  company  has  grown 
in  the  amount  of  business  it  handles  and  has  become  one  of  the  prominent  con- 
cerns of  the  kind  in  the  city  of  Peoria,  yielding  its  owners  a  very  satisfactory  in- 
come. 

J\lr.  Schimpff  was  married  in  Peoria,  Illinois,  October  6,  1908.  to  Miss  Ella 
Aylesworth,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Aylesworth,  of  Peoria,  and  one  daughter  has  been 
born  to  them,  who  is  about  two  years  old. 

The  beginning  of  Air.  Schimpff's  business  career  in  Peoria  promises  well,  as 
his  thorough  knowledge  of  everything  connected  with  his  business  is  so  essential 
to  a  succcessful  management  of  such  an  establishment.  His  business  relations 
with  the  many  customers  of  his  company  are  most  pleasant  and  by  his  geniality 
of  manner  as  well'  as  his  careful  attention  to  business  detail  he  has  become  popu- 
lar with  the  automobile  owners  not  only  in  Peoria  but  in  many  parts  of  the  sur- 
rounding country.  He  resides  at  the  corner  of  Calendar  and  Cooper  streets, 
which  is  the  homestead  of  the  Schimpff  family. 


EDWARD  H.  D.  COUCH. 

Edward  H.  D.  Couch,  an  officer  of  the  Peoria  police  department,  has  for 
years  been  prominent  as  a  military  man  and  police  officer.  His  father  was  Dr. 
Harriman  Couch,  a  physician  who  was  born  in  West  Boscawen,  New  Hamp- 
shire, May  20,  1824,  and  was  a,  son  of  Benjamin  and  Sally  (Morse)  Couch,  who 
were  also  natives  of  that  place.  The  great-grandfather  was  Jacob  Couch.  He 
and  his  son  Benjamin  were  farmers,  but  the  latter  also  worked  at  the  joiner's 
trade.  When  seventeen  years  of  age  Harriman  Couch  left  home  and  went  to 
Concord,  New  Hampshire,  where  he  was  employed  by  Governor  Hill  as  a  com- 
positor on  the  paper  known  as  Hill's  New  Hampshire  Patriot.  He  then  removed 
to  Boston,  where  he  took  up  the  study  of  medicine,  and  while  pursuing  his 
course  he  worked  at  the  printer's  trade  in  order  to  meet  his  expenses.  Later  he 
shipped  as  a  sailor  for  California  around  the  Horn,  but  at  Rio  de  Janeiro  went 
ashore  and  was  there  left  on  shore  with  two  companions.  He  next  obtained  em- 
ployment in  the  Brazilian  government  printing  office,  and  while  in  Rio  de  Janeiro 
assisted  Emperor  Don  Pedro  in  the  study  of  English.  After  a  few  months  he 
started  on  the  voyage  to  Cape  Town,  South  Africa,  on  what  proved  to  be  a  slave 
vessel,  but  she  was  overhauled  by  a  British  man-of-war,  whereupon  Dr.  Couch 
was  released.  He  then  returned  to  Rio  de  Janeiro,  from  which  city  he  made  his 
way  to  Alobile.  wdience  he  sailed  a  spar  laden  English  vessel  for  Brest,  France. 
Arriving  there  he  afterward  sailed  for  Ireland  and  thence  to  Boston.  Later 
he  made  a  voyage  to  Mobile,  New  Orleans,  and  from  the  Crescent  city  proceeded 
up  the  Mississippi  river,  reaching  Chicago  in  1848.  He  did  not  tarry  in  the  future 
metropolis  of  the  west,  however,  but  continued  on  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  re- 
mained for  two  years,  working  on  a  paper  at  Lake  Geneva.  It  was  while  there 
that  he  married  Phebe  Ann  Macomber,  and  later  they  removed  to  Peoria.  In 
1852  Dr.  Couch  became  proprietor  of  a  weekly  paper,  called  the  \'oice  of  the  Peo- 
ple, and  he  also  worked  on  the  Daily  Republican.  Finally  he  opened  a  job  office, 
which  he  conducted  until  1863,  when  he  entered  the  government  service  as  man- 
ager of  the  Ninth  Military  cemetery  at  Chattanooga.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he 
returned  to  Peoria,  where  he  resumed  the  practice  of  medicine. 

His  first  wife  died  in  1852  and  on  the  20th  of  May,  1855,  Dr.  Couch  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Margaret  A.  Gilbert,  a  widow. 

Their  only  child  was  Edward  H.  D.  Couch,  of  this  review,  who  was  l)oru 
October  i,  1859.     He  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria,  in  which  city  his 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  787 

father  remained  for  more  than  tifty  years  the  occupant  of  the  same  house  at  No. 
312  South  Jetterson  street.  It  was  there  that  the  youth  of  Edward  H.  D.  Couch 
was  spent  and  as  the  years  passed  he  became  widely  known  in  the  city.  For 
many  years  he  has  been  connected  with  the  police  department  of  Peoria  and 
served  under  Mayor  Allen  as  captain  of  police  and  at  the  present  time  is  an 
efficient  officer  of  the  traffic  squad.  ?Ie  has  been  identified  with  the  Illinois 
National  Guard  for  twenty-five  years,  seventeen  of  which  he  served  as  captain 
of  Company  L,  Fifth  Infantry,  I.  N.  G.,  which  was  the  first  company  that  was 
mustered  into  the  United  States  volunteer  service  in  1908.  This  made  our  sub- 
ject at  that  time  the  ranking  captain  in  the  volunteer  service  of  the  United  States. 
He  was  captain  of  Company  H  of  the  Twenty-eighth  Regiment  of  the  United 
States  Volunteers  in  the  Philippines  and  on  active  duty  during  the  Spanish- 
American  war.  At  the  close  of  the  insurrection  he  was  appointed  captain  of 
police  in  Manila,  P.  I.,  during  the  years  igoi  and  1902  but  finally  had  to  leave 
the  islands  on  account  of  ill  health.  As  indicated  Captain  Couch  has  been  and 
is  very  prominent  in  militarv  circles.  He  is  a  man  of  fine  military  bearing,  in 
whose  life  courage  and  discipline  have  ever  had  a  prominent  place,  while  his 
fidelity  to  duty  has  made  him  both  a  valued  civil  and  military  official. 


ROBERT  H.  AVERY. 


It  is  peculiarly  refreshing,  in  these  days  of  defections,  when  names  that  once 
were  regarded  as  synonyms  of  commercial  honor,  have  become  disgraced  or 
tainted  with  suspicion,  to  turn  to  those  who  have  closed  their  earthly  account, 
leaving  a  record  unassailed  and  unassailalile.  They  restore  our  waning  confi- 
dence in  men,  and  encourage  us  still  to  strive  after  legitimate  success,  which  as 
they  have  shown  is  really  attainable.  Among  these  none  have  left  a  brighter 
record  than  Robert  H.  Avery,  founder  of  the  immense  business  which  is  now 
the  Avery  Company  of  Peoria. 

Peoria  has  been  remarkable  for  many  years  for  the  extent  and  rapid  develop- 
ment of  its  manufacturing  industries,  especially  along  the  line  of  agricultural 
implements.  Peoria  is  recognized  today  as  the  center  for  this  industry  in  the 
middle  west,  and  the  rich  farm  regions  around  the  city  owe  much  of  their 
growth  and  development  to  the  implements  manufactured  there,  for  tilling  the 
soil  and  harvesting  the  crops. 

The  Avery  Company  today  is  the  largest  manufacturer  of  agricultural  imple- 
ments in  the  city,  and  it  owes  its  success  to  the  business  qualities  and  strict  integ- 
rity of  its  founder,  Robert  IT.  Avery.  .\  good  portion  of  the  history  of  our 
country  is  preserved  in  the  biographies  of  leading  and  active  men  who  have  borne 
an  important  part  in  the  various  enterprises  of  their  time.  The  characters  and 
good  deeds  of  good  men  should  be  sacredly  preserved,  not  only  for  the  happi- 
ness and  satisfaction  which  a  record  of  them  will  give  to  all  those  immediately 
related  to  them,  and  their  posterity  in  after  generations,  but  also  for  the  good 
example  which  the  lives  of  such  men  furnish  to  the  young  of  our  land,  to  follow 
in  their  footsteps,  and  thus  further  advance  the  true  interests  of  our  country. 

Robert  H.  Avery  was  born  in  Galesburg,  Knox  county,  Illinois,  January  21, 
1840.  He  grew  up  on  a  farm,  familiar  from  youth  with  all  the  needs  and  wants 
of  the  farmer.  He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  home  town,  and 
had  barely  completed  his  education  when  the  Civil  war  called  him,  as  it  did  so 
many  of  the  young  men  of  his  time  to  fight  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union. 
He  served  honorably  for  three  years.  Eight  months  of  his  service  was  spent  in 
Andersonville  prison.  The  long  days,  utterly  without  work,  offered  ample  op- 
portunities for  his  active  mind  to  devise  and  invent.  The  result  of  the  eiglit 
months'  imprisonment  was  the  plan  of  his  first  farm  tool — a  cultivator.     He  com- 


788  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

pleted  his  invention  as  far  as  he  could  without  any  implements  whatever.  He 
carried  the  design  from  Andersonville,  and  upon  his  release  built  the  completed 
implement,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  the  magnificent  business  of  today. 

When  the  war  was  over,  Robert  Avery  returned  to  the  farm,  and  with  the 
aid  of  his  brother  Cyrus  M.  Avery,  built  the  perfected  tool,  which  he  called  "The 
Avery  Cultivator."  This  lead  at  once  to  other  farm  implements,  a  stalk-cutter 
and  planter,  both  of  which  he  named  after  himself,  and  which  are  to  this  day 
in  extensive  use.  Robert  and  Cyrus  Avery  entered  into  partnership  and  con- 
ducted a  small  business  in  Galesburg.  This  proved  so  prosperous,  tliat  in  1882, 
the  brothers  removed  their  small  establishment  to  Peoria.  The  following  year 
the  partnership  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the  Avery  Planter  Company, 
with  a  capital  stock  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  with  Robert  H.  Avery  as 
its  president,  an  office  which  he  held  until  his  death  in  1892.  During  the  ten 
years  of  his  life  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Avery  saw  his  business  increase  from  a  little 
plant  in  a  one-story  frame  building,  to  a  magnificent  institution  employing  over 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men  and  with  an  immense  output  of  cultivators,  corn 
planters,  stackers,  threshing  machines,  check-rowers,  etc.  Even  this,  however, 
represented  only  the  beginnings  of  the  growth  of  the  Avery  Company.  Robert 
Avery  was  not  destined  to  see  the  consummation  of  his  labors.  In  1899,  seven 
years  after  his  death  the  company  was  reincorporated,  the  capital  stock  in- 
creased to  six  hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  the  name  changed  to  The  Avery 
Manufacturing  Company.  It  was  reorganized  in  1907  under  the  name  of  the 
Avery  Company,  and  its  capital  stock  still  further  increased  to  two  million  five 
hundred  thousand  dollars.  Magnificent  additions  have  been  made,  a  whole  vil- 
lage has  grown  up  around  it.  automobile  implements  have  been  added  to  the  out- 
put, the  working  force  has  tripled,  and  the  name  of  Avery  Company  has  grown 
more  honored  with  the  passing  years. 

This  magnificent  success  rests  on  the  broad  foundation  of  Robert  H.  Avery's 
character  and  attainments.  He  was  a  man  of  marked  capacity  and  decided  char- 
acter, and  of  the  most  undoubted  integrity.  He  was  modest  and  unassuming  in 
his  deportment,  and  retiring  in  his  habits,  but  in  whatever  position  he  was  placed 
he  was  emphatic  and  decided.  He  was  possessed  of  business  acumen,  clear  in- 
sight and  ability  to  manage,  control  and  direct.  Of  impressive  personality,  he 
possessed  throughout  his  life  such  courage,  self-assertion  and  mental  as  well 
as  moral  force  as  are  seldom  met  with  in  any  calling.  He  was  a  rare  leader  of 
men.  and  seldom  were  his  judgments  faulty.  Frauds  and  pretenders  of  every 
sort  he  would  not  tolerate.  He  never  forsook  a  friend  and  honor  and  honesty 
were  his  mottoes  for  all  living.  He  always  carried  a  genial  humor  that  drew  peo- 
ple to  him.  The  most  marked  of  all  his  characteristics  was  his  marvelous  force. 
The  memorv  of  his  upright  life  remains  as  a  blessed  benediction  to  those  who 
were  his  associates.  He  was  one  of  those  characters  whom  God  has  not  per- 
mitted to  live  in  vain  and  for  naught.  From  his  life  may  be  deduced  a  moral  of 
great  value,  and  from  it  may  be  formed  a  model  by  which  mothers  may  well 
strive  to  form  the  characters  of  their  sons. 


OTTO  W.  H.  WAHLFELD. 

Otto  W.  H.  Wahlfeld,  the  vice  president  of  The  Wahlfeld  Manufacturing 
Company,  located  at  iioi  to  1125  South  Washington  avenue,  is  one  of  the  prom- 
ising young  business  men  of  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  his  natal  day 
being  the  nth  of  December,  1888,  and  his  parents  August  and  Anna  Wahlfeld, 
who  are  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  work. 

The  education  of  Otto  W.  H.  Wahlfeld  was  begun  in  the  local  public  schools 
and  continued  in  Brown's  Business  College  and  the  University  of  Illinois,  his  stu- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  789 

dent  days  being  terminated  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years.  He  had  been  reared  with 
the  expectation  of  entering  the  business  world  and  after  laying  aside  his  text- 
books he  entered  the  plant  with  which  he  is  connected.  In  order  to  qualify  him- 
self for  an  executive  position  he  began  his  duties  in  a  minor  capacity,  advancing 
in  orderly  progression  through  the  various  departments  until  he  had  acquired  the 
essential  facts  and  knowledge  pertaining  to  the  industry.  The  firm  is  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  interior  woodwork  and  fixtures,  and  Mr.  Wahlfeld  has 
always  made  it  a  point  not  only  to  be  thoroughly  familiar  with  conilitions  affect- 
ing this  industry,  but  has  made  a  careful  study  of  business  conditions  generally. 
He  is  diligent  and  enterprising,  thinks  widely  and  has  well  defined  ideas  on  com- 
mercial matters  and  industrial  development. 

Mr.  Wahlfeld  was  married  in  this  city  on  the  27th  of  September,  1909,  to 
Miss  Frieda  Walliner,  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Augusta  Walliner,  and  to  them  has 
been  born  one  son.  Tames  August,  on  November  9,  1910.  The  home  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  \\'ahlfeld  is  aX.  2\t,  liarkcr  avenue,  where  they  erected  in  i()i  1  a  comfortal)le, 
thoroughlv  modern  residence. 

They  are  members  of  -St.  Paul's  German  Lutheran  church.  Mr.  Wahlfeld 
belongs  to  the  Creva  Coeur  Club,  one  of  the  foremost  social  organizations  of  the 
city.  His  political  support  he  gives  to  stich  men  and  measures  as  he  deems  most 
likely  to  subserve  the  highest  interests  of  the  majority,  irrespective  of  party  affil- 
iation. Mr.  Wahlfeld  is  both  capable  and  efficient  and  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  manifests  those  qualities  that  give  every  assurance  of  a  successful  career. 


THOMAS  OSCAR  TANTON. 

Thomas  Oscar  Tanton,  a  real-estate  dealer  of  Peoria,  has  been  a  lifelong 
resident  of  this  state,  his  liirth  having  occurred  upon  a  farm  in  Cazenovia  town- 
ship, Woodford  county.  His  father.  John  Tanton,  a  native  of  Devonshire,  Eng- 
land, was  born  August  15,  1803,  and  in  the  year  1832  became  a  resident  of  Can- 
ada. In  1834  he  returned  to  England  where  he  lived  for  a  year,  and  in  1835  he 
arrived  in  Chicago,  which  was  then  a  small  village,  having  not  yet  been  incor- 
porated as  a  city.  xA.fter  a  few  months,  however,  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Caze- 
novia township,  Woodford  county,  settling  there  in  March,  1836.  On  the  31st 
of  March,  1842,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Hannah  Groves,  who  was  born  in  Har- 
rison county,  Indiana,  June  13,  1818,  and  in  1840  went  to  Woodford  county,  Illi- 
nois, with  iier  parents,  who  were  of  Pennsylvania  Dutch  stock.  John  Tanton 
lived  to  be  nearly  eighty-nine  years  of  age,  while  his  wife  was  more  than  eighty 
years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  demise. 

Thomas  Oscar  Tanton,  spending  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof, 
attended  the  district  schools  and  then  turned  his  attention  to  the  occupation  to 
which  he  had  been  reared,  becoming  actively  interested  in  farming  and  stock- 
raising  in  March,  1870.  For  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  he  was  closely 
associated  with  agricultural  pursuits,  owning  and  cultivating  a  rich  tract  of  land 
which  he  transformed  into  one  of  the  valuable  farms  of  his  locality.  On  the 
i8th  of  October,  1897,  he  left  the  farm  and  established  his  home  in  Peoria,  at 
No.  141 5  Perry  street.  He  removed  to  413  Illinois  street  on  the  ist  of  May,  1902, 
and  since  the'ist  of  May,  1905,  has  made  his  home  at  No.  722  North  Monroe 
street.  During  the  period  of  his  residence  in  this  city  he  has  engaged  in  real- 
estate  dealing  and  has  handled  a  number  of  important  realty  transactions. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  1873,  in  El  Paso,  Illinois,  Mr.  Tanton  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Barbara  Gingrich,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Christian 
Gingrich,  who  were  of  German  birth  and  in  1836  became  residents  of  Worth 
township,  Woodford  county.  Illinois,  settling  on  a  farm.  Mrs.  Tanton  died  on  the 
loth  of  .Mav,  1888.  and  ^ir.  Tanton  was  married  on  the  i6th  of  May,   1889,  to 


790  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Amanda  Martin.     Her  death  occurred  January  8.  1896,  and  on  the  4th  of  Sejitem- 
ber,  1902,  Air.  Tanton  wedded  ]Miss  Carrie  H.  Stoll. 

Mr.  Tanton  has  five  children  born  of  his  first  marriage,  four  daughters  and 
a  son,  and  of  the  second  marriage  there  are  one  daughter  and  one  son.  All  are 
now  married  with  the  exception  of  the  eldest  son.  Air.  Tanton  holds  member- 
ship in  the  Christian  church  and  his  political  faith  is  that  of  the  democratic  party. 
His  high  social  standing  and  the  regard  entertained  for  him  by  his  fellowmen 
are  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  has  been  admitted  to  membership  in  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club.  In  matters  of  citizenship  his  influence  and  support  are  given  on  the 
side  of  advancement  and  progress  and  he  holds  to  high  standards  in  man's  per- 
sonal relations  with  his  fellowmen. 


VALENTINE  JOBST  &  SONS. 

The  name  of  Jobst  has  long  figured  actively  in  connection  with  the  building 
operations  of  Peoria  and  the  untarnished  reputation  and  position  of  the  family 
are  well  sustained  by  Valentine  Jobst,  Jr.,  who  is  well  known  through  both  his 
social  and  business  connections.  Since  taking  upon  himself  the  more  active  duties 
of  life  that  come  with  entrance  into  the  business  world  he  has  been  associated 
with  the  firm  of  X'alentine  Jobst  &  Sons,  the  largest  general  contracting  concern 
in  Illinois  outside  of  Chicago.  His  associates  in  the  business  are  his  father, 
Valentine  Jobst,  Sr.,  and  his  brother,  George  J.  Jobst,  of  whom  mention  is  made 
elsewhere  in  this  work. 

He  was  born  in  Peoria,  May  19,  1871.  and  was  given  the  name  of  his  father, 
Valentine  Jobst,  long  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  honored  business  men  of 
this  part  of  the  state,  who  is  today  a  venerable  and  honored  resident  of  the  city, 
his  life  work  proving  what  may  be  accomplished  when  determination,  energy 
and  capability  lead  the  way. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof,  \'alentine  Jobst,  Jr.. 
attended  the  grammar  and  high  schools,  being  graduated  therefrom  with  the 
class  of  1899.  He  afterw-ard  spent  two  years  as  a  member  of  the  contracting 
firm  of  Jobst  Brothers  at  Omaha.  Nebraska,  after  which  he  returned  to  Peoria 
and  entered  the  present  firm  which  is  carrying  on  the  business  which  was  estab- 
lished by  his  father  in  1859.  The  present  firm  was  organized  in  1901  under 
the  style  of  \'alentine  Jobst  &  Sons,  at  which  time  \^alentine  Jobst  became  the 
partner  of  his  father  and  brother.  He  looks  after  the  construction  end  of  the 
business,  while  George  J.  Jobst  is  engineer  and  designer  for  the  firm.  Their 
business  extends  over  a  wide  territory.  They  took  the  contract  for  and  erected 
the  courthouse  and  United  States  postoffice  at  Wichita,  Kansas ;  at  Galesburg. 
Illinois ;  Joplin,  Missouri ;  and  at  Pekin  and  Jacksonville,  Illinois.  They  were  the 
builders  of  the  Schipper  &  Block  department  store  at  Peoria,  Illinois ;  the  Cham- 
paign county  courthouse  at  Urbana ;  the  Logan  county  courthouse  at  Lincoln ; 
the  natural  history  building,  the  chemical  laboratory,  physics  building  and  the 
agricultural  college  buildings,  all  of  the  University  of  Illinois.  They  were  the 
builders  of  the  National  Home  for  Soldiers,  at  Danville,  and  their  construction 
work  in  Peoria  covers  a  list  of  many  of  the  leading  business  houses  in  this  city. 
Thev  built  the  warehouse  for  Oakford  &  Fahnestock ;  the  building  for  the  Cen- 
tral Union  Telephone  Company;  the  Union  Depot;  the  W.  H.  Hoagland  build- 
ing ;  the  store  and  office  building  of  F.  Welte ;  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  house ;  the 
entire  manufacturing  plant  of  the  Colean  Manufacturing  Company:  and  also  of 
the  Barrett  Manufacturing  Company.  They  erected  the  warehouse  building  for 
the  Barrett  Manufacturing  Company ;  the  administration  building  and  the  factory 
building  for  the  Avery  Company ;  and  the  wholesale  grocery  house  of  the  Jobst- 
Bethard  Company,  in  addition  to  the  Jobst  building,  of  which  they  are  the  own- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  791 

ers.  They  are  now  engaged  on  the  construction  of  the  new  Jefferson  Hotel 
and  a  factory  builcHng  for  Thomas  &  Clarl<e,  cracker  manufacturers.  Their  pat- 
ronage in  other  cities  has  led  to  their  erection  of  an  office  building  for  the  Central 
Union  Telephone  Company  at  Springfield,  Illinois;  the  Carnegie  Library  at  De- 
catur; the  Davenport  Hotel,  at  Davenport,  Iowa;  the  supreme  court  building  at 
S])ringticUl,  Illinois;  the  women's  buildings  of  the  Sailors  and  Soldiers  liome 
at  Quiiicy,  Illinois;  the  postoffice  at  Decatur;  the  hospital  building  of  the  South- 
ern Illinois  Hospital  for  the  Insane  at  Anna,  Illinois;  the  gymnasium  of  the 
Feeble-Minded  Institute,  at  Lincoln,  Illinois;  the  Star-Courier  building  and  the 
postofffce  at  Kewaunee ;  the  First  Xational  liank  building  at  Champaign ;  and 
the  Denkmann  Memorial  Library  at  Rock  Island.  All  this  indicates  the  import- 
ance and  extent  of  the  business  which  is  accorded  to  the  general  contracting  firm 
of  \'alentine  Jobst  li  Sons,  of  which  \'alentine  Jobst,  Jr.,  is  an  active  partner. 
In  addition  to  his  industrial  interests  he  is  known  in  financial  circles  of  Peoria  as 
a  director  of  the  Merchants  Xational  Bank. 

Mr.  Jobst  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Ochenga,  a  native  of  Peoria  and  they  now 
have  one  child,  \'alentine  Jobst  HI.  The  father  is  a  Knight  Tenii^lar  and  thirty- 
second  degree  Mason  and  also  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  likewise 
holds  membership  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur 
Club  and  to  the  Peoria  Country  Club  and  those  who  meet  him  in  the  club  rooms 
or  in  his  home  find  him  a  gentleman  of  cordial  address,  genial  and  hospitable. 
He  has  displayed  many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  his  German  ancestry, 
combined  with  the  enterprising  and  progressive  spirit  that  has  made  America  a 
dominant  factor  in  the  world  of  trade.  None  have  ever  called  into  question  the 
integrity  of  his  acts  nor  the  sincerity  of  his  purposes.  In  his  business  connec- 
tions he  stands  for  advancement  in  all  that  pertains  to  Iniilding  operations,  utiliz- 
ing the  most  scientific  principles  in  the  erection  of  modern  structures  adequate  to 
the  needs  and  demands  of  the  present  age. 


HARRY  G.  WASSON. 


On  the  roll  of  county  officials  appears  the  name  of  Harry  G.  Wasson  who  is 
occupying  the  position  of  county  recorder  to  which  he  was  first  elected  in  190-1 
and  reelected  in  1908.  He  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  the  city  of  Peoria, 
his  birth  having  occurred  here  on  the  17th  of  March,  1877.  His  parents  were 
James  T.  and  Jennie  E.  (Erskin)  Wasson,  the  former  having  become  a  resident 
of  Peoria  when  he  was  a  lad  of  twelve  years.  In  response  to  President  Lincoln's 
first  call  for  volunteers  he  enrolled  as  a  Union  soldier,  becoming  a  member  of 
the  first  company  of  this  city.  He  rendered  valiant  service  to  the  Union  and  has 
also  figured  prominently  in  political  circles  hut  at  present  is  living  in  quiet  re- 
tirement. His  wife  was  at  one  time  a  school  teacher,  having  charge  of  a  school 
on  the  old  Mossville  road. 

Under  the  parental  roof  Harry  G.  Wasson  spent  his  youthful  days  and  sup- 
plemented his  public-school  course  by  study  in  Brown's  Business  College  whereby 
he  qualified  for  the  onerous  and  responsible  duties  of  the  commercial 
world.  In  his  youth  he  secured  a  situation  in  the  old  steel  rolling  mill  at  Avery- 
ville,  working  there  for  several  months.  He  has  had  a  varied  career  and  his 
life  has  been  one  of  untiring  and  indefatigable  indu.^try.  At  different  periods  he 
has  followed  different  occupations  althougli  on  occasions  more  than  one  business 
undertaking  has  claimed  his  attention.  P'or  a  year  he  conducted  a  cigar  stand 
in  the  courthouse  and  for  four  years  was  police  patrol  operator.  He  also  served 
as  solicitor  and  collector  for  the  Peoria  Star  during  the  first  year  of  the  existence 
of  that  paper  and  was  largely  instrumental  in  developing  its  first  subscription 
list.     He  also  became  an  active  factor  in  local  political  circles  and  was  secretary 


792  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  the  republican  central  committee,  doing  all  in  his  power  to  further  the  interest 
and  promote  the  success  of  his  party.  He  served  for  two  years  as  secretary  of 
the  Peoria  Corn  Exposition  &  Carnival  Association,  and  his  executive  ability 
and  progressive  spirit  were  strongly  manifested  in  this  connection.  At  one  time 
he  was  secretary  for  the  Central  Illinois  Fancy  &  Pet  Stock  Show,  and  for  two 
years  was  proprietor  of  a  hotel  at  Bartonville.  He  turned  his  attention  to  jour- 
nalism as  publisher  and  editor  of  the  County  Official,  a  paper  dedicated  to  county 
officials  of  Illinois.  He  is  now  proprietor  of  a  hotel  at  Rome,  Illinois,  but  makes 
his  home  in  Peoria,  and  for  almost  eight  years  has  filled  the  position  of  county 
recorder,  in  which  connection  he  is  rendering  valuable  public  service. 

Mr.  \\'asson  is  well  known  in  political  circles  and  is  a  member  of  the  grand 
council  of  the  Royal  .Arcanum.  Since  1906  he  has  been  treasurer  of  the  Peoria 
Lodge  of  Elks  and  has  served  as  conimander  of  the  Illinois  Order  of  Sons  of 
Veterans — the  highest  office  within  the  gift  of  that  organization  in  the  state. 
He  was  at  one  time  at  the  head  of  the  Peoria  Lodge  of  the  Moose  and  he  holds 
membership  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Redmen.  His  activities  and 
his  interests  have  been  and  are  of  a  most  varied  character  and  yet  in  each  he  has 
worked  effectively.  He  invariably  accomplishes  what  he  undertakes,  seeming  to 
possess  a  limitless  amount  of  energy  and  enterprise. 


WILLIAM  R.  EMORY. 

Individual  success  in  any  line  of  business  is  inextricably  connected  with  the 
growth  and  development  of  the  city  in  which  the  business  is  located.  No  man  can 
be  prosperous  and  prominent  in  his  endeavors  without  contributing  his  share  to 
the  general  industrial  progress.  Prominent  among  men  of  Peoria  who  have  pro- 
moted the  city's  interests  by  their  individual  success  is  William  R.  Emory,  a 
partner  in  the  firm  of  G.  B.  Todhunter  &  Company.  He  is  a  native  of  Peoria, 
having  been  born  on  June  2,  1883,  the  son  of  George  H.  and  Minnie  Emory.  The 
family  is  of  German  and  French  origin,  and  has  been  in  America  for  over  one 
hundred  and  fifty  years.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject,  William  Zindell, 
fought  in  tlie  Federal  army  during  the  Civil  war  and  Mr.  Emory  is  entitled  to 
membership  in  the  Sons  of  the  Republic. 

Mr.  Emory  left  the  public  schools  of  Peoria,  where  his  early  education  was 
received,  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  and  entered  the  employ  of  Thomas  &  Com- 
pany, in  a  minor  position,  which  he  occupied  for  about  two  years,  leaving  to  be- 
come a  delivery  boy  for  the  grocery  firm  of  Gauss  &  Shurtlefif,  where  he  remained 
for  three  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  entered  the  employ  of  Wil- 
liam Oberhauser,  a  druggist  of  this  city,  receiving  the  position  on  the  strength  of 
some  experience  in  the  drug  business  which  he  had  gained  by  assisting  in  this 
line  after  school  hours  and  during  his  vacations.  Two  years  after.  Mr.  Emory 
entered  the  railroad  business  in  the  capacity  of  fireman,  and  in  his  leisure  hours 
studied  bookkeeping  and  mechanical  drafting,  in  which  branches  he  soon  became 
expert.  He  became  bookkeeper  for  the  Wahlfeld  Manufacturing  Company  of 
this  city,  leaving  that  firm  to  accept  a  similar  position  with  Todhunter  &  Alfs. 
His  services  in  this  capacity  soon  became  valuable,  and  he  eventually  rose  to  the 
position  of  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  firm.  He  remained  in  this  office  until 
Mr.  Todhunter  severed  his  connection  with  the  concern,  when  he  resigned  to 
become  a  partner  in  the  new  enterprise  of  G.  B.  Todhunter  &  Company,  with 
which  he  has  been  connected  since  iqu. 

In  1904  Mr.  Emory  married,  in  Peoria,  Miss  \'irginia  M.  Kuhn.  a  daughter 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Christian  Kuhn.  a  pioneer  in  the  dairy  business  in  this  city- 
They  have  two  childixn.  a  son.  A\'illiam  R..  Jr..  and  a  daughter.  Margaret.  The 
family  residence  is  at  1205  Frye  avenue.     Mr.  Emory's  political  affiliations  are 


' 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  798 

republican,  and  he  is  a  firm  believer  in  the  party  policies.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  IndeiJendent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  well  known  in  the  North  American 
Union,  llis  career  is  a  signal  instance  of  the  power  of  hard  work  and  determi- 
nation in  the  making  of  a  successful  man. 


FRANK  FRrrZlNGER. 


One  of  the  sources  of  Peoria's  wealth  and  prosperity,  which  is  too  seldom 
recognized  and  too  often  overlooked,  is  the  number  of  rich  and  fertile  farms 
surrounding  the  city  and  across  the  river  from  it,  which  are  under  constant  cul- 
tivation in  the  form  of  small  truck  gardens.  The  owners  of  these  little  spots  of 
land  are  apt  to  grow  rich  quietly  and  unostentatiously,  and  their  prosperity  un- 
doubtedly results  in  added  wealth  to  the  city.  Frank  Fritzinger,  now  residing  m 
Peoria  at  912  Alonson  street,  spent  his  life  before  his  retirement  in  truck  farm- 
ing and  gardening  of  this  kind.  He  comes  of  an  old  family  of  gardeners,  who 
first  located  just  across  the  river  from  Peoria  on  the  Tazewell  county  side,  and 
were  known  for  many  years  for  the  remarkable  quality  of  their  fruits  and  vege- 
tables which  they  brought  to  the  city  daily  in  their  market  wagons. 

Frank  Fritzinger  was  born  on  Good  Friday,  in  April,  1865.  His  birth  oc- 
curred on  the  site  of  the  old  "Tazewell  House,"  which  was  a  popular  hostelry 
fifty  years  ago  on  the  Tazewell  shore  of  the  Illinois  river.  His  parents  moved 
into  Peoria  county  when  Frank  Fritzinger  was  very  young,  and  he  has  lived  in 
that  section  practically  all  his  life.  His  father  was  a  truck  and  garden  farmer  in 
Tazewell  and  Peoria  counties,  and  was  a  familiar  figure  in  the  city  market  for  a 
number  of  years.  Frank  Fritzinger  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Peo- 
ria, and  upon  the  completion  of  his  education,  he  joined  with  his  brothers  in  the 
purchase  of  a  number  of  large  truck  gardens  near  Mossville,  Peoria  county,  a 
few  miles  from  this  city.  In  this  sort  of  farming  and  gardening  Mr.  Fritzinger 
spent  his  entire  active  life.  He  added  continually  to  his  holdings,  until  at  the  time 
of  his  retirement,  he  was  the  owner  of  many  acres  of  rich  farm  and  garden  land, 
and  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  largest  truck  farmers  in  the  county.  He  per- 
sonally hauled  many  loads  of  garden  truck  to  the  city  daily,  and  the  produce  from 
his  farm  amounted  to  many  wagon  loads  each  day.  These  he  took  to  Peoria  and 
sold  in  the  old  Central  City  ]\Iarket,  which  was  an  institution  in  those  days 
in  Peoria,  and  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  city  hall. 

Mr.  Fritzinger  is  married  and  has  two  daughters.  At  the  early  age  of  forty- 
six,  Mr.  Fritzinger  has  acquired  a  competence  which  has  enabled  him  to  retire 
from  active  life.  He  is  a  quiet,  unassuming,  courteous  gentleman,  well  content 
to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days  with  his  family  and  among  his  many  friends. 


E.  J.  CLAUSON. 


E.  J.  Clauson  is  an  enterprising  young  farmer  of  Logan  township,  en- 
gaged in  the  cultivation  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land.  His  entire  life 
has  been  spent  in  the  township  which  is  yet  his  home,  his  birth  having  occurred 
in  1882.  He  was  reared  to  the  occupation  of  farming  and  in  his  youthful  days 
divided  his  time  between  the  duties  of  the  schoolroom,  the  pleasures  of  the  play- 
ground and  the  work  of  the  home  farm,  receiving  practical  training  in  the  best 
methods  of  tilling  the  soil.  He  never  changed  his  occupation  and  after  arriving 
at  years  of  maturity  he  began  farming  on  his  own  account,  and  is  now  engaged 
In  the  cultivation  of  an  eighty-acre  tract  of  land  belonging  to  his  father,  John  Clau- 
son, and  forty  acres  belonging  to  his  brother-in-law.    He  has  his  place  well  stocked, 


794  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

keeping  upon  his  farm  nine  head  of  horses,  forty-five  head  of  hogs  and  four 
head  of  cattle.  He  raises  the  cereals  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate  and  his  prac- 
tical. ])rogressive  methods  bring  to  liim  substantial  returns.  At  the  present  time  he 
has  thirty  acres  planted  to  corn,  twenty  to  wheat,  forty  to  oats  and  thirty  to  hay, 
and  the  cultivation  and  care  of  his  fields  from  the  time  of  early  spring  planting 
until  crops  are  harvested  in  the  late  autumn  make  him  a  busy  man,  having  few 
leisure  hours.  He  gives  his  political  support  to  the  democratic  party,  having 
voted  this  ticket  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise,  yet  he  has 
neither  time  nor  inclination  to  seek  nor  hold  public  office.  He  prefers  to  con- 
centrate his  energies  upon  his  business  interests  and  has  made  for  himself  a 
creditable  position  as  one  of  the  leading  young  farmers  of  this  part  of  the  county. 


PETER  A.  JOHN  SOX. 


The  tendency  of  the  modern  times,  when  the  attention  of  the  American  people 
has  been  called  to  misrule  in  puljlic  affairs,  is  to  seek  business  men  for  public 
office,  especially  in  the  control  of  municipal  affairs  where  the  efficiency  of  the  office 
depends  upon  the  ability  of  the  incumbent  to  carefully  conduct  business  aff'airs 
relative  thereto.  It  is  not  a  matter  of  marvel,  therefore,  that  Peter  A.  Johnson 
should  have  been  chosen  for  the  position  of  city  treasurer  which  he  is  now  filling, 
for  he  had  long  been  known  as  an  enterprising  merchant  of  this  city,  his  present 
connection  with  mercantile  circles  being  that  of  vice  president  of  the  Charles 
Johnson  Hardware  Company.  He  was  born  in  this  city,  August  24,  1866,  and 
comes  of  German  ancestry.  His  father,  John  H.  Johnson,  left  his  home  in  the 
northern  part  of  Germany  in  the  early  "sos,  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  world 
and,  making  his  way  into  the  interior  of  the  country,  settled  at  Peoria  where  he 
followed  the  blacksmith's  trade  until  1867.  He  then  removed  to  Farmington, 
Illinois,  where  he  conducted  a  shop  until  1886,  and  then  returned  to  Peoria, 
where  he  lived  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  well  earned  rest  to  the  time  of  his 
death  in  i8go.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  'Mary  C.  Reichardt  was 
also  a  native  of  Germany.  They  became  the  parents  of  eleven  children  of  whom 
eight  are  yet  living,  George.  Charles.  Peter  A..  John.  William.  Mrs.  Helena 
Spindler.  Mary  and  Mrs.  Matilda  England. 

Peter  A.  Johnson  was  only  a  year  old  at  the  time  of  the  removal  of  the  family 
to  Farmington,  and  there  much  of  his  youth  was  spent,  his  time  being  largely 
devoted  to  the  acquirement  of  a  public-school  education.  In  February,  1885,  how- 
ever, when  in  his  nineteenth  year,  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  became  an  active 
factor  in  commercial  circles  of  this  city  as  an  employe  in  the  Wilson  Grocery 
Company.  His  position  was  that  of  order  clerk  and  he  remained  with  the  house 
for  alxiut  three  years.  Subsequently  he  served  a  three  years'  apprenticeship  at 
the  tinner's  trade  and  was  employed  as  a  traveling  man  for  about  three  years  or 
until  he  joined  his  brother  in  organizing  the  present  firm  under  the  name  of  the 
Charles  Johnson  Hardware  Company.  They  opened  an  establishment  at  No. 
2023  South  Adams  street  with  Charles  Johnson  as  the  president.  Peter  A.  John- 
son as  vice  president  and  William  Johnson  as  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  review  devoted  everv  energy  to  the  upbuilding  of  the  business  which 
is  now  one  of  the  extensive  hardware  enterprises  of  the  citv.  having  a  large  trade 
which  is  constantly  growing  in  volume  and  imjjortance.  A  high  standard  is  main- 
tained in  the  personnel  of  the  house,  in  the  line  of  goods  carried  and  in  the  char- 
acter of  service  rendered  to  the  public  and  promptness  and  reliability  have 
constituted  salient  factors  in  their  success. 

Peter  A.  Johnson  continued  to  devote  his  entire  attention  to  the  business  until 
April,  191 1,  when  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  city  treasurer.  His  previous 
official  experience  had  been  secured  during  four  years'  representation  of  the  sixth 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  797 

ward  in  the  city  council.  Of  him  it  has  been  written:  "Living  in  the  strongest 
democratic  ward  in  the  city,  he  created  a  pohtical  sensation  when  he  entered  the 
Hsts  as  a  repubhcan  candidate  for  the  office  of  alderman  and  seemed  to  lead  a 
forlorn  hope.  His  personality  and  his  iJopularity,  however,  were  such  that  he  was 
elected  by  a  remarkable  majority,  considering  the  political  complexion  of  the 
ward.  He  retired  from  office  at  the  close  of  his  term  but  a  year  later  was  again 
the  nominee  of  the  republican  party  and  again  was  elected,  a  fact  that  indicated 
the  approval  of  his  course  during  his  first  term  by  his  fellow  townsmen."  Indeed 
his  political  service  as  councilman  was  such  that  when  he  was  brought  forward 
for  the  office  of  city  treasurer  there  was  no  opposition  to  his  candidacy  in  the 
primary.  The  democrats  put  up  one  of  the  strongest  men  in  their  party  as  his 
opponent  but  the  election  gave  him  a  large  majority  and  he  is  now  the  custodian 
of  Peoria's  public  funds.  His  public  duties  are  discharged  with  the  same  care 
and  appreciation  with  which  he  protects  his  individual  interests.  His  integrity  as 
a  business  man  and  citizen  are  above  question  and  Peoria  is  fortunate  in  having 
in  one  of  its  municipal  offices  a  man  of  such  calibre,  force  and  relialjility. 

In  Peoria,  in  1891,  Mr.  Johnson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Henrietta 
Riegel,  a  daughter  of  .Antone  Riegel,  who  came  to  this  city  from  Germany  when 
eighteen  years  of  age  and  as  a  carpenter  was  identified  with  its  building  opera- 
tions for  many  years.  He  died  in  July,  191 1.  Unto  Air.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  have 
been  born  four  daughters:  Mabel  j.,  Edna  M..  Grace  and  Johanna.  The  family 
attend  the  German  Lutheran  church  of  which  Mr.  Johnson  is  a  member,  and  his 
high  principles  are  further  indicated  by  his  loyalty  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and 
Modern  \\'oodmen  of  .America,  in  both  of  which  organizations  lie  holds  member- 
ship. He  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  Peoria  and  his  warmest  friends  are 
those  who  have  known  him  from  his  boyhood  to  the  present  time,  indicating  that 
his  career  has  ever  been  characterized  by  tliose  personal  qualities  and  business 
principles  which  in  cx'ery  land  and  clime  ;iwaken  confidence  and  regard. 


CHARLES  A.  ROBERTS. 

Charles  A.  Roberts,  who  since  1898  has  filled  the  position  of  clerk  of  the 
probate  court,  at  Peoria,  was  born  in  Yates  City,  Illinois,  on  the  loth  of  Au- 
gust, 1862.  He  came  from  New  England  ancestry,  the  parents,  Charles  and 
Caroline  (Metcalf)  Roberts,  both  being  natives  of  Maine.  The  father  devoted 
a  quarter  of  a  century  to  the  profession  of  school  teaching,  spending  that  time  in 
Maine,  New  York  and  in  Iowa.  During  the  period  of  his  residence  in  this  county 
he  held  a  number  of  school  offices,  serving  as  school  treasurer  of  Salem  town- 
ship for  twenty-five  years.  He  likewise  filled  the  office  of  police  magistrate  for 
twenty  years  and  in  that  position  he  rendered  decisions  that  were  strictly  fair  and 
impartial.  His  public  service  was  ever  characterized  by  faithfulness  to  duty  that 
was  above  question,  and  wherever  he  was  known  he  commanded  the  respect, 
confidence  and  good-will  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact. 

Charles  A.  Roberts  pursued  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native 
city  and  no  event  of  special  importance  occurred  to  vary  the  routine  of  life  for 
him  through  the  period  of  his  minority.  He  started  out  to  earn  his  own  living 
in  1881  when  nineteen  years  of  age,  becoming  telegraph  operator  of  the  Chicago, 
Burlington  &  Ouincy  line,  at  Canton,  Illinois.  He  remained  there  for  three 
years,  after  which  he  was  appointed  agent  at  Elmwood,  where  he  continued  for  a 
year  and  a  half.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  secured  the  position  of 
superintendent  of  the  stock  yards  at  Quincy.  Illinois,  where  he  remained  for 
three  years  and  then  again  went  to  Elmwootl,  where  the  succeeding  decade  was 
passed  in  the  position  of  station  agent  and  telegraph  operator.  He  left  that  place 
in  Peoria,  having  been  made  clerk  of  the  jirobate  court  in  the  election  of  1898. 


798  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Previous  to  that  time  the  office  had  never  been  a  paying  one  but  he  jjlaced  it 
upon  a  profitable  basis  and  has  been  the  worthy  incumbent  in  that  position  to  the 
present  time.  He  was  called  to  this  office  as  a  candidate  of  the  republican  party, 
of  which  he  has  always  been  a  supporter  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right 
of  franchise.  He  is  careful,  methodical  and  systematic  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties,  which  are  always  performed  with  a  sense  of  conscientious  obligation  that 
has  made  his  record  a  most  creditable  one. 

In  Quincy,  Illinois,  in  1889,  Mr.  Roberts  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Alary  Woolcott,  of  that  city,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  children,  Seacorde 
and  Woolcott.  Mr.  Roberts  has  become  well  known  in  political  circles  and  in 
other  connections  and  has  gained  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends  among  those 
who  recognize  his  sterling  worth. 


AX  DREW  G.  FORBES. 


Andrew  G.  Forbes  is  senior  projirietor  of  the  Forbes  Boiler  Works  on  South 
Washington  street  in  Peoria,  but  not  only  as  a  business  man  does  he  occupy  an 
enviable  position  in  the  regard  of  his  fellow  citizens.  He  has  made  an  equally 
creditable  record  in  office  and  is  now  serving  as  an  alderman,  representing  the 
fourth  ward  of  the  city  for  the  third  year.  Peoria  has  numbered  him  among  her 
residents  since  April,  1861.  He  is  the  oldest  practical  boiler  maker  here  and  has 
equal  skill  as  a  general  machinist  and  engineer.  He  claims  Scotland  as  the  land 
of  his  nativity,  his  birth  having  occurred  on  the  10th  of  June,  1842.  His  parents 
were  Daniel  and  Jennie  ( Gordon )  Forbes,  who  sailed  for  the  United  States  when 
their  son  Andrew  was  about  ten  or  twelve  years  of  age.  They  landed  at  New 
Orleans  and  from  the  Crescent  City  made  their  way  up  the  ]\Iississippi  to  St. 
Louis,  Missouri,  where  the  father  engaged  in  business  as  a  stationary  engineer. 
At  the  time  of  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  for  active  service  at  the 
front  but  died  soon  afterward,  being  among  the  first  who  laid  down  their  lives 
on  the  altar  of  the  country  in  1861. 

Andrew  G.  Forbes  was  at  that  time  nineteen  years  of  age.  He  had  learned 
the  boiler-maker's  trade  in  St.  Louis  and  in  April,  1861,  he  came  to  Peoria, 
where  he  sought  and  obtained  employment.  His  patriotic  spirit,  however,  was 
aroused  by  the  attempt  of  the  south  to  overthrow  the  Union  and  in  1862  he  en- 
rolled his  name  with  the  members  of  Company  G,  of  the  Sixty-seventh  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  mustered  in  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago.  He  served 
for  about  seven  months  in  guarding  prisoners  at  Chicago  and  was  then  sent 
down  the  Mississippi  river  with  the  fleet  to  Vicksburg  to  exchange  prisoners  of 
war.  Upon  his  return  he  was  mustered  out  at  Chicago  and  thence  came  agam 
to  Peoria.  As  previously  stated,  he  is  the  oldest  practical  boiler  maker  of  the 
city,  having  for  more  than  a  half  century  been  identified  with  the  business  here. 
His  capability  gained  him  recognition  and  won  him  positions  of  responsibility. 
He  was  foreman  of  the  boiler  works  for  the  Peoria.  Pekin  &  Jacksonville  Rail- 
road at  Pekin,  Illinois,  for  ten  years,  or  from  1870  until  1880.  when  he  was 
transferred  to  Peoria  as  general  foreman  in  the  shops  of  the  Peoria  &  Pekin 
Union  Railroad.  There  he  again  served  for  ten  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time 
he  was  made  division  master  mechanic  of  the  St.  Louis,  Peoria  &  Northern  Rail- 
road, contiiRiing  as  such  until  the  road  was  merged  into  the  Chicago  &  Alton 
Railroad  system.  At  that  date  he  took  charge  as  master  mechanic  of  the  Peoria 
Rolling  Mills,  in  which  capacity  he  continued  for  about  six  months,  when  he 
resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  W.  S.  Forbes.  The  father  was  then 
joined  by  another  son,  George  A.  Forbes,  in  establishing  the  Forbes  Boiler 
Works.  This  association  still  continues.  W.  S.  Forbes,  however,  has  now  left 
the  rolling  mills  and  is  engaged  in  the  plumbing  and  heating  business  in  Pueblo, 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  799 

Colorado.  The  Forbes  Boiler  Works  erect  tanks,  smoke  stacks,  etc.,  and  employ 
ten  or  more  men.  Their  business  has  grown  along  substantial  lines  and  the 
thorough  practical  training  of  the  father  has  been  an  element  in  its  success. 
Whatever  prosperity  has  come  to  him  is  well  merited,  for  his  life  has  been  one 
of  unfaltering  industry,  determination  and  fidelity. 

