CADY, CURTIS, (retired), P. O. Brimfield, was born in Killingly, Conn., October, 1808. When but five years of age became an orphan, and was placed in the care of an uncle and taken to Otsego, New York, where he was raised until he was sixteen years of age, then went to Richfield and served four years at the cabinet trade, and after working at joiner work several years, started business for himself at Madison, New York, where on the 28th day of January, 1830, married Eliza Furniss. She was born in Madison, New York, in 1813. In 1834 they came West, stopping at Cleveland, Ohio, until the Spring of 1835. Thence to Trivoli township, Peoria county, where he engaged in improving a farm, and remained until 1839, then moved to Brimfield township, two miles west of Brimfield. In 1847 his wife died, leaving five children, two sons and three daughters. In March following Mr. C. married Maria P. Miles, who died in December of the same year, On the 14th day of February, 1850, married his present wife, Abigail Robinson. She was born in New York in 1827. In 1849 settled on the place now owned by Mrs. Trusin. In 1854, having received the appointment of postmaster, he sold and came to the village and built his present residence, retaining the postoffice. In the Fall of 1858 he purchased an interest in the flouring mill with Chas. Fox & Co. This required the most of his attention until it was burned, in 1874, since which he has devoted most of his time with improvement and cultivation of his farm. Five sons have been born to him by his present wife. Democratic in politics. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, pages 714-715, submitted by Janine Crandell)
WILLIAM CATTON, deceased, was of English birth and breeding, but became a
citizen of this country when in the vigor and prime of a stalwart, manly
manhood, casting in his lot with the pioneers of this county, and in the years
of hard work that followed, built up a home here and made a name and a place for
himself in Brimfield Township, and when death called him hence left behind him
an unblemished record.
Mr. Catton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in October, 1829. He was a son of
Thomas and Mary (Clarke) Catton, who were also natives of England, and he was
reared to man's estate on a farm in the land of his birth, and engaged in
agricultural pursuits all his life. His educational advantages were limited,
but he had a bright observing mind and made up for early deficiencies in book
learning later in life. In 1853, be took a most important step in his marriage
with Ann Pacey, who had much to do with his after success. She was also born in
Lincolnshire, January 16, 1829, being the date of his birth. Her parents, Thomas
and Sarah (Kettleborough) Pacey, were likewise natives of England. They had a
family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Catton and her brother John and sister
Elizabeth are the only known survivors.
In the spring of 1854, our subject and his wife, emigrated to this country,
taking passage at Liverpool, April 5, in a sail vessel, and landing in New York
City, after a voyage of three weeks and four days. They made their way to
Sturgis, Mich., and a month later came from there to this county, where he found
work on a farm and was thus engaged a short time. He subsequently rented a farm for a number of years, and
finally became a land holder in his own right, purchasing a farm in Brimfield
Township, which is still in possession of his widow. In the small shanty that
was on the place at the time he bought it, he and his family lived for a short
time, and he afterward built a more commodious house. Year after year he was
constantly engaged in the improvement of his farm and made it what it is
today, one of the best cultivated and most desirable places in the
neighborhood. At the time of his death it comprised three hundred and twenty
acres of laud, this property being the product of a life work of industry. In
the fullness of time and in the ripeness of years, our subject was called from
the scenes of his usefulness and "Cheerful he gave his being up and went to
share the holy rest that waits a life well spent." The brief lines of this
biography scarce indicate the worthiness of our subject whose reputation for
unswerving rectitude in all his dealings, and for neighborly kindness, sympathy
and helpfulness in his relations with those about him, was high and gave him
the regard of the entire community. He was a representative pioneer of the
township, a self-made man, and did his share in promoting the growth of this
region. He had served with ability as a School Director for a number of years,
and was a firm supporter of the Republican party.
Mr. Catton, who was a kind and loving father and husband, was happy in his
domestic relations, finding in his wife a true companion, and in his offspring,
filial, devoted children. His widow, who is now past three-score years, is still
living on the old homestead which has been reduced to eighty acres, surrounded
by her children and friends, enjoying the fruits of a life spent in
usefulness and well doing. She is classed among the pioneer women of this
township, who have had a great share in its upbuilding in the assistance they
have afforded their fathers, husbands and brothers in the hard and constant toil
necessitated in the work of developing a new country. Five of the ten children
born of her wedded life with our subject are still living: Matilda, wife of
Simpson Hall of Kansas; Ira, in Brimfield Township; Charles, in Millbrook
Township; Albert, in Brimfield Township; Flora, wife of Uly Grant of Millbrook
Township. Those deceased are Mary E., Sarah J., Elsie B., John and James.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
424 & 427, submitted by Janine Crandell)
CHAPMAN, DAVID, farmer, Sec. 28, P. O. Elmwood, was born in Washington county, New York, on the 16th day of December, 1819, and when a small boy his parents immigrated to Oswego county, New York. Receiving a limited education, remained upon his father's farm, making a home for the old people, until thirty-six years of age. In June, 1845, married Miss Eliza A. Bennett, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1824. In the Fall of 1855 came to Illinois, rented a farm for three years, then purchased his present farm, consisting of eighty acres, valued at $70 per acre. They are blessed with one child. Democratic in politics. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 715, submitted by Janine Crandell)
CHICHESTER, HARRIET E., residence Brimfield, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Shepard nee Armstrong, the former of Irish parentage, but born in Pennsylvania, the latter born in Ireland. In early life, with her parents, immigrated to Ohio, near Steubenville, where they were married on the 4th day of November, 1813. The parents of both were early settlers of Ohio. In the Spring of 1837 Mr. and Mrs. S., with their family, consisting of six children, one son and five daughters, again removed westward, finding a home at Harkness Grove, this county, where he purchased 400 acres of land, and remained until one year previous to his death, which occurred on the 29th day of August, 1860. The mother survived him six years, and died October 7, 1866, at the age of 76. Wm. A. an only brother of Mrs. C., served in the Mexican war, and also participated in our late war, and served faithfully until its end, and was murdered at Springfield, Illinois, while on his way home. Mrs. C. was born in Ohio, February 8, 1828, and came to Illinois when she was nine years old. On the 17th day of May, 1854, she married Elias W. Chichester, a native of Indiana, born November, 1825, and when a small boy came to Peoria with his father. Kept the first ferry, and his mother in the meantime kept a boarding house until his father's death, which occurred when E. W. was three years old, after which she resumed her trade of tailoress, by which she supported her two children. After marrying Mr. C. settled in Jubilee township until the following Fall, when she returned to her father's, and he went to Texas for seed, intending to embark in raising hedge plants, a business he has since followed, visiting Texas each Fall for seed. In the Spring they removed to Brimfield. Own 160 acres of land adjoining the village, valued at $16,000, also a half section near Oak Hill, valued at $60 per acre, and 150 acres in Jubilee township, valued at $7,000. They were blessed with seven children, six sons and one daughter. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 715, submitted by Janine Crandell)
