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ADAMS, J. H. farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Elmwood. Was born in Lawrence county, Ill., in 1833, where his parents were among the earliest settlers, having settled as early as 1815. When nineteen years of age, having lost both his parents, he left his native county and came to Peoria, where he worked as a common laborer until thirty years of age. In 1863 he married Miss Annie Macy, who was born in Union county, Ind., in 1836, soon after settling where they now reside. Owns eighty acres of land, under a high state of cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. They have three children, two sons and one daughter. Mrs. Adams is a member of the M. E. Church. Republican in politics. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 713, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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AIKEN, MARK MORRILL, real estate dealer, 116 N. Washington street, is the son of Nathaniel and Susannah (Morrill) Aiken. He was born in Deering, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, June 21, 1808. His great-grandfather, Edward Aiken, emigrated from the north of Ireland to Londonderry, New Hampshire, about 1722. He had three sons, Nathaniel, James and William. Nathaniel had five sons, Edward, John, James, Thomas and William. The latter settled in Deering, New Hampshire. He married Betsy Woodburn. She was the daughter of David Woodburn. David Woodburn and wife were the maternal grandparents of Horace Greeley. One daughter, Betsy, married William Aiken; another daughter, Mary, married Zaccheus Greeley, from whom Horace Greeley was descended. The offspring of William Aiken and Betsy Woodburn was Nathaniel Aiken. He married Susannah Morrill. There were five children as the fruit of this marriage, Mark M. Aiken being the first. He bears his mother's patronymic for his middle name. He received a common school education. In the same class with him was a boy who has since made a noise in the theological world—Rev. Parker Pillsbury. When he was sixteen years old, he began to look about for employment. He had a maternal uncle in New York city, who visited his father every Summer. He took a fancy to Mark, and told him if he would come to New York he would get him something to do. Mark was reported to be a good scholar, and he took a certificate from the select men of the town of Deering, giving a list of his qualifications, and their opinion of his character. Armed with this, on the 17th of March, 1824, he and his uncle called upon the Harper Bros., the well known printing firm. It consisted then of but two members, James and John. Mark presented his certificate and they read it over and laughed at it, and set him at work reading a book on political economy. This was his examination. It proved satisfactory. The Harpers then said he could come on trial, and if he proved satisfactory he could be indentured. He went to board with John Harper. He stayed with them until 1830, and then his health failed. They fitted him out with a lot of books and sent him to Charleston, South Carolina. He sold the books and returned. In 1832, he started a job office at 54 Liberty Street, New York city. Here he found Horace Greeley. As they were remotely related they struck up a sort of partnership, Greeley canvassed for jobs, and Aiken did the work, and paid him a commission. This continued until 1833, and then Aiken sold out his office. Greeley took part of it, and a man by the name of S, D. Childs, whose son is now a wood engraver in Chicago, bought the other part. Childs had married Mark's eldest sister. It was a losing venture for Mark because Childs never paid. Then Aiken took a lot of copies of a medical work by A. Sidney Doane, a professor in the New York Medical College, and started West. He stopped at the principal towns and sold the book. He went to Pittsburg, and from there to St. Louis by steamer. While running his job office, he had printed a catalogue for the Western Land Co. of the Military Tract, Ill. He had acquired one or two patents in payment for his work, and so he concluded to run up the river and see about it. Dr. Berrien, an Episcopal clergyman of the city of New York, had a large list of land, or a plat, that he thought was located in Peoria. Mark was instructed to give this to his agent, a man by the name of Capt. Howard. He took the steamer Champion, and landed here the 28th of October, 1833. Here he went into the land business, and, in 1836, formed a partnership with the late Geo. C. Bestor. This continued until 1840. Since then he has been alone. The only offices he has ever held are school inspector, commissioner for condemning and opening streets, assessor for two years in 1834, internal revenue inspector for two years, and he is now finishing his second term as a member of the board of health. In politics he has always been an anti-slavery radical, He voted for John Quincy Adams for President in 1832, and acted with the Abolitionists until the Republican party was formed. He voted that ticket up to the nomination of Horace Greeley, when he voted for Greeley. Mr. Aiken's mental abilities are still unimpaired. He has always been an earnest lover of liberty, and his benevolence is known far and wide. He gave the ground on which the First Methodist church stands. He and Asahel Hale owned it together. They made a donation of it to the church. Mr. Aiken is a firm believer in helping people help themselves. More than one man owes his success in life to the sympathy, wise counsel, and practical sense that Mr. Aiken gave him. In this respect he has been emphatically guide, counsellor and friend to multitudes. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 621-622, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mark M. Aiken - The subject of this sketch was born in Deering, Hillsborough county, New Hampshire, June 21st, 1808. In March, 1824, being in his sixteenth year, he started for New York city, like many other boys, to seek his fortune. He indentured himself to the celebrated firm of J. & J. Harper, to learn the printing business and the acquaintance and attachment then formed have lasted during their lives. On attaining his majority he stayed with the Harpers two years, and in 1832 traveled south as far as Charleston, S. C. and west as far as Detroit, Michigan. On his return to New York he purchased a job office, on the corner of Liberty and Nassau streets. The next year he sold out one half to Horace Greeley, and finding his health failing concluded to go west. He put a part of his fortune in books, and in Spetember went to Phladelphia, and thence over the mountains to Pittsburg, and down the Ohio to Cincinnati, and when he arrived in St. Louis, had disposed of most of his books. Here he took the steamer Champion and landed at Fort Clark (now Peoria) on the 28th of October, 1833. He found a relative in Peoria, the late Joshua Aiken, who owned the only grist mill in Peoria, that built by John Hamlin and John Sharp, on the Kickapoo, about three miles west of the city. He spent the next year in trading on the Illinois River and shipping flour to Ottawa and Cairo. The land not coming into market till June, 1835, he went to Quincy and attended the land sales there, and still holds land purchased by him at that time. At Quincy, he met the late George C. Bester, and formed a partnership which continued till February, 1840. In 1836 they made the first abstract of the Edwardsville and Pike County records.