In  1863  Mr.  Forbes  was  united  in  marriage,  in  Peoria.  Illinois,  to  Miss  Ella 
R.  Albert,  who  was  born  in  this  city  and  is  a  daughter  of  Peter  .Albert,  one  of  the 
pioneer  residents  here.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Forbes  have  been  born  eight  chil- 
dren, of  whom  six  are  now  living:  D.  John,  who  is  treasurer  of  the  i'eoria  Water 
Works  Comi)an\- ;  Cora  O. ;  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Jacob  W.  Fisher;  George  A., 
who  is  a  ])ractical  boiler  maker  and  engineer  and  is  in  partnership  with  his  father ; 
W.  S.,  living  in  Pueblo,  Colorado ;  and  Catherine,  the  wife  of  W.  E.  Persons, 
general  manager  of  the  Larkin  Company.  Mr.  Forbes  is  well  known  in  fraternal 
circles.  He  has  been  an  exemplary  representative  of  the  Masonic  lodge  since 
1865  and  his  two  sons  are  also  affiliated  with  Temple  Lodge,  No.  46,  F.  &  A.  M., 
in  which  the  father  has  his  membership,  .-\ndrew  G.  Forbes  has  also  attained 
to  the  Knights  Templar  degree  of  the  York  Rite  and  is  a  member  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine.  He  likewise  belongs  to  Peoria  Cam])  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  .Amer- 
ica and  maintains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  comrades  through  his 
membership  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  His  political  allegiance  has 
been  given  to  the  republican  party  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of 
franchise.  He  has  ever  kept  well  informed  concerning  political  questions  and 
issues  of  the  day  and  yet  cannot  be  said  to  be  a  politician.  He  has  held  some 
offices  but  these  have  come  to  him  in  recognition  of  his  merit.  For  six  years  he 
was  a  member  of  the  board  of  supervisors  and  for  two  years  acted  as  chairman 
of  its  building  committee  and  as  such  made  a  remarkable  financial  record,  saving 
to  the  county  many  thousands  of  dollars.  It  was  his  record  in  that  connection 
that  led  his  fellow  townsmen  to  insist  upon  him  becoming  a  candidate  for  the 
office  of  alderman.  He  was  elected  from  the  fourth  ward  and  is  now  serving 
for  tiie  third  year.  In  this  as  in  the  other  offices  which  he  filled  he  is  laboring 
■  earnestly  and  effectively  to  prevent  useless  or  extravagant  expenditure  and  yet 
I  he  does  not  hold  to  the  side  of  conservatism  to  the  extent  of  blocking  public  prog- 
ress or  improvement.  He  believes  in  straightforward  and  honorable  administra- 
tion of  municipal  affairs  and  over  his  public  record  there  falls  no  shadow  of 
wrong  or  suspicion  of  evil. 


D.  B.  PRICE. 


D.  B.  Price,  who  resides  on  his  farm,  which  is  situated  one  and  one-half  miles 
north  of  Hanna  City,  was  born  in  Virginia,  September  20,  1849,  the  son  of  Wil- 
liam and  Norah  (Baldwin)  Price,  the  former  a  native  of  Wales  and  the  latter  of 
Ireland.  The  parents  came  to  America  in  1840,  settling  in  Virginia,  and  in  the 
spring  of  1863  removed  to  Illinois,  locating  in  Limestone  township.  In  their 
family  were  eleven  children,  of  whom  D.  B.  Price,  of  this  review,  was  the  ninth 
in  order  of  birth. 

D.  B.  Price  was  reared  under  the  ])arental  roof  and  remained  at  home 
until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  when  he  began  working  by  the  month  as  a  farm 
hand,  being  thus  employed  for  four  years  and  receiving  from  twenty  to  twenty- 
three  dollars  a  month.  In  1875  he  rented  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land 
in  Limestone  township  and  was  engaged  in  farming  it  until  1883,  when  he  bought 
eighty  acres  for  thirty-five  dollars  an  acre  in  Rosefield  township,  on  which  he  re- 
sided for  nineteen  years.  In  1892  he  purchased  an  additional  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres,  paying  for  it  forty-six  dollars  an  acre,  and  in  1901  he  sold  forty 
acres  of  his  first  tract  of  land  for  four  thousand  dollars.     He  raises  quite  ex- 


800  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

tensively  corn,  wheat,  oats  and  hay  and  he  also  raises  Hve  stock,  making  a  spe- 
cialty of  hogs,  cattle  and  horses.  His  farm  is  in  an  excellent  state  of  cultivation 
and  he  is  a  very  prosperous  man. 

On  the  24th  of  June,  1S74,  Mr.  Price  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  jemima 
E.  Bishop,  who  was  the  daughter  of  Richard  and  Elizabeth  (Brewer)  Bishop, 
of  Richwoods  township.  Mrs.  Price  is  a  very  capable  and  cultured  lady  and  for 
several  years  was  a  teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  Hollis,  Limestone  and  Rich- 
woods  townships.  Being  very  energetic  and  ambitious,  she  obtained  her  educa- 
tion by  working  by  the  week  during  the  summer  and  also  by  working  for  her 
board  in  the  winter  time  while  she  attended  the  district  school.  In  the  year  1871 
she  was  a  student  at  the  Normal  School  at  Peoria.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Price  have 
been  born  five  children:  Mrs.  Lola  Huntborn,  who  was  born  June  24,  1875,  and 
died  November  9,  1909;  Mrs.  Eva  Nora  Siegel,  who  was  born  January  27,  1877, 
and  who  previous  to  her  marriage  was  a  teacher  for  ten  years  in  the  Rosefield, 
Logan,  Kickapoo  and  Radner  townships ;  Thornton  E.,  who  was  born  Decem- 
ber 17,  1879,  and  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Logan  township;  Harrison  A.,  born 
September  18,  1883,  who  is  married  and  is  now  living  in  Peoria;  and  Margaret, 
born  November  29,  1885,  who  has  learned  the  trade  of  dressmaking  and  is  now  at 
home.  Mr.  Price  is  greatly  interested  in  the  cause  of  education  and  has  rendered 
efficient  service  as  a  member  of  the  school  board  for  fifteen  years.  He  and 
Mrs.  Price  and  their  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  at 
Hanna  City  and  are  widely  known  throughout  the  community,  having  a  large 
circle  of  friends,  in  whose  regard  they  stand  very  highly. 


STUBER  &  KUCK. 


The  growth  of  industrial  institutions  is  a  fair  index  of  the  progress  and 
prosperity  of  a  city.  Peoria's  productive  industries  have  been  the  source  of  her 
greatness  and  prominent  among  the  commercial  concerns  of  this  character  is  the 
great  Stuber  &  Kuck  tinware  factory,  a  plant  extending  from  No.  2800  to  No.  2824 
South  Adams  street,  where  the  business  has  been  carried  on  since  DecemBer  i, 
1887.  The  men  who  are  dominating  its  activities,  shaping  its  policy  and  direct- 
ing its  trade  are  recognized  as  among  the  foremost  representatives  of  industrial 
life  in  Peoria.  The  business  was  founded  upon  a  small  scale  when  the  senior 
partner,  Joseph  Stuber,  associated  himself  with  Henry  G.  Kuck,  buying  out  the 
interests  of  his  former  employer,  Isaac  Brandenburg.  They  carried  on  a  tin- 
ware manufacturing  enterprise  upon  a  small  scale  for  some  time  for  the  total 
capital  of  the  two  partners  at  the  time  of  the  purchase  amounted  to  about  five 
hundred  dollars  and  all  their  e(|uipment  and  supplies  were  proportionately  small. 
The  business,  however,  gradually  grew  until  it  is  today  one  of  the  largest  insti- 
tutions of  this  kind  in  Peoria.  Every  year  new  factories  are  added  and  new 
branches  and  departments  installed.  The  building  occupied  today  is  one  hun- 
dred and  seventy  by  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  and  six  stories  in  height  with 
basement.  The  factory  is  modern  in  all  its  equipment,  being  supplied  with  the 
latest  improved  machinery  necessary  in  their  line  and  the  excellence  of  the  prod- 
uct commands  a  liberal  trade.  The  present  plant  has  developed  from  a  little 
factory  twenty  by  ninety  feet,  on  the  second  floor  of  a  business  block  on  South 
Adams  street.  The  gradual  growth  of  the  business  in  indicated  by  the  several 
removals  necessary  to  meet  the  growing  demands  of  the  trade.  From  the  original 
quarters  a  removal  was  made  to  the  corner  of  Hamilton  and  \^'ater  streets,  the 
plant  occupying  a  building  fifty  by  thirty  feet  and  three  stories  in  height.  Addi- 
tional space  was  secured  by  a  second  removal  to  a  two-story  building  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  by  one  hundred  and  seventy-one  feet,  at  the  corner  of  Water 
and  Walnut  streets,  and  when  the  business  outgrew  its  ciuarters  there  it  was 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  801 

removed  to  the  river  bank,  occupying  the  okl  Gkicose  building  with  one  hundred 
and  thirty-three  by  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet,  four  stories  and  basement. 
At  length  the  firm  sold  that  property  to  the  railroad  company  and  sought  a  site 
upon  which  to  build.  The  result  was  the  present  commodious  factory  with  its 
modern  equipment,  where  is  now  conducted  an  extensive  business  that  is  grow- 
ing in  volume  year  by  year.  The  firm  owns  the  entire  block  on  Adams  street 
and  one  hundred  feet  on  Washington  street  and  something  of  the  scope  of  the 
industry  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  empknnient  is  furnished  to  an  average  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  people.  There  is  no  kind  of  tinware  or  tin  product  which 
the  Stuber  &  Kuck  factory  does  not  make.  The  firm  specializes  in  the  manu- 
facture of  various  kinds  of  self-sealing  patented  cans  and  has  an  extensive  trade 
in  cracker  cans,  pieced  tinware,  japanned  ware  and  brass  specialties.  At  the 
head  of  the  enterprise  are  business  men  of  well  known  ability,  the  labors  of  the 
one  ably  supplementing  and  rounding  out  the  labors  of  the  other.  Both  Mr. 
Stul)cr  and  Mr.  Kuck  have  practically  given  their  entire  time  and  attention  to 
expanding  the  business,  shaping  its  policy  and  controlling  its  output,  and  their 
united  efforts  have  brought  them  a  most  gratifying  measure  of  success.  The 
firm  holds  stock  in  the  Illinois  National  Piank  of  Peoria  and  both  Mr.  Stuber  and 
Mr.  Kuck  are  members  of  the  Illinois  Manufacturers'  Association,  in  the  afl:'airs 
of  which  organization  they  have  always  been  prominent. 


ED\\'ARD  E.  CORKEN. 

Edward  E.  Corken,  who  has  since  July  19,  1910,  occupied  the  position  of 
secretary  of  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric  Company,  with  offices  at  316  Jefferson 
street,  has  been  a  resident  of  this  city  since  1902.  He  was  born  in  Rock  Island, 
Illinois,  August  9,  1880,  a  son  of  Daniel  H.  and  Mary  E.  Corken.  The  family  is 
of  Irish  descent,  the  grandfather,  John  Corken,  having  come  from  County  Cork, 
Ireland.  The  father  was  a  molder  by  trade  and  has  the  distinction  of  having 
made  the  columns  for  the  capitol  at  Washington,  D.  C,  the  gates  to  the  grounds 
and  many  other  things  which  are  still  in  use.  He  was  for  thirty-five  years  super- 
intendent of  the  Rock  Island  Plow  Works  and  during  his  residence  in  Rock 
Island  was  honored  by  the  people  of  that  city  who  for  eighteen  years  kept  him 
in  office  as  a  member  of  the  city  council.  IJoth  he  and  his  wife  are  yet  living  and 
make  their  home  in  that  city. 

Edward  E.  Corken  was  reared  at  Rock  Island,  where  he  received  a  good  edu- 
cation, finishing  at  Augustana  College  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years.  His  busi- 
ness taste  seemed  to  incline  toward  railroading  and  his  first  employment  was  in 
the  general  offices  of  the  Rock  Island  &  Peoria  Railroad  Company,  where  he 
remained  until  that  system  was  absorbed  by  the  Chicago,  Keokuk  &  Peoria. 
He  also  had  the  distinction  of  being  the  last  man  to  receive  pay  from  the  com- 
pany with  which  he  first  was  connected  as  an  employe.  His  removal  to  Peoria 
occurred  in  1902,  coming  as  cashier  of  the  Chicago,  F'eoria  &  St.  Louis  Railroad 
Company,  a  position  which  he  held  until  April,  igo6.  The  efficiency  and  re- 
liability of  Mr.  Corken  has  made  his  services  desired  by  numerous  well  known 
corporations,  for  in  addition  to  his  connection  with  the  Peoria  Gas  &  Electric 
Company  he  is  secretary  of  the  Pekin  Light,  Heat  &•  Power  Company  and  also 
of  the  Citizens  Gas  &  Electric  Light  Company  of  Pekin  and  the  Washington 
Light  &  Power  Company. 

Mr.  Corken  was  married  in  Peoria  to  Miss  Minnie  Ortell,  of  Rock  Island,  a 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  F.  T.  Ortell,  who  at  ]iresent  reside  in  Freeport,  New 
York.  Mrs.  Corken,  however,  was  reared  in  Rock  Island  where  her  parents  re- 
sided for  nianv  vears.     Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  ;uid  Mrs.  Corken, 


802  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Harry  D.,  Dorothea  and  Cecilia,  the  two  eldest  attending  the  parochial  school 

of  Peoria.  r     ,  ■  ,    , 

Mr.  Corken  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party,  of  which  he 
is  a  stanch  supporter.  Fraternally  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Knights  of  Colunibu.s 
and  also  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  The  family  reside  at  425 
Peoria  avenue.  The  accuracy  which  has  always  characterized  Mr.  Corken  in 
his  work,  his  untiring  industry  and  his  entire  reliability,  have  been  prime  fac- 
tors which  have  enabled  him  to  hold  excellent  positions  and  make  his  services 
indispensable  to  the  concerns  with  which  he  has  been  connected.  He  has  become 
well  known  and  popular  in  Peoria  and  is  among  those  who  are  held  in  high  es- 
teem in  all  the  circles  in  which  they  move. 


WILLIAM  E.  WOLGAMOTT. 


II 


William  E.  Wolgamott,  city  electrician,  now  in  his  second  term  of  office  and 
well  qualified  by  previous  experience  and  thorough  training  for  the  work  that 
devolves  upon  him,  was  born  in  Sacramento,  California,  September  2,  1876,  a 
son  of  John  and  Albina  (Bennett)  Wolgamott.  The  mother  was  a  daughter  of 
the  late  James  Bennett,  for  many  years  coroner  of  this  county.  In  both  the  pa- 
ternal and  maternal  lines  William  E.  Wolgamott  comes  of  old  families  of  this 
part  of  the  state.  The  parents  were  married  in  Peoria  and  removed  to  Cali- 
fornia, where  they  resided  for  several  years,  returning,  however,  to  this  city 
when  their  son  William  was  six  years  of  age.  Through  an  extended  period  the 
father  has  been  prominently  connected  with  industrial  and  commercial  activity 
here,  being  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  harness,  which  he  sells  both  to  the 
wholesale  and  retail  trade,  his  business  being  established  at  1306  South  Adams 
street.  He  bought  out  his  father-in-law,  Mr.  Bennett,  with  whom  he  had  learned  j 
the  trade  and  the  latter,  after  engaging  in  harness  making  for  many  years, 
turned  his  attention  to  the  undertaking  business  and  also  filled  the  office  of 
coroner. 

William  E.  Wolgamott  was  reared  in  Peoria  and  attended  the  local  schools, 
after  which  he  jnirsued  a  course  in  Brown's  Business  College.  He  w-as  gradu- 
ated from  that  institution,  and  thus  well  equipped  for  life's  practical  duties  he 
started  out  in  the  business  world,  working  at  the  plumber's  trade  for  a  year  and 
a  half.  He  then  entered  the  employ  of  Robert  Clark  in  the  gas  and  electrical 
business,  continuing  in  that  service  for  two  years,  and  when  his  employer  sold 
out  to  the  Central  Electrical  Company,  Mr.  Wolgamott  remained  with  the  latter 
during  the  succeeding  three  years.  He  next  worked  for  a  year  for  C.  E.  Wheel- 
ock,  in  the  electrical  fixture  business  and  for  a  year  or  two  more  followed  his 
trade  in  Chicago  and  in  Wisconsin.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  re- 
turned to  Peoria  and  entered  the  employ  of  R.  L.  Fair  &  Company,  electrical 
contractors,  with  whom  he  continued  for  a  year  or  more. 

About  that  time  Mr.  Wolgamott  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  M. 
Hart,  of  Peoria,  a  daughter  of  Michael  Hart,  and  unto  them  have  been  born 
three  children.  Ruth  Anna,  Robert  Alonzo  and  Dorothy  Albina.  After  his  mar- 
riage Mr.  Wolgamott  purchased  the  business  of  R.  L.  Fair  &  Company,  which 
he  conducted  in  partnership  with  L.  \'an  Neyes,  under  the  firm  name  of  the 
Peoria  Electric  Companv,  at  102  Madison  street.  There  he  carried  on  business 
for  two  years  in  that  relation,  after  which  he  bought  out  his  partner  and  was  | 
sole  proprietor  for  two  years.  He  then  sold  out  and  went  to  California,  being  i 
employed  for  two  years  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state  and  also  in  Oakland  and 
San  Francisco.  Ho  returned  to  Peoria  about  a  year  before  he  accepted  his  pres- 
ent position  as  city  electrician,  and  during  that  year  conducted  an  electric  con- 
tracting business.     He  was  called  to  his  present  position  as  city  electrician  byj 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  803 

Mayor  Woodruff  and  the  appointment  was  approved  by  the  city  council.  He  is 
now  serving  for  the  second  term  and  his  service  has  been  marked  by  devotion  to 
duty  that  none  can  question. 

Mr.  Wolgamott  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America  and  he  also  belongs  to  the  International  Association  of 
Electricians.  .\t  the  meeting  held  at  Atlantic  City  in  September,  191 1,  he  was 
elected  chairman  of  its  executive  committee,  a  position  which  indicates  his  high 
standing  in  the  order  and  his  recognized  ability. 


J.  ELLSWORTH  BURBY.  M.  D. 

Dr.  J.  Ellsworth  Burby,  physician  and  surgeon,  has  been  known  as  an  able 
representative  of  the  medical  profession  in  Peoria  since  1898,  maintaining  an 
office  at  No.  120  North  Adams  street.  His  birth  occurred  at  Fort  Edward,  New 
York,  on  the  r3th  of  October,  1870,  his  parents  being  John  and  Ann  Burby. 
The  father  was  engaged  in  business  as  a  paper  manufacturer  and  gave  his  politi- 
cal allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  He  passed  away  in  1896  and  was  buried 
at  Fort  Edward.     His  widow  still  makes  her  home  ^t  that  place. 

I.  Ellsworth  Burby  oljtained  his  early  education  in  the  graded  and  high 
schools  of  his  native  town  and  subse(|uently  pursued  a  course  of  study  in  the 
Fort  Edward  Collegiate  Institute.  Having  determined  upon  the  practice  of 
medicine  as  a  life  work,  he  devoted  his  attention  to  the  mastery  of  the  profes- 
sion and  in  1895  won  the  degree  of  M.  D.  at  Baltimore,  Maryland.  Locating 
for  practice  at  Fort  Edward,  New  York,  he  there  remained  for  three  years, 
making  a  specialty  of  the  diseases  of  men  and  women.  During  the  past  four- 
teen years  he  has  been  numbered  among  the  medical  practitioners  of  Peoria, 
being  accorded  a  constantly  increasing  practice  as  he  has  demonstrated  his  skill 
and  abilitv  in  his  chosen  field  of  labor. 

On  the  nth  of  November,  1901,  in  Chicago,  Dr.  Burby  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Sophia  Eisler,  by  whom  he  has  one  daughter,  Eleanor.  The  family 
residence  is  at  No.  801   Perrv  avenue. 


HON.  JEFFERSON  R.  BOULEVARE. 

Hon.  Jefferson  R.  Boulevare,  junior  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Mansfield, 
Cowan  &  Boulevare,  has  been  identified  with  the  legal  fraternity  in  Peoria  since 
June,  1896.  He  was  born  in  Putnam,  Illinois,  July  27,  1867,  the  son  of  Judge 
W.  Boulevare.  The  father  was  judge  of  the  county  court  of  Clark  county, 
Missouri,  having  filled  out  a  i)artly  expired  term  and  later  two  full  terms,  and  he 
also  held  numerous  other  honorary  offices  in  that  county.  He  was  holder  of 
large  landed  interests  in  Missouri  and  during  the  Civil  war  was  a  wearer  of 
the  gray  in  the  Confederate  army.  He  died  in  Decemlier,  1907^  at  the  age 
of  seventy-one  years,  and  his  remains  lie  in  the  family  cemetery  in  Clark  county. 
He  is  survived  bv  his  wife,  Martha  (Woolridge)  Boulevare,  whose  family 
is  of  English  extraction,  having  been  founded  in  this  country  several 
centuries  ago.  Her  immediate  family  removed  from  Kentucky  to  Ilhnois 
at  a  comparatively  early  date.  The  family  of  Boulevare  is  well  known  in  Mis- 
souri and  has  the  distinction  of  being  a  family  of  lawyers.  Of  French  extrac- 
tion, the  progenitors  of  the  family  settled  on  the  American  continent,  emigrat- 
ing from  England  at  a  very  early  period,  its  various  members  having  won  dis- 
tinction in  the  Civil,  Mexican  and  Black  Hawk  wars.  John  N.  Boulevare,  the 
grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  review,  had  the  distinction  of  being  one  &f  the 


804  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

youngest  and  also  one  of  the  oldest  members  in  the  Missouri  legislature.  He  was 
a  large  landowner,  owning  at  one  time  about  four  thousand  acres  in  Missouri  and 
being  a  close  personal  friend  of  John  West. 

The  boyhood  days  of  Jefferson  R.  Uoulevare  were  spent  in  Illinois  and  his 
primary  education  was  gained  in  the  district  schools.  He  later  attended  Grave's 
College  at  La  Grange,  Missouri,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1885  with  the 
degree  of  A.  B.  Following  his  graduation  he  went  to  Tallula,  Menard  county, 
Jllinois,  and  there  taught  as  superintendent  in  the  high  school  for  five  years,  hav- 
ing previously  taught  for  two  years  in  the  country  schools.  He  inherited  the 
legal  instincts  and  inclinations  of  his  family  and,  deciding  to  become  a  lawyer,  in 
1893  he  entered  the  St.  Louis  (Mo.)  Law  School,  where  he  remained  a  stu- 
dent until  1895.  In  that  year  he  was  licensed  by  the  supreme  courts  of  Missouri 
and  Illinois  to  practice  law  and  shortly  afterward  he  went  to  Petersburg,  Illi- 
nois, where  for  a  year  he  engaged  in  teaching  and  also  followed  his  profession. 
In  1896  he  came  to  Peoria  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at  first  inde- 
jiendently  but  later  entering  into  various  partnership  relations.  In  1910  he  be- 
came the  junior  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Mansfield  &  Cowan,  a  relationship 
which  still  continues.  He  showed  marked  skill  in  the  handling  of  causes  com- 
mitted to  him  and  is  now  attorney  for  numerous  corporations.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Peoria  and  Illinois  State  Bar  Associations  and  takes  every  opportunity  to 
keep  abreast  of  the  times  in  all  matters  affecting  his  professional  life. 

At  Pittsfield,  Illinois,  April  23,  1908,  Mr.  Boulevare  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Jeannette  L.  Hicks,  a  daughter  of  X.  T.  and  Charlotte  Hicks.  The  father 
is  cashier  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Pittsfield.  Mrs.  Boulevare  is  the  niece 
of  ludge  Harry  Higbee.  circuit  judge  of  the  eighth  Illinois  judicial  circuit  and 
appellate  judge  of  the  fourth  district  of  Illinois.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Daugh- 
ters of  the  American  Revolution,  being  a  direct  descendant  of  Captain  Simon 
Hicks,  an  officer  in  the  Revolutionary  army. 

Mr.  Boulevare  has  always  been  a  stanch  democrat  and  popular  in  the  councils 
of  his  partv.  He  served  in  the  forty-third  and  forty-fifth  sessions  of  the  general 
assembly  of  the  state  of  Illinois,  representing  the  eighteenth  senatorial  district. 
Ill  his  fraternal  relations  he  is  a  blue  lodge  Mason  and  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  has  likewise 
held  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  Through  his  political  and  profes- 
sional activities  Mr.  Boulevare  has  become  well  known  not  only  in  Peoria  but 
throughout  the  state  of  Illinois  and  Peoria  is  fortunate  in  numbering  among  her 
citizens  so  able  and  representative  a  man. 


JOHN  W.  WINZELER. 


The  undertaking  business  has  no  more  able  representative  in  this  city  at  the 
present  time  than  John  W.  Winzeler,  who  has  been  connected  with  that  line  of 
activity  in  Peoria  since  1902.  Mr.  Winzeler  is  a  good  example  of  a  self-made 
man,  who  has  worked  out  his  own  honorable  career  by  hard  work,  native  in- 
telligence, and  a  high  standard  of  honesty.  He  was  born  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  Nov- 
ember 21.  187 1,  the  son  of  Theophile  and  Lydia  (Ott)  Winzeler.  The  hard- 
ships of  his  early  life  left  him  very  little  opportunity  to  acquire  an  education, 
and  it  was  not  until  he  was  twenty  years  of  age  that  he  had  the  advantage  of 
more  than  a  few  years  study  in  a  country  school.  Theophile  Winzeler,  the 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a  farmer  near  Toledo,  Ohio,  but  died 
when  his  son,  John  Winzeler,  was  but  four  years  old,  leaving  his  wife  with  five 
small  children."  One  vear  later,  the  mother  moved  to  Topeka,  Kansas,  bought  a 
farm,  and  faced  the  world  alone.  All  of  her  five  children  were  compelled  to 
assist  in  the  management,  and  their  earlv  life  was  filled  with  the  hard  work 
wTiich  farm  life  implies.     When  John  Winzeler  was  twenty  years  old,  he  went 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  807 

to  school  in  Hloomiiigtoii,  Illinois,  and  added  to  tliis  a  course  at  Brown's  Busi- 
ness College,  in  Peoria,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1H93.  ( )ne  year  later, 
he  started  in  the  furniture  and  undertaking  business  in  Tremont,  Illinois,  and 
was  very  successful.  In  1902,  being  desirous  of  enlarging  his  field  of  activity, 
he  moved  to  Peoria,  where  he  opened  his  undertaking  parlors  and  has  done  a 
successful  business  since  that  time. 

John  Winzeler  was  married  in  Tremont,  Illinois,  November  13,  1895,  to 
Miss  Zella  E.  Johnson,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniel  Johnson  of  that  city- 
Mr.  Johnson  is  a  very  prominent  resident  of  his  native  county,  is  a  veteran  of 
the  Civil  war,  and  the  owner  of  much  valuable  Illinois  farm  land. 

John  Winzeler  takes  no  active  part  in  the  politics  of  his  city,  jjeyond  voting  a 
consistently  republican  ticket.  He  is  not  connected  with  any  church,  believing 
in  freedom  of  thought  and  in  the  right  of  every  man  to  be  the  captain  of  his  own 
soul.  He  is  a  Knights  Templar  Mason,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club  of  Peoria  since  his  arrival  here  in  1902.  His  many  genial  (|ualities 
of  heart  and  character  have  gained  for  him  hosts  of  friends  throughout  the 
city,  and  his  high  standards  of  lionor  and  integrity,  have  made  him  a  prosperous 
and  successful  business  man. 


SAMUEL  WOOLXER. 


Mere  success,  throughout  the  history  of  the  world,  has  never,  save  in  a  few 
rare  instances,  been  the  cause  of  any  man  being  remembered  by  his  fellowmen, 
and  never  has  the  mere  accumulation  of  wealth  won  honor  for  the  individual. 
The  methods  employed  in  the  attainment  of  success  however,  may  awaken  ap- 
proval and  admiration,  for  the  world  pays  its  tribute  to  him  who,  through  en- 
terprise, unrclaxing  efforts  and  clear-sighted  judgment,  makes  advancement  in 
business  circles  without  infringing  upon  the  rights  of  others,  and  who,  in  the 
years  of  his  prosperity,  recognizes  his  duties  and  his  obligations  to  mankind.  Such 
was  the  record  of  Samuel  Woolner,  who,  throughout  his  entire  career,  never  dev- 
iated from  a  course  he  found  to  be  right  and  who,  when  prosperity  rewarded  him, 
gave  cheerfully  of  his  means  to  assist  others.  He  figured  in  the  life  of  Peoria 
as  a  distiller,  financier  and  philanthropist.  Here  he  passed  away  on  the  4th  of 
January,  191 1,  being  then  about  si.xty-si.x  years  of  age,  his  birth  having  occurred 
at  Szenitz,  Hungary,  on  the  nth  of  Alarch.  1845.  He  was  the  fifth  son  of  Solo- 
mon and  Sallie  Woolner,  also  natives  of  Hungary,  and  while  spending  his  youth- 
ful days  under  the  parental  roof  he  mastered  the  common  branches  of  learning 
and  also  learned  the  distiller's  trade,  which  had  been  the  life  occupation  of  his 
father.  He  was  a  youth  of  eighteen  when  he  determined  to  come  to  America, 
hoping  that  better  business  opportunities  might  he  secured  in  this  country  than 
he  could  obtain  in  his  native  land.  He  was  practically  empty-handed  when  he 
arrived  in  the  new  world.  He  made  his  way  to  Cleveland  where  he  eagerly 
availed  himself  of  any  opjjortunity  that  would  yield  him  an  honest  living,  work- 
ing at  various  pursuits  for  several  months.  He  afterward  returned  to  Phila- 
delphia where  he  secured  a  position  in  a  distillery,  and  the  ability  and  resource- 
fulness which  he  displayed  won  him  rapid  advancement,  and  his  labors  brought 
to  him  a  substantial  financial  return.  Carefully  saving  his  earnings  he  was  at 
length  able  to  engage  in  business  on  his  own  account,  joining  his  brothers  Adolph 
and  Ignatius  in  the  purcha.se  and  conduct  of  a  distillery  at  Louisville,  Kentucky. 
in  1869.  This  they  conducted  for  two  years,  when  they  sold  out  in  that  city  and. 
in  1871,  came  to  Peoria.  They  found  a  good  field  of  labor  here  and  purchased 
several  distilleries  which  they  .successfully  conducted  for  a  long  term  of  years. 
The  business  is  now  being  conducted  by  the  descendants  of  Samuel  Woolner 
and  of  his  brothers.     When  the  three  original  partners  had  placed  their  busi- 


808  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ness  upon  a  substantial  basis  they  sent  to  Hungary  for  their  two  other  brothers, 
Jacob  and  Morris  H.,  and  all  became  partners  in  the  distilling  business,  each  super- 
intending and  supervising  certain  lines  of  the  work  and  all  bending  their  efforts  to- 
ward the  development  of  the  trade  which,  in  course  of  time,  reached  extensive  pro- 
portions. They  became  one  of  the  most  widely  known  firms  in  the  distilling  business 
in  the  middle  west,  nor  did  they  confine  their  efforts  to  this  line  alone.  They  were 
instrumental  in  founding  and  building  up  the  grape  sugar  industry  in  i^eoria, 
holding  a  large  amount  of  stock  in  the  Peoria  Grape  Sugar  Company,  which 
they  organized.  From  time  to  time  Samuel  Woolner  extended  his  efforts  into 
other  business  fields,  and  all  enterprises  with  which  he  became  connected  profited 
by  his  cooperation,  his  sound  judgment  and  his  keen  business  discrimination. 
He  became  a  leading  factor  in  banking  circles,  and  after  serving  for  a  time  as 
director  he  was  elected  to  the  vice  presidency  of  the  German  American  National 
Bank,  the  leading  moneyed  institution  of  the  city,  and  the  predecessor  of  the 
Commercial  German  National  Bank.  Samuel  W'oolner  also  held  stock  in  a  num- 
ber of  the  leading  Chicago  banks.  In  1894  he  built  the  Atlas  Distillery,  then  the 
largest  in  Peoria,  and,  in  1890,  he  was  associated  with  his  brother  Adolph.  in  the 
erection  of  the  Woolner  building,  one  of  the  largest  and  most  complete  office 
buildings  in  the  city,  splendidly  equipped  according  to  modern  methods  and 
built  in  an  attractive  style  of  architecture.  It  would  be  difficult  to  measure  the 
influence  of  Samuel  Woolner  and  his  brothers  upon  the  trade  and  business 
relations  of  the  city.  They  have  been  most  active  factors  in  promoting  Peoria"s 
growth  and  upbuilding. 

In  positions  of  a  public  or  semi-public  character  Samuel  Woolner  figured 
prominently.  For  many  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Board  of  Trade 
and  filled  nearly  all  of  its  offices.  He  was  again  and  again  called  to  positions 
of  public  trust  and  responsibility,  and  during  his  many  years'  service  on  the 
city  council  exercised  his  official  prerogatives  in  support  of  various  movements 
and  projects  which  have  become  tangible  elements  for  good  in  the  city's  im- 
provement and  development.  He  was  tendered  the  nomination  for  mayor,  but 
pressing  business  duties  always  forced  him  to  decline  the  proffered  honor. 

On  the  20th  of  March,  1869,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Samuel  Woolner  and 
Miss  Johanna  Levy,  who  died  in  Peoria  in  1872,  leaving  a  daughter,  Hannah, 
now  tiie  wife  of  \Villiam  B.  Woolner.     On  the  19th  of  October,   1892,  Samuel 
Woolner  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Miriam  Steru- 
bach,  a   daughter   of   Louis   Sterubach,   of   New   York   city.     They  became   the 
parents  of  one  son,  Seymour,  who  is  now  a  student  at  Yale  College.     Mr.  Wool- 
ner greatly  enjoyed  travel  and  utilized  much  of  his  leisure  in  visiting  points  of 
interest  in  the  new  world  and  in  the  old.     He  was  a  lover  of  the  beautiful  in 
all  its  phases  as  manifested  in  both  nature  and  art.     His  sterling  qualities  caused 
him  to  be  admired  and  respected  wherever  he  went.     His  word  was  as  good  as 
his  bond,  and  his  humanitarianisni  reached  out  in  heljiful  spirit  to  all  mankind. 
He  held  membership  in  Schiller  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  attained  the  thirty-second 
degree  of  Masonry  of  the  Scottish  Rite.     He  v\'as  president  of  the  Anshai  Ameth 
congregation  of  Peoria,  thus  holding  to  the  religious   faith  of  his  fathers,  and 
he  was  also  honored  with  the  presidency  of  the  order  of  B'nai  Brith  for  this 
district.     He  likewise  served  as  president  of  the  Home   for  Aged  and  Infirm 
Israelites  at  Cleveland.  Ohio,  and  was  a  trustee  of  the  Jewish  Orphan  Asylum 
in  that  city  which  maintains  over  five  hundred  orphan  children.     He  served  as 
president  of  the  Union  .American  Hebrew  Congregations,  which  college  is  located 
in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.     He  contributed  liberally  to  and  was  an  active  worker  for 
almost  every  Jewish  and  non-sectarian  charity  and  was  recognized  as  a  firm  be- 
liever in  conservative  reform  Judaism.     He  became  known  as  one  of  the  fore- 
most Jewish  philanthropists  of  America,  giving  generouslv  and  liberally  where 
it  was  needed,  and  seeking  always  the  welfare  and  advancement  of  the  race.     It 
has  been  said  of  him,  "Nature  endowed  him  with  indefatigable  will  power  and 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  809 

thorough  business  sagacity  which,  coupled  witli  sterhng  honesty  and  truthful 
habits,  had  not  only  gained  him  a  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  foremost  busi- 
ness men  of  Peoria  but  also  won  him  fame  throughout  the  country."  He  never 
had  occasion  to  regret  his  determination  to  come  to  America,  for  here  he  found 
the  opportunities  which  he  sought,  and  in  their  utilization  won  advancement 
and  gained  the  financial  position  which  enabled  him  to  do  so  much  for  his 
fellowmen. 


JAMES  CHRISTOPHER  DOLAN. 

In  the  later  years  of  his  life  James  C.  Dolan  operated  prominently,  extensively 
and  successfully  in  the  real-estate  field  in  Peoria,  becoming  a  leading  represen- 
tative of  that  line  of  business  in  the  city.  He  was  born  here  August  26,  1842, 
at  the  corner  of  Fayette  and  Adams  streets,  and  his  death  occurred  on  the  12th 
of  December,  1893,  so  that  he  was  at  that  time  in  the  fifty-second  year  of  his 
age.  His  parents  were  Thomas  and  Judith  (Boyle)  Dolan,  who  were  natives  of 
County  Louth,  Ireland,  and  in  1836  came  to  Peoria  county,  where  they  were 
married  April  22,  1839. 

James  C.  Dolan  began  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Peoria,  passing 
through  consecutive  grades  until  he  became  a  high-school  student,  but  he  put 
aside  "his  text-books  on  the  death  of  his  father,  being  then  a  youth  of  fifteen 
years.  In  early  life  he  learned  the  machinist's  trade  but  in  early  manhood  put 
aside  all  business  and  personal  considerations  that  he  might  aid  his  country  in 
the  Civil  war.  He  enlisted  at  Springfield  in  1863  as  a  private  of  the  PZleventh 
Illinois  Cavalry  and  was  detailed  for  duty  at  post  headquarters  in  that  city.  The 
commander  of  the  post  had  him  commissioned  as  second  lieutenant  and  he  was 
later  transferred  to  Company  G,  of  the  Fifty-eighth  Illinois  Infantry,  which 
regiment  he  joined  at  Montgomery,  Alabama.  Subsequently  he  was  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant  and  later  to  that  of  captain,  serving  in  that  capacity 
when  mustered  out. 

After  the  war  Captain  Dolan  returned  to  Peoria,  where  he  entered  into  the 
grocery  business  in  connection  with  his  brother,  John  F.  Dolan.  Later,  how- 
ever, he  returned  to  industrial  pursuits,  establishing  a  foundry  and  machine  shop 
at  Henry,  Illinois.  While  thus  engaged  he  took  up  the  study  of  law  with  the 
firm  of  Lindsay  &  Feinse  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  about  1869.  He  con- 
tinued in  practice  for  several  years  but  the  latter  part  of  his  life  was  devoted  to 
real-estate  dealing  in  Peoria,  in  which  connection  he  became  widely  and  prom- 
inently known,  handling  many  important  realty  transfers  and  promoting  many 
property  deals.  In  this  he  manifested  sound  judgment  and  marked  discrimina- 
tion and  his  labors  brought  him  merited  and  well  deserved  success. 

On  the  i8th  of  January,  1870,  in  the  Mooney  Settlement  church,  Mr.  Dolan 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Mooney,  whose  family  came  from 
New  "S'ork  city  to  Peoria  county  in  1835.  It  was  through  the  efforts  of  her  great- 
grandfather I\Iooney  that  the  Dolan  family  came  to  Peoria  county.  Unto  ]\Ir. 
and  ^Irs.  Dolan  were  born  two  children :  Oliver  J.,  who  married  Ida  A.  Mc- 
Kenzie,  and  they  have  two  children,  James  C.  and  Mary  .Angela  :  and  Elizabeth 
M.,  the  wife  of  W.  E.  McKenzie.  by  whom  she  has  two  children.  Ryburn  Edward 
and  Lois  Elizabeth.  The  family  are  communicants  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
church,  to  which  Mr.  Dolan  also  belonged.  His  political  allegiance  was  ever 
given  to  the  democratic  party  from  the  time  that  age  conferred  upon  him  the 
right  of  franchise.  He  filled  a  number  of  local  offices,  the  duties  of  which  he 
discharged  with  promptness  and-  fidelity.  He  served  as  township  assessor  and 
collector  for  several  terms,  was  alderman  from  the  old  third  ward  of  Peoria  in 
1876  and  1877  and  again  from  1879  until  1890  inclusive,  so  that  his  incumbency 
in  the  position  covered  altogether  thirteen  years,  during  most  of  which  time  he 


810  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

was  chairman  of  the  finance  committee.  His  various  reelections  to  the  position 
indicated  clearly  the  confidence  vested  in  him  by  his  fellow  townsmen  and  his 
loyalty  to  the  trusts  rejrased  in  him.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the  public  library 
board  and  he  cooperated  in  various  plans  and  projects  for  the  public  good,  doing 
everything  in  his  power  to  further  the  interests  of  the  community  along  sub- 
stantial and  enduring  lines. 


JOHN  W.   FULLER. 


John  W.  Fuller,  now  living  practically  retired  in  Peoria  although  prominently 
known  in  political  circles,  was  born  at  Vevay,  Switzerland  county,  Indiana,  No- 
vember I,  1839.  His  father,  Benjamin  V.  Fuller,  was  a  farmer  by  occupation,  so 
that  in  his  youthful  days  John  W.  Fuller  had  the  usual  experiences  of  the  farm 
lad.  He  attended  school  in  Ghent,  Kentucky,  and  was  also  a  public-school  pupil 
in  Illinois.  He  also  attended  the  Hinman  school  and  began  work  in  the  office  of 
the  county  recorder,  copying  records  under  Joseph  T.  Barkman.  He  afterward 
accepted  a  clerical  position  in  the  office  of  ^lors,  Bradley  &  Company,  beginning 
work  in  that  connection  when  fifteen  years  of  age.  He  remained  with  the  house 
for  some  time  and  in  1865  went  to  Chillicothe,  where  for  seventeen  years  he 
was  closely  connected  with  business  interests  as  a  grain  and  lumber  dealer,  as  a 
grocer  and  as  a  loan  agent.  These  various  occupations  claimed  his  time  and 
attention  and  brought  him  substantial  success  until  1882,  when  his  hearing  became 
affected  and  he  retired  from  business.  He  then  returned  to  Peoria  in  1884  and 
began  writing  editorials  for  the  National  Democrat  and  the  Peoria  Freeman.  He 
was  appointed  chief  clerk  in  connection  with  the  construction  of  the  government 
building  and  held  that  position  for  five  years,  or  until  the  building  was  com- 
pleted. This  was  not  his  first  connection  with  public  office,  however,  for  while 
in  Chillicothe  he  had  held  the  office  of  supervisor,  at  one  time  was  acting  mayor 
of  the  city  and  was  a  school  director,  highway  commissioner  and  in  fact  took 
a  very  active  and  helpful  part  in  public  affairs  and  in  promoting  the  welfare 
of  the  community. 

In  1864,  Mr.  Fuller  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  P.  Truitt,  a 
daughter  of  Henry  Truitt,  of  Chillicothe,  Illinois,  who  died  April  28,  1890. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fuller  are  well  known  in  Peoria  and  have  an  extensive  circle 
of  warm  friends  in  this  city.  ]\Ir.  Fuller  is  prominent  in  Masonic  circles,  be- 
longing to  Peoria  Commandery,  No.  4,  K.  T.,  and  to  other  branches  of 
.Masonry  here.  As  an  Odd  Fellow  he  has  filled  all  of  the  chairs  of  the  local 
lodge  and  was  a  delegate  to  the  grand  lodge  for  several  years.  He  holds 
membership  in  the  Episcopal  church.  His  political  support  is  given  to  the  demo- 
cratic partv  and  for  fifteen  years  he  served  as  chairman  of  the  democratic  central 
committee.  He  cast  his  first  presidential  ballot  for  Stephen  A.  Douglas  and  has 
voted  for  each  democratic  presidential  nominee  except  Bryan.  His  influence  in 
political  circles  has  been  of  no  restricted  order.  He  has  been  an  active  worker 
for  his  party  and  in  this  as  in  other  connections  it  is  characteristic  of  Mr. 
Fuller  that  he  labors  entirely  for  the  attainment  of  success. 


BERNE   M.   MEAD. 


Among  the  rising  young  Ixmkers  and  business  men  of  Peoria.  Berne  M.  Mead 
occupies  a  prominent  and  honorable  ]5lace.  As  cashier  of  and  largest  stock- 
holder in  the  State  Trust  &  Savings  Bank  of  Peoria  he  has  his  fingers  on  the 
financial  and  civic  pulse  of  this  city,  occupying  a  conspicuous  place  in  all   its 


BEKNE  jr.  MEAD 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  813 

activities,  Illinois  numbers  Mr.  Alead  among  her  native  sons,  his  birth  having 
occurred  in  Chillicothe,  Peoria  county,  Way  17,  1880.  He  comes  of  ancestors 
identified  with  the  banking  business.  His  maternal  grandfather,  P.  T.  Matthews, 
came  to  Chillicothe  in  1836,  becoming  a  pioneer  banker  of  that  place,  where  after 
a  well  spent  life  he  passed  away  in  1908,  The  parents  of  our  subject  are  William 
M.  and  Minnie  A.  (Matthews)  Mead.  His  father  is  a  prominent  business  man 
of  Chillicothe.  at  present  being  cashier  of  the  bank  of  Truitt-Matthews  &  Com- 
pany there.  He  was  one  of  the  original  partners  in  that  banking  concern,  a 
position  which  he  has  held  since  its  establishment.  Previously  he  was  in  the 
drug  business,  an  occupation  which  he  took  up  in  1868. 

Berne  M.  Mead  w-as  reared  in  Chillicothe,  where  he  received  his  early  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools.  After  completing  that  course  of  instruction  he 
entered  St.  John's  Military  School  at  :\lanlius,  New  York,  where  he  remained  for 
four  years,"  subsequently  becoming  a  student  in  Knox  College  at  Galesburg, 
Illinois,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1900.  Immediately  after  completing 
his  school  work  he  entered  the  bank  at  Chillicothe,  where  he  occupied  a  respon- 
sible position.  In  lyoi  he  accepted  service  with  the  old  Peoria  National  Bank, 
where  he  remained  for  some  time.  Later  he  became  identified  with  the  Commer- 
cial German  National  Bank,  serving  that  institution  most  acceptably.  On  Feb- 
ruary I,  1910,  succeeding  W.  M.  Wood,  former  cashier  of  the  Interstate  Bank 
&  Trust  Company,  he  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  his  larger  and  more  exact- 
ing duties,  a  position  which  he  is  holding  with  credit  to  himself  and  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  the  directory  of  the  bank,  which  since  has  assumed  the  name  of 
State  Trust  S:  Savings  P>ank  of  Peoria. 

In  1901  Mr.  Mead  was  married  to  Miss  Lenna  Short,  of  Topeka,  Kansas, 
and  there  have  been  born  to  them  two  children,  Charles  William  and  Berne 
Matthews,  Jr.  Mr.  Mead  is  a  member  of  Phi  Delta  Theta,  a  college  fraternity, 
and  also  belongs  to  the  Creve  Coeur  and  Peoria  Country  Clubs.  He  is  an  inde- 
fatigable worker  for  the  commercial  and  civic  interests  of  Peoria  and  is  always 
on  the  alert  to  render  the  city  any  assistance  within  his  power,  striving  to  the 
extent  of  his  physical,  mental  and  financial  ability  to  advance  the  interests  of 
this  important  Illinois  city.  lie  is  always  ready  to  put  his  shoulder  to  the  wheel 
to  further  any  meritorious  public  enterprise  and  is  recognized  as  being  one  of 
the  most  public-spirited  in  the  set  of  the  younger  business  men. 


T.  H.  ALBERS. 


It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  the  city  of  Peoria  is  indebted  much  to  its  retail 
merchants  who  have  at  various  periods  of  its  eventful  history  settled  here,  and 
who  during  a  long  succession  of  years  by  systematic  application  of  industry  and 
business  integrity,  added  materially  to  its  wealth  and  importance.  Among  these 
may  be  placed  John  H.  Albers,  proprietor  of  the  Walkover  Shoe  Store  at  112 
South  Adams  street.  Mr.  Albers'  reputation  has  always  been  of  the  highest,  and 
its  effects  upon  his  trade  have  been  cjuick  and  telling.  There  is  probably  nothing 
of  more  importance  in  the  ijusiness  world  than  a  strict  sense  of  honor,  unim- 
peachable integrity,  and  honest  policy.  All  these  qualifications  Mr.  Albers  pos- 
sesses in  a  marked  degree,  and  they  have  made  his  life  successful.  He  is  a 
splendid  type  of  the  alert,  energetic,  progressive  business  man,  to  whom  ob- 
stacles serve  rather  as  an  impetus  to  renewed  labor  than  a  bar  to  progress. 
Progressiveness  and  wealth  in  a  city  depend  intrinsically  upon  the  volume  of 
its  ijusiness,  and  the  honesty  with  which  it  is  conducted  and  this  volume  and 
honesty  can  never  be  attained  by  any  city,  except  through  the  individual  efforts 
of   its  citizens. 


814  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

lohn  II.  Albcrs  was  born  in  I'etcrshurt,',  Illinois,  September  13,  1874.  His 
parentage  was  German,  the  father,  being  born  in  the  northern  part  of  that 
cottntry,  came  to  America  when  a  boy,  and  settled  almost  immediately  in  I'eters- 
burg,  Illinois,  where  he  became  a  prominent  shoe  merchant  and  so  continued 
for  twenty-five  years.  John  H.  Albers  was  a  pupil  of  the  grammar  and  high 
school  of  Petersburg.  In  the  afternoons,  after  school,  and  on  Saturdays,  he 
helped  in  his  father's  shoe  shop,  and  became  familiar  with  all  the  details  of  the 
business.  His  father  inculcated  in  his  son  his  own  (|ualities  of  energ}-,  ambition 
and  strict  business  honesty,  which  are  the  foundations  of  the  son's  success  today. 

When  John  Alliers  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  he  left  school  and  came  to 
Peoria,  to  accept  a  position  in  the  shoe  house  of  Wynd  &  Company,  where  he 
remained  for  nine  years,  giving  evidence  of  his  superior  merits  and  business  tal- 
ent. The  next  six  years  were  spent  with  the  J.  Thielbar  Company  and  in  the 
Douglas  shoe  store.  These  years  of  apprenticeship  were  probably  the  most  valua- 
ble experience-  which  he  could  have  in  preparation  for  his  life's  business.  The 
firms  by  which  Mr.  Albers  was  employed  were  the  largest  and  most  prominent 
in  the  city,  and  offered  their  employes  an  opportunity  to  become  acquainted  with 
the  most  efficient  business  methods  in  the  old-time  paternal  spirit. 

In  1906  Mr.  Albers,  in  partnership  with  his  father,  bought  the  Walkover 
Shoe  Store  at  122  South  Adams  street,  from  O.  H.  Harvey,  who  owned  it  at 
that  time.  The  father  died  two  months  after  the  transfer  was  made,  leaving  the 
business  to  his  three  children,  John  Albers,  a  sister  and  a  brother.  Since  that 
time  the  business  has  increased  enormously  every  year.  Mr.  Albers'  executive 
ability,  his  power  to  see  to  the  bottom  of  intricate  affairs,  and  his  fertility  of 
resource,  and  his  facility  in  the  management  of  a  large  business,  have  rendered 
his  succesj  inevitable.  The  Walkover  Shoe,  in  which  he  deals  exclusively,  is  sold 
in  every  city  in  the  United  States,  Europe  and  South  America,  and  the  factory 
makes  over  twenty  thousand  pairs  a  day  to  supply  the  demand. 