E. J. CLAUSON. E. J. Clauson is an enterprising young farmer of Logan township, engaged in the cultivation of one hundred and twenty acres of land. His entire life has been spent in the township which is yet his home, his birth having occurred in 1882. He was reared to the occupation of farming and in his youthful days divided his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm, receiving practical training in the best methods of tilling the soil. He never changed his occupation and after arriving at years of maturity he began farming on his own account, and is now engaged in the cultivation of an eighty-acre tract of land belonging to his father, John Clauson, and forty acres belonging to his brother-in-law. He has his place well stocked, keeping upon his farm nine head of horses, forty-five head of hogs and four head of cattle. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and his practical, progressive methods bring to him substantial returns. At the present time he has thirty acres planted to corn, twenty to wheat, forty to oats and thirty to hay, and the cultivation and care of his fields from the time of early spring planting until crops are harvested in the late autumn make him a busy man, having few leisure hours. He gives his political support to the democratic party, having voted this ticket since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, yet he has neither time nor inclination to seek nor hold public office. He prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business interests and has made for himself a creditable position as one of the leading young farmers of this part of the county. (Peoria, City and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 793-794, submitted by Janine Crandell)
JAMES CLARK. The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest settlers of
Peoria County, having migrated from Adams County, Ohio, to the place where he
now lives in October, 1837. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, June 04, 1815,
where he grew to manhood and lived until he was about twenty-two years of age
when, as stated above, he removed to Peoria County and settled in Hollis
Township. Although he changed his residence from one state to another,
geographically considered, he has not changed his condition matrimonially
viewed, but has passed his life in a state of single blessedness. During the
first winter he was a resident of this County he worked in the city of Peoria,
and in the second spring hired out to a Mr. Stephens, on the LaMarsh Creek, near
where he now resides. Throughout the second winter of his residence in the
County he employed himself at his trade of a blacksmith, which he had learned in
Ohio. In addition to the trade above mentioned, he had served an apprenticeship
to the gunsmith trade. He carried on blacksmithing upon the homestead in the
intervals of operating his farm. He commenced the united operations in 1840 and
pursued them until nature protested too strongly, when he was compelled to
relinquish active work and give himself up to the enjoyment of the repose his
long and busy life had rendered necessary.
In 1858 our subject was elected School Treasurer of the
township, and has held that office continuously to the present time. He was Road
Commissioner of the district for twenty-six years. He is a Republican in
political sentiment and takes an active interest in all questions affecting the
welfare of the district in which he lives. His age and well-known integrity and
intelligence make him an authority upon almost all questions arising for
discussion in the neighborhood. He is held in high esteem by all who are
privileged to secure his acquaintance.
Mr. Clark lives on his farm, but rents it and resides
on the same, where he is kept from the loneliness he might otherwise feel by the
presence of his brother Esau, who makes his home with him. The younger man who
was born in 1825, and removed to this county in 1857, coming to his brother,
with whom he has since resided. Sarah, a sister of Mr. Clark lived with him for
a number of years until her death in 1866. She was the widow of Sol B. McCall,
and had one child – F. M. McCall, now a resident of Nebraska, removed hither
from Ohio.
The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth
(Gall) Clark. The father was a native of Ireland and left that country when a
child of four years. The mother's family, the Galls, were of Dutch ancestry and
belonged to that portion of the Dutch who settled New York and were driven out
by the English when the latter obtained possession of that state. George, the
father of Mrs. Clark, and grandfather of our subject, was a hero of the
Revolutionary War. His son George, served in the War of 1812. At Hull's
surrender he was taken as one of the prisoners and, along with his comrades, put
into a pen and fattened on raw corn. History does not inform us how the
experiment succeeded, but the end of the war mercifully terminated their
sufferings and restored them to their homes and civilized surroundings. The
grandmother of our subject, the wife of George Gall, was a Miss Susie Nichols,
and was a fitting mate for a brave man in those troublous times.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria County, Illinois (1890), pages
199-200, submitted by Janice Black)
JAMES CLARK. The history of this county is best told in the record of
the lives of its pioneers, and it gives us pleasure to place on the pages of
this Biographical Album these lines concerning an early settler of this part of
Illinois, who has passed to the best part of his life within the borders of this
county, and has done much for its good, and is greatly aided in developing its
resources and is beautifying it. He has here a comfortable home and he has made
the grounds around it very attractive by the lovely trees that adorn the place,
and many of which were planted by his own hands. Some of them have a diameter of
from three to four feet through the butt, and some fine large black walnut trees
which he raised from the seed, having planted the nuts, are particularly
noticeable.
James Clark, Sr., the father of our subject, was born
in England, coming of a good family, and he received a fine education. As a
young man he was a clerk in a bank, and afterward gave his attention to tilling
the soil, and had under his management a farm of fifteen hundred acres. To a man
of such mind and energetic characteristics, life in a new country had particular
attractions, and in 1837 he left his native land and came to the United States,
and took up his residence in this county. He shrewdly saw the great fertility of
the land on the open prairie and made his settlement on a quarter-section, while
he rented the home in the neighborhood, where he lived until he could improve
his place. His family lived on that placed two or three years, and there his
death occurred in 1840, an invaluable pioneer was removed from the scene of his
usefulness. When he first located on his land he had to have a plow to break the
prairie sod, and he ingeniously contrived one that was a great improvement on
any that were then in use. He went to a blacksmith in Peoria and had a share and
an upright peace made, which he attached to the beam, and to this he added a
frame mold, and then fastened them with iron rods on the back of the share, and
with this implements he could throw the sod in any direction he wished. Toby &
Anderson, who afterward became famous for their plows, when they began their
business invited Mr. Clark to Peoria to give him his idea of the way the plan
should be made, and they followed his directions in every respect in
manufacturing breaking plows. The first Scotch harrow used in this county was
made by them on the original Scotch harrow plan, they having brought the teeth
with them from England. In 1839, or 1840, Mr. Clarke imported the first grain
drill from England that was ever used in Peoria County, and this machine is
still on the place and is better than any now in use. And that time it cost $50
for importing it.
The first year after his father's death our subject
erected a substantial house on the place, and in 1842 the family moved into it.
