Biographies of Peoria County People
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MICAJAH C. MACY. Manly courage
and energy are exemplified in the career of this gentleman, whose days are given
to industrious and well-directed labors on a farm in Elmwood Township. The
estate consists of one hundred and sixty acres on section I, in one body, forty
acres of timber, and the balance improved and devoted to mixed farming. A
visitor will find thereon an attractive residence, commodious barns and other
needful structures, together with all which goes to make up a well-regulated
farm property. The dwelling was erected in 1886, and the new barn in 1887, at a
joint cost of $2, 800. A view of his elegant residence will be found elsewhere
in this work.
Mr. Macy was born in Indiana, October 14, 1840, and came to Illinois in 1853.
His parents, Thomas and Sarah (Petty) Macy, were natives of North Carolina and
resided in that State until 1828 when they took up their abode in Indiana. Upon
coming to Illinois some years later they settled in Fulton County, but in 1856,
removed to Elmwood Township, Peoria County. The father, who was a shoemaker and
farmer, lived until 1874, but his wife died in 1863. They had eight children,
five of whom are now living.
The subject of this brief review received a common-school education only, having
his own way to make from his fifteenth year. At that time he took charge of the
family, continuing at its head until he was twenty-six years old. In August,
1862, he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, and after
serving five months was discharged on account of illness. He then returned to
the farm, to the cultivation of which he has devoted himself with unflagging
perseverance. This is the more creditable as in 1864, he lost the thumb on his
right hand while oiling a threshing machine and in 1874, he was crippled by the
loss of his left hand in almost the same manner. While oiling a threshing
machine which was in motion his left hand was caught in the gearing and so badly
mashed that it was necessary to amputate it above the wrist. Since that time Mr.
Macy has used a hook in place of the missing member.
The efficient companion of Mr. Macy, who has shared in his joys and sorrows
since February 28, 1867, was formerly Miss Rachel Runyon. Her parents, James C.
and Nancy (Smith) Runyon, natives of the Buckeye State, came to Illinois in
1848., settling in Adams County. There Mrs. Macy, who is the eldest of five
children, four now living, was born December 14, 1848. The following year her
parents removed to Brimfield Township, Peoria County, where she acquired a
common-school education, together with much useful knowledge not included in the
curriculum of the schools. Her mother died in 1884, but her father survives at
the age of sixty-four years.
Mr. and Mrs. Macy are the parents of five children, three, now living and named
respectively, Mattie I., Harry A. and Clyde C. They form an intelligent and
interesting group, all having attended the common school and having been
carefully reared by their good parents. Miss Mattie is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and is a devoted attendant at the Sunday school. Mr. Macy has
always taken an interest in politics and votes the Republican ticket. He has
served as Township Collector two terms and is at present Director of School
District No. 1. He is classed among the best citizens, not alone for his
industrious pursuit of his chosen vocation, but on account of his fine character
and interest in the welfare of those about him.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
826 & 829, submitted by Susan Hare)
HENRY MANSFIELD, a veteran
of seventy-three years and a highly respected resident of Peoria, is practically
retired from active business, employing his time in looking after his private
estate. He has been a resident here for a space of over fifty years, having
landed in Peoria January 2, 1840, and here he has since maintained his
residence. He is a New Yorker by birth and born in Schoharie County, March 22,
1817.
The father of our subject was a native of North Haven,
Conn., and Followed agricultural pursuits, spending his last days in Illinois.
When about twelve years old Henry went to Connecticut, where he spent a few
years and thence to Albany, N. Y., where he was employed in a drug store for
about three years and until a youth of eighteen. At the expiration of this time
he decided upon seeking the western country and engaged with a Government
surveying party in the northern part of Michigan, one hundred miles from a white
settlement and among the Chippewa Indians. He was thus occupied about four years
and we next find him in Peoria, where he associated himself in partnership with
Dr. N. S. Tucker in the drug business, their store occupying Nos. 122 and 204
Main Street. This partnership continued until Dr. Tucker’s death, in 1888, a
period of forty-nine years and nine months, during which the two men continued
with the most friendly intercourse and were uniformly successful. They never
gave a note or purchased any goods on credit or asked for a discount, thus
following up the true principles and the only safe course in conducting
business.
In the meantime Mr. Mansfield invested a large amount
of his capital in farm lands and city property and still has a large amount of
the latter. Dr. Tucker at his death left $30,000 to his relatives and the
balance of his estate was left by will to Mr. Mansfield. He has in Peoria,
Tazewell, Mason and Fulton Counties, five thousand eight hundred and twenty
acres of land, all under cultivation and the source of a fine income. In the
city he has stores, warehouses and residences to the number of about fifty,
located in its business part and of great value.
Mr. Mansfield has been the architect of his own fortune, having only a small
amount from his father’s estate, beginning life practically without means. The
habits of industry and economy which were compulsory in his youth, later laid
the foundations for a fortune. He is a man well informed upon the general topics
of the day and an active worker in the Democratic party being sent as a delegate
to the various conventions and working in its interest as opportunity occurred.
About 1842 he identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, and with which he
still continues. His married life began in 1846, the maiden of his choice being
Miss Harriet A. Elding, who was at that time a resident of Peoria. Mrs.