Mr. Aiken has a memory remarkable for its tenacity and accuracy. He can readily tell the location and residence of many of the “old settlers” on the Military Tract,” and is standing authority on all questions relating to the land or the early history of the county. Sine the dissolution of the partnership with Mr. Bester, Mr. Aiken has been engaged in a general land business, and in improving his coal mines, and disposing of his land on the bluff, which he has laid out into lots to suit purchasers.

From education and conviction, Mr. Aiken has always been an anti-slavery man, and what he saw in the south only deepened his conviction of the evil of slavery. From the death of E. P. Lovejoy, on the 7th of November 1837, he boldly avowed his sentiments, when the name of an abolitionist was one of contumely and reproach. His courage in denouncing slavery, won for him the respect of his opponents, and when the war of the rebellion broke out, he was styled “The Apostle of Liberty,” a term he has ever since carried. He is foremost in works of charity, and in helping the unfortunate. He gave one half of the lot, and Asahel Hale the other half, to the trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church which stands opposite the city market

Mr. Aiken has lived to see all the reforms for which he contended in early years successfully carried out. He is deservedly popular, and in Peoria a man need present no better credentials than the recommendation of “Uncle” Mark M. Aiken. (Atlas Map of Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 78, submitted by Dan Grachek & wife)

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ALBERTS, BENJAMIN, saloon, 112 S. Washington street. Was born on the 17th day of May, 1839, in New Orleans, La. Left there in 1842, went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained twenty-two years, from thence to Lexington, Ky., and remained two years, thence to Terre Haute, Ind., and remained nine years. Came to Peoria in 1873. Married Josie Kemper, Jan. 21, 1880; has been in business for himself in Peoria one year. Politics, Democrat. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 622, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ALBRECHT, HENRY, druggist, in S. Washington street. Son of Henry and Elizabeth (Kunz) Albrecht, natives of Switzerland, where the subject of this sketch was born (at Zurich) on the 13th day of December, 1842, and received a good education. In 1864 came to America and settled in Peoria; embarked in the grocery business, but finding it hard to get along on account of the language, went into an American family and learned the language; afterward embarked into the drug business, which he has made a success. Carries a full line drugs, paints, oils, lamps, and notions usually kept in a first-class drug store, and is one of the largest retail dealers in the city. Married Miss Catherine Sing ; she was born in Tazewell county, Ill., April 1, 1844; they have three children, Louisa, Nellie, and Lillie. Members of the German M. E. Church. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 622, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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JOHN M. ALLEN, General Agent of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad, at Peoria, was born in Putnam County, this State, on a farm, October 14, 1858, a son of William H. and Ella (Waugh) Allen.  When he was quite young his parents removed to Peoria, later they removed to Belleville, Ill., where at the age of twelve years he first became connected with railroading in the capacity of office boy, in the employ of the Illinois & St. Louis Railroad.  Three years later he returned to this city, obtaining a position in the freight office of the railroad first mentioned, and from time to time was promoted to various positions in a clerical capacity until he was appointed General Agent in 1884, a position for which he is eminently fitted.  This is a responsible place, he having quite a large force of men under him. 

