Mr. Birket was born in Tazewell County, January 10, 1843, a son of John and Marjory (Thomas) Birket, natives respectively of Lancashire, England, and Ohio. The mother’s parents came from Pennsylvania. John Birket was one of the early pioneers of Peoria, coming here in 1826, and became prominent in promoting the growth of the city. He entered the land now including the location of the Peoria pottery, Gallagher and Birket’s first, second and third additions; Lake View Driving Park; the Water Works, in short, all the northeastern part of Peoria. Mr. Birket was practically a carpenter and joiner, but he also followed farming, coal mining and dealt in meat. From 1839 to 1849 he operated a saw-mill near in Washington, Tazewell County. In the latter year he returned to Peoria, embarked in the real-estate business and laid out an addition to the city. To him and his wife were born three children: John Charles, of Peoria; William Armstead of Abbeyville, Reno County, Kan.; and Arthur Thomas.

The latter of whom we write received excellent educational advantages, and having a natural aptitude for mathematics and a taste for civil engineering and surveying, he fitted himself for the profession of civil engineer and in order to pursue his studies to better advantage, went to England in 1862 and studied under the best masters there for a period of little more than two years, and gained a thorough, practical knowledge of his calling. Upon his return to his native country he was honored by being appointed Deputy Surveyor of Tazewell County. He held that position three years, when he came to Peoria and accepted the responsible office of Civil Engineer for the city. He acted in that capacity for two years and was then elected to the office of County Surveyor, which position he held the ensuing six years, it having been through the influence of Thomas King, that he entered the business of land surveying here. He did the transit work as assistant on the preliminary work for the line of the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad. In 1875 he served the city as Alderman and since then for several terms. He is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Old Settlers’ Society. He is a Republican in politics and always was. Since taking up his residence in this city, Mr. Birket, by his honorable, upright course in a busy life, has proved a great addition to the citizenship of the city with whose interests he is so thoroughly identified and in business and social circles he is recognized as one of our best men.

Our subject has been very happy in his domestic life as by his married with Miss Katie R. Lupton in June 1866, he secured the devoted companionship of one who fills in a perfect measure the position of wife, mother and friend. Mrs. Birket is a daughter of Thomas L. Lupton, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Four children complete the home circle of our subject and his estimable wife. Arthur T., who married Nellie Pratt and resides in the city; May Belle, Alonzo L. S.; and Katie R. The three younger children reside at home with their parents.

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