HAGEMANN - A pioneer Peoria IL family descended from two young German brothers who came to this country in the mid-1800s. Who they were, where they came from, how they got here and what they found is contained in this short narrative. All the information is based on family history and genealogical research done by the author in the USA and Germany.
German Background: Complete lineage of the Peoria Hagemann family traces back to the earliest documented ancestor, Borchers Hagemann, in the small village of Dingelbe, Germany in the period during the Thirty Year War (1618-1648). Current efforts to research further into antiquity have been thwarted by lack of documentation. The German Hagemann’s, however, blessed us with their “stay at home” nature of farming and their firm adherence to the Catholic faith. The latter church records have permitted us to fully document Borchers and his descendants for an additional 250 years. Here we find that succeeding generations farmed in Dingelbe, Wöhle, Borsum, and Machtsum Germany. These small villages (all within comfortable walking distance of each other) were the Catholic strongholds in this region during the Reformation. Nearby, the much larger city of Hildesheim continued its growth (having been officially declared the seat of the bishop in the year 815) and served as the city of regional jurisdiction[1].
Hagemann’s in Machtsum: In 1783 our direct Hagemann ancestor, Franz Joseph Hagemann, and his new wife moved to nearby Machtsum. Their first-born son, Johannes Dirk Jacob, eventually took over the family “farm” through sole, direct inheritance, as was the custom at the time. Four children were born into the Johannes Hagemann family. The youngest sons (Joseph and Heinrich) grew up on this small 20 acre plot nearby to the village of Machtsum. The political unrest in Germany, the prospects of military service, and the recognition that they could never inherit the family farm (it went to the eldest son, Christoph a few years later) drove them to consider leaving Germany forever. The first to leave was Joseph (age 24) and the next was Heinrich (age 23)[2]
Why consider Peoria? -- Lost over the years is the reason the two brothers selected Peoria as their ultimate home. It is quite possible that the already established German community in Peoria had been known in Machtsum and that the Peoria area was similar in rich earth and climate to the north of Germany. In any event, both brothers selected Peoria as their final destination – a choice to be appreciated by succeeding generations of Hagemann descendants.
Joseph Joachim Hagemann: The first son to arrive in the USA in early 1850 was Joseph (born 1 October, 1826 in Machtsum). He quickly settled into the German farming community at the edge of Limestone Township (near to Krause and Laramie Street). He married first Theresa Rohmann in Peoria on April 25, 1854 and they had twin girls (Magdalena and Catherina) born March 4, 1855. In 1855 Joseph became a U.S. Citizen.
Tragedy struck a few years later in 1859 when his wife, Theresa, died. Two years later (1861) he remarried to Louisa Winkelmann. Five additional children were born to them between the years 1862 and 1873. All were baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Peoria (now known as St. Martin de Porres parish). Joseph took an active role in the early formation of the parish. After farming for a while, he engaged in town-to-town peddling of small merchandise from a horse-drawn wagon. Family lore said that he was quite often gone for 6 days at a time, always returning in time for Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s with his family. By 1880 he owned a small grocery store in Peoria. His twin daughters had married by this time and had moved to the western part of the U.S. known then as the Washington Territory.
Westward expansion by the railroads permitted passengers to be conveniently transported to this area and about 1883, Joseph and his wife, in addition to the children -- Anna Mary[3], Mary Louise, Christian J[4]., and Henry -- moved to Whitman County, Washington. Here the children eventually married and began to raise their own families, attending the Uniontown Catholic church of St. Boniface.
Joseph was nearly 60 years of age when he moved West with his family. He bought a small parcel of property (40 acres) and raised wheat and barley. In addition, he built a very small two-room “box house” measuring 12 feet by 24 feet. He had 4 horses, 2 head of cattle, 32 pigs and 72 chickens. His entire net worth in 1889 was $465.
Here they continued to farm until old age forced them into the actual city of Uniontown where they lived their few remaining years, surrounded by their children and 29 grandchildren. Louisa died at age 65 in 1901 and Joseph died four years later in 1905 at age 78. Life in America was a struggle: the Civil War, the state bankruptcies, the drought conditions of the 1890s, and the on-going cholera difficulties all painted a much darker picture than originally envisioned by the young Joseph when he left Germany.
Although his estate was valued at less than $1000 when he died, he left behind a rich legacy of American descendants numbering over 500 and spread throughout the western states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California. He and his wife are buried in the St. Boniface Catholic cemetery in Uniontown, Washington.
Heinrich Conrad Hagemann: The second son to arrive in the USA was Heinrich (born December 27, 1830 in Machtsum). He arrived three years after his older brother, Joseph. Heinrich came to New Orleans, LA from Bremen, Germany on the 3-masted sailing ship called “Post”, arriving on 18 November, 1853. From New Orleans he traveled up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria where he took up residence with his brother. As a young man, he worked as a “collier”[5] in the coal mines of Limestone Township. It was often said that he was an “engineer” because of his ability with geometry and mine shaft angles. He eventually turned to farming, however, when he was able to accumulate enough money to purchase 20 acres of land in the S.S. Clarke subdivision (corner 20 acres at Laramie St. and Middle Road, Peoria, IL)
In 1861 he married Gertrude Elizabeth Wolf (born Ottbergen[6], Germany) at St. Joseph’s. Shortly thereafter in 1862 he became a U.S. Citizen, no longer claiming allegiance to the “King of Hannover”. His marriage was blessed with four children, who all lived to be adults: Joseph L., Theresa, Henry C., and Christoph A. Hagemann. All were baptized and educated at St. Joseph’s.
