PETER AUTEN.Peter Auten, banker of Princeville, was born at Chili, near Rochester, New York, October 1, 1811; attended select schools in Rochester and Geneva, and began life as clerk in a general store at Penfield, New York. He also taught school. On October 13, 1836, he was married to Lydia Chapman, of Westport, Connecticut, who was then teaching school at Chili. They had seven children, only three of whom grew to maturity: Lemuel, Edward and Andrew. Hanford, born December 2, 1842, crippled by an accident, died September 30, 1845; Emily Ann, born November 12, 1844, lived to about the same age. Two later children, a boy and a girl, died in infancy without being named. These four all rest in a cemetery used by all the neighbors, but still remaining (June, 1902) in Mr. Auten's private ownership, in the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of Section 19. Radnor Township. Lemuel and Edward are mentioned in personal paragraphs. Andrew, born March 9, 1841, attended the public schools and Princeville Academy, and also the State Agricultural College of Pennsylvania. When Southern invasion was threatened at the breaking out of the Civil War, he was a member of the Home Guards of Pennsylvania. Returning to Princeville, he engaged in the nursery business, furnishing many of the evergreens and other fine shade-trees that now adorn the village and surrounding country. He was married, in 1863, to Alice Smith, and died of typhoid fever, October 4, 1864; they had one daughter—Tula Rose, now .Mrs. Russell E. Chaplin, who resides at Navajo, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Auten started, soon after they were married, on a trip by sailing vessel from New York City to Cuba, and thence to New Orleans, and then up the Mississippi River by boat to the mouth of the Arkansas. From Arkansas City they traveled as far as they could by coach, and after that on. horseback to the Choctaw Indian Mission. They made the trip overland with great difficulty and danger. They were often stuck in the mud and had to leave their baggage and send back for it. The settlers implored them not to go farther, fearing the dangers of the wilderness and of the Indians, and it was only at fabulous prices that horses and men could be obtained for the journey.
Finally reaching the Choctaw Mission, Mr. Auten taught among the Indians for two years. There were three divisions of the Choctaw nation, one of which had never consented to allow Government schools in its territory. Mr. Auten was employed by the United States Government to negotiate a treaty with the Chief of this division, looking to the establishment of schools. In this others had failed. Mr. Auten was successful, partly—perhaps wholly—on account of the high personal regard in which he was held by the Chief. The Chief was very grateful for medical aid given his wife. He took up with the idea of the schools, honored Mr. Auten at the Indian "Pole Pullings," and other public occasions, often protected him, and the Indians made a pet of baby Lemuel. They would borrow the baby, take him, away, and bring him back, dressed in Indian baby clothes and decorated
with beads. The Government sent Mr. Auten $500 as evidence of special appreciation of his services.Unable to endure the climate after a serious illness, Mr. Auten left, with his wife, and came to Radnor Township. Peoria County, in 1838 or early in 1839. He moved to Princeville, teaching school the winter of 1840-41. He lived in a log cabin just southwest of the southwest corner of the original village plat (between N. E. Adams' and the Misses Edwards' present residence); the school house was the old log one so famous in early Princeville history. Moving back to Radnor Township, he farmed there until 1849, when he again took up his residence in Princeville, to continue until tile present time (June, 1902). He bought the Samuel Alexander house, believed to be the second oldest frame dwelling in the village (on the northeast corner of Block 13, facing west side of the public square), which he occupied until 1887, then moving diagonally across the street to his present residence on the
southwest corner of Block 8, fronting the north side of the square.In Radnor Township he was School Treasurer, 1842-50, opening the first set of Treasurer's books. In Princeville Township he was Commissioner of Highways, 1851-53; Moderator of town meetings, 1852, '53 and '56; Justice of the Peace, 1854-58; Overseer of Road District, 1857- 58 and 1859-61; Town Clerk, 1859-63. He was one of the committee of five appointed at town meeting April 2, 1867, to circulate a petition to raise money to refund to soldiers their taxes paid toward the bounty fund.
For a number of years, after moving to Princeville, Mr. Auten was actively engaged in farming on land one or two miles out from town. He always did a great deal of writing for other people, especially during and after war times.
In 1872, at an age when many men consider themselves old, he started in the banking business to remain in it actively for twenty-five years, and still to be able to walk to and from the bank after a period of thirty years. His first partner, George W. Alter, was fast failing in health before the close of the year l872, and the firm name of Auten & Alter was changed to Auten & Auten. Mr. Auten's son Edward was the new partner, in place of
Mr. Alter, and the partnership and firm name have remained the same ever since. The business has grown, and a branch bank was established at Monica in 1893, which is conducted by Mr. Auten's other surviving son, Lemuel.Beginning with his first school in New York State, continuing through his years with the Indians, and all through his later life, Mr. Auten has been of a decided missionary and philanthropic character. When teaching his first school he got nearly the entire district to sign the temperance pledge—something difficult in those days—and was instrumental in having seventy of his pupils and young people join the church. It was as a missionary teacher of the American Board that he went to the Indians. Until his eightieth year he enjoyed singing hymns in the Choctaw language. He has always been active in temperance and in church and Sunday school work, both in the village and going out into the country. Mrs. Auten was always his equal helper. They both assisted their neighbors in spiritual, intellectual and material ways. Mrs. Auten at times taught school in her own home, and she is remembered by many, even yet, for her kind deeds. She died April 11, 1891, aged 84 years, 1 month and 7 days, having been born March 4, 1807.
Mr. Auten was, in many ways, the mainstay of his family; that is, of all his uncles and cousins who came West, as well as his mother and sister. He was liberal to them, as he has also been to his own children and grandchildren. He has not only favored the right and just, but has fought for right and justice at all times. He has been a part of the building up of Princeville; many strong men of the community often speak of him as one to whom they owe their success. He has been a helper and adviser of many people.
On June 1, 1902, he was 91 years and 8 months old, still clear in mind. Although feeble, and soon fatigued, he persists in taking exercise by walking about at home and occasionally going to the business part of town. He is the oldest citizen in the township. His pure white hair is an indication of his clean life and noble character. His thought is of Heaven, and when time is heavy, he sings of Heaven the hymns that he learned in his youth. His interest in the soul's welfare and his dignity and kindliness, are an inspiration to his children and grandchildren, and to others.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
JOHN FRIEDMAN.One of the largest landowners and most practical and successful farmers in Princeville Township, is John Friedman, who was born in Hamburg, Erie County, New York, June 7, 1849, and educated in Stark County, Illinois. His father was also a farmer on a large scale, and reared his son to an appreciation of the dignity and usefulness of an agricultural life—a lesson well learned, judging from his abundant harvests and growing stock interests, and the general excellent management of his property. John Friedman's share in the paternal estate was two hundred and fifty acres of land, which formed but the nucleus of his later possessions, for, by thrift, industry and sobriety, he has added six hundred and fifty acres thereto, making in all nine hundred acres of farm land. It is assumed that the fortunate owner and successful manipulator of so large a property must possess business, as
well as agricultural knowledge, and it is to this particular ability that much of his success is due.In Peoria, Illinois, December 31, 1876, Mr. Friedman married Emma E. Winkelmeyer, daughter of Frederick Winkelmeyer, who was born in Saxony, Germany, July 1, 1834. Mr. Winkelmeyer was educated in Germany, as far as preliminary training was concerned, and, in 1848, when fourteen years of age, accompanied his parents to America, locating for the time-being in Wisconsin. He afterward removed to Peoria and for several months followed the trade of carpenter, later turning his attention to the mercantile business. He married Amelia Illig, also a native of Germany, the ceremony being performed in Wisconsin September 22, 1855. Of the thirteen children born of this union seven are now living: Emma E..; Julius E., who married Minnie Smith, of Peoria, and has two children, Josephine and Elmer; Clara M., who is the wife of Jacob Baker, of Pennsylvania, and has two children, Reta May and Viola; Bertha C., who is the wife of Theodore Goldstein, of Peoria, and has one daughter, Ruby; Lena F., who is married to John Garside, of Peoria; Edward L.; and Josephine L., who is the wife of J. E. Schindler, of Peoria. Mr. Winkelmeyer died September 14, 1896, and is survived by his wife. Mr. Friedman is independent in politics, and though not an office seeker in any sense of the word, is nevertheless active along all lines for the improvement of the township of which he is an honored citizen.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ALFORD, CARLOS; Farmer; born in Hartford County, Connecticut, March 4, 1817; received a common school education. His father, Moses Alford, a native of the same State, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Carlos Alford was married in Knox County, Illinois, in 1853, to Mrs. Rebecca (Smith) Wisenburg and they had three children: Sarah E., deceased; Roswell J. and Charles. Mrs. Alford married her first husband, Louis Wisenburg, in Knox County, in 1840. They had one son. William, who resides on Section 2, Princeville Township. Charles is a farmer; he married Celia Young and they have six children living: Ira J., Bessie M., Ralph J., Nellie and Delia A; Roswell J. resides on the home farm. On January 29, 1890, he married Mrs. Katie Burkhart, formerly of London, Ohio. They had two children: Katie E., deceased, and V. Lester. Carlos Alford has resided in Illinois sixty-two years. He is a Republican. The ancestry of his family is mixed English, German and Dutch.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ARMSTRONG, JOSEPH; Farmer and for twenty-five years Justice of the Peace, Monica; born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1820, and educated in the common schools of his native State. His father, James Armstrong, was born in Pennsylvania and his mother, Mary (McCoy), in West Virginia. Joseph Armstrong came to Peoria County in 1855, locating on Section 19, in Princeville Township. He was married to Martha McNeil in Pennsylvania, March 10, 1841. They had ten children, seven of whom are living: Mary, James, Lucretia, William, Isabel, Theresa and Rose Martha. Mary is the wife of Allen McMillen, a resident of Kansas, and they have had seven children, four sons and three daughters: James. Charles, John, Mary Jane, Ada B., Martha and Joseph (deceased). James is a farmer, married Catherine Parnell and they have had five sons and four daughters: Nora, Ellis, Eldon, Esther, Orpha, Arthur, Clara, George and Charles. Lucretia married James Parrish, now of Iowa. They have two sons: Ensley and Joseph. Isabel married James Parrish. They had three daughters: Rhoda, Nora and Edith (deceased). Mrs. Parrish died at the age of 35 years. Theresa married Jackson Leaverton. They had five children: Mabel E., Gertrude, Elvira, Joseph E. and Rhoda E. William is a farmer on one of the home farms. He married Rose Haller. They have three daughters: Christie, Maggie and Dora. Rose, in 1899, had charge of her father's household. Martha married John Squire, of Princeville Township. They have two children: Richard and Mabel. Jane married Charles Blank, of Princeville Township. They had six sons: William, Arthur, Edwin, Stewart, Howard and Clarence. Mr. James Armstrong's daughter, Nora, married Charles Buck, of Indiana, and has one daughter, Florence. Mrs. Armstrong died March 3, 1877, deeply mourned by her bereaved husband and children. Mr. Armstrong is a stanch Democrat, and has been Township Supervisor for eighteen years, five of these acting as Chairman of the Board.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
AUTEN, EDWARD: Banker; Princeville; born May 27, 1839, in Radnor Township, on Section 30, by the spring near its northwest corner; moved to Princeville with his parents in spring of 1849; educated in public schools, the Pendleton Seminary at Henry, Illinois, the Academy at Farmington, the old Princeville Academy, Union College, Schenectady, New York. A. B. 1862, A. M. 1865, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. LL. B. 1865; was admitted to the bar in Massachusetts in 1865, and continued study at Harvard Law School two years longer; was librarian of the law school during his last three years there. Began practice of law in Princeville. Was married in Akron Township May 6, 1869, to Maria L. Cutter. They have had nine children, with birthdays as follows: Benjamin Cutter, April 20, 1870; Lydia Chapman, August 1, 1872; Nellie Mason, March 3, 1875; Peter, January 18, 1877; Sarah Russell, October 1, 1879; Edward, September 18, 1881, Charles Howe and Lemuel, twins, December 4, 1884 (Lemuel died in infancy); Hanford Louis, February 15, 1887. Lydia C. was married July 4, 1899, to J. E. Armstrong, and they have one daughter, Grace Wilda, born February 28, 1901. All of the children except Louis attended Princeville Academy, Lydia graduating in 1891, Nellie and Peter in 1894, Sarah in 1898, and Edward in 1899. Benjamin graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, 1893, from Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1898, and is now engaged in fruit farming at Carthage, Missouri. Lydia graduated from Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, 1805, and taught in Princeville Academy and in Lacon (Ill.) High School. Nellie graduated from Wellesley College in 1898, received the degree of A. M. in Sociology at Chicago University in 1900, and has taught at Plano (Ill.) High School and Hillside (Wis.) "Home School." Peter graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, 1895, attended Harvard College, 1895-96 and 1898-99, being engaged before and since his last year at college in the bank at Princeville, and having held the office of Village Trustee continuously since May 1, 1898. Sarah is now in Wellesley College, Edward in Harvard College, and Charles and Louis in Toulon (Ill.) Academy. All of the children have worked more or less in the bank, and have studied music with their other school work. Mr. Auten entered the bank with his father, Peter Auten, in 1872, and has remained in the same business, with the firm name of Auten & Auten, and with no change of partners to the present time. He also engaged in cattle raising quite extensively at one time. Mr. Auten was the first Village Clerk, and has been, at different times, Trustee and President of the village of Princeville. He has held the township office of School Treasurer continuously since 1880. In National politics he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. and Mrs. Auten have long been members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Auten holding the office of Secretary and Treasurer at one time for several years. They have been active in temperance, missionary and educational work. The second Princeville Academy was maintained largely by their efforts, for as many years as the people seemed to appreciate it and desire its continuance. Mr. and Mrs. Auten have sought for their children the best to be had in education, and have tried to do their share in making Princeville a wholesome and progressive town to live in.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
AUTEN, LEMUEL; Banker; Monica, Princeville Township; born on the border line between Texas and Indian Territory, near Fort Towson. December 5, 1837. He is the eldest son of Peter and Lydia (Chapman) Auten. He was educated in the public schools, in private schools at Elmwood, Henry and Farmington, Illinois, and at Union College, Schnectady, New York. He owns a farm near Princeville, but resides in Monica. He has charge of the branch bank in that village of Auten & Auten, of Princeville. He married Esther R. Cutter, a native of New Hampshire, on April 8, 1863. To them were born seven children, as follows: Edith Robah, born March 16, 1864, graduate of Peoria High School, is the wife of James Corney, of Jubilee Township; Maria Emily, born February 8, 1867, graduate of Louisville (Ky.) Kindergarten Training School, wife of Chris. W. Fry, of Peoria, has one son, Paul Auten; Andrew, born January 3, 1869, is a graduate of Princeville Academy, 1891, and of Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, 1896, later a student at Bussey Institution, Agricultural School of Harvard University, now a landscape gardener, residing at Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, married Alice M. Coe, and has one son, George C.; Laura, born August 6, 1871, graduate of Princeville Academy, 1893, of Oberlin College, Physical Culture Course, 1895, a teacher for three years at Walpole, Massachusetts, wife of W. L. Tambling, of Chicago, and has one son, Robert Leicester; Anna Rebekah, born October 11, 1873, graduate of Princeville Academy, 1891, and of Oberlin College, 1896, a teacher for three years in Princeville Academy, since then in Huguenot Seminary, Wellington, Cape Colony, South Africa; Julia Cutter, born December 19, 1878, graduate of Princeville Academy, 1896, now studying voice and piano in Boston; Esther Hall, born April 23, 1881, graduate of Princeville Academy, 1000, two years in Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Peoria, and now in Oberlin College, Ohio. Partly from a desire to have a good school at home for his children, Mr. Auten assisted materially in maintaining the second Princeville Academy. Mr. Auten held the office of Justice of the Peace in Akron Township for one term and frequently declined that and other offices. He votes the Prohibition ticket, and Mrs. Auten is an active W. C. T. U. worker and State officer. While residing on the farm they were members of the Princeville Presbyterian Church. For more than twenty years, beginning in 1870, Mr. Auten was a Ruling Elder and a large part of that time Clerk of the Session; he also served ait different times as Trustee, Treasurer and Secretary in the same church. On the removal to Monica, there being no Presbyterian Church there, he and Mrs. Auten united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of that place. He is a class-leader, a Trustee of the Oak Hill, Camp Meeting Association and has held various other offices in this church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BENJAMIN, RUFUS J.; Contractor and Builder; born in Greene County, New York, July 3, 1831. His parents, John and Levira (Hitchcock) Benjamin, were natives of the same county. They had six children: Rufus J., Jedediah H., Milo W., Hattie, Alonzo B., and one who died in infancy. John died in 1864, and his widow in 1884. The family came to Illinois in the fall of 1837, locating near Mt. Hawley. Rufus J. Benjamin was married in Akron Township, November 17, 1853, to Amanda L. Bronson, who died December 13, 1898. They had six children: Mary L.; Alice died in infancy; Agnes died at the age of twenty-two; Hattie A. died aged twenty-seven; Abigail M. died in infancy: and Julia M. Mary L. is the wife of Julius H. Hopkins, of Princeville. They have seven children living, one dead: Agnes, Nina D., Mary G. (died July 20, 1892), Alice Maud, Roy V., Bessie L., Henry B. and Hattie L. Agnes is the wife of Burdette Beardsley. They have one son, Lindley, living and one son. Burdett. Jr., died in infancy. Julia M. is the wife of Willard Henry, of Princeville. They have three children: M. Maurine, A. Hazel and G. Herman. Mr. Rufus J. Benjamin has been a contractor and builder since 1874. He is an independent Democrat and has served as Justice of the Peace for sixteen years. For several years prior to 1869, he was a farmer. He belongs to the Reformed Church of Latter Day Saints. The ancestry of the family is German and English.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
CALLERY, PATRICK; Retired Farmer; born in County Roscommon, Ireland, March 3, I833; educated in his native country. His parents, Patrick and Honour (Coleman) Callery, were also natives of Ireland, Patrick Callery was married to Bridget Fulton, in Peoria County, in 1858. They have two children, John and Mary E. John, born in Akron Township, was educated there; is a farmer and occupies a part of the home farm. He married Kate McDonna, of Akron Township and they have five children: Frank J., Edward, Mary E., Theo and Redmond P. Mary E. is the wife of Michael J. McDonna, of Akron Township, and they have six children: Kate, James, Sarah E., Marie, John and Lucile. Mr. Callery came to the United States in 1852, and worked on a farm until 1859. During this time he had saved enough money to purchase his first eighty acres, and he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of the best land in Akron Townshin. He removed to Princeville Village in 1891. He is a Democrat and he and the members of his family are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
CHEESMAN, HENRY J.; Postmaster and Merchant; born in Arlington, Bureau County, Illinois, May 9, 1861; educated there in the common schools. William Barker, his maternal grandfather, was born in England in 1795; his father, John T. Cheesman, was born in Sussex, England, in 1826, and died in 1885; his mother, Elizabeth (Barker), was born in Bradford, Ontario, Canada, in 1833. They had eight children: William, deceased; Sylvia; Charles J.; Minnie M.; Lizzie; Pinkey; Henry J. and Carrie E. Sylvia married C. D. Cochrane, of Bureau County, and they have three children: Carrie, Walter and Jean. Charles J. is a merchant in company with his brother, Henry. He married Ethel M., oldest daughter of Rev. Charles T. and Nellie E. Phillips, of Princeville; they have two children, Charles Henry and Mignonne. Minnie M. married James M. Price, of Bureau County; they have five children, three sons and two daughters: Lois E., Arthur, Glenn, Sylvia and Lizzie. Lizzie married Robert Beatly, of Bureau County; they had four children. Pinkey is the wife of Charles G. Pratt, of West Liberty, Iowa. They have two daughters: Hazel and Elsie C. Carrie E. married Burtwell Brown, of Princeville, and they have one son. Henry J. Cheesman is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican; was appointed Postmaster at Princeville July 1, 1897, and re-appointed January 29, 1900; was also a member of the Peoria County Central Committee for four years. He belongs to Princeville Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been Worshipful Master since 1886. He is also a member of Wyoming Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and of Peoria Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar. Mr. Cheesman was married to Mary H. McKee in Arlington, September 25, 1889.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