In the spring of the following year the mother, whose maiden name was Isabella
Walker, and the oldest sister died, and Mr. Clark soon brought Miss Susan Benson
to preside over his home. She has been to him a most excellent wife, and her a
bill management of household affairs greatly contributes to the comfort and
happiness of her household. Mr. And Mrs. Clark have five children living, as
follows: Susan Harriett, at home; Ella G., James Benson, J. W. W., and Cyril B.
The three sons are married and well settled in life. The daughters are young
ladies of unusual ability and force of character, and are both teachers and
writers for Sunday-school papers. James, who is engaged in the lumber business
at Oak Park, Chicago, has three children – Ella, Ruth and a baby; William, whose
business is putting up elevators, is a resident of Riverside, near Chicago, and
has a family of three children – Douglas, Lucia and Margaret; Cyril is now a
student of Champaign College, where he expects to graduate from the engineering
department; he is married, and has two children – Grace and an infant.
Mr. Clark is among our most highly esteemed citizens,
and no one knows him but to respect the genuine integrity of his character. He
has always been identified with the Republican party, and the family have
adhered to the Church of England and are faithful members of the Episcopal
church.
Mr. Clark's wife was reared in the neighborhood where
his father settled. She is a daughter of John Benson and a sister of the
Reverend John Benson, and it gives us pleasure to incorporate in this sketch a
notice of the life and work of the latter. He is the beloved rector of St. James
Episcopal Church, and makes his home with our subject. He was born in Yorkshire,
England, June 8, 1815, and was there reared and received some education. He came
to this country in 1833, with his parents, John and Harriet Benson, and the same
year accompanied them to Illinois and settled with them in Edwards County, where
they remained until the spring of 1834. The family then came to Peoria County,
the Reverend John being a youth of nineteen years, and here he studied law. His
father was a lawyer, as was also his grandfather, John Benson, who was a member
of the English bar, and their ancestry were of the lords of England, being all
landholders and members of the Church of England. Mr. Benson, Sr., bought the
claim to several pieces of land and settled on one tract that was in Kickapoo
and Limestone Townships, comprising three-quarters of a section. He was
intending to purchase the place at the land sale in 1835, but his death by the
accidental discharge of his rifle put an end to his plans. He left the widow and
family of six children, John being the oldest boy. This placed the
responsibility of the care of the family mainly up on his shoulders, and he took
charge of affairs until the death of his mother, which occurred in September,
1835.
In May, 1835, our subject went to Quincy and bought the
land on which the family had the claim in the name of his mother, and he lived
on the same place until 1866, when he sold it. Services were held at his house
by Bishop Chase, of Jubilee, as early as 1836, and were continued there for some
years. Finally, the parish was organized, and in 1845 a fine stone church was
erected within half a mile of Mr. Benson's home in Limestone. In 1843 our
subject took a trip south for the health of his wife, and going to Baton Rouge,
La., spent the ensuing five years there, and was there ordained to the ministry,
he having previously studied with that end in view, Bishop Polk of that state
presiding at his ordination. Coming home, he was put in charge of the stone
church in 1852, and occupied its pulpit very acceptably until 1857, when he was
called to Farmington to take care of the church there. For twelve years he was
engaged in that place. He then removed to this parish, and has been pastor of
this church most of the time since.
The Rev. Mr. Benson was married to Miss Euphemia Clark,
daughter of James Clark, of Limestone, in 1838. She was born in Huntington,
England, and came from London to this country with her parents. By her death, in
1875, he was bereft of a devoted wife and congenial companion.
In 1855, as he was broken down and health and his wife
was far from well, Mr. And Mrs. Benson crossed the Atlantic to England to
recuperate amid the scenes of his youth, and ten months were passed very
pleasantly among his old friends. In 1866 they returned to Peoria, and he
organized the St. John's Mission, and had charge of it the ensuing five years.
At the expiration of that time he had a call to Lewistown, the county seat of
Fulton County, and became rector of St. James Church, which he had organized
some years before. After resigning his pastorate, which had been very
successful, in that city, he returned to Limestone, and resumed his old position
as rector of the Episcopal church in this place as before mentioned.
The conditions of the country at that time when the
Benson family settled here, and the wonderful change that has since taken place,
is well illustrated by the following account of their journey hither and
subsequent events. In the fall of 1833 Mr. John Benson, the father of our
subject, rode on horseback over a good share of Canada, Michigan and Illinois,
and while passing through Chicago he prophetically remarked that that little
trading post was destined to be the great commercial center of the West. As he
passed through Ft. Clark, he was enchanted with its site and surrounding
scenery, and decided to locate in this vicinity. He returned for his family,
whom he met in Cincinnati, and they proceeded down the river to Southern
Illinois on the return journey, and he there fitted out his wagon with horses at
two teams of oxen. Leading the ox-teams at Vandalia afterward with the household
goods, he traveled over the greater part of this State with his wife and
children, driving from Canton to Lewistown and from there to Merchant's
settlement, which was the starting-point of Farmington. And there they drove
straight east without any track of any kind over the wild prairies to answer as
a guide.
A man by the name of Handayside was building a log
house near the dividing line between Lewistown and Logan Townships, and from
there the Bensons could by close observation see a track which led to a spring
on a place where Jones had started a farm about six and one-half miles from the
city, and this became a famous watering-place for travelers along the road
between Peoria and Farmington, in the days when they carried produce to market. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria County, Illinois
(1890), pages 522-524, submitted by Janice Black)
CLINCH, JOHN, farmer, Sec.17, P.O. Rosefield,
son of John and Caroline Clinch, natives of county Kent, England. John was born
in the same place, July 26, 1849; came to the United States in 1868 and located
in Rosefield township; married Miss Mary H. Manock; she was born in Peoria
county, Aug. 9, 1849; two children were born to them –
Carrie Viola and Charles Frances. Own 160 acres of land, 135 under good
cultivation, valued at $5,000. Mr. C. has a fine farm and home, and is in
comfortable circumstances. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page
838, submitted by Robin O'Neill)
THOMAS CLINCH.
More than is given to the majority who are the architects of their own fortunes.
Thomas Clinch realized his inherent aspirations for the best that his
environment made possible, and upon the supper-structure of a fine and
harmonious character, erected a success within the power of those only who are
large of heart, broad in experience and more than ordinairily [sic] endowed with
good judgment and business sagacity. Like an animate spirit of the Middle West,
he was the personification of all that radiates and develops from the fertility
of Illinois, and reflected in his accomplishments the abundant harvests,
financial soundness and multitudinous interests which have arisen and flourished
upon the prairies, redeemed from inactivity by the ingenuity of man. Nor was his
life expansion a mater of mature years and propitious opportunity, but rather
took root in the heart of a boy, inured by early misfortune to the serious and
responsible side of existence.