St. Joseph’s parish was the “German church” of Peoria and was substantially overcrowded because of the number of arriving German immigrants. In 1881, twenty-six families petitioned Bishop Spalding for permission to establish a new parish. Heinrich Hagemann served as one of the members of the building committee and St. Boniface parish (later named St. Ann) was born in the same year, to be located on Antoinette Street. Here Heinrich’s grandchildren and scores of descendants were to be baptized, educated, married, and buried. The school was demolished in August of 2006.
Heinrich was a very active member of the church and was a founding member of the St. Bonifazius Unterstuetzung Gesellschaft in 1883. His wife, Gertrude, was also kept very busy with church work. Heinrich died in 1893 at the age of 62. His wife died much later in 1918. Her 4 children and 21 grandchildren were living at the time of her death. Both are buried at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Peoria.
The four children inherited the 20 acres of property and the three boys continued to farm the land and to raise their respective families on these small parcels of excellent land. Additional acreage was leased from other owners in Peoria.
Heinrich stayed in Peoria after his immigration from Machtsum. He contributed to and enjoyed the fruits of the ever-expanding community. Yes, life was difficult for him, too, since his arrival from Germany. The economic uncertainties of farming, the precarious shape of local financial institutions, and on-going health problems added to the daily burdens. But there certainly were many joys in seeing the progress in the community. Could Heinrich have seen Charles Duryea driving the first gasoline-powered automobile on the streets of Peoria in 1892? Family lore does not share this memory, but it is a distinct possibility. As an early “engineer”, this would have drawn his attention for sure.
Heinrich’s descendants number in excess of 600 and they mainly reside in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. The majority of his children and grandchildren stayed in the immediate Peoria area and expanded their sphere of influence well beyond agricultural endeavors[7]. Heinrich’s one son, Christoph Hagemann, was granted a patent in 1908 for his work on thermal glazing. All descendants contributed to the community in a variety of ways; political efforts, community involvement, church and school committees – all in support and appreciation for the blessings bestowed on the family.
General Commentary: The Hagemann name is often found without the “extra letter n” at the end. This was often seen in the early church records. Some family members elected to drop the “German ending” at the outbreak of WWI hostilities in a show of support for their U.S. homeland. Others have simply dropped the “redundant n”.
As the family historian (self appointed and re-elected as the sole nominee every year) I am sometimes asked where the name Hagemann came from. From my aunt, Magdalen Hagemann, I was told that our name meant something akin to “living along a hedge row”. Nothing is for certain, of course, but this is probably not far from the truth. A HAGEN is an enclosure or hedge. Single, young men, often lived away from their families after a certain age in these small hedge-like enclosures – or huts. Perhaps at some point in our ancient Hagemann history there was a need for a surname identifier and the name was selected to reflect the residence of the individual at the time.
A Visit to the Old Country: From a very small scrap of information I was able to initiate communication with a local enthusiast and expert of family history in Borsum, Germany who faithfully searched the Catholic archives for our ancestors. His efforts, discoveries, and methodical searches through small libraries provided us with 250 years of records and information. The ancestral angels were certainly with me as Vinzenz Gentemann uncovered one ancestor after another in the various small villages surrounding his home near Hildesheim. Newer miracles occurred when he discovered that his wife, Adelheid, and I share a common 3g-grandfather – Vinzenz is married to my distant cousin! Further work showed Vinzenz to be related to us also through a common Hagemann ancestor on his maternal side. Amazing!
After nearly 145 years, I was the first Hagemann to return to Germany in 1996. Entering the small village of Machtsum I was greeted by the mayor, a newspaper photographer, a resident who now lives on the original Hagemann property, and an elder citizen whose grandfather would often speak of the “two Hagemann boys who went to America”. The golden wheat fields of Machtsum, the surrounding corn, the flatness of the land, the community of happy people all woven together by their faith gave me a picture of what Peoria must have looked like to Joseph and Heinrich when they first came to America. They were seeking new, wonderful opportunities in familiar surroundings. By Lawrence A. Hagemann[8]
[1] - The history of Hildesheim is, in itself, a very interesting story. Archeology studies have shown it to have been occupied during the time of Christ and in subsequent Roman days. It is known that Charlemagne's campaigns took him into this region as early as 775. The written history of the city is well documented after 993, the year that Bernward became the Bishop of Hildesheim. Ancient and colorful homes and buildings, carefully preserved since the medieval days, were all destroyed by fire in less than 20 minutes on March 22, 1945 in the waning days of WWII. Now rebuilt in the “old style”, the city today boasts over 100,000 inhabitants and an array of beautifully reconstructed churches and historical sites.
[2] - The sustained oral tradition in Machtsum of these two boys leaving their village for America was replayed for this author during his initial trip in 1996, despite the fact that all communication had been lost for nearly 110 years.
[3] Anna Mary Hagemann married Paul Fuchs. One of their 11 children was the famous Alaskan missionary Jesuit, John P. Fox, S.J. - Fr. Fox visited Hagemann relatives in Peoria every ten years or so. He died in 1983 at the age of 90 and is buried at the Jesuit cemetery in Spokane, WA.
[4] Christian Joseph Hagemann married Clara Vogt. One of their 12 children (Sister Louisa Hageman) was the source of much information on this branch. She died at age 101 in 2005 in Spokane, WA.
[5] From the census of 1860
[6] A complete genealogy of the WOLF family of OTTBERGEN has been compiled by the author
[7] It is interesting to note that Heinrich’s branch of the family also produced two religious vocations. Sister Rosina (Frances Hagemann) taught school and lived to age 98. Sister Angeline (Julia Mary Hagemann) also taught school & retirement crafting. She died at age 100 on Jan. 5, 2004.
