Baldwin, William J. farmer, Sec. 13, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; is the only son of a family of two children of Capt. Thomas Baldwin and Letetia Jackson, both natives of the "Keystone State," where they were married in 1834. Their only daughter, Fannie, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Coffey, of Peoria. Capt. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 7, 1804, near Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Col. Robert Baldwin, owned a large farm and a flouring mill, located on Chartier's creek. In shipping their flour to market, Captain and his brother conveyed it up the river in canoes and other small crafts, which was a tedious process, and young Thomas resolved, while a mere youth, to do what he could to develop a better system of water transportation, and such progress had he made in the area of boating that at the age of nineteen years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river. Nature had so well adapted him to his chosen work, that he became one of the leading steamboat men of his time; devoted forty-five years of his life to it, during which he built and was sole, or part, owner of twenty-six steamboats, a number of which were among the finest and swiftest upon the western rivers. Captain Baldwin's boating experience was chiefly upon the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He removed to Peoria in 1844, and when the California gold fever broke out in 1849, Commodore Vanderbilt selected him to superintend a line of steamers to Central America, that being then the principal route, at a salary of $10,000 a year. His health failing, he resigned the position at the end of ten months, and Mr. Vanderbilt presented him with a check for $10,000 in gold. Soon after the beginning of the late civil war he offered his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he was put in command of a transport vessel; later was appointed to the command of the gunboat Romeo, which he retained till the close of the war. He then retired from active business, and on Aug. 23, 1879, died at his residence in Peoria, ending a very active and useful life. Mrs. B. still occupies the elegant homestead on East Bluff. William J., being infused with the prevailing patriotic spirit of the times, enlisted, secretly, though a mere boy, and was in the army nearly a year, when his mother, after much effort, secured his discharge. He married Miss Jennie Scholes, a native of Peoria county. They have three children, Leon, Harry C. and Letetia.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Mark Morrill Aiken
Aiken, Mark Morrill, real estate dealer, 116 N. Washington street, is the son of Nathaniel and Susannah (Morrill) Aiken. He was born in Deering, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, June 21, 1808. His great-grandfather, Edward Aiken, emigrated from the north of Ireland to Londonderry, New Hampshire, about 1722. He had three sons, Nathaniel, James and William. Nathaniel had five sons, Edward, John, James, Thomas and William. The latter settled in Deering, New Hampshire. He married Betsey Woodburn. She was the daughter of David Woodburn. David Woodburn and wife were the maternal grandparents of Horace Greeley. One daughter, Betsey, married William Aiken; another daughter, Mary, married Zaccheus Greeley, from whom Horace Greeley was descended. The offspring of William Aiken and Betsey Woodburn was Nathaniel Aiken. He married Susannah Morrill. There were five children as the fruit of this marriage, Mark M. Aiken being the first. He bears his mother's patronymic for his middle name. He received a common school education. In the same class with him was a boy who has since made a noise in the theological world -- Rev. Parker Pillsbury. When he was sixteen years old, he began to look about for employment. He had a maternal uncle in New York City, who visited his father every Summer. He took a fancy to Mark, and told him if he would come to New York he would get him something to do. Mark was reported to be a good scholar, and he took a certificate from the select men of the town of Deering, giving a list of his qualifications, and their opinion of his character. Armed with this, on the 17th of March, 1824, he and his uncle called upon the Harper Bros., the well known printing firm. It consisted then of but two members, James and John. Mark presented his certificate and they read it over and laughed at it, and set him at work reading a book on political economy. This was his examination. It proved satisfactory. The Harpers then said he could come on trial, and if he proved satisfactory he could be indentured. He went to board with John Harper. He stayed with them until 1830, and then his health failed. They fitted him out with a lot of books and sent him to Charleston, South Carolina. He sold the books and returned. In 1832, he started a job office at 54 Liberty Street, New York city. Here he found Horace Greeley. As they were remotely related they struck up a sort of partnership, Greeley canvassed for jobs, and Aiken did the work, and paid him a commission. This continued until 1833, and then Aiken sold out his office. Greeley took part of it, and a man by the name of S. D. Childs, whose son is now a wood engraver in Chicago, bought the other part. Childs had married Mark's eldest sister. It was a losing venture for Mark because Childs never paid. Then Aiken took a lot of copies of a medical work by A. Sidney Doane, a professor in the New York Medical College, and started West. He stopped at the principal towns and sold the book. He went to Pittsburgh, and from there to St. Louis by steamer. While running his job office, he had printed a catalogue for the Western Land Co. of the Military Tract, Ill. He had acquired one or two patents in payment for his work, and so he concluded to run up the river and see about it. Dr. Berrien, an Episcopal clergyman of the city of New York, had a large list of land, or a plat, that he thought was located in Peoria. Mark was instructed to give this to his agent, a man by the name of Capt. Howard. He took the steamer Champion, and landed here the 28th of October, 1833. Here he went into the land business, and, in 1836, formed a partnership with the late Geo. C. Bestor. This continued until 1840. Since then he has been alone. The only offices he has ever held are school inspector, commissioner for condemning and opening streets, assessor for two years, and he is now finishing his second term as a member of the board of health. In politics he has always been an anti-slavery radical. He voted for John Quincy Adams for President in 1832, and acted with the Abolitionists until the Republican party was formed. He voted that ticket up to the nomination of Horace Greeley, when he voted for Greeley. Mr. Aiken's mental abilities are still unimpaired. He has always been an earnest lover of liberty, and his benevolence is known far and wide. He gave the ground on which the First Methodist church stands. He and Asahel Hale owned it together. They made a donation of it to the church. Mr. Aiken is a firm believer in helping people help themselves. More than one man owes his success in life to the sympathy, wise counsel, and practical sense that Mr. Aiken gave him. In this respect he has been emphatically guide, counselor and friend to multitudes.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Benjamin Alberts
Alberts, Benjamin, saloon, 112 S. Washington street. Was born on the 17th day of May, 1839, in New Orleans, La. Left there in 1842, went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained twenty-two years, from thence to Lexington, Ky., and remained two years, thence to Terre Haute, Ind., and remained nine years. Came to Peoria in 1873. Married Josie Kemper, Jan. 21, 1880; has been in business for himself in Peoria one year. Politics, Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Henry Albrecht
Albrecht, Henry, druggist, 111 S. Washington street. Son of Henry and Elizabeth (Kunz) Albrecht, natives of Switzerland, where the subject of this sketch was born (at Zurich) on the 13th day of December, 1842, and received a good education. In 1864 came to America and settled in Peoria; embarked in the grocery business, but finding it hard to get along on account of the language, went into an American family and learned the language; afterward embarked into the drug business, which he has made a success. Carries a full line of drugs, paints, oils, lamps, and notions usually kept in a first-class store, and is one of the largest retail dealers in the city. Married Miss Catherine Sing; she was born in Tazewell county, Ill., April 1, 1844; they have three children, Louisa, Nellie, and Lillie. Members of the German M. E. Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Alexander Allison
Allison, Alexander (deceased), carriage manufacturer, res. 809 Fayette street, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., on the 17th day of December, 1825 (was the son of Joseph and Martha Allison). Came to Peoria county about 1844, and engaged in the blacksmith business, and afterwards engaged in the manufacturing of carriages (He died Nov. 24, 1873). Was a member of the Universalist Church, and a consistent Christian, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. Married Miss Caroline Jeffers, daughter of Jesse and Jane Jeffers. Her mother coming to this county as early as May, 1833, was one of the seven who formed the first Presbyterian Church in Peoria, of which she was a member until her death, which occurred July 10, 1852. There were six children of her mother's family, two of whom are living, Mrs. Theodore Adams, of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Allison. Mrs. A. says there were only five frame houses in the city when they first came, and the prairie dogs made the nights hideous with their howling.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Joseph Armfield
Armfield, Joseph, teaming, 123 Main street, was born in Burlington, Iowa, April 3, 1846. His father was a native of North Carolina. He was raised, attended school, and afterwards engaged in teaming business in his native city, coming to Peoria in 1862. On coming, he started his present business, and has continued it without a break; has four teams constantly employed, and does the largest express business in the city. He married in Quincy, Ill., in the Winter of 1866, Sarah Layman, a native of Quincy, by whom he has had five children, four now alive, Mary, Susan, Ida, and Frank. Mrs. Armfield is a member of the M. E. Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Dr. John D. Arnold
Arnold, Dr. John D. (deceased), was born in the town of Collins, in the State of New York, June 8, 1820; studied medicine at Buffalo, N.Y.; attended for a considerable time the New York College of Surgeons, and finally graduated at Alleghany Medical College at Meadville, Pa. He commenced the practice of medicine at Springville, N.Y., with Dr. Emmons. In the Spring of 1847 he emigrated to Galveston, Texas, remaining ther but one year, when he removed to Peoria and resumed the practice of medicine, soon establishing an extensive and lucrative practice. In 1854 the Doctor was elected to the State Senate, where he served four years with general acceptance to his constituency. In 1859 he was elected mayor of this city, and served for one year, his administration of public affairs always being conservative and prudent, with enough of energy to keep matters moving. In 1861 he was appointed consul to St. Petersburg by President Lincoln, leaving for his post in May of that year. His close application to his profession had impaired his health, and made great encroachments upon his vigorous constitution. The rigorous climate of St. Petersburg proved too severe for his health, and after close confinement to his apartments during the severity of a Russian Winter, he recovered sufficiently to return home in the Spring of 1862 in very feeble health, was very soon confined to his bed, and after a lingering illness of some three months, died in April, 1863. In politics the Doctor was a Whig, and when the Whig party went down he joined his political fortunes with the Republicans. He was of a lively social turn of mind, and enjoyed the friendship, esteem, and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was a man of quick perception, great energy and perseverence.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Frank W. Ash
Ash, Frank W., sign write and painter, res. 209 N. Adams street, is the oldest of three children of Horace F. Ash and Nancy Garrett, and was born in Springfield, Ill., on July 14, 1844. His mother died when he was but four years old, and he lived chiefly with his grandfather Garrett during childhood and youth; came to Peoria first with his uncle Aurean Garrett in 1854, whose father was a very early settler in Peoria county. Soon after the first call for troops he enlisted in the 8th Ill. Inf., but being a minor his grandfather secured his discharge at the end of three months. In the Fall of 1862 he again enlisted in Co. A, 77th Reg., I.V.I., and served till the close of the war; was discharged in July, 1865. He participated in some ten battles under Gen. Grant. Attended school one term after returning home, then went into the painting business. On Nov. 10, 1872, married Alice Doyle, in Pekin, who was born in Louisville, Ky.; settled for six months in Bloomington, Ill., thence removed to Pekin for a short time, and came to Peoria in April, 1874. Their family consists of two sons, Frank Martin, born Nov. 10, 1873, and Augustus Auren, born Sept. 10, 1875. Mr. A.'s father was a man of extraordinary mental powers, and though dependent entirely upon his own efforts, attained to the position of treasurer of the State of Illinois; and was at the time of his son's birth, filling the office of assistant auditor of State.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
W. W. Atwood
Atwood, W. W., superintendent of the Grange Co-operative store, 229 S. Washington street, son of Hiram and Aurilla (Douglass) Atwood; mother a native of Connecticut, and father of Vermont. In 1819 father went to McComb county, Michigan, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 10th day of April, 1836; was reared on a farm and received a common school education, also attended commercial school one term, which gave him a fair knowledge of business. Came to Peoria county in 1855, and immediately commenced manufacturing bottled beer, or pop, and continued in the same for five years. Afterwards commenced the boot and shoe trade and carried on that three years. Thence on a farm eight miles from Peoria on the Knoxville road, and in 1878 came to Peoria and took charge of the grange store. Married Miss Margaret Frye, daughter of Smith Frye, one of the prominent men in the county. She was born in this county March 21, 1839. The fruit of this marriage is ten children, viz.: Charles, George, Mary, Smith, Willie, Douglass, Henry, Percy, Aurilla, and Phoeba.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Aumer
Aumer, John, grocer, 823 N. Monroe street, was born Feb. 16, 1830, in Germany; emigrated to the United States in 1855, and located in Baltimore, where he remained three years; thence to Chicago, Ill., and remained a short time; thence to Peoria and worked at the baker business; engaged in the grocery business in 1870. In 1858 married Miss Mary Miller, by whom there are two children, one boy and one girl. They are both members of the Catholic Church. They have succeeded in business and have several fine houses and lots.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gilman W. Avery
Avery, Gilman W., furniture manufacturer and dealer, Nos. 114, 116, 118 and 120 Main street, was born in Greenfield, N. H., March 14, 1835. Parents were Amos and Lydia Avery, nee Evans, both natives of that State. Mr. A. is the sixth of a family of six sons and four daughters; was educated in the common schools and at Kimball academy, Meriden, N. H.; went to Missouri when twenty years old and engaged in teaching; after earning some money returned to New Hampshire and attended school for a time, then went back to Missouri and taught school, in all three years. January 18, 1860, he married Ellen Haywood in Jaffrey, N. H., and came West; engaged in general merchandising, including furniture, in Lebanon, Mo., in August, 1861; left there in 1862 to escape violence at the hands of the rebels, and came to Illinois, losing their entire property of nearly $15,000 value. After two years spent in same business elsewhere, settled in Peoria in 1864, and forming a partnership with F. J. Comstock, established the present business on a limited scale, which has grown to large and increasing dimensions under his judicious and energetic management. His marital union has resulted in three children, two living, Frank E., born July 21, 1861, and Fred H., born Aug. 1, 1873; Granville died at five years of age. Mr. A. having started in life with no cash capital, and once lost the results of several years' labor, his years have been full of struggle and hard work, but have yielded flattering results, due largely to close attention to details, and the assistance of a true helpmate, who, with a fine education, combined diligence in business. Mr. A. has served the city in the Board of Aldermen. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
William Bachman
Bachman, William, (deceased,) 208 Goodwin street, was born in Germany. Emigrated to America and located in Peoria, Ills., where he carried on a book and toy store until his death, which occurred by drowning July 31, 1878. Mrs. Bachman was born August 7, 1841 in Switzerland. They were married May, 1857, and have had seven children; those living are William, Anna, Herman, Ida A., and Frederick. Two deceased, Larua and Clark. Owns a neat residence where she lives, worth $3,000.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Bernard Bailey
Bailey, Bernard, justice of the peace, 110 1/2 N. Adams street, was born in Howard county, Md., March 26, 1812, and is the son of Vincent and Susanna (Barnard) Bailey, natives of Chester county, Pa. He left his native county in 1829 with his parents, and coming to St. Louis stayed there a few months, and then came on to Illinois and settled in Tazewell county. He taught school there for some time and worked at an ox mill which his father and brother had built. He then moved to Pekin, where, for the next two or three years, he worked at the grocery business, and afterwards at wagon making for a little over a year, saving up, by rigid economy, about $500, and by its aid read law with his brother for two years; taught school in Sand Prairie township for six months, and thence removed to Mercer county, Ill., where he practice law for one year, having been admited to the bar at Springfield in 1840. He married in January, 1841, at Millersburg, in the last named county, Miss Arabella Gilmore, a Creole and native of Louisiana, and removed to that State, engaged in sugar and cotton planting in the parish of East Baton Rouge until 1848, when he returned to Pekin, Ill. He was elected mayor of that city in the years 1849 and 1850, and was the first to hold the office. He bought out the Tazewell Mirror, and after conducting it for about six months, disposed of it and in 1852 came to Peoria and purchased an interest in the Peoria Republican, in the publication of which he was associated with Thos. J. Pickett. Disagreeing shortly afterwards on a matter of politics, he disposed of his interest and devoted himself for about a year to the business of insurance agent, and then engaged in the boot and shoe business, in which he remained until 1856, when he was elected justice of the peace, and has held the office, with the exception of about one and a half years, ever since. He is the oldest acting justice in Peoria. He has held the office of city and township collector for one term each. The fruits of his marriage were eleven children, only four of whom are now alive, May, Samuel P., Bernard and Ellie.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
George W. Baker
Baker, George W., attorney at law, 112 N. Adams street, was born in Lowell, Mass., May 29, 1840, and is the son of Samuel R. and Mary B. (Carr) Baker. His father was a native of Massachusetts and his mother of New Hampshire. He was raised and educated in his native State and came to Peoria county March 26, 1856. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 8th Mo. Vol. Inf., Col. Morgan L. Smith commanding, as private, and was promoted 1st Lieutenant May, 1862; was mustered out July 8, 1864. He then raised in Peoria, Co. I, in 146th Ill. Inf., and was commissioned its Captain. While with his first regiment he took part in seventeen engagements, besides many skirmishes, and in the latter one did duty in Illinois most of the time; was one of the officers detailed to act as guard of honor at President Lincoln's burial at Springfield, and was finally mustered out of the service July 8, 1865, and, returning to Peoria, commenced the study of law with Hon. W. W. O'Brien, and was admitted to the bar January 18, 1870, since when he has continued to practice in Peoria. He married in February, 1873, Miss Juliette A. Edgecombe, a native of Ottawa, Ill., by whom he has had four children, two now alive, George E. and Leon H. His father died in 1855, and his mother is still alive and resides with him. Has been secretary of Peoria Shooting Club for three years, and for one year secretary of Illinois State Sportman's Association; has always taken a strong interest in matters connected with field sports. In politics is a red-hot Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
William Baldwin