In Kent, the luxuriant garden spot of England, he was born January 26, 1827, and
was the oldest in a family of five children. When he was nine years old, his
father died, and, as the diminutive head of a family dependent upon their own
resources, his youthful energy was shifted to the field of support. For years he
faithfully performed his duty to those near and dear to him, and his education
was naturally curtailed by the arduous duties which filled his days.
Observation, however, played an important part and influenced the formation of
his ideas: and, in time, his ambition extended beyond the shores of his native
island, intensified by the fact that friends had preceded him to the new world,
and in Illinois had found a broader field for their activities.
To the tireless and fearless who have reached the age of twenty-two, there are
few insurmountable obstacles: and the fact that he arrived in Peoria County with
available assets amounting to two dollars and fifty cents, in no way diminished
his ardor or impoverished his expectations. The journey to the well-known faces
and voices awaiting him in Illinois was accomplished by means of such
transportation as he could command in return for services rendered, and he at
once took up the burden of life destined to broaden at the approach of his
understanding and energy. A friend in need presented himself in the person of
Nathan Kellogg, who had a large farm on the Farmington Road, and in whose
employment he remained for thirteen months, at thirteen dollars a month. A
fellow laborer and sharer of early hours and hard work was William Pitt Kellogg,
who afterwards became a politician of note and, in time, a Senator from, and a
Governor of, Louisiana.
By the exercise of frugality Mr. Clinch was enabled to save sufficient means to
permit of independent farming on land owned by the Hovendons; and, while thus
endeavoring to forge his way to the front, married, in 1854, Sarah Ann, oldest
daughter of Major S. Bohanan. The following year he removed to the southwest
corner of Elmwood Township, and, in 1860, removed to Rosefield Township, through
the simple process of building himself a house across the road from his former
residence. With the coming of succeeding summers his grain ripened under the
beneficent Illinois sun, his cattle flourished and multiplied, and the ready
disposal of his general produce eliminated more and more the possibility of
future want. From the comparatively small amount of land, his possessions
increased to three and then four hundred acres, the splendid development and
resourcefulness of which far exceeded his anticipations.
With the same vigorous mentality which had directed his farming enterprises, Mr.
Clinch entered into the affairs of Elmwood, to which place he removed in 1886.
There was immediate demand for his financial discernment, and when he entered in
partnership with Mr. W. H. Lott in the banking business, the move was correctly
construed as an advance in the general prosperity. This association was amicably
continued until the tragic demise of Mr. Lott in the Chatsworth disaster [see
note below], in
18871, after which Mr. Clinch re-organized the bank, associating with him Henry Schenck, Marshall Lott, and his son, Walter A. Clinch, the affairs of the bank
being then conducted under the firm name of Clinch, Schenck & Lott. This banking
house became one of the substantial financial concerns of Peoria County, and
though it and his various other interests, Mr. Clinch accumulated, in his own
right, about $50,000.
A staunch upholder of Republican institutions, he took an intelligent and active
interest in local affairs, and held many offices of responsibility in the
township. In 1874 he was a member of the Board of Supervisors from Rosefield
Township, and was repeatedly re-elected to the position until he removal to
Elmwood. The same office awaited him in his new location, and he was thus
serving the interests of his township and the time of his death, October 13,
1895. As chairman of the Board he was instrumental in encouraging numerous
improvements in municipal affairs, and it was partly owing to his efforts that
the new court-house was erected.
Although a member of no particular religious denomination, he was essentially
religious, and fashioned his dealings with men upon humanity and the golden
rule. He was essentially a well balanced man, and few inharmonious notes
disturbed the well-adjusted composite wholeness of his character. Life to him
was a meeting ground of friends, and a field of effort to be optimistically
regarded and faithfully canvassed, and no harshness or malice or bitterness
entered into his calculations, or disturbed the geniality and good fellowship of
his nature. At his funeral there were innumerable indications of the esteem in
which he was universally held; flowers galore breathed their tender messages;
special trains brought to Elmwood former friends and associates; business was
entirely suspended, and the flag on the court-house was at half mast.
To Mr. and Mrs. Clinch were born four children: Walter A., born September 24,
1856; Charles E., born August 11, 1858; Maud, born August 29, 1864; and Sadie
B., born May 22, 1872. Charles E. became a farmer after attaining his majority,
but died at the early age of twenty-four, of typhoid fever. Maud married H. B.
Wilkinson and died in 1893, leaving two children: Sumner and Cecil. Sadie, an
unusually promising girl, graduated from the Elmwood high-school and from the
Know College Conservatory of Music, but unfortunately contracted consumption in
1895 and died the following year. Walter A., after graduating from the Elmwood
high-school and taking a course at the Wesleyan College, Bloomington, Illinois,
studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1878. Owing to ill-health his
professional practice was of short duration, and he eventually became a member
of the firm of Clinch, Schenk & Lott, and is now the head of the firm. Through
his marriage, in 1884, with Bessie, daughter of Rev. John Miller of Peoria, two
children have been born, Charles and Paul.
Note 1: Midnight, August 10, 1887 – The train accident occurred about three
miles east of Chatsworth. The Toledo, Peoria & Western Niagara Excursion Train
from Peoria, Illinois went over an unforeseen burning railroad trestle that
collapsed under the weight of the engine. 81 people [approx.] were killed and 372 injured.
(Historical Encyclopedia
of Illinois and History of Peoria
County, 1902, page 685-686, portrait on 687, submitted by Robin O'Neill)
CLIFFORD U. COLLINS, M. D. The medical and
surgical profession finds one of its most eminent and capable representatives in
Dr. Clifford U. Collins, whose offices are located in the Jefferson building and
who is now concentrating his energies entirely upon surgical work, in which
connection he manifests superior skill as the result of wide study, thorough
research and long experience. He was born in Batavia, Ohio, December 17, 1867,
and is a son of John D. and Martha (Cox) Collins. His father was a native of
Clinton county, Ohio, born September 17, 1838, and was a son of Samuel P.
Collins, a native of New Hampshire, who wedded Nancy Dalton, who was also born
in the old Granite state. Removing westward he settled in Clinton county, Ohio,
in 1830, becoming one of the pioneer residents of that district, which was then
a wild and undeveloped region in which the work of improvement had scarcely been
begun. He became the owner of a large farm and devoted the greater part of his
life to its cultivation and improvement. The death of the grandfather occurred
when he was sixty-nine years of age and his wife passed away at the age of
forty-two years. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Collins was Aaron Cox, who was
born in Randolph county, North Carolina, June 6, 1800, and whose life record
covered the intervening span of years to the 3d of February, 1883. He wedded
Mary Bailey, who was born in March, 1820, and died at the age of seventy-nine
years. They were of the Quaker faith and were stanch advocates of the abolition
cause.
