Abraham Brayshaw

Portrait and Biographical Album of Peoria County (1890)
Transcribed by Danni Hopkins!

Peoria is the home of many flourishing enterprises, and trade that falls below the tens of thousands yearly is scarcely noted as of more than minor importance. One of the establishments in which a fine business is done is that of the Mexican Amole Soap Company, of which the gentleman above named is the President. The business had proved a bad venture to its former managers but feeling assured of the merits of the article manufactured, in which he had already some interest, Mr. Brayshaw bought the patent and plant and has in a short time brought up the trade to $40,000 per annum. It is the nature of the President of the company to push forward any enterprise in which he engages, and from a line of manufacturers he inherits the spirit that can carry to a successful termination a large concern and the tact that can control the force needed in its work.

The Brayshaws have been cloth manufacturers for several generations and in that business he of whom we write was occupied in England, his native land. He is a son of Benjamin and Anna (Berry) Brayshaw and one of a family of twelve children. The others remain in their native land and continue the business of their forefathers. Abraham Brayshaw was born on Christmas Day, 1838, and left the mother country when thirty years old. Taking passage on a vessel bound to America, he landed in New York in due time and there remained two years superintending a woolen mill for James Standring. He then came to the Prairie State and locating in Peoria, engaged in the carpet trade, continuing in that business until 1884.

About six years ago a company was organized for the manufacture and sale of a prime toilet soap and Mr. Brayshaw became interested in it. The corporation was known as Albaugh’s Mexican Soap Company, the President being Mr. M. H. Haverhill. When the new organization was perfected the name was changed, and that of the root whence the cleansing properties are derived was incorporated with other words formerly used to designate the company. The Amole soap is a vegetable product, the tree from which it is made having high healing as well as cleansing qualities, and being therefore especially adapted to toilet use.

Shortly after reaching America, May 13, 1868, Mr. Brayshaw led to the hymeneal altar Miss Caroline Wilby, who, like the man of her choice, was born in the mother country. She possesses a fine nature, much intelligence and pleasing manners, and is the chief member of the household to the husband and children to whose comfort she ever ministers. Mr. and Mrs. Brayshaw are the parents of three living children—Benjamin W., who is in the factory with his father; Walter, a student in college; and Clarence S., who is still at home. Mr. Brayshaw is a charter member in the lodge of United Workmen of this city. He gives his vote and influence to the Democrat party, in whose principles he believes.

Pages 249-250