Baldwin, William J. farmer, Sec. 13, was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; is the only son of a family of two children of Capt. Thomas Baldwin and Letetia Jackson, both natives of the "Keystone State," where they were married in 1834. Their only daughter, Fannie, is now the wife of Dr. H. T. Coffey, of Peoria. Capt. Thomas Baldwin was born on Dec. 7, 1804, near Pittsburg, Pa., where his father, Col. Robert Baldwin, owned a large farm and a flouring mill, located on Chartier's creek. In shipping their flour to market, Captain and his brother conveyed it up the river in canoes and other small crafts, which was a tedious process, and young Thomas resolved, while a mere youth, to do what he could to develop a better system of water transportation, and such progress had he made in the area of boating that at the age of nineteen years he was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river. Nature had so well adapted him to his chosen work, that he became one of the leading steamboat men of his time; devoted forty-five years of his life to it, during which he built and was sole, or part, owner of twenty-six steamboats, a number of which were among the finest and swiftest upon the western rivers. Captain Baldwin's boating experience was chiefly upon the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. He removed to Peoria in 1844, and when the California gold fever broke out in 1849, Commodore Vanderbilt selected him to superintend a line of steamers to Central America, that being then the principal route, at a salary of $10,000 a year. His health failing, he resigned the position at the end of ten months, and Mr. Vanderbilt presented him with a check for $10,000 in gold. Soon after the beginning of the late civil war he offered his services to the Government, which were accepted, and he was put in command of a transport vessel; later was appointed to the command of the gunboat Romeo, which he retained till the close of the war. He then retired from active business, and on Aug. 23, 1879, died at his residence in Peoria, ending a very active and useful life. Mrs. B. still occupies the elegant homestead on East Bluff. William J., being infused with the prevailing patriotic spirit of the times, enlisted, secretly, though a mere boy, and was in the army nearly a year, when his mother, after much effort, secured his discharge. He married Miss Jennie Scholes, a native of Peoria county. They have three children, Leon, Harry C. and Letetia.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Charles Ballance
BALLANCE, CHARLES (deceased), attorney at law, settled in the village of Peoria in 1831, being one of the three first lawyers in the place. He descended from an ancient family of Durham, England, but his ancestors immigrated to Virginia over two centuries ago. His grandfather, Charles Ballance, was killed in the war of the revolution. Willis Ballance, the father of the subject of this sketch, married Miss Rejoice Greene, of Virginia. Charles was born in Madison County, Ky., Nov. 10, 1800; his educational opportunities were limited to the common schools and his individual efforts; taught several Winters to defray current expenses while pursuing his studies. To his innate desire for knowledge were supplemented an indomitable will and splendid memory, which soon gave him a well stored mind. He spent about thirty years of the prime of his life in the "French claims" legal controversy which so perplexed and harassed the early American settlers of Peoria. He seemed to be the only attorney who possessed the faith and courage to battle in behalf of the early settlers against those old claims. But he fought to the bitter end, carrying the matter from one court to another, until he won a final triump and forever silencing the last French claimant and leaving the rightful owners in peaceful possession of their property. Mr. Ballance had in early times purchased a largt tract of land in the lower end of the city where some of those French claims rested, and the successful results of his litigations forever removed the incubus from his, as well as his neighbors', lands. Those contests gave him a knowledge of the laws bearing upon real estate, which rendered him famous as a land title lawyer. In addition to his extensive legal labors, Mr. B found time to prepare and publish a history of Peoria in 1870, a book of 270 pages, which was the last work of his life. He was elected alderman from the 1st ward in 1852, and mayor of the city in 1855. Mr. B. married Julia Schnebly, of Peoria, in 1855, who born him ten children, ------ living. He died on August 10, 1872, leaving an extensive estate, chiefly lying in the lower end of the city, and much of it is now occupied by the large manufactories in that quarter.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
William H. Ballard
Ballard, William H., lumber merchant, corner Washington and Fayette streets, is the pioneer now in that branch of trade in Peoria, having been engaged in it since 1849. Mr. B. was born in 1819, in the city of St. Louis, his father, James H. Ballard, being then stationed there as a lieutenant in the regular army, in which service he died in 1822, at St. Augustine. His widow, formerly Miss Maria C. Darling married again when William H. was nineteen years old, and died three years after. Mr. B. lived chiefly with his grandfather in New Hampshire, until he attained his majority; spent one Winter in Florida; thence came to Peoria in 1848. In January, 1857, he married Ermina Trusdale, in Peoria, a native of Ohio. Less than two years after she died, leaving a daughter, Mina. Mr. Ballard married again in the Fall of 1862, to Anna Wentworth, born in New Hampshire, left an orphan in infancy, and brought up and educated by Judge J. Smith, of that State. Three living children are the fruit of the second marriage, Helen M., Charles R., and Edward B. Mr. Ballard steadily devoted his attention for thirty-one years to the lumber trade, and has been fairly prosperous; owns several pieces of property in the city, and the annual sales from the yard reach a million feet.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Adolph Barnewolt
Barnewolt, Adolph, grocer, 701 Plank road, was born on the first day of August, 1843, in Hanover, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1856; located in Peoria. Married Miss Mary E. Mitchel, Nov. 20, 1865, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Peoria in 1861. They were blessed with five children, two boys and three girls living: Henry, born May 31, 1869; Catherine, born Aug. 20, 1871; Elizabeth, born July 19, 1869, and Myron and May (twins), born July 21, 1876. One died in infancy. Mr. B. is a member of the order of Druids, I.O.O.F. and Knights of Honor. Politics, Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Barrett
Barrett, John, retired mechanic, res. 103 Greenleaf street, was born in Hampshire county, Va., June 10, 1812; is the son of Nathan and Sarah J. (Unglesbe) Barrett. When seventeen years of age, he went to Clark county, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter trade; married Isabel Mackentire, when twenty-one years old, and settled there. Mrs. Barrett died about twelve years after their marriage, having been the mother of five children, none of whom are living. Mr. B came to Peoria in 1850; pursued his trade till disabled by a stroke of palsy in 1868. In August, 1851, he married Lydia Oakley nee Dewey, a native of Pennsylvania, but has been a resident of Peoria county forty-six years. They have one child, now Mrs. Caroline Schupp, of Peoria. Mrs. B has two children by her first husband, Obediah Oakley (deceased), Mrs. Sarah Roberts and Obediah Okaley. She has lived in their homestead thirty-three years; settled there when they crossed a cornfield to get to the house.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Barron
Barron, John, maltster and grain commission merchant, 420 S. Walter street, was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, and came to America alone in 1850, landing at New York, Dec. 4 of that year. The next four years he spent in New York and Philadelphia, and came to Illinois in 1854; was railroad boss on C., B & Q. R. R., between Peoria and Hannibal, for about five years, and afterwards moved to Peoria city, where he has since resided. He began dealing in grain in August, 1864, and the manufacture of malt in 1869. Also began to manufacture brick in the latter year, and still runs a brick yard on Elizabeth street. He turns out from his malt house 36, 000 bushels a year. Mr. Barron also owns a large saloon on S. Washington street. He owns several houses and lots in the city, and is a member of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Henry G. Becker
Becker, Henry G., grocer, 821 W. Jefferson street, was born March 18, 1834, in Hanover, Germany; came to America in 1857, and landed in New Orleans, where he worked as a laborer a short time; came to Peoria the same year. Was married to Angeline Springer, on the 1st of December, 1857. They have eight children, six boys and two girls. Mr. B. carries on huxtering in connection with his grocery business. The family are members of the Lutheran Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John P. Becker
Becker, John P., manufacturer of tin ware, 1404 Main street, was born on the 12th day of January, 1847, in Baltimore, Md., where he remained but a short time, when he came to Peoria in the same year. His father was a native of Germany, who came to the United States when a boy. Married Miss Mary A. Trumner, on the 3d day of April, 1873; she was born in Illinois in 1847. They have three children, two boys and one girl. Is a member of the Independent Order of Mutual Aid. In politics a Democrat. He worked as a tinner since 1865, until he commenced his present business.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Belcher
Belcher, John H., monument and tombstone manufacturer, 213 S. Madison street, was born near Boston, Mass., in 1828; is one of five children of Abner Belcher and Malansa Alexander, natives of that State; father born in same house. Having spent his early life there on a farm, Mr. B. went to New York and spent two year -- 1853-54 -- in lumber trade, during which he lost $5,000 through the dishonesty of partners; came to Peoria on December 21, 1855; began the marble business the following Spring, on the 10th of March. He formed a partnership with Otto Triebel, and conducted the business twelve years under the first name of Triebel & Belcher; since 1868 has carried it on alone. He makes a specialty of fine monumental work for both local and foreign trade, and has enjoyed a heavy business. Mr. B. married in Peoria in 1866 to Maria B. Wetherell, a native of Massachusetts; having one son living, Harry O., have lost one son and two daughters. Owns a homestead at 209 Second Street.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Amelia Bender
Amelia Bender, res. 603 N. Jefferson street. Was born on the 19th day of November, 1832, in Austria. Emigrated to the United States in 1849 and located in the city of Peoria. Was married to Phillip Bender April 25, 1852 in this city; was a native of Bavaria, and came to this country in 1835 and engaged in the saddlery business. Was elected to the office of city treasurer some time prior to the war. Was mayor of the city in 1867 and served a term of one year, and at the time of his death was city treasurer. Mr. B. died July 25, 1876, was a member of the I.O.O.F., and was buried by that Order. Mrs. Bender was living on the homestead where she was married, and has at home with her five children -- four girls and one boy.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Rev. F. B. Bess Bess, F. B. Rev., pastor German Lutheran Church, res. corner First and Goodwin streets, was born in Germany November 21, 1850, and is the son of Bernhard and Matilda (von Bodenhausen) Bess. His father is a minister of the Lutheran Church in Germany. Mr. Bess came to America in July, 1875, and settling in Mendota, Ill., studied for some time in the theological seminary there, coming to Peoria in 1877, where he began his ministerial labors and has since continued them with much acceptance. He married, September, 22, 1879, Miss Elizabeth Breul, a native of Germany. Mr. Bess is a gentleman of culture and an earnest laborer in the cause of his Master. He is greatly beloved and respected by his parishioners.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
George Clinton Bestor was born in Washington, D.C., April 16, 1811. His parents, Harvey and Matilda (Owens) Bestor, both natives of Massachusetts, removed from that State and settled in Washington at an early day. His father was Assistant Postmaster-General under Hon. Francis Granger, and was highly respected for his talents and virtues. George inherited his father’s traits of character, and gave early promise of the ability and integrity which marked his subsequent career. As a boy he manifested those noble and generous qualities which endeared him to so many friends, and that consciousness in the discharge of duties which inspired confidence in his honor and integrity. He was first employed as a page in the House of Representatives and, at the age of sixteen, was appointed Assistant Document Clerk of the same upon the recommendation of many of the leading statesmen at that time in Washington, and held the position eight years, or until May, 1835, when he came to Illinois. Being a young man of energy and enterprise, in the twenty-fifth year of his age, he resolved to strike out into a new country, where a better field was opened for his ambition and his talents, to achieve for himself a successful career. Peoria was then one of the most promising points in the West. It had begun to grow in population, and the beauty and desirableness of the location were attracting emigration from all parts of the country. Here was a desirable and promising field for a young man of talents and enterprise, and here Mr. Bestor came to make his future home, arriving in Peoria August 3, 1835.
“After settling here, he was engaged for many years in the real-estate business, dealing in military lands, in which he accumulated a large property. From 1835 to 1840 a copartnership existed between him and Mark M. Aiken, during which they made an abstract of the Edwardsville and Pike County records—a voluminous and carefully prepared work, showing the accuracy, system and thoroughness, of everything that passed under the hand of Mr. Bestor. On February 18, 1837, he was elected one of the Trustees of the Town of Peoria, and re-elected on the 5th of November, 1839. On April 4,
1842, he was appointed Postmaster of Peoria by President Tyler, and again, on March 27, 1842, he was appointed Postmaster by President Lincoln. He was elected Police Justice in 1843. He was three times elected Mayor of the City of Peoria, filling the seventh, ninth and tenth places in the list of Mayors with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.“For several years Mr. Bestor was Financial Agent, and afterwards President, of the Peoria & Oquawka Railroad Company (now the Peoria and Burlington branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad), and, during the time he held that position, succeeded in extricating the company from its financial difficulties. He was also a Director of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad at the time of his death.
“Before the organization of the Republican party, Mr. Bestor was an earnest and devoted Whig. He fought the opposition with zeal and energy and, when defeated, was always ready to renew the contest. He was a personal friend of Henry Clay, to whom he was ardently and strongly attached. In 1852 he was a delegate to the Whig National Convention that nominated General Scott. In 1858 he was elected to the State Senate by a majority which, at that time, was entirely unexpected in a district so strongly Democratic. That was the year of the Lincoln and Douglas joint campaign of Illinois for the United States Senatorship. Mr. Bestor espoused the cause of Mr. Lincoln, and, while in the Senate, had the opportunity of voting for him, in opposition to Judge Douglas, for United States Senator. In the campaign which followed in 1860, he did his share toward electing Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency. During that four years in the Senate he was on the Committee on Canal and Canal Lands, Banks and Corporations, Penitentiary, Swamp Lands, and Military, and was Chairman of the Committee on Internal Navigation.
“Almost everybody in Illinois knew Mr. Bestor, and none knew him but to respect and love him. His name is identified with the early history of Peoria, and no man contributed more to its development. His genius and enterprise are stamped upon its growth. At the commencement of the late Civil War he was an ardent patriot, and his talents, his energies and his means were devoted to the cause of the Union. He was widely known as an influential man in politics. He was a vigorous supporter of Governor Yates in all his measures for the arming and equipping of the Illinois Volunteers, and was
one of the first to advocate a large appropriation for that purpose by the General Assembly of which he was then a member. Mr. Lincoln esteemed him highly, and Judge Douglas, whom he opposed, said of him: ‘There is no man in Illinois I respect more; what he is, he is.’ He was zealous in the support of the principles of his party, a warm and ardent friend, and a courteous and manly opponent.“For several years before his death, Mr. Bestor had spent most of his time in Washington, prosecuting a claim before Congress, for $175,000, for gunboats which he had built for the Government during the war. The construction of these boats had reduced him almost to poverty, and it is thought that the trouble and anxiety growing out of this, and what he believed to be the unjust delay of his country in meeting his reasonable demands, added to his feeble state of health, hastened his death. Shortly after his death Congress appropriated $25,ooo to his heirs in satisfaction of this claim.
“He died at the National Hotel, in the city of Washington, on the 14th day of May, 1872. None of his family, except Mrs. Bestor, were present at the time of his death.
‘Hon. George C .Bestor was twice married—first, on the 20th of October, 1835, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Miss Mary Jane Thomas; and, second, on the 13th of September, 1848, to Miss Sarah E. Thomas, sister of his former wife. He left by his first marriage four children and the same number by his second marriage.”
Physically Mr. Bestor was a man of perfect mould, and having from his youth been brought into personal relations with men of the highest culture, he had early learned and adopted the manners of a perfect gentleman, which he carried with him through life. He was courteous, gentle and genial in disposition, graceful in speech and manner, yet firm and determined in all his business relations. Generous almost to a fault, he dispensed charity, in all directions, which was manifested in an especial manner in his contributions in aid of the soldiers during the war.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
George L. Bestor
Bestor, George L. (deceased), attorney-at-law, was born in Peoria, June 10, 1837; was the eldest son of Hon. George C. and Mary J. Bestor, nee Thomas. Was educated in the city schools, and completed a course at Jubilee College, in its palmy days. He entered his father's real estate office when fifteen years old; for five years was topographical engineer of the Peoria & Oquawka, "Eastern Extension," and Tomka & Petersburg railroads. He then read law with Robert and E. C. Ingersoll; was admitted to the Bar through the recommendation of Judge Beckwith and Hon. Pitt Kellogg, the examining committee. Mr. Bestor served two years in the late war in the 7th Ill. Cavalry, Col. Pitt Kellogg commanding. Upon retiring from the army he went to St. Louis and with his father engaged in building gunboats for the Government, until 1865, after which he spent five years in Washington City prosecuting their claim of $125,000 for their work; finally succeeded in getting a bill through Congress granting the claim, and received the amount in cash the day after his father's death. Mr. Bestor then devoted his attention to real estate and abstract business until he died, January 5, 1879. He married Ella Wilbert in 1864, who was born in Chardon, Ohio, in 1844. Their union resulted in four children, George Wilber, May, Grace, and Frank. Mrs. Bestor is erected a fine residence on Hamilton Street bluff, which she will occupy in June. Henry C. Bestor, the youngest brother, now conducts the real estate business established by his father forty-five years ago, office, 311 Main street.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Johnny Biggins
Biggins, Johnny, saloon, 1801 S. Washington street, was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., February 22, 1855. Went to Ancram, N. Y., when seven years of age to learn the trade of paper making, and remained four years. Then came to Peoria in 1866 where he attended school a couple of years. Thence went to Chicago and engaged by drovers in shipping cattle to New York, two or three years. Then became associated with a Mormon in shipping cattle to California for three years. Then returned to Peoria in 1874 or 1975 and engaged in buying and selling cattle. Engaged in his present business in 1879. Married Miss Mary Foley June 1, 1876, a native of Peoria. They have one son, John Martin, born September 15, 1879. Mr. Biggins was elected to the ofice of alderman of the Ninth Ward, in the Fall of 1878 and re-elected in 1879.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Arthur T. Birket
Birket, Arthur T., res. 1880 N. Monroe street, was born in Tazewell county, Ills., in 1843, and came with his parents to Peoria in 1852. In 1862 he went to England for the purpose of studying civil engineering and surveying, and remained there, applying himself energetically to his studies till the Fall of 1863, when he completed his course and returned to his native county, of which he was shortly afterwards made deputy surveyor, which position he held for three years, and then removed to Peoria.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Peter B. Blumb Blumb, Peter B., house mover, 612 N. Washington street, was born in Maryland, August 25, 1836, and came to Peoria in 1840. His father was a carpenter by trade and on arriving at maturity formed a partnership with him as house buildres and movers. Married Miss Eva Gravener on the 29th day of October, 1854. They have eight children, five girls and three boys, all living except one son. Members of the Catholic Church, and a Democrat in politics.
he for two years held the office of city engineer, and was afterwards elected county surveyor, and held that office for six years. In 1875 he was elected alderman from the old Third Ward (afterwards the Eighth) of Peoria. During his years of official surveying, Mr. Birket earned the reputation of being one of the most accurate and painstaking surveyors in central Illinois. He married in June, 1866, Miss Katie R. Lupton, by whom he has two children -- one of each sex.