[8] 10146 Mizner Lane, Raleigh NC 27617, USA e-mail: lawh@digrec.com Aug. 26, 2006
(Written and submitted by Larry Hagemann)
REV. ANTHONY HAKES, who is closely connected with the farming and stock-raising
interests of Hallock Township, of which he was an early settler, as one of its
most intelligent and successful agriculturists, is also engaged in ministerial
work here, he being one of the leading ministers of the Seventh Day Baptist
denomination, and has filled the Advent pulpit in this place for twenty years.
He used to preach here in early times, often conducting funerals, not only here
but in various parts of the county, and may well be regarded as a pioneer
preacher. He holds a warm place in the hearts of the people far and wide,
regardless of creed.
Our subject was born in the township of Berlin, Rensselaer County, N. Y., June
2[n?], 1817. His father, Rensselaer Hakes, was also a native of that county, from
which he derived his name. He was born in the township of Berlin in 1788, of an
old and respected family. He grew up to the life of a farmer and was married, in
his native county, to Lucy Eymer, also of that county. After marriage they lived
on the old homestead that had been his birthplace until her death, when she was
in middle life. She left a family of six children, five of whom are yet living,
four sons and one daughter, and one daughter is dead. Mr. Hakes was married a
second time, Lucinda Hendrick, a native of New York State, becoming his wife.
They came West
as far as Illinois and settled on a small farm at Lawn Ridge, in this county,
and there both died, he in 1862, and she a few years prior to that, when she was
past sixty years old. He rounded out a busy life at seventy-four years, and left
an honorable record as a virtuous upright man and a true Christian. They were
both devoted members of the Regular Baptist Church.
Anthony Hakes was the second son and fourth child of his parents, and was reared
in his native State and county, coming thence to Illinois in 1815 when he was
twenty-eight years old, with his brother Alanson (of whom see biography
on another page of this work). The two brothers purchased forty acres of wild
land with a log hut on it, and this was one of the first homes that was built
out on the prairie. They made some improvement and by subsequent purchase,
became owners of large tracts of land. Our subject personally has owned about
three hundred and fifty acres of land, one hundred and sixty of which he has
given to his children. He has a choice farm on section 30, Hallock Township,
which has been his home for thirty-five years, arid the substantial improvements
that make it one of the best in its vicinity are the work of his own hand. The
farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres under good tillage and well supplied
with all the necessary farm buildings.
The Rev. Mr. Hakes has been connected with the ministry here the most of the
time since he came to the county. He began his work by presiding at funerals
and was called far and near when ever a death occurred among the settlers, and
at one time was known all over the county. He has preached for all orders, never
having made religion a subject of controversy. After he had been here a good
many years he wag regularly ordained by an association of Seventh Day Baptists
at Walworth Wis., and for the past twenty years, as before mentioned, has
preached acceptably before the Adventists of this locality, and has often been
called upon to fill the pulpits of different churches in the township.
Our subject had been married in his Eastern home in his native county, before he
took up his abode in the Prairie State, The maiden name of
his wife was Susannah Saunders. She was born in the Empire State, September 29,
1821, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Lamphere) Saunders. Her parents died in
this county, where they spent their last years, coming here from New York, and
settling on a farm with their son William. They were natives, respectively, of
Rhode Island and New York, and were married in the latter State. Mrs. Hakes was
one of four children of the second marriage of her father. She was carefully
reared and became an adept in all household affairs, and has greatly assisted
our subject in the prosecution of his labors, both as farmer and as a minister.
She is the mother of two children—Mary S. and Egbert E. The latter, who married
Mary Rankin, lives on his father's farm; Mary is the wife of Julius Potter, a
farmer of Akron Township, and they have two children—A. U., a merchant at
Edelstein, and Edna, at home.
As a man of wisdom and probity of character, our subject is naturally selected
by his fellow-citizens to fill offices of responsibility and trust, and three
times he has been called upon to represent the township on the County Board of
Supervisors, and he has been Assessor and has been otherwise connected with the
management of public affairs. Politically, he is a firm advocate of the
principles of the Republican party. A man of deeply earnest, religious nature, it is pleasing to him that his wife and children are of the same faith as
himself and are active supporters of the church.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
427-428, submitted by Janine Crandell)
HON. WILLIAM HALE – One of the prominent benefactors of
Peoria, now deceased, is the subject of this brief record. William Hale was born
in Pawlet, Vermont, on the 7th of December, 1783. His early life was spent on a
farm, where he received the advantage of a good common school education, and,
like many young men of the Green Mountain state, spent a portion of his time in
teaching. He settled on a farm in Oswego county, New York, and, while living
there, became one of the leading men of the county. For many years he held the
position of justice of the peace. He was then appointed to the associate
judgeship, held the office of deputy sheriff, then sheriff, of the county.
In 1835 he came to Peoria, and in company with his
brother, Asahel Hale, and George G. Greenwood, erected a saw and grist mill on
the Kickapoo river. At the first town meeting after township organization was
adopted, on the 2d of April, 1850, he was elected one of the first board of
supervisors. He was also the first mayor of the city of Peoria, receiving his
election at the adoption of the city charter, on the 28th of April, 1845.
The business life of Mr. Hale, after leaving the mill,
was mostly spent in dealing in real estate, in which he became quite wealthy. He
bought at an early time eighty acres in the central portion of the east part of
the city, including now some of the finest residences, and laid it out into
streets and lots, from which he received a handsome income. We are informed that
he purchased the whole eighty for seven hundred dollars, scarcely the price of
one lot at the present time. Mr. Hale added Hale's first, second, and third,
additions to the city of Peoria.
Mr. Hale was a prominent member of the order of
Freemasons, and donated the ground for a masonic cemetery. He also gave
liberally of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a member. In
politics he was a democrat, and his first vote was cast for General Jackson, the
second term of his election to the presidency.