Mansfield was born at Red Hook, Dutchess County, N. Y., and came with her
parents to Illinois at an early day. She became the mother of three children and
departed this life at their home in Peoria, in 1852. Of these there is only one
now living; a daughter, Fannie, Mrs. Blakesley, of Chicago.
Mr. Mansfield contracted a second marriage with Miss
Isabel F. Servos, the wedding taking place at the bride’s home in the city of
New York. Mrs. Isabel F. Mansfield was born in New York City, and of her union
with our subject there are seven children, all living. Louise P. is the wife of
C. W. Mosher, of Lincoln, Neb; Henry, also a resident of that city, was educated
in the military school at Lexington, Va., and later studied law in the
University of Virginia for a term of six years. Nathaniel T. remains at home
with his parents; Eleanor is the wife of A. Leo Newton, of this city; Margaret,
Eliza and Belle are still at home. (Portrait &
Biographical Album of Peoria County, Illinois (1890), pages 333-334, submitted by
Elise Haugen)
MARSHALL, MARION, retired farmer, is the son of Elijah Marshall, of Scotch descent, who was born on the 6th day of November, 1766. In the latter part of the war of the revolution he was a prisoner for nine months on board the ship Old Jersey. On the 25th day of May, 1788, he married Mary Pierce and located at Chester, Vt., where the subject of this sketch was born March 12, 1811, and received a very common school education. At seventeen years of age he went to Green county, N. Y., where he was employed at brick making until 1835, and afterward embarked in the same business with a partner, through whose financial irregularities in 1850 lost his all, about $9,000. Soon after came to Jubilee township, and secured eighty acres of land, having since owned large tracts in the same township. On February 7, 1833, he married Lois, daughter of Rev. Rufus Bruce, an old time pastor of the Baptist Church; she was born near Chester, Vt., August 9, 1812. This marriage was blessed with a family of ten children, four of whom died in infancy. One son was in the Union army and killed at Kenesaw mountains, and four sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. M. has held several local offices of trust. Is a member of the I. O. O. F., Kempton Lodge of Green county, N. Y.; members of the Baptist Church. Republican in politics. [Correction: Marion really should be Marvin according to Sandy MacDonald's great research] (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 720, submitted by Janine Crandell)
MARSHALL, S., farmer, Sec. 30, P. O. Elmwood, was born in Preble county, Ohio, on the 8th day of February, 1825, having been reared on a farm, and received a common school education. Having lost his father at the age of fifteen, he remained at home until the 12th day of March 1848, when he married Miss E. A. Austin, who was born in the same county, October 15, 1828. On the 16th of the same month they located where he now resides, and owns 640 acres of land, valued at $65 per acre, and also has a residence of which the original cost was $14,000. They have four children — three sons and one daughter. Republican in politics. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 720, submitted by Janine Crandell)
L. B. MARTIN, M.D. Prominent among the successful Physicians of Peoria
County may be properly mentioned Dr. Martin, who has a finely equipped office at
number 303 Main Street and an elegant residence at number 1101 Perry Street
North.
The main incidents in the life history of doctor Martin
are essentially as follows: he is the offspring of an excellent family, his
father being Dr. James W. Martin, who came to Peoria in 1862 and followed his
profession successfully into the illness which resulted in his death, November
05, 1881. He was born near Harper's Ferry, Va. and in early manhood married Miss
Mary Gardner of Ohio. They're located in Fairview, Fulton county, Ill., where
Dr. Martin, Sr. practiced medicine. In Peoria he became prominent and popular,
and by his genial disposition drew around him hosts of friends. The wife and
mother is still living, making her home with her son, L. B. Besides the latter,
five other sons survive: W. C. is one of the successful dentists of the city;
two of the sons are in Iowa -- John V., a physician, and Francis G., a merchant;
Eugene C. is traveling for the well-known wholesale grocery house of Sprague &
Warner, of Chicago; J. W. is a merchant at Mossville, this state.
The subject of this notice was born in Catawba, Ohio,
March 28, 1845, and completed his education at Galesburg, this state. He
commenced reading medicine under the instruction of his father and then took a
course of lectures in Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated
in February, 1868. Shortly afterward he entered up on the regular practice of
his profession which he has since followed with uniform success. He gives little
attention to politics with the exception of voting the republican ticket. He was
at one period the Pension Examiner of this district, but resigned in favor of
Dr. Spaulding, as the duties of this position interfered too much with his
general practice.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with
Ms. Mary Hughes, October 01, 1868. Mrs. Martin was born in Peoria and is the
daughter of William and Maria Hughes, the former of whom settled in Peoria as
early as 1845, and established himself as a wholesale cooper. To the Doctor and
Mrs. Martin there have been born eight children, who form an unbroken household
circle which is thus far been uninvaded by the destroyer. These are named
respectively, Leonidas B., Jr., Hughes, Maude, Mabel, Ethel, J. W., Harry and
Bruce. The eldest son is studying dentistry but the others, with the exception
of the two youngest, are attending school. Mrs. Martin is a member in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. (Portrait &
Biographical Album of Peoria County, Illinois (1890), page 200, submitted by Janice
Black)
JOHN A. McCOY, deceased, was a pioneer settler of Peoria, and for many years
was prominently connected with the civic interests of the city as Justice of the
Peace and conveyancer, and by his death this community lost one of its most
valued citizens, who had with true public spirit sought not only to promote its
material prosperity, but was active in advancing all schemes for its social and
moral improvement.