Joseph Botto
Joseph Botto, saloon, 214 N. Adams street. Was born in Italy, January 25, 1825. Emigrated to the United States in 1841 and located in New York and remained one year; then to Richmond, Va., where he stayed two years; thence to Memphis, Tenn., and remained there three years, when he came to Peoria and engaged in the saloon business. Married Miss Columbia Bianchetti in August, 1854; she was a native of Italy. The fruits of this marriage were five children, one of whom is living. His first wife died August, 1862. For his second wife, married Rose Castagnola in January, 1864. By this union there are three children, two girls and one boy. Both members of the Catholic Church. In politics a Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Benjamin L. T. Bourland
Bourland, Benjamin L. T., attorney and real estate and loan agent, 125 N. Jefferson street, is the sixth of twelve children of Andrew and Demaris Bourland nee Reese, natives of South Carolina. He was born in Christian county, Ky., in 1825; came with parents to Perry county, Ill., in 1834, but soon after removed to Vandalia -- then the State capital -- where his father was engaged in clerical duties for the State a number of years. After attending the public schools Mr. B. took a course in the Academy at Springfield; was then employed in the State offices several years; went thence to Chicago and worked nearly four years for Ogden, Jones & Co., in their real estate office; came to Peoria in the Fall of 1847, and embarked in the real estate business in company with Wm. R. Phelps. They afterwards also carried on banking. Mr. B. started the institution afterwards known as the Pulsifer bank; sold out to E. D. Hardin; and was afterwards one of the founders of the Mechanics' National bank. Having sold it out to the present proprietors he has since devoted his time entirely to real estate and loan business, and as the firm of Bourland & Bailey has done a very heavy business. In 1849 Mr. Bourland married Julia Preston, a native of Rochester, N.Y., but an early resident of Kane county, Ill. Mrs. B. died in 1867, leaving two sons, Ogden, now cashier of the National Bank of Pontiac, and Rudolphus R., book-keeper for Bourland & Bailey. Mr. B. married Clara Parsons in 1869. She is a native of Mass., and is now the mother of six children, all living, Benjamin, Caroline, Elsie, Philip and Norman -- twins -- and Robert C. Mrs. B. is president of the Ladies' Art Society, and secretary of the Scientific Association of Peoria. Mr. B. was many years a member of the city school board, and is a member of A. F. and A. M., of the Chapter and Commandery.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
F. C. Bourschidt
Bourschidt, F. C. apothecary and chemist, corner of Main and Jefferson streets, was born in Germany. Came to the United States in 1969, previous to which he was educated for his present business. He located first in St. Louis several years; went to Howard county, Kan., opened a store and conducted the business three years, but finding the climate unfavorable to his health, left there and came to Peoria in the Spring of 1875; spent four years in clerking; opened his present store in the Library Building in January, 1879. Mr. B. is a practical analytical chemist and assayer; confines his business strictly to chemicals and prescription trade. His store is one of the most attractive and complete in the West. He married Dora Steward, a native of Howard county, Kan.; has two children, F. C. and Jennie Marie.
John W. Bowe
Bowe, John W., grocer, 803 Main street, was born on the 20th day of March, 1856, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in 1969, and located in Palmer, N. Y., and remained there two years. Came to Peoria in 1871, where he embarked in the grocery business in 1873, and has been engaged in the same up to the present time. Member of the Catholic Church. In politics, a Liberal. By industry and courtesy to customers, has built up a good trade. His present partner is Charles R. Mulick.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
William A. Boyden
Boyden, William A., painter, res. 1813 N. Madison street, was born in Pittsfield, Mass., Dec. 12, 1834, and when about five years old, removed with his parents to Michigan. In 1851, he was taken with the California fever and went there to try his fortune at the gold mines, remaining there about three years with varying luck, and finally did better than many who had preceded him, for he was able to scrape together money enough to get home with, and to it he returned in 1854, where he remained working at his trade till the outbreak of the war, when in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 4th Michigan Cavalry, and served with it until 1865, in which year he was discharged. He took part with his regiment in many severe engagements. Upon discharge he returned home, and there remained until 1872, when he came to Peoria, and being a good workman has always found plenty to do, and has, by the exercise of economy, been able to buy a lot and to build upon it the comfortable and substantial dwelling in which he now resides. He married, January 1, 1870, Miss E. L. Russell, a native of New York State.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
G. L. Bracken
Bracken, G. L. carpenter, res. North street. Was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 14th day of Oct., 1826, where he was reared to the trade and received a common school education. Married Miss Susan Snyder, (daughter of Frederick Snyder,) who was born March 17, 1830. By this union there were four children: Bell, born Sept. 4, 1849; Fanny C., born June 12, 1851; Edith, born Nov. 21, 1861; Freddie, born June 12, 1867. Mrs. B. is a member of the Baptist Church, and her daughters are members of the Episcopal.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Tobias S. Bradley
The subject of this sketch was born in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, on the 21st day of January, 1811, and at the age of four years moved to Vevay, Indiana, and engaged in various commercial pursuits, as well as filled many places of trust and honor; but failing in business threw Tobias upon his own resources, and being known as a young man of strict integrity and industrious habits, he secured a situation as clerk in the store of Jude Malin, of Vevay, until twenty-three or twenty-four years of age when he became extensively engaged in trading on the river, often being gone for months at the South, accumulating quite a sum of money by close attention to his business. On the 11th day of May, 1837, he was married in Switzerland county, Ind., to Miss Lydia Moss, and a few years after this came to Peoria and purchased a farm on the bluff, near his late residence, which residence his widow still occupies, which he managed until his death.
As a business man he was far-seeing and judicious, and seldom failed in judgment. He never sought office, in fact never willingly accepted it, though he was repeatedly honored with responsible and important stations.
He was president of the First National Bank of this city, and also of the Peoria & Rock Island Railway. Mr. Bradley was emphatically domestic in his habits. No man more enjoyed the comforts of the home circle, and few so engrossed in the cares of business spent so many hours at home. Blessed with an estimable wife, who well knew how to make home happy, he found the chief pleasure in the bosom of his family. Six children were born to him, none of which survived him, and only one was spared to approach maturity of womanhood. She was a beautiful young lady of rare talents, beloved by all who knew her, but died a few years before Mr. Bradley.
He was instrumental in building the Church of the Redeemer, and resolved that nothing should be wanting to make it the finest, most thorough and convenient church in the city. To the poor, Mr. B. was a friend, and yet his blessings partook largely of the practical cast of his mind. He gave largely, but it was not in that way he chiefly benefited them; he rather preferred to place them in circumstances where they could live independently, earning their own break by, and depending upon their own exertions. In politics, Mr. Bradley was a staunch Democrat, never for a moment forsaking the principles which he believed to be the only sure and safe foundation of a free government. He died May 4, 1867, in consequence of injuries inflicted by the kick of a horse, deeply lamented by a large circle of friends.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Brassfield, Jonathan, farmer, res. 210 Armstrong avenue, was born in Wake county, North Carolina, December 30, 1805; is the third of nine children of Jesse and Mary Brassfield nee Revis. Parents removed to Surry county, that State, a year after his birth, where he grew to manhood, on a farm, with but nine months' school advantages. After the death of his father, the widow removed to Monroe county, Indiana, where she died in 1840. Mr. B. worked by the month two years after coming of age. On October 12, 1830, he married Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Gordon, born in Surry county July 9, 1808. In December, 1830 they settled in Park county, Ind., and started in life with $7 cash capital; bought 160 acres of land, and besides earning money to pay therefor, cleared forty acres of it. Wishing to find a country where farms were easier made, they removed to Peoria county in May, 1839, having exchanged their Indiana farm for 160 acres of the rich prairie of Radnor township. The second house erected by him on that place Mr. B. hauled the finishing lumber and shingles from Chicago, 160 miles. After some years he purchased a half section of land in Kickapoo township, which became their home, and disposed of the Radnor farm, investing the proceeds in lands in Marshall county. They remained on the Kickapoo farm until the Spring of 1867, when they removed to Peoria, selling the half section there that cost them $1,900 for $18,000. Besides a section in Ford county, Ill., worth $20,000, and a homestead in the city worth $8,000, Mr. B. owns several other tracts of land, the whole constituting an estate valued at $50,000. They have had eleven children, six living, Nancy, Henry, James S., Elizabeth, Mary A., Austin G., and Thomas. William H., the eldest, and C., the seventh son, lost their lives in the service of their country during the late war; one a member of the 17th the other of the 77th Illinois Infantry. James was also in the army as a 2d Lieut. in the 47th Regiment. Mr. B. has been elected to several local offices but has declined to serve, shunning political positions.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Abraham Brayshaw
Brayshaw, Abraham, carpet manufacturer, corner Main and Adams streets, was born in Yorkshire, England in 1838; is the son of Benjamin and Anna (Berry) Brayshaw. He leared the trade of cloth manufacturing in his native country; and five of his seven brothers are now engaged there in that business. Mr. B. came to America in 1868; spent a year in Newburg, N.Y., came to Peoria in 1870, and at once engaged in his present business. He makes a specialty of manufacturing rag carpets of the finest and most substantial character, of which he turns out 700 yards per month. On May 13, 1868, Mr. Brayshaw married Carrie C. Wilby, in Newburg, N.Y., who is also a native of England. They have two children living, Benjamin Wilby and Walter Washington Brayshaw. Mr. B. is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. They own a homestead in the city.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Frederick Brendell, M. D.
Brendell, Frederick, M. D., physician and naturalist, res. 202 Liberty street, was born in Erlangen, Bavaria, in January, 1820; graduated from Erlangen University in 1843, in the centennial year of the institution; was assistant physician in the department of surgery in the hospital of Bamburg from 1846 to 1848; was forced to abandon the position on account of his radical political principles during the revolution the latter year; crossed the Atlantic, landing in New York in May, 1850; located in St. Louis in August of that year; practiced there two years; removed to Peoria in 1852, and has pursued his profession since. The doctor is a devotee to natural science, and is one of the leading naturalists in Illinois; has prepared many able papers on natural history, which have been published and rank high as scientific productions. This volume contains an able article from his pen. He is curator of the Scientific Association of Peoria, is a member of the German Library School Association, and has been meteorological observer of Smithsonian Institute, and later of the United States naval service since 1855. Married Elizabeth Miller, a native of Peoria, in 1861. They have had twelve children. Helena, Emila, Elizabeth, Jenny, Clara, Bertha and Frederick are living.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
David Brigham Brigham, David L., carriage builder, 115 N. Washington street, was born on the 10th of July, 1838, in the town of Hamilton, Butler Co., O. Came to Peoria in 1872 and engaged in his present business, employs from twenty to thirty hands. Married Miss Anna Curtiss November 25, 1867. She was a native of Ohio. They have four children, two girls and two boys. Both members of the Presbyterian Church of Peoria. In politics is a Republican.
In 1854, while in Cincinnati, Mr. Brigham was engaged as clerk in a bank for about two years, when he entered a wholesale grocery house as clerk and worked seven years, then was admitted as a partner and continued about two years. Then sold his interest and took a trip to California for his health. One year later came back to Cincinnati and entered the carriage business, and remained in it about seven years, or until 1872, when he came to Peoria.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Henry Brons
Brons, Henry, carpenter, res. 608 Hurlbut street, was born in Prussia on the Rhine in 1828, learned the trade there and pursued it twelve years; came to America in 1854; lived a year and a half in Cincinnati, Ohio, then came to Peoria. January 8, 1856, he married Catherine Hesling, also a native from Prussia. Their family consists of seven boys and one girl. Henry, 23; Bernard, 21; Charles, 19; Peter, 17; Fred, 15; Theodore, 13; William, 11, and Gertrude, ten years of age. Mr. B. has been doing carpenter work for the T., P. & W. R. R. since 1863, and now has four sons in the employ of the company. He is a member of St. Joseph's German Society. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church. Owns a homestead in the city.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Peter R. K. Brotherson
Brotherson, Peter R. K., United States Gauger, res. 403 N. Madison street, is the third of a family of five children of Phillip Brotherson and Catharine Kissam. Was born in Saratoga county, New York, in 1811. He resided there the first sixteen years of his life, then spent three years as clerk in a mercantile establishment in New York city. In 1830 he went into business in Elmira, and three years later married Frances B. McReynolds, a native of that place. In 1836 they emigrated to Cadiz, Ohio, and he and his father-in-law spent fourteen years there in merchandising. In the Spring of 1850 they came to Peoria and established the first exclusively wholesale grocery house in the city, as the firm of Brotherson & McReynolds. Mr. B. sold out six years later and engaged in the grain and pork business with A. G. Tyng, as Tyng & Brotherson, continuing until 1877, when, meeting with heavy losses, Mr. B. retired from the business. Was appointed to his present position in August, 1879. Mrs. B. died Dec. 27, 1879. She was noted for her devotion to public charity, and was foremost among the ladies in every benevolent work, and had also gained a reputation as a writer for the press. She was the mother of three chidlren, two daughters -- Mrs. L. B. Tyng and Mrs. M. B. Reynolds, and Phillip Brotherson, who died at 23 years of age. Mr. B. laid out two additions to Peoria, embracing 40 acres, which bear his name. Has served several terms as alderman, and two as mayor of the city, when the water-works were being built. Was president of the Adams street horse-railway company a number of years, and still one of its directors. He and wife were very active in sanitary work during the war; have been members of the Episcopal Church many years.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
J. L. Brown, M. D.
Brown, J. L., M. D., physician and surgeon, 100 S. Adams street, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, and received his primary education in his native and Warren counties. He began the study of medicine with Dr. S. B. Tomlinson, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864, and afterwards attended classes at Medical College of Ohio, in the same city, graduating therefrom in March, 1868. Afterwards practiced in Cincinnati, until 1873, when he removed to Peoria, and has since resided and practiced there.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John L. Brown
Brown, John L., express messenger for T., P. & W. res 205 S. Jefferson street, was born June 5, 1845, Elmira, New York, and when 13 years of age came to Chenoa, McLean county, Illinois, and remained there until 1867, when he came to the city of Peoria, and has been in his present business since. Was married to Miss Emma Harpest, June 7, 1876, a native of New York. She was born June 14, 1852. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Brown a member of the A. F. & A. M.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Lucius D. Brown
Brown, Lucius D., passenger conductor, T., P. & W. R. R., 1709 Adams street, was born in Fincastle, Brown county, Ohio, February 8, 1849, and is the son of James P. Brown and Caroline Glaze, natives of Ohio. When 4 years of age he removed, with his parents, to Peoria, and has ever since made it his home. Received his education there, and in 1866 began life as a railroad man upon the T., P. & W. R. R., as switchman at El Paso, where he remained for about one and one-half years, and then returned to Peoria. He has since remained with the same Company, passing the intermediate grades of brakeman and freight conductor, to his present position. He married, April 12, 1870, in El Paso, Illinois, Miss Lizzie Crossit, daughter of Wm. T. Crossit and Mary S. Wooley, natives of Ohio, who was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, by whom he has had three children -- Louis, Harry and Bertie. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Christian Church; own residence and lot at above number, and also house and lot adjoining. His parents are both alive and reside in Peoria.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Bryner
Bryner, John, (deceased), was born in Center county, Pa., 6th October, 1820, and emigrated to Peoria county in the Spring of 1845. Soon after reaching Peoria he engaged as a clerk with James Dougherty, in whose employ he remained one year, and then became book-keeper for D. Gurney & Co. a year. He then formed a co-partnership with William McLean, under the firm name of McLean & Bryner, and engaged in the leather trade, in which business he continued until 1861. He was elected to the office of sheriff of Peoria county, in which capacity he served with good acceptance, and was often called to fill minor positions of local trust. By reason of his being captain of the National Blues, he enjoyed something of a military reputation, and when the war of the rebellion came on in 1861, he was commissioned as colonel and organized the 47th Illinois, which he commanded till the siege of Corinth. After the capture of Corinth he resigned his commisson at Reinzi, Miss., Sept. 2d, 1862, in consequence of ill health. After his return home he assisted in organizing and placing in the field the 85th, 86th, 103d, 108th and 112th regiments, and had charge of the camp here. When the 139th, a hundred day regiment, was organized, he accepted a commission as first lieutenant and A. Q. M. While in camp at Cairo, his old regiment, the 47th, which had been reduced to four companies, came home on veteran leave from the Red River expedition and visited him in a body. They proffered a petition, signed by every officer and member of the command, requesting him to reorganize and take command of the old regiment. He accepted the tender, and obtaining permission from Governor Oglesby, raised six new companies and went into camp at Springfield, the four veteran companies having been ordered to join Gen. Smith's command, then in front of Spanish Fort before the defenses of Mobile. After the completion of the organization of the regiment he was taken suddenly ill at the Chenery House, at Springfield where he died on the 19th of March, 1865. His remains were brought home to Peoria for sepulture, and were followed to their last resting place by a large cortege of friends. Bryner Post, G. A. R., organized October 8, 1879, was named in honor of him. Mr. Bryner was united in married with Miss Rebecca, daughter of James North, Esq., of Mifflintown, Pa., on the 15th day of September, 1842, the marriage being solemnized by Rev. John Hutchinson of that place. Miss North was born in Juniata county, Pa., in 1824. They had eight children -- four sons and four daughters, only three of whom survive. B. C. Bryner, one of the sons, enlisted in the 47th regiment, Co. I, and served one year. He now occupies a trusted position in the Peoria post office.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
William G. Buchanan
Buchanan, Wm. G., painter and paperhanger, res. 804 Hamilton street, son of Wm. and Julia Buchanan. They were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to the United States in 1844, and located in Kendall county, Ill., where the subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common school education. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 15th day of February, 1843. Enlisted in 1861, in the 11th Cav. Co. E, and participated in the Western army; was in the battle of Shiloh, two days siege of Corinth and battle of Corinth (where he had a horse shot from under him), Iuka, Lexington, Tenn., where he was wounded in left side with a minnie ball that he still carries, and left on the field and taken prisoner by Gen. Forrest's command, and laid in a house near the battle-ground thirty-one days; laid in parole camp one year; exchanged and returned to his regiment at Vicksburgh; was on detached duty in the Independent Scouts, under the command of Major Merrill, doing scouting service for Gen. Sherman and Grierson; mustered out at Memphis, after service four years and three months; was commissioned for meritorious service in 1863 to 2d Lieut. Married Miss Mary Perry, daughter of William Perry; she was born in Manchester, England. The fruit of this marriage was five children, four of which are still living.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John W. Buckner
