The substantial residence has been the home of Horace G. Anderson for a quarter of a century and during this time the place has taken on the character of its occupants, as will be noticed in all homes worthy of the name. Its walls have resounded to the many tones of childish voices, to the sounds which betoken the recreations and pursuits of youth, and to all which goes to make up the enjoyment of cultured manhood and womanhood. For some years it has been known as a center from which refinement and culture spread and elevating influences are shed abroad. The owner of this place has retired from active business pursuits after years of enterprise during which he was prominently identified with various educational and social elements of the city, as well as with more than one line of its financial interests.

The natal day of Mr. Anderson was September 13, 1822, and his birthplace Chautauqua County, N. Y. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Taylor) Anderson, came to what is now Will County, Ill., when the lad was ten years old, their home being made five miles north of Joliet. After sojourning there seven years they removed to DuPage County, where our subject completed the years of youth and attained his majority. He then left home to engage in teaching, afterward becoming a clerk in Aurora, Chicago, Lockport, and Sheboygan, Wis.

In June, 1848, Mr. Anderson came to Peoria, establishing himself on Water Street, in the lumber business and continuing in that line until 1861. He then sold out and took hold of the Peoria Pottery which he carried on for two years, then buying the City Foundry & Machine Shop, conducted it successfully six years. His next business enterprise was a jobbing trade in hats and caps in which he embarked in 1872. He was engaged in that business when the Governor appointed him Canal Commissioner, and he devoted himself to the duties of his office four years. During that time the Copperas Creek lock and dam was well started, the lock being three hundred and fifty feet long and fifty feet in width of cut stone. The next public appointment of Mr. Anderson was as United States Gauger, in which he served seven years. Since the expiration of his term of office he has not been engaged in any business enterprise, but busies himself with the care of his estate and the enjoyment of home and social life.

Mr. Anderson has held the position of Alderman, representing both the Fourth and Seventh Wards. He has also been County Supervisor and it was during his term of office that the present courthouse was planned and begun. A building committee, of which he was a member, had been appointed to submit a plan to the Board and the outline plan of the building which is now one of the prides of Peoria, was drawn and submitted by him. The court house is a model of convenience and artistic beauty, being well lighted, roomy and appropriately adorned. Although not an architect, Mr. Anderson had made plans for other buildings, among them the Second Ward school and Douglas school, for which his designs were accepted as the best place before the committee.

For a number of years Mr. Anderson served on the School Board, during that time being instrumental in the erection of the first High School building. He was a Director of the First National Bank at its organization and for some years thereafter. He has been connected with other corporations, but not as a Director. For many years he has been identified with the independent Order of Odd-Fellows. He served in the Grand Lodge of Illinois for five or six terms, was grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of the United States, from the Grand Encampment of Illinois, two years, and for an equal length of time was Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Illinois. For a few years past he has not been particularly active in the order. He purchased his present residence property in 1852, owning it until the location of the college near him, when he sold, but only to purchase it back again in a short time.

Mr. Anderson was fortunate in securing for his wife a woman of fine character, brilliant mind and pleasing domestic qualities. She was born in Erie County, N. Y., June 12, 1829, bore the maiden name of Melinda Arnold, and became the wife of our subject September 20, 1852. to this union have come eight children, seven of whom are living. They are, Samuel A., now engaged in the rolling mill at Kewanee, Ill.; Emeline, wife of J. E. Holcomb of Rockefeller, Lake County; Horace G., a physician in South Chicago; Zoa F. at home; Elizabeth D. also at home; Robert W. in the planning mill business sin Peoria, and Sophia M. who is still with her parents. All have been given fine educational advantages, among the means taken by their father having been that of keeping a German teacher in the house for eleven years. Miss Zoa having evinced an especial talent for music, was sent to Germany to complete her studies in that artistic branch and remained abroad two years. She is the finest musician in Peoria, whose citizens are proud of her ability, deeming her skill a credit to their city.

The reader will be pleased to notice, in connection with this sketch, a lithographic portrait of Mr. Anderson, whose lineaments are familiar to all the citizens of Peoria.

Pages 267-268