The natal day of our subject was April 1, 1817, and his birth took place in Alsace-Loraine, then a part of France, but now included in the German Confederation. This is the Rhine province of which his parents, Valentine and Margaret (Gold) Dewein, were also natives. Their ancestors were French Huguenots, their faith leading them to locate near the line where they were less liable to persecution, or could more easily escape when it was threatened. The first of the family to come to America was Frederick Dewein, grandfather of our subject, who accompanied LaFayette across the sea in 1811, and located in Pennsylvania. He made his home in Shippensburg, and engaged in the manufacture of pearlash at Chambersburg. His death occurred in 1822 or 1823. Before coming to America he had been a Commissary in the eastern division of the French army.

Valentine Dewein, Sr., served seven years in the French army under Napoleon I. He came to America in 1830, locating in Baltimore, Md., whence he removed to McConnellsburg, Bedford County, Pa., where he resided until 1834. He was a tailor by trade, but after his removal to Cincinnati, Ohio, which took place at the date last mentioned, he engaged in the manufacture of bagging. He breathed his last September 9, 1844, leaving a family of four children, of whom the eldest is the only survivor.

The subject of this brief sketch was educated in his native land whence he accompanied his parents to America, beginning his labors in life by working on a farm in the Keystone State. He was then apprenticed to a shoemaker and followed his trade about thirty years. He then began dealing in leather, shoe findings, saddlery hardware, etc., in which he continued until 1883. Since that time he has devoted his attention solely to his property interests, having acquired both business and residence property of value. He became a resident of Peoria in 1847, reaching here March 17, and soon becoming known for the qualities which have led to his success.

Mr. Dewein has taken very little part in politics and looks more to the personal character of men than to the views which they express. During the war he gave the Union soldiers the use of a room in which to drill. He has been a member of the City Council. For nine years he was a Director of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, and he was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Peoria & Rock Island Railroad, in the construction of which he took an active part. His marriage was celebrated August 22, 1845, the estimable lady whom he chose as his companion being Miss Margaret Shafer, who was born near Strasburg, Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Dewein seven children have been born, the only survivors being Lewis K., who is now in Denver, Col., and Noble, who lives with his father. The parents belong to the First Presbyterian Church.

A portrait of Mr. Dewein is shown on another page of this volume.

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