Buckner, John W., of the firm of Buckner & Coulson, hides, tallow, wool, etc., 512 S. Water street, was born in Canada, in 1824, came to Peoria in 1863, and embarked in his present business. Married Miss Margaret Caughell, in 1853, and has two children. Mr. Coulson, senior partner of this firm, was born on the 29th day of May, 1839, in Canada, came to Peoria in 1867, and entered into partnership with Mr. B. in their present business. Married Clareena Wisner-Caughell, in 1867. They have one child. Both members of the Episcopal Church. In politics Republican. Have invested in their business about $20,000, and employ from one to five hands, and are doing a profitable business.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Christian Buehler Buehler, Christian (deceased), meat market, 1511 S. Washington street, was born on the 25th of December, 1821, in Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1849, and settled in Philadelphia, Pa. Married Miss Anna Schlenkar, Jan. 1, 1857, in Chicago, Ill., and lived there until 1860, when he moved to Peoria and engaged in packing pork, and doing a general butcher business. They have seven children, one girl and six boys. Mr. Buehler died Oct. 13, 1878; was a member of the Masonic Order. In politics a Democrat. His eldest son, Martin, together with his mother, is still carrying on the business at the old stand.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Phillip H. Burgi
Burgi, Phillip H., grocer, 1600 S. Adams street, was born in Germany, May 1, 1821, and emigrated to the United States in 1849, and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained four years, then came to Peoria, where he engaged in the grocery business and has continued in the same since; being a German, and locating in the southern part of the city, has built up a good trade. In 1856, married Miss Mary E. Winker. By this marriage there was one child, a son, who assists his father in his old age.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Richard W. Burt
Burt, Richard W., United States storekeeper, res. 816 Sanford street, was born in Warwick, Orange county, N.Y., in 1823. His parents, Foght and Elizabeth Burt, were natives of the same county. In 1834 they removed to Coshocton county, Ohio. When the war with Mexico began, Mr. B. enlisted in Co. B., 3d Ohio, June 4, 1846, and remained in the service a year. He married Malona Evans, a native of Ohio, in January, 1848, and settled in Coshocton county. In 1853 established the Progressive Age, a weekly Republican newspaper; was one of the first to advocate the principles embraced by the party, and was one of its founders. At the end of three years B. sold the paper and embarked in the coal trade at Newark, Ohio, continuing till he went into the army, in December, 1861, as a member of Co. G, 76th Inf., which he helped to recruit, and went out as its 2d Lieutenant. Was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Co. I, after the battle of Arkansas Post and when the regiment veteranized, in April, 1864, became Captain of Co. H. At the battle of Resaca, Ga., received a gunshot wound in the mouth, losing most of his teeth; participated in thirty battles and skirmishes, and traveled with the regiment 10,000 miles. Soon after his discharge, in July, 1865, was breveted Major for gallant conduct. He came to Peoria in 1865; engaged nine years in the grocery and feed business; was appointed to present position over four years ago. Mrs. Burt, by whom he had four children, three living, died in January, 1873. Mr. Burt married Betsey M. Cotton nee Barnum, a native of New York, in 1876. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., G. A. R., and Mexican War Veteran Assocition, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John A. Bush
Bush, John A., house and sign painter, ornamental designer, dealer and manufacturer of all kinds of regalia and secret society goods, 408 Main street, was born in Cumberland county, Pa., Feb. 16, 1829, and is the son of George and Maria (Zilsil) Bush, natives of Pennsylvania. He was raised, educated and learned the trades of painting and cabinetmaking in his native county, and in 1849 left home, and after a short stay in Burlington, Iowa, came to Peoria, where he has since resided, and been in business for himself thirty-seven years. He, soon after coming, established himself in his business of painting, and in 1860 added to it that of society goods and regalia. During the war he acted for three years as sutler to the 8th and 17th regiments I. V. I. He married Miss Susan O. Hedenburg, a native of Jacksonville, Ill., daughter of Rev. J. Hedenburg, by whom he had six children, four now alive, John A., Nettie, Frank H. and E. Johnson. He does an extensive trade in regalia all over the Western States and Territories, and in the decorative branch of his business makes a peculiar specialty of wood graining. Mr. Bush has been for twenty-seven years a member of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows, and has held all the offices in it up to that of grand warden, which he has filled for the past two years; has been deputy to the Grand Lodge from Columbia Lodge, No. 21, of Peoria, for sixteen years. His parents are still alive and reside in the city. His father is eighty-three years of age and never wore glasses in his life, and his mother is eighty.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Alvin W. Bushnell
Bushnell, Alvin W., manufacturing cement, sewer pipes, and dealing in cement, lime, plaster, hair, 422 S. Washington street, was born on the 8th day of January, 1815, in Green county, N. Y.; remained there until 1837, when he came to Peoria county, Ill., and settled on a farm in Radnor township; remained there until 1849, when he went to Chicago and engaged in the grocery business, and continued in the same until 1851, when he came to Peoria and embarked in the lumber trade, which he followed for several years. Married Miss Jennett Case, July, 1841. She was a native of Oswego county, N. Y., and came to Peoria in 1836. Mrs. B. is a member of the Bapitst Church and has been since 1849. Mr. B. was elected supervisor two successive terms, in 1862-3. During the war was chairman of the committee for disbursing funds in aid of soldiers' families, and paid out about twenty five thousand dollars.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Charles E. Butts
Butts, Charles E., dealer in coal, lime, cement and fire brick, 512 S. Adams street, was born in Tremont, Tazewell county, Ill., April 10, 1848, and is the son of George and Catherine (Thompson) Butts. His father was a native of England and his mother of Ireland; was raised in native place until eleven years of age, when he removed with his mother to El Paso, where he attended school, and in 1866 began life as a railroad man, passing successively through the grades of brakeman, freight conductor and train dispatcher for the P., P. & J. R. R. Co., and holding the last position for four years. He was altogether twelve years railroading. He married in Peoria, April 15, 1869, Miss Mary Burt, daughter of Mrs. Ellen W. Burt, of Peoria. His wife was born in Ohio, Sept. 17, 1853, and has borne him one child, Ella, born June 10, 1870, and who died March 17, 1871. He began his present business March 6, 1878, and has for its carrying on large yards and sheds in rear of above number, where he keeps a large stock of his goods. He is also agent for Laflin and Rand's sporting and blasting powder.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Campbell, Albert D., grain and feed, 416 Fulton street, was born in Tazewell county, Ill., Dec. 22, 1850, and in 1855 came to Peoria, where he has resided since. Married Miss Rebecca J. Gale on the 25th day of Dec. 1871. She was a native of Ohio. They were blessed with two children, one of whom is living. Mr. Campbell is now weighmaster of Peoria city, and has been for three years, attends to it in connection with his grain and feed business.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Carl, Michael, restaurant (Union depot), was born in France, May 2, 1844, emigrated to the United States in 1866, and settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, and remained there about five years; went back to his native country, and remained about fifteen months; then returned to this country and located in Peoria, Ill., and embarked in his present business. Married Miss Barbara Merkel, Feb. 29, 1876, a native of Ohio, and came to Peoria in 1878. They have three children, all girls. They are both members of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Carroll, Francis C., wholesale and retail dealer in ice, 104 Fayette street, son of Francis and Ann Maria (Lane) Carroll, natives of Ireland, who came to this country about 1820, and settled in St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he raised a family of eight children, six boys and two girls. The subject of this sketch was the third son, born on the 17th day of November, 1842; learned the trade of iron molder, and when ten years of age, went with his parents to Richmond, Canada East, where his father engaged in the foundry business on his own account, and remained twelve years. In the Fall of 1866 went to Boston, where he followed his trade a year. In January, 1867, came to Peoria and was employed a year in a stove foundry for Cutter & Proctor. In 1868 embarked in the foundry as the firm of O'Rorke & Co., where he remained until that Fall. Jan. 1877, commenced in the ice business, in which he still continues. Has a capacity of storing 3,000 tons, and intends to double it the following season. Married Miss Martha E. Clough; she was born in Ireland, Sept. 27, 1843. They had four children, two of whom are living, Annie A. and Louis J. Members of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Carson, W. B., photographer, cor. Jefferson and Hamilton streets, was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1832. John Carson and Rachel Bean, his parents, were both natives of that county, and both rocked in the same "sugar trough" in a block house in Manchester. Mr. C. spent his boyhood on a farm, and was educated in North Liberty College, in Adams county; taught school from 1851 to 1863; began learning photography in 1857; devoted his attention to it with a little insurance business from 1863 till 1869, and from then till August 1, 1878, did an exclusive insurance business; has been engaged in photography at his present place since that time. He came to Illinois and settled in Washburn, Woodford county, in 1857; went thence to Minonk the next year and remained two years; was in El Paso from 1860 to 1869, when he removed to Peoria. September 29, 1854, Mr. C. married Fancherry Bartholamew, a native of Brown county., O., by whom he has three living children, Ella, Alice M., and Robert L. M. Mr. C. is a member of A. F. & A. M., and himself and wife of the Baptist Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cartwright, William, livery, feed and sale stable, 114 S. Jefferson street, was born in England, April 30, 1821, and when thirty years old, emigrated to the United States and located in Peoria, where he has ever since resided. He married, in 1855, Ann Harrison, a country woman of his own, by whom he has had two children, one of each sex. He has been engaged in his present business since 1863, and has succeeded in establishing quite a large and lucrative one.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Chase, Ira J., Rev., res. 217 Taylor street, was born Dec. 7, 1834, in the town of Clarkson, Monroe county, N. Y., but was raised in Orleans county, N.Y., and educated at the Medina Academy. In 1855, his father moved to Cook county, Ill., where he followed merchandising and school teaching until the breaking out of the war. Enlisted June 17, 1861, in the 19th Ill. Vol. as second sergeant; served nearly two years; was discharged for disability. He again resumed merchandising until 1867, when, at the earnest solicitation of the church, he entered the ministry, his first labor being performed at Mishawaka, Ind., during 1867 and 1868. He was regularly ordained to the ministry in Chicago, in 1863; was called to take charge of the Church of Christ in LaPorte, in January, 1869, and resigned in 1871, to go to Pittsburgh, Pa. In Oct., 1872, at the earnest soliticitation of the church in Peoria, he accepted their call, of which congregation he is still pastor. Mr. Chase united with the Church of Christ, and was baptized at Batavia in Fox river, in 1857. He has held revival meetings in many of the States and three of the British provinces. Besides hundreds who have come into the church here, he has received nearly five hundred converts elsewhere during his present pastorate.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cheever, D. A., M. D., 419 Hamilton street, who has been one of the leading physicians in the homeopathic school of practice in Central Illinois, for over a quarter of a century, is the eldest of eight children of Daniel and Alice E. Cheever nee Henry, and was born in Providence, R. I., in 1827, where the first fifteen years of his life were spent, chiefly at school and in his father's dry goods store. In 1842 he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, and learned the business of manufacturing lard oil, and in 1845 went into a wholesale dry goods house in that city with his father; began the study of medicine there and completed the course in New York city, graduating from the New York Homeopathic Medical College in 1853. The following year he came to Illinois, and located in practice in Peoria; has since practiced in Pekin, Tazewell county, and in Champaign, Champaign county, having removed to the latter place to educate his children; returned to Peoria in July, 1877. While living in Pekin, during the dark days of the rebellion, the Doctor, in conjunction with George Harlow, Secretary of State, projected and organized the first Union League established in the United States, as the history of that organization shows. Dr. C. has ever been a strict adherent and zealous advocate of homeopathy, and stands high among that branch of the profession. He married Sarah R. Walker, a native of New Hampshire, in 1852, and four children are the fruit of their union. Their names are Alice, Mrs. Bryan, George H. and Emily C. They are both members of the M. E. Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Clark, E. M., machinist, res. 309 Morgan street, son of T. G. and Eve Clark. Father born in Rutland, Vt., and mother in Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was born in Indiana county, Pa., April 9, 1845; came to this county in 1859; enlisted in 1862 in the 94th I. V. I., Co. L, Col. Wood; was in the battles of Nashville, Stone River, Resaca, Dalton, Ga., where he was wounded by a shell in the leg; in 1864 re-enlisted in the 151st regt., Co. E, Col. Woodhall. Married Miss Sarah J. Brownell. She was born in Washington county, N. Y., in 1844; three children, Ida H., Willis and Alta.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Coffey, Peter, superintendent of gas works, res. cor Madison and Hancock streets, was born in the county of Monaghan, Ireland, in 1831; came to America in 1850; spent nearly four years in New York city, working at the plumbing and gas fitting trade; thence came to Cincinnati, O., and remained for a time; went to St. Louis and remained nearly two years; located in Belleville, Ill., in 1856, and superintended the gas works there until 1874, when he came to Peoria, and has since held his present position. Mr. Coffey married Mary Ann McDowall, in 1861, born also in Ireland. They have no children. Both are members of the Catholic Church. They own the homestead in which they reside.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Coleman, Albert, contractor and builder, 504 Fifth street, was born in Dover, Stafford county, N. H., July 7, 1833, and is the son of Calvin Coleman and Phebe Card, natives of Dover; was raised and educated there, and when nineteen years old came to Boston, and there learned the trade of bricklayer, working at it for three years, and then came West to Illinois and settled in Peoria, where he has since resided, except during a trip of five years' duration to California across the plains, which he took in 1861, working at his trade in Sacramento and other places in that State. On his return to the East he revisited his native place, and there married, April 6, 1866, Miss Sarah A. Palmer, a native of Boston, Mass., by whom he has had four children, three now alive, Addie F., Calvin, Della (deceased), and Alice. Brought his wife to Peoria after marriage, and there all his children were born. Mrs. Coleman is a member of First Baptist Church. He owns his residence and a lot at above number, also house and lot adjoining.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Conigisky, Jacob, of Conigisky Bro., 108, 110 N. Adams street, was born at Poland, May 19, 1840, and emigrated to the United States in 1856, and located in New York, where he remained until 1864, when he came to Peoria and engaged in the dry goods business, which he has followed since. Married Miss Bertha Pearl in 1870. She was a native of London, England, and came to this country in 1868. They have three sons. They employ eighteen hands in their business. The Conigiskys are doing a fine trade, have a fine store building fronting on Adams street, and do a wholesale and retail business of $100,000 to $125,000 per annum. Mr. C. is a member of the I. O. O. F. Silas, senior partner and an elder brother, came to the United States the same time; have been together in business since they came to the country.
Conrad, William (of Conrad & Meyer) beer bottlers, 110 S. Adams street, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, August 29, 1838, and is the son of Jacob and Mary B. Conrad, who are now both residents of Peoria county. He came to the county with them in 1851, and after growing up, farmed for some time with his father, and afterwards followed teaming and street sprinkling for about thirteen years, and then became a member of the present firm. He was married in 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Schners, who was born March 25, 1849, by whom he had three children -- Anna M., Maggie and Willis P. Mrs. Conrad is a member of Reformed Episcopal Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cox, William, printer, cor. of Hamilton and Jefferson streets. Was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1857, son of George and Ann Cox, nee Matthews, also natives of England (Northampshire), came to the United States in Jan. 1878, stopped at Rochester eight months, thence to Peoria in Oct. 1878, and established the job printing office of Cox & Co. the following Nov. and has been the senior partner until March 1880, when he sold out to his partner, J. N. Kirkpatrick. The establishment has had a large run of business from the first. His parents have emigrated since he came and now own a farm at Harkers Corners in this county. There are ten children in the family all now in this country save one.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cooper & Tennery, attorneys at law, 323 Main street. This firm has been in existence only since July, 1878, but Mr. J. K. Cooper, its senior member, has practiced law in Peoria for nearly forty years. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1814, studied law in Carlisle, same county, and coming to Peoria, began its practice. He was a former partner of the late Chas. Ballance, and after his death continued the practice for some time alone. Was later associated in business with Mr. H. W. Reynolds, and then successively with Mr. Moss, Mr. L. A. Lapham, and Mr. Bassett, finally, on date above mentioned, with his present partner, Mr. Tennery. They conduct a large practice in general law and chancery matters.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Copes, Jacob M., United States gauger, was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1838. Remained there until 1861, when he volunteered as a soldier in Company E, 47th Illinois Infantry, and served three years. Re-enlisted and served until 1866. Was mustered out as sergeant major, and was respected by all his comrades. Married Miss Clara Waldron, October 4, 1870, a native of Peoria, and a teacher in the public schools for a number of years. One child blessed this union. Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic Order and the G. A. R. Mrs. C. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Couch, Herriman, physician and surgeon, 800 N. Adams street, was born on the 20th day of April, 1824, in Merrimack county, New Hampshire, where he remained until 1840, then went to Concord and entered upon the study of medicine and worked at printing business as a means of support. In 1843 went to Boston and attended his first course of lectures, and remained two years. Then, on account of failing health, traveled abroad three years. Came to New Orlenas. From there went to Wisconsin. Married Anna Parshal in 1848, and in 1850 came to Peoria and commenced the publication of a weekly paper called the Voice of the People, it being the third paper published in Peoria. In April, 1852, his first wife died, and in 1854 married Mrs. M. A. Gilbert, a native of New York city, who came here in 1834. The fruit of this marriage was two children -- a boy and a girl. Mr. H. was in the War of the Rebellion about 18 months; has pursued the practice of medicine since. His family are members of the Congregational Church. While in South America, he went aboard a ship which proved to be a slaver, and while on a trip to the east coast of Africa, were overhauled by an English frigate and taken into Cape Town on suspicion, but there not being evidence sufficient to convict, were released.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cratty, Thomas, attorney and counsellor at law, of the firm of Cratty Brothers, is a descendant of Irish parentage, his great grandfather having emigrated from that country in 1760, and settled in Pennsylvania. Mr. Cratty's grandfather was born in Franklin Co., Penn., and fought in the war of the Revolution. William Cratty, the father of Thomas, was born in Butler Co., Penn., June 20, 1805, but removed to Ohio in 1814. In April, 1826 he married Miss Candice Bennett, who was born in Rhode Island, Dec. 25, 1805. She was the mother of twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, two of the former and five of the latter living. Mrs. C. died in Elmwood, Peoria Co., Jan. 27, 1875. Thomas was born in Delaware Co., O. His early education was limited, chiefly to the Winter terms in the district school, while the Summers were spent in labor on the farm. He taught several years prior to 1854, made a tour of the Southern States, and spent some time there in teaching, returning to Illinois 1856; engaged in farming four years, when financial reverses compelled a change of avocation. Entered the Chicago Law School, from which he graduated in 1861, and was immediately admitted to practice. Poverty necessitated the most rigid economy during his attendance at law school, and he was compelled to give his note for tuition, payable from the first moneys earned in practice. Mr. Cratty was one of four graduates selected by the faculty to conduct a moot trial at a public exhibition given as a graduating exercise. He began practice in Elmwood with a meager outfit, and one law book as a library. In the Fall of 1863 he formed a partnership with W. W. O'Brien, then a prominent attorney of Peoria, which lasted three years and yielded a prosperous business. In January, 1872, the present law firm of Cratty Brothers was created, by the admission of his only brother, Josiah Cratty, to the profession. The business of the firm has become so large as to require the employment of several assistants, one a short hand reporter. Their offices and consultation rooms are on the first floor of their building facing the Court-house on S. Jefferson street, and are among the finest and most ample in the West.