COBURN WILLIAM (deceased); Union soldier; born in Warren County, Ohio, October 14, 1814; was educated in his native State; died January 28, 1865. Samuel, the father, was born in Kentucky, July 2, 1792; Rhoda (Carroll), the mother, was a native of the same State. In 1863 William enlisted in the Peoria Battery and served with it in the Gulf campaigns. He contracted smallpox in January, 1865, and died soon afterward in New Orleans, March 28, 1833, he was married in Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio, to Rachel Eltzroth. They had twelve children: Patience, Elijah, Rozean, Samuel M., Caroline, William W., Mary Ann, Frances E., Jasper, Jason, Alice E. and May Belle. Three of the sons also served in the Civil War. Samuel was in the Peoria Battery with his father and served with distinction. Elijah enlisted in Company K, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; served in the Army of the Cumberland, and participated with his brother, Samuel, in Sherman's famous March to the Sea. William W. enlisted in Company D. Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Patience was married September 16, 1860, to Omer Lambertson, and they had six children: Arthur, Edward, William, David, Anna and Rose. Elijah married Martha J. Smith, October 13, 1860, and they had six children: Morris, Walter, Frank, Eva, Roy and Alice. Rozean became the wife of James M. Russell, January 19, 1861. They had twelve children: Lenora, Orrin, Etta, William George, Bird, Elijah, Linn, Sophia, Jason and two who died in infancy. Caroline married David Shriver, December 22, 1864. They had four children: Charles W. died in infancy; Lucella; Sumner L. and Ernest M. They are residents of South Dakota. Samuel M. married Louisa E. Keady, August 14, 1867. They had four children: Clarence, Nellie, Mollie and Bert. William W. married Irene Ridgeway August 25, 1867. They had three children: Wilbur, Guy and Grace. May Belle married P. Shirley Dusten, December 13, 1882. They had one daughter, E. Inez. The marriage of Alice E. is noted elsewhere. The ancestry of the family is Scotch, English and German.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DOLLISON, JASPER; Farmer and Union Soldier; born in Ohio June 21, 1838; educated in the subscription schools of his native State. Thomas, his paternal grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania; his grandmother was Susanne (Yager); his maternal grandfather was James Long. Andrew, the father, was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania; the mother, Dorcas (Long), was a native of Ohio. They had nine children: Jasper, Newton, Lucretia J., Thomas, Reason, Susanne, James, John A. and George W. Andrew Dollison died in 1872; his widow is still living. James Long, the grandfather on the maternal side, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The Long family came to Illinois in 1855, locating in Essex Township. Stark County. Jasper Dollison was first married in 1866 to Lydia Ellison. Thev had four sons: Newton J., A. Charles, Albert A. and A. Wilson. Mrs. Dollison died in 1878. Mr. Dollison's second marriage was with Elizabeth Gingrich, in Toulon, in 1881. They have three children: Damey M., Thomas J. and James Logan. Newton J. is a farmer and thresher; he married Laura Lambertsen, of Millbrook Township, in August, 1891. Mr. Dollison enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the West under Grant. He was injured in the right hand in the battle of Mayville, Mississippi, May 9, 1862, and was honorably discharged in October, 1864. Mr. Dollison is a Republican. The ancestry of his family is English, Dutch and Welch.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ELLIOTT, WILLIAM E.; ex-Architect and Builder; born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1832. His great-grandfather, John, grandfather, William, and his grandmother, Esther (Griffith) Elliott, were born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his maternal great-grandfather, Caleb Kirk, his grandfather, also named Caleb, and his grandmother, Esther Kirk, were natives of the same State and city. His parents, John Griffith and Hannah (Kirk) Elliott, were born in Philadelphia, the former in 1797. Eight children were born to them: James M., Rebecca A., Sarah K., Samuel A., Phoebe A., William E., Esther E. and John A. William E. Elliott went to Ohio with his parents in 1838. His mother, his brother John, and his sister, Phoebe, died within a week of each other at their home near Dayton, Ohio, in 1838. In 1845 the remainder of the family removed to Indiana. In 1847 they removed to Bond County, Illinois, and in 1848, to St. Louis, Missouri. The father was in the engineer department of the United States service, and died of cholera in 1849. William E. returned to Illinois in 1863, and became supervising architect of the Universalist and Presbyterian churches near Knox College, Galesburg. He came to Peoria County in 1866 and erected the school house at Elmwood. In June, 1876. he took charge, as superintendent, of the erection of the County Court House of Peoria. The building was completed in the best possible manner and to the entire satisfaction of the taxpayers of the county. In 1879 he began to devote his time to farming, which he has carried on successfully ever since. Mr. Elliott was twice married: first, to Mary Carpenter, in, Muscatine, Iowa. There were three children: Charles E., George R. and Frank H. George R., who is a farmer in this township, married Charity Hathaway, of Brimfield, and they have had seven children: Lucien E., Mary E., George C., Maud F., John F., Robert A. and Florence M. Charles E. married Martha Moore, now deceased. His second marriage was with Amelia Jergison, and they have two children. Frank H. is a farmer of Princeville; he married Letitia Hathaway, of Monica. Mr. William E. Elliott's second marriage was with Julia C. Cornwell, September 30, 1877. They have two children, Harlan C. and Emily E. L. Mrs. Elliott's father, Solomon S. Cornwell. was born in Dutchess County, New York, in 1808, where he was educated and selected teaching as a profession. He came to Princeville in 1838. He promoted the building of Monica, and in 1871, Mr. Elliott erected the first house in that village, a hardware store on the site of the present Wilts building. Mr. Cornwell married Emily Munson, May 4, 1842, in Rochester, New York. They had four children: W. Hughes, Charles A., Julia C. and Addie D. Mr. Cornwell died October 5, 1893, and his wife, February 3, 1895. The Elliott family, whose name was originally "Eliot," dates back to one Sir John Elliott, member of the House of Commons, who was born in Port Eliot, Anril 20, 1592. He was the son of a country gentleman of Cornwall, England. He labored for the cause of liberty in his native land, and lost his life in the Tower of London, November 27, 1632, for his earnest efforts against taxation by the Crown without consulting Parliament. The ancestry of the family is English and Welsh. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Elliott is a Republican.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
EYRE, PRESTON: Ex-Police Magistrate, Princeville; born in Bethel Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1844; educated in his native State. Jonas P. his paternal grandfather, was born in Delaware County in 1796; Rebecca (Wilson), his grandmother, was a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania; Stephen Cloud, his maternal grandfather, was born in the same State in 1788; Keziah (Pierce), his grandmother, came from Delaware; Jonas, his father, was born in 1820, in Pennsylvania, and Ann (Cloud), his mother, was born in 1819. September 8, 1861, Preston Eyre, at the age of sixteen, enlisted in Company D, Eighth Cavalry, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He participated in all the engagements with his company until he was captured at the battle of Trevilian's Station, in Virginia, June 11, 1864. He was taken to Libby Prison for two days, and then transferred to Andersonville Prison, where he remained until November, 1864, when he was removed to Florence, South Carolina, and paroled late in tlie spring of 1865. He was honorably discharged August 11, 1865, holding the rank of Commissary Sergeant. He lost his right arm in a threshing machine October 9, 1878, and gave up farming. Mr. Eyre was married to Alice E. Coburn, in Princeville, February 6, 1887. They had two daughters: Bessie M. and Luella. Mrs. Eyre's parents, William and Rachel (Eltzroth) Coburn, were born in Salem Township, Warren County, Ohio; the former, October 14, 1813, the latter, June 13, 1815. His parents were Samuel and Rhoda (Carroll) Coburn. Mrs. Rachel Coburn's parents were Valentine and Patience (Mount) Eltzroth; they had twelve children: Patience, Elijah, Rozean, Samuel, Caroline, William, Mary Ann, Frances E., Jasper, Jason, Alice E. and Mary Belle. Mr. Coburn died January 28, 1865; his widow is still living. Mr. Eyre is a Republican; held the office of Justice of the Peace from 1885 to 1889; was City Marshal from 1889 to 1894; was elected to fill the vacancy of Police Magistrate for one year, and re-elected, in the spring of 1897, for four years. He is a member of J. F. French Post, No. 153, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Illinois, and held the office of Senior Vice Commander for one term. He is a member of Diligence Lodge, No. 129, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
FRIEDMAN, JOSEPH C.; Merchant; born in Stark County, Illinois, October 1, 1863; educated in the common schools. His parents, Joseph and Caroline (Kreisinger) Friedman, were natives of Baden, Germany. The father was born in 1819, and educated in the schools of that country. He came to the United States in 1848, locating near Hamburg, Erie County, New York. In June, 1848, he married, and, in the spring of 1852 he and his wife came to Princeville. They soon located in Stark County, where they purchased eighty acres of land. They had six children, three sons and three daughters: John, Louisa, Sophia (deceased), Joseph C.. William C. and Caroline M. William C. is a farmer on the homestead farm. He married Minnie Steemer, of Kansas. They have five children: Josephine, Grace, Edward, May and William. John is a farmer in Princeville Township. He married Emma Winkelmeyer. They have five children living: Auretia C., John. Jr.. Bertha C. L., William E. and Emma B. Caroline M. is the wife of Lucas Hofer, of Princeville. They have three children: Theodore, Harry and Carolina. Joseph Friedman, by his thrift and good judgment, accumulated: considerable property. He died September 4, 1897, his widow surviving him. Joseph C. Friedman came to Princeville in the spring of 1890, and soon became interested in the hardware business. In December of that year he formed a partnership with Joseph German, under the firm name of German & Friedman. They sell hardware, stoves, wagons, buggies, standard farm machinery and agricultural implements. In 1899 they purchased the buildings originally leased by them, and erected a new structure, 52 by 80 feet, two stories in height, covered with steel and with cement sidewalk in front. Joseph C. Friedmdn was married to Jennie S. Kopp in Henry County, Illinois, December 18, 1896, and they have three children: Ruth Josephine, Harry Joseph and Florence Irena. Mr. Friedman is independent in politics. He and the members of his family belong to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
GERMAN, JOSEPH; Merchant; born in Buffalo, New York, April 4, 1852; educated in Stark County. His parents, Basilius and Gertrude (Sager) German, were natives of Baden, Germany. They came to the United States in 1848, and were married soon after their arrival. They had eleven children: Frank S.; Frederica; Joseph; Charles; John T.; Margaret; Stephen; Gertrude; Wendell, deceased; Christina; and Max P. Frank S. married Elizabeth Mersinger. They had ten children: Gertrude, who died at the age of nine years; Kate, Mary, Basilius, Jr., Margaret, Christina, Barbara, Mathias, Edward and Leon. Frederica is the wife of George Heinz, of Kickapoo. They had fourteen children, eight of whom are living: Gertrude, Mae, Margaret, Charles, Nicholas, Felix, Rose and Alexander. Charles married Barbara Rhinehart. They had nine children, six of whom are living: Annie, Ben, John, Joseph, Stephen and Cecilia. John T. died at the age of twenty-one years. Stephen married Annie Binder. They have five children: Ida, Kate, John, Gertrude and Annie. Gertrude is the wife of Henry Fultz. They had ten children, nine of whom are living: Stephen, Max, Gertrude, Frank, Henry, Louisa, Charles, Barbara and Christina. Christina is the wife of Nicholas Feheringer. They had six children, five of whom are living: Lena, Agnes, William, Gertrude and Andrew. Max P. married Mary Kyle. They had two children, Edward and Frances. Joseph German began to learn the wagon and carriage trade in 1869, continuing for two and a half years, and removed from Kickapoo to Peoria with his employer. He returned to Kickapoo, where he engaged in similar work for other persons, and soon bought out the business. Six months later, in 1872, his shop burned, but he soon erected another building and began the manufacture of wagons and buggies. In 1875 he removed to Princeville, where he and his brother, Charles, conducted the business under the firm name of German Brothers. They suffered another loss by fire three weeks after opening business, but soon started in business again. In 1878 they again began the manufacture of wagons. In 1888 Joseph bought his brother's interest, and in 1800, the firm of German & Friedman was formed. Mr. German married Kate Heinz, in Kickapoo November 10, 1874. They have two children: Frank Joseph and Christina Matilda. Mrs. German's father, Andrew Heinz, was born in Baden in 1822, and came to the United States in 1843. He married Christina Rechtor, who was born in Baden in 1831. They had nine children: Frederick; Henry; Kate; Andrew, Jr.; Annie; Theresa; George; John, who died at the age of four years; and one child who died in infancy. Mr. German belongs to the Catholic Church. He is an independent Democrat.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
GOODMAN, JONATHAN (deceased); born in Ohio May 6, 1830, whre he was educated. His mother's maiden name was Meyers, and his father was Jacob Goodman, both born in Germany. Jonathan Goodman was a soldier in Company K, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; he enlisted September 27, 1864, was honorably discharged at New Orleans, September 26, l865, and died October 22, 1868. He was married to Rosanna Riel in Peoria County September 13, 1863. They had two children: Emeretta and Grant W. Emeretta married James M. Murphy, of Dayton, Ohio, August 4, 1884. They had four children: Emerald, Lena L., Vernon and James S. Grant W. married Minnie M. Brockway, of Duncan, Illinois. They have one daughter, Vera. Mrs. Goodman's father, Peter Riel, was born in Canada in 1814, and was a farmer. He married Mary Klinck, of his native place. They had thirteen children, ten of whom are living: Rosanna, Sarah C., Margaret, Leonard, Martha, John W., Mary, Leslie, Arilla and Emma. The family came to the United States in 1850, locating first in Peoria, and later in Princeville Township. Mr. Riel died in 1872. Mrs. Goodman's grandmother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Brown, married John Grant, a brother of General U. S. Grant's father. She died in her one hundred and fifth year. The ancestry of the family is French, German, Scotch and Irish.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HEBERLING, RICHARD; Restaurant-Keeper; born in Lancaster, Ohio, March 20; 1845; educated in Peoria. John A., father of Richard, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1789; Rebecca (Van Meter), the mother, was born in Ohio. They had eight children: Mary, Maria, Catherine, Sarah, Rudolph, John, William, and Richard. John A. Heberling died in Princeville Township in 1866, and his wife in 1851. The first of the Van Meters came to the United States from Holland in 1663 and located on Long Island. The name is sometimes spelled "Van Metre." Jan Gysleesten Van Meter was the founder of the family in America. He emigrated from his home city in South Holland and settled in New Utrecht, Long Island. There were ten members of the family from Monmouth County, New Jersey; and ten from Virginia, in the Revolutionary War. Richard Heberling came to Peoria with his sister, Sarah, in 1858. He was married to Emeline Williams, in Princeville, November 18, 1875. They had one son, Vaughn W. Mrs. Heberling's father, Vaughn G. Williams, was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 18, 1818. He married Viola Hall, in Radnor Township, July 17, 1843. They had ten children: Mary E., Rebecca J., John, Aaron, Almira Emeline, Glenn, Clark, Eliza and James. William Williams, Mrs. Heberling's grandfather, was born in Maryland in 1794. Her father, Vaughn G. Williams, died April 20, 1897; his widow is still living. Mr. Heberling is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HILL, EDWARD L.; Brick Manufacturer; born in Sheffield, England, October 27, 1857; received a limited education in his native country. His maternal, grandfather, Joshua Goodwin, and his parents, Henry L. and Sarah (Goodwin) Hill, were born in Leicestershire, England. Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Hill were the parents of eleven children: William, James, Elizabeth, Alice, Henry, George, Joseph, Sarah, Edward L., Frederick and Kate. The father died in 1884, and the mother in February, 1892. Edward L. Hill was married to Eliza Taylor in Sheffield, England, May 21, 1877. They have four children living: Sarah E., Mary Ann, Alice and Edward L. Sarah E. is the wife of Albert L. Shebiel, of Stark County. They have one son, Eldred L. Mary Ann is the wife of Roy O. Gilmore, of Princeville. They have one son, Arthur D. Mrs. Hill's father, Daniel Taylor was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1822. He went to England when a boy and married Sarah E. Rooke, of Worcestershire. They had ten children: William, Hugh, Sarah, Mary Ann, Eliza, Benjamin, Henry, Samuel and two who died in infancy. Mr. Taylor died February 5, 1862; his widow is still living. Mr. Hill began the manufacture of bricks in 1893, and has had marked success in the business. He is a member of the Methodist Church and in nolitics a Democrat.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HOFER, LUCAS S.; Capitalist; was born in Princeville February 3, 1862; educated in the High School. Medardus, the father, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1828; Frederica (German), the mother, was born September 25, 1828, in the same province. They were married in Hamburg in 1841, and came to the United States in 1848, where they were among the original settlers, locating in Hamburg, New York. In 1854 they
removed to Illinois. They had six children, three of whom are living: Christina, Frederica and Lucas. The father was a member of Company E, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during the War of the Rebellion. He died at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1864, while serving his adopted country. His widow is still living. Lucas S. Hofer was married to Carolina M. Friedman, in Princeville, September 3, 1889. They have had four children: Theodore C., Harry W., Caroline F. and Harriet L. The members of the family belong to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Hofer is independent in politics. For about a year and a half he conducted a general store in Princeville, and subsequently for a little over a year conducted a livery business, which he sold in August, 1901, to Frank Heitter.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
KLINCK, DANIEL; Farmer; born in Ontario, Canada, July 6, 1841; educated in his native country. Leonard Klinck, his paternal grandfather, was born in Albany, New York; Elizabeth (Brown) was his paternal grandmother; Emanuel Horner, his maternal grandfather, and George and Mary (Horner) Klinck, his parents, were natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Klinck had twelve children, ten of whom are now living: John; George; Daniel; James; Mrs. Martha Ditson and Mrs. Mary Baker (twins); Mrs. Elizabeth Baker; Joseph; Elias; and Thomas. The father died in 1853 and the mother in 1875. The two deceased children were Abraham and Leonard, the latter dying in infancy. The ancestry of the family is English, Dutch and Welsh. ;Daniel Klinck was married to Jane Martin in Canada February 18, 1869, They had seven children: S. Beatrice; Edith A., deceased; T. William M.; A. Louisa; Mary Jane; D. Edgar; and George F. S. Beatrice married Charles A. Bush, in Princeville, November 19, 1891. They had five children: L. Jane ; C. D. William, deceased; George D. A.; Elizabeth L. S., who now resides in Bedford, Iowa; and Edgar F. Mary Jane was married March 28, 1900, to John A. Sentz, of Princeville Township. They have a daughter, Mabel J. T. William M. is a farmer in Bedford. A. Louisa is the wife of Bert P. Williams, of Princeville. They were married December 14, 1898, and have one daughter, Garna Z. Mrs. Daniel Klinck died April 27, 1894. Mr. Klinck is a member of the Methodist Church. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
JONES, T. WILLIAM; Farmer; born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1859; was educated in the Orphan's School of his native State. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Owens) Jones; they had two children, a son and daughter: Mary and T. William. Mr. Jones started in life without any means at his command, working at odd jobs by the day, month and year. He came to Peoria County from West Virginia in 1893, locating first at Chillicothe. He at first worked in Akron Township and afterwards in Princeville; was honest and reliable and soon gained the confidence of his neighbors. He saved his earnings, made investments whenever the opportunity offered, and accumulated a competency. Mr. Jones is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of Princeville Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M. The ancestry of his family is Welsh
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
LAIR, ANDREW JACKSON; Retired Farmer; born in Licking County, Ohio, February 6, 1836; educated in Indiana. Andrew, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia; Nimrod Ward, the maternal grandfather, came from Ohio. Joseph, the father, was a native of Virginia, and Phoebe (Ward), the mother, was born in Ohio. They had nine children, five of whom are living: Mary, Andrew J., Noah, Delilah and Hiram. Joseph Lair died in 1881, and his wife in March, 1898. Andrew J. Lair enlisted in Company K, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862, was with General Sherman's army in its historical "March to the Sea," and was honorably discharged June 6, 1865. Mr. Lair was married to Mrs. Henrietta (Adams) Nickerson, in Princeville, January 1, 1867. They had one daughter, Almina, who married Joshua C. Kerns January 19, 1898; they have one son, Merle A., born January 3, 1899. Mrs. Lair was the mother of four children by her first husband, Aaron Nickerson, one of whom, Dexter G., survives, and resides in the State of Washington. Mr. Lair is a Republican. The ancestry of the family is German, English and Irish.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
McGINNIS, GEORGE I.; Journalist and Retired Farmer; born in Akron Township December 30, 1851; educated in the district schools of his township. His paternal grandparents were James and Elizabeth (Irwin) McGinnis. His maternal grandfather, John Montgomery, was born in Virginia August 5, 1764. The father, George I. McGinnis, was born in Tennessee; the mother, Sarah J. (Montgomery) came from Virginia. George I. McGinnis, Sr., removed to Ohio with his parents, and obtained his education in the select schools of Hamilton County. He was a farmer by occupation. He was married January 1, 1829. There were twelve children, five sons and seven daughters: Susanna, Sarah A., John, Nancy, James, Mary B., Elizabeth, Temperance, Jane C., William, George I. and Charles H. The family located on Section 7 Akron Township, in 1835. Mr. McGinnis died April 11, 1875, and his widow July 22, 1897. John was a member of Company K, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged as Orderly Sergeant at the close of the war. James was a soldier in the Peoria Battery, Light Artillery, and was discharged after doing three years' creditable service for his country. John Montgomery, the maternal grandfather, was twice married; first in 1783 to Susanna Porter, who died December 30, 1802; second to Elizabeth Harris November 20, 1804. There were eight children by the first marriage, and two by the second. At the age of sixteen Mr. Montgomery enlisted in the Revolutionary War, serving three years. He was a resident of Illinois from 1835 until his death, January 26, 1845. His widow, Elizabeth, died September 14, 1846. The Montgomery family was represented in the French and Indian wars and in tlie War of 1812. George I. McGinnis was married to Ella N. Givens, in Pennsylvania, February 24, 1876. They have four children: James I., William T., Beulah M. and Susie. Mr. McGinnis is a Democrat. In February, 1898, he established a
weekly paper, known as the Princeville Republican, devoted to the interests of the County and State. He advocates the principles of Democracy in a fearless and independent manner.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
McKOWN, LEVI; Lumber Dealer; Monica; was born in Princeville April 25, 1838; educated in the local schools. His parents, James H. L. and Cynthia (White) McKown, were born in Kentucky, the former in 1807, came to Peoria County about 1836 and carried the chain for the survey of Princeville Village. Levi McKown was married to Sarah Jane German, in Princeville, October 2, 1862. They had ten children, eight of whom are living: Allie, William C., Lewis E., Albert. Bessie, Prank, Edith and Eldon. Allie married Richard Carter, of Millbrook Township. They have four children: Ethel M., Frank L., Mabel P. and Howard L. William C. is a farmer on the home farm. He married Ida L. Belford, of Princeville Township. They have five children: Clara E., Gladys L., Hazel F., Raymond L. and Meryl C. Lewis E. is a merchant. He married Ella Montgomery, of this township, and resides in Brimfield. Albert is a farmer on one of his father's farms. He married Nellie L. Webber, of Monica. They have two children: Myrtle F. and Lulu P. Mrs. Levi McKown's father, Hilary German, was born in Maryland in 1806. He married Lottie Brittingham, of Ohio. They have eleven children : Matilda Esther, Catherine, William, James, Martha, Emeline, Jefferson, Sarah Jane, Ellen, and one who died in infancy. Mr. German died in 1861; his wife in 1893. Mr. McKown is a Methodist. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. He has been the architect of his own fortunes. The ancestry of the family is Scotch and German.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
McMILLEN, JAMES PARKER (deceased); Farmer: Princeville Township; born May 18, 1824, in Brown County, Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. His parents were William and Sina (Parker) McMillen, both of whom were born in Virginia. Mr. McMillen was married to Charlotte Lewis, December 10, 1846, in Adams County, Ohio. Twelve children were born to them: Laura E.; Sarah M.; Mary A.; William H.; Ann E.; Francis J.; George W.; Martha E., deceased; Charles F.; Louelmina F.; L. Medora; and Estella M. Laura E. is the wife of Daniel M. Yates, of Dunlap; they have one daughter, Eva M. Sarah M. is the wife of C. Emory Russell, of Akron Township; they have six children: Walter E., Lewis A., Nettie B., Frank, Elbert and Edna. ary A. married William H. Mills, of Princeville; they had eight children: Lulu B., deceased ; Leola G.; Clara A.; Effie D.; Myrtle, deceased; Winona, deceased; Wilma; and Ray, deceased. William H. married Maggie Shields, of Missouri. Ann E. is the wife of John T. Beer, of Akron: they have one daughter. L. Maude. Francis J. married Edith McCormick, of Page County, Iowa; they have three sons: B. Keith. Walter R. and Homer. George W. married Ida J. Rice, of Princeville: they have six children : Clyde W., Leola M., Charles A., Wilma D., Hazel M. and Leland H. Charles P. married Elizabeth Andrews. of Missouri; they have six children: B. Franklin, Bertha B., LeRoy, Edith, Maggie C. and Ethel B. Louelmina is the wife of Gale B. Nixon, of Princeville; they had one son, F. Merle, who died in his twelfth year. L. Medora is the wife of Benjamin Studyvin, of Peoria. Estella M. married Bonnie Derges, of Peoria; they have four children: Wilbur M., Ivan H., Lulu M. and B. Ray. Mrs. McMillen's
father, James Lewis, was born in Kentucky May 20, 1793, and when a young man removed to Ohio. He was married to Phoebe Carl, who was born in Pennsylvania January 11, 1798. Nine children were born to them: Sarah A., Eliza J., Ruth, Charlotte, Robert C., Nancy, Catherine, James B. and Isabella B. Mr. Lewis was a soldier in the War of 1812. He died in 1874. Mrs. Lewis died September 10, 1852. Mrs. McMillen's grandfather Carl was a soldier in the Revolutionary War; her brother, James B. Lewis, was in the War of the Rebellion and was killed at the battle of Stone River. The ancestry is Scotch, Welsh and German. The family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. McMillen died January 23, l860.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
MANSFIELD, EDWARD; Farmer; born in Schoharie County, New York, August 8, 1826; educated in the schools of his native State. His parents, Leverett and Sallie (Sanford) Mansfield, were born in New Haven County, Connecticut, the former in November, 1786. They were married February 23, 1806. Nine children were born to them: Eliza, Jeannett, Stiles, Angeline, Henry, Maryett, John, Leverett and Edward, all of whom, except Edward, were born at Esperance, Schoharie County, New York. The parents died within two days of each other in 1868, the mother on December 20 and the father December 22. The ancestry of this family dates back to Joseph Mansfield, who was born in England in 1636, and who took the Freeman's oath in Connecticut February 8, 1657. He owned part of the farm which was his father's before him, and which is still on the North Haven road. He died November 15, 1692. Leverett Mansfield, the father of Edward, came to Elgin, Illinois, in 1842, the family following the next year. Edward went overland from Elgin to California in 1849, where he was a gold miner for four years. He returned to Illinois in 1853, and purchased a farm on Section 36 in Princeville Township, where he has since resided. He married Rebecca Fulton in Richwoods Township April 1, 1857. They had six clilldren: Leverett, Albert, Edward, Jr., Sanford, Joseph and Charles. Mrs. Mansfield died April 10, 1898. Albert married Sarah McMunn. They have one daughter, Effie. Albert manages one of his father's farms. Mr. Mansfield owns six hundred and sixty-five acres of land. He is a Republican. His ancestry is English, through New England descent.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
