William Wakefield

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902
Transcribed by Janis Straesser!

WILLIAM WAKEFIELD: Kickapoo Township, now one of the most fertile portions of Peoria County, received its first impetus toward practical usefulness from the settling within its borders of its first resident, John L. Wakefield, the father of William Wakefield. The elder Wakefield was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and upon starting out in the world for himself removed to Ohio, where he married Martha Strickler, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the course of time his ambition craved a more extensive and less worn field of activity, and in 1834 he identified his fortunes with the hitherto uninhabited prairie, now known as Kickapoo Township. After a residence there of about two years, he removed to Radnor Township, where he bought a farm on Section 18, and for the rest of his life engaged in farming and stock raising. During his youth in Pennsylvania, he attended the public schools, and, in anticipation of future independence, learned the trade of weaver, which, however, was applied to only a limited extent. In Illinois he became interested in political affairs, and, while staunchly upholding the principles and issues of the Republican Party, served his township as Commissioner of Highways and School Director. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death, November 8, 1881, deprived his neighborhood of one of its most honored and substantial agriculturists. Mrs. Wakefield, who predeceased her husband February 19, 1879, was the mother of fifteen children, thirteen of whom attained maturity, and seven of whom are now living.

The early days of William Wakefield were spent in Butler County, Ohio, where he was born January 30, 1832. He evinced during his boyhood habits of thrift and industry, and under his father's capable instruction became a practical farmer, and availed himself of the education obtainable at the public schools. January 1, 1857, in Radnor Township, he was united in marriage by Dr. Chase, with Elizabeth Wilkinson, who was born in Radnor Township August 2, 1839, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Harlan) Wilkinson, natives, respectively of Virginia and Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Wakefield have been four children: George Washington, who was born November 15, 1857, married Carrie Davis and is living on the homestead of the paternal grandfather; Frank L., who was born August 29, 1859, married Isabel Davis, and lives on the home farm; Cora Addie, who was born July 4, 1866, became the wife of William Duggins, and resides in Radnor Township; and Mabel Evelyn, who was born April 7, 1877, and is living at home. A careful and conscientious student of the various phases of the occupation to which he is devoting his life, Mr. Wakefield keeps in touch with the progress of farming as conducted in all parts of the world, and his enormous farm of eight hundred and forty acres is tilled and improved after the most scientific and approved methods. He is one of the largest landowners in Peoria County, and has contributed a lion's share toward the agricultural and commercial prosperity of Illinois. A Republican in political affiliation, he has served his party as Supervisor for two years, and has also been School Director and School Trustee.

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