He was married on the 27th of March, 1830, at the age
of forty-two years, to Miss Hanna Twitchell, who is still living at her
husband's late residence, on Perry Street. Mr. Hale died November 25th, 1859. (Atlas Map of
Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 81, submitted by Kup Fercell)
JOHN HALLER is a substantial
farmer and stock-raiser, making a specialty of breeding Poland-China hogs, from
the sale of which he derives an excellent income. He carries on his farming
operations in Timber Township, of which he is one of the leading citizens, being
prominent in its public and political life.
Mr. Haller was born December 27, 1846, in Wurtemberg, Germany. His parents were
Ludwig and Anna Maria (Merktlin) Haller, and they were born in Wurtemberg,
Germany, in the same place as himself, in the town of Kottweil. The subject’s
paternal grandfather was Ludwig Haller, and he had the following children:
Frederick, Adam, Ludwig, George, Rosina. Frederick and Adam came to the United
States about the year 1836, and settled in Pennsylvania where they carried on
farming. Frederick came from there to this county in 1851. He was a married man
and reared a family of three sons and three daughters. An uncle of the father of
our subject also came to this county and settled in Pennsylvania.
The father of our subject came to this country with his entire family of six
children, and landing in Peoria June 14, 1859. They were sixty days on the
ocean, and the voyage from New Orleans by river occupied eight days more. Mr.
Haller settled in the northeastern part of Timber Township on an eighty-acre
tract of wild land. He toiled hard and after a great deal of pioneer labor
developed a good farm and in the comfortable home he built up here died in the
month of June, l878, at the age of seventy-seven years, he having been born
December 2, 1802. His wife who was born June 6, 1806, survived him until April
15, 1889, when she too passed away. They were the parents of the following
children: Ludwig, a resident of Jacksonville; Mary, deceased; Fredericks,
deceased; Rosina who died young; George and John.
John Haller of whom these lines are written, grew to man’s estate on the farm,
and early learned the rudiments of agriculture. He acquired an excellent
education in the schools of the Fatherland which has been of benefit to him in
his after career. He was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents
to this county, and was of great assistance to his father in the work of
conducting his agricultural interests. In the fall of 1869 he utilized his
education by entering the teacher’s profession and taught for eighteen years,
and for several winters attended school as a student, being ambitious to still
further increase his book lore. He had charge of one school for eight
consecutive years and in the summer carried on farming. Wishing to devote
himself more exclusively to agricultural pursuits, in the spring of 1875, he
purchased eighty acres of land where he now resides. He has since been busily
engaged in placing it under cultivation and improving it and has made of it a
choice farm, supplied with excellent buildings, and all the necessary appliances
for tilling the soil, and from it he reaps good harvests, and is laying up a
comfortable income.
Mr. Haller has not been without the assistance of a capable, cheerful helper in
the person of his wife, to whom he was married August 24, 1874. To them have
come two children—Boyd and May. Mrs. Haller is a native of this township and
county, and is a daughter of Shadrack and Lucy Ann (Doan) Scott, natives of
Kentucky and New York and pioneers of this section of the country.
A man of Mr. Haller’s caliber, steady habits, and intelligent mind, is useful in
any community and this township was fortunate in securing him as a citizen. He
has been one of its most valuable civic officials, he acted as Road Commissioner
for six years, was Supervisor for two years and held the position of Accessor of
the township six years. He is very prominent in Democratic circles, and has
attended county and State conventions.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
819-820, submitted by Susan Hare)
John Hamilton was born in Venango, Pa., in 1826, and received his medical
degree in Columbus, Oh., and moved to Peoria in 1850 and lived initially with
his brother, Dr. William Reynolds Hamilton. He played a primary role in the
founding of Proctor Hospital and was publisher of the Peoria Medical Monthly.
From "The Physician of Yesterday and Today"...was in practice with his brother,
William Reynolds Hamilton. He was the first to perform a successful abdominal
operation under the newly developed Lester Technique.
He died in 1893 and is
buried in the Springdale Cemetery.
Transcription of hand written will dated 7/9/1892 with codicil dated 5/16/1893
attached to Peoria County Probate Court Letters Testamentary dated 9/5/1893 in
possession of Warwick Tobias 1/2002.
In the Name of God, amen:
I, John L. Hamilton of the City of Peoria, County of Peoria and State of
Illinois being of sound mind and memory, but weak in Body and being desirous of
making such disposition of any worldly goods and effects as to me seems just and
equitable do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my last Will and
Testament, hereby revoking all Wills & Testaments as well as Codicils by me
heretofore made.
First It is my will that all my just debts, including my funeral expenses be
fully paid
Second, To my beloved wife Fannie D. Hamilton, I give and devise the following
described Real Estate, to-wit: Forty eight (48) feet off the North East part of
Lot number Two (2) in Block number Eleven (11) in Old Town (Now City) of Peoria
to be hers absolutely in Fee Simple.
Second To my daughter Frances D. Hamilton I give and devise the South West
Twenty four (24) feet being the remaining portion of Lot number Two (2) Block
Eleven (11) above described to be hers in fee simple.
Third To my daughter Emma F. McIlvaine, I give and devise the North East half of
Lot number Three (3) in Block Number Eleven (11) in Old Town now City of Peoria
in fee simple, subject however to this condition that she pay or cause to be
paid to my Executor herein after named the sum of Twelve Hundred Dollars
Of which sum it is my will that Five hundred dollars be applied to the erection
of a Monument to my memory and the taking proper care of the Lot upon which the
same shall be erected and the balance thereof if sufficient remains to the
payment of any debts known to them to be just and owing on property allowed
against my said Estate.
Fourth: To Martin W. Hamilton I give and devise Lot number Twelve in Block
number Seventy nine (79) in Munson and Ian Ford's Addition to the City of Peoria
in Fee Simple.