Life  has  been  a  quiet  one  with  Mr.  Albers,  no  political  office,  no  large  cor- 
porations, no  clubs  and  little  else  outside  of  purely  business  transactions  having 
interrupted  the  even  tenor  of  his  way.  What  political  affiliations  he  has  are 
republican,  but  he  keeps  himself  independent  politically,  and  always  votes  for 
the  best  man.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  order,  having  attained  the  Knight's 
Templar  degree,  and  also  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Knights  of 
Khorassan. 

On  April  19,  1899,  Mr.  Albers  married  Miss  \'irginia  Hoit,  the  daughter  of 
a  prominent  physician  of  Elmwood,  Illinois,  and  their  married  life  has  been 
ideally  happy.  Mr.  Albers'  many  qualities  of  head  and  heart  have  drawn 
around  him  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances,  who  wish  him  well  and 
all  of  whom  feel  proud  of  his  friendship. 


FRANCIS  A.  EDWARDS. 

The  student  of  history  cannot  carry  his  investigations  far  into  the  records 
of  Peoria  county  without  learning  that  the  Edwards  family  has  figured  long  and 
prominently  here  and  that  in  all  that  stands  for  development  and  improvemenv 
they  have  taken  an  active  and  helpful  part.  Such  has  been  the  record  of  Francis 
A.  Edwards,  now  a  resident  of  Peoria.  For  an  extended  period  he  was  connected 
with  agricultural  and  commercial  interests  but  is  now  practically  living  retired, 
giving  his  attention  only  to  the  supervision  of  his  investments.  When  Peoria 
county  was  ou  the  very  borders  of  western  civilization  the  Edwards  family  was 
established  in  this  part  of  the  state.  They  were  descended  from  Scotch-Irish 
ancestry  and  at  an  early  period  in  the  history  of  \  irginia  the  family  was  planted 
on  American  soil.     His  paternal  grandparents  were  Thomas  and  Elinor  (Scott) 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  815 

Edwards,  who  were  natives  of  Hampshire  county,  Mrginia,  where  they  owned  a 
large  plantation  and  a  number  of  slaves  and  also  large  woolen  mills.  The  growing 
west  attracted  them,  however,  and  in  1833  Peoria  county  witnessed  their  advent 
among  her  early  settlers.  They  met  the  usual  experiences  inciilent  to  frontier 
life  when  the  homes  of  the  settlers  were  largely  log  or  little  frame  cabins.  Peoria 
was  then  a  tiny  hamlet  and  Chicago  had  not  yet  been  incorporated  as  a  city.  The 
great  broad  prairies  stretched  for  miles  aw'ay,  covered  with  the  native  grasses  and 
starred  with  a  million  wild  flowers  in  the  month  of  June,  while  winter  brought  one 
unbroken  and  dazzling  sheet  of  snow,  h'ollowing  his  arrival  in  Peoria  county, 
Thomas  Edwards  entered  a  farm.  His  death  occurred  about  1855  and  his  wife 
passed  away  ten  years  later. 

Edward  D.  Edwards,  father  of  Francis  A.  Edwards,  was  bom  in  Hampshire 
county.  X'irginia,  in  1819,  and  spent  his  youthful  days  upon  his  father's  plan- 
tation in  that  state.  He  pursued  his  education  in  the  subscription  schools  of  the 
neighborhood  and  following  the  removal  of  the  family  to  Illinois  when  he  was 
a  youth  of  fourteen  years,  he  worked  on  his  father's  farm.  Later,  however,  he 
turned  his  attention  to  farming  and  homesteaded  and  entered  various  tracts  of 
land  and  also  purchased  still  other  tracts,  owning  at  one  time  sixteen  hun- 
dred acres,  most  of  which  was  in  Rosefield  township.  He  became  one  of  the 
most  successful  and  progressive  farmers  of  his  district  and  aided  largely  in 
laying  the  foundation  for  the  present  progress  and  prosperity  of  the  county,  for 
his  work  converted  the  broad  prairie  into  productive  fields,  whereby  the  value  of 
the  land  was  greatly  enhanced.  In  addition  to  his  farming  interests  Edward  D. 
Edwards  built  seven  miles  of  the  old  Peoria  &  Oquawka  Railroad,  now  a  part  of 
the  Chicago,  Burlington  t^;  Ouincy  Railroad.  He  also  built  a  large  flour  mill  at 
Edwards  Station  which  cost  eighteen  thousand  dollars,  but  this  was  later  de- 
stroyed by  fire.  He  opened  the  first  coal  mine  in  Kickapoo  township  and  con- 
tinued an  active  and  helpful  factor  in  the  work  of  general  improvement  and 
progress  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1856.  His  political  alle- 
giance was  given  to  the  republican  party  but  he  never  cared  for  nor  sought  of- 
fice. He  married  Susan  Elizabeth  Schnebley,  the  marriage  taking  place  in  Rich- 
wood  township  at  the  home  of  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Airs.  Henry  Schnebley.  In 
the  family  were  eight  children :  Thomas  Henry,  now  deceased ;  Ellen  Jane,  the 
deceased  wife  of  D.  S.  Geigley ;  Alice  and  John,  who  died  in  infancy ;  Francis 
A.;  Edward  D..  who  is  living  in  Peoria;  George  \\'.,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
twenty-two  years;  and  Susan  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  R.  F.  \'an  Arsdale. 

Francis  A.  Edwards,  whose  name  introduces  this  record,  pursued  hi.;  edu- 
cation in  the  school  at  Edwards  Station  and  also  in  Heading  Seminary  at  Ab- 
ingdon, Illinois,  in  which  he  spent  one  term.  He  left  school  at  the  age  of  seven- 
teen years  and  for  six  months  thereafter  was  a  resident  of  Altona,  Illinois,  after 
which  he  returned  to  the  old  home  and  assisted  his  mother  in  farming.  Three 
generations  of  the  Edwards  family  were  born  on  the  E.  D.  Edwards,  Sr.,  home- 
stead, h'rancis  A.  Edwards,  his  sons  Paul  and  Fred  L.,  and  his  granddaughter 
Grace  Edwards.  The  old  place  is  endeared  to  him  through  the  associations 
of  his  boyhood  and  manhood  and  there  he  continued  to  live  until  about  1890, 
when  he  removed  to  Peoria,  remaining  for  a  year.  He  next  entered  the  grocery 
business  at  Edwards,  his  family  remaining  in  school  in  Peoria,  and  there  he 
continued  in  the  trade  during  1892-3.  He  then  sold  out  and  again  came  to 
Peoria,  where  he  became  engaged  in  the  wholesale  and  retail  coal  business.  He 
organized  the  Manhattan  Coal  Company  and  under  that  name  conducted  busi- 
ness for  many  years,  but  eventually  sold  out  in  that  line  and  has  since  given  his 
attention  to  the  management  of  his  farming  properties.  He  and  his  brother 
Edward  D.  Edwards  purchased  the  interests  of  the  other  heirs  in  their  father's 
estate,  which  consisted  largely  of  farm  lands.  In  1909,  however,  Francis  A. 
Edwards  sold  all  of  his  interests  and  bought  his  grandfather's  homestead,  the 
ownership  of  which  he  still  retains.  He  is  a  man  of  sound  business  judgment, 
whose  entire  life  has  been  characterized  by  enterprise  and  advancement,  and  in 


816  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

all  of  his  dealings  he  has  maintained  an  unassailable  reputation  for  integrity  an(' 
reliability. 

On  the  2d  of  October,  1877,  Mr.  Edwards  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mis, 
Emma  Lackey,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Charles  E.  and  Magdeline  (Pettit)  Lackey, 
the  former  a  native  of  New  York  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania.  At  one  time 
her  parents  resided  in  Virginia,  where  she  was  born  but  subsequently  came  west 
to  Illinois,  settling  in  Putnam  county,  where  the  father  engaged  successfully  in 
the  practice  of  medicine.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edwards  have  been  born  two  son;, 
Fred  L.  and  Paul  L.,  of  whom  the  latter  was  mine  examiner  at  the  Olympia 
coal  mine.  He  married  Mae  Patton,  of  Rosefield,  and  their  children  are  Graci:, 
Lee  E.  and  Susan  E.  He  is  now  farming  his  father's  farm  in  Fulton  county, 
near  Smithfield,  Illinois.  Fred  L.  Edwards  died  in  1900  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
two  years. 

Mr.  Edwards  has  always  been  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  his  home  and  family 
and  has  never  sought  to  figure  prominently  in  public  life.  He  is,  however,  very 
widely  and  favorably  known,  having  a  circle  of  friends  almost  coextensive  with 
the  circle  of  his  acquaintance.  He  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  society  and  to 
the  Woodmen  camp  and  his  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party. 
He  is  a  liberal-minded  man  of  broad  views  and  of  sound  judgment,  who  has 
been  active  in  promoting  the  welfare  and  progress  of  Peoria  county,  where  he  is 
ranked  as  an  honored  and  representative  citizen. 


I 


L.\FAYETTE   DALTON. 

LaFayette  Dalton,  who  since  1905  has  lived  retired  in  Elmwood,  was  born 
in  Elmwood  township,  December  8,  1848,  his  parents  being  Avery  and  Delilah 
(Dalton)  Dalton.  His  paternal  grandparents,  Samuel  and  Ludah  (Mustine) 
Dalton,  were  natives  of  Virginia,  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  The  father  was  in 
the  War  of  1812  and  about  1822  he  and  his  wife  moved  to  Ohio,  settling  in 
Highland  county.  His  wife,  Ludah  Dalton,  died  in  X'irginia  in  1827  and  is 
buried  near  Petersburg.  Later  he  came  to  Illinois  and  made  his  home  with  his 
son,  Avery  Dalton,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  until  his  death  in 
1862.  The  maternal  grandparents  were  Henry  and  Elizabeth  (Smith)  Dalton, 
the  father  a  native  of  Virginia  and  the  mother  of  North  Carolina.  They  moved 
to  Ohio  at  a  very  early  date  and  in  1829  came  to  Illinois,  where  the  grandfather 
passed  away  in  1862  and  the  grandmother  in  1871.  The  father,  Avery  Dalton, 
was  born  December  20,  1808,  in  Pittsylvania  county,  \''irginia.  lu  1830  he 
came  to  Illinois  and  located  near  Farmington,  where  he  met  Delilah  Dalton, 
whom  he  married  on  September  10,  1835.  She  was  a  native  of  Ohio,  born  May 
19,  1818.  One  year  after  their  marriage  they  purchased  a  farm  of  forty  acres 
on  section  19,  one  and  one-half  miles  south  of  Elmwood.  They  were  very 
prosperous  and  later  became  the  owners  of  over  four  hundred  acres  of  valu- 
able land.  He  resided  on  this  farm  until  1905,  when  he  went  to  live  with  his 
son  Cicero,  with  whom  he  remained  two  years.  For  the  past  four  years  he  has 
resided  with  his  son  LaFayette,  of  this  review.  Avery  Dalton  is  now  the  oldest 
living  settler  in  Peoria  county  and  the  only  living  veteran  of  the  Black  Hawk 
war,  in  which  war  he  served  under  Colonel  Stillman,  enlisting  at  Canton.  He 
has  ever  taken  a  very  active  interest  in  the  public  welfare  and  helped  to  hew 
the  logs  for  the  first  courthouse  in  Knox  county.  He  was  always  considerate 
of  his  neighbors  and  his  devotion  to  his  family  was  ever  one  of  his  salient 
characteristics.  He  is  fond  of  outdoor  life  and  his  chief  recreations  are  bunt- 
ing and  fishing.  His  wife  passed  away  June  16,  1901.  He  has  now  reached 
the  advanced  age  of  one  hundred  and  three  years  and  he  attributes  his  long 
life  to  his  temperate  ways,  for  he  has  never  used  tobacco  or  any  intoxiciting 


/oi  -X)ec-20-/9/| 


AVERY  DALTON 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  819 

liquors.  ]n  his  family  were  five  sons  and  four  daughters.  ( )nly  three  of  the 
sons  are  now  living  and  they  all  reside  in  Elmwood  township.  The  youngest 
son  lives  on  the  old  homestead  and  still  resides  there  in  the  old  homestead  cabin 
which  was  erected  in  about  1836.  The  sons  are  Cicero,  LaFayette  and  James. 
Avery  Dalton  now  has  two  great-great-grandchildren  and  about  twenty-seven 
great-grandchildren. 

Lal-"ayette  Dalton  received  his  education  at  the  Phelps  school  in  this  town- 
ship. All  his  life  he  has  been  associated  with  work  on  the  farm  and  also  en- 
gaged in  the  coal  business,  operating  a  mine  on  his  fathers'  place  for  several 
years.  He  resided  on  the  farm  until  1905.  when  he  moved  to  Rlmwood,  where 
lie  purchased  a  handsome  home  and  now  lives  retired. 

On  the  5th  of  October,  1875,  ^Ir.  Dalton  wedded  Aliss  Margaret  .\.  llutler. 
who  was  born  at  Elmwood,  March  15,  1855,  the  daughter  of  Stanley  and  Sarah 
(Dalton)  Rutler.  The  parents  were  both  born  in  this  county,  the  father,  April 
21,  1830.  and  the  mother,  in  1841.  Both  are  now  deceased.  Stanley  Butler 
passing  away  January  5,  1894,  and  his  wife  in  1862.  In  their  family  were  two 
children:  .Margaret  A.,  now  Mrs.  LaFayette  Dalton;  and  Itlizabeth.  After 
the  death  of  Sarah  (Dalton)  Butler,  Mr.  r>utler  was  again  married  and  of  his 
second  marriage  were  born  three  children.  Tlie  paternal  grandparents  of  Mar-' 
garet  A.  (Butler)  Dalton  were  John  and  Margaret  (.Steers)  liutler,  who  were 
early  settlers  in  this  county,  coming  from  Ohio.  The  maternal  grandparents, 
1  >  ivid  and  Lucy  Dalton,  were  also  from  Ohio  and  early  settlers  here.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  LaFayette  Dalton  have  been  born  four  children:  Fva  Almeda,  who  is 
the  wife  of  LaFayette  D.  Threw;  a  son,  who  died  in  infaiic}-;  and  Anna  Mae 
and  \'erna  Hazel,  both  of  whom  are  at  home. 

Jn  his  political  views  LaFayette  Dalton  is  a  republican  and  he  has  served 
as  road  commissioner.  He  has  always  been  greatly  interested  in  the  work  of 
education  and  for  over  twenty-nine  years  have  been  school  director  in  two  dis- 
tricts. P>aternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons  and  with  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Having  spent  all  his  life  in  this  townshi]),  he  has  wit- 
nessed many  of  the  changes  that  have  here  occurred  and  has  always  been  a 
lielpful  and  cooperant  factor  in  public  advancement.  His  record  in  business 
circles  is  a  most  commendable  one.  He  has  shown  himself  to  be  a  man  of  re- 
sourceful ability  and  his  unabating  energy  and  keen  discrimination  have  gained 
for  him  success,  while  his  straightforward  dealing  has  made  his  career  a  most 
honorable  one. 


ANDREW  1.  O'NEILL 


A  ]jromineut  representative  of  the  strenuous  business  life  of  Peoria  is  An- 
drew J.  O'Neill,  sole  proprietor  of  the  plumbing  and  steamfitting  firm  of  John 
O'Neill  &  Sons,  with  offices  and  general  headquarters  at  No.  208  Main  street. 
He  was  born  in  this  city,  where  he  has  since  resided,  November  4,  1865,  his 
father  being  John  O'Neill,  who  with  his  three  sons  founded  the  i)resent  business 
at  Xo.  218  Main  street  in  1885.  John  O'Neill  has  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  since 
1849,  coming  here  from  New  York  city,  where  he  was  employed  as  a  stationary 
engineer.  His  wife  was  Miss  Bridget  Powers,  now  deceased,  lie  is  now  living 
retired,  enjo\ing  the  fruits  so  richly  earned  of  his  life  work,  management  and 
economy. 

Andrew  J.  O'Neill  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  Peoria,  where  he 
ptirsued  his  studies  with  the  energy  which  has  since  characterized  his  business 
life,  ac(|uiring  an  education  well  fitting  him  for  the  business  and  social  relations 
which  he  maintains.  While  yet  a  student  we  find  him  at  work  at  odd  times  in 
his  father's  shop  or  detailed  to  assist  in  doing  work  in  various  parts  of  the  city 


820  HISTORY  OF  FEORIA  COUNTY 

under  the  efficient  supervision  and  direction  of  the  senior  O'Neill.  Thus  he  grew 
to  manhood  and  while  yet  in  early  years  he,  with  his  two  brothers,  Charles  W. 
and  John,  Jr.  (the  latter  now  deceased),  was  taken  into  the  business,  thus  be- 
ing- established  the  well  known  firm  and  name  to  which  Andrew  J.  O'Neill  has 
succeeded.  Mr.  O'Neill  is  doing  a  large  contracting  business,  installing  plumb- 
ing and  steam-heating  plants  of  all  descriptions,  from  the  smallest  to  the  largest, 
throughout  the  city  of  Peoria  and  the  surrounding  territory.  Mr.  O'Neill's  bus- 
iness methods,  ability  and  integrity  have  niade  his  name  and  workmanship  syn- 
onyms for  honesty  and  efficiency  throughout  the  district  wliich  he  serves.  Thus 
it  follows  that  a  business  established  on  comparatively  small  lines  has  grown  as 
the  years  have  sped  by  until  now  no  one  in  F'eoria  can  be  found  unacquainted 
with  the  reputation  of  the  present  successful  business  man,  Andrew  [.  O'Neill. 
He  was  in  1910  elected  vice  president  of  the  Feoria  Builders  Exchange,  serving 
in  that  capacity  throughout  the  year. 

As  a  companion  and  helpmate  on  the  journey  of  life  Mr.  O'Neill  chose  Miss 
May  Hardt.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and 
the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  Mr.  O'Neill  has  in  his  nature  a  generous  admi.xture  of 
those  qualities  making  him  popular  as  a  club  man,  friend  and  neighbor,  and  his 
contribution  to  the  civic  and  social  life  of  his  citv  is  not  inconsiderable. 


ISAAC  WALKER. 


The  record  of  Isaac  Walker  is  one  which  reflects  credit  and  honor  upon  the 
history  of  Feoria,  although  almost  a  third  of  a  century  has  passed  since  he  was 
called  from  the  active  affairs  of  life.  He  was  numbered  for  a  long  period  among 
the  leading  merchants  here  and  gained  substantial  success  as  a  reward  of  his 
labors,  but  more  than  that,  he  was  numbered  among  the  high-minded  Christian 
men  to  whom  life  meant  more  than  the  attainment  of  prosperity.  At  all  times 
he  recognized  his  obligations  to  his  fellowmen,  to  his  city  and  to  the  country  at 
large,  and  he  resolutely  and  gladly  met  every  duty  which  devolved  upon  him. 
To  an  honorable,  upright  man.  whose  life  was  of  real  worth  in  the  world,  we 
therefore  pay  this  tribute. 

A  native  of  Pennsylvania,  Mr.  Walker  was  born  at  Williamstown,  Lancaster 
county,  on  the  ist  of  December,  1803,  his  parents  being  James  and  Ann  (Cain) 
Walker,  who  came  to  America  from  the  north  of  Ireland.  In  the  maternal  line 
the  family  comes  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry.  Spending  his  youthful  days  in  his 
native  town,  Isaac  Walker  there  pursued  his  education  and  afterward  entered' 
business  circles  in  connection  with  the  hardware  trade.  He  was  thus  identified 
with  the  commercial  interests  of  \\'illiamsto\\n  until  1842  when  he  removed  to 
Feoria,  then  largely  a  western  frontier  town.  He  recognized  his  opportunities, 
however,  and  here  formed  a  partnership  with  Harvey  Lightner  for  the  conduct 
of  a  retail  and  jobbing  hardware  business,  their  store  being  situated  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Fulton  and  Water  streets.  For  about  two  years  they  remained  at  that 
location,  when  their  trade  demanded  larger  c[uarters  and  they  erected  a  building 
on  Main  between  Washington  and  Water  streets,  removing  thereto  immediately 
after  its  completion.  A  change  in  the  personnel  of  the  firm  occurred  when  Mr. 
r^ightner  sold  his  interest  to  George  FI.  Mcllvaine,  at  which  time  the  style  of 
Walker  &  Mcllvaine  was  assumed.  This  relation  was  continued  for  many  years 
and  the  firm  became  recognized  as  one  of  the  foremost  representatives  of  trade 
activity  in  eastern  Illinois.  They  removed  to  Mr.  McUvaine's  building  on  Adams 
between  Main  and  Fulton  streets  and  there  continued  until  Mr.  Mcllvaine  with- 
drew from  the  business  to  turn  his  attention  to  banking.  New  quarters  were 
then  secured  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Washington  and  Fulton  streets  and  Mr. 
Walker,  who  had  built  up  a  large  trade  as  a  jobber  as  well  as  a  retailer,  began 


IpniK 


ii 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  821 

to  devote  his  attention  more  exclusively  to  the  wholesale  end  of  the  business. 
His  son  Edward  H.  was  taken  into  the  partnership  and  for  some  time  Alex- 
ander Thompson  was  also  a  member  of  the  firm.  In  his  business  affairs  Mr. 
Walker  was  conservative  and  at  all  times  safe  and  reliable.  After  he  was  joined 
by  his  son,  the  management  of  affairs  was  largely  turned  over  to  the  latter  who 
infused  into  the  business  the  more  progressive,  modern  methods,  and  the  result 
was  soon  seen  in  the  increase  in  business  which  doubled  the  volume  of  trade. 
.Mthough  gradually  yielding  the  management  of  the  house  to  other  hands,  Isaac 
Walker  remained  at  the  head  of  the  firm  and  his  sound  judgment  ever  continued 
a  valuable  factor  in  the  control  and  policy  of  the  house  to  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  on  the  27th  of  November,  1880,  when  he  was  in  his  seventy- 
seventh  year.  Following  the  death  of  the  father  a  new  location  for  the  business 
was  sought  and  secured  on  Adams  street  between  Liberty  and  Fulton  streets 
and  there  the  enterprise  was  conducted  until  the  completion  of  the  splendid  new- 
business  block  at  Xos.  514  and  516  South  Washington  street.  The  business  was 
reorganized  under  the  style  of  The  Isaac  Walker  Hardware  Companv,  which 
name  was  assumed  as  a  memorial  to  the  founder,  his  children  thus  delighting 
to  do  him  honor. 

On  the  1st  of  Ai^ril,  1845,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Isaac  Walker  and 
Miss  Sarah  S.  Mcllvaine,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  Sarah  (Siemens)  Mcll- 
vaine,  of  Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania.  They  became  the  parents  of  seven 
children,  of  whom  four  died  in  infancy,  while  three  are  yet  living:  Edward  H., 
who  became  his  father's  successor  as  head  of  the  business  and  is  now  president 
of  the  Isaac  Walker  Hardware  Company;  Mary,  the  wife  of  William  A.  Her- 
ron ;  and  .\nna,  the  w-ife  of  N.  G.  Moore. 

In  matters  of  citizenship  Mr.  Walker  ever  stood  for  all  that  was  highest  and 
most  beneficial  and  his  study  of  the  political  issues  and  (|uestions  of  the  dav  led 
him  to  give  loyal  and  patriotic  support  to  the  republican  party.  He  was  a  firm 
believer  in  its  principles  and  while  he  never  sought  nor  desired  office  for  himself, 
always  gave  his  earnest  support  to  the  party  and  its  candidates.  In  1858  he 
came  out  openly  as  a  supporter  of  the  Christian  religion  and  in  1866  transferred 
his  membership  by  letter  to  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  of  Peoria,  to  the 
teachings  of  which  he  was  ever  loyal,  exemplifying  in  his  life  his  religious  be- 
lief. Religion  became  a  part  of  his  daily  conduct  and  guided  him  in  his  rela- 
tions with  his  fellowmen  and  to  his  country.  He  gave  freely  as  his  prosperity 
increased  and  was  ever  generous  in  his  support  of  i^hilanthropic  enterprises. 
It  has  been  said  that  he  never  had  an  enemy.  None  could  doubt  the  sincerity 
of  his  motives  and  the  loftiness  of  his  purpose.  He  was  ever  ready  to  extend  a 
helping  hand  wherever  he  could  render  assistance.  His  life  was  at  all  times  a 
serviceable  factor  in  the  world's  work  and  he  contributed  in  large  measure  to 
the  material  and  moral  progress  of  Peoria.  His  example  may  indeed  serve  as 
a  source  of  inspiration  to  others  and  his  memory  remains  as  a  blessed  benedic- 
tion to  all  who  knew  him. 


JOHN  H.  MORSE. 


To  the  business  pioneers  in  the  commercial  activity  of  this  city,  Peoria  owes 
much  of  her  present  great  development  and  her  progress  in  her  business  circles. 
The  men  who  came  here  half  a  century  ago  and  strove  against  the  elementary 
commercial  conditions,  building  up  enterprises,  fighting  for  a  start,  struggling 
for  continuance,  and  coming  at  last  to  triumphant  success,  are  the  men  upon 
whom  the  solid  foundations  of  this  city  rest.  Prominent  among  men  of  this 
class  was  John  H.  Morse,  jeweler  in  Peoria  for  many  years  and  an  inventor  of 
great  talent  and  accomplishment. 


822  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

[ohn  H.  Morse  was  born  in  Dedham,  .Massachusetts,  March  13,  1823,  of  a 
prominent  old  New  England  family.  His  early  education  was  received  in  the 
village  school  and  in  1843  he  came  west  and  settled  in  Jacksonville.  Illinois, 
where  he  married  on  May  3.  1847,  Miss  Almira  Childs  of  West  Woodstock, 
Connecticut.  Mr.  Morse  opened  a  jewelry  store  in  Jacksonville  in  1843  and 
prospered.  He  was  soon  justified  in  enlarging  his  field.  He  removed  to  Peoria 
in  1846  and  engaged  in  the  jewelry  and  goldsmith  business  there  until  1875. 

As  a  business  man.  during  his  many  years  of  activity  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Morse 
gained  a  reputation  for  strict  integrity  and  honorable  dealing  which  is  remem- 
bered still.  His  shop  was  one  of  the  leading  jewelry  stores  of  his  time  and  his 
business  grew  every  year  in  success  and  importance.  Mr.  Morse  was  interested 
in  his  business  and  gave  much  time  and  attention  to  it.  and  his  reward  was 
success. 

But  it  is  as  an  inventor  that  Mr.  ]\Iorse  is  best  known  and  it  was  in  this  line 
of  activity  that  his  real  ambitions  lay.  He  was  a  direct  descendant  of  the  great 
inventor  Morse,  the  electrician,  and  carried  out  the  traditions  of  the  family  in 
his  tendencies  and  tastes.  In  1858-1860  he  patented  many  of  the  safe  and  vault 
locks  which  are  now  in  daily  use.  In  1872  he  received  from  the  government  the 
patent  on  the  first  "hollow-arm"  twine  grain  binder  ever  invented.  Many  of 
his  inventions  are  in  use  and  are  found  very  efficient  and  practicable  to  this  day. 
In  1875,  Mr.  Morse,  then  fifty-two  years  of  age,  sold  out  his  business  in 
Peoria  and  removed  to  Evanston.  Illinois,  where  he  died  in  1897,  leaving,  sur- 
viving him,  his  wife,  one  daughter,  Emma,  and  five  sons,  John  C,  James  M., 
Charles  S.,  Frank  H.  and  Irving  J.,  all  now  living.  His  life  was  a  happy  example 
of  a  useful  and  profitable  career — the  life  of  a  modest,  unassuming,  public- 
spirited  citizen.  It  is  lives  like  this  that  are  the  bulwark  of  our  national  life. 
A  man  who  lives  for  seventy-four  years  according  to  the  best  that  is  in  him, 
working  hard,  living  honorably,  dying  in  peace,  is  the  sort  of  man  who  make  a 
nation. 


GEORGE  B.  FOSTER. 


One  of  the  oldest  members  of  the  legal  profession  in  Peoria  is  George  1',. 
Foster,  who  has  been  actively  engaged  in  practice  in  this  county  for  practicall}- 
thirty-five  years.  He  was  born  in  Boston,  Massachusetts,  on  April  7,  1838,  and 
is  a  son  of  Azro  and  Altazera  (Shattuck)  Foster.  He  is  of  English  extraction 
in  both  lines  and  is  the  representative  of  old  colonial  families,  his  forefathers 
having  originally  settled  in  Xova  Scotia,  whence  they  later  removed  to  Maine. 
Many  of  his  ancestors  followed  the  sea.  while  his  father  was  a  shipbuilder  by  trade. 

The  early  education  of  George  B.  Foster  was  pursued  at  Osgood  Hall,  To- 
ronto, following  which  he  entered  the  ofiice  of  William  Proudfoot,  chancellor  m 
the  province  of  Ontario,  under  whom  he  began  his  professional  studies.  In  1857, 
he  came  to  Illinois,  continuing  his  preparation  for  the  bar  in  the  ofiice  of  Rogers 
&  Leaning,  well  known  lawvers  of  Bloomington.  The  followmg  year  he  lo- 
cated in  Pekin.  and  from  that  period  until  1869  he  devoted  his  energies  and  at- 
tention to  business  aftairs,  having  acquired  extensive  property  interests  in  this 
section  of  the  state.  In  1869,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Illinois,  and  im- 
mediately thereafter  he  became  associated  with  Cassius  G.  Whitney  in  the  practice 
of  law,  under  the  firm  name  of  \Miitney  &  Foster.  They  dissolved  partnership 
in  1873  at  which  time  Mr.  Whitney  removed  to  Cass  county,  and  during  the  fol- 
lowing five  years  Mr.  Foster  practiced  alone.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he 
came  to  Peoria  and  formed  a  partnership  with  E.  G.  Johnson,  with  whom  he  was 
associated  until  the  latter's  retirement,  shortly  prior  to  his  death.  Later  :\Ir. 
Foster  took  Lvman  ].  Carlock  into  partnership,  and  they  practiced  together  until 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  823 

Air.  Larlock  was  appoiiiU'il  In-  the  govcrnnifnt  as  one  of  the  provisional  judges  in 
the   riiilippines,  since   wliicli  lime  he  has  been  alone. 

.\t  I'ekin,  Illinois,  on  the  i6th  of  May,  i860,  Mr.  Foster  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Taekaberry,  a  daughter  of  Aliddleton  and  Olive  Tacka- 
berry.  The  father  was  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of  Tazewell  eounty,  having 
located  there  in  1829.  He  was  at  one  time  a  member  of  the  state  legislature  and 
lor  many  years  he  discharged  the  duties  of  county  judge.  Five  cliildren  were  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Foster,  as  follows:  Arthur  B.,  a  captain  of  the  Nineteenth 
Infantry  and  major  of  the  Seventh  Battalion  of  Philippine  Scouts,  who  died  of 
heart  disease  in  Manila  in  December,  1910,  and  is  buried  in  the  National  ceme- 
tery at  Arlington;  Gil1)ert  and  Eugene,  both  of  whom  died  in  infancy:  Walter 
H.,  who  is  a  ranclunan  in  Colorado;  and  Florence  O.,  who  married  William  A. 
Fleming,  a  practicing  attorney  of  Brainerd,  Minnesota,  and  formerly  a  member 
of  the  legislature  and  a  judge  of  that  state.  The  family  were  called  upon  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  the  wife  and  mother  in  1878.  Mrs.  Foster  is  buried  on  the 
familv  lot  in  Lakeside  cemetery  at  Pekin,  where  their  two  sons  are  also  in- 
terred. Mr.  Foster  lives  at  921  State  street,  which  property  he  acquired  wlien  he 
lirst  came  to  Peoria,  and  his  office  is  located  at  32  Arcade  building. 

Mr.  Foster  is  a  member  of  the  chapter  of  tlie  Masonic  fraternity  and  he  also 
belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  while  he  maintains  rela- 
tions with  his  profession  through  the  medium  of  his  connection  with  the  Peoria 
I'lar  .Association.  In  politics  he  is  a  stanch  democrat,  always  giving  his  support  to 
the  men  and  measures  of  that  party.  Mr.  Foster  has  an  extensive  acquaintance 
here  and  has  hosts  of  friends  as  in  all  of  his  dealings  he  has  conducted  himself 
in  a  manner  to  entitle  him  to  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  those  with  whom  he 
comes  in  contact. 


HON.  CLAUDIUS  ULYSSES  STONE. 

Hon.  Claudius  Ulysses  Stone,  member  of  congress  and  junior  ])artner  of  the 
law  firm  of  Eagleton  &  Stone,  of  Peoria,  was  born  May  11,  1879,  in  Menard 
county,  Illinois,  a  son  of  William  Lee  and  Johanna  Stone.  At  the  usual  age  he 
entered  the  public  schools  of  his  native  county,  continuing  his  studies  until 
graduated  from  the  \\'estern  Illinois  Normal  College  in  1900  with  the  degree  of 
B.  S.  He  spent  two  terms  as  a  law  student  in  the  University  of  Michigan,  but 
in  the  meantiirie  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching  which  he  followed  in  rural, 
village  and  high  schools  as  his  ability  developed  and  he  progressed  in  the  pro- 
fession. He  has  made  valuable  contribution  to  the  educational  system  of  Peoria 
county,  where  he  served  as  county  superintendent  of  schools  from  1902  until 
1910.  In  the  meantime  his  reading  and  study  of  law  had  prepared  him  for  prac- 
tice and  in  1909,  successfully  passing  the  examination,  he  was  admitted  to  the 
bar.  He  has  since  engaged  in  practice  and  the  law  firm  of  Eagleton  &  Stone, 
of  which  he  is  junior  partner,  is  now  enjoying  a  large  clientage  of  a  distinctively 
representative  character,  connecting  them  with  much  of  the  important  litigation 
tried  in  the  courts  of  this  district.  Mr.  Stone  fully  realizes  the  necessity  of 
thorough  and  careful  preparation  and  acquaints  himself  with  every  phase  of  his 
cause  before  appearing  in  the  courts.  He  devotes  his  time  at  present  between 
his  professional  cares  and  legislative  duties  for  in  1910  he  was  elected  to  repre- 
sent the  sixth  district  of  Illinois  in  congress  and  took  his  seat  as  a  member  of 
the  house  in  191 1.  ITe  has  always  given  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic 
party  and  is  prominent  in  its  local  councils  and  not  unknown  as  a  party  leader 
in  this  state. 

On  the  18th  of  June,  1902,  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Stone  was  married  to  Miss  Gene- 
vieve Francis,  a  datlighter  of  Norton  L.  Francis.  They  hold  membership  in  the 
Second  Presbyterian  church  of  Peoria  and  are  prominent  socially,  theirs  being 


82i  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

a  hospitable  home,  the  social  features  of  which  are  greatly  enjoyed  by  their 
many  friends.  Air.  Stone  has  an  interesting  military  record  covering  twelve 
months'  service  following  his  enlistment  for  the  Spanish- American  war.  He 
joined  the  army  as  a  private,  being  promoted  to  the  rank  of  corporal,  and  for 
four  months  was  on  active  duty  in  Cuba.  He  belongs  to  a  number  of  the  fra- 
ternal organizations  including  the  Masonic,  the  Odd  Fellows,  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  well  known  to  the  mem- 
bership of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  in  social,  political  and  professional  rela- 
tions has  throughout  his  life  made  continuous  advancement,  bringing  him  to  a 
prominent  position  in  all  these  different  relations. 


THOMAS  F.  McQUELLOX. 

Among  the  men  of  this  city  who  not  only  hold  a  strong  position  in  the  esti- 
mation of  the  people  of  Peoria,  but  who  give  promise  of  future  excellence  and 
usefulness  in  our  community,  is  the  gentleman  whose  name  heads  this  sketch. 
The  measure  of  man's  success  is  not  measured  by  the  height  he  has  reached,  but 
the  point  from  which  he  had  to  climb,  and  judging  by  this  standard,  the  record 
of  Thomas  F.  McOuellon  is  a  notable  one. 

Mr.  AlcOuellon  is  a  type  of  Peoria  merchant  of  whom  the  city  is  justly 
proud,  whose  enterprise  and  integrity  have  not  only  developed  the  industry  of 
the  city,  but  have  given  it  a  reputation  for  fair  dealing  and  honorable  methods. 
Mr.  AlcOuellon  belongs  to  that  class  of  citizens,  who  although  undemonstrative 
and  unassuming  in  their  natures,  nevertheless  form  the  character  and  make  their 
impress  upon  the  business  activities  of  the  city  in  which  they  live.  It  is  this  class 
of  sturdy,  honest,  fair-dealing  hard-working  citizens,  who  in  the  long  run,  develop 
our  manufactures,  spread  our  commerce,  and  build  up  our  business. 

Thomas  F.  McOuellon  was  born  at  712  South  \\'ashington  street,  Peoria,  on 
Xovember  30,  1863.  He  was  the  son  of  an  Irish  laborer,  Patrick  McOuellon 
who  came  from  Ireland  in  1850  and  settled  in  Boston,  from  whence  he  went 
to  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  in  1853,  where  he  married  Mary  McOuellon,  also 
a  native  of  Ireland,  and  the  mother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  The  move  to 
Peoria  was  made  in  1854,  and  this  city  has  been  the  home  of  the  family  ever 
since. 

Thomas  McOuellon  received  his  education  in  St.  Patrick's  parochial  school 
and  the  old  Sixth  ^^'ard  school.  .A.t  the  age  of  seventeen,  his  education  was 
considered  complete,  and  he  was  apprenticed  to  Mr.  Frank  McLoughlin,  a  plum- 
ber of  Peoria,  with  whom  he  served  for  seven  years,  becoming  thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  details  of  his  trade,  and  mastering  its  intricacies  by  the  hard 
work  and  concentration  which  have  always  distinguished  him.  When  his  ap- 
prenticeship was  over,  Mr.  McOuellon  worked  at  his  trade  for  two  years  in 
the  employ  of  Mr.  Klingel,  when  the  "wanderlust"  seized  upon  him,  and  he 
started  out  to  travel.  For  five  years,  the  young  man  journeyed  over  America, 
getting  as  far  as  the  Pacific  coast  in  his  travels,  dependent  upon  no  one  but 
himself  and  his  work  for  the  means  of  subsistence  and  the  money  for  his  travels. 
After  fi\e  vears,  Air.  AlcOuellon  again  came  to  Peoria,  where  he  worked  at 
plumbing  in  various  shops  in  the  city,  until  eight  years  ago,  when  he  joined  in 
partnership  with  Mr.  Sherry  under  the  name  of  McOuellon  &  Sherry  and  opened 
a  store  of  his  own  at  no  South  Madison  street.  The  business  venture  was 
successful  from  the  first.  In  a  few  years  the  little  shop  was  too  small 
for  the  growing  trade,  and  Mr.  McOuellon  bought  his  partner  out,  and  estab- 
lished his  present  perfectly  equipped  shop  at  336  South  Jefferson  street.  Here, 
Mr.  Ouellon  is  conducting  one  of  the  most  prosperous  plumbing  establishments 
in  the  citv.     His  success  in  life  is  assured.     Business  honesty  and  rare  personal 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  825 

integrity  have  won  for  him  hosts  of  business  friends,  and  his  reputation  is  high 
in  I'eoria  for  fair  dealing  and  lionorahle  methods.  His  business  is  constantly 
increasing.  When  the  new  Manual  Training  high  school  was  erected  in  the  city, 
Mr.  McOuellon  was  selected  to  install  all  the  heating  eciuipment.  He  has  re- 
cently placed  an  entire  new  system  of  vacuum  steam  heating  in  the  Douglas 
school,  and  he  had  charge  of  the  plumbing  in  the  high  school  annex,  in  the 
Glen  Oak  and  the  Columbia  schools. 

j\Ir.  AIcQuellon  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  plumbing  inspector  of 
Peoria,  having  been  ajipointed  by  Mayor  Warner  in  his  second  term,  when  the 
state  law  retiuired  that  the  city  be  supplied  with  an  officer  to  inspect  the  plumbing 
of  the  public  institutions.  He  is  very  much  interested  in  ])olitics,  and  takes  an 
intelligent  interest  in  all  public  afTairs.  His  political  atfiliations  are  consistently 
democratic.  He  is  an  active  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  of  the 
Master  Plumbers'  Association.  He  belongs  to  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  of 
which  he  has  been  a  devoted  member  all  his  life. 

Mr.  McOuellon  has  been  married  twice.  Mis  first  wife  was  Miss  Anna  Cullen 
of  Peoria,  whom  he  married  in  1888,  and  who  died  two  years  after  in  i8yo, 
leaving  him  one  son,  Thomas,  who  is  now  twenty-one  years  old,  and  associated 
with  his  father  in  the  business.  In  1896,  Mr.  McOuellon  married  Miss  Katherine 
Ryan,  also  of  Peoria  with  whom  he  has  now  spent  many  years  of  a  happy 
wedded  life. 

A  self-made  man,  the  business  record  of  Thomas  McQuellon  is  highly  credit- 
able. The  gifts  of  men  are  infinite  in  character  and  degree,  but  the  rarest  is 
the  faculty  for  honest  work.  It  is  this  faculty  that  puts  them  in  the  front  ranks 
in  the  business  world,  and  it  is  to  this  faculty  that  Thomas  F.  McOuellon  owes 
his  success.  It  is  due  to  men  like  him — men  who  are  intelligent  factors  in  every 
idea  and  work  that  helps  in  development — that  cities  grow  large  and  prosperous. 


ROBERT  C.  P.RADLFW  M.  D. 

In  the  fourteen  years  of  his  connection  with  professional  interests  in  Peoria, 
Dr.  Robert  C.  Bradley  has  become  widely  and  favorably  known.  He  entered 
upon  his  work  here  after  thorough  training  in  the  St.  Louis  University  Medical 
College.  He  was  born  in  Bloomington.  Illinois,  July  12,  1873,  his  parents  being 
Dr.  R.  D.  and  Elizabeth  (Karr)  Bradley.  For"  about  fifteen  years  the  father 
ranked  as  the  leading  surgeon  of  this  city,  but  removed  westward  to  the  Pacific 
coast  and  is  still  a  resident  of  California. 

Dr.  Robert  C.  L'.radley  of  this  review  came  to  Peoria  with  his  parents  when 
a  small  boy,  and  entering  the  public  schools,  therein  pursued  his  education  until 
graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1893.  In  1895  he  entered  the  medical  col- 
lege of  the  St.  Louis  University,  for  he'  had  determined  to  make  the  practice  of 
medicine  his  life  work  and  his  studies  were  directed  with  that  end  in  view.  Fol- 
lowing his  graduation  he  entered  the  Spanish-.\merican  war  with  the  Naval 
Reserves,  and  in  September  of  the  same  year  returned  to  Peoria  county  for 
practice.  He  followed  his  profession  in  Kickapoo  township  from  1898  until 
1903,  and  then  went  to  New  York,  where  for  a  year  he  served  as  interne  in 
Bellevue  Hospital.  He  also  pursued  a  course  in  the  New  York  Post  Graduate 
School  and  thus  further  qualified  himself  for  the  onerous  and  responsible  duties 
which  continually  devolve  upon  the  physician.  He  now  engages  in  general  prac- 
tice in  both  medicine  and  surgery.  In  the  winter  of  1904  he  returned  from 
New  York  and  opened  his  office  in  Peoria,  where  he  has  since  remained,  and  his 
ability  is  attested  by  the  liberal  jjatronage  accorded  him. 

Dr.  Bradley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alice  Hyrma.  and  they  had 
one  child,  Marv  E.     Following  the  death  of  the  mother.  Dr.  Bradley  wedded  Miss 


826  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Charlotte  Perkins.  They  are  well  known  sociall)-  in  the  cit\-  and  their  circle 
of  friends  is  constantly  increasing  as  the  circle  of  their  ac(]uaintance  Ijroadens. 
Dr.  Bradley  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  his  loyalty  to  the  teach- 
ings of  that  order  indicates  how  high  are  his  standards  of  life.  He  is  interested 
in  all  that  pertains  to  public  progress  and  to  the  welfare  of  this  city  and  yet 
he  never  allows  outside  interests  or  activities  to  interfere  with  the  faithful  per- 
formance of  his  professional  duties.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Citv  Medical 
Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  .American  Medical  Associa- 
tion, and  he  is  now  serving  for  the  third  year  as  county  physician.  This  is  the 
only  office  he  has  ever  sought  or  held,  as  he  prefers  to  give  his  undivided  at- 
tention to  the  work  that  devolves  upon  him  in  his  professional  connections. 


CHARLES  H.  MAY. 


It  is  a  noteworthy  fact,  and  one  which  in  no  small  measure  astonishes  the 
average  business  man  from  other  cities,  that  many  of  the  most  important  enter- 
prises in  this  city  are  controlled  and  governed  by  the  brains  and  energies  of 
comparatively  young  men.  Here  in  Peoria,  with  its  eighty  thousand  inhabi- 
tants, we  find  these  young  men  at  the  head  of  great  business  enterprises,  occu- 
pying honored  positions  in  their  communities,  controlling  and  directing  the 
movements  of  vital  industries,  and  giving  an  impetus  to  the  entire  business  oi 
the  city. 

Din-ing  the  last  quarter  of  a  century,  the  newspaper  business  of  Peoria,  has 
grown  to  be  of  such  an  enormous  imjwrtance  in  the  municipal  life,  that  it  now 
commands  the  attention  and  cooperation  of  our  most  influential,  energetic,  pub- 
lic-spirited citizens.  Many  of  these  are  comparatively  young  men  still — men 
who  have  worked  their  way  from  hvnuble  beginnings,  and  by  praiseworthy 
perseverance,  indomitable  courage  and  industry,  have  carved  their  names  upon 
the  scroll  of  honor  in  Peoria.  Such  a  man  is  Charles  H.  May,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  who  is  publisher  of  the  great  morning  paper  of  the  citv.  The  Peoria 
Herald-Transcript. 

Probably  no  class  of  men  in  the  city,  have  more  to  do  with  the  growing 
greatness  of  Peoria,  with  its  improved  miuiicipal  activities,  with  its  prosperous 
and  flourishing  business  life,  than  have  the  newspaper  men,  and  i\Ir.  May  is 
a  newspaper  man  of  the  first  water.  Pie  started  in  the  business  at  the  early  age 
of  eighteen  years.  His  beginning  was  humble.'  The  man  who  was  to  become 
the  owner  of  the  most  enterprising,  and  public-spirited  of  Peoria's  papers, 
started  when  he  was  a  mere  boy,  as  typesetter  on  the  little  Morton  Advocate 
which  was  the  leading  paper  of  his  home  town.  Even  then  Mr.  May's  dis- 
tingushing  qualities  of  capacity  for  hard  work,  and  intelligent  grasp  of  busi- 
ness detail  stood  him  in  good  stead.  He  was  successful  as  a  typesetter.  He 
did  his  work  well  and  thoroughly.  He  often  had  to  come  into  Peoria  at  night, 
a  distance  of  ten  miles,  to  get  advertising  for  his  paper.  Hut  Mr.  'Slay  W'as 
an  indefatigable  worker,  and  gave  his  best  efforts  to  the  little  paper,  and  his 
success  from  the  beginning  was  pronounced  and  sure.  Charles  H.  J\Iay  was 
born  in  ^Morton,  Illinois,  on  April  i8,  1876.  He  came  of  sturdy  old  German 
stock,  his  father  being  Christian  May  and  his  mother,  Mary  (  Hay)  May.  His 
father  was  a  native  of  Germany  and  left  that  country  at  the  age  of  twenty-one 
years,  and  settled  in  America,  where  he  was  married  and  where  his  children  were 
horn.  Charles  H.  May  received  his  early  education  in  the  primar)'  and  gram- 
mar schools  of  Morton,  Illinois.  Upon  the  completion  of  his  high  school  course, 
ISlr.  Alay  entered  Knox  College,  Galesburg,  Illinois. 

His  newspaper  career  began  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  while  he  was  still  going 
to  school.     After   his  successful   venture   on   the   ?*Iorton   Advocate,    Mr.    May 


CHARLES  H.  ilAY 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  829 

was  proininently  idcntihed  wiili  the  Knox  County  Xews  and  then  with  the 
Galesburg  Mail.  He  then  took  over  the  management  of  McClure"s  News- 
paper Syndicate  in  New  York,  which  position  he  resigned  seven  years  ago 
to  come  to  Peoria  as  publisher  of  the  Peoria  Herald-Transcript.  Under 
I\Ir.  May's  able  management  since  that  time,  the  paper  has  grown  remark- 
ably, having  tripled  its  circulation  in  the  seven  years  of  his  control.  It  is 
now  the  only  morning  newspaper  in  Peoria,  and  also  the  only  repulilican 
publication  of  the  city.  It  has  always  stood  for  the  best  that  is  in  the  re- 
publican party,  and  has  lieen  a  vital  force  in  politics,  both  municipal  and 
^tate-wide.  Many  a  statesman  in  office  today  thanks  the  Peoria  Herald- 
Transcriin  for  its  able  defense  and  keen  aid  given  in  time  of  crisis.  For 
honorable  policy,  for  straightforward  statement  of  its  position  on  any  question, 
for  sure  championship  of  all  that  is  right  and  honest  in  any  conflict,  for  keen, 
live,  up-to-date  news,  the  name  of  the  Peoria  Herald-Transcript  stands  as  a 
synonym  today.  This  supremacy  the  paper  owes  to  the  fact  that  the  man  who 
controls  its  policy  has  the  quickness  of  the  progressive  man  and  is  alive  with 
the  spirit  of  the  times — a  man  of  business  promptness  and  decision,  which 
enable  him  to  transact  business  with  rapidity  and  without  apparent  fatigue — 
a  man  of  sturdy  will,  clear  mind,  and  indomitable  determination. 

In  1897,  Mr.  May  married  Miss  Blanche  Aldrich  of  Galesburg,  Illinois,  and 
their  fifteen  years  of  married  life  have  been  prosperous  and  happv.  Air.  and 
Mrs.  May  now  occup\-  a  charming  home  at  543  Moss  avenue. 

In  191 1,  Mr.  May  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  state  board  of  managers 
of  the  Pontiac  Reformatory  of  Pontiac,  Illinois,  a  position  he  has  filled  with 
much  credit  ever  since.  He  was  recently  selected  by  Dr.  C.  U.  Collins,  presi- 
dent of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce,  a  member  of  his  executive  com- 
mittee. Mr.  May's  club  affiliations  are  extensive.  There  is  scarcely  a  club  in 
Peoria  of  which  he  is  not  a  member.  He  takes  an  active  interest  in  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club,  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club,  the  Canoe  Club,  the  Country  Club, 
the  Automobile  Club,  and  many  others. 