Mr. McCoy was born in Franklin County, Pa., February 9, 1810, and there grew
to man's estate, and then married Miss Eliza Lindsay, their marriage taking
place in McConnelsburg April 23,1833. She was a native of Bedford County, where
she was born April 23, 1816. The first few years of their married life were
passed there, but in June, 1837, they turned their faces westward, having
resolved to build up a home on the then wild prairies of Illinois. Their journey
was performed by stage as far as Pittsburg and thence they came by water to St.
Louis and finally arrived at their destination in this part of the country. They
found the country round about in a very wild condition, and Peoria scarce gave
signs in the few houses then standing of its present size and importance. Mr.
McCoy first established himself in the shoe business which he carried on
successfully until he was called from private life to fill the office of Justice
of the Peace, and later he came to be conveyancer, and served in both capacities
for many years until the time of his death. He had a good knowledge of the law
and made a good reputation as a Justice by his uprightness and carefulness in
his decisions. He was as an incumbent every inch a man, possessing probity, true
dignity, high moral principles and these, no less than his sterling sense, sound
intelligence, and clear head, commanded universal esteem and regard. A terror to
evil doers, others found in him a true friend and wise counselor. In his
political beliefs Mr. McCoy was a strong ally of the Republican party. A true
Christian, his Christianity was illustrated by his every day life. He was one of
the most prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, was one of the first to
identify himself with that faith when the few who organized the church
worshipped in the courthouse, and he helped largely in building the Second
Presbyterian Church in this city. He was also a great worker in the
Sunday-school, and taught successively many classes and many of the active
business men of today can look back to the time when they, sat under his
instruction and imbibed wholesome teachings which have had an effect in their
after lives. It will be seen that by his death, July 9, 1885, a citizen was
removed from our midst, who was active and influential in many directions and to
whom the community owed much.
The McCoy family is one of the old and respected families of the city. Mrs.
McCoy is still living in a pleasant home which she aided her husband in
building, at No. 418 Eaton Street. There they celebrated their golden wedding
that marked the fiftieth milestone of a long and happy wedded life. Mrs. McCoy
has lived here for more than fifty years and has watched almost the entire
growth of the city. Six children were born of her wedded life, all of whom are
living, as follows: James McCoy, a wholesale grocer on South Washington Street,
(his brothers being connected with him under the firm name of James McCoy &
Co.), A. Lindsay, William, Sarah, J. Alexander and J. C. The mother can well be
proud of the honored position her sons have attained. A. L. married Miss Ida
Weis of this city, and they have three children, Helen I., Lester and Linn.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
808 & 811, submitted by Janine Crandell)
JOHN W. McCOY was born in Rockbridge county, Va., May 23d, 1801. He is the fifth
son of William and Mary McCoy, who had a family of ten children, five sons and
five daughters. He was raised on a farm and attended the common schools till the
age of seventeen, when he went with his uncle to Pike county, Ohio, and lived
with his brother-in-law and worked on a farm five years; he then went to the
Iron Works in Adams county and engaged in chopping wood, which he continued
about the same length of time. Desiring to learn a trade, the opportunity of the
moulding business was offered him, of which he availed himself, continuing in
that employment till 1839, when he came with his family to Illinois and bought a
quarter section of land in Trivoli township. After farming on rented land, and
in the meantime making improvements on his quarter section, he took possession
of it as a home, and carried on farming there till 1871, when he sold out and
bought a town lot in Trivoli. He has built on it a good house, which he is
keeping as the Union Hotel.
Mr. McCoy was married on the 25th of November, 1824, to Miss Abigal Robbins,
daughter of Joseph and Sarah Robbins, of Adams county, Ohio, where the marriage
took place. By this marriage he had ten children, five sons and five daughters,
nine of whom are living, and eight married and settled in life. His wife died on
the 29th of March, 1866, and Mr. McCoy lived a widower till the 4th of April,
1867, when he was again married to Miss Sarah Hicks, widow of Joseph B. Hicks,
of Tremont, Tazewell county, Ill.
Mr. McCoy has been an enterprising business man. He came into the country in the
early stages of its settlement, when times were hard and conveniences had to be
manufactured out of the raw materials before they could be used. Nut he had a
clear intellect, a determined will, and undaunted courage, and with this outfit
of excellent qualifications for a beginner in a new country, he went to work to
make himself a home. It is not too much to say that he has been successful. He
now owns a comfortable property and has a good conscience toward all men.
Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are among the highly respected people of Peoria county.
(Atlas Map of Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 73, transcribed
by Jeff McCoy.)
ALBERT S. McDONALD, who is connected with the
agricultural interests in Logan township, was born near Edwards station in 1862.