Fifth: It is further my will that the following described piece or parcel of
land, commencing Twenty Four (24) feet on Adams Street from South West corner of
Lot number Ten (10) (by depth of Lot) being part of Lot Nine in Block Thirty six
(36) in Original Town of Peoria, the same to be held in Trust by my Executors
for the period of Ten (10) years and rented, controlled, and managed by them and
the proceeds arising therefrom after deducting all taxes and necessary repairs
as well as Insurance to be paid monthly to my wife Fannie D. Hamilton, should
live so long, and at the expiration of said period of Ten years or upon the
death of my said wife should she die before that time it is further my will that
said Real Estate shall be sold by my Executors and from the proceeds arising
therefrom the sum of Five thousand dollars shall be paid to my son Charles I
Hamilton and the balance there of be equally divided between my said Wife,
Robert W. Hamilton and Francis D. Hamilton and I hereby give to my said
Executors or the survivor of them should either die before the period of
distribution herein provided, full power to Execute any and all deeds of
conveyance, necessary to transfer the full and complete title thereto to the
purchaser or purchasers of the same or in the event of the death of both of them
before the period aforesaid for the execution of the Trust hereby established, I
hereby designate my son Robert Hamilton as successor in Trust with like powers
of my said Executors in all respects as regards said Real estate.
Fifth It is further my will that after the payment of my just debts that all my
personal estate shall belong to and is hereby bequeathed to my said Wife, Fannie
D., Except my Medical Books which I hereby give and bequeath to my son-in-law
Dr. Thomas McIlvaine.
I hereby constitute my brother W.R. Hamilton, Jr. & Dr. Thomas M. McIlvaine
Executors of this my Will and request that they shall not be required to give
Bond as such Executors.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the
9th day of July A. D. 1892
John L. Hamilton SEAL
The above codicil to the last Will and Testament of Dr. J. L.. Hamilton was by
him signed in our presence on this 16th day of May 1893 of us and in the
presence of each of us and we then and there in his presence and at his request
signed our names as witnesses thereto and we further certify that the said John
L. Hamilton was at the time of signing the same of sound mind and memory and
under no constraint and no fraud or compulsion in the execution of the same
appearing.
Witness our hands the day and year above written.
Lawrence W. James SEAL
Elizabeth W. Dennison SEAL
(Biography, will and photo submitted by Wick Tobias)
William R. Hamilton, a native of Venango County, Pennsylvania, was born the
18th of February, 1816, and is the son of Richard Hamilton and Ann Reynolds. He
passed his early life on his father's farm, dividing his time between study and
farm-work, and when twenty years of age went to Ohio, performing the journey on
foot and having in his pocket five dollars and sixty-two and a-half cents, and
his clothes tied up in two cotton handkerchiefs. Settling at Braceville,
Trumbull county, Ohio, he engaged in teaching for four months, and afterward
spent two summers studying in the Windham Academy, and taught during the
winters.
In the fall of 1837 he removed to Clark county, Ohio, and again engaged in
teaching, and, purchasing the requisite books, employed his spare time in the
study of medicine.
In the spring of 1838 he entered the office of his brother, James W. Hamilton,
of East Liberty, and continued his studies, and in the winter of 1839-40
attended a course of lectures at Willoughby, Ohio. In the ensuing spring he
began the practice of his profession in Huntsville, Logan county, Ohio, and
during a period of eight years conducted a successful and lucrative practice. At
the expiration of that time, believing that the West offered superior
inducements, he closed up his affairs and removed to Peoria, Illinois, his
present home, and for twelve years engaged in his professional work, making for
himself a wide and worthy reputation; and during this time served as alderman
for four years, and as mayor of the city during two terms. In 1860 he went to
the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and in the five years following made twenty
thousand dollars. Returning to his home in Peoria in 1865, during the following
year he began the erection of the Hamilton block on South Adams street, which he
completed in 1867, and still owns. At the organization of the Peoria and Rock
Island Railroad Company, about this time, he was elected its president, and
still holds that office. He is also president of the Wesley Coal Company.
Physically Dr. Hamilton is strong, healthy and vigorous, five feet eleven inches
in height; he is well proportioned and has a dignified bearing and commanding
appearance. Though his hair is slightly silvered, he still retains all the
activity and vigor of early manhood, and for thirty years has not lost a day by
reason of illness.
Personally he is a man of rare qualities; courteous and affable in manners,
generous and benevolent in disposition, he is yet prompt and decided in all his
dealings , and by an upright, honorable life has not failed to leave upon all
with whom he has had to do the impression of his own true manhood.
In politics he was formerly a whig, but is now identified with the republican
party. His religious views are Presbyterian. He was married on the 2nd day of
October, 1839, to Miss Catherine Wright, daughter of George Wright, Esq. of
Faquire county, Virginia, and by her had three daughters. In March, 1867, Dr.
Hamilton married his second wife, Miss Fannie P. Norton, a native of Litchfield
county, Connecticut, and by her has had two children.
Pecuniarily Dr. Hamilton is in easy circumstances, owns a large amount of real
estate, and is amongst one of the largest tax-payers in the city. He has done
perhaps as much, if not more, than any other man now living in the city to
promote its growth and prosperity.
("The
United States Biographical Dictionary", submitted by Wick Tobias)
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WILLIAM
R. HAMILTON. The growth of Peoria has been witnessed by Dr. Hamilton since
1848, at which time he arrived here, and during the years of his residence he
has become widely known for his enterprise in the behalf of her interests as
well as for his own individual advancement. He is now living in retirement,
looking after his extensive property interests, and enjoying the esteem of all
to whom his labors are known. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and his
Christian life adds to the regard bestowed upon him for his professional skill
and business tact.