Mr. Allen has secured by his marriage with Miss Jennie A. Loosley, a wife who understands the art of making a comfortable and cozy home.  Mrs. Allen is a native of this city and a daughter of Henry Loosley, who was a resident of Beardstown, prior to his coming to this city. 

Our subject is identified with the Knights of Phythias.  He and his wife are attendants of the Congregational Church. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), page 434, submitted by Jeff McCoy)

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ALLISON, ALEXANDER (deceased), carriage manufacturer, res. 809 Fayette street, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., on the 17th day of December, 1825 (was the son of Joseph and Martha Allison). Came to Peoria county about 1844, and engaged in the blacksmith business, and afterwards engaged in the manufacturing of carriages (He died Nov. 24,1873). Was a member of the Universalist Church, and a consistent Christian, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. Married Miss Caroline Jeffers, daughter of Jesse and Jane Jeffers. Her mother coming to this county as early as May, 1833, was one of the seven who formed the first Presbyterian Church in Peoria, of which she was a member until her death, which occurred July 10, 1852. There were six children of her mother's family, two of whom are living, Mrs. Theodore Adams, of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Allison. Mrs. A. says there were only five frame houses in the city when they first came, and the prairie dogs made the nights hideous with their howling. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 622, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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REV. HENRY APPLE. Rev. Henry Apple, a retired minister and business man, is a well-known resident of Kickapoo Township. He was the sixth child of Henry and Mary (Bonser) Apple, and was born in Clermont County, Ohio, August 27, 1835. His father was a native of Hamilton County, that State, and his mother of Union County, Pa. After marriage they located in Clermont County, Ohio, and were among its earliest settlers, living there until 1837, when they came to Illinois, and were pioneers of this State. They first settled in Lewistown, Fulton County, where the father died in 1867, the mother dying at the residence of her daughter, in Marysville, Mo. He had learned the hatter's trade when a young man, but did not follow it long, giving his attention to farming instead. He was the father of ten children, six sons and four daughters.
     Our subject was in his second year when his parents brought him to Illinois, and he was reared to man's estate in Fulton County, remaining at home until he was twenty-five years old. He was given an excellent education, laying its basis in the common schools, and subsequently in the Fulton Seminary, at Lewistown, which institution of learning is not now in existence. After leaving home, Mr. Apple engaged in preaching as an itinerant minister in the Methodist Church, he having joined the Central Illinois Conference in 1860. He was first connected with the Mount Hedding Circuit, and was with that a year and a half, when he was transferred to what is now the Madison Street Church, in Peoria, but was then known as the Second Charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He presided over that about seven months, when he was appointed to the French Creek Circuit, in Knox County.
     A year later Mr. Apple was again sent to Peoria Circuit for a term of two years, and then to Brimfield Station for one year, and from there to Coleville Mission, which was located in what is now Hilton, Tazewell County. He was there three years, and at the expiration of that time resumed the pastorate of the Madison Street Church. The following year he was assigned to Groveland. He located in Peoria in the fall of 1871, and the following winter in Bloomington. After residing there about a year and a half, he returned to Peoria and entered into the mercantile business in 1874. He continued his residence in Peoria until 1878, when he removed to his farm in Kickapoo Township. Four years later we again find him in Peoria, where he was engaged in the grocery business the next three years. Since then he has made his home on the farm. In September, 1887, he established himself in the hardware business, and carried it on quite profitably until February, 1890, when he sold out and retired from active business.
     Mr. Apple was married in Chicago, April 23, 1863, to Mrs. Jeannette Bone, widow of the late Henry Bone, who died in Kickapoo Township September 4, 1858. Mrs. Apple was a daughter of John and Mary (Jamieson) Borland, natives of Beith, Scotland. They emigrated to America in 1843, and first settled in Scott County, this State, then in Peoria, and afterward located in Limestone Township, where the mother died. The father subsequently removed to Peoria, where he died at the age of eighty-nine and one-half years. They were the parents of ten children, three sons and seven daughters. Mrs. Apple was the seventh child, and was born in Scotland February 1, 1831. The following is the record of the three children born to her and her first husband: Mary J. is the wife of John G. McHugh; John Q. married Miss Lizzie Armstrong; and Maggie E. is the wife of Walter Booth, Jr. By her marriage with our subject Mrs. Apple has three children: Henry S., Frank H., who married Minnie Krumpe, and Chloe.
     Mr. Apple has an honorable record as a minister of the Gospel, is of high standing as a business man, and is thought highly of as a citizen, and as one who has been active in public affairs. During his residence in North Peoria he was Village Magistrate for three years and Clerk of the town one year, and has been School Director. He was prominent in the Grange movement and has been Chaplain of Orange Grange, No. 843. (Portrait and Biographical Album of Peoria County, 1890, pages 978-979, submitted by Gaile Thomas)

