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WILLIAM EASTON. Among the residents of Chillicothe, who have laid down the burdens of life after extended and successful labors, is numbered William Easton, who breathed his last March 7, 1890. For some years prior to his death, he had been quietly enjoying the fruits of his former industry, rejoicing in the good will of a large circle of acquaintances, and filling up the measure of his days with good works. He was eighty-two years and ten months old when called hence, having been born in Newark, N. J., May 7, 1807.

The father of our subject was William Easton, Sr., a man of English birth and descent, who came to America when a young man. He made his home in New Jersey, but continued the seafaring life in which he had previously expended his energies. He was killed by falling from some part of the vessel on which he sailed, when in the prime of life, and when our subject was but two years of age. He had married an American lady—Mrs. Elizabeth Slaght nee Drake—who was reared in New Jersey. Her first husband Cornelius Slaght, died in the prime of life, leaving four sons and one daughter, all of whom are now deceased. Some of their descendants were early settlers in Cleveland, Ohio, and there became rich and prominent. The mother of our subject lived to be ninety years old, dying in Newark, N. J., which had been her home for many long years.

William Easton, Jr., remained with his mother until he was ten years old, then became an inmate of the household of his half-brother, Abraham Slaght, in Cleveland, Ohio. When old enough to do so, he went to work in the carpenter and ship yards, learning the use of tools. In 1836 he came to Illinois, having but $1 in his pocket, his previous accumulations having been lost to him by going security for friends in Ohio. Peoria County was but sparsely settled, much of the land being yet unbroken, but here Mr. Easton set himself to work to make a home. He secured a tract of unbroken land in Hallock Township, and surrounded by a wild waste of territory, he established himself and began the labors which resulted in securing a large property. For some years he worked at his trade, hoarding his resources, and gradually improving and adding to his landed estate. A part of the fine property which he accumulated is now owned by his widow.

Mr. Easton was a strong Republican, ever ready to serve his party, but never seeking office for himself. He, however, was made Justice of the Peace, and retained in that office for fifteen years. He was a Universalist in religion, and the fortunate possessor of a nature combining so many pleasing attributes that all who became acquainted with him regarded him with affection.

The first marriage of Mr. Easton was celebrated in Cleveland, Ohio, a short time before his removal to the Prairie State. The lady whom he won was Miss Sophia Lake, who belonged to an excellent family in Ohio, and had grown to maturity under the charge of estimable parents. She died in 1838, two years after accompanying her husband to this county, being carried off in the prime of life by consumption. She left no offspring. The second wife of our subject was Miss Sarah Hicks, a native of New York, who came to Illinois with her parents when quite young. She was educated in Peoria County, fitted for usefulness, and bore well her part in life until called hence in 1872. She died at her home in Hallock Township, in middle life, leaving three sons—Stephen, William D., and Joel I.

Stephen Easton gave his life for his country’s cause, being fatally wounded at the battle of Chickasaw Mountain. He lies in a soldier’s grave ay Marietta, Ga. His brother William also devoted some years to the service of his country, and was finally discharged on account of disability, returning to his home, where he soon afterward died from disease contracted while in the army. Both of these were unmarried. Joel is now living in Creston, Iowa, with his wife and family.

Our subject contracted a third matrimonial alliance in 1874, at LaPrairie, Marshall County, his bride being Miss Isabel M. Jones. This lady is a daughter of Edwin and Emily (Root) Jones, natives respectively of Uniontown, Pa., and Delaware County, N. Y. Mr. Jones was of Welsh parentage, while his wife was of English descent. They were married in the Buckeye State, and began their married life in Findlay, where Mr. Jones worked as a tanner. In 1831 he removed with his family to Peoria County, Ill., laboring among the pioneers until 1844, when he settled in Marshall County on a farm. He spent the remnant of his days there, dying in 1884, when seventy-nine years old. While in Peoria County, he carried on a small store, one of the first in Chillicothe, and as one of the first County Commissioners he helped to buy and lay out the city of Peoria. He was a prominent local politician in the ranks of the Republican party. In Marshall County he held the office of Justice of the Peace some years. He was a prominent member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Jones is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Easton. She is now eighty-three years of age, is sightless, but her mental faculties are undimmed by the flight of years.

Mrs. Isabel (Jones) Easton, was born in Findlay, Ohio, June 30, 1831, and received the most careful home training from her good parents. Her education was acquired at Eureka, Ill., and in other places, her mind being thoroughly cultured, and her memory stored with knowledge. For some time she was engaged in teaching in Peoria and in Marshall County, gaining a high standing among the members of her profession. Her many accomplishments and refined nature make her a leader in society, and she has long been known as one of the most influential and useful ladies in this community. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages 261-263, submitted by Jeff McCoy)

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A. D. EDWARDS. A prominent business man at Monica, manager of L. L. Campbell’s store, and engaged in buying and selling stock as a personal enterprise, Mr. Edwards also finds time to discharge the duties of Supervisor of Princeville Township. He is a thorough business man, manifesting unbounded energy in whatever he undertakes, and a rare degree of sound judgment. He is one of the youngest members of the County Board, in which he is serving his second term.