MARTIN, ANDREW: Farmer; born at Aldons, Parish of Colmonell, Ayrshire, Scotland, February 5, 1844; educated in his native country. His parents, William and Mary (Ferguson) Martin, were also natives of Scotland. They had ten children: John; William, deceased; William 2d; Thomas; James; Elizabeth; Andrew; Mary; Jane, deceased; and Jane 2d. The father and mother died in Scotland. Andrew Martin came to the United States in 1866, locating in Princeville Township. He was married to Isabella Smith, in Princeville, March 12, 1879. They had four children, two sons and two daughters: Nellie S.; Walter S.; John W., who died in infancy ; and Ethel B. Mrs. Martin's father, John Smith, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, December 14, l822. He was educated there, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Jane Payne in Princeville Township May 18, 1848. They had eight children: Isabella, Rachel, John, Walter, Mary J., Anna M., William W. and Lizzie S. John Smith's father and grandfather were named John; his mother was Margaret (White); they were natives of Scotland. John has been a family name for more than five hundred years. Rachel Smith married Philander H. Chase, of Akron Township. They had two children: Carrie B. and Forrest M. Mr. Chase died in 1899. John is a farmer, and married Bessie Rowcliffe, of Jubilee Township. They have four children: Royal Bruce, Jessie G., Florence M. and H. John. Walter is a retired farmer, in Gage County, Nebraska. Anna M. was the wife of Jacob Miller, of Princeville Township. They had one son, J. Merle, who died in infancy. Mrs. Miller died August 25, 1888. William W. is a resident of Oklahoma. He married Alta Buster, and they have had four children: L. Blanche; Lessel L., who died in infancy; L. Bernice; and L. Beulah, Lizzie S. is the wife of Charles H. Lewis. In politics Mr. Martin is a Republican, and is a member of the Methodist Church. The ancestry of the family is Scotch.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
REESE, CHARLES G.; Farmer and Miller; born in Richland County, Ohio, August 10, 1846; educated in his native State. Elijah, the father, came from Ohio; Mary (Long), the mother, was a native of Pennsylvania. Charles G. Reese enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, was with General Sherman in his famous "March to the Sea." and was honorably discharged July 17, 1865. Mr. Reese was married to Ella M. Godfrey, in Plymouth, Ohio, November 12, 1874. Mrs. Reese's father, Solomon Godfrey, was born in Onondaga County, New York, September 17, 1818. In 1833 his parents removed to Ohio, locating in Fairfield, Huron County. He attended Norwalk Academy, was married to Mary Rhodes, of Onondaga County, November 1, 1842, and they had three children: Cleora A., Ella M. and Lillie M. Mrs. Godfrey died October 2, 1863. For his second wife Mr. Godfrey married Priscilla H. Noyes, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, in October, 1864, and they had one son, Frank. Mrs. Ella M. Godfrey died October 21, 1808. Lillie M. is the wife of Byron H. Wear, of Princeville Township. They have four children: Vernon Rhodes, Cornelia H., Jessie Ella and Byron H., Jr. Mr. Godfrey is a member o.f the Methodist Church. He is a strong Republican. The ancestry of the Reese and Godfrey families is German and Scotch.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
SHIPLEY, JOHN R.; Farmer and Coal Miner; born in Yorkshire, England, February 4, 1836; educated in the schools of his native land. His parents, John and Mercy (Lampla) Shipley, were natives of England. John R. Shipley left England in 1856 and went to Canada, He remained there but a short time, when he removed to Illinois, locating in Princeville Township, Peoria County, where he is engaged in farming. He is an experienced coal miner, and formerly followed that occupation. He was married to Mary Ann Ayling, in Canada, January 19, 1864. They have nine children: John H., Elizabeth, James, Minnie M., Estella M., William A., Cora E., Nettie L. and Anna B. John H. is a farmer in Princeville Township; he married Emma Wisenberg. Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Carroll, formerly of Connecticut; they have three children: Verna, Addison and Mabel. Minnie M. married James Cardell, of Rock Island; they have two daughters, Rubie and Hazel. Estella M. married John Sandstadt, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Cora is the wife of Henry Ennis., of Monica. Mrs. Shipley died June 1, 1888. The ancestry of the family is English and French.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WASHBURN, ANSEL C.; Proprietor Arlington Hotel, Princeville; born in Knox County, Illinois, January 14, 1856; educated in Elmwood. His paternal grandparents, Lewis C. and Lydia (Doolittle) Washburn, were natives of Connecticut. Beezleel, his father, was born in Westford, Otsego County, New York, October 31, 1823; Sarah (Bradley), his mother, was born in 1831. His grandparents were Lewis C.,and Lydia (Doolittle) Washburn. They were the parents of nine children: Hiram L., Mary D., Amanda E., Miles T., Lucy, Silas H., Beezleel, Abigail and Paulina. Lewis C. Washburn was killed in a great mill disaster in New York State in 1836; his widow died about 1867. Beezleel was the father of five children: Frank, who died in his third year; Ansel C.; Inez H., now Mrs. J. Edson Smith, of Elmwood; Ella P., now Mrs. W. H. Van Sycle, of Vermont, Illinois; and Lydia L., wife of James H. Richford, of Peoria. The parents are still living. Ansel C. was married to L. Alice McMannamy, in Chillicothe, November 28, 1877. They had four children: Ella M., who died in the eleventh month of her age; Louis C.; Marie; and Ansel B. Mrs. Washburn's father, Thomas Stanage McMannamy, was born in Sidney, Ohio, March 15, 1831, was educated in the common schools of his native State, and came to Peoria in 1852, when but twenty years of age, afterwards following the occupation of contractor and carpenter. For many years he resided in Chillicothe, where he conducted a grocery business with his two sons, J. William and C. Vernon. On April 30, 1855, he married Cynthia Sargent, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, who came to Illinois when a mere child. They had eight children: Louis A., L. Alice, M. Alwilda, J. M. Kate, J. William, Flora G., Vernon C. and Herbert H. Louis A. maried Laura Thorpe. He died at the age of thirty-one years. Alwilda married William R. Nelson. They had seven children: Thomas E., Paul A., Laura A., Flora D., Verna C., John W. and R. Leland. J. M. Kate is the wife of Charles Garver. They had two children: Herbert N., who died at the age of three years, and Cyrus M. Flora G died at the age of seventeen years. Mr. McMannamy held most of the official positions in the city of Chillicothe during his life; his death occurred in that city January 18, 1901. His father, Samuel, and his mother, Sarah (Stoops) McMannamy, were both born in Virginia. They had three children: Thomas Stanage, James and Maria. Mrs. Washburn's great-grandfather, William, was born in Virginia. Robert Moffitt, an ancestor, was born in Scotland. He married Margaret Stewart, who was sojourning in the North of Ireland. She was a relative of King James, of England. One of the sons, Hugh, went to North Carolina, and, in 1798, removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he died in 1800. He married Hannah Davis. They had ten children. The second child of these was John Moffitt, who was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Washburn. He married Lydia Cox, of North Carolina. Both were Quakers and among those who were persecuted in Connecticut. They had eleven children. Julia Atha, the third child, was the grandmother of Mrs. Washburn. They first located in Tennessee, then went to Ross County, Ohio, whence they removed to Illinois. He died in 1845, and his widow in 1850. They were members of the Friends' Society. Julia Atha Moffitt married twice, becoming the wife of Snowden Sargent, of Ohio. They had three children: Lydia, John and Cynthia. They removed to Chillicothe, Illinois, in 1838, making the journey from Salt Creek to Cincinnati by flat-boat and thence by steamer to St. Louis, and up the Illinois. Mr. Washburn is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The ancestry of both families is mixed English, Scotch and Welsh.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WILCOX, COLLIN H.; Physician; born in Illinois April 25, 1864; educated in his native State. Lyman Wilcox, his paternal grandfather, was born in Connecticut. His parents were Linas L. and Fannie M. (Buell) Wilcox, who were natives o.f Connecticut, the former born July 6, 1819. They had four children: Effie M., who died in infancy; Fletcher E., Collin H. and Fred S. The mother died November 25. 1886. Linas L. Wilcox was twice married, his first wife being Abigail Burr. There were three children by this marriage who grew to maturity: D. Webster, who resides in Kansas; Cynthia, who died at the age of forty; and Edward A. Mrs. Abigail Wilcox died in 1854. Linas L. died December 22, 1896. He came to Illinois in 1836, locating in Hancock County, was one of the pioneers of that locality, and taught the first school in La Harpe. Collin H. Wilcox was a student at Hedding College, Abingdon, for three years, and then began the study of medicine under Dr. Madison Reece, of that city. He entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, in the fall of 1884, and graduated in the first course in 1888, finishing the post-graduate course in the spring of 1889. He began the practice of medicine in Berwick, Warren County, and came to Princeville in 1891, where he has been highly successful in his profession. Dr. Wilcox was married to Lillie M. Wisegarver, in Altona, Knox County, September 27, 1887. They have two children: Leila B. and Harlan C. Mrs. Wilcox's father, Moses D. Wisegarver, was born in Pennsylvania in 1840, where he was educated. He was a farmer there, and followed that occupation when he came to Illinois. In 1864 he married Amelia M. .Brown, who was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, being the first white child born in that place. They had one daughter, Lillie M. Mrs. Wisegarver died soon after Lillie was born. Mr. Wisegarver is still living. The ancestry of the family is English, Scotch and Dutch, of New England. Dr. Wilcox is a Prohibitionist. In relgion he is a Methodist. He is a member of the American Medical Asociation, and the Military Tract Medical Association. He belongs to Camp No. 1304, Modern Woodmen of America.from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WILLIAM H. ALLEN. On both sides of the family William H. Allen, farmer and brick-maker of Medina Township, is descended from great-grandparents who courageously espoused the cause of Liberty during the Revolutionary War. He was born in Thompson, Connecticut, June 23, 1831, and is a grandson of Simeon Allen, and a son of Hollis Allen, the latter of whom was born in Connecticut, May 9, 1805, and died February 2, 1887. The mother of Mr. Allen, formerly Catherine G. Searles, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Arnold) Searles, of Massachusetts, was born in Connecticut, September 5, 1810, and died in 1806. Hollis Allen, his wife and four children, removed from Connecticut to Bureau County, Illinois, in 1837, and identified themselves with the then thinly settled agricultural region. In 1846 their fortunes were shifted to Peoria County, and two years later, to Medina Township, where for two years the elder Allen operated a brick-yard on Section 17. For a few years after his death, his sons, emulating their father's example, continued to carry on the affairs of the manufactory. Of the children born to Hollis Allen and his wife, the following accompanied their parents on the journey from Connecticut: Alfred R., deceased; William H.; Hannah E., who married George Devault, and is deceased; and Martin V. B., who is also deceased. In Bureau County, Illinois, were born Catherine Lucinda, who married William Truesdale, and lives in Peoria, and Priscilla Searles, who is deceased. Simeon Hiram, who lives near Villisca, Iowa, and Oscar, who is deceased, were born in Peoria County.
In Bureau and Peoria Counties, William H. Allen was reared to an appreciation of his best capabilities, and not only learned to be a model farmer, but acquired, as well, a minute knowledge of the brick-making business. At Lacon, October 30, 1858, he married Sarah E. Nuttall, who was born in Yorkshire, England, March 18, 1836, and is a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Whitam) Nuttall, natives of England. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Varina T., born August 9, 1859, is a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Peoria, and married Austin Shaw; Walter H., born November 22, 1860, graduated from the Veterinary College of Chicago, and the Barnes Medical College of Saint Louis, and is now practicing medicine at Neponset, Bureau County, Illinois; Cora was born April 17, 1862, and is the wife of B. C. Dunlap; Oscar was born November 20, 1867, is a graduate of the Keokuk Medical College, and is practicing his profession at Dunlap; and Albert, born June 19, 1872, graduated from the Barnes Medical College of Saint Louis, and is engaged in practice in Oklahoma. In Medina Township Mr. Allen is successful as a farmer and brick-manufacturer, and he is prominently identified with the most intelligent growth of his locality. Politically a Democrat, he has held the office of Collector and Assessor of Medina Township.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
THOMAS F. STRINGER. The deeds, accomplishments and character of that fine old pioneer, John Stringer, are reflected in no small degree in the life of his son, Thomas V. Stringer, who was born in Kickapoo Township, May 12, 1847. His great-grandfather was named Edward Stringer, and his grandparents were Reuben and Delilah (Owen) Stringer. John Stringer, who marked out his career after plans suggested by his own common sense and indomitable energy, unaided by the faintest smile from Dame Fortune, was born in Bullitt County, Kentucky, November 3, 1806. With a fair idea of what constituted hard work, he arrived in Medina Township in 1829, his available assets being the clothes on his back, a stout heart and good constitution, and fifty cents in change. He was soon in a position to take up one hundred and seventy acres of Government land, upon which he settled, but which, being bottom-lands in Medina Township, were unhealthful. He therefore removed to Kickapoo Township, and lock up three hundred and seventy acres of land, which he improved into a splendid farm, and upon which he died, May 15, 1885. He was a strong and self-reliant man, with pronounced moral courage and business integrity, and, in spite of his up-hill exertions in the very early days, was never sued at law and never allowed his taxes to become delinquent. By wise investment, his fifty cents and industry netted him five hundred acres of paid up farm land, besides various property in the township. During the Black Hawk War, in 1832, he cheerfully tendered his services and was a Corporal in Captain Eads' Company. His son Thomas has the rifle which was used in his encounters with the fighting red-men. At the time of the war there were only seventy-five men in Peoria County who were eligible for military duty.
John Stringer was an uncompromising Democrat, but it is not recorded that he took an active interest in political affairs. June 28, 1837, he married Elizabeth Harris, at the old Stringer home, and of the seven children born of this union, two only are now living. Nancy Ann Koerner was born August 24, 1839, and died April 7, 1877; John H. was born February 21, 1843, and died March 5, 1866; Evaline was born February 21, 1845, and died October 1, 1854; Thomas F. was born April 20, 1847; and Mary Eliza was born May 12, 1852. She is the widow of William Finck, and is living with her brother Thomas. Elizabeth (Harris) Stringer was born June 17, 1818, and died in Kickapoo Township, February 2, 1882. Mrs. Stringer was of French ancestry, while her husband was of English descent.
The farm of Thomas F. Stringer is located about a mile south of Mossville, and consists of one hundred and seventy acres of fine bottom land, including the portion of the paternal farm upon which is situated the old homestead. The Chicago, Rock Island & Peoria Railroad runs through a portion of the farm.
Mr. Stringer is a man of liberal views and unquestioned integrity, and is well posted on current events. Unlike his .father, he is a stanch Republican, and is now serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. Travel and extended observation are among the pleasures which his good management have made possible, and he recalls with satisfaction a trip made to the Pacific slope in 1875.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DAVID FRANKLIN THORNE. Regardless of the political color of the prevailing administration, David Franklin Thorne has, for sixteen years, held the office of Postmaster of Mossville. It were therefore superfluous to say that his service has been a satisfactory one, or that he is indebted to his devotion to Republican institutions for the long-continued confidence of those in high places. It may be said, also, that all worthy efforts to improve the township may be sure of the substantial support of Mr. Thorne, and that he has, during all the years of his residence here, been regarded as one of the advanced and liberal acquisitions of a promising community. From a business standpoint the general mercantile establishment owned and managed by him—and which is one of the landmarks of the town—receives a deservedly large patronage, and is the center of an ever increasing popularity and activity. Here may he found, in their best quality, the commodities most in demand in expanding localities, and the inducements to purchase at this particular store are enhanced by the prevailing air of neatness, thrift, good management and never failing consideration and courtesy.
A native Illinoisan, Mr. Thorne was born in Radnor Township April 20, 1860, his parents, William and Deborah (Passmore) Thorne, having been born in England. William Thorne correctly anticipated the agricultural possibilities of Illinois and, in 1857, removed hither with one of his sons, his wife and seven children following him to the West the next year. From the first his expectations received an impetus toward realization, and, from farming on a comparatively small scale, he was enabled, through industry and saving, to continually increase his possession until at the close of his well directed life, he owned four hundred acres of land in Mossville and vicinity. To William and Deborah Thorne were born the following children: John, who died while serving his country during the Civil war; Charity, deceased: Mary, the wife of John Kingdon; George; Annie; Richard Edward; D. Frank; and John W. David Franklin Thorne was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools. April 25, 1809, in Peoria, he married Isabel Daily, who was born in Peoria May 19, 1864, a daughter of John and Hannah (Murphy) Daily, the former of whom was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1828, and the latter in Parish Water-Grass Hill, County Cork, Ireland, in 1839. Mrs. Thorne, whose parents still live in Peoria, is a graduate of the Peoria High School and for thirteen years was engaged in educational work in the city and county. Besides Mrs. Thorne, the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Daily are as follows: Mary, wife of John G. Meister, who was born in 1865; John, born in 1867, and at present a lawyer and ex-State's Attorney; Hannah, born in 1869; Joseph, born in 1871; Clara, born in 1873; and Eva B., born in 1879, and a graduate of Vassar College, class of 1900. Mr. Thorne is a member of Camp No. 670, Modern Woodmen of America.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BRISTOL, JOHN E.; Farmer; born at Volney, Oswego County, New York, April 26, 1812, is a son of John Bristol and his wife, Sarah Eno, daughter of John Eno, who lived and died at Mossville, Illinois. John Bristol was born at New Haven, Connecticut, April 1, 1777, and died at Peoria June 1, 1844; Sarah Eno was born at Whitestown, New York, in 1789, and died September 21, 1871. Mr. Bristol, who had been a soldier in the war of 1812-14, left Oswego County with his family July 25, 1830, and settled at Harker's Corners, Peoria County. In 1831 he bought and moved on a quarter of Section 22 in Medina Township. John and Sarah (Eno) Bristol had four children, of whom John E. is the only one now living: Nelson, John, Mary Ann and John E. The latter enlisted, at Peoria, April 23, 1832, under Captain Abner Eads, in Stillman's battalion, and served in the Black Hawk War until honorably discharged, June 28, following, and he is in receipt of a pension of eight dollars a month. He married, in Medina Township, May 3, 1835, Anna Martin, who was born November 9, 1817, and died January 16, 1863, and who bore him the following named children: George, born July 29, 1836, lives in Colorado; Emeline Swiger, born February 12, 1838; Sarah, born December 3, 1839, died September 10, 1846; John. born September 16, 1841, lives in Texas; Cyrus, born September 17, 1843, lives in Jefferson County, Illinois; Richard and Davis, born October 17, 1845, live in Radnor Township; James, born October 20, 1847, died May 30, 1899; Mary, born August 28, 1850, died January 10, 1863; Alvin and Almond, born March 25, 1853, live in Hallock Township; Martin, born November 21, 1857, lives in Nebraska; Ida Clark, born March 25, 1860, lives in Medina Township; Medora, born June 29, 1862, died May 6, 1864. Almond has been a member of the Illinois Legislature. Mr. Bristol married a second wife, Augusta Penny, who was born at Sackett's Harbor, New York, February 10, 1817, and died January 20, 1900. He is a member of the People's party and has been Justice of the Peace twelve years, Assessor four years and Township Treasurer twelve terms.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DICKISON, ROBERT BRUCE; Farmer; born in Medina Township October 14, 1846, is the grandson of John Dickison, of Ohio, and Mary White Dickison, of Kentucky. His father, James Dickison, born in Indiana in 1821, married Jane Sturm, a native of Ohio born in 1825. Her parents were Nicholas Sturm, born in Ohio, and Rebecca Fee, a native of Tennessee. John Dickison settled in Medina Township in 1838. He died in 1847, and at the time owned seven hundred acres of land. John and Mary Dickison had seven children: Griffith, Jane, Chamberlain, Susan Atkinson, Mary Evans, Elizabeth Sturm, John and James. Mrs. Sturm is the only one surviving. James and Jane (Sturm) Dickison, were the parents of four children: Louisa, Robert Bruce, Scott and William. Louisa married Peter Anderson, and in 1868 they removed to Benton County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. Mr. Anderson is deceased. Scott Dickison married Isabelle McCarty and they live in Palo Alto County, Iowa. Robert B. Dickison married Anna E. Thompson in Peoria, July 28, 1868; they have had four children: Helena A., born May 7, 1869, married Louis Kriete, and had two children: Mabel Edna and Anna Helena. She died February 5, 1893. Of the three still living, Edward R., born February 5, 1871, married Ida Smith and has one son, Bruce; R. Leslie, born October 30, 1879, married Sadie Lamay; James Arthur was born June 27, 1881. Mrs. Dickison was born October 9, 1851, in Peoria, and is the daughter of James H. and Caroline A. (Coleman) Thompson. The father was born near Richmond, Virginia, September, 1827; the mother in Cincinnati, Ohio in July, 1820. They both came to Peoria County while single, and were married there. They began farming near where Bradley Park now is. Mr. Thompson helped to split the rails to fence the farm. They were married on Christmas day, 1850; in 1884 they moved to Dodge County, Nebraska, and both are yet living in the enjoyment of good health. They are both Methodists; politically Mr. Thompson is a Democrat. Robert Bruce Dickison was educated in the common schools and in Brown's Business College, in Peoria. He is a Republican. He has a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Medina Township, a mile and three-quarters north of Mossville.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HICKS, SAMUEL FRANKLIN; Farmer; born in Hallock Township. July 10, 1850, is a son of Lucas C. and Sarah (Reed) Hicks and a great-grandson of Levi Hicks, a native of Rhode Island, who married Mary Waters of New York nativity. Joel, son of Levi Hicks, born in Nova Scotia, married Phoebe Coleman, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and their son, Lucas Hicks, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, August 25, 1819. Samuel Reed, a native of Massachusetts, married Mary Benedict, a native of Easton, New York, and their son, Samuel, who was born in Delaware County, New York, married Phoebe Sanford, a native of Connecticut, and they were the parents of Sarah Reed, born in Ross County, Ohio, who became the wife of Lucas Hicks and the mother of Samuel Franklin Hicks. In the fall of 1830 Joel Hicks and his family came from Ohio with three teams and wagons and settled on a part of Section 5, Medina Township. Samuel Franklin Hicks was educated in the public schools and at Lombard University, Galesburg, and was married to Lucy I. Van Buren, at Peoria, by the Rev. Mr. Pullman, December 24, 1871. They have had children as follows: Clyde F., born February 28. 1874; William A., born August 5, 1875; Luella L., born June 12, 1870; and Elmer M., born July 17, 1882; Burtram Hicks, born August 22, 1876, died June 8, 1877; Luella L. married Charles Bland, of Hallock Township, and they have two sons, Flavel and Arthur. Mrs. Lucy J. (Van Buren) Hicks was born March 21, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Clark) Van Buren. Her father was born in New York, March 5, 1819, her mother in 1821. Mr. Hicks has a fine farm of seventy-six acres. He has held the offices of Township Collector of Taxes and School Director.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HOLMES, JOHN; Farmer; born in County Londonderry, Ireland, June 15, 1824, is descended on the maternal side from John Donaldson, a stanch supporter of England and the Protestant Church, who held for life the office of Master of Seals. At his death, his son, John A. Donaldson, succeeded to the office, which he held for life. George Holmes, the father of John, married Nancy Donaldson, the daughter of John A. Donaldson. They were members of the same Presbyterian Church and brought up in the same neighborhood. They came to America with their family of two children in 1827, and settled in Binghamton, New York, where they remained eight years. While there Mr. Holmes was foreman for Mr. Lewis, a large lumber dealer. In 1835 Mr. Holmes moved with his family to Medina Township, Peoria County, where he bought a quarter of Section 32. George Holmes, the father, died in 1873; Nancy (Donaldson) Holmes, the mother, in 1847. Their children were: Rose Ann, born in Ireland, married Edward Timmons and died in 1808; Mary, born in Binghamton, New York, married John Church, of Brimfield; and David, born in Medina, resides in Henry, Marshall County. John Holmes and Lyda Ann Chambers were married in Peoria March 15, 1853. She was the daughter of Thomas W. Chambers, a French Canadian, and Nancy J. (Moss) Chambers, a sister of Lydia Bradley, of Peoria, the patroness of Bradley Polytechnic Institute. She was educated and refined, a liberal giver to the church. She was born June 24, 1835, and died November 27, 1893. The children of John and Lydia A. Holmes were: Josephine, born December 25, 1853, a graduate of St. Mary's College, Knoxville, and a teacher until her marriage to Austin F. Johnson; Thomas B.; George, who married Effie Keach; Nancy J., who married Thomas Williams; William, who married Kittie Potter; John C., who married Florence Nurse; Zealy M., who married Nellie Fry; Charles, who married Mabel Dunlap; Walter, who married Carrie Eggleston; Lydia L., who married Andrew Nelson, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers in Medina Township. Andrew Nelson and Lydia L. Holmes were married November 3, 1897, and have one son, Willard, born March 19, 1890. They occupy the old homestead and Mr. Holmes resides with them. Zealy Holmes is Supervisor and Treasurer of Medina Township and one of the Trustees of Bradley Polytechnic Institute. Mr. John Holmes is a Presbyterian. He is a life-long Democrat, and has held the following offices: Collector, two years; Assessor, thirteen years; Supervisor, five years; Postmaster at Mt. Holly, eight years; Commissioner of Highways, sixteen years; and member of the State Legislature, one term.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HOLMES, ZEALY MOSS; Supervisor and Farmer; born in Medina Township, Peoria County, February 8, 1866, the son of John Holmes, born in Ireland June 15, 1824, and Lydia Ann (Chambers) Holmes, born in Indiana June 24, 1835. His grandfathers were George Holmes, born about 1800, and died in 1873, and Thomas W. Chambers. Mr. Holmes has a farm of three hundred acres of land, principally in Section 22, one mile north of Mossville, upon which be settled when about twenty-two years of age. Zealy M. Holmes married Nellie Frye in Richwoods Township February 15, l888. They have three sons, Morris Frye, born November 6, 1888; Charles Wilber, born October 29, 1892, and John Smith, born June 30, 1894. Mrs. Holmes was born December 3, 1866, and is the daughter of Smith Frye and Rebecca (Johnson) Frye. The father died August 8, 1894, aged fifty-four years. The mother is still living. Both were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Holmes is a progressive farmer and a man of good judgment. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, Camp No. 6793, Mossville. He has filled the office of Supervisor of Medina Township six years, School Treasurer ten years, Township Clerk and Collector several years, and is now a Trustee of Bradley Polytechnic Institute.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