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ARMFIELD, JOSEPH, teaming, 123 Main street, was born in Burlington, Iowa, April 3, 1846. His father was a native of North Carolina. He was raised, attended school, and afterwards engaged in teaming business in his native city, coming to Peoria in 1862. On coming, he started his present business, and has continued it without a break; has four teams constantly employed, and does the largest express business in the city. He married in Quincy, Ill., in the Winter of 1866, Sarah Layman, a native of Quincy, by whom he has had five children, four now alive, Mary, Susan. Ida, and Frank. Mrs. Armfield is a member of the M. E. Church. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 622-623, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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JOSEPH ARMSTRONG. It would be hard to find, at least within the limits of Princeville Township, a gentleman more highly respected than the one above named, who has been prominently identified with the agricultural and public labors of this vicinity for many years. He possesses sound judgment, ripe intelligence and an accommodating spirit, which qualities have made him useful to his fellow men and have secured for him a comfortable fortune. His grandfather, James Armstrong, was a teamster in the Revolution and at its close settled in Washington County, Pa., there operated a farm and reared his family.
     The father of our subject was born in the county named, and when at a suitable age learned the trade of a blacksmith. In 1837, he began farming fifteen miles from the Ohio River in his native county, where he continued his agricultural labors until his death. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion a Presbyterian. He married Mary, daughter of James McCoy, who was born in Ohio County, W. Va. Her father, a native of the North of Ireland, died in that county. The mother of our subject came to Illinois during her later years and died in Brimfield of typhoid fever.
     The record of the parental family is as follows: The first-born is the subject of this sketch; James died in Missouri; Margaret lives in Princeville Township; Mrs. Eliza Whithington died in McDonough County; Mary lives in Princeville Township, this county; the home of John is in Nodaway County, Mo.; Ebenezer, who now lives in Pawnee, Rock County, Kan., joined Company K, Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry in August, 1862, and was mustered out at the close of the war as surgeon's clerk; William and an infant unnamed are deceased.
     The gentleman of whom we write was born in Claysville, Washington County. Pa., April 17, 1820, learned the rudiments of farming at his home and acquired a common-school education under the subscription method. Upon reaching his majority he went to Tridelphia, Ohio County, W. Va., where he was employed in his uncle's mill about three years. He became a thorough and practical miller, and during the nine subsequent years managed a mill for a wealthy old lady on the National road on Big Wheeling Creek, near Henry Clay's monument. There he remained until 1853 when he determined to come West.
     Mr. Armstrong journeyed by boat to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence by rail to Terre Haute, Ind., and by stage to Springfield, Ill. Thence the railroad conveyed him to Naples and a boat to Peoria, in which neighborhood he determined to remain although it had been his original intention to go to Iowa. The appearance of the country satisfied him regarding the value of land here and he purchased his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, Princeville Township. He then returned to his work in the mill, making a permanent removal to Illinois in 1855. His goods were shipped from Wheeling, and he drove through, his journey consuming one month of the beautiful fall weather. Locating on the raw prairie, he broke the soil and gradually placed his farm under good improvement and tillage.
     Mr. Armstrong is one of the earliest settlers in that part of the county where he resides, and many an interesting tale he can tell of the days when wild game was plentiful, settlers few and the frontiersman had need of much persistence and hopefulness to encourage him in his efforts. His home farm is the best in the vicinity, being furnished with a fine orchard and all the improvements which will add to the convenience and comfort of the family. He now owns over six hundred and forty acres in the township and eighty acres in Sedgwick County. Kan., for which he has paid prices ranging from $6.25 to $75 per acre. His land is adapted for both grain and stock-raising and he formerly fed large numbers of cattle and hogs. He now rents all his land having five tenant houses upon it. The lady who for many years shared in the joys and sorrows of Mr. Armstrong was a native of the same county as himself and known in her maidenhood as Miss Martha McNeal. Her father, Joseph McNeal, was a school teacher and she was well instructed in the usual branches of study and in womanly accomplishments. She became the wife of our subject March 10, 1840, and was removed by death March 3, 1877. The family comprises ten children: Mary E., Joseph, James, Margaret L., Isabelle, Ellen T., William R., Rosa L., Martha E. and Nancy J. Mary married Allen McMillen, of Sedgwick County, Kan.; Joseph died at his home, June 7, 1879; James is farming in Princeville Township; Margaret lives in Fremont County, Iowa, being the wife of James Parish; Isabelle, who died in Fremont County, Iowa, August 11, 1886, was the first wife of James Parish; Ellen married Jackson Liverton, of Princeville Township; William R. is farming here; Nancy married Charles Blank, a farmer of this township. The other children are still with their father.
     Mr. Armstrong has served as Justice of the Peace twenty-five years. During that time he was also elected Supervisor, serving eighteen out of twenty consecutive 3'cars. He was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors several years and held a position upon it longer than any previous incumbent. He was placed upon the committee to obtain plans for the courthouse and then upon the Building Committee. For many years he served as School Director. It will thus be seen that his fellow citizens have recognized his ability and integrity of character, and that he has been honored with their confidence in positions of trust. He is a stanch Democrat, has served as delegate to State conventions, and has likewise been juryman in the United States and minor courts. Nine years since he resigned from the position of Supervisor, feeling that his long years of usefulness entitle him to rest. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages 365-367, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ARNOLD, Dr. JOHN D. (deceased), was born in the town of Collins, in the State of New York, June 8, 1820; studied medicine at Buffalo, N. Y.; attended for a considerable time the New York College of Surgeons, and finally graduated at Alleghany Medical College at Meadville, Pa. He commenced the practice of medicine at Springville, N. Y., with Dr. Emmons. In the Spring of 1847 he emigrated to Ga-veston, Texas, remaining there but one year, when he removed to Peoria and resumed the practice of medicine, soon establishing an extensive and lucrative practice. In 1854 the Doctor was elected to the State Senate, where he served four years with general acceptance to his constituency. In 1859 he was elected mayor of this city, and served for one year, his administration of public affairs always being conservative and prudent, with enough of energy to keep matters moving. In 1861 he was appointed consul to St. Petersburg by President Lincoln, leaving for his post in May of that year. His close application to his profession had impaired his health, and made great encroachments upon his vigorous constitution. The rigorous climate of St. Petersburg proved too severe for his health, and after close confinement to his apartments during the severity of a Russian Winter, he recovered sufficiently to return home in the Spring of 1862 in very feeble health, was very soon confined to his bed, and after a lingering illness of some three months, died in April, 1863. In politics the Doctor was a Whig, and when the Whig party went down he joined his political fortunes with the Republicans. He was of a lively social turn of mind, and enjoyed the friendship, esteem, and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was a man of quick perception, great energy and perseverance. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 623, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ARNOLD, WILLIAM A. was born in Chester, Windsor county, Vermont, October 8th, 1826. He worked on a farm and in a saw­mill with his father until the family emigrated from that state. In the fall of 1843, his father, William G. Arnold, loaded his teams with the necessary goods and effects and started for the prairie state. After three months travel the party arrived on Brimfield prairie on the 1st of February, 1844. He rented a farm on the northwest quarter of section thirteen, but when about to begin his season's labors met with a sudden death from a stroke of lightning while standing in his door, on the 22d of April, 1844. The subject of our sketch, though only in his eighteenth year, took charge of affairs and with the help of a younger brother, carried on sixty acres.
     When twenty-one Mr. Arnold invested all his earnings in the tract of laud that he now owns. On the 6th of June, 1850, he married Miss Louisa N. Fisher, of Woodford county, Illinois, a native of Rutland county, Vermont. The same summer he moved on to the farm where he now lives. On the 9th of January, 1854, his son Augustus was born, and Lydia L. on the 15th of August, 1858, and Mary C. on the 20th of May, 1865. Death has never entered this family circle, and they are all gathered under the paternal roof, up to the time of this writing, in 1873. (Atlas Map of Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 62, submitted by Susan Hare)