His parents were Samuel J. and Mary Ann (Sanford) McDonald, the father a native
of Ohio and the mother of Michigan. The parents removed to Illinois, settling in
Peoria county in 1861, and in 1868 they purchased in Logan township a tract of
one hundred and forty acres of land for which they paid thirty dollars per acre.
They resided on this farm the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1896
at the age of fifty-four years and six months and the father on April 27, 1909,
at the age of seventy-seven years and three months. To them were born four
children: Jennie, deceased; Albert S. of this review; Hattie L., deceased; and
Charles E. Albert S. McDonald was reared and educated in Peoria county, and upon
reaching manhood he purchased a sawmill, threshing machine and sorghum mill, all
of which he operated for more than twenty-five years. He moves his sawmill from
one customer to another in the counties of Fulton, Knox, Stark and Peoria, and
has operated his sorghum mill by steam since 1881. He now owns in Logan and
Trivoli townships two hundred and forty acres, of which ninety-one are under an
excellent state of cultivation.
On the 6th of December, 1887, Albert S. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss
Ida Irwin of Cuba, Illinois, and they have become the parents of three children.
Clara Belle, who was born December 3, 1888, died March 6, 1890. Mabel Clare,
born April 14, 1890, is a graduate of the Bradley Polytechnic Institute at
Peoria, and is living at home. Howard M., who was born June 18, has a
common-school education and is operating his father's farm.
Mr. McDonald has always been greatly interested in all measures of reform and
progress and gives his support to educational development. He is honest and
upright in all matters of business, considerate of his associates and has many
friends throughout the entire county. (Peoria, City
and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 493-494, submitted by Janine Crandell)
JOHN J. McDONALD. An age of intense commercial and industrial activity
calls forth the powers of men who can grapple with new conditions and utilize
the opportunities that come with the changes. A man of well balanced activities
and powers, John J. McDonald occupies a creditable position today on the stage
of action in Peoria. Almost from the time when he made his initial effort in the
business world he has steadily advanced and his labors have found culmination in
the extensive interests and activities of the McDonald-Brady Contracting Company
of which he is the president. He has been engaged in the contracting business in
Peoria for a quarter of a century although the present firm was not organized
until 1906. His birth occurred in New York city, May 22, 1853, his parents being
Alexander and Ellen (Connelly) McDonald, both of whom were natives of Ireland.
The father was a contractor and builder of New York city where he died during
the boyhood days of his son, John. The latter was reared in the eastern
metropolis and there learned the bricklayer's and mason's trades, completing a
regular apprenticeship and becoming a competent and expert workman. For several
years he traveled all over the United States and Central America, visiting
nearly every city of importance and working at his trade in all those different
places. He arrived in Peoria in 1881 and for five years continued to follow his
trade in the employ of others but, feeling that he was competent to engage in
business on his own account and that the hour was ripe for his initial move in
that direction, he announced himself as a contractor in 1886 and was not long in
winning a liberal share of the public patronage as he demonstrated his fitness
for the work. He continued to conduct an independent contracting until 1906 when
he became one of the organizers of the McDonald-Brady Contracting Company of
which he was chosen the President. The other officers of the company are John P,
Brady, vice president, and William Fuener, secretary and treasurer. They have
their offices at No. 2029 South Adams street and their building operations have
extended to all parts of the city. The firm is today one of the foremost in
contracting circles in Peoria. Among the large buildings erected by Mr. McDonald
during the quarter of a century in which he has been identified with the
business affairs in Peoria as a building contractor may be mentioned the public
library, the Great Western distillery, the Corning & Company distillery, the
building of the Clark-Smith Hardware Company, the building of the Wilson
Wholesale Grocery Company, St. Boniface Catholic church, the St. Joseph's home,
the Home of the Good Shepherd and many other important structures. He is now
engaged in building the convent of the Immaculate Conception. A recital of the
list of these buildings is sufficient to indicate the extent and importance of
the work in which Mr. McDonald is engaged and his high standing as a contractor.
In 1880 Mr. McDonald married Mary M. Sullivan of LaFayette, Indiana, who died on
January 23, 1907, and on November 28, 1909, Mr. McDonald was married to Miss
Elizabeth Murphy, of Peoria, and they now reside at No. 2909 Western avenue.
They are both members of St. Mark's Roman Catholic church, to the support of
which they are generous contributors. Mr. McDonald has always taken an active
interest in politics and for ten years served as alderman of the city,
representing the eighth ward. He also served for one term as city treasurer,
having been elected on the democratic ticket. Duty and honor have been his
watchwords and justice is one of his strong characteristics.
(Peoria, City
and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 329-330, submitted by Janine Crandell)
GEORGE H. MCILVAINE was born 10 Aug 1834 in
Pittsburgh, the son of Rev. Wm. Brown McIlvaine and Elizabeth Breading McIlvaine.
Rev. McIlvaine was the Pastor of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church (which
included Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon as parishioners) from 1830 to 1870
before retiring to Peoria to join his family.
George H. moved to Peoria in 1854 and married Priscilla McClure in 1857. He had
been invited to come to Peoria by Isaac Walker (husband of Sarah Slemmons
McIlvaine, George's aunt) who had moved to Peoria earlier to start the Walker
and McIlvaine Hardware Wholesale. George later joined Peoria National Bank as an
officer. He served as Director of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, President of
the Clearing House (I assume banking) as well as the School Inspectors board.