John D. Collins, the Doctor's father, acquired a good education while
spending his youthful days under the parental roof, and having arrived at years
of maturity was married, on the 25th of September, 1859, to Miss Martha Cox, who
was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, January 21, 1839. The young couple began
their domestic life in Ohio but in 1862 John D. Collins put aside all personal
and business considerations in order to prove his loyalty to the Union cause by
active service at the front. The country was then engaged in Civil war and he
felt that it needed the aid of all loyal citizens. In 1862, therefore, he
enlisted, becoming a member of Company K, Seventy-Ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
with which he served as a sharpshooter for three years. During that period he
went with Sherman on the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea and when the
war was over he was mustered out at Washington, D. C. He participated in the
grand review in the capital which was the most celebrated military pageant ever
seen in the western hemisphere, thousands of victorious Union soldiers marching
down Pennsylvania avenue over which was suspended a banner bearing the words
"The only debt which the country owes that she cannot pay is the debt which she
owes to her soldiers."
The war over, Mr. Collins returned to his home in Ohio, where he remained
until 1873, when he removed with his family to Vandalia, Illinois. He became a
prominent factor of Fayette county, this state, acting as principal of the
schools of Vandalia and also of Ramsey. He turned from professional life to
commercial pursuits, however, in 1878, when he embarked in general merchandising
at Vandalia, where he successfully continued for many years. John Collins and
his wife were people of sterling worth whose influence and labors were always
given on the side of advancement, reform and improvement. They were especially
active in support of the temperance cause, Mr. Collins voting for many years
with the prohibition party of which he was an active worker, while his wife was
very prominent in the Women's Christian Temperance Union.
Dr. Clifford U. Collins was not yet six years of age when the family
removed from Ohio to Vandalia, where he pursued his education until graduated
from the high school of that city with the class of 1885. He then turned to the
profession of teaching as his initial experience in the business world, devoting
five years to that work. He was first employed as teacher in the country schools
but later became principal of the Vandalia schools. However, he regarded school
teaching merely as a step toward other professional labor and with a desire to
become an active member of the medical profession he entered upon a course of
study in the Marion Sims College of Medicine in that city. Following his
graduation there in 1892 he practiced for two years in Vandalia and then removed
to Averyville, Peoria county, on the 1st of April, 1893. Success attended him in
his efforts at that place and won him a reputation which made him well known in
Peoria. Seeking the broader field of labor offered by the city he came to Peoria
in 1904 and after continuing in general practice for a time he determined to
devote his energies exclusively to surgical work, in which field of practice he
displays marked skill and ability, having comprehensive knowledge of anatomy,
the component parts of the human body and the onslaughts made upon it by
disease. Cool and quiet in an emergency, he is well adapted for the difficult
and arduous duties that continuously devolve upon the surgeon.
On the 7th of January, 1890, in Vandalia, Dr. Collins was united in
marriage to Miss Belle Henry and unto them has been born a daughter, Constance.
Mrs. Collins is a daughter of Judge B. W. Henry, who was born in Shelby county
in 1834 and for many years practiced law in Vandalia. His father, the Rev.
Bushford Henry, who for an extended period resided in Shelbyville, Illinois, was
one of the pioneer preachers, contributing to the moral progress and development
of that district. His son, B. W. Henry, determined to devote his life to the
practice of law and ultimately attained to high judicial honors in that
connection. He married Sarah Johnson, who was born in Pocahontas, Illinois, in
1842.
Dr. and Mrs. Collins are well known socially in Peoria and throughout the
county where they have an extensive circle of warm friends. He is identified
with several fraternal organizations including the Supreme Court of Honor, the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. In strictly professional
lines he is connected with the Peoria City Medical Society, the Illinois State
Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Western Surgical
Association. Through the proceedings of these bodies he keeps in close touch
with what is being done by eminent members of the profession and in his work
employs the most modern and scientific methods. There has been marvelous advance
in the practice of surgery in the past quarter of a century and Dr. Collins is
thoroughly informed concerning the work of the most eminent members of the
profession throughout the country.
Although Dr. Collins' professional duties are arduous, yet few physicians
have their time better systematized. He has recently added to his activities
by his election to the presidency of the Peoria Association of Commerce, a
position which he entered upon the resignation of Douglas H. Bethard. On March
25th the directors of the association called a meeting to decide upon a
successor to the office. A few hours before the meeting, Dr. Collins was
informed that he had been selected as the dark horse candidate for the
presidency. But instead of being the dark horse candidate, when the meeting was
called to order, Dr. Collins was unanimously proclaimed head of the big
association. This was a tribute to the acknowledged executive ability of the
Doctor, and to the complete confidence which his fellow citizens repose in him. (Peoria, City
and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 66-67, submitted by Janine Crandell)
COE, JOHN C. farmer, Sec. 5, P. O. French Grove, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August, 1828. Was raised on a farm, but at an early age engaged in clerking. In the Fall of 1859 came to Peoria county. Married Miss Eliza J. Reed March 4, 1861. She was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, December, 1841. Lived in Elmwood and Fulton county, for two years. Came where he now resides. Owns 8o acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. The fruit of this marriage was three children, a son and two daughters. Members of the Presbyterian Church at French Grove, in which Mr. Coe is elder and superintendent of Sabbath school. Republican in politics. Held several local offices of trust. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 715, submitted by Janine Crandell)
WILLIAM H. COLEMAN. In the history of William
H. Coleman is found an example that stands in direct contradiction to the often
expressed opinion that the eminently successful business man cannot be a
thoroughly honest man. In all of his life Mr. Coleman has never been known to
take advantage of another in a trade transaction. On the contrary, he has held
to the highest standards of justice and fairness with the result that his
business has grown to large proportions, but no matter what demands are made
upon his time and energies as a contractor and builder he has always found
opportunity to aid in church work and promote the moral progress of his
community. He was born in Ireland, July 6, 1852, and was sixteen years of age
when he came alone to the new world. Favorable reports had reached him
concerning the opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. He had a brother and
sister who were then living in Haverstraw, New York, and he made his way direct
to that place, residing there for about four years. During that period he
learned the carpenter's trade, which he mastered in principle and detail,
becoming an expert workman. Thinking that still better opportunities were to be
secured in the Mississippi valley, he made his way to Bloomington, Illinois, in
1872, and during the year there passed, also followed carpentering. In the later
part of 1873 he returned to Haverstraw where resided the lady whom he wished to
make his wife. In that state he wedded Miss Elizabeth Kattyle, a native of the
north of Ireland, who was residing, however, in New York city at the time of her
marriage. The young couple began their domestic life in Haverstraw, where Mr.