.\s  owner  and  publisher  of  the  only  morning  newspaper  in  Peoria,  holding 
an  important  position  among  the  newspajiers  of  the  city,  Mr.  May  has  many 
other  things  to  do  besides  grasping  the  o];)inion  of  the  hour  and  enforcing  it 
daily  in  the  columns  of  his  publication.  He  has  largely  to  be  a  business  man, 
and  administrator  of  aftair.4  and  a  manager  of  men,  and  in  many  wavs  a  vast 
deal  more  than  the  intellectual  interpreter  of  the  opinions  which  should  be 
presented  in  the  journal  under  his  charge. 


FDWARD  C.  ROHLFSEN. 

Edward  C.  Rohlfsen  is  living  retired  at  No.  1339  (_jlen  Oak  avenue  after  an 
active  and  useful  life  spent  principally  in  the  livery  business.  He  has  a  record 
of  sixteen  years'  continuous  identification  with  this  line  of  occupation  in  Peoria, 
where  he  operated  a  modern,  progressive  and  prosperous  enterprise  during  the 
time.  He  was  born  in  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  December  16,  1853,  and  is  a  son 
of  Eberhard  and  Folka  ( ISeherends )  Rohlfsen,  natives  of  Cermany.  The  father's 
birth  occurred  in  that  country  on  July  22,  1825,  and  he  passed  away  at  the  age  of 
seventy  years.  His  wife  was  born  in  1816  and  died  at  the  age  of  ninety-one. 
They  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Tazewell  cnuiity,  Illinois,  where  the  father 
followed  farming  until  his  death  in  1895. 

Edward  C.  Rohlfsen  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  section  and 
completed  his  education  in  llrown's  Business  College  of  Peoria.  His  childhood 
was  passed  upon  his  father's  farm  and  he  became  acquainted  at  an  early  age 


830 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 


with  the  details  and  methods  of  modern  agriculture.  He  remained  at  home 
until  he  was  twenty-six  years  of  age  and  then  moved  to  Peoria,  where  he  estab- 
lislied  himself  in  business  at  No.  1301  North  Adams  street.  He  later  disposed 
of  this  enterprise  and  engaged  in  the  livery  business,  following  this  line  of  occu- 
pation for  sixteen  years  and  gaining  during  that  time  a  distinct  and  substantial 
prosperity.  Sixteen  years"  connection  with  this  occupation  gave  him  an  expert 
knowledge  of  its  details  and  practical  skill  in  carrying  on  the  business.  He  made 
his  enterprise  successful  by  adhering  always  to  upright  and  straightforward 
standards  and  by  pursuing  a  constant  policy  of  progress.  For  some  time  he 
oi^erated  his  farm  of  two  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  conjunction  with  his  com- 
mercial activities  but  disposed  of  that  property  in  1910.  In  the  same  year  he 
erected  his  present  residence  at  No.   1339  Glen  Oak  avenue  and  retired. 

On  April  i,  1877,  Mr.  Rohlfsen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sophia 
Weller,  a  daughter  of  Lewis  and  Minnie  (Green)  Weller,  natives  of  Germany. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rohlfsen  are  the  parents  of  four  children,  Lewis  E.,  Minnie  M., 
Flora  W.  and  Cornelia.  In  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Rohlfsen  is  indejiendent 
of  lines  and  parties  and  votes  according  to  his  personal  convictions.  He  belongs 
to  the  English  Lutheran  church  and  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  order,  belonging 
to  Schiller  Lodge,  No.  335,  F.  &  A.  M.  'Mr.  Rohlfsen  is  one  of  the  prosperous 
citizens  of  Peoria,  well  liked  and  highly  esteemed  by  his  many  friends.  He  owns  a 
tine  home  and  still  retains  his  ownership  of  his  livery  enterprise  and  is  interested 
in  Rohlfsen  Hall.  His  life  has  not  been  conspicuous  in  any  way  but  its  activities 
have  always  been  straightforward  and  honorable,  his  interest  in  the  affairs  of 
his  community  intelligent  and  his  public  spirit  broad  and  effective.  These  quali- 
ties as  elements  in  his  character  have  made  him  successful  according  to  the 
truest  standards  and  have  gained  him  recognition  as  a  valued  citizen  who  is  a 
credit  to  the  communitv  in  which  he  has  resided  for  so  many  years. 


JOSEPH    P.   DURKIN. 


In  financial  circles  of  Peoria  Joseph  P.  Durkin  has  won  a  creditable  name 
and  place  for  himself.  He  is  now  the  secretary  «and  general  manager  of  the 
Title  and  Trust  Company  and  also  the  secretary  and  one  of  the  directors  of  the 
Dime  Savings  &  Trust  Co.  of  this  city,  his  identification  with  the  former  dating 
from  its  organization  on  the  1st  of  August,  1890.  He  has  also  been  connected 
with  the  latter  institution  since  it  was  formed.  The  two  are  closely  allied,  hav- 
ing the  same  officers,  while  the  same  straightforward,  upright  business  policy 
is  maintained  bv  each.  The  Title  and  Trust  Company  is  the  largest  realty  and 
abstract  concern  in  Illinois  outside  of  Chicago  and  Mr.  Durkin's  special  work 
is  in  the  Abstract  and  Guarantee  departments. 

He  has  always  lived  in  Peoria  and  his  life  of  well  directed  thrift  and  energy 
has  gained  him  a  high  position  in  public  regard.  He  was  born  May  6,  1863,  and 
is  a  son  of  James  and  Bridget  (Moran)  Durkin.  He  was  reared  in  this  city, 
attended  the"  public  and  parochial  schools  here  and  after  putting  aside  his  text- 
hooks  learned  telegraphy  with  the  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company.  He 
also  worked  as  a  telegraph  operator  on  the  line  of  the  Wabash  Railroad  and 
with  the  Toledo,  Peoria  &  Western  Railroad.  He  left  the  railroad  service. to 
become  weighmaster  for  Elevator  A,  one  of  the  large  grain  elevators  of  the  city, 
with  which  he  was  associated  for  four  years.  He  spent  the  succeeding  six 
years— from  1884  until  1890— as  deputy  circuit  clerk  in  charge  of  the  recorder's 
office  in  the  courthouse  of  Peoria,  leaving  that  position  on  the  ist  of  August, 
1890,  to  become  associated  with  the  Title  and  Trust  Company.  During  the  past 
twentv-two  years  he  has  figured  prominently  in  connection  with  financial  inter- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  831 

ests  here,  and  the  success  of  the  two  institutions  with  which  he  is  affihated  is 
due  in  no  inconsiderable  measure  to  his  efforts,  business  abiHty  and  keen  sagacity. 
In  1888  Air.  Durkin  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Annie  M.  Cross,  of 
Peoria,  who  died  leaving  two  children,  Harry  A.,  and  William  F.  Mr.  Durkin's 
religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  in  which  he  was  reared, 
and  he  is  now  chairman  of  the  board  of  directors  of  Spalding  Council,  Xo.  427, 
Knights  of  Columbus.  He  likewise  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and 
is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  this  city,  where  practically  his  entire  life  has 
been  passed.  He  is  a  man  of  excellent  purpose,  accomplishing  what  he  under- 
takes. He  is  notably  prompt,  energetic  and  reliable  and  he  has  in  large  measure 
the  gift  of  common  sense,  which  is  too  seldom  found  in  the  business  world. 
He  readily  grasps  the  possibilities  of  a  situation  and  utilizes  them  to  good  advan- 
tage to  the  benefit  of  himself  and  the  institutions  with  wdiich  he  is  connected. 


.\D.\.M    KOHL 


Xo  country  of  the  old  world  has  given  to  the  new  such  active,  sturdy,  reliable 
and  etVicient  citizens,  as  has  Germany.  The  qualities  of  citizenship  which  have 
made  Germany  today  a  power  in  the  politics  of  the  world,  a  great  and  mighty 
nation,  rich  in  resources,  wealthy  in  honorable  people,  are  flourishing  now  in 
America  in  the  descendants  of  these  citizens  and  are  making  them,  as  were  their 
fathers,  pure-minded,  high-souled,  upright  men.  Peoria  is  particularly  fortunate 
in  numbering  among  her  citizens  a  number  of  this  class  of  men,  either  German 
by  birth  or  by  direct  descent,  who  are  doing  their  utmost  to  contribute  their 
I    share  to  the  prosperity,  business  development,  and  conimcrci;il   prowess  of  the 

Prominent  among  men  of  this  class  is  Adam  Kohl,  whose  name  heads  this 
'    sketch.     The  German  (|ualities  of  sturdiness  in  work,  unflagging  industry,  grim 
determination  to  carve  oiU  for  themselves  an  honorable  destiny,  industry,  pride 
,    in  honor,  hard  work,  are  all  exemplified  in  a  large  degree  in  Air.  Kohl. 

He  was  born  in  Platz,  llavaria,  Germany,  h'ebruary  27,  1859,  the  son  of 
I  Adam  and  Alargareta  (Schneider)  Kohl  of  that  city.  He  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  thoroughly  e(|uipped  public  schools  which  Germany  ofifers  for  the 
upbringing  of  her  sons.  Adam  Kohl  remained  in  his  native  country  long 
enough  to  serve  his  time  in  the  German  army  at  Wuertzburg,  Piavaria,  and  then, 
while  still  a  young  man,  he  came  to  America,  June  i,  1881,  and  settled  almost 
immediately  in  Peoria,  which  has  been  his  home  since  that  time.  He  opened  a 
butcher  shop  at  the  corner  of  First  and  Sanford  streets,  which  he  conducted  for 
five  years,  with  considerable  success.  The  next  twenty-two  years  of  his  life  were 
spent  as  manager  of  the  Anheuser-Busch  Brewing  Association,  in  wdiich  position 
his  acute  business  instinct,  and  his  unflinching  honesty  won  him  a  remarkable  suc- 
cess. In  igi2,  he  left  the  .Anheuser-Busch  Company  to  go  into  the  delicatessen 
business  for  himself.  He  lias  a  most  inviting  little  shop  at  the  corner  of  Jeffer- 
son and  Fulton  streets  stocked  with  every  delicacy  which  the  most  delicately 
formed  taste  could  desire.  It  is  a  pleasure  to  enter  his  store,  so  cool,  so  clean,  so 
utterly  tempting  is  everything  in  it.  .As  a  business  man  he  is  very  successful  and 
has  accumulated  a  competency  which  has  not  come  to  him  by  mere  luck.  1  lis  busi- 
ness reputation  in  the  city  is  of  the  highest.  His  word  in  any  business  trans- 
action is  never  questioned,  and  his  honest  dealing  and  the  high  (|uality  of  his 
goods,  have  won  for  him  hosts  of  friends  and  customers. 

Mr.  Kohl  does  not  ally  himself  with  any  political  party,  but  irrespective  of 
partisan  ties  and  party  platforms,  he  reserves  the  right  to  cast  his  vote  for  the 
man  whom   he   deems  best   fitted   to  serve  the   interests   of   the  commonwealth. 


832  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

lie  is  prominent  in  the  Masonic  order,  and  is  an  honorary  nieniher  of  the  I.ieder- 
kranz  Singinj^  Society  of  this  citv.  He  is  also  a  niemher  of  the  Illinois  N'allev 
Yacht  Club. 

Mr.  Kohl  was  married  in  Peoria  on  the  26th  of  Noveinber,  1884,  to  Miss 
Hahetta  Eichhorn,  daughter  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth  ( Kircher )  Eichhorn,  who 
came  to  Peoria  in  1880  from  Waldorf,  Germany.  ;\Irs.  KohFs  family  are  related 
to  the  Aster  family  which  also  comes  from  Waldorf.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kohl  have 
one  son,  John  Adam  Kohl,  and  one  daughter.  Anna  Margaret.  The  family  is  an 
ancient  and  honorable  one  in  Germany,  and  can  trace  its  descent  clearly  back  to 
the  year  1600  at  Salzburg,  Tyrol.  From  there  the  line  is  distinct  to  the  first  Kohl 
of  Bavaria,  where  some  of  the  family  are  still  living. 

As  a  business  man.  Mr.  Kohl  is  in  many  respects,  a  model.  The  goal  of 
his  ambition  is  success  but  he  will  succeed  only  on  the  basis  of  truth  and  honor. 
He  scorns  deceit  and  duplicity,  and  would  not  palliate  false  representations 
either  in  his  own  employ  or  among  his  customers.  Xo  amount  of  gain  can  allure 
him  from  the  undeviating  line  of  rectitude.  Justice  and  equity  he  regards  as 
the  corner  stone  of  the  temple  of  trade,  without  which  it  could  not  stand. 


E.  FI.  WALKER. 


In  commercial  circles  E.  H.  Walker  occupies  an  enviable  and  prominent  posi- 
tion and  throughout  his  entire  career  there  have  been  manifest  many-  salient 
qualities  not  the  least  of  which  are  energy,  indefatigable  industry,  enterprise 
and  incorruptible  integrity.  Fie  was  born  in  Peoria,  June  4,  1852,  a  son  of 
Isaac  Walker,  one  of  the  prominent  early  merchants  of  this  city  whose  biog- 
raphy appears  on  another  page  in  this  volume.  At  the  usual  age  E.  H.  Walker 
entered  the  public  schools  in  which  he  continued  his  education  until  he  was 
graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1869.  He  immediately  after- 
ward entered  his  father's  store  in  order  to  thoroughly  acquaint  himself  with 
the  hardware  business  and  familiarize  himself  with  every  department  of  the 
trade  in  both  principle  and  detail.  After  his  father's  death  and  upon  the  incor- 
poration of  the  company  he  became  its  president  and  has  since  continued  at 
its  head.  The  business  was  incorporated  in  1879  with  a  capital  stock  of  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  for  many  years  their  location  was  on  South 
.\dams  street,  but  in  1900  they  erected  a  large  brick  l)uilding,  fifty-five  by  one 
hundred  and  sixty  feet,  and  six  stories  in  height,  located  on  South  Washington 
street.  To  this  they  removed  as  soon  as  it  was  completed  and  they  occupy  the 
entire  structure  in  the  conduct  of  a  business  which  has  grown  to  mammoth  pro- 
portions, being  one  of  the  most  extensive  wholesale  hardware  enterprises  of 
the  state  outside  of  Chicago.  This,  however,  does  not  cover  the  scope  of  Mr. 
Walker's  activity  for  in  financial  circles  he  is  well  known,  being  the  vice  presi- 
dent of  the  Savings  Bank  of  Peoria,  to  which  office  he  was  called  in  February, 
1906,  while  of  the  First  National  Piank  he  is  also  a  director. 

In  1883  Mr.  Walker  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Jessie  Clegg.  of  Peoria, 
a  daughter  of  Joseph  Clegg,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  children :  Ed- 
ward I.,  who  is  a  resident  of  California;  and  Lucille,  who  is  with  her  father 
in  this  citv.  Mrs.  Walker  passed  away  December  29,  igo8.  Mr.  Walker  is  a 
memi)er  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  the  Peoria  Country  Club.  liis  residence 
in  his  native  city  covers  sixty  years  and  has  brought  him  a  very  wide  acc|uain- 
tance.  The  fact  that  many  of  his  stanchest  friends  are  those  who  have  known 
him  from  his  bovhood  is  an  indication  of  a  well  spent  life.  His  business  activity 
and  enterprise  have  enaliled  him  to  win  ]iroininent  i)osition  in  commercial  circles 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  833 

while  his  individual  worth  has  gained  fur  him  the  sincere  reijanl  and  good-will 
of  those  whom  he  has  met. 


HOWARD  R.   I'AllXESTOCK. 

Howard  R.  I'^ahnestock  was  born  in  I'eoria,  July  /,  1874,  and  is  a  son  of 
Henry  H.  and  Frances  E.  (Hill)  Fahnestock.  The  father  died  October  2,  1902, 
at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  family  lot  in  Springdale 
cemetery  of  Peoria.  During  his  lifetime  he  figured  not  only  as  one  of  the 
prominent  business  men  and  merchants  of  the  city  but  also  took  an  active 
interest  in  municipal  aftairs  and  was  one  of  the  first  citizens  to  promote  and 
organize  a  public  park  system  of  which  the  city  at  the  present  time  is  justly  proud. 
.Vs  one  of  the  first  park  commissioners  he  held  the  office  of  treasurer  for  a 
number  of  years.  His  love  for  outdoor  sports  and  his  genial  nature  won  him 
friends  and  gave  him  acquaintanceships  of  wide  range.  He  was  the  promoter 
of  the  Duck  Island  Plunting  &  Fishing  Club,  whose  grounds  embrace  four 
thousand  acres  of  overflowed  lands  on  the  Illinois  river  below  Peoria.  This 
preserve  is  said  to  be  the  finest  shooting  marsh  in  the  United  States  and  is  well 
ei|uipped  with  a  large  clubhouse  and  every  convenience.  The  family  home  has 
long  i)een  maintained  in  Peoria  and  the  Fahnestock  family,  which  is  of  sturdy 
( lerman  origin,  contributes  its  full  quota  to  the  excellent  German-American  citi- 
zcnshi])  which  the  country  is  proud  to  honor,  while  the  social,  fraternal  and 
religious  life  of  the  family  has  established  a  sterling  standard  for  true  and 
useful  American  citizenship. ' 

Howard  R.  Fahnestock,  reared  in  T'eoria,  early  entered  upon  an  active  asso- 
ciation with  the  wholesale  grocery  business  of  (Jakford  &  Fahnestock,  a  con- 
cern founded  by  his  father  and  Aaron  S.  Oakford  in  1856.  He  was  chosen 
secretary  of  the  company  in  1896  and  in  1902  vice  president,  wdiich  position, 
second  in  authority  and  control,  he  still  fills. 

Mr.  l'"ahnestock  was  married  September  22.  1897,  in  Peoria,  to  Miss  L. 
Maude  Harris,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  ;\lrs.  Johii  G.  Harris.  Her  father,  at 
(jne  time  a  prominent  grain  merchant,  is  now  deceased,  his  remains  being  interred 
in  .\bingdon,  Illinois.  Of  his  family  still  remain  Mrs.  Harris,  Mrs.  Howard  R. 
Fahnestock,  Thurston  and  Miss  Nell  Harris.  .\  son  and  daughter,  Jackson  Hill, 
aged  thirteen,  and  Ruth,  aged  ten  years,  complete  the  Howard  R.  Fahnestock 
familv. 


lOHN  THOUF. 


John  Thobe  is  an  enterprising  and  successful  merchant  of  Peoria,  engaged 
in  the  grocery  business,  but  is  perhaps  even  more  widely  know^n  in  musical 
circles,  for  he  has  cultivated  the  talents  with  which  nature  endowed  him  in  that 
direction  and  has  contributed  much  to  the  pleasure  that  nuisic  brings  to  the 
great  majority  through  his  connection  with  orchestras  as  well  as  through  his 
individual  skill  as  a  ]ierformer  on  the  piano  and  horn.  He  has  the  distinction 
of  having  been  a  pupil  of  Franz  Abt.  He  was  born  in  Urooklyn,  New  York, 
in  1865.  His  father.  Axel  Thobe,  a  native  of  Stockholm,  Sweden,  was  the  first 
practical  piano  maker  with  the  firm  of  Steinway  &  Sons.  At  the  time  of  the 
Civil  war  he  volunteered  for  active  service  with  the  Union  army  and  for  two 
years  was  with  Hecker's  Regiment.  He  then  went  to  New  York,  remaining  at 
home   for  eight   months,   after   which   he   reenlisted   and    returned   to   the   front. 


834  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

falling  dead  on  the  battlefield  twenty  days  later.  His  wife  in  her  girlhood 
became  a  resident  of  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  in  1847,  at  which  time  the  popula- 
tion of  the  district  consisted  mostly  of  Indians.  The  young  white  girl  grew  up 
there  among  the  red  men  and  in  her  later  years  told  many  interesting  incidents 
of  pioneer  life  in  that  district.  l'>y  her  marriage  she  became  the  mother  of  a 
son  and  two  daughters  but  one  of  the  daughters  is  now  deceased,  the  other  being 
Mrs.  Annie  (Thobe)  Behrens,  who  is  holding  a  government  position  in  Hanover, 
Germany. 

John  Thobe  began  his  education  in  a  little  frame  building  in  Brooklyn.  He 
was  an  infant  at  the  time  of  his  father's  death,  after  wdiich  the  mother  returned 
to  Germany.  The  boy  went  to  school  on  Saturday  to  get  his  "good  behavior," 
receiving  on  such  occasions  a  purple  card  on  which  was  written :  "John  Thobe 

has  been  a  good  boy  since — •."'    If  he  had  not  conducted  himself  according 

to  the  required  standard  a  white  card  bearing  the  words :  "John  Thobe  should 
be  looked  after.  His  lessons  do  not  warrant  a  good  mark.  He  must  do  better 
if  he  is  to  be  advanced."  It  is  to  be  presumed  that  he  paid  sufficient  attention 
to  his  studies  to  win  advancement,  for  in  due  time  he  became  a  student  in  the 
gvmnasium,  w'hich  is  equivalent  to  the  high  school  of  this  country,  there  remain- 
ing until  si.xteen  and  a  half  years  of  age.  In  early  youth  he  sold  newspapers, 
perhaps  earning  his  first  money  in  this  way.  After  leaving  school  he  passed 
the  examination  which  is  required  of  all  boys  in  Germany  and  which  would  have 
necessitated  his  service  in  the  German  army  for  a  year,  but  the  fact  that  he  was 
American  born  secured  his  release.  He  returned  then  to  .\merica,  after  having 
been  in  Germany  for  nine  years  and  six  months.  For  a  time  he  was  with  a 
silk  manufacturing  cotnpany  at  Crefeld,  Germany,  and  represented  that  house 
on  the  road  not  only  through  his  native  country  but  also  through  Bavaria,  France 
and  Italy.  Thus  he  gained  a  broad  knowledge  of  diflPerent  languages  and  while 
in  Germanv  he  also  took  up  the  study  of  music,  for  which  he  displayed  special 
aptitude.  He  became  a  piano  pupil  of  Edward  Lies,  who  w-as  the  only  flageolet 
soloist  ni  the  Ducal  Opera  House  at  Ikaunschweig.  On  the  death  of  Lies, 
John  Thobe  was  accepted  as  a  pupil  by  Franz  Abt  and  afterward  was  one  of 
the  honorary  delegates  to  his  funeral  at  \\'iesbaden.  His  ^lendidly  developed 
talents  have  placed  him  in  a  foremost  position  in  musical  circles,  for,  while  he 
has  not  made  the  art  a  ]irofession,  he  has  always  continued  closely  allied  with 
musical  interests. 

In  1892  Mr.  Thobe  went  to  Milwaukee  and  was  assistant  manager  of  the 
Pabst  Cafe.  The  following  year  he  removed  to  Peoria  and  became  connected 
with  the  wholesale  grocery  house  of  Gauss,  Jobst.  liethard  &  Company.  His 
next  business  connection  was  with  L.  P.  ^\'olf,  editor  of  the  Die  Sonne,  as  local 
editor,  familiarizing  himself  with  every  phase  of  newspaper  publication.  On 
the  1st  of  December,  1895,  he  accepted  the  position  of  a  representative  of  the 
Germania  Life  Insurance  Company  of  New  York,  with  Illinois  as  his  territory, 
and  was  finally  made  district  manager  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  His  success  in 
that  connection  enabled  him  eventually  to  engage  in  the  grocery  business  on 
his  own  account  and  also  to  invest  in  real  estate.  His  store  is  located  at  First 
and  Sanford  streets  and  is  now  one  of  the  prosperous  mercantile  enterprises  of 
the  citv.  In  1904  he  became  interested  in  the  afTairs  of  the  local  Hquor  dealers 
and  in  1907  was  made  secretary  of  their  organization.  He  has  since  served  in 
that  connection  and  has  attended  each  succeeding  convention.  He  was  made 
chairman  of  the  State  Indemnity  Company  and  organized  The  ^lutual  Assistance 
Society,  considered  today  to  be  the  biggest  feature  in  the  liquor  organization. 
He  is  trustee  of  its  hoard  and  is  thus  active  in  the  work  of  the  organization, 
which  was  formed  to  protect  members  from  unjust  prosecution  under  the  dram 
shop  law  of  Illinois. 

]\Ir.  Thobe's  prominence,  however,  rests  largely  upon  his  connection  with 
musical  interests,  as  he  stands  as  a  leading  representative  of  the  art  in  the  state. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  83n 

He  was  the  leader  of  the  Glee  Club,  "Maennerchor"  on  Olive  street,  The  "X'or- 
waertz  Alaennerchor,"'  and  he  was  the  organizer  of  Thobe's  Orchestra  and  later  of 
the  Arcadia  Orchestra.  For  twelve  years  he  has  been  president  of  the  Musicians 
Union  No.  26  and  was  its  secretary  for  one  year.  In  1889,  at  Milwaukee,  he 
was  elected  a  district  officer  of  the  United  States  and  was  elected  later  as  the 
third  vice  president  at  Denver  of  the  American  Federation  of  Musicians,  lioldin^ 
that  office  for  two  years,  when  private  interests  caused  him  to  resign. 

.About  1891  Mr.  Thobe  married  Miss  Mary  Kramer,  of  I'^ulda,  Cierniany. 
Her  mother  is  a  sister  of  the  venerable  and  beloved  X'alentine  Jobst,  long  a 
prominent  contractor  of  Peoria.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thobe  have  a  daughter,  (iertrude, 
who  is  now  acting  as  private  secretary  to  her  father.  Nineteen  years'  residence 
has  made  Mr.  Thobe  well  known  in  Peoria,  where  he  has  won  high  regard,  for 
he  has  ever  displayed  the  qualities  of  good  citizenshi[)  as  well  as  enterprise  in 
business,  superior  executive  ability  in  connection  with  the  Lic|uor  Dealers  .Asso- 
ciation and  notable  skill  along  musical  lines. 


HAYO  CORNELIOUS  HARBERS. 

Hayo  Cornelious  Harbers,  who  passed  away  on  the  20th  of  June,  1892,  was 
a  son  of  an  early  settler  in  Peoria  and  had  lived  in  the  city  since  1850.  He 
enlisted  for  the  Civil  War  in  an  Illinois  regiment  and  with  the  exception  of 
the  one  year  of  his  military  service  resided  here  continuously  since  he  was  eight 
years  of  age.  For  seven  years  he  was  identified  with  the  wholesale  and  retail 
buggy  and  carriage  business  conducted  by  the  firm  of  Foultz  &  Gentes  and 
was  afterward  appointed  government  storekeeper.  For  some  time  he  was  a 
memlier  of  the  police  department,  resigning  his  office  on  account  of  failing 
health.  He  spent  the  last  years  of  his  life  in  retirement,  dying  at  his  home  in 
Peoria,  June  20,  1892.  He  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  September  18,  1842, 
a  son  of  John  and  Ella  M.  (Cornelious)  Harbers.  The  father  came  to  America 
in  1849,  making  the  journey  with  his  parents  and  landing  in  New  Orleans  after 
thirteen  weeks  u]3on  the  ocean.  He  went  immediately  to  St.  Louis,  where  he 
remained  only  a  short  time.  In  1850  he  came  to  Peoria  and  aided  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  Morse  &  Bradley  distillery,  the  first  enterprise  of  its  kind  in 
the  city.  He  built  a  home  on  West  Jefferson  street,  at  the  corner  of  Spencer, 
on  a  tract  of  land  which  is  now  one  of  the  valuable  residence  districts  but  which 
was  then  a  corn  field.  He  witnessed  the  growth  of  the  city  along  commercial, 
political  and  social  lines  and  for  many  years  was  identified  with  it.  He  was 
killed  in  a  railroad  accident  in  i8fio  and  was  survived  by  bis  wife  until  February 
6,  1896,  on  which  date  she  passed  away  at  the  home  of  our  subject,  in  the 
eighty-seventh  year  of  her  age. 

Hayo  C.  Harbers  was  eight  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Peoria  with  his 
l^arents.  He  was  educated  in  the  city  schools  and  when  he  laid  aside  his  books 
learned  the  carriage-making  trade  under  Alexander  Allison.  When  he  had 
served  his  apprenticeship  he  began  his  active  career,  working  for  Mr.  Allison 
until  1864,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  One  Hundred  and  Forty-Iughth 
Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry,  under  Captain  Benjamin  Burnett.  He  served  in  the 
\rmy  of  Tennessee  and  after  one  year  received  his  honorable  discharge  at  Nash- 
ville and  was  mustered  out  on  the  5th  of  September,  1865,  returning  home  to 
I'eoria,  where  he  maintained  a  continuous  residence  until  the  time  of  his  death. 
In  1873  he  became  identified  with  the  firm  of  Foultz  &  Gentes,  who  in  that 
year  established  their  buggy  and  carriage  store  at  the  corner  of  Adams  and 
Fulton  streets.  Mr.  Harbers  accepted  a  partnership  in  this  concern  and  a 
flourishing  and  prosperous  business  was  built  np,  the  energy  and  ability  of  our 


8;-56  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

sul)jcct  being  important  factors  in  its  growth.  After  live  years,  however,  the 
Inisiness  met  with  reverses  and  the  partnership  was  dissolved.  In  1878  Mr. 
ilarjjers  was  appointed  liy  the  government  as  storekeeper  with  headquarters  at 
Peoria  and  he  held  this  position  for  seven  years,  resigning  in  order  to  serve 
as  a  member  of  the  city  police  department.  When  his  health  failed  he  retired 
from  active  life  and  lived  in  Peoria  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  20th 
of  June,   1892. 

On  May  15,  1868,  Mr.  Harbers  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  Angel- 
ine  Cornelious,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  H.  Cornelious,  natives  of  Germany, 
who  lived  and  died  in  that  country.  Mrs.  Harbers  came  to  America  alone  in 
1867  and  settled  immediately  in  Peoria,  in  which  city  she  married  the  subject 
of  this  review.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Harbers  became  the  parents  of  twelve  children, 
eight  of  whom  are  now  living:  Arion  J.,  who  married  Johanna  Distler,  b\  whom 
he  has  six  children,  Robert,  Mabel,  Fred,  Harry,  William  and  Walter;  Mar- 
garet E.,  who  married  ^^■illiam  J.  Day,  of  Peoria,  by  whom  she  has  one  daughter. 
Hope;  Frederick  J.,  who  is  a  prominent  Knight  of  Pythias  and  an  ex-state 
official  of  the  Improved  Order  of  Red  Men;  Hayo  C. ;  Cornelia  H.,  the  wife 
of  I.  S.  Wallin,  of  Peoria;  Eva  E. ;  Franklin  W.,  who  is  prominent  in  fraternal 
circles  of  Peoria,  being  a  past  chat:cellor  of  Calantha  Lodge,  No.  47,  K.  P.,  and  a 
memlier  of  Illinois  Lodge,  No.  263,  A.  I-".  &  A.  M. ;  and  Frieda  L.  Mr.  Harbers 
l)elonged  to  the  Presl)vterian  church,  to  which  faith  his  wife  and  children  give 
their  allegiance. 

Mr.  Harbers  was  a  consistent  republican  in  his  political  affiliations  and  actively 
and  intelligently  interested  in  the  affairs  of  his  community,  although  he  never 
sought  public  office.  He  was  prominent  in  the  Masonic  order,  holding  mem- 
liership  in  Peoria  Lodge,  No.  15,  A.  F.  &  A.  ]\I.  He  was  also  identified  with 
liryner  Post,  No.  67,  G.  A.  R.  His  career  was  a  distinct  influence  upon  the 
growth  and  expansion  of  the  city  in  which  he  lived  for  so  many  years  and 
where  his  friends  respected  and  esteemed  him  for  his  well  tested  business  and 
personal  standards. 


CLIFFORD  C.  IRELAND. 

Clifford  C.  Ireland  is  one  of  Peoria's  young  attorneys,  but  his  years  seem 
no  bar  to  his  progress  for  he  has  already  attained  a  practice  which  many  an 
older  member  of  the  bar  may  well  envy,  and  he  is  prominent  among  the  younger 
lawyers  of  the  city.  He  was  born  in  Washburn,  W^oodford  county.  Illinois. 
Februarv  14,  1878,'  a  son  of  Frank  M.  and  Fidelia  A.  Ireland.  The  father  is 
a  banker  of  Washburn  and  was  formerly  at  the  head  of  the  firm  of  Frank  ]\I. 
Ireland  &  Sons,  who  conducted  a  private  bank  which  has  since  been  reorganized 
under  the  name  of  the  Washburn  liank. 

In  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town  Clifford  C.  Ireland  mastered  the 
elementarv  branches  of  learning  and  afterward  entered  the  Cheltenham  Mili- 
tary Academy  near  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania.  He  further  pursued  his  studies 
in  the  Lake'  Forest  Academy  at  Lake  Forest,  Illinois,  and  in  Knox  College 
at  Galesburg,  Illinois,  before  entering  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  from  which 
he  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1900.  In  that  year  he  returned  home  and 
entered  his  father's  bank  where,  before  pursuing  his  university  course,  he  had 
spent  three  years.  His  professional  training  was  received  in  the  Illinois  College 
of  Law  at  Chicago,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  the  spring  of  1909.  Im- 
mediately afterward  he  came  to  Peoria  where  he  has  since  been  active  in  pro- 
fessional lines.  He  is  now  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Ireland  &:  Flolmes, 
and  he  is  attorney  for  the  Interstate  P.ank  of  Peoria,  being  also  a  member  of 
the  board  of  directors.  The  firm  conducts  a  general  law  practice  and  their 
work  is  notable  by  reason  of  the  importance  of  the  cases  entrusted  to  them  and 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  839 

the  large  percentage  of  verdicts  which  they  have  won  favorably  to  the  interests 
of  their  clients.  Mr.  Ireland  has  a  comprehensive  knowledge  of  law  in  its 
various  phases  and  is  continually  studying  so  he  is  well  prepared  to  present 
his  cause  clearly  and  forcibly  before  court  or  jury. 

Mr.  Ireland  married  Miss  Louise  Savage,  and  unto  them  has  been  born  a 
son,  Clifford,  Jr.  The  parents  are  well  and  favorably  known  in  this  city,  having 
gained  many  friends  during  their  residence  here.  ^Ir.  Ireland  is  prominent  in 
Masonry,  having  become  a  Knight  Templar  in  the  Peoria  Commandery  and  is 
also  a  member  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  is  serving  on  the  board  of  review 
of  Peoria  and  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  and  the  Peoria  Country  Clubs — 
associations  which  indicate  much  of  the  nature  of  his  interests  and  recreations. 


ROr.ERT  .A.  KERR,  M.  D. 

A  graduate  of  Rush  Medical  College,  Dr.  Robert  A.  Kerr  entered  upon  the 
practice  of  his  profession  in  Peoria  county  in  1882,  and  in  the  intervening  years 
to  the  present  time  his  skill  and  ability  have  been  constantly  augmented  through 
his  extended  experience  and  wide  reading.  His  investigation  into  the  most  ad- 
vanced methods  of  jjractice  has  given  him  knowledge  and  power  that  are  evidenced 
in  the  excellent  results  which  have  attended  his  labors.  In  addition  to  a  large 
private  practice  he  is  serving  as  president  on  the  staff  of  Proctor  Hospital, 
lie  was  born  in  St.  Clairsville,  Clermont  county,  Ohio,  February  i,  1857,  and 
Is  a  son  of  Hugh  and  Angeline  (Milligan)  Kerr,  who  were  farming  people  and 
removed  from  Ohio  to  Wisconsin  during  the  infancy  of  their  son  Robert.  The 
boy  was  reared  upon  a  farm  in  \'ernon  county,  Wisconsin,  and  attended  the 
country  schools,  dividing  his  time  between  the  acquirement  of  his  education 
and  the  work  of  the  fields,  as  he  assisted  his  father  in  the  cultivation  and  devel- 
opment of  the  farm.  His  early  educational  opportunities  were  supplemented 
bv  a  course  of  study  in  the  academy  at  Elroy,  Wisconsin,  from  which  he  was 
graduated,  and  he  then  continued  his  course  in  the  high  school  at  Richland 
Center,  Wisconsin.  He  entered  upon  the  profession  of  teaching  as  principal 
of  the  high  school  at  Richland  Center,  where  he  remained  for  two  years  but 
thinking  to  find  a  more  profitable  field  of  labor  as  a  practitioner  of  medicine 
he  began  reading  in  the  office  and  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  C.  E.  Booth,  at 
Elcho,  Wisconsin.  He  ne.xt  entered  Rush  Medical  College,  at  Chicago,  where 
he  pursued  a  three  years'  course  and  was  graduated  in  the  spring  of  1881.  He 
then  ojjened  an  office  in  Glencoe,  Minnesota,  where  he  remained  for  about  a 
year.  When  he  came  to  Peoria  county,  Illinois,  he  settled  first  at  Dunlap,  where 
he  remained  from  1882  until  1895,  wdnen  he  sought  the  broader  field  of  labor 
offered  in  the  city  and  came  to  Peoria.  He  opened  an  office  at  516  Main  street 
and  at  the  present  time  has  a  well  appointed  suite  in  the  Jefferson  building.  He 
has  done  post-graduate  work,  studying  through  the  winter  of  1895-6  in  Chicago, 
and  at  dift'erent  times  he  has  further  pursued  his  studies  along  special  lines. 
He  belongs  to  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society, 
the  .Vmerican  Medical  Association  and  the  American  .Society  of  Railroad  .Sur- 
geons. Since  1896  he  has  been  division  surgeon  for  the  Rock  Island  Railroad 
and  he  is  one  of  the  board  of  censors  of  the  Peoria  Medical  Society.  At  one 
time  he  served  as  president  of  the  Peoria  City  Medical  Society,  and  was  formerly 
vice  president  of  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society.  He  has  also  served  on  the 
staff  of  Proctor  Hospital  as  its  president  and  he  has  served  as  president  of 
the  Military  Tract  Medical  Society.  His  work  and  his  professional  connections 
have   been    of    an    imjiortant    character   and    indicate    his    high    standing    in    the 

medical  fraternitv. 

Viii.  II— ris 


840  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Dr.  Kerr  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Arabella  Grant,  of  Millbrook  town- 
ship, a  daughter  of  Kenneth  Grant,  an  early  settler  of  this  county.  They  have 
one  child,  Edna  Lois. 

Dr.  Kerr  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  in  the 
Masonic  fraternity  has  attained  high  rank,  being  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason 
of  the  consistory.  He  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  purposes  and  principles 
of  the  craft  and  exemplifies  in  his  life  its  beneficent  teachings.  He  holds  to 
high  standards  in  his  profession  and  to  the  work  he  has  always  devoted  the 
greater  part  of  his  time  and  energies,  performing  his  professional  duties  with 
a  sense  of  conscientious  obligation.  Those  who  meet  him  professionally  or 
socially  entertain  for  him  warm  regard  in  recognition  of  his  sterling  personal 
wortbi. 


I 


NICHOLAS  HOGAN. 


At  the  age  of  twenty  years  Nicholas  Hogan  came  from  Ireland  to  .America, 
landing  at  New  ^'ork,  a  stranger  in  a  strange  country,  his  only  capital  being 
his  determination  and  laudable  ambition ;  today  he  is  numbered  among  Peoria's 
prosperous  residents,  having  for  n^any  years  engaged  successfully  in  brick  manu- 
facture, although  at  the  present  time  he  is  living  retired,  enjoying  a  well  earned 
and  well  merited  rest  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-two  years.  His  birth  oc- 
curred in  County  Kilkenny.  Ireland,  February  2,  1830,  and  his  education  was 
acquired  in  the  schools  of  that  land.  Aft.er  crossing  the  Atlantic  he  remained 
for  several  months  in  the  eastern  metropolis,  filling  various  positions,  and  in 
that  period  heard  much  concerning  the  growth,  the  opportunities  and 
the  advantages  of  the  middle  west  so  that  in  the  fall  of  1850  he  eagerly  availed 
himself  of  the  opportunity  to  come  to  Peoria.  Here  he  secured  employment 
in  connection  with  the  construction  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Ouincy  Rail- 
road, working  in  that  way  until  the  spring  of  1851.  He  was  afterward  employed 
for  two  seasons  in  a  brickyard,  whereby  he  became  thoroughly  acquainted  with 
the  trade  and  the  processes  of  manufacture.  ^Moreover,  he  carefully  saved  his 
earnings  until  his  frugality  and  economical  expenditure  had  supplied  him  with  the 
capital  with  which  to  embark  in  business  on  his  own  account  about  1836.  He 
then  located  on  the  land  which  he  occupies,  building  kilns  and  opening  a 
brickyard  which  was  one  of  the  first  brick  manufacturing  plants  in  Peoria.  His 
output  amounted  to  millions  and  millions  of  brick,  for  wiiich  he  found  a  ready 
sale,  his  manufactured  product  being  used  in  nearly  all  of  the  older  buildings 
of  Peoria.  He  continued  the  operation  of  the  plant  until  igoo,  when  he  turned 
the  business  over  to  his  son-in-law%  William  Fox,  who  conducted  it  until  1909 
and  then  sold  out.  Mr.  Hogan  retired  from  active  life  on  disposing  of  his 
brick  manufacturing  interests,  for  by  thrift,  frugality  and  unceasing  toil  he 
had  placed  himself  in  comfortable  circumstances.  He  is  numbered  among 
Peoria's  pioneer  manufacturers  and  his  labors  constituted  an  element  in  the 
material  upbuilding  and  business  progress  of  the  city.  As  he  prospered  he 
made  judicious  investments  in  property  and  is  the  owner  of  valuable  real  estate 
throughout  Peoria  county,  including  a  fine  farm  of  eighty-three  acres  on  section 
^^,  Richwood  township,  which  his  son  now  occupies. 

In  1855  Mr.  Hogan  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Dunphy,  also  a 
native  of  County  Kilkenny,  Ireland,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  five  children. 
Catherine,  the  eldest,  is  the  wife  of  William  Fox,  of  this  city.  Annie  is  the 
wife  of  Elwood  Frye,  of  Peoria,  and  they  have  three  children,  Catherine,  Ruth 
and  Esther  R.  Patrick,  who  occupies  the  farm  in  Richwoods  township,  is  mar- 
ried and  has  seven  children,  Nicholas,  Joseph,  Robert.  Mary.  Theresa,  Doretta 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  841 

and  Agnes.  Julia  is  the  wife  of  I'atriek  Langau,  of  this  city  and  Alarv  is  the 
wife  of  John  Hippie,  also  of  Peoria.  Mr.  Hogan's  political  allegiance  is  given 
to  the  democratic  party  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Catholic  church. 
He  has  come  to  an  honored  old  age,  having  passed  the  eighty-second  milestone 
on  life's  journey.  For  forty  years  he  was  a  very  active  factor  in  business  and 
manufacturing  circles  here  and  the  success  which  he  achieved  was  the  legitimate 
(lutcome  of  his  earnest,  persistent  and  intelligently  directed  labor.  He  never 
had  occasion  to  regret  his  determination  to  come  to  the  new  world,  for  here  he 
found  the  opportunities  which  he  sought  and  in  a  land  unhampered  by  caste 
or  class  he  worked  his  way  upward  until  he  reached  a  most  creditable  and 
enviable  i)osition  in  business  circles. 


FRANK   E.    RUE. 


b'rank  E.  Rue,  an  enterprising  business  man.  alert  and  energetic,  has  made 
continuous  advancement  and  won  substantial  success  since  starting  in  business 
as  a  seedsman  and  florist  of  Peoria.  He  is  located  at  420  and  422  South  Adams 
street  and  has  been  a  resident  of  the  city  since  1903,  when  he  became  manager 
of  the  floral  and  seed  store  owned  by  J.  C.  Murray.  Mr.  Rue  is  a  native  of 
Jersey  City,  New  Jersey,  born  September  23,  1879.  His  youthful  days  were 
there  spent  and  after  leaving  school  he  entered  the  employ  of  Peter  Henderson 
&  Company,  controlling  a  large  seed  and  florist  establishment  in  New  York  city. 
He  continued  with  that  house  for  nine  years,  acting  at  different  times  as  salesman 
on  the  road  and  in  the  store.  He  thus  became  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
trade  in  every  department  and  at  length,  thinking  to  find  a  profitable  field  of  labor 
in  the  middle  west,  he  came  to  Peoria  in  1903  and.  as  stated,  accepted  the 
position  of  manager  of  the  floral  and  seed  store  owned  by  J.  C.  Murray  at  420 
South  .\dams  street,  for  which  position  his  previous  long  and  varied  experience 
well  (jualified  him.  Two  years  later  he  purchased  the  business  and  from  a  small 
beginning  has  developed  an  enterprise  of  large  proportions.  His  house  is  today 
sending  its  goods  to  nearly  every  state  in  the  Union  and  is  now  occupying  about 
four  times  the  amount  of  floor  space  that  was  utilized  when  he  purchased  the 
Inisiness.  He  also  owns  a  farm  w-est  of  Peoria,  on  which  he  has  an  experi- 
mental testing  plant.  He  owns  a  fine  poultry  yard  on  the  same  place  and  is 
giving  considerable  attention  to  the  raising  of  high-grade  poultry.  He  has  as- 
sociated with  him  in  his  business  R.  W.  liailey  and  they  ex]ject  soon  to  incor- 
porate as  the  Frank  Rue  Company.  His  partner  is  the  general  superintendent 
of  the  Peoria  Street  Railway  Company  and  a  man  of  excellent  business  ability 
and  broad  experience.  Under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  Rue  the  business  of  which 
he  became  proprietor  has  steadily  grown  until  he  is  now  at  the  head  of  the 
largest  seed  house  in  the  city.  He  also  handles  poultry,  bee-keepers',  fruit- 
growers, and  gardeners'  supijlies  and  mamifactures  many  of  the  products  which 
he  sells.  To  further  his  interests  he  issues  an  extensive  catalog,  indicating  the 
line  of  goods  which  he  handles.  He  has  brought  forth  various  improved  devices 
for  the  shelter  and  care  of  chickens  and  pigeons,  including  the  Rue  exhibition 
coops  of  various  kinds,  the  Perfection  cup  holder,  the  Rue  shipping  coop, 
baskets  for  shipping  eggs,  including  fillers  and  tops  for  the  baskets,  boxes  for 
the  shipment  of  little  live  chickens,  incubators,  brooders  and  brooder  hatchers. 
He  handles  all  kinds  of  instruments  and  implements  needed  for  the  best  care  of 
fowls,  raises  some  of  the  highest-grade  ]X)ultry  to  be  found  in  the  country  and 
all  this  constitutes  l)Ut  one  branch  of  his  extensive  business.  He  handles  hand 
grinding  mills,  vegetable  and  root  cutters,  the  Flumjihrey  rapid  clover  cutter, 
the  Humphrey  green  bone  cutter  and  the   llumi5hre\-  grit  crusher,  together  with 


842  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

mist  sprayers,  insect  powder  guns.  etc.  He  likewise  carries  everything  that  is 
needed  by  beekeepers  in  the  protection  and  care  of  honey  and  he  also  deals 
in  fruit  packages,  baskets,  melon  crates  and,  in  fact,  everything  needed  by  the 
shipper  of  fruit.  The  seeds  and  plants  which  he  handles  are  of  the  best  possible 
variety  and  his  business  has  met  with  substantial  and  growing  success  as  the 
result  of  his  careful  management  and  the  high  standard  of  goods  which  he  car- 
ries. His  entire  life  has  been  devoted  to  this  line  of  trade  and  his  opinions  are 
largely  accepted  as  authority  upon  questions  concerning  any  branch  of  his  business. 
Mr.  Rue  was  united  in  marriage  to  IMiss  Flora  Clark,  of  Jersey  City,  and 
they  have  one  child,  Eloise.  He  hold  membership  with  the  Peoria  Lodge  of 
Masons  and  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  while  he  possesses  social 
genial  traits,  which  make  him  popular,  he  does  not  seek  to  figure  prominently 
in  auv  public  connection  outside  of  his  business,  preferring  to  concentrate  his 
energies  upon  his  growing  trade  interests. 


EDWARD  S.  WOOLXER. 

During  the  last  quarter  of  a  century  the  brewing  interests  of  Peoria  have 
attained  a  degree  of  development  and  success  which  has  gone  beyond  mere  local 
limits.  The  large  breweries  and  distilleries  of  this  city  have  been  for  many  years 
one  of  the  principal  factors  in  its  industrial  development.  Edward  S.  Woolner 
has  been  for  more  than  twenty-five  years  actively  identified  with  the  liquor 
business  in  the  two  branches — distilling  and  brewing — which  has  made  it  promi- 
nent in  this  city.  He  is  now  secretary  and  general  manager  of  the  Union  Brew- 
ing Comi)any  at  1700  South  \\'ashington  street,  which  position  he  has  held  since 
1906.  He  was  born  in  Peoria  on  March  2&.  1876.  His  identification  with  the 
liquor  interests  is  a  matter  of  heritage,  his  father,  Jacob  Woolner,  being  one  of 
five  brothers  who  founded  the  Woolner  Distilling  Company,  which  burned 
down  a  few  years  ago,  was  rebuilt  and  eventually  sold  to  the  distilling  trust. 
Jacob  Woolner,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a  native  of  Hun- 
gary, having  been  born  in  Budapest.  He  came  to  America  in  1874,  settling 
immediately  in  Peoria,  where  he  died  March  20,  1910,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
four  years,  having  been  recognized  during  his  life  as  one  of  the  most  prominent 
and  active  business  men  of  this  city.  He  was  prominent  in  the  wholesale 
liquor  business  all  during  his  life  and  built  the  Union  Distillery  on  the  site  where 
the  Union  depot  now  stands.  The  Grove  Distillery  of  this  city  is  also  the  result 
of  the  progressive  ideas  of  Jacob  Woolner  and  was  erected  a  few  years  before 
his  retirement  from  active  life.  His  widow.  Anna  Woolner.  is  still  a  resident 
of  Peoria  but  spends  much  of  her  time  in  traveling  in  various  European  cities. 