JOHNSON, TOBIAS B.; Farmer; born in Richwoods Township May 19, 866, is the son of Robert Johnson, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and America (Chambers) Johnson, born in Medina Township. Tobias B. Johnson and Clara L. Crowell were married in Richwoods April 15, 1891, and have three children: Chauncey Crowell, Effie and Sarah. Mrs. Johnson was born June 4, 1865. She was a teacher for a time in the Irving and the Greeley schools in Peoria. Mrs. Johnson's father, Chauncey L. Crowell, was born in Middletown, Connecticut, October 1, 1827, and died June 1, 1895. He was a gunsmith and settled in Peoria in 1856. Eventually he purchased a farm three miles north of Peoria in Richwoods Township, which he finally sold and bought a farm in Medina Township in 1892, where his son-in-law, Tobias S. Johnson, now resides. This farm contains two hundred and ten acres, and is situated on parts of Sections 9, 10 and 15. The wife of Mr. Crowell was Sarah Louise Steadman, born in Burlington, Connecticut, April 12, 1831, and who still survives. The names of their children were: Crescelle, Hannah J., Sidney, Clara and Elizabeth. Of these all but Clara, now Mrs. Johnson, are deceased.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
KRIETE, FREDERICK CHRISTOPHER; Farmer; born in Hanover, Germany, January 6, 1819, died June 16, 1895. He came to the United States in 1844, and first settled in Cincinnati, where, in April, 1845, he married Anna Frederica Finke, a native of Hanover, Germany, born November 24, 1824. In 1870 he came to Peoria County and settled in Chillicothe, remaining there twelve years. In 1882 he settled on the John Dickison place in Medina Township, where he lived till his death, in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Kriete's children were: Frederick H., born December, 1846, died 1851; Henry, born 1847, died at the age of two years; Margaret, born July, 1851, married Henry Kurr, lives in Indiana; Frederick A., born May, 1855, died in 1862; John Heinrich, born March 11, 1857; Louis August, born February 23, 1862; Amelia Mary, born June, 1865, married George Timmons; Lucy E. and Lillie A., twins, born July 19, 1867. The farm owned by Frederick, together with sixty acres they bought, is now worked by his sons, John and Louis, as partners. John H. Kriete married Mary E. Thompson in December, 1882. She died March 23, 1885, leaving one daughter, Bertha B., born October 28, 1883. Louis A. Kriete married Helena Dickison September 11, 1890, who died February 4, 1893. They had
two children, Mabel E., born July 21, 1891, and Anna H., born January 30, 1893. Frederick Christopher Kriete and wife were members of the Lutheran Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
LAUTENBERGER, EDWARD; Blacksmith; born in New York City August 28, 1857, is a son of George and Louise (Tapa) Lautenberger, natives of Germany, whose children were named Edward. Hannah Reimes of New Brighton, New York; George, who lives in New Jersey; Louis, of New Brighton, New York; and two others who are deceased. Edward was educated and learned his trade on Long Island, and in 1877 settled at Lincoln, Illinois, whence, in 1882, he moved to Alta, Illinois. He married Caroline Graze, in Kickapoo Township in 1883, and they have four children: Henry, born January 21, 1885; Lizzie, born August 24, 1888; George, born September 19, 1891; and Charles, born January 9, 1898. Mrs. Lautenberger was born in Kickapoo Township April 21, 1865. Her father, Paul Graze, was born in Germany, May 4, 1846. came to America at eighteen and married Sarah Ohr, who was born in Kickapoo Township and died January 14, 1891. In religious affiliation Mr. Lautenberger is a Lutheran. He is a member of Camp No. 6623. Modern Woodmen of America, and of Sylvan Lodge, No. 157, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
MATTHEWS, LEMAN; Farmer; Medina Township; born in Hartford County, Connecticut, October 30, 1816; is descended from Cabot Matthews, who married Mary Carrington, both of Hartford, Connecticut. Their son. Simeon Matthews, married Rhoda Royce, of Litchfield County, Connecticut, daughter of David and Jane (Foote) Royce, both of the same county. In the fall of 1839 Leman Matthews moved from Connecticut to Albany by wagon, then by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence by the steamer Anthony Wayne to Chicago, via the lakes. He hired his goods hauled from Chicago to LaSalle, where he took steamer and came to Peoria. He settled first in Henry County, and moved to Peoria in 1843. Afterward he bought three-fourths of Section 6 in Medina Township, to which he subsequently added one thousand and thirty-five acres of prairie, and eight hundred acres of timber. On September 10, 1830. Mr. Matthews was married in Connecticut to Mabel Barker, who was born March 18, 1816, and died November 29, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews were the parents of three children: Newton, born June 30, 1841, married Ann Chambers, and they were the parents of three children: Pearl, Maud and Wilbur. Wallace, the second child of Leman Matthews, was born January 12, 1843, married Eliza S. Ferguson, and they have two children: Harry L. and Edward W. Emily, the third child of Mr. Matthews, was born November 14 1845, married Norman H. Silliman. They have one daughter, Flora, and live at Boulder, Colorado. Mr. Matthews is a Republican and is an attendant upon the services of the Episcopal Church. For seventeen years he has been Justice of the Peace. He still enjoys good health. He has spent three winters in Florida, and has twice visited Colorado, and spent one winter in California. His farms he has divided among his children. His son Wallace resides with his family on the old homestead.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
NASH, ROSWELL M.; Farmer; born at Norwalk, Connecticut. March 28, 1828, is the great-grandson of Micajah Nash, a native of England, who migrated to America and bought Patchogue Township on Long Island, New York, and erected on the Patchogue River mills, where he made flour and cloth and sawed lumber. George, the son of Micajah, was born at Norwalk, Connecticut, as were his son and grandson. He married Hattie Marvin. and they were the parents of Henry Nash, who was born March 20, 1805, and died in 1855. Henry Nash married Rebecca Raymond, born in Norwalk in 1809, and died in 1866. Her grandfather was George Raymond, a native of England. His son, George, of Norwalk, married Pamelia Banks, and they were the parents of Rebecca Raymond. Roswell M. Nash left Connecticut in February, 1851, and went west by way of Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and thence bv steamer Fleetwood to St. Louis, and up the Illinois to Naples. There he stayed four years, and then went to Springfield, where he was one of four men who began the development of a farm, of three thousand acres. In 1855 he came to Medina Township, Peoria County. In 1864 Mr. Nash enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry and took part in the battles of the Gulf Department under General Canby until his discharge in October. 1865. Roswell M. Nash and Sarah E. Jennings were married at Greens Farms, Connecticut, November 25, 1854, and are the parents of five children: Melville M., born 1856 (deceased); Morris and Homer, born 1860; Lorena, born 1863; Nellie E., born 1868. Peter Jennings, the grandfather of Sarah E. Jennings, was a native of England, and settled at Greens Farms, Connecticut. Two of his brothers settled at Saco, Maine, and one at Fredericksburg, Virginia. The father of Sarah E. was Peter Jennings. He married Catherine Hill, and Sarah was born in October, 1829. Roswell M. Nash is a member of the Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat and for many years has been School Director.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
PRESTON, JAMES S.; Farmer; born in Delaware County, New York, August 31, 1840, the son of Zerah and Angeline (Patterson) Preston, natives of New York. James S. Preston married Eliza E. Reed in Medina Township February 16, 1863. She is the daughter of Thomas B. and Frances (Wilkinson) Reed, born in Medina Township February 10, 1843. Thomas B. Reed was born in Rensselaer County, New York, November 27, 1799. He emigrated to Ohio in 1819, married in 1821, and came to Peoria County in October, 1829. His wife, Frances Wilkinson, was born in North Carolina October 4, 1802, and died in Medina July 5, 1869. They had six children and were members of the Baptist Church. In 1830 Mr. Reed bought one hundred and sixty acres in Section 3, in Medina Township, where he resided till his death, which occurred March 22, 1875, at which time his property was valued at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He went from Peoria County as a soldier in the Black Hawk War in 1832. Politically he was a Democrat and, for a number of years, a Justice of the Peace. The Reeds are of English extraction and among the leading families of New England. They trace their ancestry back to 1680. The children of James S. and Eliza E. Preston are: Frances E., wife of C. P. Albright, of Medina Township; Angeline M., wife of A. H. Bristol, of Hallock Township; Mary, wife of Frank Cook; Merritt E. and Jennie E., both deceased; Bertha I.; George A.; Hiram A. and Hattie H., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Preston by prudence and good management, have added to the farm left him by his father, which now contains 240 acres. Mr. Preston is a Democrat. Mrs. Preston and her two daughters, Bertha and Hattie, are members of the Central Union Denomination in Medina.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ROBINSON, JOSEPH V. H.; Farmer; born February 16, 1844, in Medina Township, the son of William Robinson, who was born in Jefferson County, Virginia, November 27, 1805, and died September 14, 1881. He married Anna Catherine Wideman, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 27, 1810, and died March 18, 1850. William Robinson settled in Richwoods Township, Peoria County, in 1836, and in Medina in 1838. At one time he owned four hundred acres of land. He was the first Supervisor of Medina Township. William and Catherine (Wideman) Robinson had seven children: Sarah A.. deceased; John W., moved to Labette County, Kansas, and died in August, 1900; Marion N., in Medford, Oklahoma; Abraham W., deceased; Joseph V. H.; Mary L., deceased. Joseph V. H. and Georgiana Clifton were married in Peoria County January 18, 1872, and have had four children: Cora N., born March 3, 1873, died March 31, 1877; Aaron E., born May 4, 1874, died May 10, 1874; Lillian A., born January 2, 1878; and Joseph L., born March 11, 1879, died March 14, 1885. Mrs. Robinson, born in Peoria County December 3, 1844, is the daughter of Enos T. Clifton, born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 9, 1822, died May 13, 1896, and Sarah (Stringer) Clifton, born January 17, 1823, died August 17, 1899. Mr. Robinson is a Republican; has held the offices of Assessor (two terms) and School Director, and is now a member of the Peoria Republican County Central Committee. He is a member of Alta Lodge. No. 748, A. F. & A. M.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
THORNE, JOHN W.; Farmer; Medina Township,, born at Mossville September 6, 1868, is the son of William and Deborah (Passmore) Thorne. William Thorne was born in Devonshire, England, September 17, 1819, and his wife on May 24, 1819, the birthday of Queen Victoria. They came to America in 1856 and soon after settled in Orange Prairie, Radnor Township. He was a carpenter and joiner. Eight of their ten children were born in England. William Thorne settled in Medina in 1862, and afterward held the offices of Collector, Assessor and Justice of the Peace for years. The children of William and Deborah Thorne were: John and Charity (deceased); William married Jane Passmore, now living in Mossville; Mary married John Kingdon, now living in Livingston County; George married Grace Lyddon, now residing in Mossville; Anna, wife of James Harker, Mossville; Richard, residing in Mossville; Edward married Clara Bertel, Mossville; David F. and John W. In February, 1894, John W. Thorne and Amelia Bauer were married in Peoria. Of this marriage there were two children: Leila, born December 6, 1894, and Anna, born, September 26. 1896. Mrs. Thorne's parents, Adam and Minnie (Moll) Bauer, were born in Germany, the father in 1840 and the mother in 1845. They were the parents of nine children: Amelia, Celia Weber, John, Martha Landis, August, Josephine, Minnie and Amand. Mrs. Thorne was born in Richwoods Township August n. 1872. Mr. Thorne, formerly a carpenter, has been a farmer for six years. He is a Democrat and has been Town Clerk of Medina Township for four years. He now resides on the old homestead of his parents.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TIMMONS, GEORGE; Farmer; born in Medina Township October 2, 1863, is a son of Edward and Rosanna (Holmes) Timmons, natives of Ireland. His father, born in 1824, is living; his mother, born November 28, 1822, died September l, 1883. They were the parents of four children: John Henry, who was born August 4, 1854, and died in 1878, married Anna McDonough, of Akron, who bore him a son, Charles A., born in 1857, married Hattie Daman and had a son named Albert; Edward, born in 1860, married Hattie Gallup, who had three children, Joseph, Byron and Rosanna; George married Amelia Kriete, at Mossville, November 29, 1891. In 1835 Edward Timmons settled on a quarter Section 32, on which his son, George, now lives, and which he owned with two hundred and twenty acres in Akron Township and eighty acres in Section 31, Medina Township. Mrs. Amelia (Kriete) Timmons, who was born June 9, 1865, bore her husband a daughter on January 22, 1893, died the same day; George Raymond, born June 25, 1894, died October 29, 1894: and a son, Roy E., born July 18, 1808. Mr. Timmons. is a Democrat and for six years has held the office of Commissioner of Highways.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TOALSON, JAMES J.; Physician and Surgeon ; Alta; born at Woodlandville, Missouri, October 26, 1872, is a son of W. T. and Mary J. (Cowden) Toalson, the first mentioned born in Boone County, Missouri, February 24, 1841, the latter in Virginia March 7, 1840. James Toalson, grandfather of Doctor Toalson, was born in Madison County, Kentucky, in 1811, and married a Miss Goslin, a native of the same county. Joseph Cowden, Doctor Toalson's grandfather in the maternal line, was born in Virginia in 1800 and married Anna Stebbins, a native of Pennsylvania. The Toalsons and Goslins are of English, and the Cowdens and Stebbinses of German descent. After reading medicine a year under the preceptorship of Dr. G. F. Toalson, at Mexico, Missouri, Dr. Toalson took a preparatory course at the Missouri State University, Columbia, and on March 17, 1897, was graduated
with the degree of M. D. from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons. Two days later he opened an office at Mossville, Peoria County, but before the close of the year moved to Alta, where his practice has been lucrative. He is Secretary of Alta Lodge, No. 748, A. F. & A. M., and a member of Peoria Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. He was married on November 28, 1900, to Miss Mae Wood, daughter of J. C. and Anna Wood, of Medina Township.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WOOD, JOHN C; Farmer; born in Peoria February 19, 1844, is a son of Chauncey and Galetsa F. (Case) Wood, natives of Pulaski, Oswego County, New York. His father, a son of John and Sarah (Wait) Wood, was born in 1814 and died in 1886. His mother, the daughter of Imri and Chloe Ann Case, was born July 23, 1823, and died March 28, 1900. Chauncey Wood settled in Peoria County in 1836 and engaged in the livery business, and became Deputy Sheriff. From 1847 until his death he lived on his farm in Richwoods Township. His wife, whom he married in Medina Township, bore him children as follows: John C., Gilbert E., Sarah J. (Budd), Amelia (deceased). Charles H., Illinia Meacham, Galetsa (Pierce) and Chauncey C. John C. Wood married, at Peoria, December 19, 1867, Anna Foreman, who was born in England, October 7, 1841, and they have had children born in the order named: Ensley C., born August 18, l868, married Clara Babbington and has one daughter, Marian, born March 31 1894; Mabel was born and died August 14, 1870 Marion H. was born and died June 25, 1871 Bernice L., born June 19, 1874, married John Hawksworth and had a son, Charles Joseph, who died; Harriet E., born September 2, 1876, died March 12, 1880; Anna M., born June 7, 1879. Mr. Wood has been a farmer since he attained his majority. He is a Democrat and a member of Alta Lodge, No. 784, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
NAPOLEON DUNLAP. Reminiscent of the days when a few straggling dwellings and public buildings vaguely prophesied the Chicago of to-day, and when Peoria County, stretching its unfilled and unappreciated acres into the distance of the prairies, gave little promise of the development of three-quarters of a century later, are the lives and undertakings of the Dunlap family, pioneers in the truest sense of the word, and promoters of the agricultural and other resources of this well favored State. Napoleon Dunlap, for more than half a century identified with the farming interests of Peoria County, was born at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York, August 31, 1823, and was a son of Smith Dunlap, born May 2, 1783, and died March 13, 1856, and Eleanor (Lane) Dunlap, born December 17, 1781, and died March 25, 1858. Smith Dunlap, who was a son of William and Eleanor (DeLong) Dunlap, early foretold the possibilities of the middle West, and as proof of his faith started for Illinois, leaving Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, in a schooner of ninety tons, and navigated the lakes to Chicago, arriving at their destination September 29, 1838. Accompanied by his family, he then proceeded by wagon to Hale's Mill, near Pottstown, which they reached October 11, 1838, going thence to Section 14, Radnor Township, where they moved into a house erected by Alva Dunlap, who had preceded them on the journey the year before. In the midst of this wilderness Smith Dunlap exerted a strong and capable nature in the upbuilding of his adopted part of the State, and became a man of affairs and importance. Having an intelligent understanding of political affairs, he filled various positions of trust, was elected Justice of the Peace in 1840, serving until 1848, at which time he was appointed to the office by the Governor, and acceptably discharged his responsibilities as Justice for many years more.
After the family arrival in Radnor Township Napoleon Dunlap adapted himself to prevailing crude conditions, and, with his brother, worked on the home farm. When leisure permitted he varied his occupation by navigating flat-boats down the Illinois River, and at a later day broke the prairie on which the village of Dunlap now stands. As an independent venture he settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on Section 3, the tax title of the farm costing $300, a subsequent payment of $700 being required to perfect the title. Here he lived and successfully farmed for forty-six years, and in addition was foremost in all of the activities represented in his neighborhood, his counsel, purse and personal services being ever available for the furthering of any just and progressive cause. As a Prohibitionist he has served as Supervisor, Assessor and Road Commissioner. In religion he was a Presbyterian; was an Elder in the church, and contributed generously towards its charities and support. Of late years he had practically retired from active participation in business affairs, and. at his residence in Dunlap, enjoyed a well merited rest. Travel and observation contributed to broaden his life, and he recalled with special pleasure a trip to the West in 1892, at which time he visited Pike's Peak, Denver and San Francisco, going thence by boat along the coast to Portland, Oregon, and on the return trip taking in Salt Lake, Omaha and other large cities.
April 23, 1848, Mr. Dunlap married at Trivoli Eliza Robinson, who was born at New Lisbon, Otsego County, New York, January 2, 1829. Of Irish paternal ancestry, her father, George Robinson, was born in Otsego County, New York, June 17, 1796, and died November 7, 1873, and her mother, Maria (Gaylord) Robinson, was born April 5, 1804, and died March 4, 1881. The parents came to Peoria County June 2, 1836, and set-
tled in Trivoli Township, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have been born ten children: George, born March 8, 1849, married Sarah Ann Hervey, and is a Presbyterian preacher in La Salle County, Illinois; Thomas and Emeline, twins, born August 24, 1850, the former dying in infancy and the latter marrying Harvey Comp. and with her daughter, Bessie, now living with her mother; Harriet Maria, born October 16, 1852, married George Yates, a farmer of Akron Township; Franklin, born July 16, 1855, is a farmer in Radnor Township; Flora, born June 24, 1858, married James E. Watson, a merchant in Dunlap; Walter, born June 24, 1860, and died October 11, 1866; Eliza Ellen, born July 29, 1862, and died December 1, 1864; Leslie Smith, born January 2, 1868, married Belle Hurst and lives in Radnor Township; and Stella Roberta, born January 15, 1870, who became the wife of Henry A. Molohon, Supervisor in the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Jacksonville. Mr. Dunlap died July 14, 1902.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
MOSES HARLAN. Whether as a progressive and successful agriculturist or as a broad-minded, disinterested holder of responsible political positions, Moses Harlan has impressed his forceful personal worth upon the community of Radnor Township, and is esteemed as one of the most helpful of the early pioneers. A native of Park County, Indiana, he was born June 13, 1835, the son of George B. Harlan, who was born in Warren County. Ohio, in 1813, and died in Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois, in 1866, and Sarah (Cornelison) Harlan, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1817, and died on the old homestead in Radnor Township in 1868. The paternal grandparents were Moses and Ann (Jennings) Harlan; on the maternal side the grandparents were named Marsh and Elizabeth (Crooks) Cornelison, the former born in North Carolina. As early as 1836 George B. Harlan came to Radnor Township, settling on Section 20. where he cultivated a fine farm from the crude land, and where he raised his children to be useful men and women. The last three or four years of his life were spent in Wyoming, Stark county, where he was practically retired from business activity. As a youth Moses Harlan worked on his father's farm, and while still quite young, helped to break up the wild prairie and convert it into profitable farming land. May 21, 1878, he married Lavina P. Jackson, born in Radnor Township October 30, 1852, the daughter of John Jackson, who was born in Yorkshire, England, August 10, 1807, and came to America with his parents when seven years of age. The family located in Newcastle County, Delaware, where he lived until eighteen years of age, after which he removed to Radnor Township in 1837. This continued to be his home until his death, May 5, 1895, at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife, whom he married in Radnor Township, and who was formerly Mrs. Elizabeth (Jordan) Aukland, a native of Lincolnshire, England, survived him until January 27, 1898, being at the time seventy-seven years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Harlan have been born six children: Ernest J., born December 26, 1880; Clarence W., born March 18, 1882; Luella P., born May 22, 1884; John R., born September 13, 1887; George B., born November 8, 1889; and Carrie Elizabeth, born June 27, 1892.