In journalism, Mr. C. in company with Leslie Robison, published the Peoria Review, a Republican newspaper, with daily, tri-weekly and weekly editions, in 1871, '72 and '73; but finding it detracted too largely from professional duties, they disposed of their office and outfit in the latter year. He helped to organize the first Teacher's Institute in Knox Co.; the Paper Manufacturing Co., of Elmwood; the Chamber of Commerce Association of Peoria; the Merchant's Exchange and the Peoria Mercantile Library, and their success is due in no small degree to his judicious counsel and material aid. For several years he delivered weekly lectures before the students of Cole's Commercial College. Mr. C. has never married.
Josiah Cratty is the youngest of the family; was born in Delaware Co., O.; served as a cavalry soldier in the late war, part of the time as Gen. Sheridan's body guard; married Libbie M. Earing of Peoria in 1875, and has one son.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cummings, David M. (deceased) later of the firm of Cummings & Emerson, 416 and 418 S. Washington street, was born March 29, 1824, in Oswego county, N. Y., one of nine children, the country was new; there were no luxuries and but few comforts, and toil was the portion of all the children; and David was early compelled to find his own support. He moved to Oneida county, N. Y., when quite young, and was soon familiar with all the duties which a lad can perform on a farm. When he was 16 years old his mother died and he went forth from home to make his way alone. His mother's memory clung to him all through his life, and to his latest breath held the warmest place in his heart. When Mr. C. left home he engaged with a farmer at nine dollars per month, a moderate sum even in those days. He found no fault with his wages, doing always the best he could, considering this simply honest and fair. He now perceived the neccessity of an education which the hard labor of his younger days had forbidden, and not quarreling with his fortune, uselessly repining over lost time, he set himself to get the rudiments. With close attention to his studies, at the age of twenty-three, offered himself as teacher and taught two years successfully in Waterville, N. Y., then removing to Illinois he opened a school in Peoria. In 1850 he was among the adventurous young men who were flocking to California, for one year followed mining, but with indifferent success. His quick eye perceived that money was to be dug out of the earth in other forms than those of the yellow metal. He planted a garden and fed the men who labored in the mines. During the four years in California he accumulated five or six thousand dollars, and in 1854 returned to Peoria and entered into business. In 1858 he undertook a hotel in Springfield, Ill., and lost every cent he had made in the seven preceding years. Penniless he found his way back to Peoria, turning his hands to what offered a living. In the beginning of the war he enlisted in the 11th Illinois Cavalry, and was in continual service until 1863, when he resigned. Married Miss Eliza Hibben, February 7, 1871, at Hillsborough, Ohio, whom he left with two children. Mr. C. died at his residence in Peoria, January 25, 1878, in the 54th year of his age.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cunningham, Daniel, blacksmith, cor. Washington and Hamilton streets, was born in the county Dublin, Ireland, 1839. Came to the U. S. in 1850 and located in Westchester county, N. Y., and in Peoria, 1857, where he engaged in his present business. He married Miss Ann Henneberry, Nov. 22, 1861. She is a native of the county Kilkenny, Ireland. They have seven children: Lizzie, Daniel, Annie, John, Nicholas, Nathan and Edward. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Cunningham was elected school director in 1870, and supervisor, 1875. He is an accomplished musician. He organized the Cecelian Band of Peoria, 1860, which he disbanded in 1861 -- the members going into the army. At close of the war, the band was reorganized under the leadership of Mr. Cunnincham. He is a whole-souled, good-hearted gentleman, a good citizen and successful business man.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cutright, Thomas V., attorney at law, 112 N. Adams street, was born in Chillicothe, O., January 20, 1815, and is the son of Nat. and Margaret (Veail) Cutright. His father was a native of Fayette county, Ky., and his mother of Botetourt county, Va. He was raised in his native town till nineteen years of age, then removed to Fayette county, O., with his parents and four brothers. While in Chillicothe, he learned the trade of cabinet-maker, and after his removal to Fayette county, read law with Judge A. S. Dickie for one year. Removing to Detroit, Mich., he worked at his trade for one winter, then went to Brownsville, Tex.; read law for four months, and was admitted to the bar in the Fall of 1837. He came to Illinois in 1847, and settled in Chillicothe, Peoria county, and for a year or two practiced law and worked at his trade at the same time, but in later years devoted his whole attention to his profession. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois at Peoria, in the year 1865. His residence in Chillicothe extended over a period of twenty-seven years, and he removed to Peoria in 1874. He was city attorney for some years in the former place, and has filled the office of justice of the peace in Peoria. He married (1st) in Mt. Sterling, Ill., Sept. 1842, Miss Maria Owens, a native of Ohio, by whom he had one child, LeGrand B. Cutright, who was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge. His wife died in August, 1843, and he married Mrs. Mary Ann Moffitt, a native of Ireland by whom he had three children, all living: Nathaniel S., James M. and John W. She died in Chillicothe, Ill., in March, 1859, and he married (3d) in the same place, April, 1861, Miss Annie T. Collins, a native of Wicklow, Ireland, by whom he has had four children, two now alive: Theodore V. and Alice T. Mr. Cutright is in politics a Jackson Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Cutter, Wm., 117 S. Washington street, of the firm of Wrigley & Cutter. Is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Metcalf) Cutter. Father was a native of Vermont; mother, of Ohio. They came to Illinois at an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 11th day of February, 1844. Received his education in Delphos, O., where he was sent to live with an uncle. When twenty-seven years of age, he enlisted in the 32d Ohio Infantry, Co. C, mustered at (Camp Denison) O. Was in the engagement at Cheat Mountain, and in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. Was taken prisoner, with 1,500 others, at Winchester, in the Spring of 1862. Was in Libby Prison five and one-half months, was paroled, took the small pox, and was sent to Annapolis. Was a mere skeleton, weighing only 110 pounds, when he got into Federal ranks. Thence sent to Ohio, until he was exchanged and joined his regiment at Chattanooga, and was appointed orderly sergeant. (Before being taken prisoner, was appointed division postmaster, which he held at that time. Was suspected of being an officer, and for that reason was kept in solitary confinement for forty-eight hours.)
Was at Atlanta, where he helped to build the breastworks; and at its surrender, which was the last of his soldiering. Returned to French Grove, in this county, where he taught school for one winter and then came to Peroia, where he attended Cole's Commercial College. In 1865 or 66, engaged for Geo. McClellan, Auer & White, as clerk, where he remained four years. Then engaged in the grocery business in company with Auer, firm Auer & Cutter. Mr. Wrigley having bought Mr. Auer's interest, the firm in known as Wrigley & Cutter. Carry a stock of $5,000 and do a business of $50,000 per year. Married Miss Jennie Wrigley Oct. 20, 1869. She was born in Peoria county. The fruit of this marrige is three children: Anna, Charlie and May.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Dailey, John, shoemaker, res. 317 1/2 N. Adams street. Son of Joseph and Mary Dailey. Was born in Hampshire county, Mass., May 25, 1828. Emigrated with his parents, when he was five years old, to York State. In 1847, enlisted in Co. E, Third Dragoons, Capt. Wm. H. Duff. Mustered in at New York, and received a bounty of $12 and got $8 per month. Landed at Vera Cruz in June. Thence, under command of Gen. Perco, to Pueblo, where they joined Gen. Scott. Thence, to the Valley of Mexico, where they participated in the battle of Contreras, and acted as Gen. Scott's body guard. Thence, to Cherubusco, where they were led by Gen. Harney. Thence, to the City of Mexico, where they took quarters in the halls of Montezuma. Was on the raid with Gen. Joseph Lane, in pursuit of the guerilla Garouta. In the Spring of 1848, thirty men were taken out of his command, and the same number of Capt. Porter's mounted riflemen, who escorted Seward and Clifford to Vurretero on their commission to ratify a treaty. Thence, back to Mexico City. Rode from Mexico to Vera Cruz, three hundred miles, in three days, escorting Maj. Polk, who took the report to Washington. Thence, back to New Orleans and St. Louis, where he was mustered out, Aug., 1848. Thence, to New York State, and in 1849 came to Peoria county. Married Miss Ann Wright. She was born in Ireland. Mr. Dailey moved to Kansas, where he lost his wife in 1860. From there, went via New Orleans to Boston, on boat, the first transport leaving New Orleans after Butler arrived there. Enlisted in the 28th Reigment, Mass. Vols., Co. K. Joined the regiment at Frederick City, Md., participating in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, where he was wounded through the thighs and was taken to Emery Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he was discharged.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Daily, M. C., Chief of Police, City Hall, was born in county Kerry, Ireland, Dec. 10, 1842, and is the son of Martin Dailey and Catharine Horgan, natives of that county. When about eight years of age he came to America with his parents, landing at New York. They settled at Middletown, Conn., and resided there for eight years, where he received his education. In 1858 he came to Peoria. He enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. A, 17th Ill. Vol. Inf. under Captain Norton, and served with his regiment till June 2, 1864, on which date he was mustered out at Springfield, Ill. He took part in the battles of Frederickstown, Mo., Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, Vicksburgh and many others. He married, June 22, 1867, in Peoria, Miss Mary A. Hanlon, a native of this county, and daughter of Timothy Hanlon, by whom he has had three children -- two now alive: Maggie E., Katie, and Martin C. (deceased). He worked at various occupations for some time; kept a saloon for many years. He received the appointment of Chief of Police January 1, 1874, and has since filled that office, except during the years 1876 and 1877, proving himself one of the most vigilant and efficient officers the city has ever had. He owns his residence and lot on Caroline street, and himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Darst, Jacob, real estate dealer and capitalist, res. cor. Monroe and Fayette streets; is one of Peoria's early settlers and most successful business men. He was born in Meigs county, Ohio, on September 16, 1815. At the age of seventeen his father gave him his time, and he started out in life with fifty cents of cash capital; worked on the Ohio canal until he earned $50, then labored several months in the iron works at Portsmouth, O.; was then employed a year for the Kenawha salt works in West Virginia, boating salt down the Ohio river. Mr. D. enjoyed very meager school advantages; but acute observing powers and retentive memory have rendered him well informed. He early imbibed the maxim that "time is money," and acted accordingly. In June, 1835, Mr. Darst came to Peoria; quarried stone on the Kickapoo for a time; then clerked in a general store for Aquilla Wren, in Peoria, six months; afterwards engaged in coal mining and breaking prairie with ox teams, in the mean time trading and speculating, and in 1839 had accumulated $1,500; engaged in shipping pork and produce down the Mississippi, and lost his entire capital by a devastating storm; returned to Peoria with $13 in his pocket; hired again to Mr. Wren, remaining in his employ shipping produce three years, when failing health compelled him to seek the country, where he spent two years hunting. Being much improved, he began operating in coal and speculating in land, in which business he made $15,000 in five years; and at the end of that time embarked in the dry goods trade in company with Mr. Dougherty. Not being pleased with the results, he again engaged in real estate business; and by 1860 had made $100,000 above a living. Mr. D. has amassed a fortune of $350,000 chiefly in Peoria city property, valuable coal mining lands and Western lands. Mr. Darst married Catharine M. Dougherty December 16, 1839, by whom he had eleven children, three living. Mrs. D. died March 12, 1861. He married his present wife, formerly Ellen R. Leonard, of Auburn, N.Y., in 1863, who has borne him one child.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Detweiler, Henry, wholesale and retail ice dealer, 108 S. Adams street, was born in Lorraine, France, on the 19th of June, 1825; is the son of Christian and Catherine Detweiler nee Schertz, the former a native of Bavaria, the latter of France. Mr. Detweiler, sr., was engaged in farming and milling, and also the transfer business, in which he amassed quite a large fortune, but meeting with reverses during the war of 1812 and 1813, from which he never recovered, he died in 1832, in straightened circumstances. In the Spring of 1837, Mr. D. immigrated to the United States with his mother and three sisters, landing at New York after a voyage of sixty-eight days on the ocean. Through the instigation of an older brother, John, who had located in Peoria three years previously, only they came on to this city, consuming forty-two days on the route. The mother and one sister died the following year. The two first years after his arrival Mr. D. worked for his brother, and attended school at intervals; then clerked in a shoe store for Charles McLellen on Main street; also in a clothing store a year; and on April 15, 1842, went on the steamboat "Frontier," to learn piloting, under Milton Hasbrock, where he remained until she collided with the Panama, at 3 A.M., on September 2, 1842. The following Spring the company built the new steamer, Chicago, on which he shipped as second pilot, under Mr. Hasbrock, till the Spring of 1844, when, that boat being drawn off the river, he went on to the Raritan in the same capacity; and the next year took the position of first pilot on the new boat, Governor Briggs; and after June, 1846, ran her from Galena to New Albany, on the upper Mississippi, as a mail and passenger boat. In the Spring of 1847 took her through a course of repairs at St. Louis, and put her into the trade between that city and Alton. For several years following Mr. D. officiated as pilot or captain on a number of steamboats; became joint owner of the "Movaster" in 1856; in 1857 sold her, and in 1858, the sole proprietor of the Minnesota. In the Spring of 1862 he went into the government service as master of the "Jenny Lind"; and in July, 1863, changed to the "Yankee," which he had charge of till the close of the war. While running these government transports he performed a very important and often hazardous service. The Yankee sailed from St. Louis for New Orleans the latter part of October, 1863, with a cargo valued at more than $250,000, and landed her freight safely in the Crescent City in due time. So great was the danger to which his vessel was exposed during those perilous years, that Capt. D. practiced various schemes to evade the enemy. It was disguised as a gunboat, on some occasions, and run under the strict regime of one; and while the other transport vessels were fired into frequently, and greatly damaged or destroyed, the Yankee never received but one shot. After the close of the war, Capt. Detweiler ran the Beaver until he abandoned the river, in 1874. In the Fall of 1870, he had embarked in the ice business in company with N. L. Woodruff, in which relation he continued until December, 1876, when the partnership was dissolved, since which time Mr. D. has carried on a large wholesale and retail ice trade in his own name. The traffic has steadily grown, until the present capacity of his houses is 10,500 tons. On November, 1848, Mr. D. married Magdalen Bachmann, also a native of France, who has borne him seven children; five living, Amelia, Matilda, Thomas H., William H., and Mattie H. Henry, the oldest, died at the age of twenty-seven, and Emma at the age of three years. Besides the capital invested in his business, Mr. D owns several pieces of property in the city.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Dewein, Valentine, (of V. Dewein & Co.) dealer in leather and shoe findings, 108 S. Adams street, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 1st, 1817, and is the son of Valentine and Margaret (Gold) Dewein, both natives of Bavaria. He came to America with them in 1828, landing at Baltimore in September of that year. In the December following they settled on a farm in Bedford county, Pa., and resided on it till 1833, when they moved to Cincinnati, O., and resided there and in Maysville, Ky., up to 1847, and then returned to Cincinnati. Mr. Dewein began to learn his trade of shoemaker in Pennsylvania, and finished it in Cincinnati. He married in Maysville, Ky., August 20, 1844, Margaret Schaffer, a native of Baden, Germany, who came to America when five years old. In 1847 he left Cincinnati for Peoria, and came to it on March 17; began to make custom boots and shoes, and sell leather, and gave up the former branch of his business in 1854; is the oldest established leather house in Peoria, and for many years has done a very extensive trade; carries a stock of about $10,000. Mr. Dewein has been an active enterprising and pushing man, and has done much towards the development of the city of his adoption. He was for many years connected with the railroad interests of Peoria county; was the organizer of the P. & R. I. R. R., and acted as secretary and treasurer of it until its completion; has been a director of the T., P. & W. R. R. for seven or eight years, and director of Mechanics' National Bank for nine years. He owns his residence on Knoxville Road, corner Chambers street and Armstrong avenue, a block of valuable property on the bluff, besides other properties in the business portion of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Dewein are members of the First Presbyterian Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Dickinson, Edward Dr. (deceased), res. of widow, 600 Knoxville road. Dr. Dickinson was born in Hadley, Mass., Feb. 15, 1801, and after receiving his primary education in his native town, entered Yale College, but on account of ill-health, did not complete his classical education. He afterwards entered Pennsylvania Medical University, where he graduated with honor in the class of 1830. He studied his profession with Dr. Twitchell of Keene, N. H., and entered into partnership with Dr. Flint, of Northampton, Mass., where he practiced until ill-health drove him to a warmer climate. He married in 1831 Miss Catherine Jones, daughter of the late Edward Johns of the Treasury Department of Washington, D. C. They came to Peoria in 1835, where he practiced his profession until his death, which occurred in his sixty-fifth year. He was president of the Peoria Medical Association, a year previous to his death. Dr. Dickinson was a true gentleman of the old school; a man of sterling integrity and strong mind. No man was ever more strictly honest, or had a higher sense of honor. These qualities, with his urbane manners, his dignity, his eminently acute sense of propriety under all circumstances, the conscientious discharge of all his duties, and his devotion to his profession, made him a typical physician, and won for him the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Dirkson, Frank, fresco and scenic artist, res. 305 Evans street, was born in Germany in 1842, and reared on a farm until thirteen years of age, when, determining to devote his life to decorative art, and being strongly opposed by his father he left home and began the business. A year later he hired on board of a ship, to earn means to prosecute his studies, and made a tour of the world. He entered the Academy of Design in Dusseldorf, Germany, and spent three seasons, working at intervals to pay expenses. Went thence to Hanover and studied scenic painting in the Theater Royal; from there went to London, and continued that Branch of the art in Covent Garden, with Talbin, one of the most noted scenic painters of his time. Came to Canada on an engagement to the Theatre Royal, Monteal, in 1859; returned to Europe in 1860, spent a season in Paris in study, came to New York in 1862, remaining there until he entered the army in 1863; served until the close of the war, on board the sloop of war "Dale," as acting gunner. Returned to New York, spent a season painting, went to Buffalo, engaged three years on decorative work; was one of the original designers of Black Crook, and helped to paint the scenery while there, went to Canada and produced Black Crook one season, relizing $6,000. In 1867 Mr. D. married Mary Brandon, in Buffalo. In 1871 they crossed the lakes intending to locate in Chicago, but the great fire changed their purpose, and they settled down in Peoria. Mr. Dirkson did the decorative work on the Peoria county court-house; has gained a celebrity in his art, winning twenty-five medals and numerous other prizes in public contests. He receives extensive orders from other States. Their family consists of two children, Katie and Frank.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Dobbins, Wm. J., retired grain and ice dealer, res. 712 Hamilton street, was born in Allentown, Penn., in 1818; is the second of three children, two sons and a daughter, of William Dobbins and Mary Wagner, natives of Penn. He was reared in his native town where he learned the trade of cabinet-maker; but his health failing a few years later, went to clerking in a drug store and reading medicine; disliked that and soon abandoned it. In 1849, was elected a representative in the Legislature from Schuykill Co.; was twice re-elected in 1850 and 1851. For four years engaged in the employ of the Pennsylvania R.R. Co., and in the Spring of 1856, came to Peoria, the following Fall, built a distillery in Wesley city; ran it two years; sold out and engaged in malting and dealing in grain eight years; then in company with two other parties under the firm name of Dobbins & Co., erected the Central City elevator, which was burned two years later. After being out of business two years, Mr. D. spent four years in the ice trade, at the expiration of which he retired. In 1867 he married Eliza Gibons, also a native of Allentown, Pa., later of Princeton, Ill. Mr. D. owns several pieces of property in the city.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Bernard Donlin