George Hogg McIlvaine died 1/1/1897 which had to have been right after his
service on the Board of School Inspectors.
As a side note, Isaac Walker (mentioned earlier), though born a Quaker, had
adopted the McIlvaine's faith. Isaac
opened a new Walkers Hardware (this one retail) in Oak Park, Il., which, I believe, still exists
today.
Isaac's daughter and son-in-law, Anna Walker Moore and Nathan, who lived in Oak
Park in the Frank Lloyd Wright Moore house, built the First Presbyterian Church
of Oak Park as a virtual copy of Peoria's Second Presbyterian Church.
(Biography written and kindly submitted by Wick Tobias)
JOHN E. McKINNEY is an extensive manufacturer of brick, carrying on his
business in Richwood Township, where he is also engaged in farming. Our subject
was the ninth child born to his parents and the place of his birth was in
Allegheny County, Pa., about seven miles from Pittsburg, June 26, 1826, being
the date of his birth.
The father of the gentleman of whom we write, David
McKinney, was born on the Atlantic Ocean, while his parents were emigrating from
Ireland to the United States. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was
Abigail Ensley, and she was a native of the Keystone State. She was married in
Beaver County, that State, and at once she and her husband removed to Ohio, of
which they were pioneers. They lived there some years, and then returned and
located near Pittsburg. Mr. McKinney was a tailor by trade, and also engaged at
one time in keeping hotel, toll gate and post-office where he lived. In 1842 he
came with his family to Peoria County and cast in his lot with its pioneers,
settling south of Edwards Station. They lived there one year, and then removed
to Richwood Township, and subsequently to Timber Township, and after that the
father bought a farm in Logan Township. Later in life he sold that and bought a
house and lot in Peoria, and there he and his wife spent their remaining years
in the comforts of a good home. They had a family of ten children, three sons
and seven daughters.
The son of whom we write was a youth of sixteen years
when he accompanied his parents to their pioneer home in Peoria County. He
continued to live with them until he was eighteen years old, and then left the
shelter of the parental roof, and was employed one year in a brick yard in North
Peoria. He continued to work for others for several years, and gained a thorough
knowledge of the best process of making brick. In 1860 he established himself in
business as a manufacturer of brick in the same yard where he has been engaged
ever since, with the exception of two years, until the present time. He turns
off from one million to twelve hundred thousand bricks annually, for which he
finds a ready sale. He also devotes some of his time to the management of his
farm, which comprises forty-three and one-half acres of well-tilled soil, on
which he has erected a fine set of buildings, and has every convenience for
carrying on his farming operations advantageously.
Mr. McKinney was married in Logan Township to Miss
Eliza, daughter of the late William Stratton, who was one of the old settlers of
that township and of the county. Mrs. McKinney is a native of New York City,
where she was born January 13, 1827. Her marriage with our subject has been
blessed to them by the birth of five children—
Luther B., Julia A., Sarah J., William and Maud. Julia is the wife of John
Buttrick; Sarah is the wife of J. H. Flanegan ; and Maud is the wife of Sherman
Hines.
During his residence in this township, Mr. McKinney has
proved the worth of his citizenship by his liberal support of all measures in
any way tending to advance the community. His standing here is of the best, as
his dealings are conducted on a strictly honorable basis, and all who come in
contact with him soon learn to trust him. His capacity for intelligent and
well-directed labor is of a high order, and by his wisdom, thrift, and
forethought he has won a competence. Mr. McKinney has acted with the Republican
party, though he is independent in his political views, and reserves his right
to vote as he pleases. He was a Trustee of North Peoria at one time, and proved
to be a good civic official.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
373-374, submitted by Susan Hare)
ALFRED G. MILES is of the third generation of the family in Elmwood
Township, and an excellent representative of the pioneer stock to whose efforts
the present high civilization and development of this section of the Mississippi
Valley is due. The surroundings of his early years and the manner of life of his
progenitors, will acquaint the reader with the school in which his sturdy
virtues were developed and physical hardihood acquired.
Joseph Miles, the grandfather of our subject, came to
Illinois in 1837, walking all the way from Connecticut, and carrying with him a
set of carpenter's tools. He put up the first mill in this township, which was
located on section 15, where a part of the old frame is yet to be seen. He died
in 1851, leaving to his descendants the heritage of a good reputation. His son,
Freeman, who was born in Litchfield County, Conn., and married Ruth Emma
Woodward, of the same county, lived in the Empire State for a time, working at
the trade of a carpenter. In 1838 he came to Illinois, his first home being in
the upper floor of the mill which his father had built, and which he afterward
operated.
The country was then but very thinly settled, Brimfeild
was a hamlet of three log houses, Southport contained two, and Elmwood was not
even dreamed of. Of the settlers here at that time none survive except Avery
Dalton, John Taylor and H. S. Harkness. The country was timbered openings,
wherein wild animals and snakes abounded. Freeman Miles helped to organize the
township of Elmwood, of which he acted as Clerk for several years, and was
elected Justice of the Peace, although he did not serve. He was a strong
Abolitionist and before the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation was
interested in the work of the Underground railroad. He was a believer in woman
suffrage. He became prominent in this section, well respected for the vigor,
hospitality and kindliness which marked his life. He died March 8, 1890, at the
ripe age of eighty-eight years.