In the last year of the Civil War (February, 1865). Mr. Harlan enlisted at Peoria, Illinois, in the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and joined the command at Raleigh, North Carolina. The vicissitudes and dangers of war were not meted out to him to any appreciable extent, for on account of physical disability he was sent to the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, and discharged from the service in July, 1865. As a stanch believer in Republican institutions, Mr. Harlan has conscientiously filled many positions of trust within the gift of the people of his township, by whom he is regarded as a leader. Few men have, for so long a time, held continuous offices, or have, to so great extent, retained the confidence and approval of the people. For twentyfive consecutive years he served as Constable, fifteen years as Commissioner of Highways, fourteen years as School Director, eight years as Justice of the Peace, one year as Supervisor, two terms as Collector, and one term as Assessor. Fraternally he is associated with the Masons at Alta. and with his wife is a member of the Eastern Star.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WILLIAM WAKEFIELD. Kickapoo Township, now one of the most fertile portions of Peoria County, received its first impetus toward practical usefulness from the settling within its borders of its first white resident, John L. Wakefield, the father of William Wakefield. The elder Wakefield was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and upon starting out in the world for himself removed to Ohio, where he married Martha Strickler, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the course of time his ambition craved a more extensive and less worn field of activity, and in 1834 he identified his fortunes with the hitherto uninhabited prairie, now known as Kickapoo Township. After a residence there of about two years, he removed to Radnor Township, where he bought a farm on Section 18, and for the rest of his life engaged in farming and stock raising. During his youth in Pennsylvania he attended the public schools, and. in anticipation of future independence, learned the trade of weaver, which, however, was applied to only a limited extent.
In Illinois he became interested in political affairs, and, while stanchly upholding the principles and issues of the Republican party, served his township as Commissioner of Highways and School Director. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death, November 8, 1881, deprived his neighborhood of one of its most honored and substantial agriculturists. Mrs. Wakefield, who pre-deceased her husband February 19, 1870, was the mother of fifteen children, thirteen of whom attained maturity, and seven of whom art now living.
The early days of William Wakefield were spent in Butler County, Ohio, where he was born January 30, 1832. He evinced during his boyhood habits of thrift and industry, and under his father's capable instruction became a practical farmer, and availed himself of the education obtainable at the public schools, January 1, 1857, in Radnor Township, he was united in marriage by Dr. Chase, with Elizabeth Wilkinson, who was born in Radnor Township August 2, 1839, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Harlan) Wilkinson, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield have been born four children: George Washington, who was born November 15, 1857, married Carrie Davis, and is living on the homestead of the paternal grandfather; Frank L., who was born August 29, 1859, married Isabel Davis, and lives on the home farm; Cora Addie, who was born July 4, 1866, became the wife of William Duggins, and resides in Radnor Township; and Mabel Evelyn, who was born April 7, 1877, and is living at home. A careful and conscientious student of the various phases of the occupation to which he is devoting his life, Mr. Wakefield keeps in touch with the progress of farming as conducted in all parts of the world, and his enormous farm of eight hundred and forty acres is tilled and improved after the most scientific and approved methods. He is one of the largest land owners in Peoria County, and has contributed a lion's share toward the agricultural and commercial prosperity of Illinois. A Republican in political affiliation, he has served his party as Supervisor for two years, and has also been School Director and School Trustee.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ABY, JAMES O.; Farmer; born in Stark County, Illinois, November 5, 1854. He is the son of Elder Aby, born in Pennsylvania in 1828, and Mary Ann (Murphy) Aby, born in Ohio in 1828, died December 25, 1896. She was the daughter of James and Mary Ann (Trickle) Murphy, natives of Ohio. Benjamin Aby, the grandfather of James O., moved from Ohio with his family to Stark County in 1841, and purchased land in Jersey Township, near Toulon. This farm he sold to his son. Elder Aby. and moved to Millbrook Township, Peoria County, where he invested in another farm and passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1868. After selling his place in Stark County, Elder Aby bought a farm in Millbrook Township, where he is still living. James O. Aby started out as a farmer on coming of age in 1876, and rented for two years. Subsequently he bought a farm in Millbrook Township, which he sold, and bought another of two hundred acres in Radnor Township, where he now resides. He has good land, good buildings and is a prosperous stock raiser. Mr. Aby is a Republican. He was Road Commissioner for three years, and has also been School Director. He was married to Alice Duggins in Elmwood September 19, 1877. They have three children: Bernice M., born October 3, 1884; Alice Fern, born May 10, 1889; and Howard S., born May 27, 1893. Mrs. Aby was born at Eaton, Ohio, November 10, 1851, the daughter of Henry Duggins, a native of Ohio, and Mildred (Patterson) Duggins, a native of Virginia; they came to Illinois in 1858 and settled in Elmwood, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Aby are members of the Methodist Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ADKINSON, JOHN D.; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township October 30, 1843. He is the grandson of William Adkinson. His father was Joseph Adkinson, born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1813, died in February, 1896; Susan Dickerson, wife of Joseph Adkinson, was a daughter of John and Mary (White) Dickerson. Mr. Dickerson was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, in 1818 and died in February, 1893. His wife died February 16, 1888. Joseph Adkinson came west in 1837 by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and settled on the site of Mossville and there raised his first crop. Afterward be bought eighty acres on Kickapoo Creek, which he sold, and then bought a farm a mile north of the Kickapoo, where he passed his days as a farmer. He served as Justice of the Peace, Road Commissioner and School Director for years. John D. Adkinson lived with his parents till he was twenty-two years old. He bought and lived on a farm in Marshall County for a while, then returned to Radnor Township and bought a farm of eighty acres on Section 16, a mile and a half northwest of Dunlap. During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Adkinson served in the Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry, in which he enlisted June l, 1862. January 1, l866, he was married to Marie J. Strain in Radnor Township. They have three children. Minnie A., born December n, 1869, married George M. Brassfield: Euella M., born October 5, 1871, married William A. Hervey; and Joseph Wesley, born February 4, 1878, married Cora May Radley. Mrs. Adkinson was born in Park County, Indiana, December 6, 1840. Her father, Wesley Strain, was born in Bedford County. Pennsylvania. December 3, 1817. He came to Indiana, where he married Sarah A. Reeder, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 19, 1820. They came to Radnor Township in 1863, where Mr. Strain purchased a farm. which he carried on for some years. He then went into the lumber business at Brimfield, and later engaged in the grocery business, and while on a visit in Radnor, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Adkinson. Mrs. Adkinson is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Adkinson is a Republican and a progressive farmer.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ASHBAUGH, JOHN J.; Grain and Hardware Merchant at Dunlap, Radnor Township; was born in Marshall County, Illinois, February 27, 1863. He is the son of George Ashbaugh, a native of Pennsylvania, and Mary (O'Keefe) Ashbaugh (deceased), a native of Ireland; the latter the daughter of Jerry O'Keefe. George Ashbaugh came to this State at an early date, and was married in Peoria. He settled on a farm in Saratoga Township, Marshall County, from which he moved to Hallock Township, Peoria County, and thence to Parsons County, Kansas, where he died. He was a soldier in the Mexican War and served under General Scott. John J. Ashbaugh worked on a farm ten years, then engaged in the grocery business in Dunlap for a time, which he sold and farmed for two years. He later engaged in the hardware and grain business, which he still carries on. He is a Democrat, has been Justice of the Peace and is now serving his second term as Supervisor of his township. He is an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias. Mr. Ashbaugh married Sadie J. Gordon in Radnor Township June 8, 1892. They are the parents of three children: Samuel Edward, born March 8, 1893; and Jessie, who died January 11, 1900, aged two years, four months and twenty-two days; and Walter Wyatt, born June, 1901. Mrs. Ashbaugh was born in Radnor Township October 20, 1867. Her father, Samuel, and her mother, Nancy (Strain) Gordon, were natives of India. Mrs. Gordon is still living.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BRASSFIELD, MAHLON D.; Farmer; born in Park County, Indiana, April 7, 1834; is the son of Michael Brassfield, born in North Carolina December 12, 1810, and died February 5, 1857, and Ruth F. (Freeman) Brassfield, born in North Carolina December 6, 1813, and died February 1, 1900. His grandmother was Mary F. Brassfield, a native of France. Michael Brassfield moved to Indiana when the country was new and there married. He was a farmer, and in 1840 brought his family to Illinois and settled in Radnor Township. Mr. M. D. Brassfield was married to Mary A. Jessup in Richwoods Township, January 1,1862. Three children were born to them: John S., born December 27, 1862, married Ida E. Harrison; George M., born September 15, 1865, married Minnie A. Adkinson and Clara E., born June 16, 1874. Mrs. Brassfield was born in Huron County, Ohio, March 15, 1838, the daughter of John K. Jessup, who was born in New Jersey in 1807 and died in 1886, and Lucy M. (Thomas) Jessup, born in New York in 1814 and died in 1886. They came to Ohio in 1837, removed to Michigan in the fall of 1838, and to Peoria County in 1848, when they settled on a farm. Gideon Thomas. Mrs. Brassfield's maternal grandfather, was of Welsh descent; he came to Illinois in 1836 and settled in Kickapoo Township, where he died in 1851. His wife, Fanny, died April 14, 1861. Mr. Brassfield is a prosperous farmer and owns one hundred and seventy acres of land in Radnor and one hundred and twenty in Akron Township. He is a Democrat, has been School Director and served several terms as Road Commissioner. He is a member of the Methodist Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
CARLISLE, JAMES B.; Retired Farmer; born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, the son of Daniel D. and Mary (Drake) Carlisle, both natives of Virginia. Daniel was a machinist, a large land owner and proprietor of a grist mill. He and his wife moved to Pennsylvania, where the latter died. In 1860 James B. Carlisle came to Medina Township and worked with his brother. He was in the employ of Peter Hawley ten months. After his marriage he worked with his brother and then rented a farm for seven years. He subsequently purchased a farm of one hundred and eighty-two acres on Section 23, Radnor Township, which he sold in 1886, and then moved to the village of Dunlap, where he bought a nice home and several lots. He is a Republican; has been Road Commissioner and School Director for several years. Mr. Carlisle was married to Mary J. Hutchinson in Redstone Township, Fayette County. Pennsylvania, in February, 1861. Mrs. Carlisle is a native of that township, born January 27, 1840. Her parents were Robert Hutchinson, who died in 1851, and Rebecca (Finley) Hutchinson, who died in 1861. They were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Dunlap.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
CARR, JAMES; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township October 3, 1850. He is the son of William Carr, a native of North Carolina, born in 1814, died February 14, 1875, and Nancy (Fossett) Carr, a native of the same State, born in 1821, died in 1889. His paternal grandfather was William Carr, born in Scotland. His maternal grandparents were John Fossett, a native of Tennessee, and Betsy (Magruder) Fossett, a native of Kentucky. When a young man, William Carr settled in Monroe County Indiana, where he was married. In 1848 he came to Radnor and settled on a farm on Section 21, where he resided until his death. James Carr lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-one, and then went to Colorado, where he engaged in gold ruining, which he followed for some years, then returning to his farm in Illinois. During President Cleveland's first administration. Mr. Carr was appointed United States Storekeeper at Peoria, which position he held for four years. He then returned to his farm on Section 21, which was his father's homestead of one hundred and forty acres, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. December 24, l874, Mr. Carr was married to Frances Drake at Peoria. She is a native of Brown County, Ohio, born June 4, 1852. Her father, William Drake, was born in Kentucky and was a farmer. Her mother, Mary (Philip) Drake, was born in Brown County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are the parents of three children: Carrie Bell and Frank J. (both deceased) and Corrie E., now Mrs. Richard Trigger. Mr. Carr is a Democrat and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
CASE, CHARLES M.; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township November 23, 1847, and educated at the State Normal University, Normal. His paternal grandparents, Imri and Chloe Ann (Hawley) Case, were natives of Vermont. His maternal grandfather was Newel Howe. His parents, Jerome H. and Maria (Howe) Case, were born in Oswego County, New York. They came from New York in 1836, to Mount Hawley, in Medina Township, to which place a relative, Truman Hawley, had preceded them in 1834, and where he was in charge of the postoffice. The journey occupied six weeks. They had five children: Albert N., Charles M., Clara E., Flora J. and Irvin J. Jerome H. Case settled on a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Medina Township, where he resided until his death, November 13, 1900. He held the office of Road Commissioner. His wife, who was a member of the Methodist Church, is also dead. Charles M. Case taught school one year after graduating, and then engaged in farming. He owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land. He was married to Eliza A. Cramer in Peoria May 24, 1871. They had five children: Ethel May, Nellie M., Arthur J., Flora M. and Harold C. M. Mrs. Case was born in Radnor Township October 18, 1847, the daughter of George F. and Margaret N. (Artman) Cramer. Her father was a native of New Jersey; her mother came from Greene County, New York. Thomas Artman settled in Radnor Township in 1839. The mother of Mrs. Case taught school for several years. They had eight children: Eliza A., now Mrs. Case; Mary E.. (deceased); Sarah J., widow of Nathaniel Richmond; Melvina, Julia M. and Louisa (all three deceased); Ada A., wife of William Westcott; and William T. Cramer. Mr. Case is a Democrat and has held the office of School Director for nine years. He is a Presbyterian. He belongs to the Peoria County Grange and the Dunlap Grange.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DUNLAP, BENTON C.; Grain Dealer, at Dunlap; born in Radnor Township, Peoria County, September 27, 1859. His great-great-grand-father was William Dunlap, born April 9, 1752, died in 1817, who married Eleanor Delong; his great-grandfather, Smith Dunlap, born May 2, l783, died in March, 1856, married Eleanor Lane, born December 17, 1781, died March 25, 1858; his grandfather, Alva Dunlap, born October 26, 1805, died January 2, 1889, married Mary Knight, born September 16, 1806, died April 2, l880—all of whom were natives of Montgomery County, New York. Burleigh Dunlap, the father of Benton C., was born at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York, and married Silva Pride of the same county. Alva Dunlap came to Radnor in 1837 and built a frame house, into which his family moved on their arrival one year later. He was a prominent man, and owned eight hundred and fifty acres, of land. Burleigh Dunlap owned a farm half a mile north of the village of Dunlap, in which he moved a short time previous to his death. On coming of age, Benton C. Dunlap engaged in farming, which he carried on for seven years. He then entered the mercantile business, in which he was engaged for many years, until September, 1900. He also carries a general assortment of goods, and acts as managing agent for Frank Hall & Company in the purchase of grain. Mr. Dunlap has filled the office of School Director and Township Collector. He is a Republican and member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders. September 14, 1886, Mr. Dunlap married Cora E. Allen, in Peoria County, and they have five children: Walter P., born June 20, 1887; Benton Roy, born October 20, l888; Elsie C., born December 31, l897; Nellie S., born December 24, 1891, died April 6, 1894; Lona Clare, born January 1, 1897. Mrs. Dunlap was born in Peoria County in April. 1861, the daughter of William Allen, born near Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831, and Sarah Allen, a native of Manchester, England, born in 1837. Her parents now live in Medina Township, Peoria County.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DUNLAP, BYRON W.; Farmer: born at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York, June 13, 1832. His great-grandparents were William Dunlap, born April 9, 1753, died in 1817, and Eleanor (Delong) Dunlap. His grandparents were Smith Dunlap, born in 1783, died March 3, 1856, and Eleanor (Lane) Dunlap, born December 17, 1781, died March 25, 1858, both natives of Montgomery County, New York. His father, Alva Dunlap, also a native of Montgomery County, was born October 16, 1805, and died January 2, 1889; he married Mary Knight, born September 10, 1806, at Uxbridge, Connecticut, died April 2, 1881, the daughter of Jesse and Anna (Dean) Knight. Smith Dunlap was Justice of the Peace for many years. Alvah Dunlap was one of the most prominent men in his township, and held the offices of Supervisor, Assessor, County Commissioner and Deputy County Surveyor. He owned eight hundred and forty acres of land. Byron W. Dunlap was educated in the common school, and remained with his father, Alva, until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he engaged in farming for himself. He raised his first crop of corn in 1865, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He now has a farm of two hundred and eighty acres, on which he has a fine residence. The farm on which he lives is the original place owned by his father, and on which his father built his house in 1837. It was a frame house, built of oak and black walnut and was the first frame house erected in the township. The lumber was sawed at Hale's Mill, at what is now Pottstown. Mr. Dunlap married Anna J. Todhunter in Chicago, in April, 1860. There are three children: John A., born July 6, 1861, at home; Alma Lee, born April, 1863, at home; and Mabel C., born in 1877, wife of Charles Holmes and lives in Dunlap. Mrs. Dunlap was born in November, 1835, at Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois, the daughter of John and Mary (Lee) Todhunter. Mr. Todhunter came from England and lived several years in Philadelphia and other Eastern cities before he came to Rushville in 1832; he was a carpenter, and died in 1888. The wife and daughters of Mr. Dunlap are members of the Presbyterian Church. His political creed is Republican, his first Presidential vote was cast for Fremont. Mr. Dunlap is a descendant of one of the old and honored families of Peoria County.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DUNLAP, GILBERT L.; Merchant and Postmaster, Dunlap; born in Radnor Township June 19, 1849, and received his education in the common schools. His great-grandparents were William Dunlap, born April 9, 1753, died in 1817, and Eleanor (Delong). His grandfather, Smith Dunlap, was born May 2, 1783, and died March 3, 1856; he married Eleanor Lane, born December 17, 1781, died March 25, 1858. They were born in Montgomery County, New York. His father, Alva Dunlap, was born in Oswego County, New York, October 26, 1805, died January 2, l889; his mother, Mary Knight, daughter of Jesse and Anna (Dean) Knight, was born in Windham County, Connecticut, September 10, 1806, and died April 21, 1880. Until after he attained his twenty-first year, Gilbert L. Dunlap worked on his father's farm. His first change of business was to the post office, of which he has had charge for more than twenty years. Since 1885 he has been Postmaster at Dunlap, where he conducts a general merchandise business. Mr. Dunlap is serving his sixth year as School Treasurer of the township, and has held the office of Town Clerk since 1878. He is recognized as one of the leading Republicans of Peoria County, and was prominently mentioned in the Republican County Convention of 1900 for the office of County Recorder. He is a member of Alta Lodge, No. 748, A. F. & A. M. On June 11, 1885, Mr. Dunlap was married to Caroline L. Cline, in Dunlap, and of this marriage three sons have been born: Wallace McRhea, born February 15, 1887; Albert Knight, born April 14, 1889; and Gilbert L., born September 6, 1894. Mrs. Dunlap was born in Medina Township January 3, 1859, the daughter of Albert and Lydia (Hyde) Cline. Her father, Mr. Cline (now deceased), was born in Orange County, New York; Mrs. Cline was born in Essex County, near Fort Ticonderoga, around the ruins of which she played in childhood. She is still living.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
DUNLAP, WILLIAM K.; Retired Farmer, Resident of Dunlap; was born in Radnor Township March 28, 1840, and received a common school education. He is a descendant of William and Eleanor (Delong) Dunlap, who were the parents of Smith Dunlap, born in Montgomery County. New York, May 2, 1783, died March 13, 1856, and Eleanor Lane (Dunlap), born in Montgomery County, New York, December 17, 1781, died March 25, 1858. Their son, Alva Dunlap, born October 26, 1805, in Montgomery County, New York, died January 2, 1889, married Mary Knight, daughter of Jesse and Anna (Dean) Knight, born September 10, 1806, died April 2, 1880. Alva Dunlap came to Radnor Township in 1837 and built a house. The following year he went back to Oswego, New York, and returned with his father, Smith Dunlap, and his family. Alva Dunlap owned eight hundred and fifty acres of land at his death. He laid out and named the town of Dunlap. He was the most prominent citizen of Radnor Township in his day, as well as a leading citizen of the county. He had a large and well selected library, which, in size and quality, was second to none in Peoria County. He served as Supervisor for twenty years; was one of the body which established the Workhouse in Peoria and one of its Directors until
his death, and was one of the promoters of the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad. Previous to his death he erected a granite monument about twenty-five feet in height in the family plot on the old homestead. It is surmounted by a marble statue of a woman. Here four generations of Dunlaps are buried. Alva and Mary Dunlap were the parents of seven sons and four daughters. Of these Burleigh was born May 29, 1830; Byron W. born June 13, 1832; Marshall Ney, born February II, 1834; all born at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York; Francis Maria was born, September 2, 1835, and Gilbert Lane, August 24, 1837, died July 19, 1845—both born at Richland, Oswego County; Wm. K. Dunlap, born March 28, 1840; Hortense Isabel, born January 3, 1842; Andrew Jackson, born February 7, 1844; Mary Elizabeth, July 14, 1846; Gilbert Lane, June 19, 1849; Mary Eleanor, born December 20, 1851—the last six being born in Illinois and the five last named in Radnor Township, Peoria County. Frances was the first Postmistress in Dunlap. Hortense married Harrison E. Wiley, who, at the time of his death, February 19, 1877, was in business in Peoria. She has three children, Ella Knight, Harry Dunlap (a physician practicing in Chicago) and Walter Hoyt. Ella is the wife of John McEwan, a telegraph operator in Iowa. She is the mother of one child, Arthur Wiley McEwan. Marshall and Andrew Dunlap were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion, and Andrew died in the service. Of the eleven children of Alva and Mary Dunlap, only four are living: Byron W., Gilbert L., William K. and Hortense I. Alva Dunlap was a kind man, possessed of fine judgment, and his counsel and advice were sought by many, and all who came received a cordial reception. He died esteemed by all who knew him. William K. Dunlap owns two hundred and forty acres of land well stocked, and has always been a farmer. He lives on the old home farm, in a handsome brick house which succeeded the original brick dwelling built by Alva Dunlap and surrounded by a fine grove. He also has the library his father collected. Alva Dunlap was a Republican, as. is also W. K., and the rest of his descendants.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
EVANS, ADOLPHUS; Farmer; was born in Radnor township, October 21, 1851. He traces his ancestry from Jenkin Evans, who was born in Wales in 1694, and came to America with his brother David, his father and mother having died on the ocean. His son, Walter, was the great-great-grandfather of Adolphus, and was born in 1723. The great-grandfather, also named Walter, was born December 2, 1751, and married Mary Smith, born January 22, 1760. Evan Evans, the grandfather, was born March 18, 1789, and was married March 4, 1819, to Amelia Morris, born January 25, 1786. Adolphus Evans, father of Walter M. Evans, (webmaster's note, this should read "Walter M. Evans, father of Adolphus Evans) was born at Norristown, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1820, and died in 1879; his mother, Mary (Dickison), a native of Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana, was born April 2, 1823, and died October 9, 1899. She was the daughter of John and Polly (White) Dickison ; the former died May 12, 1854. Evan Evans came to Chillicothe, Illinois, during the early settlement of the country and purchased a farm in the vicinity. Walter M. Evans and his father moved to Radnor Township and purchased a grist mill, which they rebuilt and managed for many years. They also owned land and carried on farming. Mr. Adolphus Evans married Lucy Secretan in Limestone Township, May 5, 1887; they have had two children: David A., born October 15, 1888; and Eugene Howard, born July 10, 1890, died December 17, 1900. Mrs. Evans was born in Kickapoo Township, May 10, 1861, and died December 16, 1891. Mr. Evans has three brothers: Evan, a farmer in Radnor Township; Aaron J.; and David G., who resides in Princeville. Adolphus and his brother, Aaron J., who lives with him, own about five hundred acres of land. Mr. Evans has served as School Director several terms. He is independent in politics.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
EVANS, EVAN; Farmer; born in Radnor Township; August 20, 1854, traces his ancestry from his paternal great-grandparents, Walter Evans, born December 2. 1751, and Mary (Smith) Evans, born January 22, 1760. Their son, Evan, born March 18 1789, married Amelia Morris, born January 25, 1786. His maternal grandparents were John and Polly (White) Dickison; the former died May 12 1854. His father, Walter M. Evans, was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1820, and died in 1879. His mother, Mary (Dickison) Evans, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 2, 1823, and died October 9, 1899. Evan Evans, Sr., brought his family from Pennsylvania; where they had operated a grist mill, and soon after settled on a farm near Chillicothe. Walter M. and David Evans came to Radnor Township and rented a grist mill of their father on Kickapoo Creek, where they conducted the milling business for many years. He was a large land owner, and was Assessor of the township. Evan Evans owns three hundred and fifty acres of land, upon which he has a fine home and outbuildings. He is a very successful farmer and stock-raiser. He married Ella Mitchell in Rosefield, February 27. 1884. They have three children: Walter, born April 27, 1885; Elon A., born October 5, 1887; and Elbine M., born January 10, 1865. Mrs. Evans was born in Limestone Township, January 10, 1865. Her father, Elon Mitchell, was born in Devonshire, England, and came to Peoria in 1853. His father was John Mitchell, and his mother was Grace (Mills) Mitchell; both natives of Devonshire. They came to America, when about sixty years of age, and settled in Limestone Township, about 1855. Both are now deceased. Elon Mitchell married Elizabeth Scott, a native of Onondaga County, New York. She was the daughter of John and Sarah (Stutt) Scott, both natives of Scotland. Mr. Scott died in Onondaga County, New York. His widow afterward married John Brown, and settled in Peoria about the year 1859. Mr. Evans was a member of the Grange. In politics he is independent. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell had two children: Ada, wife of Edward Siegle, residing on the old Mitchell Homestead, in Rosefield Township, and Ella, now Mrs. Evans. Mr. Mitchell moved with his wife to Pleasant Valley in Peoria Township.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