Coleman worked at carpentering until 1876, when he removed westward with his
family with Peoria as his destination. After following his trade in the employ
of others for a year he began contracting and building on his own account. The
first contract ever accorded him was for the erection of a building on First
street, the lower floor to be used for business purposes and the second floor as
a dwelling. He has never had a partner, but in time his ability and
trustworthiness gained recognition and his patronage has steadily increased. He
has done much important contract work in the city, employing a number of
workmen, and his success is further indicated in the fact that he erected his
own business building at Nos. 800-802 Main street, a two-story frame structure,
in 1890, and also residence property on Green street. In addition he owns his
own home on East Armstrong street, a residence on Munson avenue, another on St.
James avenue, still another on Indiana and one on Behrends streets. He has thus
engaged in speculative building and from his properties he derives a good annual
rental which constitutes a valuable addition to his income. His work has always
been characterized by thoroughness and reliability. He was the contractor for
the Kingman Plow Works, also the new automobile factory for the Bartholomew
Company, and the warehouse on South Washington street for the J. I. Case
Threshing Machine Company. These and many other important structures stand as
monuments to his progressiveness, his business ability and his straightforward
dealing. He takes contracts for the erection of buildings from the ground up,
including the plastering, plumbing, etc., and makes a specialty of heavy
buildings. More and more largely year by year he has come into public favor as a
contractor until his patronage is now extensive and he is one of the foremost
representatives of building interests in the city.
Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have gained a large circle of
friends during their residence in Peoria and here they have reared their family
of two sons: William H., who is sales agent for the Standard Oil Company; and
John R., who is assistant manager at Peoria for the same company. The family are
members of the First Congregational church and have long been most active,
earnest and effective workers in behalf of the denomination. Mr. Coleman
previously served as pastor of the South Peoria Congregational church and is now
pastor of the Peoria Heights Congregational church. No matter how extensive or
how important have been his business affairs he has never allowed material
things to interfere with his religious duties and in fact he feels that he has
been the more prospered as he has labored the more earnestly for the benefit of
the church. He has organized seven different missions and Sunday schools in and
near Peoria in the last thirty years, and who can measure the influence that has
thus been exerted for good. He has been continuously in missionary work since
coming to Peoria and in all of his efforts to advance the cause of Christianity
he is ably assisted and encouraged by his wife, who has been a teacher in the
Sunday school and an active helper in all lines of church work until ill health
has forced her to in a measure put aside her efforts in that direction. Mr.
Coleman's example is often quoted not only in Peoria but in Cleveland and in
other centers as one who has found that it was possible to lead a consistent
Christian life and at the same time win success. He has felt that he has been
all the more prospered when his devotion to the church has been the greatest.
His life demonstrates the fact that it is perfectly possible to conduct a good
business and at the same time give much assistance to the more important effort
of Christianizing the world. He never believes in choosing the second best but
always in seeking that which is the highest: he has never compromised with evil
or with wrong-doing in the slightest degree, but has held firmly to the
standards of right, justice and truth and today enjoys that untarnished name
which is to be chosen in preference to great riches. (Peoria, City
and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 240-241, submitted by Janine Crandell)
JOSEPH COLLIER. The attention
of the reader will be claimed by the portrait and biography of this gentleman
who is a widely known and greatly respected citizen of Peoria County. He has for
many years been prominently connected with its mining interests, and is now the
owner of a valuable mine in Bartonville, which he leases to a company and
derives from it a substantial income. He has a beautiful home in Limestone,
located about five miles south of the court-house on the brow of the bluff,
overlooking the whole city of Peoria, with a fine view of Pekin in another
direction.
Mr. Collier was born in Somersetshire, England, August
16, 1817, receiving his early education in the schools of that shire. He
followed the business of a mason which he had learned when young, and going to
Wales, did mason work in the mines, and from that developed into a miner or an
operator of the mines, doing a large business. While in that line he did some of
the finest and most scientific work in the Welsh and English mines, as each rock
for the shafts was cut and numbered and had its place in the wall, which when
completed was a specimen of much better work than is seen in the mines of this
country. Mr. Collier says that work was done for all time, the mines being put
into proper shape before they were formally opened and it would take years to
get them ready.
During his stay in Wales Mr. Collier met and married
Miss Ann Kear, who was of English descent. After ten years of married life they
came to America and cast in their fortunes with the pioneers of Peoria County,
having first sojourned two years in Mercer County, Pa., where Mr. Collier was
engaged in the management of some coal mines. After he came here he commenced to
operate a coal mine for TC. Moore, which was one of the first opened in the
settlement of Bartonville, before the village was started, that being in the
year 1850. He has been very prosperous and acquired valuable property by his
operations. He first built a home on his farm in 1853, about four miles south of
the court-house and there he and his wife dwelt for twenty years and reared
their family of eight children, four now living. Their daughter Jane is the wife
of Otis Wilder, of Limestone, now of Lexington, Johnson County, Neb., and they
have eight children. Ann is the wife of Griffith Hopkins, of Ohio, now a
resident of Maquon, Knox County, and they have five children. Sarah, at the age
of nineteen, met her death by a stroke of lightning while standing in her
father's door yard. Emma is the wife of Jacob Strasser, a native of Limestone
Township, where they now reside, and they have four children. Franklin Joseph is
the manager of the company operating the coal bank at Bartonville, leased from
his father. This company is one of the most successful in the State. It was
first started about six years ago by Mr. Collier, who interested in the venture
[of] thirty-five men, who were bound by an article of agreement to keep the bank
running, and pay him half a cent a bushel for the coal and one-fourth of a cent
a bushel for the improvements until the machinery, which cost $6,600 was paid
for, and this year will find them all out of debt, with their franchise greatly
improved in value. Franklin J. Collier's wife, whose maiden name was Kate
Strassers, is a native of Altona, Pa., where her parents now live. She and her
husband have six children – Ernest, Edith, Jane, Joseph, Chester, Ethel, and
Annie M. Our subject gave all of his children fine educational advantages and
educated his girls as teachers, giving them a course in the Normal School of
Peoria, from which they were graduated, and his house has always been a home for
teachers.