The  public  schools  of  Peoria  aft'orded  Edward  S.  Woolner  his  primary  and 
grammar  education.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  Peoria  high  school,  which  he  left 
to  enter  the  University  of  Illinois,  where  he  received  the  degree  of  E.  E.  in 
1901.  The  following  year  he  went  to  Chicago  to  enter  the  wholesale  whiskey 
business,  which  he  carried  on  successfully  in  that  city  for  five  years.  During 
this  period  he  became  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  details  of  whiskey  manu- 
facture and  his  earnest  and  energetic  qualities  of  mind  rapidly  developed  him 
into  an  expert  distiller.  In  1906  he  returned  to  Peoria  and  became  identified  with 
the  Lnion  Brewing  Company  and  was  shortly  afterward  elected  to  the  posi- 
tion of  secretary  and  general  manager,  in  which  capacity  he  is  still  acting. 

Mr.  Woolner  is  a  republican  in  politics  but  beyond  casting  his  vote  at  each 
election  for  the  candidate  of  his  party  he  takes  no  active  part  in  public  affairs. 
He  is  a  prominent  ;\Iason  and  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  He  is  well 
known  socially  in  this  city  and  has  hundreds  of  friends  to  whom  his  rapid  suc- 
cess is  a  great  gratification. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  843 

On  September  21.  1904,  Mr.  Woolner  was  married  to  Miss  Agatha  Ross,  a 
(laughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacob  .\.  Ross,  tlie  former  a  pioneer  distiller  of  St. 
Louis.  Since  his  connection  with  the  Union  Brewing  Company  in  1906  that 
enterjjrise  has  trijiled  its  ca])acity.  The  market  for  its  output  extends  far  be- 
yond local  limits  and  even  beyond  state  boundaries.  The  beer  from  its  brewery 
is  well  known  in  the  middle  west  and  the  progress  and  development  of  the  busi- 
ness have  been  largely  the  result  of  the  commercial  acumen,  the  ability  and  energy 
of  Edward  S.  \A'oolner  who  is  at  jiresent  in  active  control  of  its  jiolicy. 


FRANK  W.  REED. 


One  of  the  foremost  representatives  of  real-estate  interests  in  Peoria  is  iMank 
W.  Reed,  an  extensive  dealer  in  farm  lands,  handling  property  not  only  all  over 
Illinois  but  also  in  North  and  South  Dakota  and  in  Canada.  He  has  been  a 
representative  of  this  business  in  Peoria  county  for  thirty-one  years,  of  which 
period  twenty  years  were  spent  in  Elmwood  ere  his  removal  to  the  city  of 
Peoria  eleven  years  ago.  His  birth  occurred  upon  a  farm  in  Elmwood  township 
on  the  3d  of  August,  1858,  his  parents  being  William  and  Sarah  (McConnell) 
Reed,  who  were  early  settlers  of  this  part  of  the  state.  The  father  came  to 
Peoria  countv  from  the  vicinity  of  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  in  1848  and  for 
a  long  i)eriod  thereafter  was  closely  identified  with  general  progress  and  im- 
provement and  more  especially  with  the  agricultural  development  of  this  region. 
His  wife  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  they  were  married  near  Wheeling, 
West  N'irginia.  During  the  period  of  his  residence  here  William  Reed  became 
widely  and  favorably  known  not  because  he  figured  prominently  in  public  rela- 
tions but  because  in  the  daily  performance  of  life's  duties  he  was  faithful,  dili- 
gent and  reliable — (|ualities  which  in  every  land  and  clime  awaken  confidence 
and  regard.  He  died  on  the  old  homestead  farm  in  Elmwood  on  the  20th  of 
May,  1887,  and  is  survived  by  his  wife,  who  is  yet  a  resident  of  this  county. 

The  usual  experiences  of  farm  life  fell  to  the  lot  of  Frank  W.  Reed  in  his 
boyhood  and  vouth.  He  worked  in  the  fields  through  the  summer  months  and 
in  the  winter  seasons  attended  the  local  schools  until  he  entered  the  high  school 
at  Brimfield.  He  afterward  pursued  a  normal-school  course  in  Peoria  and  then 
took  up  the  profession  of  teaching,  which  he  followed  for  two  years  in  his  home 
district.  He  has  been  engaged  iu  the  real-estate  business,  however,  since  1880. 
in  which  year  he  also  became  a  representative  of  fire  insurance  interests  at  Elrn- 
wood.  For  twenty  years  he  continued  to  operate  in  real  estate,  making  his 
head(|uarters  in  his'  home  town,  but  eventually  sought  the  broader  opportunities 
opened  to  him  through  the  establishment  of  his  office  in  the  city  of  Peoria,  wdiere 
he  has  now  been  located  for  more  than  eleven  years.  1  le  has  a  well  appointed 
suite  of  rooms  in  the  Jefferson  building,  and  to  him  has  been  accorded  an  exten- 
sive clientage  because  he  has  shown  himself  thoroughly  conversant  with  realty 
values  and  straightforward  in  his  dealings. 

Mr,  Reed  has  been  married  twice.  His  first  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  Maud  Fisher,  died  in  Elmwood,  leaving  two  children,  Florence  and 
\'esta.  His  second  wife,  who  prior  to  her  marriage  was  (irace  Walker,  was 
killed  in  a  railroad  wreck  near  Staunton,  Illinois,  on  the  4th  of  October,  1910. 
Mr.  Reed  holds  membership  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  P^ellows  and 
the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  has  always  been  interested  in  affairs 
of  local  progress  and  contributes  to  the  work  of  general  improvement  in  many 
practical  and  tangible  ways.  For  an  extended  period  he  served  as  a  member 
of  the  Elmwood  school  board  and  the  cause  of  education  has  ever  found  in  him 
a  helpful  and  progressive  friend.  His  business  interests  have  been  of  contin- 
ually increasing  importance  and  yet  he  does  not  claim,  as  many  business  men 


844  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

do,  that  he  has  no  time  nor  opportunity  for  pubHc  service.  He  makes  it  a  point 
to  remain  conversant  with  the  conditions  and  needs  of  the  community  and  to 
give  his  active  and  loyal  support  to  the  various  projects  and  movements  insti- 
tuted for  public  Ijenefit. 


COLONEL  JOHN  DICKSON  McCLURE. 

No  name  is  mentioned  in  temis  of  higher  honor  and  respect  than  that  of 
Colonel  John  Dickson  AlcClure.  He  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Peoria 
county,  but  it  was  not  the  length  of  his  residence  there  that  made  him  a  lead- 
ing citizen.  The  part  which  he  took  in  the  development  and  upbuilding  of  the 
county  placed  him  with  its  founders  and  promoters.  X'arious  interests  which 
have  featured  in  the  progress  of  this  part  of  the  state  bore  the  impress  of  his 
individuality.  He  was  a  man  who  never  lowered  his  standard,  and  upon  his 
banner  were  emblazoned  the  words  justice,  truth  and  progress.  His  manuei 
was  such  as  won  him  friends.  He  was  approachable,  genial  and  kindly,  had 
high  appreciation  for  good  qualities  in  others  and  was  ever  ready  to  extend  a 
helping  hand. 

Colonel  JNIcClure  was  boru  in  Franklin  county,  Pennsylvania,  November  4. 
1835,  and  in  the  paternal  line  was  of  Irish  descent.  The  family  was  founded  in 
America  by  his  great-great-grandfather  Richard  McClure,  who  left  his  home 
in  the  north  of  Ireland  prior  to  the  year  1730  and  became  a  resident  of  Paxtang 
township,  in  what  was  then  Lancaster  county.  Pennsylvania.  He  secured  a 
tract  of  uncultivated  land  of  six  hundred  acres  and  became  a  factor  in  the  early 
agricultural  development  of  that  state.  His  second  son  was  Richard  McClure 
who,  upon  arriving  at  years  of  maturity,  wedded  Margaret  Wright,  a  native  of 
Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania.  They  became  parents  of  Robert  AlcClure.  who 
was  born  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  married  Aliss  Priscilla  Espy, 
who  was  likewise  born  in  Dauphin  county.  They  were  the  grandparents  of 
Colonel  McClure,  whose  father  was  Josiah  Espy  McClure.  The  latter  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Jane  Dickson,  a  descendant  of  James  Dickson,  who 
was  also  a  native  of  the  Emerald  isle,  and  became  the  founder  of  the  familv  in 
the  new  world.  His  son,  John  Dickson,  was  born  in  Adams  county,  Pennsylvania, 
and  married  Miss  Jane  Russell,  a  native  of  Gettysburg.  It  was  their  daughter 
Jane  who  became  the  wife  of  Josiah  Espy  McClure. 

In  the  place  of  his  nativity  Colonel  AlcClure  spent  his  youthful  days  until 
thirteen  years  of  age  and  then  came  to  the  middle  west,  arriving  in  Peoria  in 
1849.  His  early  education,  acquired  in  the  schools  of  Pennsylvania,  was  supple- 
mented by  further  study  in  Galesburg.  Illinois.  He  entered  business  circles  in 
connection  with  the  lumber  and  grain  trade  and  operated  in  that  field  of  com- 
merce until  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war.  His  patriotic  spirit  was  aroused 
and  he  could  no  longer  content  himself  to  engage  in  business  while  the  stability 
of  the  Union  was  threatened.  He  therefore  offered  his  services  to  the  govern- 
ment, joined  the  P'orty-seventh  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  elected  captain  of 
Company  C,  which  he  commanded  for  a  year.  He  was  then  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  major  and  six  months  later  was  given  command  of  the  regiment  with 
the  title  of  colonel,  continuing  in  that  position  for  a  year  and  a  half,  or  until 
the  term  of  service  of  the  regiment  had  expired.  On  one  occasion,  while  serv- 
ing as  picket  officer  on  the  staff  of  General  Sherman,  he  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  breast  and  his  horse  was  shot  from  under  him. 

Colonel  JMcClure  returned  home  with  the  most  creditable  military  record, 
and  his  fellow  townsmen,  proud  of  his  service  and  recognizing  his  ability  in  other 
directions,  honored  him  with  election  to  civic  office.  He  was  called  to  the  posi- 
tion of  clerk  of  the  county  court  in  which  he  served  for  eighteen  months,  and 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  8-to 

then  retirint^,  turned  his  attention  to  the  real-estate  and  loan  business.  How- 
ever, he  was  again  called  to  office,  being  chosen  a  member  of  the  Peoria  county 
board  of  supervisors  on  which  he  served  for  a  period  of  twelve  years,  doing 
important  work  in  furthering  the  best  interests  of  the  county.  He  also  served 
for  one  term  on  the  first  park  board  of  Peoria  and  for  ten  years  as  member  of 
the  old  Mercantile  Library  board,  and  a  member  of  the  committee  which  super- 
intended the  erection  of  the  new  library.  During  this  time  he  continued  in  the 
real-estate  and  loan  Ijusiness  and  his  sound  judgment  and  discrimination  were 
strongly  manifest  in  that  connection.  He  handled  much  valuable  properties, 
negotiated  many  important  realty  transfers  and  won  success  in  his  well  directed 
efforts  and  judicious  investments. 

On  the  i/th  of  September,  1863,  Colonel  McClure  was  united  in  marriage 
in  Peoria,  to  Miss  \'irginia  Cunningham,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  four 
children:  Martha  Herron,  now  the  wife  of  Luther  M.  Thurlow ;  Jane  Dickson, 
who  is  married  to  Frederick  F.  Blossom  and  has  two  children,  Frederick  Mc- 
Clure and  John  Dickson;  William  Cunningham;  and  George  Nathaniel. 

Colonel  McClure  always  voted  with  the  republican  i>arty  from  its  organiza- 
tion and  firmly  believed  in  its  principles.  He  maintained  pleasant  relations  with 
his  old  army  comrades  through  his  membership  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic  and  with  the  Loyal  Legion.  He  also  held  membership  in  the  Second 
Presbvterian  church.  He  had  a  very  wide  acquaintance  in  this  county  and  en- 
joyed the  high  regard  of  all  wdio  knew  him.  He  was  a  valued  member  of  the 
Old  Settlers'  Association  and  was  treasurer  of  the  Historical  Society  for  many 
vears.  His  standing  in  public  regard  is  perhaps  best  indicated  in  the  resolutions 
passed  by  the  Peoria  County  Old  Settlers'  Association  which  read  as  follows : 
"Colonel  John  D.  McClure  was  one  of  the  pioneer  residents  of  Peoria  county. 
His  life  was  closely  interwoven  with  its  development  and  progress,  and  at  all 
times  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  work  of  the  early  pioneer  and  the  main- 
tenance of  the  records  of  their  achievements. 

"Colonel  McClure  was  held  in  the  highest  esteem.  He  was  regarded  for  his 
splendid  war  record,  his  business  ability,  his  honorable  dealings  between  man  and 
man,  his  conscientious  attention  to  affairs  entrusted  to  his  hands.  His  integrity, 
honor,  breadth  of  character,  his  loyalty  and  patriotism,  his  love  for  neighbors 
and  his  kindliness,  charity  and  geniality  are  commended  to  the  rising  generations. 

"The  Peoria  County  Old  Settlers'  Association  is  not  unmindful  of  Colonel 
McClure's  interest  in  its  work.  He  was  an  early  member,  later  a  director,  served 
as  president,  alwavs  with  efficiencv  and  enthusiasm.  The  association  feels  keenl\ 
bis  death  and  deplores  his  passing  from  its  activities. 

"Therefore,  in  this  manner,  it  desires  to  make  known  to  the  public  its  high 
estimate  of  Colonel  McClure  as  a  man  and  a  citizen,  especially  for  his  identifica- 
tion in  this  association,  and  expresses  to  Mjs.  McClure  and  members  of  the 
familv  its  heartfelt  sympathy  in  their  bereavement,  and  to  the  citv  of  Peoria 
tor  its  irreparable  loss  in  the  passing  of  so  distinguished  a  citizen." 


W  II.I'.l"R    I.  SLEMMONS. 

Willnir  I.  Slemmons  holds  a  high  ])osition  in  Peoria  today  as  a  jurist,  lawyer 
and  citizen.  His  career  has  been  marked  since  its  beginning  by  high  standards 
of  legal  morality  and  professional  attainments,  and  his  public  spirit  has  been 
rewarded  at  different  times  during  his  life  by  his  election  to  public  office.  He 
was  born  at  Creston,  Ohio.  September  20,  1861,  the  son  of  Samuel  M.  and  Rachel 
P.  Slemmons.  He  was  educated  in  the  grade  and  high  schools  of  Creston,  and 
later  attended  the  University  of  Wooster,  Ohio,  graduating  from  the  classical 
course  with  the  class  of  1884.     He  also  studied  law  in  Ohio,  and  was  admitted 


846  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

to  the  bar  of  that  state.  He  practiced  in  Ohio  with  much  success  for  two  years, 
and  in  1886,  he  removed  to  Peoria  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  IlHnois. 

From  the  time  of  his  admission  to  the  bar  of  this  state  until  1902,  ]\Ir.  Slem- 
mons  engaged  in  the  general  practice  of  law  in  this  city,  gaining  new  clients  and  a 
more  favorable  reinitation  each  year.  The  legal  profession  rec|uires  a  peculiar  type 
of  mind,  logical,  clear  and  unwavering,  and  this  type  of  mind  Mr.  Slemmons  pos- 
sesses in  an  eminent  degree.  His  attainments  are  of  a  high  order.  He  has  a 
reputation  for  soundness  of  judgment,  keen  discrimination,  rapid  comprehension 
of  detail  and  a  shrewd  and  unbiased  mind.  Possessed  of  these  qualities,  no  lawyer 
could  fail  of  success,  and  Mr.  Slemmons'  career  has  been  an  exemplification  of 
their  value  in  the  legal  profession. 

Wilbur  I.  Slemmons  has  always  been  actively  interested  in  local  politics,  being 
consistently  democratic  in  his  affiliations.  He  was  elected  judge  of  Peoria 
county  in  Xovember,  igo2,  and  his  record  in  that  capacity  at  the  expiration 
of  his  term  was  recognized  by  his  reelection  to  the  office  in  1906.  During  his 
eight  years'  service  as  county  judge,  Mr.  Slemmons  gained  for  himself  the 
esteem  of  the  voters  of  Peoria  county.  His  career  in  county  politics  was  marked 
by  an  intelligent  performance  of  the  duties  of  his  office  and  a  keen  comprehen- 
sion of  its  many  details.  Mr.  Slemmons  is  now  occupied  with  a  general  law- 
practice  in  this  city,  and  is  well  known  as  one  of  the  leading  attorneys  of  F'eoria. 

Fraternally,  Mr.  Slemmons  is  a  prominent  Mason,  belonging  to  the  Peoria 
Consistorv,  A.  A.  S.  R.,  and  is  a  member  of  Mohammed  Temple.  Xobles  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine,  of  which  he  was  potentate  for  two  terms.  He  belongs  to  Peoria 
Camp  No.  802,  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  served  for  six  years  as  its 
clerk.  He  is  prominent  in  the  order  of  Maccabees,  and  holds  membership  in 
the  Fort  Clark  Lodge.  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  also  a  member  of  Peoria  Lodge,  No. 
260,  Knights  of  Pythias,  of  Huron  Tribe,  No.  93,  Redmen,  and  is  active  in  the 
Knights  of  Khorassans.  Socially,  he  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club. 
He  attends  the  Presbyterian  church. 

On  October  12.  iSSfi.  in  Wooster.  Ohio,  Mr.  Slemmons  married  Nettie  Ta\- 
lor,  a  daughter  of  Bruce  and  Jane  Taylor  of  that  city.  Air.  Slemmons  is  in  the 
full  tide  of  his  career,  active,  busy  and  prosperous  and  his  life  has  been  an 
exemplification  of  the  rewards  of  honesty  and  ability  in  his  chosen  field  of 
endeavor. 


HORACE  CLARK.  Sr. 


When  sound  business  judgment  is  combined  with  the  principles  of  integrity 
and  morality  the  end  is  certain.  The  success  which  Horace  Clark,  Sr.,  achieved 
was  the  logical  outcome  of  his  intelligently  directed  industry  and  his  fair  dealing. 
He  worked  for  many  years  as  a  representative  business  man  of  Peoria  and  one 
whose  personality  was  a  factor  in  the  business  development  and  growth  of  the 
city.  He  was  born  at  Sardinia.  Erie  county.  New  York.  January  6,  1823,  his 
parents  being  Horace  and  Malinda  (Condee)  Clark.  In  the  maternal  line  he  was 
descended  from  Prince  Conde,  a  French  Huguenot,  who  survived  the  massacre 
of  St.  Bartholomew  and,  being  expatriated,  fled  to  England.  Crossing  the  At- 
lantic he  joined  the  New  Haven  colony,  becoming  the  founder  of  the  family  in 
the  new  world.  The  Clark  family  as  far  back  as  the  ancestry  can  be  traced  had  its 
origin  in  England,  where  representatives  of  the  line  are  still  prominent  in  manu- 
facturing circles.  Horace  Clark,  the  father,  was  a  capable  attorney  and  promi- 
nent business  man  and  also  became  a  recognized  political  leader  of  Erie  county. 
New  York,  where  he  filled  the  office  of  county  clerk  to  which  he  w-as  elected 
in  1834.  At  that  time  the  family  removed  to  Buffalo,  making  that  city  thereafter 
their  [lermanent  home,  the  father  there  passing  away  in  1858. 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  849 

Starting  in  life  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  Horace  Clark  spent  two  years  as 
a  clerk  in  a  country  store  and  then  removed  westward,  impelled  by  the  double 
purpose  of  beiietiting  his  health  by  a  change  of  climate  and  the  desire  to 
enjoy  the  business  advantages  offered  in  this  new  but  growing  section  of  the 
country.  He  first  settled  at  Morton,  Tazewell  county,  Illinois,  upon  land  which 
his  father  had  purchased,  and  began  the  development  of  three  hundred  and 
twentv  acres  which  up  to  that  time  was  raw  prairie.  He  more  closely  identified 
liimself  with  the  middle  west  two  years  later  when  he  married  and  thus  laid  the 
foundation  for  a  home.  He  continued  actively  to  engage  in  farming  until  i8f)i. 
when  he  came  to  Peoria  and  engaged  in  the  milling  and  feed  business  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Clark,  1  lanna  iS:  Comi^any.  In  1877  the  firm  was  dissolved. 
Mr.  Clark  remaining  as  sole  proprietor  until  he  admitted  his  sons  to  a  partner- 
ship, the  firm  style  of  Horace  Clark  &  Sons  Company  being  then  assumed.  In 
all  of  his  business  undertakings  the  father  met  v^'ith  substantial  success  which  had 
its  foundation  in  sound  judgment  and  correct  business  principles.  He  never 
sought  to  take  advantage  of  another  in  any  business  transaction.  He  was  strictly 
fair  and  just  and  his  enterprise  and  progressive  methods  constituted  the  motive 
power  in  his  continuous  advancement.  Men  learned  to  know  that  what  he 
promised  he  would  do,  that  his  estimate  re])resented  real  value.  His  course  was 
not  molded  bv  public  oijinion  but  by  principles  which  had  their  basic  root  in  the 
highest  moral  civilization  and  Christian  teaching. 

In  many  ways  Mr.  Clark  was  closely  identified  with  Peoria  and  her  progress. 
He  was  elected  the  first  president  of  the  Board  of  Trade  following  its  organiza- 
tion and  was  the  only  man  ever  reelected  to  that  office,  and  was  identified  there- 
with to  the  time  of  his  death.  His  political  allegiance  was  originally  given  to  the 
whig  partv  and  he  was  a  member  of  the  state  convention  at  llloomington  which 
in  May,  1856,  organized  the  republican  ])arty  in  Illinois.  He  remained  thereafter 
one  of  its  most  earnest  advocates  and  yet  he  never  countenanced  a  political 
measure  that  would  not  bear  the  strong  light  of  close  investigation.  He  did  not 
believe  in  party  management  for  individual  ends  but  believed  that  political  power 
-hould  be  used  to  conserve  the  best  interests  of  the  majority  and  ever  labored 
along  ]:)olitical  lines  with  that  end  in  view. 

.Mr.  Clark  was  married  in  1845,  the  lady  of  his  choice  being  Miss  Mary  Eliza- 
beth Kingsbury.  They  became  parents  of  four  children,  the  only  daughter  dying 
in  infancy.  The  three  sons,  George  C,  Charles  D.  and  Horace  Jr.,  are  all  active 
business  men  of  Peoria.  The  first  named  became  connected  with  his  father  in 
the  milling  and  feed  business  while  Charles  D.  is  engaged  in  business  as  the 
president  of  the  Clark- Smith  Hardware  Company.  Special  mention  is  made  of 
liim  on  another  page  in  this  work.  Horace  Clark,  Jr.,  is  a  representative  of  the 
coal  trade.  The  home  relations  were  exceedingly  happy,  Mr.  Clark  being  devoted 
to  the  welfare  of  his  wife  and  children.  Creat  sorrow,  however,  came  to  him  on 
the  15th  of  I'ebruary,  1889.  in  the  death  of  Mrs.  Clark,  whom  he  survived  until 
the  nth  of  August,  1902.  They  had  both  been  active  and  helpful  members  of 
the  First  Congregational  church,  making  generous  contribution  to  its  su])]Jort  and 
doing  all  in  their  power  to  extend  its  influence.  For  thirty-eight  consecutive 
vears  .Mr.  Clark  was  chairman  of  the  board  of  trustees  and  was  serving  in  that 
capacity  when  the  present  house  of  worship  was  erected.  His  work  in  the  church, 
however,  was  but  one  i)hase  of  his  Christian  life.  His  religious  prinicples  became 
a  part  of  his  dailv  living  and  thought.  He  endeavored  ever  to  follow  the  (lolden 
Rule  in  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen  nor  was  there  about  him  the  least  show 
of  a  Pharisaical  sjiirit.  .\  word  of  encouragement  here,  a  kind  deed  there,  a 
work  of  charity,  and  thus  day  after  day  he  exemplified  in  his  life  the  Christian 
teaching  of  Him  who  came  to  minister  and  not  to  be  ministered  unto.  He  was 
in  his  eightieth  year  at  the  time  of  his  death.  To  him  was  accorded  the  precious 
prize  of  keen  mentality  until  the  last.  His  friends  have  missed  him  but  the  mem- 
ory of  his  upright  life,  of  his  sincerity  and  simplicity,  are  not  forgotten,      i  lis 


850  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

friemls  do  not  mourn  for  him  as  they  vvonld  for  a  young  man  cut  off  in  the  flower 
and  premise  of  his  youth,  but  they  rejoice  in  and  honor  his  memory  as  that  of  a 
man  who  laid  down  his  task  in  the  twilight  of  the  day,  when  all  that  he  had  to 
do  had  been  nobly,  beautifullv  and  fully  completed. 


HON.  MARK  M.  BASSETT. 

Hon.  Mark  M.  Bassett  was  long  an  honored  resident  of  Peoria  and  the 
strongest  characteristic  of  his  life,  perhaps,  was  loyalty.  It  was  manifest  dur- 
ing his  service  as  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war,  afterward  as  a  citizen  in  both  official 
and  private  relations ;  it  was  an  ecjually  strong  element  in  his  home  and  in  his 
friendships  and  was  a  forceful  element  in  all  of  his  business  and  professional 
connections.  Illinois  has  every  reason  to  be  proud  of  the  fact  that  Mark  M. 
ijassett  was  one  of  her  native  sons  as  well  as  her  citizens  for  many  years.  He 
was  born  in  Schuyler  county,  Illinois,  March  27,  1837,  and  died  in  Peoria  on 
the  i6th  of  June,  1910.  His  father  was  a  native  of  Kentucky  but  passed  away 
during  the  infancy  of  Mark,  who  spent  his  youth  upon  a  farm  while  a  near-by 
school  a'fiforded  him  a  few  weeks'  of  educational  opportunities  each  year.  His 
only  sister  married  when  he  was  seven  years  of  age  and  offered  to  him  and  the 
widowed  mother  a  home.  He  thereafter  devoted  the  greater  part  of  his  time 
each  year  to  the  work  of  developing  wild  land  and  ultimately  improving  and 
cultivating  the  fields  that  had  been  reclaimed,  so  developing  habits  of  industr\-. 
energy  and  perseverance  which  were  added  to  the  quality  of  sterling  integrity 
which  was  ever  a  characteristic  of  the  Carlocks  of  Mrginia,  from  whom  he 
was  descended  in  the  maternal  line.  When  he  was  twenty  years  of  age  he  left 
the  farm  in  August,  1857,  and  formed  a  partnership  for  the  conduct  of  a  grain 
and  stock  business  and  general  country  i^tore.  The  new  venture  proved  profit- 
able and  in  time  Mr.  Bassett  bought  out  his  partner's  interest,  continuing 
alone  until  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  when,  in  December,  1861, 
he  responded  to  the  country's  call  for  troops  and  went  to  the  front  as  a  Union 
soldier  belonging  to  Company  E,  I'ifty-third  regiment  of  Illinois  \'olunteers. 
lie  participated  in  a  numljer  of  the  hotly  contested  engagements  duriiig 
the  early  part  of  the  vcar  and  was  one  of  the  hundred  or  more  men  who 
tunnelled  under  the  earth  and  made  their  escape  from  Libby  prison.  The  in- 
teresting and  thrilling  storj'  of  how  he  finally  fought  his  way  to  freedom  is 
perhaps  best  told  in  his  own  words.  Writing  of  this  experience  he  says:  "After 
the  capture  of  ^"icksburg,  ^Mississippi,  on  July  4,  1863,  that  branch  of  the  army 
to  which  my  regiment  belonged  was  ordered  to  pursue  General  Joseph  E.  John- 
son, who  had  been  attacking  it  in  the  rear,  and  five  days'  rations  were  issued  to 
us;  but  while  we  were  getting  ready  to  break  camp  thirty-one  thousand  rebels, 
who  had  surrendered  imder  General  John  C.  F'emberton,  thronged  over  their 
breastworks  and  ours,  and,  as  they  had  suft"ered  from  hunger  during  the  siege, 
we  gave  them  all  of  our  five  days'  rations.  So  it  was  not  imtil  the  fifth  that  we 
received  an  additional  five  days'  rations  and  started  on  the  march  to  Jackson, 
^Mississippi,  fifty  miles  east  of  Vicksburg,  which  place  we  reached  on  the  evening 
of  the  nth.  On  Sunday,  the  12th,  our  brigade,  consisting  of  the  Third  Iowa, 
Thirty-third  Wisconsin  and  Twenty-eighth.  Forty-first  and  Fifty-third  Illinois, 
attacked  the  Confederate  breastworks  at  Jackson  and  after  hard  fightnig  was  re- 
pulsed with  great  loss.  Our  regiment,  the  Fifty-third  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry, 
was  a  large  one,  yet  on  the  morning  after  the  battle  only  sixty-six  officers  and  men 
lesponded  to  roll  call  and  the  other  regiments  suiifered  accordingly.  Many  were 
killed,  among  them  our  colonel,  S.  C.  Earle,  from  Earlville,  Illinois,  and  many 
line  officers  were  wounded  and  captured.  I  was  one  of  these,  having  been 
wounded  by  a  fragment  of  a  bursting  shell,  though  not  seriously.     The  officers 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  851 

were  taken  to  Libby  rrison.  KichnKnul.  \irginia,  arriving  there  July  20.  The 
men  from  the  ranks  were  taken  to  Belle  Isle,  on  the  James  river,  near  by.  Libby 
I'rison  was  a  large,  thick-walled  brick  building,  three  stories  high  on  one  street 
— the  front — and  having  a  basement  under  the  opposite  side  on  a  lower  street, 
was  four  stories.  The  lower  street  bordered  on  the  canal  and  took  its  name 
therefrom.  The  higher  street  at  the  front  was  Carey  street.  Just  prior  to  its 
being  used  as  a  prison  the  building  was  a  tobacco  warehouse,  owned  by  Libby 
&  Sons.  On  each  floor  of  this  warehouse  were  three  rooms,  each  of  which  I 
should  say  was  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet  long  by  forty  feet  wide.  The  doors 
and  windows  were  all  heavily  iron  barred.  On  our  arrival  there  were  already 
about  twelve  hundred  prisoners — all  officers,  remember,  for  except  for  a  very 
short  time  early  in  its  use  as  a  prison,  only  commissioned  officers  were  confined 
there.  This  will  guide  you  in  knowing  the  false  from  the  true  aspirant  to  the 
fame  of  having  been  a  jjrisoner  in  Libby.  Fifty  surgeons  and  as  many  chaplains 
were  included  in  this  list.  Among  these  Chaplain  McCabe,  since  Bishop  Mc- 
Cabe,  and  the  great  temperance  apostle,  General  Neal  Dow,  of  Maine,  Colonel 
A.  D.  Straight  of  Indiana  and  others,  men  of  note  at  that  time  and  since  then 
widely  known.  Our  lieds  were  our  blankets,  with  our  boots  for  pillows  on  the 
hard  floor.  Our  food  was  coarse  corn  bread,  rice  and  .sometimes  bacon  and 
beans,  in  whatever  degree  of  staleness  the  meat  happened  to  be,  and  of  the  poorest 
ciualitv.  There  were  games  for  some  of  the  men  who  were  expert  chess  players ; 
others  studied  such  books  as  they  could  get,  but  our  pastime  was  mostly  hunting 
vermin,  varied  only  according  to  individual  need  and  opportunity.  One  could 
have  learned  something  of  the  languages  and  history,  for  men  of  education  were 
there  and  time  hung  heavily  on  our  hands  and  heads  and  hearts.  But  the  foremost 
thought  of  each  one  was  of  'home'  and  how  to  get  out  of  this  'hole'  and  back  to 
'God's  countrv.'  Of  recreations  in  Libby  I'.ishop  IMcCabe  has  si)oken  for  many 
\-ears,  but  his  'liright  Side  of  Libby'  picture,  to  those  who  shared  that  prison 
life  and  have  heard  his  lecture,  is  colored  almost  beyond  recognition.  The  prison 
was  closelv  guarded  and  'rules'  were  very  strict  and  cruelties  were  repeatedly 
practiced  which  were  not  set  down  in  the  rules.  When  a  'Yank'  was  seen  nearer 
a  window  than  the  'dead  line'  he  was  liable  to  be  shot  at  without  warning.  I 
was  witness  to  one  such  instance.  Lieutenant  Forsythe  of  the  One  Hundredth 
Ohio  (  from  Toledo,  I  think  )  sat  near  a  window  reading  a  paper,  when  a  guard 
outside  shot  him  through  the  head,  spattering  his  blood  and  brains  around.  No 
provocation  whatever !  There  came  in  after  years  a  romantic  sec|uel  to  this  sad 
storv  and  it  should  be  recorded  here.  In  1 807,  at  the  National  Encampment  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.  I  related  the  manner  of 
Lieutenant  Forsythe's  death.  A  reporter  reproduced  my  account,  greatly  en- 
larged and  elaborately  embellished,  next  day  in  the  Leader  under  sensational 
headlines.  Xot  long  after  my  return  home  I  received  a  letter  from  a  lady  in 
one  of  the  Xew  England  states  saying  that  some  one  had  sent  her  a  copy  of  the 
I  .eadcr'  containing  the  account  of  Lieutenant  Forsythe's  death ;  that  she  was 
his  betrothed  wife  at  that  time  and  had  never  before  known  how  or  when  or 
where  he  died.  For  years  she  had  hoped  for  his  return,  but  had  mourned  him 
for  a  third  of  a  century.  This  positive  knowledge  had  been  a  satisfaction, 
though  a  sad  one,  to  her,  and  with  pitiful  yearning  she  asked  if  he  really  had 
spoken  to  me  of  her,  his  affianced.  I  was  obliged  to  tell  her  that  that  portion  of 
the  article  was  purely  a  figment  of  the  reporter's  fancy  for  1  was  not  acquainted 
with  him  sufficiently  to  warrant  such  confidences. 

"It  is  useless  to  dwell  ujjon  the  indignities  habitually  i)racticed  against  Union 
men  in  Confederate  prisons,  since  it  is  held  that  the  north  and  south  are  again 
united:  Init  I  know  one  man  who,  while  insane  because  of  his  ca[)ture,  was 
carted  around  the  streets  of  Richmond,  naked,  in  a  cage,  like  a  wild  beast,  and 
exhibited  as  a  'specimen  of  the  damned  ^'anks.■  This  was  W.  G.  Mellar  of 
Vermont,  Fulton  countv,  Illinois,  for  a  long  time  member  of  the  Illinois  State 


852  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

Board  of  Equalization.  These  are  side  entries  but  they  are  true,  however,  future 
historians  may  ignore  or  deny  them.  Note  that  in  July,  1863,  I  took  my  abode  in 
that  notorious  hostelry.  And  at  that  time  President  Lincoln  was  calling  for  more 
men,  and  in  some  way  we  had  knowledge  of  it  and  were  anxious  to  be  exchanged, 
or  if  this  could  not  be  effected,  were  eager  to  escape  and  go  again  to  the  front. 
In  about  three  months  thereafter  the  "tunnel'  was  planned  by  certain  men.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Rose  of  Pennsylvania,  a  civil  engineer,  being  one  of  the  princi- 
pals. Their  plans  and  also  their  work  were  necessarily  kept  a  secret  among  a 
selected  few-,  less  they  should  be  disclosed  by  an  unguarded  word  or  look  to 
our  captors.  The  entrance  of  the  tunnel  was  through  an  outer  wall  at  the  end 
of  the  warehouse,  in  a  basement  room  under  the  hospital  of  the  prison,  a  room 
used  only  as  a  dumping  place  for  rulibish  from  the  one  above.  This  basement 
was  reached  through  a  fireplace  in  the  middle  room  above  by  removing  some  of 
the  bricks  and  passing  down  through  the  chimney,  not  into  the  room  beneath, 
but  to  the  one  adjoining,  by  means  of  a  rope  ladder.  When  men  had  gone  down 
to  work  the  bricks  were  replaced  and  the  fireplace  looked  intact.  This  w^as  no 
Hoosac  tunnel,  but  was  about  sixty  feet  long,  undulating  in  its  course  and  only 
large  enough  to  permit  the  passage  of  a  man's  body.  If  the  man  was  a  large  one 
it  was  a  'tight  scpieeze'  to  get  through,  and  for  any  one  no  easy  process,  for  the 
eiTort  was  suffocating.  Colonel  Straight,  who  was  a  large-framed  man,  had  to 
remove  his  overcoat  and  tie  it  to  his  foot,  and  then  the  man  ahead  helped  to  pull 
him  and  the  man  behind  pushed  and,  at  last,  almost  overcome,  he  succeeded  in 
getting  through.  The  excavation  was  made  with  such  bits  of  hard  wood  or  iron 
as  could  be  found  and  utilized  in  that  way.  When  I  worked  my  implement  was 
a  piece  of  gate  hinge,  a  strap  hinge,  and  the  dirt  was  put  into  a  wooden  box. 
such  as  was  made  for  a  spittoon,  about  ten  inches  square  at  the  bottom,  flaring 
at  the  top,  and  perhaps  eight  inches  deep.  To  this  a  string  was  tied,  one  end  of 
which  was  tied  to  the  foot  of  the  man  at  work  and  the  other  was  held  by  a 
'helper'  at  the  entrance.  A  jerk  on  the  string  from  within  signified  the  box  was 
full,  when  the  helper  drew  it  out  and  emptied  it  on  the  floor,  covering  it  with 
straw  and  discarded  rags  of  clothing  and  other  rubbish  which  was  dumped  there 
from  the  beds  and  bodies  of  patients  who  had  died  in  the  hospital  just  above, 
from  smallpox  or  other  infectious  diseases.  The  question  has  often  been  asked, 
'How  could  so  much  dirt  be  hidden?'  In  this  way  it  was  well  hidden,  and  m  this 
way  only,  for  the  white  southerners  avoided  this  rubbish  for  fear  of  infection, 
and  the  colored  roustal)out,  from  superstitious  fear  of  the  dead,  so  recently  con- 
nected with  the  cast-oflf  things.  So  we  were  not  detected  in  our  work,  which 
was  done  at  night  undisturbed.  After  several  schemes  had  been  tried  and  found 
lacking  or  abandoned  because  not  deemed  feasible,  the  tunnel  was  decided  upon 
and  finally  finished,  and  in  the  night  between  February  9  and  10,  1864,  one  hun- 
dred and  nine  or  one  hundred  and  ten  men  made  their  escape  through  it.  There 
has  alwavs  been  a  difi^erence  of  one  in  the  various  records.  It  was  the  intention 
that  some  should  escape  each  night,  so  long  as  it  was  possible  to  cover  the  loss ; 
and  to  that  end  when  roll  was  called  on  the  morning  of  February  10  some  of  the 
men  who  had  already  answered  would  slip  out  into  another  room,  come  in  again 
through  another  door  and  answer  'here'  to  some  other  name.  This  puzzled  the 
sergeant  who  called  the  roll,  for  though  he  had  learned  that  some  of  the  prisoners 
had  escaped,  there  was  no  lack  in  number.  Lieutenant  Grififin  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Twelfth  Illinois  Infantry,  who  was  unable,  because  of  rheumatism,  to  at- 
temiJt  to  escape,  told  us  of  this  and  of  how  loyally  all  the  prisoners  present  tried 
to  shield  the  absentees,  and  by  so  doing  to  make  their  own  opportunity  to  escape 
later  by  the  same  avenue  more  certain.  Some  time  during  that  day  one  Lieu- 
tenant Hall  was  recaptured  within  the  city  limits  and  gave  the  facts  of  the  es- 
cape so  far  as  he  knew  them,  and  so,  of  course,  put  an  end  to  any  more  de- 
liveries. When  the  officers  in  charge  realized  that  men  had  escaped  they  had  all 
the  guards  arrested,  believing  that  they  had  connived  with  us  for  our  escape;  for 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  853 

Ihey  could  find  no  way  of  egress  and  not  until  Hall  divulged  the  secret  did  they 
know  of  the  tunnel,  for  its  exit  was  across  the  street  in  a  lumberyard  behind  a 
high  hoard  fence.  I  am  explicit  in  this  writing,  believing  you  will  care  to  keep 
it  as  a  document  and  authentic  record,  to  be  referred  to  and  treasured  as  an  un- 
biased, uncolored,  unprejudiced  statement  of  one  of  the  participators,  which  has 
been  several  times  compared  with  others  kept  by  men  of  unciuestioned  integrity 
who  shared  this  experience,  and  found  to  be  in  agreement.  I  followed  Captain 
f.  D.  riattield,  of  Comijany  H.  Fifty-third  Illinois,  into  and  out  of  the  tunnel, 
and  we  had  intended  to  keep  together  (we  were  captured  in  the  same  battle) 
but  when  Hatfield  found  himself  at  the  surface  the  impulse  of  self-preservation 
gave  emphasis  to  the  fear  of  recapture  and  he  started  otT  alone.  When  I  could 
see  the  stars  above  me  I  heard  some  one  breathing  heavily  behind  me  down  in 
the  tunnel  and,  waiting  a  moment,  found  it  was  my  friend.  Dr.  Crawford,  of 
Havana,  Illinois,  my  own  neighborhood,  so  we  made  a  start  for  freedom  to- 
gether. Our  main  trouble  was  to  pass  the  rebel  lines  surrounding  the  city,  wdiich 
was  closely  guarded,  but  the  feat  was  accomplished  before  daylight  by  our  as- 
suming to' be  in  search  of  fuel  to  make  a  fire  to  warm  by;  so  picking  up  bits  of 
wood  here  and  there  we  were  supposed  to  be  freezing  'Johnnies'  and  were  not 
challenged.  We  headed  for  the  'White'  house,  eastward  on  the  Pamunky  river, 
where  we  believed  the  Union  troops  to  be.  We  traveled  only  by  night  and  away 
from  pujjlic  roads,  hiding  in  brushwood  or  fallen  tree  tops  by  day.  On  the 
fourth  night  out,  when  we  supposed  we  had  passed  beyond  the  probable  danger 
of  recapture,  we  neared  a  cabin  where  there  must  have  been  Confederates  vvho 
discovered  us,  for  soon  thev  had  bloodhounds  out  after  us.  We  carried  sticks 
of  iron-wood,  which  we  used  as  staves,  and  these  were  also  our  only  weapons 
of  defense,  and  with  these  we  beat  the  hounds  so  they  would  not  follow  the 
scent,  for  they  are  trained  to  hunt  in  ]:iacks,  and  when  the  leader  is  hurt  the  pack 
scatters.  The  scars  where  some  of  them  grabbed  my  calf  are  still  visible.  In 
the  fight  and  confusion  consequent  upon  such  a  'surprise'  we  ran  into  an  ex- 
tended line  of  rebel  pickets  and  two  South  Carolinans,  who  seemed  to  our  as- 
tonished eves  like  giants  with  mammoth  douljle-barreled  shotguns,  persuaded  us 
to  stay  our  flight :  and  we  were  returned  to  our  former  boarding  place  and  were 
crowded  into  "underground  dungeons  reeking  with  filth  and  vermin  of  all  sorts 
and  sizes  up  to  river  rats.  I  say  'crowded,'  for  about  sixty  of  those  who  escaped 
through  the  tunnel  were  recaptured  at  different  times  and  there  was  not  rooni 
for  each  bodv  to  rest  on  the  earth  floor  of  the  dungeons.  Heads  rested  on  others' 
bodies  and  knees  were  drawn  up  to  give  room  for  others'  limbs  to  pass  under 
theiu  :  and  there  was  no  release  from  such  cram])ed  conditions.  In  this  day  of 
deadly  fear  of  microbes  the  sometime  tenant  of  Libby  finds  grand  occasion  for 
smiles.  Here  our  fare  was  less  sumptuous  than  before  and  consisted  of  corn 
bread  and  water  onlv.  The  corn  bread  was  made  of  corn  cobs  and  husks  all 
ground  together,  and' so  made  up  without  sifting.  In  these  dungeons  we  stayed 
from  the  middle  of  February  until  removed  in  April,  when  Grant's  proximity 
to  Richmond  and  the  rebels'  consequent  fear  of  his  taking  it  led  to  our  being 
sent  farther  south,  to  Danville,  Mrginia,  and  a  short  time  later  to  !Macon, 
Georgia.  Next  we  were  sent  to  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  and  afterwards — 
sometime  probably  in  October,  1864,  to  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  to  new 
grounds,  which  were  to  become  a  stockade  prison.  There  we  remained,  still 
planning  escape,  until  it  was  seen  that  the  stockade  would  soon  be  completed 
and  our  chance  of  .getting  away  more  hazardous,  if  not  quite  impossible.  A  stock- 
ade is  made  of  heavy  timbers,  somewhat  like  railroad  ties,  driven  into  the  ground 
close  together,  making  a  solid  wall  from  ten  to  fourteen  feet  high.  This,  well 
guarded,  made  a  secure  prison,  with  the  sky  for  roof  and  the  earth  for  floor. 
So  before  the  gap  was  closed  a  party  of  nine  officers  ran  the  guard  in  the  dark- 
ness of  midnight,  about  two  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  joined  conii)any  for  a  tour,  yea, 
a  detour,  of  the  north.     We  soon  heard  shots  fired  after  us  1)\   the  guards,  who 


854  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

liad  spied  us,  i)ut  tliey  only  served  to  (|uicken  our  steps.  For  the  first  two  or 
three  nights  we  went  towards  Atlanta,  which  was  nearly  due  west ;  but  reason- 
ing that  the  enemy  would  probably  cover  more  territory  between  us  and  our 
army  at  that  place  we  changed  our  course  to  the  northwest,  hoping  to  reach 
Knoxville,  Tennessee,  by  crossing  the  Blue  Ridge  mountains.  Of  course  we 
traveled  only  by  night  and  never  on  a  public  highway,  subsisting  on  yams  found 
in  the  fields,  or  on  corn  bread  and  sorghum  obtained  from  the  colored  people 
who  were  always  our  friends  and  upon  whom  we  could  rely.  One  moonlight 
night,  the  thirteenth  of  our  escape,  while  crossing  a  field  we  were  discovered  by 
Confederate  soldiers  who  were,  presumably,  at  a  farm  house  near  b_v.  They  set 
out  after  us  on  horses  with  bloodhounds,  and  though  we  made  as  fast  time  as 
possible  they  were  gaining  on  us.  So  we  halted  and  held  a  'whispered  council 
of  war'  and  agreed  to  separate  into  squads  of  four,  three  and  two,  respectively. 
in  the  liope  that  by  so  doing  some  of  us  might  get  through.  Lieutenants  Oates 
and  Moore  made  up  the  squad  of  two ;  Captains  Wilson,  Skelton,  Welch  and 
Dusenberry,  the  four;  and  Captain  Stewart.  Lieutenant  Young  and  myself,  the 
three,  each  squad  taking  dilTerent  directions.  We  three  had  not  gone  far  when 
we  realized  that  the  hounds  were  not  following  us,  and  so  continued  on  our  way 
along  the  French  llroad  river  toward  its  source.  In  Transylvania  county.  North 
Carolina,  we  came  upon  a  Union  man  who  had  been  impressed  into,  and  had 
deserted  from  the  Confederate  service,  Joe  Flemming  Cison  by  name,  who  be- 
friended us,  as  he  did  others  in  like  straits,  and  whose  knowledge  of  all  that  wild 
mountain  country  made  him  a  desirable  guide  for  us,  as  others  had  been.  The 
mountaineers  were  generally  Union  men  and  suffered  accordingly,  although  too 
poor  and  too  remote  and  hard  of  access  to  be  sought  after  or  hunted  up.  They 
were  loyal  to  all  Union  men  or  soldiers  who  as  refugees  or  escaping  prisoners 
of  war  were  making  for  Union  lines.  One  of  these  mountaineers,  David  Led- 
ford,  had  led  us  on  our  way  many  miles ;  another  sent  his  fourteen-year-old 
son,  Thomas  Zachary,  to  guide  us  for  another  twenty  miles  or  more ;  and  I  re- 
member another,  Tom  Loftus,  who  secreted  us  for  several  days  in  his  vicinity 
before  taking  us  on  another  stage  of  our  mountain  journey.  Their  knowledge 
of  the  'lav  of  the  land'  and  of  points  where  we  would  be  likely  to  l)e  discovered, 
was  invaluable  to  us.  Ours  was  not  a  continuous  journey,  even  by  night,  for  there 
were  days  and  nights  together  when  we  had  to  'lay  low,'  hiding  in  huts  or  caves 
or  thickets  among  the  mountains,  not  daring  to  l_)uild  a  fire  lest  the  smoke  from 
it  disclose  our  hiding  place  to  some  enemy  in  the  'home'  or  in  the  'saddle.'  Alany 
thrilling  incidents  occurred  and  narrow  escapes  from  recapture,  some  of  which  I 
will  relate.  On  first  finding  ourselves  at  liberty  we  had  cut  stout  branches  which 
served  as  walking  sticks  and  were  also  our  only  weapons,  as  was  usually  the  case 
with  men  in  our  circumstances,  but  as  we  met  with  the  mountaineers  they  fur- 
nished us  with  guns  and  revolvers  and  as  our  party  was  often  joined  by  others — 
prisoners  escaping  like  ourselves,  or  by  deserters  from  the  rebel  ranks — we  num- 
liered  at  different  times  from  six  to  twenty  or  more,  and  were  on  occasion,  reck- 
lessly brave.  We  had  been  short  of  food  because  of  the  well-guarded  mountain 
]iasses — for  some  reason  the  enemy  had  been  more  than  usually  cautious — and 
were  cold  from  December  weather  in  the  high  altitude ;  and  hearing,  through  the 
'natives'  that  a  rebel  wagon  train  was  coming  through  the  valley  loaded  with 
provisions  collected  from  'up  country.'  for  some  near  post  of  Confederate  troops, 
one  night  we  constituted  ourselves  a  foraging  party  and  made  a  bold  attack  on 
the  train,  which  consisted  of  anywhere  from  three  to  six  wagons,  with  a  span 
of  mules,  a  driver  and  one  guard  to  each.  So,  covering  wagons,  mules,  drivers 
and  guards  with  our  arms,  we  commanded  a  'halt,'  which  command  was  at  once 
obeyed,  while  we  helped  ourselves  to  hams,  sides  of  bacon,  jars  of  honey,  chest- 
nuts, home-made  clothing  from  home-made  cloth,  quilts  and  blankets — a  va- 
liety  of  substantial  provisions,  which  we  carried  to  the  secluded  hut  of  some 
mountain   dweller,   for  their  and  our  refreshment,  and  also  to  fill  the  hungry 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  855 

stomachs  of  those  who,  with  the  same  intent  of  reaching  'God's  country,'  sliould 
come  after  us.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  the  mules  were  not  sorry  for  our  raid,  for 
It  is  wonderful  what  quantities  of  provisions  we  removed  from  those  wagons. 
Previous  to  our  reaching  the  mouiUain  region  we  drew  near  a  plantation  one 
night  and  after  reconnoitering  concluded  to  approach  tiie  house  and  ask  for 
something  to  eat.  A  young  girl  answered  our  knock  and  referred  our  re(|uest 
for  "something  to  eat'  to  her  grandmother,  they  two  seeming  to  be  the  only 
persons  at  home.  The  old  lady  answered  in  a  snappish  manner  that  she  'did  not 
liave  anything  to  eat  in  the  house.'  An  astonished  look  on  the  girl's  face  and 
some  remark,  probalily  contradictory  of  the  elder  woman's,  that  she  began  to 
make,  decided  us  to  walk  in  and  help  ourselves.  .At  this  the  old  woman  began 
to  scream  and  Lieutenant  ^'oung  walked  up  to  her,  ]nit  an  arm  around  her 
shoulders  and  his  hand  over  her  mouth,  and  going  to  the  fireplace  took  a  shovel 
and  began  dragging  coals  out  on  the  tloor.  This  silenced  her,  but  Young  held 
her  until  we  helped  ourselves  plentifully  to  the  stores  of  good  things  to  eat  laid 
up  in  an  adjoining  room  in  great  (|uantities,  no  doubt  awaiting  to  satisfy  the 
hunger  of  "expected  guests'  from  the  enemies  ranks.  The  fear  that  they  might 
then  be  concealed  within  hearing  of  our  hostess'  screams  was  what  incited  Tom 
Young  to  his  incendiary  action,  which  did  not  prove  destructive,  for  when  the 
screams  ceased  the  coals  were  returned  to  the  hearth.  Put  that  tragic-comic 
scene  will  never  be  effaced  from  my  memory.  Once  while  we  were  for  a  time 
shut  in  the  mountain  fastnesses  because  of  the  enemy's  proximity,  a  young 
woman,  the  promised  wife  of  our  guide,  Flem  Cison,  walked  four  miles  alone 
across  the  mountain,  over  the  crusted  snow,  to  warn  us  not  to  relax  our  vigilance, 
as  armed  men  were  looking  for  us,  and  to  bring  us  food,  returning  before  day- 
light, lest  she  should  be  seen  and  our  hiding  place  discovered.  Through  such 
circuitous  wanderings,  untoward  circumstances,  divers  discouragements  and 
depressing  conditions  we  kejjt  one  steady  purpose  to  make  our  lilierty  secure, 
from  the  night  of  November  lo,  1864,  when  we  left  Camp  Sorghum,  as  the 
stockade  prison  at  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  was  called,  through  fifty-two 
days  and  nights  of  winter  weather  in  the  mountains,  until  we  reached  the  Union 
army  at  Sweet  Water,  Tennessee,  and  were  forwarded  by  rail  to  Knoxville, 
fennessee,  which  place  we  reached  January  i,  1865.  .After  sixteen  months  of 
ini[)risonmcnt  and  two  months  of  endeavoring  to  regain  our  liberty,  evading  all 
sorts  of  dangers  from  the  elements  as  well  as  from  the  enemy,  we  counted  this 
the  happiest  New  Year  of  our  lives,  to  lie  again  among  our  own  troojis,  while 
above  us  waved  'Old  (jlor).'  " 

With  the  close  of  the  war  Judge  Bassett  was  honorably  discharged  after  the 
surrender  of  Lee  at  Appamattox.  He  spent  the  succeeding  year  and  a  half  on 
his  farm,  and  in  buying  and  selling  grain,  and  in  1867  he  took  up  the  study  of 
law  under  the  direction  of  Captain  A.  W.  Bull,  of  Pekin,  Illinois.  Later  he  con- 
tinued his  reading  with  Hon.  B.  S.  Prettyman,  and  for  two  years,  although  beset 
with  many  difficulties  and  hampered  by  the  lack  of  early  educational  advantages, 
he  persistently  pursued  the  course  which  he  had  marked  out  and  at  length  real- 
ized his  earh'  ambition  to  become  a  lawyer  in  his  admission  to  the  bar.  In  iH/2 
he  removed  to  Peoria  where  he  made  a  splendid  record  as  a  strong,  sturdy  and 
reliable  attorney,  who  ever  held  to  the  highest  professional  ethics  and  standards. 
He  was  at  different  times  associated  with  leading  lawyers  of  this  city  and  while 
he  continued  in  private  practice  he  enjoyed  an  extensive  clientage. 