Donlin, Bernard, merchant, 123 N. Washington street, was born in Longford county, Ireland, in 1809, and received his education in his native county; came to America in 1828; landed in New York, remained there a short time, then went to New Orleans and engaged as clerk, after which went into the wholesale and commission business and remined there about twenty years; came to Peoria, where he followed farming and the grain business. Married Catherine Burn. She was born in Ireland. Has ten living children, three boys and seven girls.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Donnelly, Richard, wholesale dealer in wines and liquors, 924 N. Adams street, was born on the 14th day of February, 1846, in county Wexford, Ireland; emigrated to the United States in 1852, and after traveling over several of the New England States, finally pulled up in the city of Peoria, Ill., and in 1877 engaged in his present business, and by close attention to business has built up a good trade, and has accumulated some money. Married Miss M. J. Kreaps in October, 1877. She was a native of Peoria. The fruit of this marriage is one son. In politics a Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
T. W. Douglass Douglass, T. W., conductor T. P. & W. R. R., 701 First street, was born in West Chazee, Clinton county, N.Y., in 1847, and is the son of George and Pauline (Vanbuskirk) Douglass, natives of New York. He was raised in his native county until about fiteen years of age, when he removed to Ogdensburg, N. Y., and there entered the railroad business and has since followed it. He married there December 22, 1866, Miss Luthera Jannette Armstrong, daughter of Henry and Nancy (Rolfe) Armstrong, who was born December 13, 1849, by whom he has had three children, two now alive, Stella, born July 14, 1870, and Mabel, born October 14, 1872. In April, 1876, he removed with his family to Chicago, and was for some months in the employ of the Illinois Central R. R., removing to Peoria in September of the same year and entering that of the T., P. & W. R. R., and has since remained with them. His father died in 1862 and his mother is still alive.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Downs Downs, John, butcher, 722 First street, was born in county Clare, Ireland, June 24, 1846, and is the son of James and Ann (O'Donnell) Downs, natives of that county. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1864 came to America, landing at New York in May, of that year; went first to St. Louis, and after a short stay came to Litchfield, Montgomery county, Ill., where he worked in a machine shop for about three years, and in 1857 went to Chicago, remaining there for four years, and returning to Litchfield engaged in the boot and shoe business in partnership with his brother-in-law, until the Spring of 1875, when they were burnt out, and during the succeeding Summer engaged in the grocery business, afterwards selling out his interest to his partner, and coming to Peoria in October, 1876, started in business at his present location. He married in Litchfield, Ill., May 14, 1867, Miss Martha McNamara, a native of his own county, born in 1847, by whom he has had five children, three now alive, James, John and Agnes. Mr. Downs was elected a member of the Board of Education from the 6th ward of Peoria in 1877, and has since been re-elected to the office. He was also elected by the board to the post of secretary, January, 1879, and has since held the office. Mr. Downs is in politics a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Doyle, Andrew, carpenter and contractor, 822 First street, was born in county Wicklow, Ireland, May 10, 1835, son of George and Margaret (O'Rorke) Doyle; emigrated to America, August 1851, and located in Cleveland, O., thence came to Peoria, in 1855. Was married December, 1855, to Jane Mooney. She was born in county Dublin, Ireland, in 1833. They have had eight children, seven living, George J., Janey K., John P., Margaret E., Anna M., Nellie E., and Mary S., one dead, James. Mr. D. has carried on his trade and accumulated property to the amount of $15,000; has held a number of offices in the city, never having sought for any; was a member of city Council and supervisor, which position was the cause of saving the county a good many dollars.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
James Duke Duke, James, auctioneer, 122 S. Washington street, was born in the city of Indianapolis, Ind., on the 28th of September, 1828, where he remained until 1866, when he came to Peoria and engaged in the real estate business, and done a good business for about four years. Married Miss E. J. Mitchell, April 21, 1848. She was a native of Kentucky. They have five children, three boys and two girls. The oldest son is an engineer (switch), Wm. B.; second son is a cigar manufacturer in Chicago; third son is chief clerk in Day Bro's. store. Elder daughter is bookkeeper in Irwin & Co., and the youngest daughter remains at home.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
J. S. Dunlap Dunlap, J. S., manager Peoria Plating Works, 402 S. Adams street, was born in Knox county, Ill., August 30, 1844, and is the son of A. J. Dunlap and Mary S. Patterson. His father was a native of Kentucky, and was for fifteen years vice-president of Illinois State Agricultural Association, and his mother was born in Pennsylvania. He was raised and educated at Galesburg, Ill., and on reaching man's estate traveled in the Western States for the Chicago Scale Company for four years, and in 1873 engaged in business as grain commission merchant in Peoria, until the Spring of 1878, when he began his present business. The works are owned and controlled by himself and his younger brother, and he has the sole supervision of them. Are doing a business of $20,000 a year, and have about $6,000 invested. Mr. Dunlap married, December 21, 1875, Miss Frances C. Willard, a native of Galesburg, by whom he has one child -- Edna C. -- born September 6, 1879. His mother is still alive, and resides on the old homestead in Knox county.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Durham Durham, John, retired merchant and capitalist, residence 215 Liberty street, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1811; is the son of John Durham and Martha Guinn. He enjoyed good educational opportunities in that city till fifteen years old; then went to New York city, where he was employed as a clerk in a store from 1826 to 1835, about three years of the time for A. T. Stewart. Came to Illinois and settled in Washington, Tazewell county, engaging in the manufacture of lumber ten years; thence removed down on to Deer creek and spent twelve years on a farm; came to Peoria in 1857, and established the first exclusively carpet house in the city, which he conducted until 1871, and sold out to J. M. Hadley, retiring from active business. On the eve of coming West, in 1835, Mr. D. married Mary W. Gregory, a native of Virginia. They have four sons and four daughters. Politically he was an old line Whig, and later a staunch Republican.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Earnest, John, mechanic, 209 Floral street, was born in Perry county, Penn., in 1824; is the eldest of ten children of Daniel and Catherine Earnest, both natives of that State. He was brought up on a farm, remaining there till twenty-four years of age; came to Peoria county in 1848; remained in the city one Winter, then settled in Lancaster, Trivoli township, engaging in the cooper business four years; in August, 1862, enlisted in the 86th Illinois Infantry; went out as sergeant; participated in most of the battles in which the Army of the Cumberland fought; was breveted lieutenant in April, 1865, and was mustered out in June following. Upon returning home, settled in Peoria, and served as clerk in one of the county offices three years, in the Winter season; was elected constable; held the office three years; then filled the office of justice of the peace four years. In 1851 Mr. E. married Rhoda Galbraith, a native of Pennsylvania. They have six children, Lewis C., Harriet E., Rufus K., Frank S., Florence M., and Edna L. Harriet E. is now undergoing vocal culture, with flattering prospects of attaining a national celebrity as a prima donna. Mr. E. is a member of the National Blues, and is a Republican in politics.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Thomas A. Eaton Eaton, Thomas A., grocer, 1110 1/2 N. Adams street, was born in Sheldon, Mass., November 30, 1844, and is the son of Thomas and Lois B. (Lougley) Eaton, natives of Massachusetts. He was raised, educated, and grew to manhood, in his native town. His parents came to Peoria in 1864, and a year later he followed them, and for over a year worked at his trade of carpenter there; then worked on the Union Pacific railroad for two years, and returning to Peoria in 1868, he began his present business in partnership with his father, and so continued until 1876, when he began on his own account. He married, November 30, 1863, Miss Lucy Hallbrook, a native of Massachusetts, born November 25, 1843, by whom he has had four children, three now alive -- Nettie, Sybil, and Walter. He enlisted in June, 1863, in 23d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and was stationed for six months in Boston Harbor, and about twenty months in Washington, D. C.; was mustered out at the close of the war. His father died in Peoria, February 13th, 1876, and his mother still lives and resides with him. Mr. Eaton conducts a good business, mostly with city customers, and is a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 21, I. O. O. F.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Eberle, Christian F., grocer and provision dealer, 625 N. Adams street, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, July 25, 1836, and is the son of John Jacob and Frederika (Hummel) Eberle, natives of that city. He came to America in 1853, landing at New York in September of that year, and headed straight for Peoria. He had learned the trade of baker in his native country, and on coming to Peoria began to learn that of harness-maker, and worked at it for four years. He afterward tended bar and sold groceries for about four years, and in 1862 made a visit to his home across the sea, extending over six months, and on December 10, 1861, after his return to Peoria, started a grocery business for himself diagonally opposite his present location, and has since continued in that line. In 1867 he bought the corner he now occupies, and built his residence on the adjoining lot, and on August 10 of the same year, married Miss Emelia Schuler, a native of St. Louis, Mo., by whom he has had three children, two of whom are now living -- William Charles and Emelia A. His wife died in February, 1873, and he married May 15, of the same year, Miss Elizabeth Wurtemburger, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, who was born April 8, 1852, and came to America in April, 1870. Mr. Eberle carries a large stock of general groceries, notions and queensware, and does a large and increasing trade, both with city and county customers.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Eberle, Franz, butcher, 417 S. Washington street, was born in Germany, October 2, 1827; came to this country in 1857, and located in Peoria, where he has resided since. Married Miss Thessia Hilderbrand. She was born in Germany, September 27, 1830. By this union there were nine children, four of whom are still living -- Lena, Caroline, Peter and Frank. Mr. E. keeps all kinds of meats on hand, and any one wanting any thing in his line would do well do call on him.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Echhorn, J. C., saloon and boarding house, 1515 S. Washington street, was born in Baden, Germany, December 31, 1824; came to the United States in 1849, and worked at the coopering business most of the time since; has worked as high as fifty to sixty men per day. Married Magdalena Rapp. She was born in the same place, April 28, 1824. The fruit of this marriage were ten children, six of whom are still living -- Sophia, Catherine and Mary (twins), Peter, Godfried L., and Lena, member of the Presbyterian Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Eckhard, John, flour and feed, 801 N. Adams street, was born in Saxe Weimer, Germany, November 5, 1832, and is the son of Gottlieb Eckhard and Marie Schmidt, natives of Saxe Weimer; was raised and went to school there, and learned his trade of blacksmith in Butstadt, where he worked at it for about six years, and came to America in 1853, landing at New York in October of that year. During the next Winter he tended bar in New York, and in June went to Butler county, Pa., where he worked for three years, and from then came to Peoria about 1856, where he has since resided. He married in his native land in 1852, Caroline Schwenemeyer, a native of Prussia, by whom he had four children, three now alive -- Lena, Berthold, and William. Mrs. Eckhard died in July, 1874, and in January, 1876, he married Miss Catherine Hinds, a native of Illinois. He worked at his trade in Peoria for about thirteen years, and during part of that time at the tobaccao trade; started his feed store at above number about four years ago; owns house and lot at 715 N. Adams street, also house and lot on N. Washington street.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Ehlen, H. J., dealer in stoves, tin and hardware, 600 S. Adams street, was born in Germany, in April, 1838, and is the son of John Jacob and Annie Ehlen. He came to America alone in 1857, and landed in New York in August of that year; spent six years in Brooklyn, working at his trade, then came to Pekin, and after working for two years there, moved to Peoria in August, 1865, where he worked for four years as a journeyman and then started in business for himself. He married there, in October of that year, Sophia M. Thielbar, a native of Indiana, by whom he has six children, four now alive: Elizabeth, Matilda, John and Luther. He carries a stock of about $2,000, and makes a specialty of the manufacture of elevator buckets.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Eisenhauer, Adam, saloon, 216 N. Adams street, was born in Baden, Germany, September 9, 1838, and came to America with his father in 1843, landing at New Orleans, where he stayed for a short time, and then came to Peoria, where he was raised; came up from St. Louis on the old Avalanche. Went to school in Peoria, and afterwards learned the trade of harness maker, and conducted a business in that line on his own account for seventeen years. He was burned out, with almost total loss, Nov. 6, 1874, but at once rebuilt and continued until his health forced him to give it up. He started his present business June 1, 1876. He married June 16, 1862, Miss Julia Gauss, a native of Germany, born Feb. 15, 1844, by whom he has had two children: Mary, born Nov. 19, 1864, and Lottie, born Aug. 3, 1866. His wife died March 21, 1868, and he married Sept. 27, of the same year, Miss Annie Schwers, a native of New Orleans, born June 8, 1847, by whom he had three children, two now alive: Adam Henry, born Sept. 1869; William born July 10, 1871, died Aug. 8, 1872; and Otto, born July 7, 1879. He owns his store, and residence above, 216 N. Adams street.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Elliott, P. F., retired grocer, res. 1109 N. Adams street. Son of Wm. W. and Sarah (Mutchner) Elliott, natives of Maryland, who emigrated to Ohio at an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 14th day of January, 1828. Was reared on a farm and received a common school education. Married Miss Eliza Stephenson, daughter of Joshua Stephenson. She was born in Butler county, O., in 1834; died in 1853, leaving one child, Wm. E. In the Spring of 1855 he came to Peoria county, where he embarked in the grocery business until 1861, when he enlisted in the 11th Illinois Cavalry as private; was commissioned as first lieutenant by a voice of the company. Their first engagement was at Shiloh. Thence, to Corinth and Iuka; thence, to Vicksburg. In the Spring of 1863 he was appointed quartermaster; later, the same year, was promoted to captain; and in 1864 was commissioned major. Was on the Grierson and Sherman raids, and was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., in the Fall of 1865. Returned to Peoria, bought into the grocery business -- style of firm, Elliott & Co. -- which he followed until 1870; then went into the employ of Tyng & Brotherson until 1877. Married for his second wife Hannah, daughter of Wm. A. Hall, one of the early settlers of Peoria county, (in which county she was born,) on the 14th day of Dec., 1860. Had one daughter, Hannah May. For his third wife, married Mary E. Stillman. She was born in Renssalaer county, N. Y., in 1843. The fruit of this marriage is one daughter, Mary L. Has five acres of land in the city, valued at $5,000.
Ellis, O. P., mechanic, 809 N. Jefferson street. Son of Amos and Harriet Ellis, natives of Ohio. They came to Woodford county, Ill., in 1850, where they remained until 1875, when they came to Ford county, where they still reside.
The subject of this sketch was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 26th day of April, 1832, where he received a common school education. Came with his parents to Woodford county, Ill., where he followed various occupations. In 1861, enlisted in the 17th I. V. I., Co. G, mustered in at Peoria, under command of Col. L. F. Ross. Participated in the battle of Frederickstown, Mo., Pittsburgh Landing, Fort Donelson, Iuka, Siege of Vicksburg. After the battle of Fort Donelson, was put upon detached service under Gen. Ross, and remained with him until he resigned, and then was assigned to duty under Col. Henry T. Noble, A. V. M., District of Eastern Arkansas, where he remained the balance of his time. Mustered out at Springfield, Ill., in 1865. Was wounded at Batesville, Ark., through the shoulder, the ball lodging in his breast bone.