Mr. Collier was for a long time a conspicuous figure in
the public life of township and county. He has served as road Commissioner and
as School Director, and in the latter office has been very influential in the
establishment of one of the best schools in the county in his district. For ten
years he represented Limestone on the County Board of supervisors, and was one
of the foremost in bringing about any enterprise that was calculated to benefit
the county, and he will long be held in grateful respect for his active work in
securing the building of the court-house. He cast the deciding vote when the
resolution for building the new court-house was under discussion before the
Board, while many of the others voted against it. He fought hard for it and
finally won the day, and justly feels more proud of that than any other act of
his life. It is greatly due to his personal efforts that the building stands to
day a monument of strength and durability, and is an ornament to the city. He
looked vigilantly after the work of the contractors, and often got out
injunctions and stopped work until the builders would proceed according to the
contract. On his return home from the Centennial he found that they had put in
concrete pillars instead of solid as had been agreed, and in other ways had
slighted the work. He at once took steps to have their blunder corrected and did
so after a long fight. When they were putting up the dome he told the
contractors it would not stand, and it had to be taken down and rebuilt.
In the fall of 1888, Mr. Collier, accompanied by his
wife, went back to visit their Welsh and English friends in Pennsylvania, and
while there celebrated their golden wedding, having an enjoyable time on that
memorable occasion and receiving many appropriate and elegant gifts. Mr. collier
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over fifty years, and
his children are nearly all connected with it, his daughters have been active
workers in the Sunday-school. This fine old English gentleman respects the
Lord's Day, and believes that all the good the world knows comes from the fact
that England with her manufacturers has pushed the Bible into all lands, and
where the people would not accept it as a gift, has forced it upon them at the
cannon's mouth, and also from the fact that England, having always kept Sunday
and made others keep it, has been blessed for its observance.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
793-794, submitted by Kup Fercell)
COOLIDGE, EDWARD L. farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Brimfield, son of Lewis and Amanda C. Coolidge, was born in Addison county, Vt., 1825, emigrated with them to Illinois in the Spring of 1834, and settled in what was known by the early settlers as 9-6, now Rosefield township, where his mother died on the 3d day of Sept., 1856. His father found a home with Mr. C. until his death, which occurred in 1869. Married Miss Mary E. Palmer, who was born in Galesburg, Knox county, Ill., Dec. 31, 1838, being the first white child born in that city. They soon afterwards settled where they now reside. Owns 252 acres of land, valued at $60 per acre. The fruit of this marriage is eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Mr. C. was one of the first road commissioners of Rosefield township. Members of the Episcopal Church. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, pages 715-716, submitted by Janine Crandell)
CORCORAN, GEORGE L. was born in the county of Langford, in Ireland, in 1826. At the early age of sixteen he matriculated in Latin, Greek, French, Geometry and Algebra, and after a brain rest of six months, commenced the study of medicine with his father, who was the leading physician in the county, having two dispensaries and the county infirmary under his charge. By these means the subject of our present biography got a thorough elementary education in clinical medicine, materia medica, and chemistry. He afterwards studied in Dublin, and finally graduated in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1849. The doctor came to Brimfield on the 27th of May, 1851, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession, although with a sad heart and a strange desire to return home, for the condition of affairs was not what he expected. A vast prairie like an open sea stretched out to his view, without roads or bridges such as we have now. His average day's work was forty miles in the saddle, on horseback, for buggies were impracticable over the sloughs and swollen streams, and although often exhausted by the heat of the sun in Summer and the snow storms and cold of Winter, he never forsook his duty day or night, and has continued to practice in the county ever since, three years of which was in the city of Peoria ; and not alone in this county, for he is frequently called to the surrounding counties for advice and consultation. He was the first president elect of the Peoria County Medical Society, which he held for several years by re-election. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and also of the State Medical Society, and was commissioned by Governor Cullom as a representative to the medical department of the celebrated Paris Exposition of 1878. He has also been justice of the peace in Brimfield for nearly twelve years, getting the vote of all political parties, and although it is not a lucrative office, he has fulfilled it without fear or partiality, to the best of his ability and judgment of the law. He is a man of almost universal genius, passionately fond of the arts, science, poetry and music, and in the latter he excels; of a sanguine, nervous temperament, generous and big-hearted to a fault, no person, either friend or stranger, enters his door and leaves it hungry or thirsty; but he is quick to detect deceit, fraud, ingratitude, lying and low, cunning tricks, which make him irritable, but he has an abundance of charity and soon forgives. He is still nearly in the prime of life, healthy, and liable to live many years with profit to himself and his patrons. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 716, submitted by Janine Crandell)
COWLES, WM. W. postmaster at Brimfield and dealer in groceries, was born in Hampshire county, Mass., on the 7th day of Dec., 1830. By trade he is a blacksmith and wagon ironer. In Nov., 1854, married Miss Delia Woods, who was born in Belchertown, Mass., on the 28th day of Nov., 1834. Continued his trade in his native village until 1857, when they came to Brimfield, where he engaged in farming for two years. Thence to Oak Hill, where he bought grain for four years; then embarked in the dry goods trade until July, 1862. He enlisted in the 14th Cavalry and participated in the Atlantic campaign, Knoxville, Tenn., the regiment being the first Union troops to cross the Cumberland Mountains to eastern Tennessee, and twenty-four days on four days' rations. They also participated at Bear Station, Bentonville, and in the following of John Morgan. Mustered out as second lieutenant at Pulaski, Tenn., Aug., 1865. On enlisting, removed his family to Brimfield. He returned to this city and recommenced his trade, which on account of failing health he soon abandoned and worked for the R. R. Co. until January, 1871, after which he engaged with the Hayes Brothers, in their store, until 1875. Was appointed, Jan., 1878, postmaster, and soon afterwards added a stock of groceries, and has since done a prosperous business in that line. They have three daughters and are members of the Congregational Church. Politics, Republican. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 716, submitted by Janine Crandell)
WILLIAM H. CRANDELL. William H. Crandell, a resident of Peoria, and at present in the employ of the
Government as United States Storekeeper, a position to which he was appointed in
November, 1889, has long been identified with the agricultural element of this
county, and represents the brave citizen soldier of the late war, who, since
those trying times has quietly done his duty in whatever position he has been
placed. In the exciting and momentous days that followed the breaking out of
the rebellion, our subject early responded to his country's call, and with noble
self sacrifice went forth to aid in fighting its battles and to brave the
hardships of a soldier's life, and the privations he suffered uncomplainingly
during his long and almost constant service throughout the entire war testify to
his loyalty and devotion to the Union.
Mr. Crandell is a native of this county, born in Hollis Township, November 26,
1840, and is a son of one of its pioneer families. His parents, William Zane
and Mary (Johnson) Crandell, were natives of Ohio and came to this State in the
early days of its settlement. The father died in Mississippi in 1863, the mother
having died when our subject was about three years old.