Judge  Bassett  was  also  long  a  prominent  figure  in  ]5olitical  circles.  Of  him 
it  has  been  written;  "He  was  one  of  that  rare  type  of  men  who  believcfl  that 
patriotism  meant  serving  the  country  honestly  and  faithfully,  not  only  as  a 
soldier  but  as  a  law-maker  and  an  office  holder.  He  was  above  all  things  a  patriot 
and  next  to  this  a  republican.  He  believed  in  his  party.  He  believed  in  its 
mission   and  he    fought   many   times  and   vigorously    for   its  ])urity."      1  le   was 


856  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

elected  on  its  ticket  to  the  lower  branch  of  the  general  assembly  in  1884  and  in 
1888  was  the  choice  of  the  people  of  his  district  for  the  state  senate.  He  made 
an  excellent  record  in  both  the  upper  and  lower  houses,  carefully  supporting 
those  measures  which  he  believed  would  advance  the  interests  of  the  masses 
rather  than  of  the  classes  and  seeking  ever  to  uphold  the  honor  and  good  name 
of  his  state.  In  1898  he  was  elected  probate  judge  of  Peoria  county,  which 
office  he  filled  for  eight  years,  discharging  his  duties  with  the  utmost  fidelity  and 
ability.  He  became  a  candidate  for  the  nomination  for  state  treasurer  and  was 
the  first  candidate  to  make  the  proposal  and  promise  that  the  moneys  received 
as  interest  on  state  deposits  should  he  returned  to  the  state  treasury ;  he,  further- 
more, proposed  that  this  money  should  be  used  to  create  a  fund  to  give  aid  at 
times  when  great  disaster  should  occur  in  the  state.  His  position  was  in  no  way 
an  equivocal  one.  He  said  plainly  that  he  believed  that  the  interest  on  the  state's 
monev  belonged  to  the  state  the  same  as  revenue  from  any  other  source :  that  he 
would  be  content  with  the  salary  of  the  office  as  fixed  by  law  and  not  pocket  from 
forty  to  sixty  thousand  dollars  a  year  additional  as  interest  on  the  money  paid  in 
by  tile  tax  payers.  He  recognized  the  fact  that  there  was  nothing  on  the  statutes 
to  prevent  this  as  far  as  the  letter  of  the  law-  went  but  he  looked  beneath  the 
spirit  of  the  law  and  his  own  sense  of  personal  honor  would  not  permit  him  to 
follow  such  a  course.  This  was  characteristic  of  Judge  Bassett.  His  policy 
was  ever  in  harmony  with  his  sense  of  personal  and  public  honor  and  his  plan 
received  the  indorsement  of  all  public-spirited  citizens. 

Tudge  Bassett  was  married  in  November,  1865,  to  ?^Iiss  Annie  E.  Goold  who 
survives  him.  Their  only  son  died  in  infancy.  Two  children  by  a  former  wife 
also  died,  Nathaniel  in  1801  and  Sarah — ^Irs.  S.  B.  Frost  in  1908.  One  of 
ludge  Bassett's  greatest  pleasures  in  life  was  to  help  deserving  young  people 
and  many  are  indebted  to  him  for  their  start  in  life  and  for  wise  council  which  en- 
abled them  to  see  clearly  the  best  course  to  pursue.  He  was  well  known  through- 
out the  state  and  wherever  known  was  loved  and  honored  and  there  are  few  men 
whose  public  career  covered  a  more  extended  period.  He  was  a  statesman 
with  an  eye  to  practical  results  and  not  glittering  generalities.  The  turn 
of  his  mind  was  eminently  judicial  and  free  from  bias  or  animosity.  Strong 
and  positive  in  his  republicanism,  his  party  fealty  was  not  grounded  on  partisan 
prejudice  and  he  enjoyed  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  of  his  associates,  irre- 
spective of  party.  He  was  connected  with  many  of  the  wholesome  and  inirify- 
ing  reforms  which  have  been  gradually  growing  in  political,  municipal  and  social 
life  in  Peoria.  Such  men,  whether  in  office  or  out  of  it,  are  the  natural  leaders 
of  which-ever  party  they  may  be  identified  with,  especially  in  that  movement 
toward  higher  politics  which  is  common  to  both  parties  and  which  constitutes 
the  most  hopeful  political  sign  of  the  period. 


THOMAS  McGIFFIN    ^icILX'AINE,   M.   D. 

Prominent  as  a  member  of  the  medical  profession  of  Illinois  Dr.  Thomas 
McGiffin  Mcllvaine.  during  the  years  of  his  residence  in  Peoria,  has  been  ac- 
corded a  liberal  patronage,  which  attests  his  high  standing  and  his  ability  as 
a  representative  of  the  profession.  He  w-as  born  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania, 
August  17,  1853,  and  his  parents.  Rev.  William  Brown  and  IMargaret  (McGiffin) 
Mcllvaine,  were  also  natives  of  the  same  state,  the  former  having  I)een  born  in  Lan- 
caster countv  and  the  latter  in  Washington  county.  The  ancestral  history  of  the 
family  is  one  of  close  connection  with  Pennsylvania.  The  great-grandparents 
of  Dr.  Mcllvaine  were  George  and  Sophia  I  Duffield)  Mcllvaine,  who  were  born 
in    Philadelphia    and    became    pioneer    residents    of    Lancaster    county,    Penn- 


DR.  THOMAS  M.  McILVAIXE 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  859 

sylvania,  where  George  Mcllvaine  received  the  deed  for  the  land  which 
he  occupied  direct  from  the  colonial  government.  When  the  colonies  attempted 
to  throw  oft'  the  yoke  of  British  oppression  and  establish  a  rei)ui)lic  on  this  side 
of  the  Atlantic  he  joined  the  continental  army  and  rendered  valiant  service  to 
the  cause  of  freedom.  His  son.  Robert  Mcllvaine,  was  born  in  Lancaster  county, 
I'ennsvlvania.  and  having  arrived  at  years  of  maturity  wedded  Sarah  Slcmmons, 
who  was  born  in  Philadelphia.  In  the  maternal  line  Dr.  Mcllvaine  traces  his 
ancestry  back  to  Nathaniel  McGiffin,  a  native  of  Dublin,  Ireland,  who  wedded 
Margaret  Duncan,  a  native  of  Glasgow,  Scotland.  Coming  to  America  they 
established  their  home  in  Washington  county,  Pennsylvania,  where  occurred 
the  birth  of  their  son  Thomas  ]\IcGififin,  the  grandfather  of  Thomas  Mcllvaine. 
He  married  Maria  Norton,  a  native  of  Newtown,  Connecticut,  and  among  their 
children  was  Margaret  McGiffin,  who  became  the  wife  of  William  Brown  Mc- 
llvaine and  the  mother  of  our  subject.  Her  father  was  at  one  time  a  very  dis- 
tinguished lawyer  of  Washington,  Pennsylvania,  and  a  man  of  considerable  in- 
fluence and  prominence  in  other  connections.  He  was  an  intimate  and  lifelong 
personal  friend  of  Henry  Clay,  and  for  some  years  they  were  associated  in  the 
practice  of  law  as  partners.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  in  Ijoth  the  paternal  and 
maternal  lines  Dr.  Mcllvaine  comes  of  distinguished  and  honored  families  of 
I'enns\Ivania.  His  father,  the  Rev.  William  Brown  Mcllvaine,  was  an  eminent 
Presljvterian  clergyman  of  western  Pennsylvania  during  the  middle  of  the  nine- 
teen'th  centurv.  llis  pastorate  at  the  East  Liberty  Presbyterian  church  in  Pitts- 
burg extended  from  i82(S  until  1870,  covering  a  period  of  forty-two  years.  He 
never  had  another  ministerial  charge,  going  to  this  at  the  Ijeginning  of  his  con- 
nection with  the  ministry  and  there  remaining  until  his  retirement  to  spend  his 
remaining  days  in  well  earned  rest.  Such  pastorates  were  rare  even  in  that  day, 
but  when  thev  existed  they  indicated  a  close  bond  of  union  between  pastor  and 
peojjle  that  reflected  credit  upon  both.  The  Rev.  William  ]\IcHvaine  proved  a 
most  able  factor  in  the  moral  progress  of  the  community  and  his  teachings  sank 
deep  into  the  hearts  of  many  of  his  parishioners,  and  in  years  bore  fruit  of  up- 
right, honorable  lives.  He  was  accounted  one  of  the  eminent  divines  of  the 
Presbyterian  church  of  his  native  state  and  served  as  a  director  of  the  Theolog- 
ical .Seminary  at  Allegheny,  Pennsylvania,  and  as  secretary  of  the  presbytery  and 
s\nod  of  Pittsburg  for  many  years.  The  influence  of  such  a  life  cannot  be 
measured,  but  it  is  well  known  that  his  memory  and  teachings  remain  as  a  blessed 
benediction  to  man}-  with  whom  he  came  in  contact. 

Reared  in  the  atmosphere  of  a  cultured,  refined  home.  Dr.  Mcllvaine  there 
learned  les.sons  of  life  which  he  has  never  forgotten,  llis  jKirents.  desiring  to 
give  him  the  best  opportunities  possible,  supplemented  his  public-school  educa- 
tion by  a  partial  course  in  the  Western  University  at  Pittsburg.  He  left  that 
school  to  come  to  the  middle  west  in  1869.  with  Peoria  as  his  destination.  Later 
he  completed  his  college  studies  in  the  Monmouth  College  at  Monmouth,  Illinois, 
and  was  there  graduated  with  honors,  delivering  the  Latin  oration  in  1873.  He 
entered  upon  the  profession  of  teaching  in  the  high  school  of  Peoria.  InU  after 
a  brief  period  went  abroad  for  further  study  in  Germany,  spending  the  years 
1874  and  1875  in  that  land.  In  1876  his  alma  mater  conferred  upon  him  the 
Master  of  Arts  degree. 

In  the  same  year  Dr.  Mcllvaine  entered  commercial  circles  in  connection 
\vitli  the  grain  trade  at  Grand  Ridge,  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  where  he  became 
well  known  as  a  grain  buyer.  However,  he  believed  that  professional  pursuits 
would  prove  more  congenial  and  profitable,  and  turned  his  attention  to  the  study 
of  medicine  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  J.  L.  Hamilton,  of  Peoria.  He  afterward 
matriculated  in  Rush  Meilical  College.  "Chicago,  and  was  graduated  therefrom  in 
the  class  of  1881.  He  has  since  devoted  his  time  and  energies  to  the  practice  of 
medicine  and  surgerv  in  Peoria,  and  his  labors  have  been  attended  with  excel- 
lent results.     That  he  enjo_\s  public  confidence  to  a  notable  degree  is  manifest 


860  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

in  the  extensive  jiractice  accorded  him.  He  has  ever  held  to  high  ideals  in  his 
profession  and  has  earnestly,  wisely  and  conscientiously  used  the  talents  with 
which  nature  endowed  him.  From  1882  until  1884  Dr.  '^Icllvaine  served  as  health 
officer  in  Peoria.  His  reading  has  at  all  times  been  e.xtensive  and  has  kept  him 
in  touch  with  the  most  advanced  work  of  the  profession.  He  devoted  ten  years  to 
editing  a  medical  magazine  in  this  city  and  his  intelligently  directed  efforts  and 
unremitting  labor  have  contributed  to  maintaining  the  high  standard  of  profes- 
sional services  which  characterizes  the  medical  fraternity  of  Illinois.  The  Peoria 
City  Medical  Society  has  honored  him  with  its  presidency  and  he  is  also  a  member 
of  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medical  Association,  hav- 
ing been  treasurer  of  the  Illinois  society  for  a  period  of  ten  years.  He  was 
formerly  professor  of  materia  medica  and  therapeutics  in  the  College  of  Phy- 
sicians and  Surgeons  at  Keokuk,  Iowa. 

Professional  labors,  however,  do  not  constitute  the  entire  scope  of  Dr.  Mc- 
Ilvaine"s  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  public.  Indeed,  he  has  done  much  other  work 
of  an  important  character.  He  has  been  a  director  of  the  public  library  for  over 
twenty  years  and  was  formerly  a  member  of  the  board  of  education,  for  which 
positions  he  has  been  eminently  qualified  through  his  literary  tastes  and  scien- 
tific training  as  well  as  by  his  opportunities  for  observation  abroad.  He  was 
largely  instrumental  in  establishing  the  Cottage,  now  Proctor,  Hospital  and  or- 
ganizing the  Peoria  Art  League.  He  has  been  a  discriminating  collector  of  rare 
old  volumes,  coins  and  works  of  art,  and  is  the  owner  of  many  valualjle  old 
medical  works  and  Elzevir  editions  of  the  classics. 

In  1876  Dr.  Mcllvaine  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  Florence  Ham- 
ilton, a  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  L.  Hamilton,  one  of  Peoria's  earliest  and  most  promi- 
nent physicians.  The  children  of  this  marriage  were  three  in  number:  Anna 
Kirk,  the  wife  of  \\'.  B.  Tobias ;  Margaret  McGiffin ;  and  Emma  Florence.  The 
wife  and  mother  died  .March  29,  1895,  and  on  the  15th  of  December,  1899,  Dr. 
Mcllvaine  was  again  married,  this  union  being  with  Mrs.  Jessie  Cobleigh,  by 
whom  he  had  one  child,  Sophia  Elizabeth. 

Dr.  Mcllvaine  holds  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  is  also  a  prom- 
inent Mason,  belonging  to  Peoria  Lodge,  Xo.  15,  F.  &  .A.  'SI.,  while  in  Peoria 
Consistory  he  attained  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  in  1888. 
His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party.  He  has  ever  endeavored 
to  make  his  life  a  serviceable  factor  in  tlie  world's  work,  and  Peoria  honors  him 
as  one  whose  labors  have  been  effective  forces  for  public  i)rogress  and  improve- 
ment along  manv  lines. 


FRED  L.  BLOCK. 


The  opinion,  uniformly  expressed  wherever  Fred  L.  Block  was  known,  was 
that  he  was  "a  good  citizen  and  a  good  man."  What  higher  tribute  could  be 
paid  to  an  individual?  He  was,  moreover,  a  successful  merchant — one  of  the 
partners  of  the  largest  dry-goods  establishment  of  Peoria,  but  while  his  intelli- 
gently directed  activity  and  enterprise  brought  him  success  the  attainment  of 
wealth  was  never  the  sole  aim  and  end  of  his  life.  He  rejoiced  in  the  oppor- 
tunity that  it  gave  him  to  aid  his  fellowmen  and  there  are  few  who  have  loved 
humanitv  in  a  greater  or  more  helpful  degree  than  did  he.  The  memory  that  he 
leaves  behind  is  one  that  is  cherished  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Mr.  Block  was  born  in  Germany,  October  31,  1855,  and  the  first  sixteen  years 
of  his  life  were  spent  in  his  native  land,  largely  in  the  acquirement  of  an  educa- 
tion. Other  members  of  the  family  had  previously  come  to  .Vmerica  and  favor- 
able reports  concerning  the  opportunities  of  the  new  world  led  the  youth  of  six- 
teen to  sever  the  ties  that  bound  him  to  his  native  country  and  seek  a  home  in 


FRED  L.  BLOCK 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  863 

the  new  world.  He  made  his  way  direct  to  Pekiii,  Illinois,  where  he  was  em- 
ployed in  his  brother's  store  that  constituted  the  nucleus  of  the  present  Schipijer 
&  iilock  establishment  of  I'eoria.  For  seven  years  he  was  there  employed  and 
then  came  to  this  city  where  he  joined  with  his  brother  and  John  F.  .Scliipper, 
now  deceased,  in  organizing  the  firm  of  Schip])er  i!t  Block  and  founding  the  pres- 
ent enterprise.  The  first  store  was  located  on  Adams  street  and  the  growth  of 
the  business  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  three  times  the  firm  enlarged  the  build- 
ing, but  finally  the  quarters  became  too  small  and  a  removal  was  made  to  the  old 
Anderson  block  where  business  was  continued  for  a  number  of  years.  At  length, 
however,  the  continued  growth  of  trade  necessitated  still  more  commodious 
quarters,  which  were  secured  in  the  Woolner  building,  but  even  this  proved  too 
small  for  constantly  developing  business  and  about  1903  the  company  decided 
to  erect  a  new  building,  resulting  in  the  immense  eight-story  structure  that  now 
stands  at  the  corner  of  Adams  and  h'ulton  streets,  a  monument  to  the  business 
industr\-  and  sagacity  of  the  members  of  the  firm,  prominent  among  whom  was 
I'Ved  L.  iSlock.  One  of  the  local  papers  writing  of  him  said:  "During  all  of  his 
business  career  Mr.  Block  displayed  the  keenest  business  sagacity  and  foresight. 
He  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  best  buyers  in  the  country.  In  the  eastern 
markets  he  had  the  name  of  being  one  of  the  best  business  men  in  the  country. 
Older  business  men  found  in  this  young  business  man  the  elements  of  the  expe- 
rienced man  of  atfairs.  No  detail  was  too  small  for  his  attention,  but  he  did 
not  allow  himself  to  be  carried  away  by  details,  and  was  ever  alert  to  the  possi- 
bilities of  a  good  lausiness  move.  Time  after  time  older  men  found  them- 
selves outwitted  by  his  far-seeing  instinct.  For  years  he  has  been  considered  the 
leading  business  man  of  Peoria  and  he  was  looked  up  to  in  the  mercantile  world 
of  Peoria  as  possibly  no  other  man  in  Peoria  has  been  in  many  years.  His  keen 
judgment  was  called  in  by  the  business  men  in  afifairs  of  moment  to  the  city  and 
iic  planned  many  things  which  have  resulted  in  lasting  benefit  to  the  city  and 
the  community  in  general." 

Air.  Block  was  twice  married.  He  first  wedded  Miss  Dena  Schneider,  who 
was  born  at  the  old  family  homestead  of  her  parents  at  No.  1 14  Fifth  street, 
Peoria,  August  25,  1858.  She  practically  spent  her  entire  life  in  this  city,  pur- 
suing her  education  in  the  public  schools  and  also  spending  several  years  in 
completing  a  course  in  German  in  a  local  private  school.  On  the  nth  of  May, 
1882,  she  became  the  wife  of  Fred  L.  Block  and  they  became  the  parents  of  five 
children,  Hajo  H.,  Carl  C,  Anna  C,  Agnes  S.  and  Harriet  F.  Airs.  Block  was 
an  active  member  of  the  First  Congregational  church  and  was  not  only  deeply 
interested  in  the  church  work  but  also  assisted  helpfully  and  generously  in  the 
work  of  various  clubs  and  societies  whose  mission  is  to  do  good  and  assist  man- 
kind. Her  death  was  the  occasion  of  deep  regret  to  a  wide  circle  of  friends  as 
well  as  to  her  immediate  family.  On  the  9th  of  May,  1905,  Mr.  Block  was  mar- 
ried to  ATiss  Emma  Schneider,  a  sister  of  his  first  wife  and  a  daughter  of  C.  J. 
and  Christina  Schneider,  the  former  at  one  time  a  well  known  and  prominent 
pioneer  merchant  of  Peoria.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Block  were  traveling  in  the  east  when 
he  met  a  tragic  death,  being  killed  in  a  railroad  wreck  at  Tansingburg,  near  Troy, 
New  York,  when  he  and  his  wife  were  on  their  way  homeward  after  a  trip  in 
Maine  and  New  Hamiishirc.  They  were  sitting  in  the  rear  end  of  the  parlor  car 
when  a  heavy  train  crashed  into  tliem,  telescoping  the  car  and  bringing  death  to 
Mr.  Block,  while  his  wife,  who  was  sitting  across  the  aisle,  conversing  with  him, 
was  seriously  injured.  One  of  the  local  papers  said:  "The  news  of  no  death 
since  the  message  concerning  the  passing  of  President  McKinley  has  caused  such 
uniform  and  profound  sorrow  in  Peoria  as  did  that  of  Fred  L.  Block."  Another 
paper  wrote:  "In  the  death  of  Fred  L.  Block  a  pillar  of  strength  in  the  local 
business  world  is  shattered.  Peoria  and  central  Illinois  is  appalled  at  the  horri- 
ble news  which  came  from  Troy,  New  York,  the  scene  of  the  railroad  accident 
where  Air.  Block  met  his  death.     His  passing  as  the  result  of  a  (leriod  of  illness 


864  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

would  have  shocked  the  community  because  of  his  prominence  in  the  business 
world,  his  standing  as  a  citizen  in  the  community  and  his  genialty  of  nature  which 
made  him  a  favorite  with  every  acc|uaintance.  Everyone  who  knew  him  w-as  his 
friend.  But  the  death  of  such  a  citizen,  violent  as  it  was,  adds  to  the  horror  of 
the  affair  and  brings  grief  to  the  entire  city  which  pauses  to  pay  a  silent  tribute 
of  respect  and  honor  to  him." 

Air.  Block  was  widely  known  as  one  who  loved  his  fellowmen  and  age  and 
station  in  life  mattered  not  to  him  if  an  individual  was  worthy  of  respect  and 
regard.  The  children  loved  him  no  less  than  those  of  his  own  years  and  his 
many  friends  found  him  ever  a  hospitable  host  whose  cheer  and  kindly  greeting 
were  genuine  and  cordial.  He'  enjoyed  outdoor  life  and  nature  in  its  various 
forms  and  was  a  lover  of  art,  travel  and  nmsic.  Peoria  never  had  a  more  lo_\al 
citizen  or  more  ardent  supporter  of  the  city's  enterprises.  His  faith  in  her 
future  was  evidenced  in  his  works.  At  his  death  the  local  press  united  in  paying 
tribute  to  his  memory.  One  of  the  local  papers  wrote:  "The  death  of  such  a 
man  as  Fred  L.  Block  cannot  be  regarded  as  anything  less  than  a  civic  calamity. 
There  was  hardly  anything  projected  that  would  lead  to  the  betterment  and  the 
uplift  of  the  city  in  which  Mr.  Block  did  not  have  a  hand.  For  nearly  all  the 
years  of  his  life  he  had  .been  a  very  busy  man  but  he  found  time  outside  of  his 
immense  and  growing  business  to  take  part  in  all  schemes  that  were  intended  to 
make  Peoria  not  only  a  greater  but  a  better  city.  He  was  a  man  who  was  broad 
in  his  views  and  who  believed  in  allowing  the  largest  individual  liberty  of  action 
so  long  as  that  liberty  did  not  conflict  with  the  rights  of  others.  He  was  a 
Christian  gentleman  in  the  broadest  sense  of  the  term.  Not  Puritanic,  not  believ- 
ing that  this  world  w-as  a  world  of  gloom  in  which  he  was  best  prepared  for  the 
liereafter  who  was  the  least  satisfied  with  the  present  life.  He  had  strong  opin- 
ions of  his  own  on  almost  every  subject,  but  this  did  not  prevent  him  from  re- 
specting the  conscientious  convictions  of  others  who  differed  from  him.  He  w^as 
a  liberal  but  not  ostentatious  contributor  to  the  charities  of  all  kinds.  .-\nd  he 
was  in  every  respect  a  perfectly  honest  man.  Fred  Block  would  not  wrong  a 
man  out  of  a  dollar  even  if  his  failure  to  do  this  should  have  involved  the  loss  of 
hundreds.  It  is  lamentable  that  such  a  man — one  whom  Peoria  loved  and  re- 
spected— should  have  lost  his  life  as  he  did,  just  as  he  was  on  the  eve  of  return- 
ing to  the  citv  where  he  had  so  long  made  his  home,  which  he  had  helped  to  build 
up,  where  his  aft'ections  and  his  interests  centered.  It  was  a  dark  day  for  Peo- 
ria when  he  met  with  that  fatal  accident.  Above  all  it  was  a  sad  day  to  those 
who  w-ere  privileged  to  be  his  intimates — to  society  and  business  associates  who 
had  so  know^i,  honored  and  loved  him.  To  his  family  the  loss  is  simply  irre- 
parable because  Mr.  Block  was  above  everything  else  a  family  man — a  home 
man.  To  his  children  he  was  at  the  same  time  guide,  counselor  and  friend.  The 
death  of  no  man  of  recent  years  has  been  more  severely  felt  than  was  the  passing 
away  of  Mr.  151ock.  in  the  maturity  of  an  intellect  that  made  its  impress  on 
every  one  with  whom  he  was  in  any  way  connected.  He  went  from  us  just 
as  he  had  every  reason  to  hope  that  the  rest  that  had  never  come  to  him  in  all 
his  busy  life  was  coming,  when  the  fruition  of  his  hopes  and  the  object  of  all 
his  aspirations  was  near,  to  all  human  ajipearance.  Such  a  man  as  Air.  Block 
was  entitled  to  expect  many  years  of  enjoyment,  to  that  enjoyment  that  comes 
after  the  summer  of  life  is  spent  and  the  autumn  draws  near.  But  the  ways  of 
Providence  are  past  finding  out."  In  his  funeral  sermon  Dr.  Faville  said:  "He 
had  won  a  place  of  honor  and  faith  and  hope  and  love  among  us.  He  was  a 
lirincely  man  with  great  possibilities  ahead.  He  lived  more  than  a  half  century ; 
he  wrought  out  a  character  in  which  strength  and  beauty  and  sympathy  is 
e(|uallcd  but  by  the  few^  *'  *  *  Fred  Block  had  a  strong  will,  keen  mind,  a 
warm  heart;  lie  was  a  man  of  balanced  judgment,  of  unflagging  enthusiasm,  of 
unswerving  faith.  But  the  secret  of  his  life  was  good-will ;  good-will  to  God ; 
good-will  to  man.     Religion  was  with  him  a  life,  nothing  of  religious  cant  or 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  865 

hypocrisy  or  hvsteria.  He  was  a  business  man  in  his  Christian  life  as  well  as  a 
Christian  in  his  Imsiness  life.  Xor  did  he  leave  out  the  world.  He  loved 
literature,  music,  travel,  all  that  is  noble  and  beautiful  in  the  world,  lie  loved 
business  not  only  because  he  succeeded;  he  belieyed  men  are  not  here  to  make 
money  but  that  nioney  is  here  to  make  men.  He  loved  his  fatherland,  he  loved 
his  adopted  land,  he  'loved  his  city.  He  put  himself  into  this  world  as  God's 
world.  But  beyond  these  he  loved  "his  fellowmen.  He  was  a  courteous,  conscien- 
tious employer.  You  who  come  from  the  'White  Store'  as  mourners  today 
knew  him  not  only  as  the  merchant  prince  but  as  the  friendly,  kindly  man.  He 
loved  the  social  circle — always  its  life  and  its  joy.  And  how  he  loved  the  home. 
As  son,  brother,  husliand  and  father  he  came  nearer  to  the  ideal  than  almost  any 
man  that  I  have  known. 


CHARLES   W.   LA    PORTE. 

Charles  W.  La  Porte  is  known  and  recognized  in  Peoria  as  one  of  its  most 
prominent  and  progressive  business  men  and  one  who  is  deeply  interested  in 
the  development  and  progress  of  this  city  along  industrial  lines.  He  is  actively 
connected  with  several  of  the  important  and  prominent  business  institutions  and 
is  a  dominating  factor  in  civic  improvement.  He  is  now  the  senior  member  of 
the  patent  law  firm  of  La  Porte  &  Bean,  with  offices  in  the  Woolner  building, 
in  this  city,  and  also  holds  the  position  of  assistant  to  the  president  of  the  Key- 
stone Steel  &  Wire  Company,  whose  factory  is  located  at  South  Bartonville, 
Illinois. 

Mr.  La  'Porte  was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C,  September  19,  1873,  a  son 
of  William  Alathew  and  Margaret  Cathran  Moran  (Dorsey)  La  Porte.  The 
family  is  of  French  origin  but  has  been  in  America  for  many  generations.  On 
been  in  this  country  since  1720.  Richard  Dorsey  served  as  lieutenant  in  the 
Continental  army,  as  captain  in  the  Maryland  artillery  and  was  an  original 
the  maternal  side,  the  family  is  of  Scottish  lineage  and  its  representatives  have 
member  of  the  Society  of  the  Cincinnati.  The  father  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  still  a  resident  of  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  has  been  in  the  employ 
of  the  government  for  over  forty  years.  He  was  one  of  the  many  to  respond 
to  President  Lincoln's  call  for  volunteers  in  April,  1861,  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 

Mr.  La  Porte  received  his  primary  instruction,  in  the  public  schools  of  Wash- 
ington, D.  C,  and  pursued  his  education  until  he  reached  the  age  of  fifteen 
years,  when  he  laid  aside  his  books  to  become  a  cash  boy  in  a  department  store 
of  his  native  city.  He  remained  in  the  employ  of  that  institution  for  four 
years,  during  which  time  he  advanced  rapidly  until  he  was  promoted  to  the 
position  of  designer  in  the  upholstering  department.  After  four  years  of  ser- 
vice he  resigned  to  enter  the  law  offices  of  R.  A.  Burton,  a  prominent  attorney 
of  Washington,  and  here  he  read  law  for  some  time.  He  later  studied  under 
H.  H.  Bliss,  also  of  Washington,  who  is  one  of  the  foremost  patent  lawyers 
of  the  United  States.  Here  Mr.  La  Porte  gained  a  detailed  knowdedge  of  tlie 
legal  profession  and  a  mastery  of  the  particular  branch  in  which  he  specializes. 
He  is  well  versed  in  the  intricate  details  of  patent  law  and  keeps  his  knowledge 
modern  and  up-to  date. 

In  1894.  Mr.  La  Porte  came  to  Peoria  and  associated  himself  with  W.  V. 
TefTt.  This  association  continued  for  three  years,  or  until  1897,  when  Mr.  La 
Porte  began  practicing  for  himself.  In  January,  1911,  he  took  into  partnership 
with  him,  Mr.  George  T.  Bean,  of  Washington,  D.  C.  In  the  practice  of 
patent  law.  Mr.  La  Porte  has  specialized  in  the  work  pertaining  to  wire  working 
machinerv  and  in  this  capacity  has  represented  several  of  the  largest  independent 
wire  working  concerns  in  the  United  States. 


866  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

On  October  6,  1897,  Mr.  La  Porte  was  united  in  marriage  to  Ada  Eleanor 
Bailey,  a  daughter  of  Josiah  Fiske  Bailey,  formerly  of  New  Bedford,  ^Massachu- 
setts,  and  Jennie  Irene  (Kilman)  Bailey,  formerly  of  Nashville,  Tennessee.  IMr. 
Bailey,  during  his  life  was  well  known  in  his  connection  with  the  German  Fire 
Insurance  Company.  Mr.  and  ]\Irs.  La  Porte  are  the  parents  of  two  children, 
namely:  Robert  Bailey,  now  a  student  of  the  White  school;  and  Bailey,  who  is 
six  years  of  age.  The  family  is  prominent  in  social  circles  in  this  city  and 
their  beautiful  home  located  at  No.  1500  Knoxville  avenue,  is  a  hospitable  meet- 
ing place  for  their  many  friends. 

Mr.  La  Porte  is  a  member  of  the  Arcadia  Avenue  Presbyterian  church  of 
Peoria,  and  has  served  in  the  capacity  of  clerk  of  the  Congregation  since  the 
organization  of  said  church.  He  belongs  to  Temple  Lodge,  No.  46.  A.  F.  &  A. 
M.,  and  Peoria  Chapter,  No.  7,  R.  A.  M.  He  is  also  a  member  of  Peoria 
Commanderv,  No.  3,  K.  T.,  and  belongs  to  Mohammed  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N. 
M.  S.  He  'is  a  member  of  West  Bluff  Lodge.  No.  177,  K.  P.,  and  El  Medi 
Temple  No.  i,  D.  O.  K.  K.  Mr.  La  Porte  is  also  affiliated  with  the  Society  of 
the  Sons  of  the  Revolution  in  the  District  of  Columbia. 

Mr.  La  Porte  has  been  affiliated  with  the  republican  party  and  takes  an  intel- 
ligent interest  in  public  affairs.  Socially,  he  holds  membership  in  the  Creve 
Coeur  Club  and  the  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht  Club  and  takes  an  active  interest  in 
the  affairs  of  these  organizations.  He  has  scores  of  friends  in  this  city,  to 
whom  his  rapidly  growing  success  in  his  chosen  line  of  occupation,  is  a  constant 
pleasure.  His  energy,  resource  and  deep  knowledge  along  his  special  line  is 
becoming  well  known  throughout  the  central  west,  and  is  gaining  him  every 
year,  an  increasing  number  of  clients  and  friends. 


JOSEPH  BRODMAN. 


Joseph  Brodman,  superintendent  of  the  Peoria  House  of  Correction,  which 
position  he  has  filled  for  twenty-two  years,  or  since  the  ist  of  July,  1890,  has 
been  a  resident  of  this  city  for  fifty-eight  years.  Few  of  the  inhabitants  of  Peo- 
ria are  more  familiar  with  its  history  and  the  events  and  activities  which  have 
shaped  its  upbuilding  and  development.  He  was  born  in  the  province  of  Alsace- 
Lorraine,  then  a  part  of  France,  on  the  8th  of  November,  1847,  ^"d  is  a  son  of 
Joseph  and  Eva  (Claus)  Brodman.  The  father  determined  to  seek  a  home 
and  fortune  in  America,  and  during  the  infancy  of  their  son  Joseph,  the  family 
crossed  the  Atlantic  and  took  up  their  abode  in  Chillicothe.  Ohio,  where  they 
lived  for  seven  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  they  came  to  Peoria, 
arriving  in  1854.  The  father  was  a  shoemaker  and  continued  in  that  line  of 
business  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  this  city  in  1889.  His  wife 
died  in  1904,  when  eighty  years  of  age,  having  survived  her  husband  for  about 
fifteen  years. 

Joseph  Brodman  was  a  lad  of  seven  summers  when  the  familv  arrived  in 
Peoria  and  here  he  pursued  his  education  by  attending  the  parochial  and  public 
schools.  He  made  his  start  in  the  business  world  by  learning  the  chair  painter's 
trade  and  afterward  worked  as  coach  painter  in  the  shops  of  the  Toledo,  Peoria 
&  Western  Railroad  Company.  He  spent  sixteen  years  in  that  way  and  then 
entered  municipal  service,  when  in  Decemberj  1882.  he  took  charge  of  the  Peo- 
ria county  jail,  which  he  superintended  until  the  ist  of  July,  1890.  On  that 
date  he  came  to  his  present  position  as  superintendent  of  the  Peoria  House  of 
Correction,  which  has  since  been  under  his  guidance  and  management.  He  con- 
ducts the  institution  on  the  theory  that  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  state  not  only  to 
safeguard  the  interests  of  others  in  limiting  the  liberties  of  his  wards,  but  that 
it  is  also  the  purpose  to  give  the  inmates  a  chance  for  development  along  lines 


JOSEPH  BRODMAX 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  869 

of  betterment  and  improvement.  To  this  end  the  inmates  are  given  a  well  regu- 
lated amount  of  work  with  adequate  opportunities  for  recreation,  so  that  their 
time  is  well  and  wisely  employed.  Every  department  of  the  institution  is  kept 
up  to  a  high  standard."  cleanliness  and  order  prevail,  and  the  food  meets  the  de- 
mands of  healthy,  boyish  appetites  for  wholesome  fare.  That  the  service  of 
Mr.  Brodman  in  this  connection  is  capable  and  commendable  is  indicated  by  his 
long  retention  in  the  position. 

In  1872  Mr.  Brodman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Frederica  H.  Blumb. 
of  Peoria,  who  was  born  aud  reared  in  this  city.  Her  parents  came  from  Balti- 
more to  Illinois  in  the  early  '40s.  making  an  overland  journey.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Brodman  have  three  sons,  Arthur  P.,  Elmer  J.  and  Howard  C.  The  second  son 
is  acting  as  bookkeeper  for  his  father  and  Mrs.  Brodman  is  matron  of  the  insti- 
tution. '  Mr.  Brodman  holds  membership  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  .America.  He  gives  his  political  support  to  the  democratic 
party  and  could  undoubtedly  attain  high  political  honors  if  his  ambition  lav  in 
that  direction.  On  the  contrary,  however,  he  does  not  seek  nor  desire  public  office, 
as  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  he  was  twice  nominated  by  acclamation  for  the 
position  of  alderman  from  his  ward  but  would  not  consent  to  become  a  candidate. 
He  is  doing  a  good  work  in  his  present  position  and  is  content  to  remain  there, 
and  in  tlie  "control  of  the  institution  he  manifests  a  most  kindly  spirit  and  broad 
humanitarian  purpose. 


FRANK  ^IcLOUGHLIN. 

The  world  instinctively  pays  deference  to  a  man  whose  success  has  been 
worthilv  achieved  and  gains  his  advancement  through  his  ability  and  who 
throughout  his  business  career  bases  his  principles  and  actions  upon  the  rules 
which  govern  strict  and  unswerving  integrity.  Such  has  been  the  record  of 
l-"rank  McLoughlin,  now  president  and  manager  of  the  Frank  McLoughlm 
riumhing  Companv,  located  at  619  Main  street.  It  is  the  most  extensive  and 
successful  plumbing  establishment  in  Peoria.  Mr.  ^IcLoughlin  was  born  at 
Chatham  Four  Corners,  New  York,  on  the  ist  of  January,  1850,  his  parents 
being  Timothy  and  Mary  McLoughlin.  The  father,  whose  birth  occurred  m 
Ireland,  was  a  railroad  man  throughout  his  active  career.  Both  he  and  his  wife 
died  in  i860. 

I'rank  McLoughlin  spent  his  boyhood  days  under  the  parental  roof,  attend- 
ing common  school  at  his  birthplace.  At  the  age  of  eleven  years  he  removed  to 
Peoria  where  he  made  his  home  with  relatives  and  completed  his  school  course. 
Cpon  laying  aside  his  text-books  he  delivered  groceries  for  B.  F.  Ellis,  on 
.\dams  street,  opposite  the  courthouse  and  later  worked  for  Edward  F.  Mullen. 
who  had  his  place  of  business  on  the  corner  of  Morgan  and  Adams  streets.  He 
next  entered  the  emplov  of  Emerv  &  Andrews,  who  were  the  owners  and  publish- 
ers of  the  old  Transcript,  out  of  which  later  developed  the  Transcript-Herald. 
He  was  with  this  newspaper  during  the  Civil  war  and  later  sought  employment 
in  a  polterv,  where  he  remained  until  1867,  when  he  began  to  learn  the  plumber's 
trade.  In"  March,  1872,  he  removed  to  Chicago  to  accept  the  foremanship_  in 
the  business  of  J.  J.  Wade,  but  after  six  months  returned  to  Peoria,  working 
for  Kinsey  &  Mahler  until  he  embarked  in  business  on  his  own  account.  From 
a  small  beginning  he  worked  up  his  enterprise  until  it  has  grown  to  such  an  extent 
that  it  was  necessary  to  incorporate  it,  and  at  present  it  is  recognized  as  the  best 
and  largest  plumbing  concern  in  the  city.  They  employ  five  plumbers  and  four 
helpers.  During  his  entire  business  career  he  has  given  special  attention  and 
study  to  the  science  of  plumbing  and  few  men  have  more  intimate  or  correct 
knowledge  in  this  line.     Thoroughness  and  system  characterize  his  labor  at  all 


870  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

times  and  his  excellent  judgment  concerning  values  has  enabled  him  to  place 
his  orders  so  that  his  firm  has  benefited  largely  by  his  contracts.  Since  entering 
business  life  as  an  apprentice  he  has  followed  those  paths  which  have  led  to 
success,  jiossessing  ever  an  unassailable  reputation,  for  in  his  career  commercial 
industry  and  business  enterprises  have  been  well  directed  forces. 

On  the  30th  of  April,  1871,  Mr.  McLoughlin  was  married,  in  Peoria,  to  Miss 
Maria  T.  Donahue,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael  Donahue,  old  residents 
of  Peoria.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McLoughlin  seven  children  have  been  born,  six 
of  whom  survive:  Eva  M.,  who  is  the  wife  of  James  D.  Putnam,  a  lawyer  of 
Elmwood,  Illinois;  Edna,  who  married  George  Schneider,  who  is  in  the  employ 
of  the  Clark  Smith  Hardware  Company ;  Katherine,  who  became  the  wife  of 
Leslie  \'an  Drelyen,  a  carpenter  contractor;  Frank,  Jr.,  who  is  engaged  in  the 
plumbing  business  at  Quincy;  May,  a  graduate  of  the  high  school;  and  William, 
who  is  employed  by  his  father.     The  family  reside  at  715  Hamilton  boulevard. 

In  politics  ]\Ir.  McLoughlin  gives  his  support  to  the  democratic  party  and 
for  seven  years  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  board  of  school  inspectors,  for 
one  term  as  alderman  and  for  one  term  each  as  township  and  city  collector. 
His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  of  the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees. 


GODFREY  G.  LUTHY. 

Godfrey  G.  Luthy  was  born  in  Peoria,  January  i,  1875,  and  in  the  acquire- 
ment of  his  education  passed  through  the  consecutive  grades  of  the  public 
schools  until  graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1893.  He  is  a 
sterling  young  business  man.  enterprising  and  energetic,  popular  and  progressive. 
He  is  prominent  in  the  automobile  manufacturing  world  and  a  leading  factor  in 
the  National  Implement  Exposition  held  in  Peoria  in  1912.  He  is  also  treasurer 
ofthe  Bartholomew  Company  and  his  cooperation  is  regarded  as  a  valuable  asset 
in  any  business  project  or  public  improvement  with  which  he  is  connected.  He 
votes  with  the  republican  party,  is  a  Knight  Templar  Alason  and  Mvstic  Shriner, 
and  also  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  In  April.  1909,  he  married  Eliza- 
beth Bradley. 


REW  JOHN  LANCASTER  SPALDING. 

Rev.  John  Lancaster  Spalding,  for  many  years  a  dominant  power  in  the 
Catholic  ministry  not  only  of  Peoria  and  Illinois  but  of  the  entire  country  and 
known  as  well  as  a  writer,  philosopher  and  churchman  beyond  the  Atlantic,  is 
now  living  retired  in  a  beautiful  home  in  Peoria.  He  was  born  in  Lebanon, 
Kentucky,  June  2,  1840,  and  was  a  special  favorite  of  his  uncle,  Martin  J.  Spald- 
ing, then  bishop  of  Louisville.  L'nder  his  guidance  he  studied  theology  in  the 
.\merican  College  of  Louvian,  which  the  bishop  had  established.  After  his  or- 
dination there  in  1863  he  pursued  special  studies  in  Rome  for  a  year  and  in  1865 
he  was  stationed  at  the  Cathedral  in  Louisville.  He  has  always  been  famed  for 
his  eloquence  and  his  oratory  drew-  to  him  a  large  gathering — people  who  were 
held  interested  and  influenced  by  his  words  of  w^isdom.  In  1870,  in  compliance 
with  his  request,  he  was  appointed  to  erect  a  church  for  the  negroes  of  Louis- 
ville. The  white  jieople  flocked  in  such  numbers  to  hear  his  sermons,  however, 
that  they  threatened  to  crowd  out  the  negroes,  for  whom  he  was  specially  work- 
ing. In  1872,  upon  the  death  of  his  uncle,  who  had  l)een  made  archbishop  of 
P)altimore,  Father  Spalding  was  called  upon  to  write  the  history  of  the  life  of 
his  relative  and  took  up  his  residence  for  that  purpose  in  New  York.     This  is 


THK    MOST    REV.    JOHN    LANCASTER 

SPALDTNO,  D.  D.,  FIRST  BISHOP 

OP  PEORIA 


KKIllT    REV.    EDMUND    ilHUAEL 

DUNNE,   D.  D.,   BISHOP 

OF  PEORIA 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  873 

said  to  have  been  his  first  and  greatest  book,  showing  a  manly,  dignified  and 
efl:'ective  style,  proving  the  author  to  be  an  accomplished  literary  man,  a  deep 
and  earnest  thinker,  a  learned  and  enlightened  theologian  and  a  devout  piiest. 
After  the  completion  of  the  volume  Father  Spalding  remainetl  in  New  York 
as  assistant  at  St.  Michael's  church  and  in  1877  was  elevated  to  the  see  of 
Peoria.  He  was  not  quite  thirty-seven  years  of  age  when,  on  the  28th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1876,  he  was  called  to  this'position  and  on  the  ist  of  May,  1877,  was  conse- 
crated in  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral  of  New  York.  The  diocese  then  numbered 
about  forty  parishes  and  had  less  than  fifty  priests;  there  were  ten  parochial 
schools  and  only  three  religious  institutions.  When  he  retired  in  1908  there 
were  seventy  parochial  schools,  five  colleges,  nine  academies,  eleven  hospitals 
and  homes  for  the  aged  and  unfortunate,  while  the  Catholics  of  the  diocese 
numbered  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand. 

Bishop  Spalding  and  Archbishop  Ireland  were  the  prime  movers  in  the  Cath- 
olic Colonization  Society,  which  brought  hundreds  of  people  who  were  slaving  in 
eastern  factories  to  the  middle  west  and  established  them  upon  fertile  farms,  of 
which  they  could  eventually  become  the  owners.  These  colonies  were  planted 
in  Minnesota  and  Nebraska,  where  there  are  now  large  Catholic  populations. 
In  1902  President  Roosevelt  made  Bishop  Spalding  a  member  of  the  Great  An- 
thracite Coal  Strike  Commission,  in  whicli  connection  he  was  widely  commended 
by  the  press  for  his  justice  in  considering  the  question.  In  1908,  when  he  sent 
in  his  resignation  to  Rome,  the  pope  said:  "Few  bishops  have  had  so  great  an 
influence  over  the  people.  Catholic  and  non  Catholic."  In  1909  he  was  made 
titular  archbishop  of  Seythopolis,  an  honor  rarely  conferred.  Speaking  of  his 
work  in  an  article  entitled  the  Catholic  History  of  Peoria,  it  is  said:  "He  has 
walked  among  the  poor:  into  their  homes  in  the  coal  mine  districts,  where  he 
has  exchanged  his  gorgeous  robes  and  bishop's  hat  for  overalls  and  a  miner's 
cap :  has  tried  to  alleviate  their  sufl'erings  in  the  over  crowded  cities  of  the  east 
by  providing  them  farms  in  the  west.  His  work  has  been  as  far  reaching  as 
humanity's  interests  are  wide,  touching  all  public  questions  which  deal  with  the 
upbuilding  of  character  and  the  uplifting  of  humanity."  He  has  been  a  prolific 
writer,  is  a  deep  philosophical  thinker  and  has  given  to  the  world  not  only  many 
articles  concerning  the  church  but  also  upon  questions  of  general  interest. 