The mother of our subject is still living in Elmwood,
suffering from some of the infirmities of age, being now eighty-three years old.
She and her husband belonged to the Congregational Church during the earlier
years of their lives, but afterward became identified with the Presbyterian
Church, the faith of which cheers her declining years.
The parental family consisted of five children, three
of whom are living.. They are: Amelia J. wife of Cyrus H. Brooks, of Galva;
Alfred G., of whom we write; and Rosa V., wife of Joseph Wheeler, of Elmwood.
The subject of this notice was born in Connecticut,
June 25, 1834, and was a child of about four years when brought to Illinois. His
education was mainly acquired in the district schools, although he had the
advantage of instruction in the academy at Brimfield one season. He resided with
his parents until twenty-four years of age, engaged in various occupations. He
operated the mill, ran an engine, did carpenter work for about six years, and
also did house painting. In 1860 he set up his own home, having won as his
companion Miss Angeline Lawrence. This lady was born in Coshocton County, Ohio,
March 21, 1838, her parents, George P. and Phebe (Butler) Lawrence, removing to
Illinois in 1855. She is a sister of Erastus M. Lawrence, of Elmwood Township.
Both her parents are deceased.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Miles consists of six living
children and they mourn the loss of two. The oldest of those who survive is
Frank, whose home is in the same township as his parents, and who married Emma
Parsely, and is the father of one child. The other members of the household band
are George, Edward, William, Earl and Archie, all still single. The entire
family have received good educations in the common schools, are well bred and of
good character. No finer family of boys can be found in a day's journey. The
mother might well be taken as a type of a perfect housewife and devoted mother,
as she looks well to the ways of her household, making home a place of the most
perfect order and watching carefully over the welfare of her loved ones.
The land owned and occupied by Mr. Miles comprises two
hundred and ninety acres on section 10, and is devoted to general farming and
the raising of standard grades of stock. The comfortable dwelling, full line of
farm buildings which accompanies it, and other improvements have been made by
himself, and together with the thoroughly cultivated fields, make up a splendid
looking estate. Mr. Miles has been a School Director for several years, and has
also served as Road Commissioner in the township six years. He keeps well
informed regarding political matters, voting the Republican ticket, and does not
neglect other topics of interest. Success has crowned his labors and left him
free from anxiety regarding the future. He is liberal in the use of the means
which he has acquired, honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, and in social
and domestic relations a man among men.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), page
427, submitted by Janine Crandell)
BENJAMIN MILLER, the
subject of this sketch, was born on the 9th day of November, 1798 in
Williamstown, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. He is the eldest of five
children, the family of Benjamin and Martha Miller, Benjamin Miller, sr., died
in Laurens, Otsego county, New York, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years,
seven months, and twenty-four days. He was a revolutionary soldier. His wife,
Martha, died at the same place in the eight-first year of her age. Mr. Miller,
Sr., removed to Laurens, New York when Benjamin was two and a half years old,
and settled on a farm, where he remained until his death.
Benjamin, jr., received a common school education, which in those days was very
limited. He lived in different places in New York, and finally removed to
Peoria, Illinois in 1836. After stopping in the town of Peoria one winter, he
brought a farm in Rosefield township, on which he still lives. Mr. Miller has
made very few moves during his life. He says his mother used to sing him a song
in his boyhood about “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” and he wisely took the
advice.
Mr. Miller was married in 1824 to Julia Garrett, daughter of Mills Garrett, of
Duchess county, New York. She died in 1867, the mother of ten children, all but
two of whom are living. One died a martyr to his country, in the war for the
Union.
Mr. Miller was again married in 1869, to Mrs. Margrett Turhune, widow of the
late Abram Turhune, of Fleming county, Kentucky. He is quite well off; he owns
over nine hundred acres of the best farming land in Peoria county. But the
accumulation of property is not the highest aim of his life – he lives for
something still higher. He is a kind-hearted and generous old gentleman, and is
living happily with his worthy helpmeet.
(Atlas Map of
Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 78, submitted by Dan Grachek & wife)
The name of Francis Grant Minor has almost continuously since the 1st of December, 1888, been on the roll of officials of the city or county of Peoria and his long continued service as a public officer stands in incontrovertible proof of his ability and fidelity in discharging the duties that have devolved upon him. He is now serving as sheriff of Peoria county and it is well known that neither fear nor favor can swerve him from a course which he believes to be right. He was born in this city, October 18, 1852, a son of John Minor, who came here from Wheeling, West Virginia in 1850. He was a miller by trade and followed that business during the period of his residence in Peoria, which continued to the time of his death in 1865. He married Martha Near, who, like her husband, was a native of western Pennsylvania. They became parents of five children, all of whom are still living.