FORD, JOHN; Farmer and Stock-raiser; born in the Parish of Bishopslawton, Devonshire, England, March 12, 1820, is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Smaldridge) Ford, both natives of Devonshire. His paternal grandfather was Samuel Ford, and his maternal grandparents were Anthony and Sarah Smaldridge. John Ford and wife came to America in 1850. After landing at New York, they came West by way of Buffalo and Sandusky to Chicago. From Chicago they came by the Illinois and Michigan Canal and by river to Peoria. They first settled in Kickapoo Township, and Mr. Ford earned his first money in America by assisting in shearing three thousand five hundred sheep for Bishop Chase. He was engaged in butchering about a year. Subsequently he purchased a farm on Section 32, Radnor Township, where he has since resided. He now has four hundred acres of rich land. March 14, 1850, Mr. Ford was married to Phoebe Ann Fry in Barnstable, England. They are the parents of eight children, of whom five are living: John William, married Sarah Williams; Frederick Francis, married Hettie Brown; James Henry, married Georgia Forney; Samuel Thomas, married Isabel Harris; Charles Robert, married Luta Forney. George Henry, Lucy Amelia, and Albert are deceased. Mrs. Ford was born in Swimbridge Parish, near Barnstable. England, January 14, 1827, and is the daughter of Thomas and Betsy (Snell) Fry. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are members of the Baptist Church at Kickapoo. Mr. Ford has been School Trustee and Director about twenty years, and a teacher in a Sabbath School for forty years. He is Independent in. politics.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
GREENE, JEFFERSON J.; Farmer and Grain Dealer; born in Rensselaer County, New York, July 12, 1830: the son of Samuel and Mary (Rose) Greene, and grandson of Langford Greene, natives of New York. He came to Illinois in 1854, and settled on Section 30, Hallock Township, where he was engaged in farming until 1886. He then left the farm and has since dealt in grain and real estate, July 3, 1855, at Chillicothe, Mr. Greene married Mary Nelson, daughter of Osmond and Sarah Nelson. She was born January 15, 1839, in Radnor Township and died June 27, 1887. Four children were born of this marriage: Abbie L., born December 27, 1857, married Ephraim dark and lives in Akron Township; Rose R., born June 22, 1860, married George Overen and died May 1,1880: Hettie, born November 17, 1862, married M. G. Stine and died October 30, 1897; Sarah M., born January 6, 1865, married Lyman Seelye and resides in Hallock Township. In 1888. Mr. Greene married Sarah J. Henthorn, at Lacon, Marshall County. She was born near Lacon, and is the daughter of Nelson G. and Elizabeth C. (Moeller) Henthorn, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Henthorn was born at Uniontown and Mrs. Henthorn in Chambersburg. They came to Ohio when young and were married in that State. They moved to Lacon in 1835, where Mrs. Henthorn died November 2, 1887, and her husband February 22, 1890. Mr. Greene has been a very active man. He is well supplied with this world's goods and has real estate in Berwyn. near Chicago, in North Peoria and a tract of land in Washington. He is now a resident of Peoria. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist. He has filled the offices of School Director and Trustee. In religious faith he is Presbyterian.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HARLAN, HARRISON; Farmer; born in Radnor, February 12, 1842. His grandparents were Moses and Jennie Harlan. He is the son of John Harlan, born in Warren County, Ohio, December 30, 1816, and Caroline (Pleas) Harlan. who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, November 15, 1820, and died March. 19, 1856; they were married November 14, 1839. Moses Harlan came to Radnor Township in 1833 and purchased land from the Government on Section 22, the title deeds of his land having been signed by President John Tyler. Moses Harlan was an old line Whig, and served as a member of the Legislature and a County Commissioner. John Harlan, who succeeded to this property, was an energetic and patriotic man. He came to the Township with his parents, where he held the offices of Assessor and School Director. He served as a soldier in the War of the Re-
bellion, in Company H, Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 1861-63, in the Western Army under Rosecrans, and was at Iuka and the second battle of Corinth. He was for some time in a hospital at St. Louis, where he was discharged for disability. He is now living in Newton, Harvey County, Kansas, at the age of eighty-five years. Harrison Harlan enlisted in Company A, Thirty-second Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry, in October, 1864, and served till the close of the war. He was with Sherman in his "March to the Sea," being mustered out June 17, 1865. His brother, Perry, was also a soldier, in the same regiment with his father, having enlisted at the second call for three hundred thousand men, and was detailed as clerk at division headquarters. Mr. Harrison Harlan married Hannah L. Gordon in Radnor Township, November 6, 1862. They are the parents of twelve children: Ida M., born October 30, 1864, married Charles T. Harwood, and died January 17, 1899, leaving three sons: Frank E., born November 9, 1866; Cora Ann, born November 27, 1868, wife of Andrew J. Dunlap; Amy I., born January 4, 1871, wife of John Shehan: John, born December 2, 1872; Laura E., born October 28, 1874. wife of Harvey Sturm; an infant, born and died October 29, 1876: Harry, born March 25, 1879, died August 19, 1880; Fred, born December 7, 1880; Elmer, born February 2, 1883, died March 4. 1883; an infant unnamed; and Elsie Caroline, born November 12, 1889. Seven children and seventeen grandchildren are now living. Mrs. Harlan was born in Radnor Township, July 10, 1847, the daughter of Samuel Gordon, of North Carolina, and Hannah (Bush) Gordon, of New York. Samuel Gordon first came to Radnor Township, where he married and lived for many years. He was born January 6, 1787, and died August 8, 1885. Hannah Bush Gordon was born November 29, 1803, and died October 31, 1869. She came to Peoria County with her family and settled in Jubilee Township; she had two brothers and three sisters. Mr. Harlan has a
fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres and good buildings. He is a Republican, and served as Assessor one term, Supervisor three terms, and has been School Director for many years.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
HERVEY, DAVID H.; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township, June 17, 1853, and there educated. He is the son of David G. Hervey, a native of Ohio, born in 1807, and Jane (Yates) Hervey, a native of West Virginia. His paternal grandfather was William Hervey, whose wife's surname before marriage was Glenn. The maternal grandfather was William Yates. David G. Hervey moved from West Virginia in 1849, came to Peoria by the water route, and then went to Radnor Township, where he bought two hundred acres of land in the northeast quarter of Section 10 adjoining, where he farmed till his death, October 29,1889. At that time he owned two hundred and forty acres of land. He served as Commissioner of Highways. Mr. and Mrs. David G. Hervey were the parents of six children besides David H. Thomas Y. served for three years in the War of the Rebellion, as a member of the Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He is married and lives in Chenoa, Illinois. The other children of this family are: Margaret I., widow of John Morrow; Mary J., wife of Wm. T. Brown, of Chenoa; Martha E., deceased; Sarah H.. wife of Rev. George Dunlap, of Waltham, Illinois; and William A. William A. has been twice married; first to Alice Hildebrand, by whom he had a daughter, Ruby Glenn; and a second time with Lulu M. Adkins, by whom he has one child, Wilma Fern. He is School Trustee of Radnor Township. David H. occupies the old homestead with William. He is a "Granger," a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics, a Prohibitionist. William A. is also a Prohibitionist, and for many years has been Elder in the Presbyterian Church at Dunlap.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
LIVINGSTON, ROBERT A.; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township, November 7, 1852. His parents were Alexander Livingston, a native of Kilsythe, Scotland, and Sarah (Williams), born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana. His paternal grandfather was John Livingston, who came from Scotland to Peoria County in 1832, and for several years worked for the Burkets, at Peoria. He was married in Peoria and later purchased a farm in Section 25, Radnor Township, upon which he moved in 1842, and where he spent the remainder of his life. He was School Director several terms. At the time of his death he owned about four hundred acres of land. Robert A. Livingston married Abbie E. Shaw in Radnor Township, December 25, 1877. Mrs. Livingston was born in Radnor Township, May 12, 1855, the daughter of Henry and Maria Cline Shaw, who came from Massachusetts in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston are the parents of five children: Roy G., Ina M., Ethel M., Sumner A. and Newell H. Mr. Livingston has a good farm of one hundred and fifty acres, upon which he has lived since his marriage. He was educated in the common schools; is a Democrat; has served as School Director several terms, and also as Township Assessor. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Livingston is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
McKEE, JAMES WESLEY; Farmer; born in Frederick County, Virginia, April 23, 1840. His grandfather, Robert McKee, a native of Ireland, married Catherine Kather, of Virginia. Their son, Bartholomew McKee, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, April 10, 1799, and died in November, 1870; he married Elizabeth Ann Evans, who was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, in February, 1806, and died in 1868. She was the daughter of John Evans, born in Maryland, and Frances Hardesty, a native of New Hagerstown, Maryland. Bartholomew McKee left his home in Virginia, March 19, 1855, and came to Wheeling, where he took the route by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria, whence he went into the country and settled a little south of Princeville. He was a blacksmith, but on coming West first rented, and then bought a farm on Section 7, in Radnor Township, where he subsequently lived. James W. McKee remained with his father till twenty-eight years of age, then worked a farm on shares about four years, next rented a year, and then bought one hundred and sixty acres of good land on Section 8, where he now lives. He married Mary Margaret Rife in Dunlap, March 30, 1872. They have six children: George Clark, born January 30, 1874; Frank H., born September 4, 1875; Bertha May, born June 23, 1877, the wife of George Wilson; John Wesley, born May 5, 1880; Lawrence James, born May 21, 1882; and Jacob Lee, born October 23, 1886. Mrs. McKee was born in Frederick County, Maryland, September 25, 1853; she is the daughter of Jacob Rife, born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in February. 1817, died April 4, 1889, and Susan (Harbaugh) Rife, a native of Maryland, born in 1825; now living in Missouri. Mr. McKee is independent in politics, and has held the office of School Director. He is a Mason. Two of his brothers, Jonathan and Mahlon, served in the army during the War of the Rebellion.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
MAYO, CHARLES: Farmer; born in Devizes, England, January 20, 1825. He is the son of Joseph and Mary (Brown) Mayo, both natives of England, the latter of Oxford. Charles Mayo's father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all named Joseph, and they were Episcopal clergymen. Joseph, the father of Charles, had a family of ten children. On May 9, 1833, he sailed from England with his family and arrived in New York on June 9th. He went West to Cleveland, Ohio, and later had charge of a parish and owned a farm at Liverpool, in the same State. In 1811 he came to Peoria County and invested at Peoria and Jubilee. His sons purchased land on Sections 32 and 33 in Radnor Township. On September 3, 1856, Charles Mayo was married in Jubilee Township to Fanny Wade, who was born in Manchester, England, the daughter of Charles Taylor Wade, a graduate of Dublin University, and Isabella Hamilton) Wade, both natives of Ireland. Mrs. Mayo died in 1870. There were five children: Josephine Charlotte has charge of the domestic affairs at "Sunny Side," the summer residence of Mr. Mayo, where he has an elegant place on his farm of 208 acres, and where he spends his summers. Mary Virginia is the wife of Henry M. Goss, of Peoria, and at her home Mr. Mayo passes a portion of the year. Fannie Wade is the wife of Charles E. Goss, of Peoria. The two sons are Charles Hamilton and William Francis. Mr. Mayo is a member of the Episcopal Church, an independent voter and a member of the Grange. He has been School Director several terms. Mr. Mayo has visited England seven times since he first came to America; his last visit being in 1894.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
MENDENHALL, CRAFT; Farmer; born April 25, 1830, in Greene County, Pennsylvania. His great- grandfather, Joseph Mendenhall, served several years as Quartermaster in the patriot Army of the Revolution. He was a farmer and owned a saw-mill, and his home was in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. His grandfather was Thomas Mendenhall, who lived for a while in Greene and Fayette Counties. His father, John Mendenhall. was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and died in 1897. He married Peery Craft, daughter of John and Phoebe Craft, born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and died in 1865. John Mendenhall and family moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1836, where he bought a farm and engaged in agriculture, but later moved to Ross County, where he died at the age of ninety-seven and a half years. Mr. Craft Mendenhall served along the border of Ohio and Kentucky, with the 100-day troops in 1864, and was captured by General Morgan. In 1868 he came to Peoria, remained a year and a half, and then removed to Radnor Township, where he purchased eighty acres, upon which he has a fine home surrounded with handsome trees. He is a successful farmer and prominent stock-raiser. Mr. Mendenhall married Almeda Seldera, at Chillicothe, Ohio, June 10, 1851. They are the parents of nine children: Almira, married Joseph Gross, resides in Dunlap; John O., died in 1869; Joseph, married Catharine Harlan, and lives in Gove County, Kansas; Jacob Y., married Laura Freeman; Lafayette N., at home; Martha H.; Eve I.; Lester O.; Gilbert F., married Rosa Bush. Mrs. Mendenhall was born in Ohio, February 15, 1833, the daughter of Dr. Thomas B. and Clarissa (Risdon) Selders, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively. Mr. Mendenhall is a Republican, and has been School Director of his township. He is a member of the American Protective Association at Peoria.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
NELSON, DENNIS (deceased); born in Ireland and died in Radnor Township, July 2, 1900. His wife, Julia Nelson, was also a native of Ireland. Mr. Nelson came to Peoria County in the fall of 1864 and settled on Section 16 in Radnor Township. He was industrious and by good management became possessed of four hundred and eighty-five acres of land, which was divided among his sons, each receiving a little more than a quarter section. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson had a family of three sons and four daughters: Joseph H. William G., Dennis A., Margaret, Ellen, Julia and Mary Joanna. Joseph Henry Nelson was born October 5, 1870. He married Catherine Doran in Kickapoo Township, April 17, 1894. They have three children: Dennis Walter, Patrick Eugene and Margaret Loretta. Mrs. Catherine Nelson was born in Radnor Township, the daughter of Patrick and Mary (Corrigan) Doran. Mr. Joseph Nelson was educated in the common schools. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Republican. Dennis A. Nelson was born in Radnor Township October 21, 1872. He married Anna Doran in Kickapoo Township April 17, 1894. They have two children, Mabel I. and Esther Mary. He received a common school education. In politics he is independent. He has been Road Commissioner. Mrs. Dennis A. Nelson is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Corrigan) Doran and was born in 1872. William Nelson is unmarried; his mother lives with him and looks after the domestic affairs of his household. The three brothers have their farms well cultivated and have good buildings. They are members of the Catholic Church and Joseph H. and William are members ot the Fraternal Order of America.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ROGERS, WILLIAM H.; Farmer; born in Westchester County. New York, October 11, 1836, the son of John S. Rogers, a native of New York, and Mary Ann (Sutton) Rogers, a native of England. While the family were ascending the Mississippi River, having come from New York via New Orleans, John S. Rogers was drowned and left his widow to care for the family. In 1843 the family came on to Jubilee Township via the Illinois River and Peoria and settled on Section 24, the trip occupying four weeks. Here they remained until 1862, when they removed to Radnor Township, settling on Section 9 in that Township. On account of his father's death, most of the business of caring for the family devolved on William H. Among other difficult duties, he drove teams to Chicago when the roads were only trails across the prairie. Mr. Rogers and Jeannette E. Wakefield were married in Radnor Township, January l6, 1861. She was born in Radnor, November 22, 1831, the daughter of John L. and Martha Wakefield, natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were the parents of nine children: Clarence Sherman, born October 9, 1861, died June 10, 1870; Logan A., born October 24, 1867; Elliott, born December 26, 1868; Charles S., born February 11, 1870: Leslie J., born October 3, 1871, died September 26, 1896; Wilson N., born May 29, 1873; William J., born February I, 1875: John L., born May 5, 1879; Mina Ellen, born March 30, 1884, is at home; Elmer B., born February 14. 1887. Mrs. Rogers died April 14, 1888. Mr. Rogers has a farm of three hundred and ninety acres in Radnor Township and one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nebraska. In politics he is a Republican. He is an Odd Fellow, and a member of I. O. M. A., an insurance order. He has been School Director many years, and has held the office of Road Commissioner for fifteen years.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
SHEHAN, LAWRENCE: Farmer; born in Gorey, County Wexford, Ireland, February 3, 1828: is the son of Abraham Shehan, of Gorey, and Margaret (Sutherland) Shehan, of County Wexford, daughter of John and Madge Sutherland. Lawrence Shehan came from Dublin to New York and after spending a year on Staten Island, removed to Chicago. Subsequently he came to Medina Township, Peoria County, and, in 1857, hired to John Hermann, for whom he worked seven years. In 1864 he came to Radnor Township and purchased a farm a quarter of a mile from Dunlap. Mr. Shehan is a member of the Catholic Church; is a Democrat, and has served as Road Commissioner and School Director. Lawrence Shehan and Emily Gates were united in marriage at Peoria, Illinois. February 1, 1865, and have been the parents of eight children: John Henry, born November 27, l865; Mary Louisa, born February 9, 1867; Myra Ellen, born November 10, 1868; Margaret Alice, born September 8, 1870; Bessie Abbie, born February 18, 1872; an infant, died June 17, 1873 ; Charles Lawrence, born April 16, 1878; Emma Frances, born August 12, 1881; Herbert Stephens, born December 18, 1882. Bessie married James Dean, March 23, 1897, and died, May 9, 1900. She lived in Tremont, where she was prominent in the work of the Baptist Church, of which she was a member. John H. married Anna, daughter of Harrison Harlan. Louisa M. married Grant Rogers. Myra E. married Benjamin J. Rice and lives at Greenfield, Iowa. Margaret A. married William Grant. The other three children are living at home. Emma Frances is a successful music teacher. Charles L. is an amateur artist and has done some fine work; is also a good musician and director of the Dunlap Band. Herbert is a telegraph-operator, and time-keeper on the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad. Emily A. Gates was born in Mossville, August 3, 1839, and is the daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary Pratt Gates. The father was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the mother in South Middleborough, same State. The mother had for her first husband, Jesse Dean, a native of Taunton, Massachusetts, who died in his native town in 1833. Mary Dean was married in 1836, to B. P. Gates and they came by wagon from Taunton, Massachusetts, to Radnor in the
fall of 1837, the journey by land occupying six weeks.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TAYLOR, GEORGE B.; Farmer and Stockraiser; born in Radnor Township, July 29, 1858, is a son of Burtis S. Taylor, born September 9, 1829, died June 30, 1889, and Alice (Gregory) Taylor, born in 1832, died August 7, 1867—both natives of New York City. Burtis Taylor was a butcher in his youth. In 1853 he came to Radnor Township and bought a farm on Section 7, where he lived for some years, then went to Jubilee, and later to Akron Township, where he also engaged in farming. The last seven years of his life were spent in leisure at Princeville. He served as School Director, and was an Odd Fellow. George B. Taylor, at the age of twenty-one, hired out and worked on farms for wages three years. At the expiration of that time he and his brother rented their father's farm. which they managed for twelve years. He then bought one hundred and eighty acres of land on Section 3; Radnor Township, later seventy in Princeville Township and eighty more in Section 10. Radnor Township, making 330 acres in all. He is a prosperous farmer, has fine buildings, and feeds a large number of cattle. Mr. Taylor married Rachel E. Harrison, in Peoria. December 8, 1886; they have two children: Gladys F., born September 21, 1887, and Forest S., born March 19, 1893. Mrs. Taylor was born in Radnor Township, April 14, 1868. She is the daughter of John Harrison, a native of Virginia, and Amanda (Hatfield) Harrison, a native of Indiana, both of whom are now living in Dunlap. Mr. Harrison came to Peoria County when only two years old. Mr. Taylor is a Republican. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
THRESHIE, WILLIAM DAVID CHARLES; Banker, Dunlap; born of Scotch parentage at Avranches, France. October 29, 1863. His grandfather was Robert Threshie; his parents were David Scott Threshie, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1806, and died in 1878, and Eliza Bird (Martin) Threshie. David S. Threshie received a good literary and legal education. He was a writer for the "Signet," became a member of the Scotch bar and practiced law in Edinburgh. He came to America and bought land on Long Island, which he sold and then returned to Scotland, but came back to America and again purchased property on the Island. Disposing of this property he settled on Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, where he spent the remainder of his life. He left two sons, Robert A., and William D. C., who is a Major in the English Army and owns the old homestead in Scotland. William D. C. Threshie, before leaving Britain, was commissioned Lieutenant m the Third Battalion of the Welsh Regiment. Resigning his commission he came to America, where for some time he worked for wages. Subsequently he lived in Gove County, Kansas, for nine years, where he had a cattle ranch. He then came to Dunlap, Peoria County, married and returned to the ranch where he remained several years. He removed finally to Dunlap in 1895, and in 1900 entered into the banking business there in which he has since been engaged. He still owns the ranch in Kansas. Mr. Threshie was married to Minnie Dunlap in Champaign County, Illinois. July 24, 1890. They have two children: Marion, born in Gove County, Kansas, July 28, 1894, and Robert David, born in Dunlap, Illinois, July 14, 1897. Mrs. Threshie, the daughter of Burleigh and Sylvia (Pride) Dunlap, was born in Dunlap, July 23, 1865; is a grandaughter of Alva Dunlap, after whom the village was named. Mr. Threshie is a Mason and a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. In politics he is independent.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TRIGGER, WILLIAM (deceased); Farmer; born in Devonshire, England, August 15, 1828, the son of John and Mary Trigger, natives of England; came to Radnor Township in 1851, by way of New Foundland, up the St. Lawrence River, and by the Great Lakes to Chicago, and thence by canal and river to Peoria County, and bought a farm, on Section 34, in Radnor Township. He was a man of great energy and industry, and owned seven hundred and forty acres of land in Radnor and Kickapoo Townships, and in Ford County. His first wife was Helen Stewart, a native of Scotland, born December 29, 1825; she died October 2, 1865, leaving three children; William, born June 28, 1858; Helen and Mary (twins), born January 1, 1860. Helen married John Secretan, and Mary, Mr. S. Fox. Mr. Trigger's second marriage was with Jessie Stewart, a sister of his first wife, in the city
of Peoria, April 2, 1868. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 6, 1833. Of this union there was one child: Richard Stewart, born June 21, 1872. He married Cora Carr. Mrs. Trigger also had a daughter, Mae E. Stewart. Mrs. Jessie Trigger's paternal grandfather was James Stewart; her maternal grandparents, William and Helen (Breed) Young, and her parents, James and Helen Young) Stewart —all natives of Scotland. Mr. Trigger was educated in the common schools; was a member of the "Grange," and served as School Director several terms. The family were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Trigger died March 27, 1893, and Mrs. Trigger, November 10,1900.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TRIGGER, WILLIAM- Farmer; born in Kickapoo Township, June 26, 1858. He is the son of William Trigger, a native of Devonshire, England, born August 15, 1828, died March 27, 1893, and Helen (Stewart) Trigger, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland. His grandparents were John and Mary Trigger, who were born in England. William Trigger, Sr., came to America in 1852, and settled on Section 24, in Radnor Township. He was a hard-working man, a good manager, and owned, at the time of his death, seven hundred and forty acres of land. He was twice married; his second wife was Jessie Stewart, a sister of his first wife. Of the first marriage there were three children: William; Helen, who married John Secretan; and Mary, the wife of Saxielby Fox. Of the second marriage one child was born: Richard S., who married Cora Carr; and she had also a daughter, Mae E. Stewart. William Trigger married Bridget Powers in Kickapoo, February 9, 1899. She is the daughter of John and Ellen Corman Powers, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Trigger was horn in Peoria, and is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Trigger is independent in politics, and has served as School Director.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TUCKER, ROBERT; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township, May 24, 1859, the son of Benjamin Tucker, a native of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, who married Jane Johnson, a native of Nova Scotia, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson. Benjamin Tucker went to Jubilee College in Jubilee Township, where, for two years, he served as clerk and conducted a store for Bishop Chase; but, two years later, bought a farm on Section 29 and settled in Radnor Township. In 1867 he moved to Jubilee, where he was Postmaster for twenty years and Notary Public twelve years, besides being Township Collector for five consecutive terms. Benjamin Tucker died February 12, 1890. Robert Tucker married Gertrude A. Bullard in Kickapoo Township, February 16, 1887. Four children were born of this union: Bertie; George; Archie, deceased; Nola May, and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Tucker was born at Fort Smith, Arkansas, March 11, 1864. She is the daughter of Reuben G. H. Bullard, who was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, one mile north of Lebanon. December 27, 1822, and Amelia (Sours) Bullard, born at Cincinnati, Ohio, March 10, 1836, died April 22, 1891. Mr. Bullard left Tennessee in 1848, removing to Leavenworth, Kansas, May 21, 1858, where he married. In 1858, he went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and thence, in 1864, to Marshall County, Illinois, and in 1865 to Kickapoo Township. He now resides with Mr. and Mrs. Tucker. Mrs. Tucker's grandfather, George H. Bullard, was a slave-owner in Tennessee. Robert Tucker has a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres on Sections 19 and 28 and a coal bank from which he supplies his neighbors with coal. He also owns one hundred acres in Sections 21 and 28. He was educated at Jubilee College. In religion he is an Episcopalian, in politics a Democrat and a member of the "Grange."