RT.  RE\".  PETER  J.  O'REILLY. 

Rt.  Rev.  Peter  J.  O'Reilly  was  born  near  Kells,  in  County  Meath,  Ireland, 
April  14,  1852,  and  was  educated  in  the  national  schools  of  his  native  land.  In 
1872  he  entered  All  Hallows  College  at  Dublin,  Ireland,  for  scientific  and  theo- 
logical training  and  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  June  24,  1877,  after  which 
he  was  assigned  as  assistant  priest  in  Champaign,  Illinois.  In  1878  he  was  as- 
signed by  Bishop  Spalding  as  assistant  at  St.  ]\Iary's  Cathedral,  Peoria,  and  in 
i88i  became  pastor  at  Danville,  Illinois.  In  1893  he  was  made  vicar  general 
and  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  church  at  Peoria  and  on  the  21st  of  September,  1900, 
was  consecrated  bishop  coadjutor  of  the  diocese  of  Peoria. 


RT.  RK\'.  EDMUND  MICHAEL  DUNNE,  D.  D. 

Rt.  Rev.  Edmund  Michael  Dunne,  Catholic  bishop  of  Peoria,  is  a  native  of 
Chicago.  He  attended  the  parochial  school  of  Holy  Name  parish  and  later  was 
a  student  in  St.  Ignatius  College  before  entering  Niagara  University.  He  after- 
ward pursued  his  studies  in  seats  of  learning  in  Belgium  and  in  Rome,  complet- 


874  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

ing  his  course  at  the  Gregorian  University  with  high  honors.  His  first  pastorate 
was  at  St.  CoUmihkills,  where  he  remained  for  eight  years.  He  speaks  seven 
languages  and  is  a  man  of  scholarly  attainments  and  keen  philosophical  trend 
of  mind.  On  the  ist  of  September,  1909,  he  was  consecrated  bishop  of  Peoria 
in  Holy  Name  Cathedral  by  his  Grace  Most  Rev.  Diomede  Falconio,  D.  D., 
apostolic  delegate  to  the  United  States. 


THEODORE  KUHL. 


Throughout  the  history  of  the  world  mere  success  has  never,  save  in  a  few 
rare  instances,  been  the  cause  of  any  man  being  remembered  by  his  fellows, 
and  never  has  the  mere  accumulation  of  wealth  won  honor  for  the  individual. 
The  methods  employed  in  its  attainment,  however,  may  awaken  approval  and 
admiration,  for  the  world  pays  its  tribute  of  respect  to  him  who  through  enter- 
prise, unrelaxing  effort  and  clear-sighted  judgment  makes  advancement  in  the 
business  world  without  infringing  on  the  rights  of  others.  Such  has  been  the 
record  of  Theodore  Kuhl,  who  throughout  his  entire  business  career  has  never 
deviated  from  a  course  that  he  has  believed  to  be  right  and  yet  who  through 
enterprising  methods  has  steadily  worked  his  way  upward.  Peoria's  business 
circles  have  indeed  a  worthy  representative  in  Theodore  Kuhl,  who  was  an 
errand  boy  here  when  sixteen  years  of  age  in  the  establishment  of  which  he  is 
now  vice  president.  The  business  is  today  conducted  under  the  name  of  Schipper 
&  Block,  Inc.,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  mercantile  enterprises  of  the  city,  a  fact 
which  is  attributable  in  no  small  measure  to  the  efforts  and  labors  of  Mr.  Kuhl, 
who,  though  not  a  native  Peorian,  has  long  been  a  resident  here  and  is  one  of 
Illinois'  native  sons.  He  was  born  at  Beardstown,  September  17,  1859,  and  is  a 
son  of  John  George  and  Mary  Elizabeth  Kuhl.  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Germany.  In  early  life,  however,  they  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  world, 
the  father  arriving  in  America  when  nineteen  years  of  age,  while  his  wife  was 
but  eleven  years  of  age  when  her  people  crossed  the  Atlantic.  Their  son,  Theo- 
dore Kuhl,  was  a  pupil  in  the  common  schools  of  Beardstown  and  also  in  the 
schools  of  Normal  and  Pekin,  Illinois.  He  made  his  start  in  the  business  world 
as  a  newsboy  in  Pekin,  selling  papers  in  the  evening  when  but  twelve  years  of 
age.  He  was  afterward  employed  in  a  grocery  store  until  sixteen  years  of  age, 
when  he  began  working  for  the  firm  of  Schipper  &  Block  of  that  city  in  the 
capacity  of  errand  boy.  Three  years  later  he  was  sent  to  Peoria  in  company 
with  Frederick  L.  Block  to  assist  in  opening  the  Schipper  &  Block  store  in  this 
city.  When  twent\-four  years  of  age  he  was  given  a  working  interest  in  the 
store  and  at  twenty-eight  years  was  admitted  to  a  partnership.  When  thirty 
years  of  age  he  was  elected  secfetary  and  treasurer  of  the  firm  of  Schipper  & 
Block,  Inc.,  and  in  1907  was  elected  vice  president,  which  position  he  has  since 
continued  to  fill,  a  connection  that  places  him  in  a  very  prominent,  enviable  and 
honorable  position  in  the  business  circles  of  the  city.  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.  Fie 
has  brought  to  bear  a  clear  understanding  that  readily  solves  complex  problems 
and  unites  into  a  harmonious  whole  unrelated  and  even  diverse  interests.  He 
attacks  everything  with  a  contagious  enthusiasm  and  his  example  has  made  itself 
felt  in  the  establishment  of  which  he  is  now  the  head.  In  large  measure  the 
upbuilding  of  the  business  is  due  to  him,  and  today  the  Peoria  establishment  of 
the  firm  of  Schipper  i&  Block  is  the  largest  store  of  its  kind  in  any  city  of  one 
hundred  thousand  population  in  the  United  States.  Unfeigned  cordiality  is  one 
of  the  salient  characteristics  of  his  life.  He  is  a  most  courteous  gentleman  of 
pleasing  manner,  and  he  has  greeted  thousands  of  people  who  have  visited  the 


TI1E0DC)KE  KLHL 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  877 

store  with  a  hearty  handshake.  He  is  genuinely  interested  in  the  individual,  for 
his  nature  is  extremely  social,  and  while  his  ijartner,  Air.  Block,  managed  the 
financial  affairs  of  the'  house,  J\Ir.  Kuhl  met  his  patrons  and  gave  to  business 
relations  that  personal  touch  which  is  gratifying  to  every  individual.  In  addi- 
tion to  his  other  interests  he  is  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Jefferson  Hotel  and 
it  was  largely  through  the  cooperation  of  this  firm  that  the  building  of  the  hotel 
was  made  possible.  The  name  of  the  house  has  frequently  headed  the  list  when 
contributions  and  subscriptions  have  been  sought  for  some  worthy  public  pro- 
ject or  benevolent  enterprise. 

On  the  4th  of  Tune,  1885.  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Kuhl  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  liarriet  Xoyes"  Hurd,  a  daughter  of  Randall  Freeman  and  Harriet  (Noyes) 
Hurd.  Unto  this  marriage  has  "been  born  a  daughter,  Nina  Harriet,  who  was 
born  November  i,  1889.  and  was  married  on  the  20th  of  July,  1910,  to  L.  Fay 
Tyler  of  Bav  Citv.  Michigan.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  Second  Presby- 
terian church  of  Peoria  and  are  much  interested  in  the  moral  progress  of  the 
city,  as  is  indicated  bv  their  active  support  of  and  cooperation  in  the  work  of  the 
church.  Mr.  Kuhl  is' also  connected  with  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 
In  politics  he  has  ever  been  a  republican  and  is  a  strong  believer  in  the  basic 
principles  of  the  partw  Fraternallv  a  Mason,  he  belongs  to  Temple  Lodge, 
No.  46,  F.  &  A.  M.;  'Peoria  Chapter,  R.  A.  AI.;  and  Peoria  Commandery,  No. 
3,  K.  T.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Mohammed  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S. 
His  name  is  on  the  membership  rolls  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  and  the 
Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  he  is  a  charter  member  of  the  Peoria 
Countrv  and  the  Creve  Coeur  Clubs.  He  was  one  of  three  leading  citizens  of 
Peoria  who  organized  tlie  latter  and  he  acted  as  its  first  president.  This  indi- 
cates that  his  social  position  is  equal  to  his  business  prominence  and  public 
opinion  at  all  times  places  him  in  an  enviable  position  in  public  regard  both  as  a 
man  and  citizen.  Whenever  Peoria's  interests  and  welfare  are  involved  he  stands 
on  the  side  of  progress  and  improvement.  To  build  up  rather  than  to  destroy 
has  ever  been  his  broad  policy,  and  in  the  conduct  of  his  mercantile  interests 
he  has  pursued  constructive  methods  which  have  never  entrenched  upon  the 
rights  of  others,  and  the  policy  of  the  house  of  which  he  is  the  head  has  set 
the  standard  for  activity  in  that  direction.  .\  man  of  charming  personality,  his 
]iersonal  characteristics  and  social  qualities  are  pronotmced,  and  he  is  an  accept- 
able companion  in  any  society  in  which  intelligence  is  a  necessary  attribute  to 
agreeableness. 


lOHN  J.  HARMAN. 


John  [.  Ilarman,  a  prominent  representative  of  and  partner  in  the  Harman 
Engineering  Company  of  Peoria,  was  born  November  23,  1880,  in  Iroquois 
countv,  Illinois,  a  brother  of  Jacob  A.  Harman,  whose  biographical  record  ap- 
pears' on  another  page  in  this  volume.  He  attended  the  district  schools  in 
Iroquois  countv,  Illinois,  and  afterward  the  Sheldon  high  school  for  three  years. 
He  then  spent 'two  years  in  Eureka  (111.)  College  before  entering  the  University 
of  Illinois  at  Champaign.  He  pursued  a  four  years'  course  there  in  mechanical 
engineering  and  was  graduated  in  \()02  with  the  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  and 
in"i904  with  the  Mechanical  Engineering  degree.  In  1902  he  entered  the  draft- 
ing room  of  the  Link  licit  Company  and  later  was  made  chief  draftsman  with  the 
Acme  Harvester  Company  of  Peoria,  with  which  concern  he  remained  through 
1903.  He  had  shop  experience  with  the  United  States  geographical  survey  in  the 
fuel  tests  at  St.  Louis  in  1904  arnd  did  other  engineering  work.  He  also  became 
connected  with  the  University  of  Illinois  in  teaching  machine  design  to  which  he 
gave  his  attention  from  1903  until  1905.  He  was  engaged  on  the  designing  and 
erection  of  the  new  steam  laboratorv  in  the  latter  vear  and  in  teaching  in  the 


878  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

steam  laboratory  in  1905-06.  In  the  summer  of  1906  he  worked  for  the  Har- 
man  Engineering  Company  of  Peoria.  In  the  fall  and  winter  of  1906-07  he 
taught  Senior  ^lachine  Design  at  the  University  of  Illinois,  and  later  in  1907 
was  assistant  to  the  chief  engineer  in  the  National  Tube  Company,  at  Kewanee, 
Illinois.  In  1908  he  pursued  his  profession  of  mechanical  engineer,  doing  special 
work  for  the  National  Tube  Company  at  Pittsburg,  and  since  1909  has  been 
mechanical  engineer  of  the  Harman  Engineering  Company,  his  specialty  being 
power  plant  design  and  the  supervision  of  construction  and  tests. 

On  the  1st  of  June.  1910,  John  J.  Harman  was  married  to  Miss  Flora  J. 
Wiley,  of  Peoria,  a  daughter  of  F.  P.  \\'iley,  a  manufacturer  of  stamps  and  print- 
ing supplies  in  Peoria.  Air.  Harman  is  connected  with  various  leading  societies, 
professional  and  otherwise.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Association  of 
Commerce,  the  East  Peoria  Commercial  Club,  the  Hamilton  Club  of  Chicago,  the 
American  Society  of  Mechanical  Engineers,  the  Western  Society  of  Engineers 
and  the  Illinois  Society  of  Engineers  and  Surveyors.  He  is  likewise  a  member 
of  the  Central  Christian  church.  His  life  has  been  an  extremely  successful  one, 
bringing  him  into  notable  prominence  along  professional  lines  for  one  of  his 
years. 


WILLIAM  PLOENSE. 


William  Ploense  is  the  secretary  of  the  Peoria  Bedding  Company,  with  offices 
at  No.  1500  North  Adams  street  since  1910.  In  March  of  that  year  he  came  to 
Peoria  and  in  the  intervening  period  he  has  contributed  much  to  the  success  of  the 
enterprise  with  which  he  is  now  connected.  He  was  born- in  Bloomington,  Illi- 
nois, July  13,  1887,  and  is  a  son  of  Ernest  and  Bertha  Ploense,  old  residents  of 
Bloomington,  where  they  still  make  their  home.  The  son  acquired  his  education 
in  his  native  city  but  left  school  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years  and  has  since  been 
dependent  upon  his  own  resources,  working  his  way  steadily  upward  through 
persistent  and  determined  effort.  He  first  started  out  as  an  employe  in  a  brick 
yard  where  he  remained  for  about  two  seasons,  but  later  became  an  apprentice 
with  the  Dodge-Dickinson  Company  and  gradually  working  his  way  upward 
until  he  left  that  firm  to  come  to  Peoria.  Here  he  purchased  an  interest  in  the 
corporation  of  which  he  was  elected  secretary  and  has  since  had  active  voice  in 
the  management  of  a  business  which  is  growing  in  volume  and  importance,  for 
its  output  finds  favor  with  the  public  and  the  trade  therefore  increases  year  by 
year.  Mr.  Ploense  has  already  attained  an  enviable  position  for  one  of  his  years 
and  the  record  that  he  has  thus  far  made  argues  well  for  success  in  the  future. 
His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party  but  he  does  not  seek  nor 
desire  office,  preferring  to  concentrate  his  entire  time  and  attention  upon  his  busi- 
ness affairs. 


ALONZO  \\OOKEY. 


Among  the  men  who  by  well  directed  effort  have  gained  a  position  in  the 
front  ranks  of  the  business  men  of  Peoria,  who  have  attained  wealth  and  con- 
tributed to  the  material  advancement  of  the  city  along  purely  business  walks  of 
life,  is  numbered  Alonzo  Wookey.  He  was  born  in  Peoria  and  is  a  pioneer  in 
the  music  supply  business  of  the  city.  His  name  has  become  a  synonym  for 
all  that  stands  for  progress  and  improvement  along  that  line  and  his  own  efforts 
have  made  the  foundation  of  his  success.  He  has  earned  the  position  which  he 
occupies   through    individuaul   effort   and   tireless   enterprise   and   the   people  of 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  879 

Peoria  have  genuine  admiration  for  him  hy  reason  of  what  he  has  acconiplished. 
He  needs  no  praise  from  us  for  the  simple  record  of  his  career  tells  its  own  story. 

Mr.  Wookey  was  born  in  Peoria,  a  son  of  Stephen  and  Hannah  (Jones) 
Wookey.  The  father,  a  native  of  Somersetshire,  England,  was  brought  to  this 
country  by  his  parents  at  an  early  age  and  in  1S36  the  family  erected  the  house 
at  what  is  now  No.  420  West  McClure  avenue,  in  which  Alonzo  Wookey  was 
later  born.  The  Wookeys  were  among  the  first  m  the  city  to  engage  in  the  busi- 
ness of  brick-making  and  Stephen  Wookey  learned  the  trade  and  followed  it  for 
several  vears  after  his  marriage. 

Alonzo  Wookey  was  six  years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed  to  a  large 
farm  in  Truro  townshi]).  Knox  county,  Illinois,  after  which  he  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools  and  workeil  in  the  fields  until  seventeen  years  of  age.  He  then 
returned  to  Peoria  and  began  learning  the  trade  of  whitesmith,  which  he  fol- 
lowed for  several  years,  when  his  attention  was  directed  to  the  music  business, 
to  which  he  has  since  devoted  his  time  and  energies.  Ofttimes  seemingly  trivial 
circumstances  turn  the  tide  of  life  and  it  was  so  with  Mr.  Wookey.  While  he 
was  working  in  his  shop  he  had  a  caller  who  chanced  to  be  an  agent  for  an  organ 
company.  The  man  complained  of  business,  stating  that  he  had  a  number  of 
organs  which  he  was  unable  to  sell.  Mr.  Wookey  oft'ered  to  try  to  find  purchasers 
for  them  among  his  friends,  whereupon  the  agent  turned  over  the  unsold  organs 
and  Mr.  Wooke\-  promptly  disposed  of  the  entire  lot.  The  agent  came  again  and 
left  another  shipment  at  ^Ir.  Wookey 's  disposal.  His  first  success  was  repeated 
again  and  again  until  gradually  he  became  interested  in  the  work  and  in  the  busi- 
ness and  in  1886  accepted  a  position  in  the  music  house  of  the  Brown,  Page  & 
Hillman  Companv.  For  eleven  years  he  remained  with  that  firm  and  a  recogni- 
tion of  his  marked  business  ability  won  him  advancement  and  increasing 
responsibilities  until  he  finally  became  general  manager.  In  1897  he  left  the 
em]5loy  of  the  Brown,  Page  &  Hillman  Company  and  started  in  business  on  his 
own  account,  opening  a  little  music  store  at  No.  211  South  Adams  street.  The 
personnel  of  the  establishment  consisted  of  Mr.  Wookey  and  his  wife,  who 
aided  her  husband  by  selling  sheet  music  while  ]\Ir.  Wookey  had  charge  of  the 
musical  instruments  department.  The  business  grew  and  flourished.  Every  year 
the  capacity  was  increased  and  additions  made  to  the  number  of  employes  until 
in  igio  Mr.  ^^■ookev  was  forced  to  acknowledge  that  his  quarters  were  too  small 
for  his  growing  business,  at  which  time  he  removed  to  his  present  attractive  loca- 
tion at  Nos.  320-322  South  Adams  street.  His  store  is  now  one  of  the  largest 
of  its  kind  in  the '.state  outside  of  Chicago  and  its  business  is  growing  each  year. 
The  building  which  he  occupies  is  thirty-six  feet  wade  by  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  feet  deep  and  has  three  stories  and  basement.  Unique  features  of 
the  establishment  are  the  comfortable  and  inviting  rest  rooms  and  a  large  recital 
hall  which  Mr.  Wookey  places  at  the  disposal  of  the  music  teachers  and  the 
musical  clubs  of  the  city  for  recitals  and  concerts.  The  company  keep  from 
sixty  to  seventv-five  pianos  of  different  makes  in  stock  at  all  times^  the  lowest 
priced  instruments  being  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  dollars.  Second-hand 
])ianos  and  musical  instruments  of  all  kinds  are  also  features  of  the  trade.  Mr. 
Wookey  was  the  first  piano  dealer  in  Peoria  to  oft'er  to  the  public  the  piano 
player  and  these  instruments  now  form  a  special  department  in  his  store,  which 
was  established  in  1898  as  soon  as  the  invention  was  perfected.  His  business 
in  this  line  has  been  growing  at  a  phenomenal  rate  and  besides  a  half  dozen  of 
the  most  prominent  makes  of  piano  players  this  department  now  contains  a 
library  of  seven  or  eight  thousand  rolls — one  of  the  largest  in  the  state. 

Mr.  Wookey  usually  votes  with  the  republican  party  but  still  holds  to  an 
independent  political  i)osition.  He  is  an  active  member  of  the  First  Congrega- 
tional church  and  his  is  a  sincere  and  simi^le  religious  life,  his  belief  giving  color 
to  his  character  and  his  deeds.  He  is  a  friend  of  the  cause  of  education  and 
was  secretary  of  the  board  of  school  trustees  at  the  time  the  Columbia  school 
was  built. 


880  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

.Mr.  W'ookey  insists  that  his  success  is  in  great  part  due  to  his  wife,  who  in 
her  maidenhood  was  Miss  Harriet  Zinser,  of  Peoria.  Her  work  and  encourage- 
ment greatly  aided  him  wlien  his  business  was  small  and  her  belief  in  his  suc- 
cess has  always  been  one  of  his  sources  of  inspiration.  Mrs.  Wookey's  father 
was  for  many  years  cashier  of  the  People's  Savings  Bank  of  the  city,  which 
position  he  resigned  to  enter  the  office  of  Wookey  &  Company,  now  being  office 
manager.  The  business  is,  as  previously  stated,  the  largest  in  the  city,  and  has 
no  equal  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago.  Mr.  \\'ookey  has  always  supported 
musical  aiTairs  of  the  city  and  for  several  years  was  president  of  the  Peoria 
Chorus.  Substantial  success  has  come  to  him  through  his  devotion  to  trade 
interests  and  activities  and  in  no  relation  of  life  has  his  business  or  personal  integ- 
rity been  questioned.  His  house  maintains  a  high  reputation  in  musical  circles 
and  has  been  favorably  mentioned  in  such  prominent  musical  journals  as  the 
Presto.  His  utilization  of  reasonable  prices  and  straightforward  dealing  has 
ever  commended  him  to  the  confidence  and  support  of  the  public  until  the  name 
of  Wookey  has  indeed  become  recognized  as  a  synonym  for  all  that  is  reliable 
and  all  that  is  progressive  in  musical  circles. 


JOHN  F.  SCHIPPER. 


In  the  history  of  Peoria  mercantile  enterprises  no  name  has  been  more  con- 
spicuous than  that  of  John  F.  Schipper,  for  many  years  the  senior  member  of 
the  firm  of  Schipper  &  Block,  proprietors  of  the  extensive  department  stores 
conducted  under  their  name  in  Peoria  and  Pekin.  Mr.  Schipper  was  born  at 
W'undel  (which  was  the  home  of  the  Schipper  family  for  over  two  hundred 
years),  near  Wirdum,  in  Ostfriesland,  Germany,  December  22,  1838,  and  died 
in  Pekin,  Illinois,  September  25,  1893.  His  father,  Frederick  Schipper.  was  a 
man  of  strong  and  pleasing  personality,  who  occupied  various  positions  of 
trust  and  honor  in  his  day.  Although  in  later  life  belonging  to  the  landed  gentry 
of  Northern  Germany,  he  bore  an  active  part  in  the  defense  of  his  fatherland 
against  the  aggressions  of  the  First  Napoleon,  being  one  of  those  who.  under 
Blucher.  took  part  in  the  overthrow  of  the  despoiler  of  Europe  finally  con- 
summated on  the  field  of  Waterloo.  He  was  also  active  in  the  engineering  de- 
partment which  constructed  many  of  the  public  works  of  northern  Europe, 
especially  the  harbor  at  Cherbourg,  France.  He  died  respected  and  honored, 
in  the  old  home  in  Germany,  in  1876,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-five,  having 
survived  his  wife  for  many  years. 

John  F.  Schipper  was  the  third  of  a  family  of  five  sons,  and  spent  his  boy- 
hood in  the  family  home  in  much  the  same  manner  as  boys  of  his  station  and 
period.  His  educational  advantages  were  of  a  superior  order  and.  coupled  with 
studious  habits  and  an  eager  desire  for  knowledge,  fitted  him  for  the  business 
career  which  he  was  ultimately  destined  to  pursue.  His  preliminary  training 
was  received  from  private  tutors  and  in  the  gsmnasium  at  Wirdum.  after 
which,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  took  a  course  in  a  business  college,  when  he 
obtained  a  position  in  a  dry-goods  store  in  Emden,  and  later  spent  two  years 
in  a  similar  position  in  Rotterdam.  Holland.  During  the  latter  period,  his  health 
having  become  somewhat  impaired  he  determined  to  visit  Japan ;  but  was  in- 
duced by  the  urgent  advice  of  his  father  to  change  his  destination  to  America. 
This  was  in  the  year  1865,  immediately  after  the  close  of  the  war  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union — a  period  when  many  young  Germans  of  high  culture 
and  liberal  principles  were  having  their  attention  directed  toward  the  New 
^^'orld,  as  that  of  their  countrymen  had  been  after  the  Revolution  of  1848. 

Coming  to  Pekin.  Illinois,  in  the  year  just  named,  with  the  lousiness  exper- 
ience gained   in  his  native  country,   Mr.    Schipper   soon    found   employment   as 


.TiniX   F.   SCTTTPrF.R 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  883 

clerk  in  the  dry-goods  store  of  M.  Heisel,  but  six  months  later  entered  into 
partnership  with  C.  I'onk  under  the  firm  name  of  lionk  &  Company,  which 
continued  until  the  death  of  Mr.  Pionk.  He  soon  after  organized  a  partnershij) 
with  Mr.  Henry  Block,  out  of  which,  in  addition  to  the  Pekin  establishment, 
have  since  grown  the  great  department  store  of  Schipper  &  Block,  and  the 
Schipper  &  P)lock  Furniture  and  Carpet  Company,  of  Peoria,  which,  combined, 
transact  a  larger  business  than  any  other  concern  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago. 
Of  these  Mr.  Schipper  was  the  president,  and  for  many  years  was  also  a  mem- 
ber of  the  banking  firm  of  Teis  Smith  &  Company,  of  Pekin.  Although  Mr. 
Schipper  had  the  advantage  of  being  born  in  aftluent  circumstances,  he  took  the 
same  ])ains  to  qualify  himself  for  a  practical  business  career  as  if  he  had  been 
de|)cndent  upon  his  own  resources.  With  such  training  it  is  not  surprising 
that  he  should  have  developed  one  of  the  most  successful  business  enterprises 
ever  achieved  in  the  state,  and  that  too,  only  by  the  employment  of  legitimate 
business  methods. 

Strongly  cosmopolitan  in  his  tastes,  Air.  Schipper  traveled  quite  extensively 
before  coming  to  the  country  of  his  adoption,  and  during  1873,  in  company 
with  his  wife,  visited  the  great  exposition  at  \'ienna.  and  the  ancestral  seat  of 
the  Schi]3])er  family,  later  extending  his  travels  throughout  Germany  and  other 
portions  of  Europe.  Again,  in  1892,  he  and  his  wife  made  an  extended  tour 
through  the  United  States,  deriving  especial  enjoyment  from  a  visit  to  the 
facitic  coast  and  adjacent  regions. 

On  November  3,  1869,  Mr.  Schipper  was  married  to  Anna  Look,  the  only 
daughter  of  Ibe  and  Lena  (Steen)  Look,  of  Pekin,  Illinois.  Six  children  were 
born  to  them — three  daughters  and  three  sons.  Charlotte,  the  eldest,  died  at 
two  years  of  age;  Martena  at  the  age  of  one  year,  and  Leonora  at  seventeen. 
The  three  sons — Carl,  I.  John  and  Frederick — survive;  the  two  older  embarked 
in  business  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  younger  is  preparing  for  a  future  career 
by  stud}-  and  travel.  All  are  young  men  of  ability  and  promise,  who  have  re- 
ceived an  ideal  training  from  a  devoted  and  loving  mother. 

Mr.  Schipper  was  trained  in  the  tenets  of  the  Lutheran  church  in  his  native 
land,  but,  inspired  by  a  broad-minded  independence  and  free  from  bigotry  and 
sectarianism,  he  liberally  aided  other  denominations  in  their  worthy  enterprises, 
and  contributed  freely  but  unostentatiously  to  public  and  private  charities. 
Without  being  a  politician  in  the  partisan  sense  of  the  term,  he  believed  in  the 
principles  of  the  republican  party,  and  more  than  once  received  its  nomination 
for  important  offices;  also  served  the  city  faithfuHy  and  efficiently  as  alderman 
and  inspector  of  schools  for  a  number  of  terms.  His  death,  in  the  very  zenith 
of  his  business  career  and  in  the  midst  of  his  greatest  usefulness,  was  an  ir- 
reparable loss  to  the  cities  of  Peoria  and  Pekin,  with  whose  interests  he  had  been 
so  long  and  so  intimately  identified. 


P.  W.  SOMMER. 


P.  W.  Sommer  is  the  president  and  general  manager  of  the  Keystone  Steel 
&  Wire  Company,  which  has  its  factory  and  offices  at  Bartonville.  This  state- 
ment alone  is  sufficient  to  indicate  his  prominence  as  a  business  man  to  any  one 
at  all  familiar  with  the  history  of  Peoria,  for  the  company  of  which  he  is  the 
c7iief  executive  officer  controls  one  of  the  largest  and  most  important  productive 
industries  of  the  state,  furnishing  employment  to  five  hundred  workmen  in  the 
manufacture  of  woven  steel  wire  fencing.  A  spirit  of  dauntless  determination 
combined  with  the  power  of  keen  insight  and  executive  ability  have  brought  him 
rapidly  to  the  front  in  the  development  and  control  of  this  mammoth  concern. 
He  was  born  on  a  farm  near  Fairbury,  Livingston  county,  Illinois,  September 


884  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

lo,  1869,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Mary  (Prisacher)  Sommer.  The  father 
was  originally  a  farmer  and  the  work  to  which  he  ultimately  turned  his  atten- 
tion gave  evidence  of  the  old  adage  that  "necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention." 
He  was  attempting  to  cultivate  his  tract  of  land  near  Fairbury  but  the  ground 
was  wet  and  undrained  and,  becoming  discouraged,  he  removed  with  his  family 
to  Tremont,  Illinois,  settling  on  a  farm  then  owned  by  his  brother.  He  built 
rod  after  rod  of  stake  and  rider  fences  in  order  to  enclose  his  fields,  but  the 
task  was  arduous  and  the  fences  ofttimes  somewhat  insecure,  so  that  his  thoughts 
naturally  turned  to  the  subject  of  fence  building  with  other  materials.  Alore- 
over,  he  possessed  considerable  mechanical  and  inventive  genius  and  he  con- 
sidered the  subject  of  a  stronger  and  less  bulky  material,  becoming  convinced 
that  galvanized  wire  would  serve  the  purpose.  In  the  fall  of  1888  he  showed 
his  son,  P.  W.  Sommer,  now  president  of  the  Keystone  Company,  a  washer  which 
he  had  bent  and  had  inserted  therein  two  short  pieces  of  wire,  crossing  them 
within  the  washer,  and  afterward  straightening  the  washer  out  so  as  to  clamp 
the  wires  together.  He  suggested  to  his  son  that  they  build  a  fence  in  this  way. 
That  constituted  the  inception  of  the  great  business  of  manufacturing  fencing 
materials  now  carried  on  at  Bartonville.  The  business  of  manufacturing  fencing 
material  for  other  than  their  own  use  was  taken  up  and  later  the  washer  idea 
was  replaced  by  a  method  whereby  the  wires  were  twisted  together. 

In  the  meantime  P.  W.  Sommer  had  the  usual  experiences  of  the  farm  boy 
of  the  western  frontier.  He  was  about  ten  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  the  re- 
moval of  the  family  to  Tremont,  where  his  time  was  devoted  to  the  work  of  he  j. 
fields  and  the  acquirement  of  an  education  in  the  district  schools.  At  length  the  l| 
father's  idea  concerning  the  fencing  took  material  form,  whereupon  he  and  his  " 
sons,  P.  W.  and  John,  began  the  manufacture  of  woven  wire  fencing,  becoming 
pioneers  in  this  line  of  Inisiness.  They  experienced  many  difiiculties  in  invent- 
ing a  device  for  making  the  wire,  but  gradually  overcame  all  obstacles  and  now 
build  all  machinery  for  making  both  the  wire  and  the  fencing.  The  father  con- 
tinued an  active  factor  in  the  business  for  a  long  period  and  still  holds  the  rela- 
tion of  vice  president  of  the  company,  but  while  he  spends  his  winter  months  in 
Peoria  he  does  not  take  active  management  in  the  business,  giving  his  time  to 
the  supervision  of  an  extensive  ranch  which  he  owns  in  Colorado  and  upon 
which  he  spends  the  summer  months.  The  active  members  of  the  firm  at  the 
present  time  are  P.  W.  Sommer  and  his  two  brothers,  B.  L.  Sommer.  who  is 
the  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  W.  H.  Sommer,  vice  president  and  general 
superintendent.  The  firm  today  enjoys  a  national  reputation  in  connection  with 
the  manufacture  of  wire  fencing  known  as  The  Square  Deal,  and  there  are  three 
features  to  their  project  which  support  their  claim  for  manufacturing  the  most 
serviceable  and  neatest  woven  wire  fences  on  the  market.  These  are  the  Square 
Deal  lock,  the  one-piece  stay  wire  and  the  wavy  strand  wire.  The  Square  Deal 
fence  meets  every  demand  of  the  modern  farmer.  There  is  a  style  for  every 
need,  from  enclosing  the  wildest  stock  down  to  the  tiny  chick.  ^Nlade  by  men 
that  are  practical  farmers,  no  requirement  for  perfect  fences  has  been  over- 
looked. The  companv  manufactures  their  own  wire  looms  or  fence  \yeaving 
machines  and  also  their  own  wire.  Something  of  the  growth  of  the  business  is 
indicated  by  the  fact  that  on  their  pay  roll  are  now  found  the  names  of  five 
hundred  employes.  Experiment,  joined  to  scientific  principles,  has  led  to  per- 
fections resulting  from  the  many  improvements  that  have  been  made  since  they 
patented  the  first  fence  machine  October  29.  1889.  They  began  manufacturing 
in  IMay  of  that  year  and  put  their  first  fence  on  exhibition  in  Peoria  in  the 
same  year.  Their  premises  were  originally  sixteen  by  twenty- four  feet  and  to- 
day the  plant  covers  about  twenty  acres  with  most  splendidly  equipped  factories 
in  which  is  continuouslv  heard  the  hum  of  machinery. 

At  Tremont,  Illinois,  on  the  5th  of   November,   1895.   P.   W.   Sommer  was 
married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Getz,  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Hannah  Getz.  the  for- 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  885 

mer  a  farmer  and  early  settler  of  Tremont.  jMr.  and  Mrs.  Sommer  have  three 
sons  and  four  daughters:  Mary  H.,  who  is  a  student  in  the  Bradley  Institute; 
Henry  G.,  Reuben  E.  and  Marcus,  who  are  pupils  of  the  public  school ;  Emma ; 
Ruth ;  and  Helen.  The  family  reside  at  No.  233  Crest  Lawn  apartment,  which 
was  erected  by  Mr.  Sommer  and  is  the  most  thoroughly  modern  and  best 
equipped  building  of  the  kind  in  Peoria. 

Mr.  Sommer  votes  with  the  republican  party.  That  he  is  socially  prominent 
is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur  Club.  His  has 
indeed  been  a  busy  and  useful  life,  his  duties  and  responsibilities  continuously 
increasing  with  the  growth  of  tlie  business  that  is  now  one  of  the  most  substantial 
features  in  commercial  and  industrial  activity  in  Peoria  county. 


JACOB  ANTHONY  HARMAN. 

Jacob  Anthony  Harman,  the  founder  and  still  the  head  of  the  Harman  En- 
gineering Company,  (contracting)  Engineers,  Superintendents  and  Managers, 
with  offices  at  No.  120  Fredonia  avenue,  in  Peoria,  was  born  in  Randolph  county, 
Missouri,  March  7,  1866,  a  son  of  Jacob  M.  Harman,  who  was  a  farmer  by 
occupation.  In  the  district  schools  he  pursued  his  early  education  and  after- 
ward attended  the  academy  at  Strother,  Missoviri.  He  next  entered  the  National 
Normal  University  at  Lebanon,  Ohio,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1887, 
completing  both  the  scientific  and  civil  engineering  courses,  at  which  time  the 
degrees  of  B.  S.  and  C.  E.  were  conferred  upon  him.  Through  the  succeeding 
winter  he  engaged  in  teaching  in  district  schools  and  then  took  up  the  business 
of  engineering  in  both  the  civil  and  scientific  departments.  In  June  and  July,  1888, 
lie  made  surveys  and  plans  for  the  Beaver  drainage  district  of  Iroquois  county, 
Illinois,  and  from  August  until  December  was  engineer  in  charge  of  drainage 
work  in  that  county.  In  November,  1888,  he  was  elected  county  surveyor  and 
from  that  date  until  August,  1889,  served  as  county  surveyor  and  drainage 
engineer.  From  August  until  December,  1889,  he  was  engaged  in  the  prelimin- 
ary surveys  for  irrigation  and  water  supply  in  Garfield  county,  Colorado,  and 
from  January  until  August,  1890,  he  was  again  occupied  as  county  surveyor 
and  had  charge  of  surveying  the  drainage  districts  of  Iroquois  county,  Illinois. 
Fie  then  became  assistant  engineer  of  the  construction  of  the  Peoria  water-works 
system,  acting  as  general  assistant  on  the  distril)ution  system  and  making  topo- 
graphical surveys,  at  the  same  time  having  charge  of  the  construction  of  the 
pumping  stations.  In  1892  he  was  engaged  in  general  civil  engineering  and  sur- 
veying work,  designing  the  water-works  system  for  Lacon,  Illinois,  the  estimated 
cost  of  which  was  twenty-seven  thousand  dollars,  and  superintended  the  construc- 
tion. He  also  designed  and  superintended  the  construction  of  the  water  works  for 
Morton,  Illinois,  and  was  engineer  for  the  Prospect  Heights  street  railway  until 
the  work  was  abandoned.  He  designed  the  system  of  grades  for  Elmwood,  Illi- 
nois, and  also  did  general  work  along  the  line  of  surveying  and  improving  prop- 
erty. In  June,  1893,  he  was  appointed  city  engineer  of  Peoria  for  a  term  of  two 
years,  and  while  the  incumbent  in  that  office  designed  fifty  miles  of  sewers,  con- 
structing twenty  miles,  prepared  the  plans  and  specifications  for  about  twenty- 
five  miles  of  street  paving  and  constructed  eight  miles  of  paving.  He  also  de- 
signed complete  sewage  and  grade  systems  for  Pekin,  Illinois. 

In  1895  ^Ii"-  Harman  began  following  his  profession  independently  and  as 
such  superintended  the  construction  of  the  water  works  at  Mount  Pulaski,  de- 
signing the  water-works  system  for  Milford,  Illinois,  the  sewage  system  for 
Macomb,  Illinois,  and  there  constructed  a  main  sewer.  He  also  prepared  plans 
and  specifications  and  superintended  the  construction  of  a  mile  and  a  quarter 
of  brick  pavement  for  Averyville,  Illinois,  and  designed  and  built  a  mile  race 


886  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

track.  In  1896  he  designed  and  superintended  the  construction  of  the  Farm  Creek 
improvement ;  two  miles  of  creek  channel  with  levees  across  the  flat  valley ; 
superintended  the  construction  of  the  water  works  at  Milford,  Illinois,  designed 
tTie  sewer  system  for  South  Peoria ;  reported  on  the  water-works  plant  of  Keokuk 
and  in  addition  made  sundry  other  surveys.  The  next  year  his  work  included  the 
completion  of  the  Farm  Creek  improvement  and  brought  to  him  the  appointment 
of  consulting  engineer  to  the  commissioners  for  the  Illinois  Asylum  for  the  In- 
curable Insane  in  course  of  erection.  He  also  did  much  work  in  Rock  Island. 
In  1898  he  acted  as  engineer  of  the  Illinois  Asylum  for  the  Incurable  Insane, 
having  charge  of  the  engineering  features  of  the  work  in  a  plant  designed  for 
caring  for  two  thousand  patients  in  addition  to  doing  much  miscellaneous  en- 
gineering work  and  surveying.  In  1899  he  was  engineer  for  the  Illinois  state 
board  of  health  and  made  the  sanitary  survey  and  report  on  the  Illinois  river 
water  shed  in  anticipation  of  the  opening  of  the  Chicago  sanitary  canal,  which 
work  was  continued  through  1901.  In  1900  he  was  engineer  and  manager  of 
the  development  of  mining  property  at  Joplin,  Missouri,  in  addition  to  the  mis- 
cellaneous engineering  work  and  in  igoi  he  became  engineer  and  manager  of  the 
East  Peoria  Coal  Company,  in  which  connection  he  remained  until  1906.  Similar 
work  engaged  his  attention  in  1902  and  in  1903  he  was  consulting  engineer  for 
the  sanitary  district  of  Chicago  in  the  matter  of  damages  for  the  overflow  of 
lands  in  the  Illinois  valley,  remaining  in  that  connection  until  1907.  He  was 
likewise  engineer  of  the  Spring  Lake  drainage  and  levee  district  of  Illinois,  con- 
sisting of  levees,  ditches  and  the  pumping  plant  to  reclaim  fourteen  thousand 
acres  of  land,  much  of  the  work  now  nearing  completion  at  a  cost  of  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  In  1904  he  also  had  charge  of  the  Dancy  drain- 
age district  of  Wisconsin,  a  gravity  drainage  system  for  thirty  thousand  acres, 
this  work  being  completed  in  1909  at  a  cost  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand 
dollars.  He  was  also  awarded  the  engineering  contract  for  the  Nutwood  drain- 
age and  levee  district  of  Jersey,  Green  county,  Illinois,  with  levees,  ditches  and 
pumping  plant  for  'the  reclamation  of  eleven  thousand  acres,  the  work  being  com- 
pleted in  1909  at  a  cost  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  thousand  dollars.  In  1905  he 
was  named  the  engineer  to  prepare  plans  and  specifications  for  the  Onarga  drain- 
age district  of  about  two  thousand  acres  and  redesigned  the  system  of  tile  drains. 
His  work  also  included  the  Des  Moines  county  drainage  district,  No.  i,  of  Iowa, 
having  to  do  with  ditches  and  two  pumping  stations  for  the  reclamation  of  twenty- 
eight  thousand  acres  of  leveed  lands  at  a  cost  of  three  hundred  and  forty-two 
thousand  dollars,  now  nearing  completion.  The  same  year  he  undertook  the  work 
of  the  Pekin  and  LeMarsh  drainage  and  levee  district  for  the  reclamation  of 
twenty-five  thousand  acres,  which  was  completed  in  1908  at  a  cost  of  sixtv-five 
thousand  dollars.  In  1906  he  was  made  engineer  for  the  Mexican  Agricultural 
Land  Company  for  surveys  and  the  development  of  sixty  thousand  acres  in  old 
Mexico,  continuing  through  1907,  1908  and  1909.  In  1906  he  also  began  the 
work  of  building  levees,  ditches  and  pumping  station  for  the  reclamation  of 
twenty  thousand  acres  in  the  Bay  island  district  and  levee  district  of  Mercer 
county,  Illinois,  at  a  cost  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  completing  it 
in  191 1.  In  1907  he  was  made  engineer  of  the  village  of  East  Peoria  and  so  con- 
tinued through  1908.  In  the  former  year  he  was  awarded  the  contract  for  rede- 
signing and  constructing  the  ditches  for  the  drainage  of  seven  thousand  acres  of 
leveed  land  in  the  Coal  Creek  drainage  and  levee  district  of  Illinois,  which  work- 
was  finished  in  icpg  at  a  cost  of  sixty-five  thousand  dollars.  He  also  undertook 
the  work  of  the  East  Peoria  drainage  and  levee  district,  Ijuilding  levees,  ditches 
and  pumping  plant  to  reclaim  seven  hundred  and  fifty  acres.  In  1908  he  was  en- 
gineer of  the  Louisa-Des  Moines  drainage  district.  No.  4,  of  Iowa,  constructing 
ditches  and  pumping  plant  for  the  drainage  of  thirteen  thousand  acres,  the  work 
being  completed  in  1910.  In  1900  he  became  engineer  of  the  Eldred  drainage  and 
levee  district  of  Illinois,  preparing  for  the  reclamation  of  nine  thousand  acres, 
which  work  is  now  nearing  completion.     In  1910  he  was  made  engineer  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  887 

internal  improvement  commission  of  Illinois  to  prepare  plans  and  estimates  for 
the  reclamation  of  the  Kaskaskia  river  valley  of  Illinois,  including  one  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  acres  of  overflowed  lands,  the  estimated  cost  of  which  work 
is  five  million  dollars.  In  191 1  he  was  engineer  of  the  Muscatine-Louisa  drain- 
age district  No.  13,  of  Iowa,  draining  thirty  thousand  acres  of  leveed  land,  con- 
structing ditches  and  building  the  pumping  ])lant,  the  estimated  cost  of  which  will 
be  two  hundred  thousand  dollars.  He  also  began  work  on  the  Louisa  county  dis- 
trict, leveeing  si.x  thousand  acres ;  the  Crow  Creek  drainage  district,  to  drain  about 
two  thousand  acres;  the  Henderson  county  drainage  district  of  Illinois,  to  re- 
claim eight  thousand  acres,  with  levees,  ditches  and  pumping  plant :  the  ELsberry 
drainage  district,  of  ^Missouri,  to  reclaim  eighteen  thousand  acres  of  leveed  land, 
with  ditches  and  pumping  plant ;  and  Fabius  drainage  district  of  Missouri,  to  re- 
claim from  twelve  to  eighteen  thousand  acres  of  land  with  levees,  ditches  and 
pumping  plant,  the  estimated  cost  of  which  is  four  hundred  thousand  dollars. 
He  still  remains  engineer  in  charge  of  the  uncompleted  work  mentioned  above, 
and  is  conducting  a  general  engineering  practice.  The  nature  of  his  work  stands 
in  incontrovertible  proof  of  his  ability  and  the  character  of  his  professional  service. 
On  the  4th  of  ^larch,  i88q,  -Mr.  Harman  was  married  to  Aliss  Emma  Flagg, 
of  Milford,  Illinois,  a  daughter  of  Rufus  Flagg,  a  farmer  of  that  locality.  They 
have  two  children,  Harrison  J.  and  Howard  W.,  aged  respectively  twenty  and 
twelve  years,  both  now  in  school.  Mr.  Harman  is  a  member  of  the  Creve  Coeur 
Club  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp.  He 
is  likewise  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  the  East  Peo- 
ria Commercial  Club,  while  along  strictly  professional  lines  he  is  connected 
with  the  Western  Society  of  Engineers,  the  Illinois  Society  of  Engineers  and 
Survevors  and  is  a  member  of  the  American  Society  of  Civil  Engineers.  He  has 
attained  high  rank  and  prominence  in  his  profession,  and  is  meeting  with  the 
success  which  follows  broad  scientific  and  practical  knowledge  as  exemplified 
in  actual  work  accomplished  when  intelligence  directs  unfaltering  industry. 


EDWARD  SEITZ. 


Edward  Seitz  is  the  president  of  the  King  Light  Company,  with  office  and 
factory  at  No.  4200  South  Adams  street,  being  there  located  since  1908.  He  is 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  the  King  gas  machines  and  King  lights  and  is 
rapidly  developing  an  extensive  business  in  this  connection.  He  was  born  in 
Altheim,  near  Heidelberg,  Baden,  Germany,  October  13,  1854,  and  is  a  son  of 
Johann  and  Josepha  Seitz,  both  of  whom  spent  their  entire  lives  in  the  father- 
land. The  son  acquired  his  education  in  his  native  country,  pursuing  his  studies 
until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he  began  learning  the  watchmaker's  trade,  be- 
ing thus  emi:)loyed  until  seventeen  years  of  age.  In  1872  he  came  to  the  United 
States,  landing  at  New  York  and  thence  made  his  way  direct  to  Marion,  Ohio, 
where  he  was  employed  at  watchmaking  until  1873.  In  that  year  he  came  to  Illi- 
nois, settling  first  at  \\  ilmington,  where  he  also  worked  at  his  trade  for  about 
eighteen  months.  In  1875  he  removed  to  Sheridan,  Iowa,  where  he  lived  for  a 
year,  and  in  1877  he  came  to  Peoria,  here  establishing  himself  in  the  business  of 
watchmaking  and  repairing.  He  started  on  a  small  scale  but  his  capability  won 
him  a  growing  patronage  and  he  continued  in  that  field  of  labor  until  1899.  In 
the  meantime,  however,  he  was  giving  close  attention  to  the  study  of  the  light- 
ing and  heating  ])roblcm  and,  his  inventive  genius  and  ingenuity  being  called 
forth,  between  1899  and  1900  he  experimented  and  invented  various  machines 
furnishing  gas  for  both  heating  and  lighting  purposes.  He  established  his  pres- 
ent business  in   1900  in  partnership  with  E.  J.  Lockwood  under  the  firm  name 


888  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  the  King  Light  Company.  He  has  produced  gas  machines  which  make  a 
cheaper  gas  for  the  home,  store  or  factory  and  which  supply  light  and  heat.  The 
gas  machines  surpass  all  others  in  many  points  of  improvement  and  the  busi- 
ness is  being  gradually  extended,  their  output  being  handled  by  dealers  in  all 
sections  of  the  country.  The  simplicity  as  well  as  the  perfection  of  their  ma- 
chines render  them  safe  to  be  operated  by  anyone.  Their  output  also  includes 
the  necessary  eciuipment  in  stoves,  for  both  heating  and  cooking,  and  in  fixtures 
for  all  kinds  of  lighting,  including  both  plain  and  artistically  decorated  designs. 
In  Brooklyn,  New  York,  Mr.  Seitz  was  married  in  1884  to  Miss  Mathilda 
Ficheisen,  a  daughter  of  a  German  army  officer.  They  have  become  parents  of 
four  children :  Myra,  residing  at  home ;  Mathilda,  a  graduate  of  the  Peoria  high 
school ;  and  Edward  and  Laura,  who  are  attending  school.  The  family  residence 
is  at  No.  504  North  Monroe  street.  In  politics  Mr.  Seitz  is  a  republican,  voting 
for  the  men  and  measures  of  the  party.  He  is  a  blue  lodge  Mason,  and  he  belongs 
to  the  Commercial  Club,  in  which  connection  he  gives  active  support  to  many 
movements  which  further  the  business  development  and  the  substantial  up- 
building of  his  city. 


THOMAS  C.  JOHNSON. 