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ARNOLD, WM. A. farmer, Sec. 16, P. O. Brimfield, born in Windham county, Vt., Oct. 8, 1826, where he received his early education. Emigrated to this county with his parents when he was seventeen years of age, and settled north of Brimfield, where his father was soon after killed by lightning. On the 6th day of June, 1850, married Miss Louisa Fisher, who was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1834, and soon after settled where they now reside. Own 110 acres of land, valued at $100 per acre. They are blessed with three children, one son and two daughters. Members of the Baptist Church in which he is a deacon. Politics Republican. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 713, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ASH, FRANK W., sign writer and painter, res. 209 N. Adams street, is the oldest of three children of Horace F. Ash and Nancy Garrett, and was born in Springfield, Ill., on July 14, 1844. His mother died when he was but four years old, and he lived chiefly with his grandfather Garrett during childhood and youth; came to Peoria first with his uncle Auren Garrett in 1854, whose father was a very early settler in Peoria county. Soon after the first call for troops he enlisted in the 8th Ill. Inf., but being a minor his grandfather secured his discharge at the end of three months. In the Fall of 1862 he again enlisted in Co. A, 77th Reg., I. V. I., and served till the close of the war; was discharged in July, 1865. He participated in some ten battles under Gen. Grant. Attended school one term after returning home, then went into the painting business. On Nov. 10, 1872, married Alice Doyle, in Pekin, who was born in Louisville, Ky.; settled for six months in Bloomington, Ill., thence removed to Pekin for a short time, and came to Peoria in April, 1874. Their family consists of two sons, Frank Martin, born Nov. 10, 1873, and Augustus Auren, born Sept. 10, 1875. Mr. A.'s father was a man of extraordinary mental powers, and though dependent entirely upon his own efforts, attained to the position of treasurer of the State of Illinois ; and was, at the time of his son's birth, filling the office of assistant auditor of State. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 623, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ATWOOD, W. W. superintendent of the Grange Co-operative store, 229 S. Washington street, son of Hiram and Aurilla (Douglass) Atwood; mother a native of Connecticut, and father of Vermont. In 1819 father went to McComb county, Michigan, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 10th day of April, 1836; was reared on a farm and received a common school education, also attended commercial school one term, which gave him a fair knowledge of business. Came to Peoria county in 1855, and immediately commenced manufacturing bottled beer, or pop, and continued in the same for five years. Afterwards commenced the boot and shoe trade and carried that on three years. Thence on a farm eight miles from Peoria on the Knoxville road, and in 1878 came to Peoria and took charge of the grange store. Married Miss Margaret Frye, daughter of Smith Frye, one of the prominent men in the county. She was born in this county March 21, 1839. The fruit of this marriage is ten children, viz.: Charles, George, Mary, Smith, Willie, Douglass, Henry, Percy, Aurilla, and Phoeba. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 623, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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AUMER, JOHN, grocer, 823 N. Monroe street, was born Feb. 16, 1830, in Germany; emigrated to the United States in 1855, and located in Baltimore, where he remained three years ; thence to Chicago, Ill., and remained a short time; thence to Peoria and worked at the baker business; engaged in the grocery business in 1870. In 1858 married Miss Mary Miller, by whom there are two children, one boy and one girl. They are both members of the Catholic Church. They have succeeded in business and have several fine houses and lots. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 623,submitted by Janine Crandell)