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
TUTTLE, ELI; Farmer; born August 18, 1828, at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York; the son of John Tuttle, who was born in Connecticut, April 7, 1783, died September 29, 1876, and Betsy E. (Hurd) Tuttle, a native of Connecticut, born August 1, 1793, died December 13, 1868. Ebenezer Tuttle, who was born in 1738 and died in England in 1778, was his great-grandfather, and Eli Tuttle, born in 1758, died in 1792, his grandfather. His maternal grandfather was Joseph Hurd, a native of Connecticut. John Tuttle was married in 1812, settled on a farm at Sandy Creek and raised a family of eleven children. Mr. Eli Tuttle came to Medina Township November 15, 1856, and first worked by the month on a farm. He afterward rented for seven years, and finally bought a farm on Section 18. He served as Constable of the township twenty-eight years; was Justice of the Peace eight years, and, during the War of the Rebellion, acted as Provost Marshal of Medina Township, passing through some very exciting experiences. At a later date he moved to Dunlap, where he bought land and built a house and a cheese factory, both of which he afterward sold. He now owns several houses in Dunlap. Eli Tuttle was married to Caroline E. Robinson, at Sandy Creek, March 25, 1854, and they have one child, William H. Tuttle, born October 30, 1862, who was educated at the Northwestern University and is now practicing law in Chicago. He married Caroline Skinner, by whom he has two children, Helen B. and Charles B. Caroline E. (Robinson) Tuttle, the daughter of Hiram and Elvira (Morgan) Robinson, was born at Sandy Creek, New York, September 29, 1829, and died September 2, 1894. Her father died while on his way to the West many years ago, and her mother at their home in Sandy Creek, New York.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WILDER, EDWARD P.; Farmer; born at Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York, February 14, 1824, is the son of Lindal Wilder, a native of Essex, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth (Hadley) Wilder a native of Brattleboro, Vermont. His grandfathers were Joshua Wilder and Jesse Hadley. Lindal Wilder was a "minute man" of the War of 1812, and came to Oswego County, New York, in 1816, settling at Sandy Creek, four miles from Lake Ontario, where he passed his remaining days with the exception, of a short visit to Peoria County in 1860. Edward F. Wilder came West with a cousin, traveling from Sandy Creek to Syracuse in a wagon, thence to Buffalo by canal boat, and from Buffalo to Chicago on the steamboat "Oregon." From, Chicago, they went by stage to Peru, and from there to Medina Township on foot, arriving about the 6th of November, 1845. His first
work was for Robert Cline, after which he was employed by different persons, including two years (1847 and 1851) by the late Alva Dunlap. He then secured one hundred and sixty acres of land on Section 12, which he has improved in the most thorough manner, in addition to which he owns two hundred and forty acres of land in Vermilion County. His residence, two miles east of Dunlap, is one of the finest in the county. He was married in Medina Township, April 30, 1857, to Eliza J. Hanson, and they have one daughter, Rosella, born March 13, 1858. She married Charles R. Cline, whose family came to Peoria County in 1840. They have two children, Oscar E. and Nellie R. Mrs. Wilder was born in Ireland, December 16, 1826, the daughter of Thomas and Margaretta Hanson. The parents came to America in 1839 and subsequently settled on the farm upon which they
lived till their death. Mr. Wilder is a Democrat. Mrs. Wilder and her family are Presbyterians.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WILLIAMS, THOMAS C.; Farmer; was born in Radnor Township on August 30, 1853; educated in the Peoria Normal School. His grandfather was a native of Delaware and located in. Cincinnati, Ohio, at an early day. He was engaged as pilot on the Ohio River, and also employed men to recover logs which had been cast adrift by high waters. This traffic was carried on successfully at New Albany for many years. John, the father of Thomas C., was born on board of a steamboat, January 27, 1826, and Rachel J. (Elson) Williams, the mother, in Fayette, Indiana, May 2, 1836. He left New Albany and removed to Peoria in 1832, afterward rented a farm of Joseph Haines, three miles east of Pekin. In 1836 he returned to Peoria and located on the Captain Hall farm, south of Spring Street, and three years later removed to Prospect Heights. In 1847 he took charge of the Bayles Campbell farm, on the Prairie, and subsequently removed to Radnor Township, where he purchased a farm on Section 25. Mrs. Williams died July 16, 1885, and Mr. Williams having removed to Peoria in 1891, died there August 2, 1901. After graduating at the Peoria Normal School Thomas C. Williams taught school for two years. On March 20, 1879, he was married in Peoria to Nancy J. Holmes and they have one child, Herbert L., who was born January 5, 1884. Mrs. Williams was horn in Medina Township February 14, 1858, the daughter of John and Lydia (Chambers) Holmes. Her father was a native of Ireland, where he was born June 5, 1824. In 1827 his parents emigrated to Canada, where they lived for a short time before locating in New York State. In 1835 they came West, settling in Medina Township, where he still owns twenty-seven hundred acres of land. He had given each of his ten children one hundred and sixty acres of land. Mr. Holmes has always been a generous and upright man; has been Supervisor of his township and a member of the Legislature. Mr. Williams has followed farming ever since his marriage and now owns two hundred acres of land, besides that which belongs to his wife. They occupy one of the finest residences in Radnor. He is a Democrat, and has held the office of School Director. He is a member of the "Grange."
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WILLIAM DEMPSEY.General farming and dairying, as conducted by William Dempsey in Richwoods Township, is both a congenial and, profitable means of livelihood. Judging from the success which appears to have rewarded his efforts, and which is indicated by the many evidences of thrift and prosperity upon his farm of a quarter section, and by the prevailing air of neatness and large patronage in the model dairy, he has exercised understanding, common sense and good judgment in the management of his many-sided affairs. Thirty cows are required to supply the demand of his patrons in the city of Peoria, and two wagons make trips from his farm once each day. Although born in Washington County, Maryland, August 21, 1840, Mr. Dempsey is an Illinoisan by reason of training and education, and success has made him an enthusiast regarding the agricultural possibilities of his chosen township. When but eight years of age he accompanied his parents, Peter and Margaret Dempsey, and his three brothers and three sisters, to Peoria County, where the father hoped much from an all around change of location. Dire misfortune, however, overshadowed his expectations; for, the same year that the little band journeyed from Maryland, the father, the mother and son, Perry, died from. the ravages of cholera, and five children were left to face the unexpected problem of self-maintenance. The future of William Dempsey was fortunately disposed of, for he was taken into the home of Rev. Isaac Kellar, of Richwoods Township, in which atmosphere of refinement and helpfulness he remained for eight years.
When the smoldering animosity between the North and South culminated in the Civil War, Mr. Dempsey enlisted, April 14, 1861, in Company A, Second Illinois Artillery, and, during his term of three years and six months, saw active service in the Southwest under Tilton, at Vicksburg with Grant, at New Orleans with Banks, and at Mobile with Granger. After his honorable discharge at Springfield, Illinois, November 14, 1864, he returned to his former home and occupations, and May 20, 1871, married Myra B. Kellar, who was born in Peoria County in 1848, a daughter of John and Esther (Frye) Kellar, natives, respectively, of Maryland and Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey have been born five children: Olive E.; Lillian, wife of Edward L. Dillon; Pearl, wife of Robert J. Campbell; Peoria, and Grace. Olive E. is the wife of William G. Judd. of Richwoods Township; the other children are single and are living at home. Politically Mr. Dempsey is a stanch Republican and has well served the public interests one term as Collector and four years as Township Clerk, at the present time filling the office of Commissioner of Highways. Mrs. Dempsey and three daughters are members of the Second Presbyterian Church at Peoria.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
REV. ISAAC KELLAR. The records of the Presbyterian Church during the first half of the last century, with due appreciation of the arduous labor of its sons in carrying to their respective congregations the message of good-will and kindliness under the trying pioneer life and unsettled conditions, are not unmindful of the credit due Rev. Isaac Kellar, who went about his appointed tasks with rare courage, and crowded into his long and useful life much of worthy accomplishment.
When the rigors and vicissitudes surrounding the lives of the early churchmen is taken into account, their belief, and that of their compatriots, in the necessity for self-sacrifice and abstinence from the pleasures and even comforts of life, we are constrained to accord them an honored place in the roll-call of those who were instrumental in developing the regions which were benefited by their exalted views of life and work. And Illinois, with its fertile beckoning prairies and manifold embryonic undertakings, had, besides its preservers of law and order, its promoters of morality and peace, and among these Mr. Kellar was one of the most widely and favorably known.
Cherishing a just pride of ancestry, which included Scotch-Irish and German, Mr. Kellar inherited the most desirable traits of his forefathers, many of whom were promulgators of Presbyterian doctrines and stanch disciples of the church. He was born in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland. February 6, 1789, a son Of George and Barbara (Smith) Kellar, also natives of the same county. Realizing the advantages of a fine education, his father gave him every opportunity within his power to develop his mental and moral worth, and, believing that the ministry afforded ample scope for his ambitious desire to be of use to his fellow men, he forthwith took a college course at Washington, Pennsylvania, and qualified: theologically at Princeton, New Jersey. After being licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Carlisle in 1818, he was married the following year to Margaret Schnebly, and soon after assumed charge of the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church at McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, a position which he held until 1824. His efforts also were for a time in connection with the German Reformed Church in Hagerstown, during which service he filled the pulpit in the afternoon, preaching in English, the morning service being conducted by another minister who preached in German. From 1826 until 1835 he filled the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church at Williamsport, Maryland, and then, owing to failing health, decided upon an all around change of surroundings. After due consideration of the various propositions offered, be thought most favorably of the reports concerning Illinois, and, with high hopes for the future, started overland with his family, the journey being lone, and arduous, and complicated by illness which visited himself and those dear to him. At Peoria he was obliged to discontinue his search for the new Mecca, a necessity by no means fraught with future discontent, for investigation revealed a country replete with opportunity and ripe for effort, and here he decided to remain in the service of humanity. After purchasing a quarter of Section 16, Richwoods Township, he began to improve his possession, and, in connection therewith, began his ministry in the West. In the ball room of the Garrett Hotel at Peoria, he preached his first sermon, and afterward filled the pulpit of a small church erected by Mr. Lowrie on his private property. Owing to a disposition on the part of the latter named gentleman to control all of the affairs of the church, independent of clergy or congregation, the band of worshipers asserted their independence, and henceforward, conducted their services in the court house of the town. As a natural result the Synod sent a commission to organize a church, now called the First Church, and the congregation necessarily desired an edifice of their own. In this emergency the pastor proved a help in time of trouble, for he announced his determination to return to the East and raise the requisite funds for the new church, a plan which was successfully carried out to the end. The better to superintend the building of the church, Mr. Kellar rented his farm and moved into Peoria, and personally undertook the supervision of its construction. When the "Old Brick Church," lately demolished, was ready for its era of usefulness, Mr. Kellar removed his family to the farm, and, after twelve years of active service, persuaded the congregation to accept his resignation. Thereafter he received many evidences of regard from churches in different parts of the county, notably those at Henry and Dunlap, but he declined the pastorates of one and all. Upon the organization of a church on Orange Prairie, November 28, 1848, he took an active interest in its growth, the services being held in school houses and private residences in lieu of a church building. Owing to ailing health he was obliged, at the end of a few years, to give up regular pastoral work, but as opportunity offered and his health permitted, he often filled vacancies in the surrounding churches. His death, July 25, 1867, followed upon a short illness, and he was survived by his wife until August 28, 1870. Both are buried in Springdale Cemetery. Of the union or Mr. and Mrs. Kellar were born the following children: Catherine, Thomas, George, John, Finley, Margaret and Mary. Of these but four survive. George was drowned in the Tualtin River, Oregon, January 14, 1852, having gone to that region eighteen months before. The other sons, Thomas and John, sought a field of activity in Nebraska where they purchased farms, and after a few years, Thomas, who was unmarried, lost his life in one of the terrible blizzards, which have proved the curse of that otherwise desirable State. John, with his wife and daughter, removed to Florida in 1899, and the three daughters, Catherine Schnebly, Mary Elizabeth and Margaretta, are still residents of the old homestead. The Philadelphia "Presbyterian," in commenting upon the demise of Mr. Kellar, had this to say of his life and work: "He was a man of ability. His preaching was chiefly doctrinal and wholly extemporary. He was not only decided in his views, but inflexible. No considerations of personal ease or emolument had influence to divert him from what seemed to him to be the path of duty. He preached often, during many years, and at different points, with but little remuneration, counting it all joy thus to testify his love for both his Master and the souls of men."