At the usual age Francis Grant Minor began his education in the old First Ward schoolhouse which stood on the site now occupied by the Smith Hotel, his teacher being E.F. Baldwin, the present editor of the Peoria Evening Star, while later he was instructed by J. E. Dow, who was afterward city superintendent of schools. When his schooldays were over he crossed the threshold of the business world by securing a position of trust in the Mechanics’ National Bank which later became the Merchants’ Nation Bank, entering that institution on the 11th of December, 1871. That he was faithful and capable is indicated by the fact that he continued with the bank until the 1st of December, 1888, and through intermediate positions was promoted to one of considerable responsibility. He severed his connection with financial circles, however, to enter public life in the position of circuit clerk of Peoria county, to which had been elected in the previous November. His four years’ term won him high commendation by reason of his loyal and efficient service and upon his retirement from that office in 1892 he was appointed oil inspector by Mayor Philo B. Miles, acting in that capacity during the Miles administration. Mr. Minor became connected with the coal trade when, on Christmas day, 1895, he entered the employ of Stephen Wolschlag, a prominent coal operator.
Mr. Minor was called to the office of sheriff in November, 1910, and is the present incumbent in that office. His determination to enforce the laws throughout the county was soon evident and in this he won the approbation of every right-minded and law-abiding citizen. He has done everything in his power to suppress crime and vice and it is well known that conformity to the law is the only thing that can win his favor. He is never hesitant in the discharge of his duties but fearlessly and promptly administers justice according to the demands of his office and his record has gained him high commendation throughout the county.
In 1879 Mr. Minor was united in marriage at Peoria to Miss Pauline Pruschwitz, who was born in this city and is a daughter of Ewald Pruschwitz, who came from Germany and in Peoria engaged in the cabinet-making business. Mr. and Mrs. Minor are the parents of three children: John R., a farmer residing near Elmwood; Ewald F., who is farming in Millbrook township; and Francis G., who is serving as deputy under his father in the sheriff’s office.
Mr. Minor gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles contain the best elements of good government. In matters of citizenship he takes a progressive stand and whether in office or out of it seeks the welfare and development of his community. His labors in behalf of public advancement have always been of a practical character. He has a wide acquaintance among the leading citizens of Peoria county and the social qualities of his nature have gained him a wide circle of friends.(Peoria, City and County, Illinois (1912) pages, 276-277, submitted by Diane Minor)
AQUILA MOFFATT. Aquila
Moffatt has made a business of operating mines in Peoria County, these many
years, besides giving much attention to agriculture, and his success in the
management of these two industries has placed him among the most substantial men
of Limestone Township where he has a very attractive home replete with all the
comforts and luxuries of modern life. Its location is one of beauty, as it is on
the bluffs just five miles from the court house, overlooking the city and
commanding a lovely view of the surrounding country.
The Moffatts were of Scotch origin and this
representative of the family was born on the State line between Wisconsin and
Illinois, and does not know whether he is a "Badger" or a "Sucker." The place of
his birth is near Scales Mound, Jo Daviess County, and the date of that
important event in his life was October 8, 1837. His father, Benjamin F., was a
son of Joseph and Mary (Piper) Moffatt, who at one time lived in Boston after
their marriage and subsequently removed to Ohio, and were among its pioneers and
there the mother died in 1819, leaving eleven children. In 1822, the father with
eight children came to this State from Cincinnati. The names of the children
accompanying him were: Alva, Aquila, Mary, Sarah, Olive, Benjamin F., Eliza and
Elisha, and many of these grew to be old and honored citizens of Peoria.
Benjamin F. Moffatt, the father of our subject,
received his education in the village of Peoria, and in due time was married to
Miss Nancy J. Risdon, a native of Connecticut. He took an active part in the
Black Hawk War, serving along the river as far as Wisconsin. His wife died in
1853 at the age of thirty-three. Her marriage with Mr. Moffatt was fruitful of
nine children, of whom the following six grew to maturity ---Thomas, Aquila,
Mary, Ann, Elmira, Joseph and Alva, and three of these are still residents of
Peoria and vicinity.
Our subject was born during the lead mining troubles in
Jo Daviess County, and the early years of his life were passed there until he
was seventeen years old. He attended school in Wisconsin and in 1854 accompanied
his father to Peoria, and continued his education at the brick school-house. At
the age of twenty years he started out in life for himself, and at the age of
twenty-four had done so well that he was enabled to marry and establish a home
for himself. The maiden name of the young lady whom he then invited to share his
life and fortune with him was Mary Ball, a daughter of Samuel Ball. She was born
in Wales of English parentage and came to the United States with her father and
mother in 1849. They first located in Pennsylvania, whence they came in 1852 to
this county and settled on section 25, where Bartonville now stands. They had a
farm there of thirty acres, which they cultivated, and where they made their
home until the father closed his mortal career February 3, 1879. The mother
lived with Mrs. Moffatt after that until her death which occurred June 21, 1890.
Mr. and Mrs. Moffatt have had eight children born to
them, and have lost two (twins) who died at the age of five months. Their other
children are: Franklin A., born April 27, 1862, who married Miss Amelia Treasure
and has two children --- Walter G. and Earl; Edward, born in 1864; Sarah; Effie,
wife of Harry Wolland, a member of an old pioneer family; they have two boys ---
Leslie and Aquila; Samuel and Annie. Miss Annie is a young lady of much musical
talent, which has been carefully cultivated and she is now a successful teacher
of music.