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AUSTIN, J. E. farmer, Sec. 19, P. O. Elmwood, born in Preble county, Ohio, May 1825. In the Fall of 1850 he came to Peoria county, where his time was taken up with farming and carpentering until September, 1853. Married Miss Sarah Tomlinson, who was born near Malbourne, England, April, 1835, and came to the United States when she was about fifteen years of age. They rented for one year, at Altona, when he purchased where he now resides. Owns 400 acres of land, valued at $60 per acre. They have four children, two sons and two daughters. Are members of the M. E. Church. Politics Republican. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 713, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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AVERY, GILMAN W., furniture manufacturer and dealer, Nos. 114, 116, 118 and 120 Main street, was born in Greenfield, N. H., March 14, 1835. Parents were Amos and Lydia Avery, nee Evans, both natives of that State. Mr. A. is the sixth of a family of six sons and four daughters; was educated in the common schools and at Kimball academy, Meriden, N. H.; went to Missouri when twenty years old and engaged in teaching; after earning some money returned to New Hampshire and attended school for a time, then went back to Missouri and taught school, in all three years. January 18, 1860, he married Ellen Haywood in Jaffrey, N. H., and came West; engaged in general merchandising, including furniture, in Lebanon, Mo., in August, 1861; left there in 1862 to escape violence at the hands of the rebels, and came to Illinois, losing their entire property of nearly $15,000 value. After two years spent in same business elsewhere, settled in Peoria in 1864, and forming a partnership with F. J. Comstock, established the present business on a limited scale, which has grown to large and increasing dimensions under his judicious and energetic management. His marital union has resulted in three children, two living, Frank E., born July 21, 1861, and Fred H. born Aug. 1, 1873; Granville died at five years of age. Mr. A. having started in life with no cash capital, and once lost the results of several years' labor, his years have been full of struggle and hard work, but have yielded flattering results, due largely to close attention to details, and the assistance of a true helpmate, who, with a fine education, combined diligence in business. Mr. A. has served the city in the Board of Alderman. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 623-624, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ROBERT H. AVERY. Probably no city in the United States owes more of its development in wealth and population to the manufacturing enterprises with which its history has been identified, than does the city of Peoria. This is especially true of its manufactures of agricultural implements which, in extent and variety, equal, if they do not surpass, those of any other city of its size in the country. For a generation Peoria has been recognized as the center of this great industry so intimately connected with the growth and development of one of the richest and most prosperous agricultural regions of the American continent; and the demand and source of supply have kept pace with each other, until now the products of Peoria manufacturing establishments are found in almost all the markets of the world. This has been due not alone to the advance made in the methods of cultivation and harvesting the products of the soil within the last two or three generations, but to the skill and enterprise of individual inventors and manufacturers in meeting the wants of the agriculturist and in pointing the way to new and profitable lines of production.