The immediate progenitors of our subject were Richard
and Ann (Reynolds) Hamilton. The former was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and
the latter in Birmingham, England, whence she was brought when six years old.
Mr. Hamilton was a farmer, and was the father of eleven children, those who now
survive being Mrs. Mary C. Elliott, of Denver, Col., William R., and Dr. John L.
The mother died September 17, 1830, and the father in December, 1844.
The gentleman of whom we write, was born in Venango
County, Pa., February 18, 1816, and received his education in his native State
and in Ohio. When about twenty years old he started on foot for the Buckeye
State, having $5.62 1/2 in his pocket. For two years he taught in Portage
County, alternating his teaching with attendance at Windham Academy. From that
section he went to Clark County, where he also taught, as he likewise did in
Logan County, during this time beginning the reading of medicine. In his medical
studies he was guided by his brother, James W., who practiced many years in
Logan County, dying there in 1879.
After attending lectures at Willoughby, Lake County,
the young physician began practice in Huntsville in 1840. There he remained
eight years, successfully pursuing his chosen vocation and building up the
largest practice in the county. In those days the life of a physician was even
more arduous than at present, as the roads were not so good and much riding had
to be done on horseback. Dr. Hamilton possessed a wonderful stock of vitality
which carried him through an experience which would have proved very wearing
upon many men. When he determined to move farther west and selected Peoria as
his new home, he made the journey hither on horseback, entering this place an
entire stranger.
Opening an office Dr. Hamilton resumed his professional
labors, to which he had devoted his attention for twelve years when he was
elected Mayor and gave his attention to the affairs of the municipality. He was
elected on the Republican ticket by a majority of two hundred and fifty-two,
although but three weeks before the Democratic ticket with Douglas at its head
had been carried by three hundred majority. Dr. Hamilton therefore had a part in
the organization of the Republican party in this section. He had formerly been a
Whig, voting for William Henry Harrison in 1840. Prior to his election to the
Mayoralty he had served as an Alderman.
In 1860, Dr. Hamilton went to Pennsylvania and engaged
in the oil business. Immediately after the battle of Chattanooga, in 1863, he
went South as a volunteer surgeon under a commission from Gov. Morton, of
Indiana. He and his companions were the first surgeons from the North to reach
the battle-ground. In 1864, he was again a volunteer surgeon after the battle in
front of Petersburg. In 1865, he returned to Peoria and during the succeeding
year built a fine block on the corner of Adams and Liberty Streets, which is a
splendid property. In 1867, during the agitation regarding the Peoria & Rock
Island Railroad, he participated in the work, was elected a Director and then
made President, a capacity in which he served seven years. He succeeded in
raising between $600,000 and $700,000 in subscriptions along the route. He made
all the arrangements for ironing and equipment of the road, making a trip East
to accomplish this end. In 1875, the Doctor engaged in the coal trade,
continuing in the business until 1881, when he sold out. Since that time he has
not been engaged in active business further than that of looking after his
property interests.
Dr. Hamilton has been married three times. His first
matrimonial alliance was contracted in 1839, his bride being Miss Catherine F.
Wright, who died in 1866, after nearly thirty years of happy wedded life. The
union had resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom are now living.
They are Mrs. Catherine Hill of this city, and Mrs. Amanda Gregg, a widow,
living with her father. In 1867, Dr. Hamilton married Miss Fannie T. Norton, who
survived until April 27, 1879. She bore her husband two children --- Mary and
William, the latter now in the drug business in this city. The lady who now
occupies the place at the head of Dr. Hamilton's household, became his wife in
May, 1880, prior to which time she was known as Mrs. Sarah M. Dewey.
A lithographic portrait of Dr. Hamilton appears
elsewhere in this work. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
237-238, submitted by Gaile Thomas)
HARKNESS, DEXTER F. farmer, Sec.4, P.O. Farmington, was born in Peoria county on the 4th day of Nov., 1849, where he was reared on a farm and attended the common school. Married Miss Jennie E., daughter of Nathan Manock, born in Elmwood township, Aug. 28, 1858, who bore him two children, Frank P. and Harland. Mr. H. has 420 acres of land, valued at $15,000; makes a specialty of manufacturing cider vinegar, and has been in the business for a number of years; has run as high as 40,000 bushel of apples, and made and stored as high as 1,500 to 1,800 barrels per year. His principal sales are in Kansas. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 847, submitted by Robin O'Neill)
HARKNESS, HENRY S. farmer, Sec. 32, P.O. Elmwood. Was born in this county on the 21st day of January, 1832, the first white person born in Trivoli township. Married Miss Sarah Parker. She was born in New Jersey in 1832. Two children blessed this union, Hattie and Charlie. Has 100 acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $5,000. Mr. Harkness has lived here since the township was in its infancy, and has seen its development. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 743, submitted by Robin O'Neill)
---------------------------------------------------
HENRY S. HARKNESS. Elmwood
Township has no more worth representative of its flourishing agricultural
interests than this gentleman, who was born within the borders of the county,
educated in its schools and in the opening years of vigorous manhood, took his
place among its busy farmers. While actively engaged in laying up a competence,
he has also aided in promoting the material welfare of his native county. He is
the son of a pioneer of this region who assisted in the development of its
resources and reclaimed a fertile farm from the primeval wilds. He has now
retired from the active labors of life, although still occupying his homestead,
which is under the efficient management of his son.
The immediate progenitors of our subject were Isaac and Sarah (Wilson) Harkness,
the former a native of Pelham, Massachusetts, and the latter of Pennsylvania.