Mr. Edwards is proud of his descent from a nationality which has furnished many brilliant intellects to the fields of law, literature and drama. His grandfather Edwards was born near Dublin, and his father, Thomas L. Edwards, opened his eyes to the light near Belfast, in 1810. When but fourteen years old the latter came alone to America, making his home for some time in Massachusetts. He learned the trade of block printing at Fall River, also worked at Taunton, and later became a journeyman in New York. In 1827, when the cholera raged there, he did noble work as a nurse. In 1845 he came West by the canal and lakes, settling in Peoria County, buying a partially improved farm in Akron Township. He turned his attention to agriculture, thoroughly improved his estate, and operated it until the spring of 1860, when he breathed his last. In former years he had been an Episcopalian, but at the time of his death was identified with the Presbyterian Church. His political adherence was given to the Republican party.

The mother of our subject was Sarah J. (Dalrymple) Edwards, who was born in the North of Ireland in 1816, and accompanied her parents to America in early childhood. Her father, Samuel Dalrymple, a miller, had lost his mill and began his labors anew in the Maine forests near Passamaquoddy Bay. He subsequently removed to Massachusetts and in 1840 to Radnor Township, Peoria County, Ill., where he engaged in farming. His son, James Dalrymple, had come hither as early as 1827. Mr. Dalrymple finally removed to La Salle County, where his last days were spent.

At the death of her husband, the mother of our subject was left with a family of small children, whom she reared, removing to Princeville, where she is still living. She is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. She has five living children, and has lost two. James died in the East, and Samuel in Princeville, in 1848. Jemima D., Marguerite, and Ellen are living in Princeville; Sophia is the wife of L. L. Campbell, of Peoria; the youngest child is the subject of this notice.

The gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch, was born in Akron Township, this county, August 22, 1854, and spent the first six years of his life on the farm. His mother then removed to Princeville, where he attended the common schools, and later the Princeville Academy, in which he completed his studies. Being the only son living, he transacted business for his mother from the time he was old enough, and carried on the home farm at intervals from his seventeenth year until it was sold. In 1879 he entered the employ of F. B. Blanchard, dealer in general merchandise in Princeville, for whom he worked three years. He then became Postmaster, holding the position from 1882 until 1885, and during his incumbency of the office, also carrying on a confectionary and fancy goods store.

Upon leaving the post-office, Mr. Edwards re-entered the employ of F. B. Blanchard as bookkeeper, retaining the position until September, 1889, and also buying stock for him. He next became manager of the dry-goods store of his brother-in-law, L. L. Campbell, who had put in a stock of goods at Monica, but retained his residence in Peoria. Removing to the new town, Mr. Edwards assumed control of the business, and began buying and shipping stock to Chicago, his sales averaging forty car-loads per year. Honest, upright, and straightforward, he is liked by everyone whose acquaintance he makes, even his political opponents speaking well of him. He is a thorough-going Republican, has aided his party as delegate to county conventions, and at all times exerts his personal influence in its behalf.

Mr. Edwards remained an inmate of his mother’s household until thirty years old, when he took a companion in life and set up his own home. His marriage was celebrated at the bride’s home in Princeville, November 19, 1884, his companion on the interesting occasion being Miss Julia Etta Blanchard. She is the daughter of F. B. Blanchard and his good wife, whose history occupies another page in this Album. She was born in Princeville, January 2, 1863, received her preliminary education there, and was graduated from the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., in the Class of ’83. She became a teacher, winning laurels in the profession for which her tract and intelligence well fitted her. She possesses a noble Christian character, and is numbered among the members of the Presbyterian Church. To herself and husband, three children have come, names respectively; Forrest G., Thomas and Lois Faye. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages 433-434, submitted by Jeff McCoy)

WILLIAM C. EDWARDS is a native of this county and is now prominently identified with its real estate dealers, who have had as much or more to do with the upbuilding of this section of the State than any other class of men. He is associated with Mary E. Culver, and they carry on business under the style of Culver & Edwards, with their office in the city of Peoria.

Our subject was born in Princeville, August 20, 1858, and is a son of John D., and Eveline A. (Parker) Edwards, natives of Brown County, Ohio, whence they came to this county in 1842. John Edwards was in his early life a shoemaker, but afterward adopted the calling of a farmer, and was one of the active pioneers of this county. He and his worthy wife had a family of eight children of whom the following five are living: Edwin B., an artist in Peoria; J. Oscar, a farmer in Kansas; William C.; Clarence D., a farmer in Iowa, and George S., a farmer in Iowa. The three deceased are Charles L., who was drowned in the Illinois River in June, l869, Alvin, and Eva.