In 1866 he married Miss Josephine M. Powell, daughter of J. E. Powell. She was born in Tazewell county, Ill., in 1844. The fruit of this marriage was two children, one of which is still living.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Emerson, George F., of Cummings & Emerson, hardware, 416 & 418 S. Washington street, was born April 4, 1847, in Tazewell county, Ill., where he was reared on a farm and received what schooling the schools afforded. In March he came to Peoria and completed a course at the commercial college. In 1865 was assistant book-keeper at Farrell's distillery for two Winters. In the Spring of 1867 until 1868 kept books for C. L. Bobb. Was then employed by D. M. Cummings as book-keeper, and remained with him until 1872, when he was admitted as partner in the concern and has continued in the business ever since. Married Miss Harriet Woodruff (daughter of the late N. L. Woodruff) November 7, 1871. Two children bless this union.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Engstrom, Charles V., boot and shoe maker, 205 N. Adams street, was born in Sweden, November 10, 1854, and is the son of John L. and Sophia Engstrom. He came to America with his parents in 1869, landing at New York in July of that year. They settled in Galesburg, Ill., where his parents still reside, and in 1873 he came to Peoria and learned his trade, and in 1876 started at his present location on his own account. He married December 31, 1879, Miss Bessie Anderson, a native of Sweden, who came to America with her parents in 1868. Mr. Engstrom does a good business, and by his faithful and pains-taking work has drawn around him a good class of customers.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Evans, Isaac, dealer in groceries, flour, feed, hardware, etc., 1400 Main street, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, July 13, 1833. His father, Joseph Evans, was born in the same county, October 3, 1801, and died in Crawford county, Ill., August 23, 1867. His mother, Margaret Evans, was born in Dauphin county, Pa., August 22, 1799, and died in the same county as her husband, May 13, 1864; both were buried at Olney, Ill. Their family consisted of six children -- Malona, Rebecca, Philip, Isaac, Henry and Jairus, of whom only two (Rebecca and Jairus), besides the subject of this sketch, now survives, and they are all residents of Peoria. Mr. Evans settled with his parents in Crawford county, Ill., in 1852; married Nov. 19, 1857, Miss Phebe A. Price, a native of Coshocton, Ohio, by whom he had three children -- Oscar W., Clara E. and Julia B.; came with his family to Peoria in March, 1864, and in February of the succeeded year he had the great misfortune to lose his three children, by cerebro-spinal meningitis, and his wife by congestive chills. He married again Feb. 7, 1867, Miss Phebe A. Waggoner, a native of his own county, who has borne him five children -- Laura L., John T., Willis, Lona R. and Lucia B. The two eldest died of scarlet fever in the Summer of 1876. He commenced business at his present location December 1, 1870, and by close attention to business has built up a profitable trade; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of (Hale Chapel) M. E. Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fagotte, Joseph, saloon, corner Bridge and South Water streets, was born in Kaskaskia, Ill., August 13, 1834, and is the son of Joseph and Ann (Spruden) Fagotte, natives of France, who came to America in 1833. He left his native county when very young, with his parents, and settled in St. Clair county, and in 1845 came to Tazewell county, where they resided till 1868, then removing to Peoria, where he has since resided. While in Tazewell county he was for eight years postmaster at Wesley City, and on coming to Peoria started a saloon at his present location. When ten years of age he was so unfortunate as to lose his right arm, in a threshing machine, and this has forced upon him a life of indoor employment. He owns 120 acres of good farming land in Tazewell county, worth $25 an acre, and does a good business in his saloon; is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics is on the fence.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fardon, Frederick W., painter, 115 North Washington street. Was born in the city of Peoria on the 25th day of July, 1857. Parents natives of Worcester, England, and came to the United States in 1850, and settled on West Bluff, where they engaged in gardening. His father died in the Fall of 1877, mother still living. Mr. F. has been in business for the last five years.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fay, John, maltster and saloon-keeper, 525 S. Adams street, was born in Germany in 1844; came to Pekin, Ills., in 1871, and to Peoria in the following year, where he has since engaged in his present lines of business. He married in Germany Julia A. Shulz, a native of that country. Mr. Fay conducts a large business in his saloon, and turns out from his malthouse an average of 185 bushels barley malt per day.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Felrath, Hubert, manufacturer of soda and mineral waters, corner Gay and N. Water streets, was born in Alsace, France, April 22, 1828, and is the son of Florence and Mary Ann Felrath, natives of Alsace. He grew to manhood in his native country, and there went to school, and learned something of the millwright's trade from his father, and in 1848 he came alone to America, landing at New York in the Spring of that year. He stayed for about one year in Pennsylvania, and then removed to Ohio, from thence to Michigan, and finally settled in Illinois in 1853, coming to Peoria in that Fall, and has since made it his home. For the next six or seven years he worked as house and ship carpenter, and then started a saloon on the Knoxville road, which he conducted for nine years. While there he married in May, 1865, Miss Ida Bergholz, who was born in Holstein in 1835, and came to America about 1861. By this union he has three children -- Christian, Mary and Ida. He started in his present business in 1868, and then gave up his saloon; manufactures soda water, ginger ale, and seltzer water, all of which is sold in the city. Does a very extensive business and sells during the Summer months from 600 to 700 boxes of soda weekly, besides seltzer, etc. He owns his manufactory and dwelling house opposite, with the lots on which they stand. He was elected alderman of the Fourth Ward by the Democratic vote in 1879, and at present fills the office. Mr. Felrath is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Druids.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fisher, Joseph, undertaker, 400 Main street, was born in Columbus, O., April 5, 1857, and is the son of Jacob and Mary Fisher, natives of Ohio. He was raised and educated in his native city, and afterwards engaged in his present business, and carried it on there for ten years. He came to Peoria in March, 1874, and began to build up the business he now conducts; carries a large and fine stock of coffins, caskets and general undertaker's supplies, and does a very extensive business. He was married April 8, 1858, in Columbus, O., to Miss Ellen Jane Henderson, a native of that city, who bore him six children, four now living: -- Martha, Harlen, Margaret and Ellen. Mrs. Fisher died in Peoria, May 17, 1874.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Flanagan, John C., attorney at law, Bluff street, son of John and Jane (Pratt) Flanagan, natives of Philadelphia, Pa., where he was born June 17, 1806. After beginning his education he went to Susquehanna county, Pa., and finished his studies. Read law with Col. James Paige, of Philadelphia, where he remained four years; was admitted to the bar in 1828, in Philadelphia; and opened an office. In 1830, went to Pottsville, where he practiced, and dealt extensively in coal; remained there three years, and in the Spring of 1834 came to Peoria county and entered land; in the Fall went back to Philadelphia, and in company with David Maxwell and wife, his mother, James A. Flanagan, Ada Beere and his sister Susie, came back, when he settled on his claim near the Kickapoo, where he remained a couple of years. In 1836 went to St. Louis and dealt in land, but not being satisfied returned to Peoria after one year. In 1837 bought lands adjoining the city and laid out addition; built his presnet house on the Bluff (hauling lumber from Chicago), where he has resided since.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fletcher, Rigdon S., restaurant, 105 North Washington street. Was born in Wayne county, Ky., on the 21st day of November, 1825; moved to Mason county, Illinois, in 1830; removed to Sangamon county in 1834, thence to DeWitt county in 1851; married Miss Arminda Turner on the 16th day of March, 1851, and afterwards went to Missouri; enlisted in Co. A, 35th Mo. Inf. in 1862, and served until the 28th of June, 1865; after the close of the war came back to DeWitt county, and in 1876 came to Peoria city and has been engaged in the boarding-house business since.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Floreth, Philip, grocer, 513 W. Jefferson street, was born March 25, 1829, in Germany. Emigrated to America in 1860, and located in Peoria. Married Miss Margaret Weis on the 15th day of November, 1856. The fruit of this marriage was one boy and one girl -- Elizabeth, born April 26, 1863, Jacob, born October 26, 1866. Are both members of the German Methodist Church of Peoria. Embarked in the grocery business in 1867, and by fair dealing has built up a lucrative trade.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fogelmark, Adam, (Fogelmark & Lofgren), coppersmiths and plumbers, 407 S. Washington street, was born in Sweden, in 1818. Emigrated to the United States in 1856. Came to Peoria in April of that year, and worked some 14 years as a copper and blacksmith in machine shops. Spent two years in New Orleans, ten years ago; then lived in Pekin seven years, where he formed a partnership with Mr. Lofgren and carried on business about five years. In June, 1879, they removed to Peoria. Mr. F. married in Knoxville, Illinois, soon after he arrived in this country, to Joana Colson, a native of Sweden. They have three children -- Oscar, Charlie and Emma.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Foley, M. J., butcher, 901 First street, was born in county Sligo, Ireland, March 22, 1832, and is the son of Michael Foley and Mary Killalee, natives of Sligo. He was raised and educated there, and learned the trade of ship carpenter, coming to America in 1847 and landing in New York in May of that year. Remained in Baltimore, working at his trade, for three years, and came to St. Louis in 1850, where he resided for six years, and in 1856 came to Illinois, settling in Peoria, where he has since resided. He worked at his trade until 1865, during most of which time he superintended the yard of the Kingston Coal Company, and in the latter year commenced his present business, and has since continued it. He married, in the Fall of 1867, Miss Eliza Philips, a native of Wisconsin, by whom he has had two children -- Mary and Kate. He had, for four years, charge of one of the city scales. He owns his store, with ice house and barn in the rear. Is a member of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Foster, Benjamin, paper box manufacturer, 111 Main street, was born in Deal, county of Kent, England, April 14, 1828, and is the son of Stephen and Sarah (Bullinger) Foster. His father was English and his mother of French descent. He was raised and educated in his native town, and also served an apprenticeship to the trade of printing and book binding, coming to America in 1848 and landing in New York in November of that year. After a short stay there, he worked his way through Albany, Buffalo, Sandusky, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and up the river to Peoria, reaching it in November, 1849, and going to work on the day of his arrival for the late Samuel H. Davis, who was then carrying on a printing business in the same building which Mr. Foster now occupies. After the death of his employer he went as printer to Jubilee College and for some months printed The Motto. He then returned to Peoria and started a bindery opposite the First National Bank, occupying a part of the second floor, for which he paid a rent of $25 a month. There he remained for three years, when he started the Ben Franklin Printing Office, and continued it there until February, 1870, printing extensively both book and job work. At that date he bought the building he now occupies, and moved his printing establishment, steam presses, and all over to it, and continued the business until 1872, when he finally abandoned printing and took up the line he is now engaged in, to which he has given his exclusive attention during the last six or seven years. He is the only paper box maker in the city and manufactures his goods very largely for foreign as well as local trade. Mr. Foster married in London, England, April, 1856, while on a visit home, Miss Christiana Clark, a native of Northbourne, Kent, England, by whom he has had seven children, six now alive, Ben Franklin, Mary, Ziliah, Edgar, Lincoln, Amanda, and Belle. Has been for many years connected with the Congregational Church, and has served it in many capacities. Is at present a deacon of the Church, and superintendent of Plymouth Mission. He is also president of the Red Ribbon Club of Peoria and secretary and treasurer of Peoria County Bible Society.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Foveaux, Charles, merchant, 101 Elizabeth street, was born in Cologne on the River Rhine, on the 18th day of October, 1832, came to the United States in 1853, and located in McLean county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm and remained two years. Then went to Tazewell county, Illinois. Thence to Peoria. In 1862 enlisted in the 8th Ills. Inf. co. I, mustered in at Springfield. Then to Memphis where he joined his regiment. Was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, also at the charge of Ft. Blakesley, also at Spanish Fort. Thence to Mobile where they did guard duty. Thence to New Orleans. Thence to Texas. Mustered out at Baton Rouge. Was in the service three years and three months. Married Julia Borling. She was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1840. There were eight children; three of whom are living, Henry, Mary, and Tillie. Has a good business and carries a stock of $4,000.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Franks, J. W. & Sons, printers and book binders, 210 Main street. This business was started under the present firm name in July, 1873, in the building directly opposite their present location. The firm is composed of Mr. J. W. Franks and his sons, Fred E., Frank F., Thomas G., and Gerald B. They occupy the whole of a large three-story building at above number, and employ from thirty to forty hands; do an extensive book and job business, and have facilities for turning out their work second to no firm in the State outside of Chicago. Their business is yearly upon the increase, and necessitates the frequent purchases of improved machinery, etc., to keep pace with it.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Frazier, DeWitt C., police magistrate, res. 105 N. Monroe street, is the son of Charles M. and Frances H. Frazier. Father born in 1788, mother 1790. Family consisting of thirteen children, twelve of which lived to be men and women. In 1824 or '25 they moved from Philadelphia to Wooster, Ohio, remaining until 1827, where he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where DeWitt C. was born, July 25, 1829. In 1833 his father came to this State, with a shingle and lath cutting machine, the first ever introduced.
The subject of this sketch came to the State in 1840 and located in Tazewell Co.; in 1844 came to Peoria Co. In 1846 was one of the first volunteers to go to Mexico. Enlisted in 4th I. V. I., Co. G., Col. Ed. Baker, who was killed at Ball's Bluff. Their first principal marches were from Matamora to Carmago, where they remained a short time. Thence to Victoria and Tampico, the command being mostly barefoot and three days without food or water. Thence to Vera Cruz by boats and participated in the siege, also was at Cerro Gordo. Thence up above Jalapa, where they encamped through the rainy season without tents or blankets; from there was sent to New Orleans and discharged. Married Susan Bush; she was born in Licking co., Ohio, July 8, 1831; nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of which are still living. Members of the Reformed Episcopal Church. In 1861 was in the Board of Supervisors, and has held several local offices. Mr. F. was well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, has sit on jury before his pleadings, and Judge Davis presiding.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fredrich, Herman, billiard hall, 116 S. Jefferson street. Is a native of Germany; was born April 5, 1827. Emigrated to the United States in 1853 and located in Sheboygan, Wis., and remained there five years. In 1858 came to Peoria and worked at his trade as millwright. In 1865 enlisted in 47th I. V. I., Co. B., and served until the close of the war. Came back to Peoria, and in 1871, engaged in his present business. Has a large and neatly furnished room with five billiard tables, and is doing a lucrative business. Married Miss Augusta Franks in 1852. She was a native of Germany and came to this country with her husband in 1853. They have five children, three boys and two girls. Mr. F. is a member of the Masonic Order, Schiller Lodge, No. 335, of Peoria, and of Peoria Commandery No. 3, of Knight Templars.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Friedrick, George, botanist and florist, 1502 Perry street. Was born in Piermont, Germany, in 1821; parents were, William and Caroline Friedrick. He learned the business of florist in his native country; came to America in 1848, via New Orleans and St. Louis, and settled in Peoria, and on present place in 1852. Mr. F. received an education in the general schools of Germany, and has since made a life study of botany. Has two large greenhouses, crowded with nearly 2,000 specimens of rare indigenous and exotic plants, making one of the finest collections in the West. In procuring and propagating he has spared neither pains nor money. It can be truthfully said he is wedded to his profession. Mr. F. married Anna M. Stein in St. Louis, a native of Holstein, Germany, who has borne him three children, all deceased.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fruehoff, Julius, Government store keeper; resides at 918 S. Adams street; was born in Germany, June 14, 1830. His parents died when he was very young, and he was raised, educated, and acquired his trade of machinist in his native country, and there married, November 13, 1856, Miss Mary Rankin, a native of Hanover, by whom he had one daughter -- Annie. In the year after marriage he came to America, landing at New Orlenas May 9, 1857, and coming up the river, settled in Peoria, and there worked at his trade till September, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. K, 44th Ill. Vol. Inf. Among the many engagements he participated in were those of Pea Ridge, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Perryville, Ky., and Nashville. He was slightly wounded at the first named battle; was mustered out September 26, 1864, at Atlanda, Ga., and returned to his home in Peoria. While in the South his wife died, May 2, 1864, and after some months he married in 1865, Mrs. Johanna Frazer, a native of Hanover, who was born June 21, 1825. In the year of his second marriage he engaged in the saloon business, and continued until October 1, 1879, when he received his appointment to the position he now occupies. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Fuller, S. A., steam laundry, 100 Main street. Was born in Geneva, Ashtabula county, Ohio, September, 1849. Son of David A. and Susan M. Fuller. They now reside in Neopolis, Ohio. He located in Peoria June 6, 1879, and started the steam laundry business, where he is prepared to do all kinds of work in his line on short notice, and the best of satisfaction guaranteed to all.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Furst, Alexander, Supt. House of Correction. Was born in Germany, June 1, 1841, and is the son of Ernest Frederick and Jane (Winter) Furst, natives of that country. He grew up upon his father's farm, and when twenty-four years of age came with his mother and the rest of the family to America, landing at New York, in October, 1865. They first went to Milwaukee, where they resided together for about a year, and then Mr. Furst went to Cumming county, Neb., where he farmed for five years, and in October, 1871, came to Peoria, where he has ever since resided. He married there in December, 1876, Miss Elizabeth Schneider, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents when an infant, by whom he has had one child -- Paul -- born October 7, 1877, and who died on Christmas day, 1879. After coming to Peoria he clerked, and kept books in various business places for some years, until he received his appointment to his present position April 9, 1879. The appointment was for a term of four years. He owns a farm of 200 acres of fine farming land in Cummings county, Neb. His mother is still alive and resides in Peoria.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gable, John M., saloon, Commercial alley, rear of 214 Main street, was born in Davenport, Iowa, July 5, 1842, and is the son of Adam Gable, a native of Germany. When very young his parents came to Peoria, and here he was raised; has been in business for himself at present location for twelve years, and does much the largest retail liquor business in the city. He married, November 30, 1862, in Decatur, Ill., Mrs. Eva Tomlinson, a native of Tennessee, by whom he has had eleven children, three of whom are now alive -- Cora Bell, George N., and John Oglesby. Beside his liquor business, Mr. Gable runs a large livery and sale stable, where vehicles of all kinds can be hired at moderate rates.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gabler, F., grocer, 1201 S. Adams street, was born in Berks county, Pa., in 1831, and is the son of John and Catherine (Rich) Gabler, natives of Pennsylvania. When eight years of age he came to Huntington county, Pa., with his parents, and resided there till nineteen years old, when, in 1850, he came to Peoria county, and has ever since been a resident of it. He farmed for three years in Limestone township, and married there in April, 1861, Miss Rosana Haller, a native of Germany, by whom he has had five children, four now living -- George, Emma, Sarah, and Ida. He came to the city of Peoria in 1865, and after about one year in the brewery business, sold out, and started in his present line, and has since continued it in the same block. He does a good business, and carries a stock of from $3,000 to $4,000; owns two stores and lots on the corner of S. Adams and Pecan streets. Mr. Gabler is a member of the Congregational Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gale, Hon. Jacob, secretary of Peoria Gas Lighting Co., resident North street, bluff, is a native of Salsbury, N. H., where he was born in 1814. His parents, Benjamin and Achsah Gale, nee Bailey, were also natives of New Hampshire. Judge Gale was educated at Dartmouth College, and graduated with the class of 1833. He came to Peoria the year following, began the study of law, and was admitted to practice in 1837; continued an active member of Peoria bar until he was appointed clerk of the circuit court, in 1844, the clerkship being then an appointive office. Having served in that capacity for twelve years, he was appointed circuit judge in 1856, which office he resigned after filling it one year. Judge Gale has never resumed the law practice since his retirement from the bench, but has served two terms as mayor of Peoria, and was for a number of years on a farm near the city, and has been secretary of the gas company nearly eight years. He married in Peoria, in the Spring of 1838, Charlotte Bartlett, also a native of Salsbury. She died nine years ago, leaving two sons. Mr. G. is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gauss, William, grocer, 209 S. Madison street. Is a native of Germany born in the city of Neutingen, on the 19th day of July, 1842. Emigrated to the United States in 1853, with his parents, who located in Amboy, N. J., where they remained two years, then came to Peoria county and engaged in cigar manufacturing, and continued in that until 1869, when the subject of this sketch embarked in the grocery business on his own account, and has carried on the business successfully since. Always keeps on hand the very best stock the market affords, and by fair dealing and close attention to business has built up a trade that bids fair to be remunerative. Married Miss Sophia Pottchoff, October 31, 1867. She was born in 1846, in Germany. Their family consists of four girls and one boy.