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
APPLE, REV. HENRY; Clergyman M. E. Church; born at Felicity, Clermont County, Ohio, August 27, l835; the son of Henry and Mary (Bowser) Apple. The father was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, June 16, 1803, and died in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1867. The mother was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, May 24, 1803, and died April 21, 1876. The great-grandfather, Andrew Apple, came from Germany. The grandfather, Christian Apple, married Catherine Bolander; both were natives of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Bowser, married Mary Wright, who was of Irish parentage—both born in Union County, Pennsylvania. Henry Apple, Sr., brought his family to Illinois in 1837 and settled at Lewistown, Fulton County, April 10. The family consisted of ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom three daughters and two sons are still living. Amos, a farmer, lives in Page County, Iowa; Sarah Pugh died January 28, 1900; Amanda Byers lives in Marysville, Missouri; Andrew died at six years of age; Nathaniel was a soldier in the Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died in the Civil War, aged twenty-eight; Henry is the subject of this sketch; Simeon and Christian died in infancy; Mary Johnson lives in Clackamas County, Oregon; Martha Thompson lives in Fulton County, Illinois. Henry Apple graduated from Fulton Seminary in 1860, and began preaching the same year at Mt. Hedding, Peoria County. Since then he has been stationed at the following places: Peoria, French Creek, Brimfield, Coleville, Groveland, Peoria, Groveland, Peoria, Bartonville. His last charge was filled in 1897. He now preaches occasionally as a supply. April 23, l863, he was married in Chicago to Janet Borland, born in 1834, and they have three children: Henry S., graduated from the Peoria High School in 1884; Frank H., graduated from Parrish's Business College, Peoria; Chloe, the third child and only daughter, is the wife of E. L. Kearns. They make their home with Mr. Apple at the homestead, Knoxville Road. Mr. Apple cast his first vote for John C. Fremont and has continued to be a Republican ever since.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BECK, JOSEPH P.; Farmer; born in Clermont County, Ohio, July 28, 1828; son of Calvin S. and Mary (Powell) Beck, also natives of Clermont County. The father was born in 1804, the mother in 1807. The grandparents on the father's side were Jeremiah and Charity Beck, and on the mother's side, Joseph and Elizabeth Powell, natives of Pennsylvania. Calvin S. Beck was a farmer and spent his entire life in Clermont. Joseph P. Beck started in life for himself at twenty-four, and spent his earlier life in Ohio. He came to Illinois and lived in Hancock County for five years but came to Peoria in 1875, and has since lived in the county. October 9, 1851, he was married in Hamilton County, Ohio, to Sarah Holland, who was born in that county January 7, 1832, the daughter of Zachariah and Hester Ann (Gentle) Holland. The father was born in Ohio, and his father, Thomas Holland, in Maryland. William Gentle, the maternal grandfather, was born in Maryland. Zachariah Holland moved to Iowa in 1856, where he died. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Beck are Arthur and Irene H. Arthur married Martha Dickinson, Irene is the wife of Thomas B. Hanna and they have four children: Georgia L.. Edna L., Howard H. and Gladys I. Mr. and Mrs. Beck are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat and has served as Township Clerk of Richwoods Township and as School Director. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has a handsome residence at 2026 Knoxville Avenue, Peoria.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BIRKEL, PHILIP J.: Retired Farmer; born in Alsace, Germany, May 15, 1824; the son of Philip J. and Charlotte (Vogel) Birkel, natives of Alsace. He came to America and settled in Peoria in 1853, remaining here eight years. November 1, 1861, he enlisted in Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll's regiment, the Eleventh Cavalry, and served two years and two months. He participated in the battles of Shiloh. Corinth and Jackson, and was discharged for disability in 1863. In 1867 he purchased twenty acres of land on Section 33, Richwoods Township, eighteen acres of which he afterward sold for nine hundred dollars an acre. He married Caroline Fox in Peoria, June 25, 1854. She was born in Sambild, Germany, in February, 1832; daughter of August and Clara (Blakel) Fox, natives of Alsace. Eight children were born of this marriage: Frederika, born May 14, 1855, married Jacob Badle, and they have three children— Frederick, John and Clara; Caroline, born December 2, 1857, married Charles Wood, and they have three children—Effie, Augustus and Lettie; Jacob, born December 2, 1860, married Anna Wusenband, and they have seven children—Robert, Mary, Caroline, Martha, Anna, Jacob and Lettie; Charlotte, born August 2, 1864, lives in Chicago; Clara, born December 7, 1869; George, born May 26, 1870; John, horn August 12, 1873; Lewis, born October 20, 1876. Mr. Birkel is a Republican. He is a member of the Lutheran and his wife of the Catholic Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BOOTZ, DANIEL OSCAR; Merchant, North Peoria; born in Peoria, January 10, 1859, is a son of Peter and Lydia (Kleinn) Bootz, natives, respectively, of Germany and of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Peter Bootz settled at Peoria while yet quite a young man and became an extensive manufacturer of brick, and the products of his yards entered into the construction of many old buildings now standing in the city. The house now occupied by Daniel Oscar Bootz was built by his mother after the death of his father. Formerly a farmer, Mr. Bootz has, during recent years, kept a feed store in North Peoria, and has given some attention to raising chickens for the Peoria market. He married Georgia N. Harrington, at Peoria, December 5, 1889, and they have three children: Hazel Elizabeth, Glena Alberta and David Allen. Mrs. Bootz was born in Peoria October 28, 1866, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Young) Harrington, natives, respectively, of Indiana and of Germany, who were married in Peoria. Mr. Harrington went from his native State to Missouri and thence to Peoria, where for ten years he was bookkeeper in Griggs' distillery. He died at thirty-five and was buried with Masonic honors. His widow died in her sixtieth year.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
BOOTZ, ROBERT B.; Farmer and Teamster, North Peoria; was born in Peoria, April 9, 1848, a son of Peter and Lydia (Kleinn) Bootz, the first mentioned of whom was born in Germany, the other in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Daniel Kleinn. Peter Bootz settled in Peoria when the town was small and married there, and was long a brick manufacturer, sometime of the firm of Bootz & McKinney, and was also successful as a farmer. He filled the office of Highway Commissioner in Richwoods Township and was otherwise prominent in local affairs. His death occurred when he was fifty-one years old, and that of his widow at sixty-three. Robert B. Bootz early gave attention to farming and, as a farmer, he has accomplished satisfactory results. During recent years he has engaged more and more extensively in teaming, and for four years was Superintendent of Streets in North Peoria. He is a Democrat and a member of the Union Congregational church. He married Orra C. Heylman in Peoria May 1, 1872, and they have four children: Ethel N., William R., Edward B. and Harold L. Mrs. Bootz was born in Peoria, January 19, 1856, a daughter of William T. and Sophia (Chapman) Heylman. Her father was born in Ohio, her mother in White Hall, New York. They were married in April, 1853, and resided in Peoria up to 1893, when they removed to Canton, Fulton County, where Mr. Heylman is employed as pattern-maker in the plow manufactory of Parlin & Orendorff.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
CORRINGTON, WASHINGTON; Farmer; born in Warren County, Ohio, June 24, 18l2, the son of Samuel and Ruth (Dickerson) Corrington, natives of New Jersey. His paternal grandparents were Joseph and Sarah (Worth) Corrington, and those on the maternal side, Walter and Penelope (Eaton) Dickerson. Both grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers and the father in the War of 1812. Washington Corrington married Elizabeth H. Chase in Ohio in 1836. Mrs. Corrington was born June 30, 1815, and died September 14, 1897. She was the daughter of Valentine Chase. Her grandfather, Abraham Chase, was a resident of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, and when a boy at the battle of Bunker Hill, carried water and ammunition to the soldiers. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Corrington: Laura N., now Mrs. John Hines, lives in Richwoods Township; Leander B. lives in Iowa; Mary, deceased; Louisa J., now Mrs. William Bratton, lives in Florida; Frank V. married for his first wife Louisiana Giles, after whose death he married Fannie Becker, and they reside on the old homestead; Emma I., who married Alonzo Wookey, and is now deceased, and Murray, who graduated from Knox College in 1879, and from Yale in 1881, where he took a prize of one hundred dollars in gold for the best essay at graduation. He is now a lawyer in New York City. Mr. Corrington was a merchant in Ohio, but removed to Peoria in 1846 and soon thereafter settled in Richwoods Township, where he bought forty acres of timber and brush land. He afterward purchased land in Knox and Stark Counties, and now has valuable property in Iowa and Florida, making a total of ten hundred and eighty acres of land. four hundred and eighty of which is located just north of the city of Peoria. Mr. Corrington served as Supervisor two years and as Township Treasurer of Schools sixteen years. He is a Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democrat, and an admirer of the character and life-work of Abraham Lincoln. The name Corrington is English and was formerly Coddington.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
FRYE, MARGARET (deceased), was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, December 9, 1829, a daughter of Margrune and Kasinda (Chiles) Belfrom, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio. Her father brought his family to Tazewell County, Illinois, in 1830, and was there at the time of the historic "deep snow." He had to send his corn as far as Galena to be ground and experienced other hardships of pioneer life. After some time, he bought and settled on land, now in Peoria, where the old sanitarium stood, and later owned several pieces of land within the present limits of Averyville and in Brimfield. He died in; Peoria and his wife on their Averyville property. Margaret Belfrom married Abraham Frye, at Peoria, January, 1854. Mr. Frye was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1814, the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Shaffer) Frye, and came to Illinois in 1839. He went back East in 1840, and returned with his father and all his family. His father bought land and settled in Richwoods Township, where he died in 1869, his wife in 1872. Abraham Frye owned a farm, of eighty acres in Richwoods Township and a quarter section in Iowa. He died February 23, 1898. The children of Abraham and Margaret (Belfrom) Frye are Frank P., Emma, Andrew Douglas, Ida May and William Everett. Two others—Richard Yates and Hervey L.—are dead.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
FRYE, REBECCA; Farmer; born in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1843; is the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Fasnacht) Johnston. The father was born in Youngstown and the mother at McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents were Robert and Rebecca (Dennison) Johnston, natives of Pittsburg. The maternal grandparents, Jacob and Christina (Krill) Fasnacht, were Pennsylvanians by birth. Thomas Johnston removed from Pennsylvania to Peoria County in 1850, reaching Peoria November 21. He first located in Medina Township, where he bought a farm and lived for some years, and then removed to Richwoods, where he settled on Section 5, and there spent the last ten years of his life, dying in 1867. His widow now lives with a daughter in Peoria. After receiving more than an ordinary education, Rebecca Johnston became the wife of Smith Frye, of Richwoods Townships, on May 22, 1862. Mr. Frye was born in Richwoods Township February 28, 1841, the son of Smith and Nancy (Shepler) Frye, natives of Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Frye and Shepler families built a keel-boat at Pittsburgh and in it followed the course of the rivers to Peoria in 1836. Mr. Frye settled on a farm in Richwoods Township and devoted himself to farming and stock raising. He built the first barn in Richwoods Township. He died in 1860 and his widow in 1882. Smith Frye, the second of that name, was a prosperous farmer and owned a handsome farm in Richwoods Township, and other valuable property. He died August 8, 1894. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frye, of whom ten are living: Thomas Elwood married Anne Hogan; Nellie M., wife of Zela M. Holmes; Charles Johnston, who married Sadie Finn; Fred Smith; Jay Shepler; Arnold Leroy; Margaret Marian; Sarah; Imogene Rebecca; Mary Hester, deceased; and Philip Earl. Margaret Imogene and Nellie graduated from the Peoria High. School. Charles graduated from Brown's Business College, Peoria. Mr. Frye and family reside in a handsome home on Section 6, where she has a fine farm of five hundred acres, besides four hundred acres of land in Iowa. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
FULTON, ALBERT; Farmer; born in Richwoods Township, October 8, 1842; son of Josiah Fulton and Augusta P. (Hughes) Fulton. The father was born in Virginia, February 10, 1800, and died March 5, 1894. The mother was born in Georgia in 1810 and died in 1887. Josiah Fulton was one of the six constituting Abner Eads' party who came to Fort Clark, now Peoria, in 1819. They were: Abner Eads, Josiah and Seth Fulton, Samuel
Daugherty, Thomas Russell, Joseph Hersey and John Davis. Josiah Fulton outlived all the others and died at the age of ninety-four. Josiah and Augusta Fulton had ten children: Nancy J. Sammis; Rebecca Mansfield, deceased; Elizabeth Slough, deceased: Samuel; Joseph; Mary McDermott; George; Albert; Josiah, deceased, and Jacob. On June 1, 1880, Albert Fulton was married in Peoria, to Emma Cartwright, born in Tazewell County, December 2, 1853, the daughter of William S. and Ann (Harrison) Cartwright. The father was born in Lincolnshire, England in 1821, and came to America in 1851. He first settled at Orange Prairie, but later came to Peoria, where he conducted a livery stable for many years. The mother was born and the parents were married in England. There were three children, two of whom are now living; Emma, now Mrs. Fulton, and Benjamin, Secretary of the Park Board in Peoria. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are: Charles A., born January 5, 1881; Effie A., born October 28, 1883; Mary A., born March 7, 1885; Olive P., born February 15, 1887; Jeannette, born March 14, 1889; Lucy E., born June 12, 1891. Mr. Fulton was educated in the common schools of his native township. He is a farmer, a Republican, and has been School Director for ten years.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
GAUWITZ, ANTON; Farmer and Market Gardener; born near Frankfort-on-the-Rhine, Germany, August 9, 1848; son of Anton and Elizabeth (Nix) Gauwitz, natives of Germany. The father and mother both died in 1893. Anton Gauwitz. Sr., brought his family to America and settled in Richwoods Township in 1854. He was a miner, lint from 1865 was engaged in farming. Anton, Jr., stayed with his father until he was twenty-three years old, and received for his services five hundred dollars. He bought twenty-five acres of land in 1875, one hundred and seventy-three acres in 1882, and one hundred and sixty acres for $5,000, and later thirty-three acres for $250. He now has three hundred and ninety-one acres of land, constituting a beautiful farm, with a considerable variety of fruits, and a fine residence, with water brought from a spring on the bluff. He married Harriet A. Thurston in Peoria, April 4, 1872. They have had nine children: William A., born 1873; David W., born 1876; Charles Frederick and Lottie Mahala (twins), born August 8, 1880; Frederica May, born in 1883; George Pearl, born in 1887; Joseph Joel, born in 1890, deceased; Leslie Richard, born in 1893, and Harriet Lucy, born in 1896. Mr. Gauwitz and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat and has served as School Director.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
GILES, NATHAN, Sr.; Farmer; born in Utica, New York, November 15, 1827, is the son of Thomas and Anna (Pickens) Giles, and grandson of Thomas and Sarah Giles, all natives of Wales. Thomas Giles, Jr., came to America in 1827, and resided in Utica, New York, until 1836, when he settled on eighty acres of land on Section 36, in Richwoods Township, and built a house on the site of the present residence of B. L. T. Bourland, where he died two years later. Nathan was in Wisconsin one year and came to Peoria in 1844. He worked in a brickyard, the first year after coming here, for his brothers, Joseph, William and Thomas, at ten dollars per month and board. Subsequently he was a partner in the same Business with William P. Bush, and, later, with William Giles. In 1849 he went to California and engaged in mining, returning in December, 1854. Following that he was a partner with his brother, William, in the manufacture of brick for four years. William retiring, he continued the business alone till 1877. The ten years following that date he spent on a farm and then removed to Peoria. On December 18, 1856, he was married in Pekin, Illinois, to Catherine Clausen, who was born in Hanover, Germany, November 18, 1821. They are the parents of five children: Margaret Ann Keithley; Louisiana Caroline Corrington, deceased; Olive Ann Sherwood; Clara Alice, and Andrew Nelson, who married Olive Poole, of Mossville. Mr. Giles is a Republican and has served as Supervisor ot Richwoods Township eleven successive years, He is also President of the Board of Trustees of North Peoria. He and Mrs. Giles are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have a beautiful home and are now enjoying the results of a life time of hard work and saving. They spent the winter of 1899 and 1900 in Florida.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
JUDD, WILLIAM G.; Farmer: born in Peoria, October 20, 1864; son of Jacob C. and Mary E. (Leggett) Judd. The father was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, June 11, 1836, and died March 21, 1898. He was the son of Roswell and Elizabeth (Liddle) Judd, the latter a native of England. The parents of Mary E. Leggett, who was born in New York City in 1843, were Walter Leggett, born in Scotland in 1787, and Jane (Smith) Leggett, born in New Jersey in 1808. He was a whip manufacturer and a wholesale and retail dealer in dry goods in New York City. All of his family were born in New York City, where he died. Jacob C. Judd settled in Trivoli Township in 1854 and his widow is still living. William G. Judd married Olive E. Dempsey in Richwoods Township, November 20, 1889. She is the daughter of William and Myra (Kellar) Dempsey. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Judd are: Myra C. E., born November 9, 1800; W. Dempsey, born August 3, 1892, and Alma E., born June 17, 1899. Mr. Judd was educated in the common schools of Richwoods Township. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and is a prosperous farmer. In politics he is a Republican.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
KOERNER, JOHN F.; Farmer; born February 6, 1859, in Kickapoo Township, Peoria County; is a son of Christian and Nancy A. (Stringer) Koerner, who were born, the father near Cincinnati, Ohio, the mother in Peoria. Jacob Koerner, his grandfather, was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. Christian Koerner settled on a farm in Kickapoo Township in 1847, and there his wife died in 1877 and there he lived till 1893. They were the parents of four children: John F., David William, Christine and Anna. Mr. Koerner was the owner of one hundred and ninety-two acres of land, ninety-two acres of which is on the Knoxville Road. John F. Koerner was educated in the common schools and at the Parrish Business College, and after the death of his father, he settled on a part of Section 5 in Richwoods Township, where he has been prominent in public affairs, serving as School Director in District No. 6 and as Township Assessor. He married Emma Sebruck in Peoria, March 5, 1892, and they have two children, named Ralph S. and Cora M. Mrs. Koerner was born in Pekin, Tazewell County, May 10, 1862, a daughter of John and Mary Sebruck, natives respectively, of New York and of Switzerland, but now deceased. Her father did gallant service in the army of the United States in the Mexican War and again in our Civil War.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
KRAKEL, CARL; Farmer; was born at Kunigelen, Germany, April 27, 1862, a son of Carl and Rosina (Reichau) Krakel, received a common school education in his native land, and came to the United States in 1883. After living for a time near Pekin, Tazewell County, he found employment, in the mines in Peoria County, and later bought and for seven years lived on a small place on the Knoxville Road. Then he exchanged that property for land in Section 7, where, on sixty acres, he raises fruit and vegetables for the Peoria market. He is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. August 24, 1887, he married, at Peoria, Mary Athens, who was born in Mason County, December 15, 1862, a daughter of Henry W. and Mary (Remsten) Athens. Mr. Athens, a native of Ostfriesland. Germany, came to America in 1849 and settled in Limestone Township, Peoria County, but later went to Mason County, where he married. He returned to Peoria County in 1874 and died in Limestone Township the following year, and his widow, also a native of Ostfriesland, lives in her home with their daughter at Peoria. The elder Carl Krakel died in Germany in 1870, and his widow, who lives with a daughter in Peoria, came to the United States in 1882. Carl and Mary (Athens) Krakel have three children, Edna Rosina, Frederick Frank and Henry John.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
KREILING, JOHN; Retired Farmer, North Peoria; is a son of Philip and Catharine Kreiling and was born in Germany, August 20, 1828. He was only a boy when his father died, and, at the age of twenty-two, he sailed for the United States and on the voyage met and fell in love with Catharine Leuder, daughter of John and Catharine Leuder, whom he married in mid-ocean. He landed at Philadelphia with a cash capital of only forty cents and sold his watch to secure money with which to pay his fare and that of his wife to New York, where he had a friend and where he engaged in making baskets. Eventually he went to Ashland County, Ohio, and worked there for brewers and brick manufacturers seven years. He arrived at Peoria in 1859 and there, in 1860, he voted for Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency. He bought a farm in Richwoods Township, on which he lived some years and which he still owns. His present home is in North Peoria, where he owns a house and lot. He is a Republican and as such was elected Justice of the Peace and School Director in Richwoods Township, serving eight years in the office last mentioned. Mrs. Kreiling was born in 1825, and after the death of her mother in Germany came to America with her father, who settled and died at St. Louis. She has borne her husband children as follows: Helen, who is married and lives in Chicago; William, of Peoria; and Aurelia, also married and lives in Peoria.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
KUHNE, CHRISTIAN; Dairyman, North Peoria; was born in Beardstown, Illinois, April 14, 1850, the son of Christian and Mary Kuhne, natives of Switzerland, both of whom died in Illinois, the latter in 1849. The elder Christian Kuhne settled "on the bluff" and was long engaged in dairying, and the son has been in the dairy business since his boyhood, his operations having been so extensive at times that he has kept as many as one hundred cows. Mr. Kuhne married Rickey Spanier, at Peoria, in 1880, and they had six children: Delia, Rickey, Minnie, Emma, Christian and Ulrich. Mrs. Kuhne, who died January 10, 1900, was born in Richwoods Township in 1861, the daughter of Casper and Dora Spanier, natives of Germany, who settled near Kellar Station, in Richwoods Township, before 1860, and engaged in farming. Mr. Spanier is dead. Mr. Kuhne is a Democrat and an influential citizen. His residence is at No. 1213 Flye Avenue, North Peoria.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
McKINNEY, ELIZA; widow of John E. McKinney, North Peoria; was born in New York City January 13, 1827; daughter of William and Sarah (Clayton) Stratton. The paternal grand-father was William Stratton and the maternal grandmother Betsy Clayton. Her ancestors on the father's side were natives of Ireland, and on the mother's, of New Jersey. William Stratton was a dairyman in New York City. He came to Logan Township with his family in 1837, and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he converted into a farm. He died aged about eighty years. Eliza Stratton and John E. McKinney were married in Logan Township in 1846. Mr. McKinney was born in Ohio, June 27, 1826, the son of Davis and Abigail McKinney, natives of Ohio. They came to Peoria County in 1837 and settled in Logan Township, where Mr. McKinney bought a large tract of land. He retired from the farm and moved to Peoria where he and his wife died. Mr. and Mrs. John E. McKinney lived in Peoria County from the time of their marriage for three years in Logan Township, when they took up their permanent residence in Richwoods. He was an extensive manufacturer of brick and was engaged in that occupation until about five years before his death, which occurred February 12, 1898. He was successful in business and owned several houses and lots, both in Peoria, and in North Peoria. Mr. McKinney was a Republican. Mrs. McKinney is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Five children were born to them: Luther B., who married Tillie Faye; Julia Ann, the wife of John Buttrick; Sarah Jane, now Mrs. James Flannigan; William J., who married Emma Maux, and Lillie Maud, now Mrs. Sherman Hines.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
ONYUN, JOHN A., Compositor, Peoria, born in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, September 24, 1849; son of Addison and Mary (Harrigan) Onyun. The father was born in West Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1812, and the mother in Ireland. Addison Onyun settled in Greenbush, New York, where he engaged in teaming. In 1856 he moved to Gladstone, Illinois, where he bought and shipped cattle to the Eastern markets. In 1861 he removed to Lacon, where he fed cattle at the distilleries for some time. He died August 12, 1880, and Mrs. Onyun, February 6, 1873. John A. Onyun began to learn the printer's trade in 1865 at Lacon, Illinois, and worked at it there until 1871, and then moved to Peoria and worked at his trade until July 1, 1873, when he was appointed as a letter carrier, which position he held until October 15, 1886. From 1886 to 1894 he was in the
printing business. He then started a paper on the co-operative plan, of which he was manager and treasurer. He continued with this until it was merged into the "Peoria Transcript." He is now employed in the Government Printing Office at Washington. D. C. He married Lucie Burns in Peoria, December 25, 1873, and they have four children: Jessie A., Clarence A., Archie Ray, and Rolla Glenn. Mrs. Onyun was born in Peoria, September 27, 1851, daughter of David and Matilda (Thomas) Burns. The father was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and the mother in England. The grandfather, John Burns, was born in Pennsylvania. The grand-father, Samuel Thomas, was born in Wales. David Burns came to Peoria in June, 1842 and is still living. He was a carpenter. His wife came from England in 1836, and is now dead. Mr. Onyun is a Republican. His wife, daughter, and two youngest sons are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
SIPP, FRED; Farmer; born April 15, 1848, in Butler County, Ohio; is the son of Adam and Veronica (Schamber) Sipp. Adam Sipp was born in Rhein Kreis, Bavaria, January 11, 1816, the son of William; and Abbie (Braum) Sipp, the former a native of Rhein Kreis, and the latter of Hesse Darmstadt. John and Philippina Sipp were also natives of Bavaria. John and William, Sipp were both weavers. John and his wife died aged about seventy-eight years. William served a year and a half under Napoleon Bonaparte, and accompanied the Great Army part of the way on the famous march to Moscow. He died aged about seventy-eight, and his wife at the age of fifty-five. Adam Sipp came to America in 1839, and settled in Butler County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm two years and engaged in other employment, then rented a farm upon which he worked four years.
In 1851 he came to Peoria and settled in Richwood's Township on the south half of the northwest quarter of Section 20, which was then covered with brush. This he converted into a farm to which he has since added eighty acres. He married Veronica Schamber at Hamilton, Ohio, in 1843. She is the daughter of John and Anna Maria (Lehmiller) Schamber. Mr. Schamber was a weaver by trade, and came to America and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1831, but afterward moved to Missouri, where he died at the age of seventy. His wife died at the age of fifty-two. He and two of his sons were soldiers, under the Great Napoleon. The sons never returned to their home and probably were killed or died of hardship. William Sipp came to America and settled in Ohio after Adam Sipp came to this country. His wife died in that State before 1857. His death occurred later. Adam Sipp lost his left arm while working about a threshing machine in 1856. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Reformed Lutheran Church. They are the parents of six children; William, married Dorothea Besser, and died at the age of thirty-seven, leaving two children; Adam, died in infancy; Fred; Adam (the second), deceased ; Mary, and Veronica. Fred married Rickey Mannott, born in Peoria, daughter of Jurgen and Gustina (Broer) Mannott. They have five children: George Adam, William, Robert, Emma and Freda. Mr. and Mrs. Sipp are members of the Lutheran Church. They live on the paternal homestead, which he cultivates, together with eighty acres he owns. He is a Republican. He is now serving his second term as Road Commissioner; has been School Director for twenty years.
from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
VAN RENSSELAER, ROBERT H.: Merchant; Peoria; born in Morris, Otsego County, New York, December 30, 1845, a son of Robert Henry and Joanna (Franchot) Van Rensselaer, is a direct descendant of Kilhan Van Rensselaer, a rich pearl merchant of Amsterdam, Holland, who was patroon of a large tract of land on the Hudson granted to him by the Holland Government in 1631. Henry I. Van Rensselaer, born in 1742 and died in 1814, an extensive land-owner and manufacturer and a prominent officer in the Revolutionary army, was a direct descendant of the patroon and the great-grandfather of Robert H. Van Rensselaer, of Peoria. His son, Robert Henry Van Rensselaer (grandfather of Robert H.), a native of Claverack, Columbia County, New York, married Anne Ten Broeck, born in New York State, and was elected Judge in 1813. Robert Henry Van Rensselaer (father) was born at Claverack, June 17, 1817, and died March 5, 1888. He was a merchant and later a farmer and breeder of fine cattle. His wife, Joanna (Franchot) Van Rensselaer, was born at Morris, New York, in 1817, and died June 26, 1895. Pascal Franchot, her father, was born in Lorraine, France, in 1774, and married Catharine Hanson, who was born of an old Dutch family of New York. Robert H. Van Rensselaer, Jr., at eighteen years of age, went to Blossburg, Pennsylvania, where he was a clerk in the office of a coal company. In 1866-68 he was in the employ of the Phoenix Life Insurance Company at Hartford, Connecticut. On account of impaired health, in 1868 he went to California by way of the Isthmus and remained there four years in the employ of the Central Pacific Railroad Company and as a farmer in the Sacramento Valley. In 1872-78 he was in Utah, and 1878-83 in Montana, where he was a clerk in the lumber business. He came to Peoria County in 1883 and opened a store at Jubilee, whence, in the fall of 1890 he removed to his present location, No. 902 Kansas Avenue, North Peoria. Mr. Van Rensselaer married Caroline Gallup in Peoria, July 23, 1884. She is the daughter of George D. and Lucinda (Powell) Gallup, both of whom died in Ohio—the latter when Mrs. Van Rensselaer was an infant. Politically, Mr. Van Rensselaer is a Republican. He was brought up in the Episcopal faith, but never a member of any church. Earlier generations of his family on his father's side were members of the Dutch Reformed Church. The old family mansion in New York, where he was born, was a fine stone building, fashioned after the style of two centuries ago. It was built in 1814, by a great-uncle of Mr. Van Rensselaer.from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902
WEST, JAMES C.; Teamster; was born in Woodford County, Illinois, November 24, 1851. His father. James, and his mother, Catherine (Cress) West, were natives of Virginia. The maternal grandparents were Jacob and Betsy Cress, natives of Virginia. The grandfather was in the Revolutionary War. James West came to Peoria when this city was a hamlet, and shot deer on the site of the court house. He was a mason and also a manufacturer of brick. He subsequently moved to Woodford County, where he owned a farm, and where he died at the age of seventy-six years. His widow afterwards lived with her son James C., and died at his house, at the age of eighty-three years. James C. West first engaged in the wholesale and retail fish business in Peoria, which he conducted thirteen years. He formerly owned a farm of one hundred and ninety acres in Tazewell County, which he exchanged for property in Peoria. He now owns three dwellings and several building lots; also a farm of eighty acres of timber land in Woodford County. For several years he was engaged in the retail oil business, but now does teaming and sprinkling. He married Sarah Havens in Tazewell County, February 13, 1873. She was born in Dear Creek Township, Tazewell County, February 9, 1852, the daughter of James and Hanna Elizabeth (McGuinis) Havens. The father was born in New Jersey, July 3, 1828. The mother was a native of Tennessee. He lives in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. West are the parents of two children; James R., and Julia Elsie. James R. married Juanita Waughe, and has two children: Verna and Harold. Julia married William Kaminskyand has one child, Margia. Mr. West is a member of the United Brethren Church, also of the Maccabees and Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat.from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Volume II, 1902