Thomas  C.  Johnson,  who  for  the  past  eight  years  has  been  superintendent 
of  the  Standard  Oil  Company  at  Peoria,  has  recently  been  appointed  state 
humane  agent  by  Governor  Deneen.  He  was  born  at  Homer,  Champaign  county, 
Illinois,  in  1871,  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Josephine  Johnson.  The  father,  who  was 
a  railway  engineer  for  many  years  and  later  became  station  agent  at  Homer, 
passed  away  in  1877,  but  the  mother  is  living.  Some  years  after  the  death 
of  her  husband,  Mrs.  Johnson  became  the  wife  of  Solomon  Carroll  and  they  are 
residing  at  112  Iowa  avenue,  Danville,  Illinois.  ]\Ir.  and  ]Mrs.  Joseph  Johnson 
were  the  parents  of  four  children,  those  beside  our  subject  being  as  follows: 
William,  who  is  a  farmer  at  Allerton,  Illinois;  Sylvia,  who  became  the  wife  of 
Abner  Cooper,  of  Homer,  Illinois;  and  Allie,  the  wife  of  Freeman  Mead,  a 
farmer  at  Homer,  Illinois.  Thomas  C.  Johnson  also  has  a  half-sister,  Myrtle, 
the  wife  of  John  Reece,  a  carpenter  and  contractor  of  Danville,  Illinois. 

The  early  years  in  the  life  of  Thomas  C.  Johnson  were  very  similar  in 
every  respect  to  those  of  other  boys  reared  in  homes  of  moderate  circumstances. 
At  the  usual  age  he  entered  the  public  schools  and  received  a  good  practical 
education.  In  1890  he  came  to  Peoria  as  an  employe  of  the  Standard  Oil  Com- 
pany, beginning  in  the  capacity  of  engineer.  As  his  services  were  efficient  and 
satisfactory  and  he  showed  the  ability  to  hold  a  more  responsible  position  he 
was  promoted  later  to  the  office 'of  assistant  superintendent.  He  discharged 
the  duties  of  this  place  until  1903  when  he  was  made  superintendent  and  has 
ever  since  been  in  charge  of  the  company's  business  at  this  point.  Mr.  Johnson 
is  a  man  of  high  standards  and  unquestionable  integrity  and  during  the  twenty- 
two  years  of  his  residence  here  has  established  a  reputation  that  would  be  a 
valuable  asset  to  any  business  man.  He  has  recently  been  appointed  state  hu- 
mane agent  by  Governor  Deneen,  and  assumed  the  duties  of  this  office  on  the 
1st  of  December,  191 1. 

This  city  was  the  scene  of  Mr.  Johnson's  marriage  on  the  30th  of  August, 
1896,  to  Miss  Catherine  Wolpert,  whose  parents  now  reside  at  Rantoul,  Illinois. 
One  daughter  has  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson,  Maude,  who  completed 
the  course  of  the  grammar  school  and  spent  three  years  in  high  school,  but  is 
now  assisting  her  father  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  state  humane  agent. 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  889 

The  family  home  is  located  at  1706  North  Jefferson  avenue,  where  they  have  a 
very  comfortable  residence. 

The  political  allegiance  of  Mr.  Jolnison  is  accorded  the  republican  party. 
He  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  all  governmental  affairs  and  is  one 
of  the  public-spirited  and  progressive  citizens  of  the  town. 


LEONARD  IIILLIS. 


\'arious  business  interests  have  profited  by  the  sagacity,  the  indefatigable 
energy  and  the  unfaltering  purpose  of  Leonard  Hillis.  This,  however,  represents 
but  one  side  of  his  life,  for  his  cooperation  in  movements  for  the  promotion  of 
educational  and  moral  progress  constitutes  an  even  balance  to  his  business  enter- 
prise. He  was  born  in  Washington,  Iowa,  November  3,  1867,  his  parents  being 
Benjamin  Franklin  and  Isabella  Hillis.  He  pursued  his  education  in  the  Eastern 
Iowa  Normal  School  but  has  ever  since  been  a  student  in  the  school  of  expe- 
rience, in  which  he  has  learned  many  valuable  lessons.  From  the  outset  of  his 
business  career,  he  has  made  steady  progress,  correctly  judging  of  his  own  capaci- 
ties and  powers  and  of  those  things  which  go  to  make  up  life's  contacts  and  expe- 
riences. Every  step  in  his  career  has  been  one  of  advancement.  His  main  busi- 
ness has  been  the  extensive  handling  of  cheap  lands  and  timber  in  which  he  has 
been  eminently  successful.  He  is  also  identified  with  some  of  the  best  institu- 
tions in  Peoria,  being  a  director  in  the  Illinois  National  Bank  and  vice  president 
of  the  dry-goods  house  of  Clarke  &  Company. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  1892,  in  Peoria,  Mr.  Hillis  was  married  to  Miss  Annie 
L.  Kennedy,  a  daughter  of  Robert  Kennedy,  and  they  have  one  child,  Berenice 
Kennedy  Hillis.    They  are  all  members  of  the  Arcadia  Presbyterian  church. 

He  is  also  an  interested  worker  in  behalf  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  As- 
sociation and  is  one  of  the  directors  and  trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  College  at 
Beloit,  Wisconsin.  In  speaking  of  his  election  to  that  position,  the  Codex,  pub- 
lished by  the  Beloit  University,  said:  "Though  not  a  son  of  Beloit,  no  one  who 
knows  Mr.  Hillis  has  any  doubt  of  his  fitness  for  adoption  into  her  family  or 
of  his  ability  to  serve  her  in  the  directorate.  He  is  Beloit's  kind  of  man — a  man 
of  affairs  and  of  ideals  too.  The  former  are  only  servants  of  a  purpose  which 
has  never  lost  sight  of  the  higher  successes.  As  for  books,  Mr.  Hillis  finds  op- 
portunity for  reading  in  the  midst  of  demands  which  leave  the  average  man  'no 
time.'  He  is  very  fond  of  history,  in  the  study  of  which  he  finds  much  of  his  re- 
laxation. This  real  love  for  the  finer  things  makes  him  the  friend  of  more  than 
one  man  seeking  college  advantages  and  will  command  his  interest  in  all  that 
Beloit  stands  for."  Dignified  in  spirit,  yet  approachable  in  manner,  independent 
in  thought  and  conservative  in  action,  he  stands  ever  for  advancement,  yet 
utilizes  practical  methods  in  its  accomplishment. 


HORATIO  NELSON  WHEELER. 

During  the  long  years  of  his  residence  in  Peoria,  Horatio  Nelson  Wheeler, 
through  his  business  activity  and  enterprise,  contributed  largely  to  the  upbuild- 
ing of  the  city.  His  jilans  were  ever  carefully  formulated  and  promptly  exe- 
cuted and  his  sound  judgment  was  manifest  in  the  success  that  followed  his 
investments.  He  was  born  August  4,  181 1,  in  Wheelersburg,  Ohio,  and  his  last 
days  were  spent  in  his  native  state,  for  his  death  occurred  on  the  i8th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1885,  at  McConnelsville,  Ohio,  whither  he  had  gone  to  attend  the  funeral 


890  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

of  his  wife's  sister.  His  remains  were  brought  to  Peoria  for  burial.  For  a 
third  of  a  century  he  had  been  a  resident  of  Peoria  and  prior  to  locating  here 
had  for  a  brief  period  made  his  home  in  Chicago.  He  was  quite  liberally  edu- 
cated for  the  day  in  which  he  lived  and  he  occupied  a  public  office  in  Marion, 
Ohio,  probably  that  of  county  clerk.  He  also  engaged  in  general  merchandising 
there  and  won  goodly  success  in  the  conduct  of  his  interests.  About  1850  he 
came  to  the  middle  west,  visiting  Chicago,  where  he  was  persuaded  to  remain 
by  relatives  who  had  previously  located  there.  However,  he  was  more  favor- 
ably impressed  with  the  middle  section  of  Illinois  and  two  years  later  he  brought 
his  familv.  consisting  of  his  wife  and  two  sons,  Fortius  Clinton  and  Charles 
Rollin  Wheeler,  then  fourteen  and  twelve  years  of  age  respectively,  to  Peoria, 
making  the  journev  in  a  carriage  over  the  government  or  state  roads. 

On  the  establishment  of  his  home  in  this  city  Mr.  Wheeler  again  engaged 
in  merchandising,  gradually  merging  his  interests  into  wholesale  groceries,  and 
became  one  of  the  pioneers  in  that  line  in  the  city  in  association  with  the  Sloans, 
whom  he  had  previously  known  and  who  came  from  the  same  neighborhood  in 
Ohio.  About  i860  he  engaged  in  banking,  becoming  one  of  the  organizers  of 
the  Mechanics  National  Bank,  of  which  institution  he  acted  as  president  as 
long  as  it  remained  under  that  name.  He  also  engaged  quite  extensively  in 
loaning  money  outside  and  in  investing  in  real  estate  in  the  vicinity  of  Peoria, 
thus  manifesting  his  faith  in  the  future  of  his  district.  He  also  invested  in 
western  lands  and  laid  out  the  town  of  Nelson,  Nuckolls  county,  Nebraska,  now 
a  thriving  town  in  the  best  corn, land  in  that  state.  A  few  years  prior  to  his 
death  he  retired  from  business,  upon  the  reorganization  of  the  bank  into  what 
has  since  been  known  as  the  Merchants  National,  but  the  Wheeler  interest 
therein  was  closed  out  in  settling  up  the  estate. 

On  December  10,  1837,  Mr.  Wheeler  was  united  in  marriage  at  Putnam. 
Hardin  county,  Ohio,  to  Miss  Matilda  McCoy,  who  died  in  Peoria,  August  15, 
1888,  leaving  two  sons.  Fortius  Clinton  and  Charles  Rollin  Wheeler.  His  grand- 
sons, sons  of  Fortius  Clinton  Wheeler,  are  in  business  in  Peoria,  the  firm  being 
known  as  Wheeler  Brothers.  They  are  engaged  in  private  real-estate  business 
and  the  members  are  M.  C.  W.  Wheeler,  W.  T.  Wheeler  and  P.  R.  Wheeler. 
From  time  to  time  Mr.  Wheeler  occupied  other  positions  of  trust  but  was  not 
an  active  politician  in  the  usually  accepted  sense  of  the  term.  His  fellow  towns- 
men, recognizing  his  ability,  sought  his  services  and  they  were  freely  and  will- 
inglv  given,  for  he  ever  recognized  his  obligations  of  citizenship  and  it  was  char- 
acteristic of  him  that  he  met  every  obligation  that  devolved  upon  him,  whether 
of  a  public  or  private  nature. 


CARL  CHRISTIAN  BLOCK. 

Carl  Christian  Block,  secretary  of  Schipper  &  Block,  proprietors  of  the  Big 
White  Store,  the  leading  department  store  of  Peoria,  is  a  native  of  this  city  and 
a  son  of  Fred  Block,  who  is  mentioned  on  another  page  of  this  work.  His 
mother,  Dena  (Schneider)  Block,  reared  their  family  of  five  children,  two  sons 
and  three  daughters,  in  whom  she  instilled  high  ideals  and  ambitions.  She  was 
keenly  interested  in  their  moral  and  mental  growth,  studying  the  requirements 
of  each  and  carefully  and  tenderly  nursing  them  through  childhood  and  youth. 
and  encouraging  them  in  the  pursuit  of  the  study  of  music,  languages  and  arts. 

Carl  Christian  Block  was  a  pupil  in  the  grammar  schools  of  Peoria  and  the 
Bradley  Polytechnic  Institute  of  this  city,  after  which  he  studied  in  the  Garnier 
Institute  of  Friedrichsdors  in  Taunus,  Germany.  Following  his  return  to  Amer- 
ica he  continued  his  education  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  While  in  col- 
lege he  took  an  active  part  in  athletics,  was  captain  of  the  water  polo  team  and 


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HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  893 

a  member  of  the  intercollegiate  championship  swimming  team.  He  played  foot- 
ball, rowed,  fenced,  boxed  and  wrestled,  and  also  belonged  to  the  Mask  and 
Wig  Club,  a  college  theatrical  society.  He  had  large  responsibilities  thrust 
upon  him  in  young  manhood  by  the  death  of  his  father  and  assumed  these  in 
preference  to  a  life  of  less  activity  and  effort.  Since  1906  he  has  been  secretary 
of  Schipper  &  Block,  incorporated.  His  early  business  training  was  with  this 
house  and  with  John  W'anamaker,  of  I'hiladelphia.  He  made  a  careful  study  of 
the  best  establishments  of  the  kind  throughout  the  country  and  gained  compre- 
hensive knowledge  of  the  most  approved  and  progressive  business  methods  in 
v'ogue  in  connection  with  the  conduct  of  department  stores.  His  enterprise,  ex- 
ecutive ability  and  sound  judgment  have  been  features  in  the  success  of  the 
Peoria  house. 

Mr.  Block  has  always  followed  closely  the  practice  of  investing  in  local  en- 
terprises to  help  build  up  Peoria  institutions.  ^Moreover,  he  had  great  faith  in 
the  part  that  Pacific  coast  timber  would  some  day  play  in  su]iplying  the  world's 
lumber  and  therefore  acquired  large  areas  of  merchantable  timber  in  Oregon 
and  British  Columbia.  He  is  cooperating  in  many  movements  that  have  resulted 
beneficially  to  Peoria  and  has  been  especially  active  in  raising  money  for  the 
public  enterprises,  including  the  New  Hotel  and  Implement  Show.  _  He  is  presi- 
dent of  the  Retail  Merchants  Transportation  Association  and  a  director  of  the 
Retail  Merchants  Association,  and  in  those  connections  has  done  much  to  further 
local  trade  interests. 

In  Decatur,  Illinois,  on  the  15th  of  October,  190S,  Carl  Christian  Block  was 
married  to  Miss  Jeannette  Avery  Powers,  a  daughter  of  George  Wescott  and 
Hadessa  (Bowers)  Powers.  Mr.  Powers'  mother  was  a  Giles  and  her  mother 
an  .^very,  while  Mrs.  Powers'  mother  belonged  to  the  Van  Dorn  family.  Mrs. 
Carl  Block  is  a  gifted  violin  virtuoso.  She  studied  for  several  years  in  New  York 
and  afterward  spent  one  year  in  Paris  and  three  years  in  Berlin,  with 
the  world's  greatest  masters,  Markesse  Geloso  and  the  great  Joseph  Joachim. 
It  was  while  she  was  studying  in  Berlin  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Block 
met.  She  has  given  concert  performances  not  only  throughout  this  coun- 
try but  in  Europe  as  well.  The  Boston  Herald  said  of  her:  "Miss  Powers 
di'splaved  perfect  command  of  her  instrument  and  has  a  tone  rarely 
beautiful."  Throughout  the  country  her  press  notices  were  most  favorable  and 
we  append  some  indicative  of  her  superior  genius :  "In  the  evening  Miss  Jean- 
nette Powers,  a  scholarly  violiniste,  was  quite  the  popular  soloist,  and  carried 
off  the  honors  gracefully.  She  has  something  few  feminine  soloists  have,  and 
that  is  tone.  Her  instrument  seems  possessed  of  a  heart  and  soul.  In  the 
afternoon  she  gave  a  Ries  Solo  Adagio  and  Moto  Perpetium  with  spirit  and 
feeling." — Minneapolis  Tribune.  "Miss  Jeannette  Powers  scored  a  trimnph  in 
the  two  movements  from  Mendelssohn's  Concerto — the  Andante  being  interpreted 
with  deep  feeling  and  the  Allegro  marked  by  her  superb  mastery  of  technique 
as  well  as  temperamental  qualities." — Washington  Post.  "As  a  violiniste  who 
possesses  a  big.  round  tone,  clean  technique  and  vivacious  temperament,  Miss 
Jeannette  Powers  deserves  unstinted  praise  for  her  violin  work.  The  young 
artist  was  forced  to  respond  to  two  encores." — ^^'illy  Jaffe,  of  the  Sentinel. 
"The  violin  solo  of  Miss  Powers  was  rarely  beautiful  in  all  that  makes  the  art 
of  the  violin  virtuoso.  She  instantly  captured  her  hearers  and  was  re(|uircd  to 
give  two  encores.  Portland  has  not  recently  heard  such  command  of  the  violin." 
— .Arthur  Green  in  the  Morning  Oregonian.  "Miss  Powers  makes  a  dainty  stage 
picture  and  plays  with  a  breadth  of  tone,  technic  and  musical  intelligence  that 
makes  her  work  of  great  interest." — Frank  Colby  in  the  Los  Angeles  Express. 
"Miss  Jeannette  Powers  is  the  best  violiniste  Sousa  has  ever  brought  west.  The 
E.  Flat  Nocturne  of  Chopin  was  done  with  fragile  grace  and  beauty.  She 
charmed  with  Geloso's  Caprice,  but  crept  into  the  heart  and  dimmed  the  eye 
with  her  Schubert's  Serenade.     Miss  Powers'  sense  of  pitch  is  faultless  and  her 


894  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

double  stopping  utterly  above  reproach.  Her  tone  is  large,  clear,  vibrant  and 
she  bows  intelligent  phrases." — Walter  N.  Anthony  in  the  San  Francisco  Call. 
"Miss  Jeannette  Powers  was  greeted  with  an  ovation  after  her  violin  solo.  She 
is  a  charming  young  woman  and  one  of  the  most  gifted  violinists  appearing  here 
in  recent  seasons.  She  gave  Geloso's  Caprice  with  faultless  interpretation  and 
brilliant  technique,  and  completely  charmed  the  audience." — Tacoma  Daily  Led- 
ger. "\o  one  is  surprised  at  the  press  notices  accorded  Miss  Jeannette  Powers 
after  hearing  her  play.  One  often  reads  of  the  violinist's  soul  speaking  through 
his  violin,  but  seldom  is  it  exemplified  to  such  an  extent  as  during  a  solo  by 
Miss  Powers.  Her  deft  fingers  evoke  strains  which  hold  an  audience  spell- 
bound."— Pueblo  Chieftain.  "The  most  attractive  feature  of  the  program  was 
the  Geloso's  Caprice,  rendered  by  Fraulein  Jeannette  Powers,  a  Joachim  favorite. 
She  has  a  wonderful  breadth  of  tone,  accompanied  by  a  finished  technique  and 
an  intelligent  interpretation.  The  audience  was  unusually  enthusiastic.  Miss 
Powers  was  recalled  again  and  again." — Lokal  Anzieger.  "Miss  Powers'  style 
recalled  Kubelik.  The  Zigeunerweisen  of  Sarasate  was  interpreted  with  delicacy 
and  soulfulness.  The  audience  was  charmed." — Paris  Edition  of  New  York 
Herald. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Block  have  two  children:  Frederick  Tawrence  and  Jeanne 
Avery.  Mr.  Block  has  an  interesting  military  chapter  in  his  life  record,  having 
been  one  of  the  first  members  of  Troop  G,  First  Cavalry  of  the  Illinois  Guard. 
He  served  successively  as  private,  second  lieutenant,  first  lieutenant  and  captain, 
and  saw  riot  duty  at  Springfield  in  August.  1908.  His  political  support  is  given 
to  the  republican  party  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  First  Congregational 
church,  in  which  he  served  as  trustee  from  1907  until  1909.  He  is  a  Knight  Temp- 
lar and  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  a  Knight  of  Constantine  and  a  Noble  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and 
the  Phi  Delta  Theta  fraternity,  while  his  social  position  in  Peoria  is  indicated 
by  his  membership  in  the  Creve  Coeur,  the  Country,  Canoe,  Illinois  \'alley  Yacht 
and  Kickapoo  Golf  Clubs.  Mr.  Block  belongs  to  that  younger  generation  of 
business  men  called  upon  to  shoulder  resjionsibilities,  differing  materially  from 
those  resting  upon  their  predecessors.  With  the  changing  conditions  of  the  times 
they  find  themselves  obliged  to  deal  with  affairs  of  greater  magnitude  and  to 
solve  more  difficult  and  complicated  financial  and  economic  problems.  The  sub- 
jective and  objective  forces  of  life  are  in  Mr.  Block  well  balanced,  making  him 
cognizant  of  his  own  capabilities  and  powers  while  at  the  same  time  he  thor- 
oughly understands  and  meets  his  obligations  and  opportunities. 


HAJO  HEXRY  BLOCK. 

Hajo  Henry  Block,  treasurer  of  Schipper  &  Block,  Inc.,  was  born  in  this 
city,  February  20,  1883,  his  parents  being  Frederick  Lawrence  and  Dena  Block. 
The  mother,  who  was  born  and  educated  in  Peoria,  died  in  1903.  The  father, 
who  came  to  America  in  1871  from  the  north  coast  of  Germany  at  the  age  of 
sixteen  years,  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Schipper  &  Block,  Inc.,  of  Peoria  in 
1879.     He  met  a  tragic  death  in  a  railroad  wreck  in  October,  igo6. 

The  son,  Hajo  Henry  Block,  pursued  his  education  in  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania  and  was  graduated  from  the  school  of  finance  and  economics  with 
the  class  of  1907.  He  also  studied  at  different  periods  in  Hamburg  and  Berlin, 
Germany,  and  his  business  training  was  received  in  the  mercantile  establishment 
of  Strawbridge  &  Clothier,  of  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania.  In  1907  he  became 
treasurer  of  the  firm  of  Schipper  &  Block  and  now  his  attention  is  directed  to 
furthering  the  interests  of  that  establishment,  which  for  a  number  of  years  has 
maintained  a  foremost  position  in  the  commercial  circles  of  this  city. 


HEXRY    C.    BLOCK 


P^B 

II.   H.   BLOCK 


HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY  899 

On  New  Year's  clay  of  1908,  in  Peoria,  Mr.  IMock  was  married  to  Hazel 
Alarguerite  Nash,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  T.  Nash,  of  Chicago.  Since 
1907  Mr.  Block  has  been  affiliated  with  the  Masons.  In  the  same  year  he  was 
advanced  to  the  thirty-second  degree  of  the  Scottish  Rite  and  also  crossed  the 
sands  of  the  desert  with  the  Nobles  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  He  belongs  to  the 
Creve  Coeur  Club,  the  Country  Club  and  the  Phi  Delta  Theta  Alumni  Club.  He 
is  also  a  member  of  the  Peoria  Association  of  Commerce  and  is  a  director  of  the 
National  Imjilemcnt  and  \'chicle  Show.  He  is  much  interested  in  all  that  pertains 
to  the  progress  and  upbuilding  of  this  city  and  his  cooperation  can  ever  be 
counted  upon  to  further  movements  for  the  public  good.  He  has  republican 
tendencies  but  in  politics  does  not  feel  himself  bound  by  party  ties  and  votes  as 
his  judgment  dictates. 


HENRY  C.  BLOCK. 


No  history  in  this  volume  illustrates  more  clearly  the  force  of  perseverance, 
indefatigable  energy  and  intelligently  directed  industry  than  that  of  Henry  C. 
Block,  whose  life  work  from  its  beginning  to  the  present  time  has  been  actively 
creative,  jniblic-spirited  and  useful.  To  build  u|)  rather  than  to  destroy  has  ever 
been  his  proud  policy  and  he  attacks  everything  that  he  undertakes  with  a  contag- 
ious enthusiasm.  He  is  prominent  as  one  whose  constantly  expanding  powers 
have  taken  him  from  humble  suri-oundings  to  the  field  of  large  enterprises  and 
continually  broadening  opportunities.  As  president  of  Schipper  (Jt  Block,  Inc., 
he  occupies  an  enviable  position  among  his  fellow  townsmen,  who  willingly 
accord  him  a  place  in  the  front  ranks  not  only  by  reason  of  his  business  quali- 
fications and  his  success,  but  also  owing  to  his  progressive  citizenship  and  the 
princi])les  of  honor  that  have  guided  his  life. 

•Mr.  Block  was  born  in  Leer,  East  Friesland,  Germany,  in  1842.  His  fore- 
fathers on  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  sides  were  in  the  mercantile  business 
for  several  generations  and  prior  to  that  time  the  Blocks  were  in  the  employ  of 
the  Prussian  government  as  far  back  as  1630.  Mr.  Block's  father  came  from 
Esens  and  others  of  the  family  came  originally  from  Blockhuisen.  His  grand- 
mother was  Anna  Dorethea  Oldendorp,  who  was  born  in  Norden.  Her  father 
came  from  Grosslaverde  and  the  home  of  his  people  for  many  years  prior  to  that 
time  was  Aurich. 

Mr.  Block's  father  conducted  a  small  dry-goods  and  dyeing  establishment  in 
Leer  and  the  son  was  conversant  with  the  details  of  the  business  from  an  early 
age.  He  was  educated  in  Germany,  benefitting  by  the  excellent  course  of  study 
which  the  high  schools  of  that  country  offered  to  its  young  men.  Immediately 
after  putting  aside  his  text-books  he  entered  his  father's  dry-goods  store,  where 
experience  thoroughly  acquainted  him  with  all  departments  of  the  trade.  He  was 
afterward  engaged  as  a  clerk  in  two  large  dry-goods  stores  in  Germany  before 
sailing  for  America  in  1865,  when  twenty-three  years  of  age.  Landing  in  New 
York,  he  was  for  a  year  employed  in  a  dry-goods  store  of  that  citv  and  in  1866 
started  westward,  with  Pekin,  Illinois,  as  his  destination.  His  initial  step  as 
a  business  man  in  this  state  was  made  as  a  clerk  in  the  store  of  George  Tom. 
The  following  year  he  came  to  Peoria  and  entered  the  employ  of  the  Roebeck 
Dry  Goods  Company,  then  doing  business  on  Main  street.  After  a  brief  period, 
however,  he  returned  to  Pekin  to  enter  the  employ  of  Bonk  &  Company,  leading 
dry-goods  merchants  of  that  city,  and  such  was  the  appreciation  of  the  house  for 
Mr.  I'llock's  energy  and  business  qualifications  that  he  was  oft'ered  a  partnership 
and  became  a  member  of  the  firm.  On  the  reorganization  of  the  business  the 
name  was  changed  to  Schipper  &  Block,  under  which  style  a  flourishing  business 
is  still  carried  on  at  Pekin.  In  1880  Henry  C.  Block  joined  with  his  brother 
Frederick  and  Mr.  Schipper  and  later  they  were  joined  by  Theodore   Kuhl  in 


900  HISTORY  OF  PEORIA  COUNTY 

opening  a  store  in  Peoria,  which  consituted  the  nucleus  of  the  present  magnifi- 
cent establishment  of  Schipper  &  Block  of  this  city.  The  beginning  was  small — 
a  little  store  on  South  Adams  street — but  the  jjrinciples  inaugurated  and  the  polic)' 
pursued  led  to  the  continuous  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  business  until  the 
"Big  White  Store" — the  largest  dry-goods  store  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago — 
is  today  the  pride  of  Peoria.  Later  the  Schipper  &  Block  Furniture  Company 
merged  their  interests  with  the  dry-goods  establishment  and  the  history  of  the  busi- 
ness is  now  a  part  of  the  commercial  annals  of  the  city.  Henry  C.  Block  as  presi- 
dent of  the  company  and  a  foremost  business  man  of  Peoria  has  amassed  a  splen- 
did fortune  and  has  gained  a  business  reputation  of  which  he  has  every  reason 
to  be  proud,  yet  in  manner  he  is  unassuming  and  his  tastes  are  modest.  While 
he  does  not  claim  credit  for  himself,  the  consensus  of  public  opinion  establishes 
his  reputation  as  a  man  of  distinguished  business  ability  and  a  representative  citi- 
zen and  all  who  are  brought  in  contact  with  him  readily  recognize  his  sterling  qual- 
ities. There  is  one  chapter  in  his  life  record  that  Mr.  Block  seldom  mentions  but 
which  is  a  matter  of  justifiable  pride  to  his  friends.  Six  years  ago,  through  the 
failure  of  a  private  bank,  in  which  he  held  stock,  but  with  whose  management  he 
was  not  in  any  way  associated,  he  lost  a  large  personal  fortune.  Five  years  later, 
after  having  recouped  a  part  of  his  losses,  he  voluntarily  paid  an  additional 
amount,  approximating  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  to  the  depositors  who  had 
lost  their  savings  in  the  bank.  Such  was  the  personal  honor  and  high  principle 
of  the  man  that  he  paid  this  amount  freely  \vhen  there  was  no  moral  or  legal 
obligation  whatever  for  him  to  do  so,  the  courts  having  discharged  him  of  any 
and  all  liability.  Such  high  principles  had  been  guiding  factors  in  his  entire 
career  and  it  is  owing  to  this  that  his  fellow  townsmen  entertain  for  him  the 
highest  confidence  and  regard. 

In  Pekin,  in  1871,  Mr.  Block  was  married  to  Aliss  Louisa  Smith,  a  member 
of  a  prominent  family  of  manufacturers  in  Germany,  and  his  married  life  has 
been  particularly  happy.  Fie  has  never  mingled  to  any  extent  in  politics,  devot- 
ing his  time  entirely  to  his  business  affairs,  yet  he  is  interested  in  the  vital  ques- 
tions of  the  day  and  has  always  supported  the  republican  party.  He  belongs  to 
the  Creve  Coeur  Club  and  to  the  Methodist  church.  While  in  his  business  career 
he  has  passed  on  to  a  position  of  wealth  and  prominence,  he  has  never  neglected 
his  opportunities  to  assist  his  fellow  travelers  on  life's  journey,  his  hand  being 
often  extended  to  aid  those  to  whom  nature,  fate  or  environment  have  seemed 
less  kindly.  His  life  has  in  large  measure  been  an  exemplification  of  his  belief  in 
the  universal  brotherhood  of  man. 


INDEX 


Aildison.    A.    H 316 

Albers.    J.    H 813 

Albrecht,   H.   H 5S4 

Allen    &    Large 739 

Allen.  Oscar    131 

Allison.   W.   R 94 

Antcliff,   A.    T 650 

Antliony.    C.    M 665 

Arcnds.    M.    E 490 

At  wood,  S.  F 683 

Avery,    C.    M 246 

Averv,  F.  R 062 

Aver'v,    G.    L 181 

Avery,   G.   W 437 

Aver.v,    R.    H 787 

Aylesvvorth,    W.    H 691 

Bacon,  J.  H 546 


Bailey,   O.   J 638 

Baker.    Frank     475 

Baldwin,  D.   H 543 

Baldwin,    K.   F 5 

liallance.    Charles     576 

nalhuK-e.   W.   H 28 

Bailiour,    E.    E 150 

Barker,   G.    T 125 

Barnes,    C.    N ; 774 

Barnett,    C.    F 297 

Bartliolomew,  J.   B 26 

Bartlett,    P.    C 56 

Bassett.  M.   M 850 

Bates,  Harry    224 

Beasley,  A.  W 341 

Beasley.    G.    K 556 

Beckcnlianpt,   J.    C 626 

I'.oelio.    H.    C 128 

Bidik.    .1.    M 106 

Bennett,  Solomon    337 

Betliard.   D.    II 30 

Bird,   Roania    491 

Birkett,   C.  R 660 

Bla.k.  C.  F 709 

Black,  G.  W 748 

Black,  W.  C : 41' 

Block.    C.    C 890 

Block.  F.  L 860 

Block.    TT.    C S99 

RicM'k.    11.    H 894 

B(dand,  .1.  T 338 

B(nilevare,  J.  R .  . 803 

Boniland,  B.  L.  T 19 

Bonrland.  R.  R , 205 

Bourne.  J.  F 563 

Bowers,  W.  G 403 

Bradley,   E.   H 139 


Bradley,  F.  B.  &  Son 540 

BradU'V,  R.  C : 825 

Brainard,  C.  D 667 

Bremer.   H.  F 772 

Brewster,  B.  D 218 

Brevmeier,  Gustav 262 

Brobst,  C.  H 293 

Brodman,    Joseph     866 

Brown.    B.    F 18 

Brown,  D.  S 587 

Bruninga.  W.  E 117 

Buck.  W.  J 401 

Buehler.  Christian    410 

Buehler,   Christian,   Sr 374 

Burbach,  F,  M 73 

Burbv,  J.  E 803 

Burd'ick,  E.  W 110 

Burgess,  T.  C 407 

Burrill,  E.  A 366 

Burt.   E.   N 528 

Burton,    G.    W 595 

Bush.   J.   A 629 

Bush.  J.  D 707 


Bushell,  J,  W 
Butts,  L.  I... 


.596 
.394 


Cameron,  J.  A 161 

Camp,  F,  H 74 

Campbell,  G,  W 189 

Canterbury,  R.  J 710 

Carter.  J.  R 589 

Case,  C.  E 335 

Case.  E.  J 310 

Causey,  W.  G 692 

Charles.  H.  E 84 

Cherrv.    11.   T 535 

Clark!  C.  D 248 

Clark,  Horace   183 

Clark,    Horace,    Sr 846 

(lark.   James    668 

Clarkson.  CD 552 

Clauson,   E.  J 793 

("linch.  Thomas 469 

Clinch.  W.  A 395 

(lough.  E.  B 418 

Colburn.  W.  T 550 

Cole.  C.  ( ! 217 

Cole.  J.  L 219 

Coleman.  W.  H 240 

Collins.  C.  U 66 

Colvin,  A.  P 108 

Comstock.  John 730 

Cone,  W.  R 620 

Conrad.  W.  P 351 

Cooley,  W.  M 92 

Cooper.  J.  F 344 


90] 


902 


INDEX 


Corken,  E.  E 801 

Couch,  E.  H.  D 786 

Covev,  I.J 349 

Cox,.Henry 309 

Ciemer,   Bernard    162 

Crowder,  J.J 777 

Culbertson.  J.  W 685 

Cumerf ord,  M.  V.  B 136 

Cxisaek,  John 470 

Cutter,  C.  C 695 

emitter,  Weston 697 

Dailey,    John     443 

Daily,  J.  E 570 

Dalton,    John     131 

Dalton,  LaFavette    816 

Darnell,   M.   H 317 

David,    J.    M 722 

Davis,    D.    J 482 

Davis,    r.    S .204 

Dav,    N.    R 386 

De  Graff,  C.  S 746 

Dennis,    F.    R 420 

Dt'tweiller.    Henry     146 

De   Wein,   J.   H 305 

Dickson,   H.   L 605 

Dickson,    W.    D 43 

Dieken,    Heye     138 

Distler,    Andrew    " 423 

Dolan.    J.    C 809 

Donmever.    I.   W 162 

DoolevI   J.    B 57 

Doren'bus.   Bernhard    783 

Dorey.   William    282 

Dotv.   M.   H 307 

Dowdall,   W.   T 311 

Downing,    J.    D 778 

Du   Mars,   R.   A 190 

Dungan,    0.    L 78 

Dunlap,    J.    H 217 

Dunne,    E.    M 873 

Durkin,   J.   P 830 

Dutch,    C.    C 536 

Eagleton.    L.    0 : 757 

Eastman,   W.    H 101 

Easton.    M.    T 173 

Eckard,    E.    M 80 

Ecklev.    S.    W 159 

Edwards.    E.   D 703 

Edwards.  F.  A 814 

Edwards.    T.    J 440 

Eilieck.    T.    L 538 

Elder.    Joseph     674 

Elliott.   J.    M 499 

Emerson.    G.    F 294 

Eniorv.    W.    R 792 

Engstrom,    C.    V 723 

Evans,    F.    M 735 

Evans.   Isaac    677 

Evans.  R.   J 49 

Evans.    W.    C 492 

Evans,    Willis     130 

Evans.    Winslow     44 

Ewalt,    Albert    536 

Fahnestock.   A.  L 745 

Fahnestock,    H.    R 833 

Feltman.   C.  H 602 

Feuchter.    L.    F 516 

Fey,   C.   W 306 


Fey,   David    308 

Fielder.  William    385 

Fifer,    C.    M 53» 

Fink.   A.   B 510 

Fitch,    G.    H 427 

Forbes,    A.    G 798 

Forbes,   Thomas    137 

Foreman,    L.    D 336 

Forney,  David    298 

Foster,    G.    B 822 

Fox,   Herbert    642 

Freeman.    V.    H 713 

Fritzinger,    Frank    793 

Fulks.    C.    E 708 

Fuller.    J.    W 810 

Furst,    Alexander     449 

Gardner.    T.    W 324 

Gaul,    James     489 

Gauss,    L.    J 323 

Gerdes,  Sprague  &  Co 387 

Gibbs.   H.   E 313 

Gilbert.   G.   W.   H 425 

Giles.    Nathan    698 

Gillespie,   T.   W 197 

Gipps,   G.   H 315 

Gmelich.    J.    C 736 

Godel.    Eberhard    212 

Godel.    F.    G 242 

Goodfellow.    G.    0 203 

Gorman,    D.    J 359 

Gouran.    James     313 

Graff.   J.   V 11 

Grant,    J.    R 151 

Green.    James     506 

Greene.    J.    J 463 

Greenhut,    J.   B 464 

Grier,  T.   A 234 

Grimes,   A.J 642 

Hale.    E.    B 529 

Hall,   F.   A 626 

Hall.    J.    H • 176 

Halligan,  M.  R 245 

Hammel.  R.  H 115 

Hammerbacher,   G.   W 292 

Hanna,   R.   A 299 

Harbers,   H.    C 835 

Ilardawav.    J.    B 660 

Harding. 'E.    E 63 

Harding.  J.  J..  Jr 70 

Harman,    J.    A 885 

Harman.   J.  J 877 

Hart.   S.   B 752 

Hnrtman,   C.   D 60S 

Hartman.    W.    F 722 

Haves,  J.  A 590 

Hazen.  E.   B 317 

Hazzard.    J.    F 656 

Hazzard.  William    7 

Hearst,    W.    E 371 

Heckard,  J.   N 135 

Hedrich.   Henry    129 

Heinrich.   Oscar    79 

Henebery ,  Mary  D    773 

Heneberv.    Mathew 132 

Henseler.    A.    J 396 

Hermann.    G.    W 721 

Herron.    W.   A 379 

Hervev.   W.   A 454 

Heuring,  J.  W 524 


INDEX 


903 


Hewitt,   11.   E 661 

Heyl,    C.    W COG 

Hill,  J.  W 649 

Hilliaid,    J.    R 358 

Hillis,    Leonard    S89 

Hine,    Edward    667 

Hines,   L.   M 102 

Hodges,    A.    J 118 

■Hogan.    Nicholas    S'lO 

Holt,    H.    L 507 

Hopkins,  W.  De  V 583 

Hoppin,   C.   A 332 

Horwitz,   Sander    356 

Howe,    E.   F 446 

Hull.    W.    E 363 

Hunt,  S.  A 727 

Hlinois  Free  Employment  Bureau 351 

Ireland.    C.    C S36 

Irwin.  W.  T ISO 

.Ta.k.   .1.    M 539 

.laek.   R.    P 84 

.lar-k.    William    267 

.lackson,    L.    B 461 

Jacobson,    Abraham    575 

James,  P.  F 210 

Jeffries,  L.  D 73 

Jobst,  Carl    261 

Jobst,   G.  J 215 

Jobst,  Valentine  &  Sons 790 

Jochem,   G.   J 269 

Johnson,  Charles   271 

Johnson,   J.   R 595 

Johnson,    J.   T 734 

Johnson,   P.   A 794 

Johnson,   T.    C SS8 

John.son.  W.  F 377 

Kasjens  &  Entwistle   672 

Kat'zing,    G.    W 751 

Keaoh,  C.  H 417 

Keene.   J.    E 41 

Kellogg,   W.   S 607 

Kellv.  J.  A 399 

Kerr.   R.   A 839 

Kiefer,   Albert    555 

Kilpatrick,  H.  M 284 

Kimmel,    C.    A 508 

King.  J.  B 659 

King,   J.    F 644 

Kingman,   Martin    456 

Kinnett,   W.    E 360 

Kinsev,  F.   P 205 

Kinsev,   S.   A 282 

Kirk.'W.   H 300 

Kirkpatrick,  R.  B 388 

Klein.  0.  M 445 

Knetzger,  Charles    278 

Koch,   B.   C 434 

Koechlin,  Carl   614 

Koetter.  F.  W 365 

Kohl,   Adam    831 

Kratzer,  P.  A 268 

Krey,  H.  J 400 

Kuhl,  J.  H 373 

Kuhl,  Theodore    874 

Kyle.   R.   J 517 

Lammers,  F.  A 108 

Landauer,  H.  T 100 


La   Porto.   C.   W 865 

Lawrence,  E.  Jl 560 

Leibrock,  H.  L 758 

Leisy,  A.   E 195 

Leisy,  E.  C 20 

Levinson,  L  J 612 

Lewis,   F.    P 193 

Lewis,  T.  B 741 

Lines,  H.  C 505 

Little.  J.  W 347 

Lofgren,  J.  R 545 

Lord,   L.   H 678 

Lott,  M.  T 144 

Love,  N.  M 113 

Lovett,   R.   H 582 

Lucas,  C.  W 47 

Lucas.  Hugo    551 

Luthv.   G.   G 870 

Luth V  &  Locher   527 

Lynch.   H.   W 13 

McAleenan,  Michael    87 

McAlister,  J.  W 264 

McCabe.   E.   D 625 

McQure,   J.   D 844 

McCormick,  R.  N 648 

McCowan,  Robert    71 

McCoy.   A.   L 613 

JIcDonald.  A.  S 493 

McDonald,  J.  J 329 

McDougal,  John    408 

McDowell,  J.  W 450 

McFadden,  L.  A 518 

Mcllvaine,  G.  H 39 

McHvaine,    T.    M 856 

McLoughlin,    Frank     869 

McMahan,  J.   P 194 

McMaster,  A.  T 378 

McXemar,  C.  E 187 

McQuellon,  T.  F 824 

McRoberts,  Ellen  (Barker) 184 

Maoauley,  C.  A 573 

Magee,  H.  B 220 

Maher,  Philip   439 

Maher,  R.  L 93 

Major.  William 210 

Mansfield,  Henrv,  Jr 105 

Mansfield,    Henry,    Sr 140 

ilamial  Training  High  School  of  Peoria.. 339 

Martin.  L.  B 538 

Matthews,  Newton    724 

ilaxwell,  W.  K 624 

May,  C.  H 826 

May.  E.  C 203 

Mead,  B.  M 810 

Meek.  L.  F 260 

Meidroth.  W.  F 710 

Mercer,  J.  A 88 

Merrill,  Alva  438 

Michel,  V.  P 331 

Michell,  G.  W 86 

Mihigan,  C.N 381  ' 

ililes,   C.   C 570 

Miles,  C.  V 268 

Miller,  F.  J 48 

Miller,  F.  T 342 

Miller,  H.  S 624 

Miller,  J.  B 655 

Miller,  Toseph   51 

Miller,  Joseph  &  Sons 231 

Miller,  S.  M 784 


904 


INDEX 


Minor,  F.  G 276 

iMoll.  Ainand 327 

Moody.  Howard   778 

Moore,   \V,   H 157 

Moorehouse,  L.  W 620 

Morgan,    R.    J 85 

Morris,   0.   A 321 

Morris,  R,  W 281 

Morse,   J.   H 821 

Morse,    J.    M 65 

Morton,    D.    H 83 

Murnighan,    Bernard 55 

Murphy,   J.    E 618 

JUirphv,    T.    G 198 

.Murray,    W.    J 25 

Nelson,    S.    L 225 

Newman,    Max     348 

Niehaus,  J.  M 255 

Nixon.   C.   E 644 

Nothnagei,    E.   L 283 

Nystrom,    E.    E 549 

Oakford,  A.   S 404 

Oechsle,    C,    F 476 

Oflf,  C.  J 201 

Ohl,    C.    P 494 

Oleary.  C.  W 328 

Olson,   E.    E 760 

O'Neill,    A.   J 819 

Onvun,    J.    A 355 

O'Reilly.    P.    .J 873 

Oswalt,    J,    L 369 

Otman,   A,   M 285 

Owen,  Benjamin    318 

Owen,    Llewelyn     233 

Paddock,   J.    C 314 

Page,    G.    T 779 

Page,  T.  H 246 

Parker,   George    50 

Parrv,    W.    S 754 

Patten.    Alvira    D 485 

Peck,    J.    D 145. 

Penn,    Henry     574 

Peoria  Drill"  &   Seeder  Co 696- 

Persons,    W,    E 264 

Pindell,  H,  M 58 

Ploense,    William     878 

Plummer,   A.    S 172 

Plummer.    J.    L 172 

Powell,    G,    C 250 

Powell,    H,    M 588 

Powell,   James    154 

Pratt,    E.    A 704 

Price,   D.    B 799 

Pringle,    G.   W 93 

Proctor,    D.    H 768 

Purslev,    T.    J 22 

Puterliaugh,    L.    D 611 

Puterbaugh,   S.   D 653 

Quinn,   F.   J :747 

Rambo.    J.    C 109 

Read,  J.  A 138 

Reed,   F.   W 843 

Reimers.   Otto    709 

Reinmann,    A.    J 771 

Reitz.    F.    L 759 

Rennick,   P.   G 684 


Klioadcs,  \^',  W 286 

Kice,    J.    M 428 

RindHeiseli,   Charles    277 

Roberts,    C.    A 797 

Roberts,   H.    C 188 

Robinson,    H.    A 448 

Robinson,  \Y.  W 531 

Robison,    Leslie    330 

Rodecker,  Charles    455 

Rogers,  J.  T 600 

Rogers,    W.    H 728 

Rohlfsen,    E,    C ....829 

Rosecrans,  Allen    508 

Rousseau,  A.  V.  D 601 

Rue.  F.  E 841 

Rutherford,    Leslie    292 

Salisbury,   Albert    638 

Sandmeyer,  Henry,  Jr 253 

Sandmeyer.  Henry,  Sr 228 

Schaub,  Nicholas    462 

Schenck.   Harry    290 

Schimpff,   E.    H 785 

Sehimpff,    R.    A 64 

Schipper,   J.   F SSO 

Schnebly,  C.   C 61 

Schneider,   John,   Jr 309 

Schneider.   J.   A 152 

Scholes,   Robert    206 

Schwabacher,  Henry   127 

Schweitzer,    H.    G 599 

Scott,  R.  J 563 

Sehm,    Martin    578 

Seitz,    Edward     887 

Shaw.    William     493 

Sheen,  D,  R 537 

Shiyeiy,  F.   J 72 

Sholl,    J.    M 514 

Sholl,   J.   R 174 

Sidley,    F.    K 632 

Simmons,   G.   F 472 

Slemmons,    W.    1 845 

Sloan,  W.  T 96 

Smith,  David    477 

Smith,   E.   J 372 

Smith,  F.  H 158 

Smith,  G.  A 502 

Smith,  J,  E 577 

Smith,   Rudolph    701 

Soramer,   B,  L 43 

Sommer,    P,    W 883 

Sommer,  W.  H 34 

Spalding,    J.    L 870 

Spalding.  L.  H 561  ■ 

Spangler,  C.   W 263 

Spangler.  E.  C 85 

Spurck.  E.  L 116 

Spurck.  M.  D 606 

Starr,  J.  S 544 

Stevens.  J.  S 630 

Stilwell.  J.  E 643 

Stone,  C.  E 152 

Stone,  C.  U 823 

Story,  F.  M 715 

Stout.   J.    E 232 

Stout,   R.   H 753 

Stowell,    S.    R 391 

Straesser,  Christian    460 

Strause,    E,    A 742 

Streibich,    Friedrich    184 

Streibich,    J.    C 780 


INDEX 


905 


Stubbles,   C.   S 648 

Stiiber  &  Kuck    800 

Suclicr,   G.    B 175 

Sutliir,   Warren    352 

Svvauson,   G.   R 617 

Sweetser,  Luke    lOS 

Tallvn,    T.    F 690 

Taiitoii.    T.    0 789 

Tavlor,  Isaac    272 

Tcfft.  W.   V 679 

ter  Veen,  Jacob    530 

Thiolbar,   The   H.,   Shoe   Co 416 

Thobe,   Jolm    833 

llionias,    A.    V 500 

I  honias,'  CD 289 

Tlionipson,    G.   E 560 

Tlircshie.  W.  D.   C 471 

lobias,  Ezra   227 

TocM,    H.    E 581 

TiHlhunter,   G.   B 567 

Tnuv,  F.  B 166 

Traeser.  C.   W 481 

■rraiitvfitter,    H.    G 350 

Trefzger,    Charles    468 

Trewvn,   W.    T 239 

Tiicbel,  H.  G 484 

Tiiebel,   Otto    671 

I'lifbel.    W.    H 322 

'I'lipii,    S.    O..  .: 356 

•|rnr,   H.   J 215 

Tully,  Daniel    509 

niman,    M.    D 568 

ririch.  .1.  H 673 

ririch.    Nicholas     6S0 

Umdenstock,   G.   A 122 

Vance,    J.    A 619 

Van   Fleet,   G.  W 277 

Vogelsang,  W.  J 491 

\Vachonheimer.  Jacob    209 

WahlfcKl.   August    486 

WahllVUl,  E.   H 50 

Wahlfeld,  0.  W.  H 788 

Walker,  E.  H 832 

Walker,   Isaac    ' 820 

Walker,  John    34 

Wallace,  R.  S 1^7 

Wasson,  II.  G TOl 


Wasson,  M.  A 77 

Wasson,  T.  J 419 

Waterhouse,  J.   A 686 

Watson,  C.  P 337 

Watson,  L.  L 424 

Wead.  H,  M 171 

Wead,  S.  D 559 

Weast,    P.    A 342 

Weber,   G.   H 196 

Weil.    Albert     703 

Weil,    J.    A 226 

Wolls,    H.    W 168 

Worckle,    W.    A 415 

Werner,   J.   P 35 

Wethcrell,    H.    R 241 

Wluilen,    J.    R 370 

Wheeler,   C.   R 8 

Wheeler,  H.  N 889 

White.  A.  H 714 

White,   Edward    71 

White.    W,    C 483 

Whiting.  Marcus    52 

Whiting,   W.   T 174 

Wiiitnev,   A,   V 270 

Wiley,   L,   li 635 

Will'O.  B 36 

Willard,   W.  A 716 

Williams,  W.  W 562 

Willis,   W.   H 223 

Wilson,  G.  A 760 

Wilson,  H.  E 584 

Wilton,  J.  B 564 

Winters,    S.    P 515 

Winzeler,  J.  W 804 

Woeltle.    J.    C 62 

Wolf.  Karl  ' 727 

Wolfiier,  W.  F 238 

Wolgamott,  W.  E 802 

Woodruff.  E.  N 14 

Woodward,  H.  R 382 

Wookev,    Alonzo    S78 

Woolner,  Adolph    523 

Woollier,   E,   S 842 

Woolner,  Samuel    807 

\\'oolner,    Samuel.   Jr 167 

Worthington.  N.  E 340 

Wvatt.  Walter   478 

Wyne,  F.  P 453 

Zarley,   E.   H 291 

Zeller.   G.   A 254