They were married in the Keystone State [Pennsylvania], residing there until
1830 when the husband walked to Illinois with the intention of selecting a
location on which to make his future home. In Trivoli Township, Peoria County,
he chose eighty acres of land on which he broke a few acres of sod and planted
corn. He then returned to Pennsylvania where he remained during the winter. It
proved an extremely hard season in this section and a great many Indian ponies
died from want, but the corn which Mr. Harkness had left growing was untouched
by the savages, whose honesty in this instance, affords a striking example to
more civilized people.
In the fall of 1831 Isaac Harkness removed with his family to his claim, where
he spent the remainder of his life, accumulating worldly goods and assisting in
various frontier labors. He helped to organize the township and afterward held
the office of Constable. He eventually secured two hundred acres of land, built
an excellent stone house and barn, and otherwise made of his estate a home of
comfort. It is worth of record that he never killed but one thing with a gun,
that being a crow. He died in 1879, on the forty-ninth anniversary of his
arrival in this section. His faithful companion survived until February 8, 1885,
when she too entered into rest. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. They were the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are yet living
[1889].
The subject of this notice is said to be the first white child born in Trivoli
Township, and is certainly the first native of Harkness Grove. His natal day was
January 21, 1832. He attended one of the first schools organized in this
section, continuing to pursue his studies during the winter and assisting on the
farm during the summer. He remained an inmate of the parental home until about
twenty-three years old when, on April 30, 1854, he was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah C. Parker with whom he set up his own home.
Mrs. Harkness is the third child born to Samuel A. and Harriet (Potter) Parker
and was born in Ocean County, New Jersey, May 24, 1836. Her mother was born in
the same county, December 15, 1800, and her father in Monmouth County of the
same State, July 30, 1800. Their home was in New Jersey until 1844, when they
removed to Indiana, residing there seven years. They then changed their location
to Peoria County, Illinois, living in Trivoli Township until 1876, when they
came to make their home with our subject. Mr. Parker died March 7, 1886, at the
age of eighty-five years, seven months and seven days. The widow still survives
[1889] and although she has reached the advanced age of ninety years, still
enjoys fairly good health and an unusual degree of brightness of mind. John
Parker, the brother of Mrs. Harkness, was a member of the Eighty-sixth Illinois
Infantry, and died from disease in 1863 in a hospital near Murfreesboro,
Tennessee. Another brother, William, who belonged to the same company and
regiment, suffered from sunstroke there.
The farm of Mr. Harkness now comprises one hundred acres on sections 29 and 32,
all the buildings upon which and all the improvements have been added by
himself. Fine specimens of Hereford cattle, which Mr. Harkness believes best for
the market, are raised there, while the other stock is of good grades. A
noticeable feature on the estate is the large assortment of small fruit. Taken
all in all the farm is one of the most attractive in this section and affords a
very pleasant home in which to spend the peaceful year of declining life. Mrs.
Harkness is very intelligent, with a thoroughly womanly nature, and presents a
fine example of the model wife and mother. The family consists of two children,
Hattie and Charles. The former, who was born July 9, 1855, is living in
Montgomery County, Iowa, being the wife of Daniel Hovenden, and the mother of
four children. The latter, who was born June 5, 1863, is unmarried. He is a
young man of fine mental ability, well educated, and has had a successful
experience of two years as a teacher in this county, being now Principal of the
graded school at Glasford.
From his youth Mr. Harkness has bee deeply interested in political questions and
since he was entitled to the right of suffrage has missed but two elections,
either general or local. He belongs to the Republican party and is well known as
one of its staunchest members. For fourteen years he has been Director of his
school district and he has also served as Pathmaster [sic]. His excellent
character, general intelligence and industrious life have secured to him the
hearty respect of an extended acquaintance, in whose estate his wife and
children share. His brother, Kelton W. Harkness, now of Linn County, Kansas,
served in the Union Army three years during the late war. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
675-676, submitted by Robin O'Neill)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Harkness, Henry S. Biography
Source: Glasford Gazette dated 1904 [Illinois] Biography of Henry S. Harkness
Submitted by Robin O'Neill
Henry S., son of Isaac and Sarah Harkness, was born in Trivoli Township, Jan.
21, 1832, and consequently was one of the earliest settlers, and the earliest of
which we have any date for a write up. His parents came from Pennsylvania in
1831, arriving in Trivoli township on Christmas Eve and settled on Section 4, 3
miles west and 3/4 miles north of where Trivoli now stands. Here Henry was
raised until he was 24 years old when he moved into Elmwood township settling on
Section 32.
The spring after he was 22, he married Miss Sarah C. Parker and seven years ago
moved into Timber township. His wife died July 15, 1901. Mr Harkness has two
children living, Mrs. Hattie Hovenden, Red Oaks, Iowa and Charles W. Harkness,
Hayden, Colorado.
When a young boy Henry attended school in a log house known as the Harkness
School on one corner of his father's farm. His nearest post office, Trivoli,
which was merely a cross roads with three houses, and the nearest church at
Trivoli Center. His nearest neighbors were Orton, Simpson, Watrous, Eli Wilson,
James Wickwire, and two families of Fishers. Trivoli was an open prairie with
houses a mile or so apart and plenty of wild game.
PATRICK HARMON, a native of the Emerald Isle, is numbered among the pioneer
citizens of Peoria, in which he made his advent November 15, 1837. He was born
in County Louth, Ireland, May 12, 1812, his parents being Dennis and Mary (Callan)
Harmon. He learned the trade of a harness-maker, following the same until 1837,
when he bade adieu to his native land, believing that better opportunities for
pesonal preferment were to be found in America. He landed in New York, June 7,
but found it impossible to find employment in the city, where,
owing to the failure of the United States Bank, a financial crisis was at hand.