The subject of this brief biographical review was given fine educational advantages. He laid the foundation of his book learning in the public schools of this county, and completed his education at Valparaiso, Ind. He was thoroughly equipped for the profession of a pedagogue and for nearly six years taught school in this county. He subsequently entered the mercantile business as clerk and for five years was thus employed. He next became advertising agent for the Journal and acted in that capacity very satisfactorily for one year. August 16, 1889, our subject entered upon a new career, as on that date he entered into partnership with Miss Culver and two others in the real-estate business, the firm name then being the Peoria Real Estate, Loan and Insurance Exchange: but after about six months he and Miss Culver bought the interest of the other members, and changed the name to that of Culver and Edwards. They are meeting with excellent success, often making large sales of realty and doing well in the other branches of their business.

Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Dora, daughter of William Simpson, June 21, l883, and they have established in this city a charming home that is the center of true culture and a gracious hospitality. Their married life has been rendered happier by the child that has been born to them, whom they have named Neta G.

Mr. Edwards brings a vigorous, keen intellect and a most excellent capacity for business to the management of his affairs, and is one of the most wide-awake and active of our business men. He is connected with the Independent Order of Mutual Aid as one of its leading members. He is influential in local politics as one of the stanchest members of the Republican party. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), page 819, submitted by Susan Hare)

ALBERT ERNST. A visitor to the farm of this gentleman, on section 5, Medina Township, would find there a tract of land under thorough cultivation and supplied with a complete line of fine buildings which provide adequate shelter for crops and stock and a home of great comfort for the family. Although not a native of the United States, Mr. Ernst has manifested his loyalty to his adopted country on fields of battle, winning the confidence of his commanding officers and fellow soldiers by his gallantry and ready obedience to the word of command. As a private citizen he is respected by reason of his interest in the good of the people and the up-building of the country, and his own industrious, thrifty, law-abiding conduct.
     Mr. Ernst is of pure German ancestry, descended from respected families of Hess-Cassel. His father, Peter Ernst, a sturdy miner, worked in the silver mines of his own State all his life; he died in 1832, when about fifty years of age. His wife, formerly Catherine Bowman, died in middle life, when her son, our subject, was quite small. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ernst consisted of two sons and one daughter. The latter died young, and a son - John - having come to America, married in New York, and died there when quite old.
Our subject was born in Hesse-Cassel November 20, 1818, and was not yet fifteen years old when he began to earn his own living. He learned the trade of broadcloth-making, and after completing his apprenticeship, worked as a journeyman until twenty-two years of age, when he took passage at Bremerhaven for the United States. After a tedious voyage of forty-seven days he landed in New York City, remaining there eighteen months. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., but a few months later changed his place of abode to Springfield, Ill.
     Mr. Ernst had been living in the capital about a year when, in August, 1846, he enlisted in a regiment of mounted riflemen for service in the Mexican War. He participated in the battles of Chepaultepec and the capture of the city of Mexico, together with the other prominent engagements of the two year's campaign. During that time he was in some very dangerous places, but he escaped with only a flesh wound above the right cheek bone, near the eye. He likewise avoided capture, and reported for duty every day. The events of the two years are fresh in his memory, as are the names and characteristics of many members of the regiment and his superior officers. For Gen. Winfield Scott he had an admiring love, believing him the kindest commander that ever lived.
     At the close of the hostilities Mr. Ernst was honorably discharged, and coming to Peoria in the latter part of 1848, remained there until his marriage the following year, when he took up agricultural life in Medina Township. He and his good wife are among those who have helped to build up Peoria County, interesting themselves as far as they were able in movements which would tend to that end, Mr. Ernst being particularly interested in the educational affairs of his district. He votes with the democrat party, and is a devout member of the Catholic Church, of which his wife is also a communicant.
     The lady who for many years has been exhibiting her good qualities at the head of the household of our subject, was formerly Miss Theresa Muller. She was born in Alsace, then a part of France, February 8, 1828, and came to the United States in 1847, when about grown to womanhood. Her parents lived for a time in Peoria, and later on a farm in Medina Township, where her aged father, Andrew Muller, still resides. Her mother passed away in 1886, at the age of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst are the parents of thirteen children, two of whom are deceased. These are Joseph and Molly, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-four years. The living children are Mary, wife of Peter Wilhelm, a farmer near Tolono, Champaign County; Theresa, wife of John Backest, a farmer in Akron Township; Albert, a cigarmaker in Peoria, who married Lizzie Rett; Katie, wife of John Knoblock, whose home is in Burlington, Iowa; Matilda, wife of Frank Williams, who owns and operates a farm in Medina Township; Josephine, wife of Jacob Wagner, a farmer in Pasoteem Township, Champaign County; John, who carries on the home farm; Robert, who resides with his parents and runs a threshing machine; Bertha, Anna and Julia A., who are still with their parents. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages 790 & 793, submitted by Kup Fercell)