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gibhardt, Theodore, meat market, 912 N. Adams, corner Spring street. Was born in Germany, November 27, 1830. Son of Jacob and Dorothy Gibhardt. Emigrated to America at the age of twenty-five, and settled in Peoria in 1855. (In his native country he learned and pursued the trade of glass blower); worked at various places after coming to the county, after which he went into his present business. For his first wife, married Minnie Schilling, in Peoria. She was a native of Germany. She died nine years after their marriage, leaving one daughter, Minnie. For his second wife, married Miss Minnie Rammieg, October 4, 1877. She was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio; by this marriage there is one child, Theodore, born July 12, 1878.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gienow, William, saloon keeper, 700 S. Washington street. Was born in Prussia, February 5, 1840. Came to the United States in 1871, and settled in Peoria, where he worked as a laborer, and in 1875 commenced the saloon business, which he still follows. Married Miss Augusta Ferg. She was born in the same place, February 6, 1843. They had six children, four of whom are living -- Louisa, Carl, Annie, Carrie (deceased), William and Louis.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gifford, George W., wholesale dealer in cider and vinegar, 128 S. Water St. Was born in Putnam Co., Ind., Feb 28, 1848, and resided there until 1874, when he moved to Terre Haute, Ind., where he engaged as clerk in a boot and shoe house. Thence came to Peoria and engaged in his present business. Married Miss Anna Reed, January 7, 1878. She was a native of Indiana, and a resident of Evansville. Mr. G., by energy and industry, has built up a lucrative business.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gilbert, George W. H., hatter and furrier, S. Adams Street; was born in Peoria, February 12, 1837. His father, Henry Gilbert, was born and brought up near Charing Cross, London, Eng.; left home for the New World with a good education, besides the mastership of the trade of architect and builder; arrived in Peoria in 1834; soon after made the acquaintance of and married Margaret A. Fash, daughter of a retired sea captain, who came from New York, and settled on lands previously bought in the county, where he died in July, 1848; widow still lives as the wife of Dr. Harmon Couch. George H. received a liberal education in the city schools and at Wesleyan Seminary, in which he won distinction for scholarship. April 1, 1852, he began the apprenticeship to the hat, cap and fur trade with Alex. Bishop. In July, 1858, he became a one-third partner with Mr. Bishop, in the best store of its class in the city. February 1, 1865, Mr. Bishop withdrew to go to Chicago, leaving Mr. G. senior partner and manager of the growing business. An unfortunate partnership, the financial depression succeeding the war, and some other bad movements culminated in disaster, which brooded over him for some time, but by hard struggling, with no loss of self-respect or the confidence of others, he is rapidly regaining his feet again. On the 22d of February, 1858, Mr. G. married N. Josephine Speers, from Belle Vernon, Pa., who died January 12, 1865, leaving four sons and three daughters; only two sons and one daughter survive. August 30, 1876, Miss Alice Osborn from Ripley, O., became his second wife. Mr. G. early united with the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been active and a zealous worker in the Sunday-school cause. He cast his maiden vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever been a staunch Republican. He has been the efficient secretary of the Old Settlers Union since its inception.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gill, Samuel L., deputy sheriff, 310 Hamilton street, is the son of James Gill and Rebecca Linch. Was born in 1833 in Bridgeport, New Jersey. His mother died in 1837; father removed to Cincinnati, O., in 1838, and soon after to Elmwood, Peoria county, Ill. He married again to Sarah Jackson, of Farmington, Fulton county, and engaged in dealing in horses and mules. Having purchased eighty acres of raw prairie in Elmwood township, Peoria county, Samuel settled on and farmed it a number of years. He married Anna E. Hurff, of Elmwood, September 15, 1857; removed to Elmwood city in 1865; was collector of the township that year. In 1866 was chosen deputy sheriff, and has held the office continuously since, save two years -- 1869 and '70 -- when he was sheriff, and 1872 when he served as chief of the city police. His marriage with Miss Hurff has resulted in two children, Carrie M. and Wellington E. Mr. G. is a member of A. F. & A. M. Father died in Elmwood in 1859, and his stepmother in 1870.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gillig, Joseph, saloon keeper, 221 & 223 Fulton street, was born in Woerstadt, Germany, in 1838. Came to the United States in 1855, and located directly in Peoria; worked some time at his trade -- baker; traveled considerably for several years and engaged in the butchering business for a time, and in 1873 opened a saloon. He married Margaret Pfeiffer, of Peoria, but born in Bavaria, Europe. They have one living child, Annetta. Mr. G. is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and several other societies; in politics is a staunch Republican.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gipps, John M., brewer, res. 814 Sanford street, was born in Herfordshire, England in 1818; is the son of Rev. Henry Gipps, L. L. D., rector of St. Peters church in Herford. His mother's maiden name was Emma M. Plumtre. Mr. G. was one of a family of four brothers and six sisters. He descended from a very wealthy family; has a brother a member of Parliament and others in high official positions. He graduated from Cambridge University in 1838, as a barrister, came to United States in 1848, located in Tazewell Co., Ill., engaged in merchandising in 1858 or '59; left the farm and came to the city in 1871, having become identified with the brewing business previously. The firm of Gipps & Co., now does the heaviest business in central Illinois, running from 1,200 to 1,400 barrels per month. Mr. G. married Ellen Davidson, in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1852; she was born in England; they have two children, Bessie W. and George H. Mr. G. is a member of I. O. O. F.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gleason, William, grocer, 201 First street, was born in county Kilkenny, Ireland, in April, 1847, and is the son of Martin and Catharine (Kelly) Gleason, natives of that county. He came to America with his mother when about three years old, landing at New York, and settling upon a farm which they bought in Waukesha county, Wis. Here he was raised until about twenty-two years of age, when he went to St. Louis, and after attending school for some time there returned to Wisconsin, and from thence went to Minnesota, where he taught school for two years, and again returning to Wisconsin taught school in Chippeway Falls county for other two years. He then began the grocery business, and carried it on until he was taken down with a severe attack of typhoid fever. On his recovery he found his business so much run down, and the expenses consequent upon his illness so large that he was obliged to sell out in order to meet his liabilities. He then came to Peoria in April, 1877, and started his present business at present location. He married in Milwaukee September 26, 1878, Miss Mary McMahon, a native of Wisconsin, by whom he has had one child -- Thomas -- born September 1, 1879. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Godel, Eberhardt, packer of and dealer in fresh and salt meats. Sale room 119 N. Washington street. Was born in Fenerback, Wuertenbach, in 1836. Came to the United States in 1850. Was married to Elizabeth Rentz in 1957, and settled in Monmouth, Illinois, and in 1859 came to Peoria, and engaged in his present business in 1868, and has continued in the same since, and has built up a business which bids fair to make him in easy circumstances through life.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Goodhardt, John, grocer, 739 Plank road. Was born on the 3rd day of March, 1820, in Marenburg, Prussia, emigrated to the United States in 1854; landed at New Orleans and thence to Peoria, and remained a short time, then went to Washington where he worked at the carpentering trade about two years, then returned to Peoria. Married Miss Fisher in Nov. 1857. Has been engaged in the grocery trade for the past twelve years at his present stand. By close attention to business and fair dealing has built up an enviable trade. The firm at present is Goodhardt & Fisher.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gouran, Thomas, res. 708 Fifth street, was born in the county of West Meath, Ireland, about the year 1805, and is the son of John Gouran and Rosie Haley. His father was a native of West Meath, and his mother of Kildare. He was raised on his father's farm. After coming to manhood farmed for himself, and married in 1840 Miss Margaret Garigan, a native of West Meath, by whom he has had a family of seven children, six now alive, John, James, Rosie, Jane, Bridget and Margaret. The whole family came to America in 1858, and came straight to Peoria where they have since resided. All of his family reside with him, and are members of the Catholic Church. He has worked for many years upon the railroads, but in consequence of an injury received some three years ago he has not of late been able to do anything.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gragg, John S., engineer, Monarch mills. Was born in Niagara Co., New York, July 4, 1831. Son of Levi and Ann Gragg, both of which are now deceased. The subject of this sketch was a soldier of the Mexican war of 1846. Served in Griffin's battery for eighteen months. Then came to Peoria where he entered machine shops until 1852. Went to California where he worked as engineer in the Pony mines for nineteen months; returned to Peoria where he again engaged in running an engine until the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in the 8th Mo. Infantry and served two years; from there was promoted to Captain of a colored company, in which capacity he served for three years; mustered out and returned again to Peoria, where he married Augusta Schenke in 1864. She was born in Germany in 1842; they have three children Alice, Henry, and Agnes. At the present time is one of the engineers in the Monarch mills.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Green, George M., boot and shoe maker, 418 Main street, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Nov. 25, 1835, and is the son of George Adam Green and Rosina Prellos, natives of Wurtemburg. He resided there until sixteen years of age, when, with his father, he came to America, landing at New York in March, 1852. They settled in Philadelphia, where he learned his trade and worked at it for four years, and for two years in Baltimore, and while in the latter city married, April 7, 1858, Miss Anna Wilhelmina Wallrecher, a native of Prussia, who came to America in 1856, by whom he has had nine children, eight now living, John, Annie, Rosie, Caroline, Henry, Mary, George, and Minnie. In the year of his marriage he came to Peoria, and shortly afterwards started for himself in the business he now carries on; makes a specialty of fine work, and does a good business for a good class of customers.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Greenleaf, C. W., D.D.S., dentist, 301 Main street, was born in Hartford, Conn., Sept. 11, 1835, and is the son of Charles Greenleaf and Caroline B. Wilson, natives of Connecticut. He was reared and educated in his natal city, and in 1848 removed with his parents to the city of Peoria, and afterwards completed his education by attending for three years the classes at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois. Dr. Greenleaf comes of a family of dentists, his great grandfather, grandfather, and father, having practiced as such, and he has imbibed a knowledge of the profession from his youth. His father was the second dentist to settle in Peoria, and he practiced there for many years. Though now quite an old gentleman he is still able to attend to professional matters, but his son attends to the bulk of the practice, and does much the largest business in the city; has kept same business location for thirty-two years. Dr. Greenleaf married at Sing Sing, N.Y., Sept. 11, 1856, Miss Phoebe Quinby, a native of Westchester county, N. Y., and the daughter of Aaron Quinby, of Sing Sing, by whom he has three children, Adele, Ella, and Charles H. Greenleaf. His parents are still alive and are at present residents of Farmington, Fulton county, Illinois.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Greenwood, George C., millwright, res. Bluff, near Main street, was born in Dublin, Cheshire county, N. H., Nov. 13, 1808. Is the elder of two sons of William and Betsey Greenwood nee Morse. Mr. G. is the eighth generation from England on his father's side, and his great grandfather, Eli Morse, was a native of Sherborn as was his grandfather, Thaddeus Morse, who was a relative of Prof. Morse of telegraph fame. William Greenwood, of Sherburn, Mass., settled in Dublin in 1765, his son Joshua was the fifth of eight children. His son William and his son George G., were born on the homestead in Dublin, which is still in possession of the descendants. Their mother having died when Mr. G. was two years old, he and his brother remained with their grandparents till sixteen and eighteen respectively. He began working at millwrighting with his father in Orange county, N. Y., in 1822, and remained there until 1835, when he came to Peoria county, Illinois; soon after engaged with William and Asahel Hale to build the Hale mill on Kickapoo creek. He removed to the city in Jan., 1843; has devoted his life to his trade. Mr. Greenwood married Ellen B. Dunlap, of Radnor, Peoria county, Jan. 1, 1843, by whom he had nine children, three living, George, Madora, and Stephen D. He owns a fine homestead on the bluff and several other pieces of property.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Grey, Andrew (deceased), residence 105 N. Monroe street. Was born in county Derry, Ireland, July, 1800; came to the United States in 1827 and located in Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained three years, and thence to Nashville, Tenn., where he engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and boating, where he remained until 1833 when he came to Peoria county and engaged in the mercantile business, afterward steamboating, and wholesale grocery business. Married Miss Mary Stevenson, daughter of James Stevenson, in 1830. She was born in Ireland, November, 1812. The fruit of this marriage was eight children, five sons and three daughters. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Held the office of City Treasurer. Mr. G. was among the earliest of settlers, a consistent Christian, and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Grey is still living, honored and respected by all who know her.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Grier, John C., of Grier & Co. grain and commission merchants, res. 207 Perry street. Is the son of Rev. Isaac Grier, a Presbyterian clergyman, and formerly president of Northumberland College, Penn. where he died in 1814. His son, John C., was born in Northumberland in 1808; went to Danville in 1819, and engaged to work for a mercantile house, remaining there in that business until 1846, when he removed to Wilkesbarre, Pa., and spent five years in the same pursuit; removed to Peoria in 1851, and has since been engaged in packing pork and in the lumber and grain trade. His son, Gen. D. P. Grier, erected the first grain elevator in the city, and has been interested as a builder or owner of several others. The business of the firm is now chiefly under the management of the sons, who do the heaviest grain and commission traffic of any firm in Peoria. Mr. Grier married Elizabeth Perkins, in Penn., a native of that State, by whom he had a family of three sons and three daughters. He has ever been active in advancing the financial and moral interests of the city, and being of a nervous temperament, manifests extraordinary zeal and earnestness in whatever he undertakes. He has served the city two terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, against his personal wish. He and family have for many years been active members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. G. has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Northwestern Theological Seminary, Chicago, since the school was founded, in 1859.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gudat, Adolph, butcher, 1621 S. Adams street, was born in Poland, October, 1850, and is the son of John Gudat and Kate Zidat, both natives of Prussia; was raised there until 1871, when he came to America landing at New York in the Fall of that year; came straight to Peoria; worked on farm in Tazewell county, for a few months, and then came to the city and after working for a few years as a butcher, started for himself in the Spring of 1875, and has since continued it. He married July 31, 1876, in Peoria, Miss Sophia Lind, a native of Poland, born August, 1856, by whom he has had two children -- Adolph George and John Frederick. His wife and he are adherents of Lutheran Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Gutsche, Ernest, dyer, 122 N. Adams street; was born December 6, 1834, in Prussia, and emigrated to the United States in 1858, and located in Chicago, and engaged in the dyeing business, and remained there about a year, worked at various places until 1868, when he came to Peoria where he has remained since. Married Miss Anna Guinther, October 21, 1870. They have five children, one boy and four girls. Mr. G. is a member of the A. F. & A. M. of Peoria.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Hale, Asahel (deceased), one of the early settlers in Peoria, and noted in his lifetime as a public benefactor and a philanthropist as well as a prominent anti-slavery man when it required courage to be one, was born in Pawlett, Vt., on December 10, 1791; left his native State, and after living a short time in New York, came to Illinois in 1830, and the following year settled in Peoria, which was his home until his death, on March 23, 1864. In 1838, Mr. Hale received the appointment of County Treasurer, by the Governor, and filled the office one term. He espoused the anti-slavery cause in the early years of its agitation, and was a radical and zealous advocate of its principles. He becmae associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1840, and was a prominent member during the rest of his life. He and Mark Aiken donated the lot on which the First M. E. Church was built in 1844; and prior to his death he provided for the erection of Hale Chapel for which he bequeathed $12,000. It was built by the executors of his will, and a committee of trustees designated therein, the corner stone being laid on June 23, 1868, and dedicated the following January. For generations this edifice will perpetuate the memory and noble philanthropy of him whose name it bears; and grateful hearts will ever mingle that name with their thanksgiving while bowing before its altar in worship. Mrs. Laura Hale, his widow, still survives, and occupies her comfortable residence on High street, near the church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Hale, William Hon. (deceased), residence of widow, 109 Perry street. One of the prominent benefactors of Peoria, now deceased, is the subject of this brief record. William Hale was born in Pawlett, Vermont, on the 7th of December, 1783. His early life was spent on a farm, where he received the advantage of a good common school education, and, like many young men of the Green Mountain State, spent a portion of his time in teaching. He settled on a farm in Oswego county, New York, and, while living there, became one of the leading men of the county. For many years he held the position of justice of the peace. He was then appointed to the associate judgeship, held the office of deputy sheriff, then sheriff, of the county. In 1835 he came to Peoria, and in company with his brother, Asahel Hale, and George G. Greenwood, erected a saw and grist mill on the Kickapoo river. At the first town meeting after township organization was adopted, on the 2d of April, 1850, he was elected one of the first Board of Supervisors. He was also the first mayor of the city of Peoria, receiving his election at the adoptions of the city charter, on the 28th of April, 1845. The business life of Mr. Hale, after leaving the mill, was mostly spent in dealing in real estate, in which he became quite wealthy. He bought at an early time eighty acres in the central portion of the east part of the city, including now some of the finest residences, and laid it out into streets and lots, from which he received a handsome income. We are informed that he purchased the whole eighty for $700, scarcely the price of one lot at the present time. Mr. Hale added Hale's first, second, and third additions to the city of Peoria. Mr. Hale was a prominent member of the order of Free Masons, and donated the ground for a Masonic cemetery. He also gave liberally to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member. In politics he was a Democrat, and his first vote was cast for General Jackson, the second term of his election to the Presidency. He was married on the 27th of March, 1830, at the age of forty-two years, to Miss Hannah Twitchell, who is still living at her husband's late residence on Perry street. Mr. Hale died November 25, 1859.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Haley, Jonathan, cooper, 810 Hamilton street. Born in Tennessee, April 20, 1823. Son of James and Sarah (Harris) Haley. Father settled in McDonough county, Illinois, in 1833, and died in 1863; mother died in Peoria in 1872. Was married February 29, 1843, to Elizabeth Bowen. She was born in Ohio in 1827. They have had eleven children, seven deceased, Electa A., William T., John W., Charles F., Flora A., Harry and Hannah. The living are, James A., Ada, George E., and Minnie. Mr. Haley learned his trade at Rushville, Illinois, where he worked until 1851; came back to Peoria, and worked until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted, August 20, 1862, Co. H, 86th Ill. Inf., and served one and a half years; discharged on account of deafness; returned to Peoria in 1864, where he has continued the manufacture of barrels. Mr. and Mrs. Haley are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Haley is Republican in politics.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880