Mr. Harmon obtained employment at Newburg for a short time, then going into the
country engaged with a farmer to reap, which he did with a sickle. He next set
up a shop in Newburg for the manufacture of horse collars, but in the fall
turned his footsteps westward. Finding nothing to do at his trade in Peoria, he
turned his hand to other employment, being willing to do any honest labor by
which he could gain a sustenance. The story of his early experiences is an
interesting one, particularly when he tells of his efforts to split rails and
chop cord wood, a business in which he engaged during the fall, and which he
learned by hard knocks. His first attempt at rail-making was to split them out
one by one with wedges. A passing farmer came to his aid and gave him a lesson
from which he profited.
During the winter following his arrival in the Prairie State, Mr. Harmon went
with others to Iowa to look for Government land, but finding none to suit him
returned to Peoria, ready as before to adopt any employment he could find. He
broke prairie for Mr. Underhill, at $2.50 per acre, breaking in all about five
hundred acres. The pioneers well understand what an arduous task this was,
although those unacquainted with farm life or accustomed only to seeing plowing
done on old ground, will have little comprehension of it.
The next enterprise of Mr. Harmon was to begin farming for himself, which he
continued three years, after which he again came to the city. For seven years he
was occupied in hauling, after which he opened a grocery store, and began a
business life which has been prosecuted for over thirty years. Having met his
early reverses bravely, he has received prosperity in an appreciative spirit,
using it as a means of additional comfort in the home life, better advantages
for his family and an opportunity of assisting those in need. He is a
communicant of the Catholic Church, as are the various members of his family,
and is respected by a large circle of acquaintances in business and social life.
The wife of Mr. Harmon bore the maiden name
of Mary Boyle. Their marriage rites were celebrated February 21, 1841, and the
union has been productive to them of thirteen children. Of this large family six
are now living. They are: Ann, widow of Augustus Mykins; Peter, a cigar
manufacturer and dealer, of Peoria; Kate; Agnes, a public school teacher;
Dennis lives in Peoria; and John, a resident of Providence, R. I. Peter is
devoting his attention thoroughly to a business in which he gives employment to
eight hands, his transactions covering about $20,000 per annum. Politically Mr.
Harmon is a Democrat.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
634 & 637, submitted by Janine Crandell)
GEORGE HART was born in
Rockbridge county, Virginia, August 19th, 1799. He is the son of James Hart, a
native of Ireland. When George was quite young, his father removed to Kentucky,
and afterwards to Warren county, Ohio, where he resided until his death, which
occurred in 1821. Mr. George Hart remained on his father's farm until 1834, then
removed to Adams county, Ohio, and remained until 1846; then came to Peoria
county, Illinois, and bought the property where he now lives. Mr. Hart was
married in 1823, to Miss Martha Sleasman, of Cape May, New Jersey, by whom he
had ten children. One is dead. Mrs. Hart died, August 20th, 1850. Mr. Hart was
married in 1852 to Miss Maranda Wright, of Lee county, Iowa. Mr. Hart owns one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Logan township. He originally owned four
hundred and eighty acres, but started his children in life by giving each a
farm. (Atlas Map of
Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 81, submitted by Kup Fercell)
Back to top
JEROME C. HAWLEY is the owner and occupant of a good farm on section 2, Akron
Township, consisting of two hundred and eighty acres of productive land, which
has been placed under good improvement in every part, is supplied with a
complete line of necessary buildings, sufficiently commodious for their various purposes and conveniently located. The owner of the estate is a man of
intelligence, who, having received a good practical education, has regarded the
same as a foundation upon which to build greater knowledge through reading and
observation. He is courteous in his dealings with his fellow-men, has a
reputable character, and while devoting his chief attention to his private
affairs, has been useful in several of the local offices.
Mr. Hawley is the younger of the two children born to Nathan and Chloe A.
(Whiteside) Hawley, whose first home after their marriage was in Sandy Creek,
Oswego County, N. Y. The mother was a native of the Empire State, but the father
was born in Vermont. In the fall of 1835 they came West, and in LaSalle County,
this State, the father breathed his last October 24, 1836. The widow removed to
this county, settling in Medina Township, but subsequently locating in Radnor
Township. She died at the residence of our subject in Akron Township, October
20, 1879.
The birthplace of him of whom we write was Sandy Creek, Oswego County, N. Y.,
and his natal day June 9, 1832. He was in his fourth year when he came to the
Prairie State with his parents, and still but a little lad when he accompanied
his mother to this county. For eighteen years his home was in Medina Township,
after which he lived in Radnor Township until 1866. He then settled on section
2, Akron Township, continuing the farm work, in which he has been engaged from
his youth, prospering in his occupation, and attaining a position among the
solid men of this section.
Mr. Hawley was fortunate in securing for his companion a lady of genuine worth
of character, cultured mind and thrifty ways. This was Miss Sarah Wilkinson,
who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 15, 1840, and whom he led to the
hymeneal altar in Peoria, June 11, 1863. The happy union has been blest by the
birth of four children —Alvin J., Clarence E., Nettie and Charles N., who have
been as thoroughly equipped for useful careers as the comfortable circumstances
and ardent desires of their parents would permit.
The parents of Mrs. Hawley were John and Sophia (Barden) Wilkinson, the former a
native of England and the latter of New Jersey. They
settled in Philadelphia, where the wife died October 12, 1850. In the spring of
1853 Mr. Wilkinson came to Peoria County with his children, locating in the
county seat, where they lived three years. He then removed to Woodford County,
where he departed this life May 30, 1861. The family consisted of five sons and
two daughters, Mrs. Hawley being the third child and eldest daughter.
The political adherence of Mr. Hawley is given to the Democratic party, in the
principles of which he firmly believes. Among the offices which he has held in
the township are that of Highway Commissioner and various positions relating to
the conduct of the schools. He and his wife are liberal in their religious
views.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), page
427, submitted by Janine Crandell)