To the above Robert H. Avery contributed his full portion. He was the founder of what is now known as the Avery Manufacturing Company. Born in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, January 21, 1840, he grew up as a farmer's boy, receiving a common school and academic education in his home town. Like thousands of the patriotic young men of his time he had barely reached his majority, when the war for the preservation of the Union having come on, he entered the army as a volunteer, serving for three years, about eight months of this time being spent in rebel prison pens. It was while confined as a prisoner at Andersonville awaiting the time of release, that he devised his first farm-tool – a cultivator – and, while he was deprived of the means of perfecting his invention there, at least in the construction of a practical machine, he did afterwards complete it from the plans which he had there designed, and thus began an industry which has grown to such large proportions in connection with the Manufacturing Company of which he afterwards became the head.

The Civil War over, the youthful soldier and inventor returned to the farm, but not to remain. In 1869, taking his brother, Cyrus M. Avery, as a partner, he built from the plans devised in the Andersonville prison, his first cultivator, known as the "Avery Cultivator." Then followed the Avery Stalk-Cutter and the Avery Planter, both of which have come into extensive use and received the approval of the most progressive and enterprising agriculturists, as shown by their wide sale at the present time. In 1882 the Avery brothers removed their establishment from Galesburg to Peoria, and during the following year the partnership of R. H. & C. M. Avery was organized into a stock company and chartered under the name of the Avery Planter Company, of which Robert H. Avery continued to be the President during the remainder of his life. Around this establishment in the next few years, grew up the flourishing village of Averyville, now a suburb of the city of Peoria near its northern border. The products of the concern embrace many devices required in the cultivation of the soil and the harvesting of its crops by machinery – including corn-planters, check-rowers, stalk-cutters, cultivators, stackers, threshing machines, etc. Its output, amounting in 1883 to $200,000 and employing 150 men, has increased in less than twenty years to one and a quarter millions annually, furnishing employment to over 750 men, and finding a market in both hemispheres.

The first ten years after the removal of the Avery Manufacturing plant from Galesburg to Peoria not only saw its success assured, but its business vastly increased. Unfortunately, however, Mr. Avery was not destined to witness the still greater development of an enterprise to which he had devoted so many years of persevering and assiduous labor, backed by the intelligence and mechanical genius of the inventor. His death occurred in the very zenith of his successful business career while on a trip to California, September 13, 1892, at the age of a little more than fifty-two years. Mr. Avery was a man of rare integrity, in his every act considerate of the interests of others – an inventor of absolute originality, he was never accused of appropriating the ideas or labors of others. His intimate friends were few but well-chosen, and those who knew him most intimately valued his friendship most highly. Surely, if "He is a public benefactor who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before," Robert H. Avery proved himself by the results of his life-work a benefactor of his race. (Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902, pages 476-477, submitted by Sam Moore)