William Crandell began life as a farmer, having received a very good education
in the public schools. He was conducting agricultural pursuits when the war
broke out, and as soon as he could arrange it he volunteered to defend his
country's honor, enlisting on the 15th of May, 1861, at Peoria, becoming a
member of Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery, better known as the Peoria
Battery A. He went with his regiment to Alton, whence he and his comrades were
sent to St. Charles, Mo., where they were prepared for the army, and were then
sent up the Mississippi River. The first campaign in which our subject took part
was that in which Fremont chased McCullough and Price. He returned immediately
to Springfield, Mo., after the battle of Pea Ridge, and some months later took
an active part in a battle at Prairie Grove. He was found to be admirably fitted
for the arduous and dangerous work of scouting and was thus engaged in Missouri.
Mr. Crandell subsequently accompanied Gen. Grant to Black River Bridge and
fought bravely in the battle at that place, and again was in the encounter with
the enemy at Jackson and also was in the battle of Champion Hills. After that
engagement he was sent to New Orleans, and took part in the defense of that
city. He remained there till he went to Mobile, and was active in the capture of
Fts. Morgan, Fisher and Gaines. Our subject again returned to New Orleans, and
there they manned the fort at Burwicks Bay, and kept that position till the
expiration of his term of service. He was transferred from there to Springfield,
and was mustered out August 27, 1865. He had veteranized January 1, 1864, and
was kept in the same battery all the time, with the exception of sixty days
furlough, and it is remarkable to note that he was never disabled or in a
hospital, was never on detached service and was not away from his command during
the war.
After our subject returned from his lengthy experience of life on Southern
battlefields, he resumed his former pursuit as a farmer, and in the course of a
few years established pleasant domestic relations by his marriage, January 1,
1868, to Miss Mary C. Wallace, native of New York, and a daughter of Robert C.
and Margaret (Gaily) Wallace. Her father is still living. Three children have
blessed the wedded life of our subject and his wife, of whom the eldest, a son,
Charles Franklin, is deceased; the names of the living are Cora Isabelle and
Mary Margaret, who live in this county. Cora Isabelle married William Givens, a
miner by occupation.
Our subject is a quiet, unobtrusive man and is universally esteemed. He
possesses a clear, intelligent mind, and, of a natural religious temperament, is
liberal in his views and has a preference for the Universalist faith, as have
his wife and children also. His career in the army is held in rememberance by
his connection with the Joe Hanna Post, No. 117, G. A. R., in Pekin.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria County, Illinois
(1890), pages 788-789, submitted by Gaile Thomas)
CROWLEY, WM., farmer, Sec. 16, P. O. Brimfield, was born on the Isle of Man on the third day of March, 1811. Having attained his thirteenth year he learned the carpenter's trade, and, at twenty-two, emigrated to the United States, locating in the city of New York. On the ninth day of November, 1842, he married Martha Price, who was born in Flintshire, Wales, in 1820. They afterwards moved to Memphis, Tenn., where they resided until 1852. In 1846, came to this county, and purchased the farm which he now occupies, containing 210 acres, valued at $75 per acre. In 1852, they settled permanently on their farm, which now compares favorably with the best in this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley are members of the M. E. Church. Democratic in politics. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 716, submitted by Janine Crandell)
JOHN W. CULBERTSON. The legal profession today
holds out high rewards to honorable industry, cultivated talents, probity and
integrity, which have been transmitted to its members through unbroken
generations from Chase, and Martin, Pinkney and McMahon.
John W. Culbertson, who was up to the time of his death an able and successful
member of the Peoria bar, is a worthy type of this class of lawyer. All through
his life, he maintained the high standard of integrity which was a fixed
principle with him, and at his death he left behind him a reputation for
clearsighted discrimination of values, strict honesty of purpose, and cool,
prudent and wide-reaching judgment.
John W. Culbertson was born at Wooster, Ohio, on the
1st of November, 1860, his parents being Hugh M. and Margaret (Sanderson)
Culbertson. The father was one of the early settlers and agriculturists of that
place and gave his political allegiance to the democracy. He passed away in
1897, at the age of seventy-one years, having long survived his wife, who was
called to her final rest in 1872. The remains of both were interred in the
family lot in the cemetery at Wooster, Ohio. The Culbertsons are of
Scotch-English origin, the first representative of the name in this country
settling in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject participated
in the Revolutionary war.
In the acquirement of an education John W. Culbertson
attended a country school until fifteen years of age and then entered the normal
department of the Northern Ohio University at Ada, Ohio, also taking a law
course at the same institution. Subsequently he took up the profession of
teaching, but later returned to the university and on the completion of his
course received the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1885 he was admitted to
the bar by the supreme court of Ohio. In January, 1886, he came to Peoria, and
secured employment as bookkeeper with the McLaughlin Gas & Steamfitting Company,
remaining in that capacity for about two years. Since 1887, however, he has
devoted his attention to the general practice of law, and won by intelligent
application of his talents an extensive and gratifying clientage. He was a
strong advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court. Much
of the success which attended him in his professional career is undoubtedly due
to the fact that in no instance did he ever permit himself to go into court
unless he had absolute confidence in the justice of his client's cause. Basing
his efforts on this principle, from which there are far too many lapses in the
professional ranks, it naturally followed that he seldom lost a case in whose
support he was enlisted.
On the 22d of December, 1898 in Peoria, Mr. Culbertson
was united in marriage to Miss Egberdine Simmering. Mrs. Culbertson's father, a
carpenter and contractor by trade, was an old settler in Peoria. Mr. and Mrs.
Culbertson had one child, Helen, who died in infancy and was buried at
Springdale cemetery.
Mr. Culbertson was strongly democratic in his political
affiliations, and held the office of city attorney in 1892-3. He stood high in
the Masonic fraternity and was a member of the Peoria Bar Association.
When Mr. Culbertson died on December 5, 1911, the legal
profession of Peoria lost one of its most distinguished representatives. If we
were to attempt to characterize in a single sentence the achievements of Mr.
Culbertson, it could perhaps best be done in the words: the success of an honest
man, in whose life marked legal ability and humanitarianism were well balanced
forces. His indomitable energy, unfailing memory, critical accuracy of analysis,
his power of endurance and above all his sturdy honesty, enabled him to rise to
a high point of legal attainment. He devoted his life to his profession, and has
been deservedly crowned with its choicest rewards. To attain the success he
reached, he never resorted to extraneous means or influences, or any of the arts
by which popularity is sometimes purchased at the expense of truth. He rose to
the high place which he held at the time of his death, simply by patient,
arduous and unremitting toil, unfaltering courage and inflexible determination
to succeed. (Peoria, City
and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 685-686, submitted by Janine Crandell)