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AXMAN & SALZENSTEIN, hides, pelts, wool and furs, in Main street. This business was started under present firm name in 1873, and was continued till 1876, when for about one and a half years it was conducted by Mr. Michael Salzenstein individually, till May, 1878, when his former partner again came into the firm. Hides and wool are their principal articles of trade. Buying from farmers and country dealers, they cure the hides and ship them to Chicago, Cincinnati, Hartford, Conn., and New York. The basement of their building is used for curing purposes, at which they employ from two to six men, since they do much the largest hide business in the city. Also have in lower Peoria a grease manufactory, where they make for export a fine quality of grease. Of this they make about a car load a week. Also handle considerable tallow. Last year's business amounted to about $90,000. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 624, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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ARTHUR T. ANTCLIFF. Among the numerous manufacturing establishments of Peoria, that of Mr. Antcliff should not be unnoted. It is located on the corner of Adams and Persimmon Streets, and although the force employed is not so large as that in many establishments in the city, a good business is done, amounting to some $8,000 per annum. The business was established by Mr. Antcliff in 1887, being that of brass foundry and pipe-fitting works, in which the proprietor of the establishment has had an experience of years, which, following a thorough apprenticeship, makes him competent to participate in the mechanical work or oversee that of his eight employes.
     The parents of our subject were Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Wall) Antcliff, a worthy English couple who emigrated to America in 1850. They located at Brimfield, Peoria County, Ill., and the father having abandoned the tailor's trade, at which he previously worked, adopted an agricultural life, continuing it some years. He then bought out a blacksmith shop, having charge of it for a time. In 1857 he was elected Constable.
     His loyalty to his adopted country was so intense that Mr. Antcliff enlisted, in May, 1861, in Company A, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry. He served until after the battle of Shiloh, where he was struck by a shell, which broke his left arm in seven places and also injured his right elbow. Besides that disastrous battle he took part in the engagements at Fredericktown and Ft. Donelson, together with the usual skirmishes and minor campaign duties. After returning from the army he was elected Coroner of Peoria County, and while serving his second term died February 14, 1865.
     The parental family consisted of four children, two of whom, Elvira and Mary Ann, are deceased. Rosamond is the wife of Eugene Partridge, a blacksmith in Peoria; Arthur, our subject, who was born in England, June 7, 1847, passed his boyhood and youth in this country, and in September, 1861, became a drummer in the company to which his father was attached. He was in service two years and two days, being constantly with the Seventeenth in the capacity of musician, but entering the smoke of battle only at Fredericksburg and Ft. Donelson.
     After the war young Antcliff engaged as fireman on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, continuing in the service of that road about two years. He then served an apprenticeship in brass finishing with J. H. Thompson, for whom he did journey work two years, or until the death of his employer, when he went to Chicago, remained eighteen months, and returning to Peoria entered the employ of S. A. Kinsey. A year and a half later he went to Chicago a second time, and after working at his trade there another year came back to Peoria. Until 1872 he alternated between the firm of Frasier, Thompson & Co., and Mr. Kinsey as employers.
     Mr. Antcliff then went to St. Louis, Mo., spending four years as foreman for Kuperflee Bros., then pursued the same avocation in Kansas City for a short time. In 1877 he started a brass factory in Jacksonville, Ill., but eighteen months later went again to St. Louis for a short sojourn. His next move was to Litchfield as an employe of the Litchfield Car & Machine Company, going thence to Pana to labor in the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad shops. In 1880 he returned to Peoria, where after a few years he instituted his present business establishment.
     Mr. Antcliff is a member of Bryan Post, No. 67, G.A.R., and of Columbia Lodge, No. 21, I. O. O. F. His political adherence is given to the Republican party, for whose principles and candidates he never fails to deposit his ballot upon election day. He has made it an object to become well informed regarding the news of the day and the topics which bear upon his life-work, while not neglecting those of general interest. His manly life reflects credit upon his character and training and wins for him the respect of those who know him. His pleasant home is presided over by an intelligent and worthy lady who became his wife January 2, 1870. She was known in her maidenhood as Miss Augusta Kemper, the family to which she belonged being from Henry, this State. Mr. and Mrs. Antcliff are the parents of two children living, Emma and Augusta, and a son, Freeman, who was taken from them in infancy. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages 534 & 537, submitted by Gaile Thomas)

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