Mr. Moffatt has followed mining and farming for many
years very prosperously. He has had a farm of sixty-eight acres all of which has
coal under it and he has disposed of the coal at a good round price. He formed a
co-operative coal company and opened a bank on his place which is now worked by
another company, and he has otherwise extensively operated mines. He bought his
home in 1881, and built a fine, large residence on the bluffs.
Mr. Moffatt proved his patriotism and loyalty to his
country during the trying times of the late civil strife, by the faithful and
competent service that he rendered the Government as an enrolling officer for
the draft to serve the papers on the citizens who were drafted. In 1865 he
enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and took part in the
campaign against Johnston near Raleigh, N. C. and was on many a hard march. He
with other members of his regiment marched out to Fort Kearney, a distance of
six hundred miles, and after seven months in the army our subject was honorably
discharged at Fr. Leavenworth Kan., and returned to private life.
Mr. Moffatt is a self-reliant, straight-forward man, of
good practical views of life and of exceptional habits, and his standing in the
community is among our best and most reliable citizens. He has held the office
of School Director and whether in educational, moral or material matters, he is
never backward in contributing his quota to advance the interests of township
and county. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
238-239, submitted by Gaile Thomas)
WILLIAM MOFFITT.
William Moffitt, who is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising in
Chillicothe Township, where he has one of the largest and finest managed farms
in all Peoria County, represents one of the oldest and best known pioneer
families of this part of Illinois, both his father and his father's father
having been early settlers of this region, and borne a prominent part in
developing the county. Our subject has also been of great assistance in pushing
forward the best interests of the community, and is a credit to his native
township and county, where he is looked upon with great respect. He is one of
the noble army of veterans who fought in the late war, whose patriotism and
loyal devotion to their country in her darkest hours saved her from dishonor and
disunion.
Mr. Moffitt was born on his father's old homestead in
this township March 22, 1839. His father, John Moffitt, was a native of Ohio,
and a son of John Moffitt, Sr., who was born in North Carolina, of Irish
parentage, though some Scotch blood ran in his veins. The grandfather of our
subject grew to manhood in North Carolina, and at different times learned the
various trades of hatter, blacksmith and miller, and was thus well prepared to
fight life's battles. After his marriage to Miss Lydia Cox, also a North
Carolinian by birth, he came westward as far as Ohio, and settled among the
pioneers of Chillicothe, in Ross County, where he built a mill which he operated
some years. About 1835 or 1836 he and his wife followed their son John to this
place, the latter having come here in 1834 and established a home. John Moffitt,
Sr., built up a home, in which he and his wife spent their declining days in
peace and comfort, he rounding out a ripe old age of more than three score years
and ten, and she preceding him in death a few years, dying full of years. He had
been reared in the Quaker faith, but marrying out of the church he was ever
after a dissenter. He was a good old man, a well-known pioneer and he held a
warm place in the hearts of his associates.
The father of our subject was the third child of a
large family of some twelve children, all of whom married and reared families,
and in the course of time departed this life. John Moffitt became of age in Ohio
and was there married to Miss Margaret Dawson, who was born in Pennsylvania in
1805, of Irish parentage. Her parents, after coming to this country, had settled
in Pennsylvania, whence they afterwards moved to Ross County, Ohio, where John
Dawson, the father, died. His wife Margaret subsequently came to Illinois, and
died in this township when an old lady past eighty years of age. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt lived at Richmond Dale, near Chillicothe, Ohio,
where he owned and worked a grist and saw mill for some years. In 1833 he made a
trip to this part of Illinois and secured a location both for a mill site and a
home, and in the following year came here with his family. He became, in the
years that followed, one of the most prosperous and well-to-do of the pioneers
among whom he had settled, and was a conspicuous figure in developing the great
resources of the county. He became a large landowner, and had in his possession
about thirteen hundred acres of land, which was in its natural state when he
purchased it. He lived to see it well improved and under cultivation. In their
early life here he and his wife had to endure many hardships and privations, and
led a life of self-sacrifice in those pioneer times. There were but few
settlements in this part of the State, and he had to go away to Chicago for salt
and other supplies. He was well known all over the county, and none knew him but
to revere and respect him for his great personal worth, and at his death March
1, 1882, at the age of eighty years, he left an unblemished record as a pioneer
and a citizen, and as one who in all the relations of life had been true to
himself and to those about him. He was eminently fitted for the pioneer labors
that he performed, as he was a man of fine physique, who scarcely knew a day of
sickness, and he possessed more than ordinary powers of endurance and energy.
His wife, to whom he was greatly attached and who had faithfully shared with him
his pioneer life and its attendant trials, and had taken an active interest in
his success, was not long separated from him, her death occurring three days
after his. She was a loving wife and a tender, devoted mother, who worked hard
to rear a large family. Neither she nor her husband identified themselves with
any particular religious faith, but their creed was expressed in the moral,
upright lives that they led.
William Moffitt was the youngest but two of a family of
nine children, five sons and four daughters, of whom six are still living, and
but one yet unmarried. Our subject received his education in the public schools
of this, his native county, and was just entering upon a strong, sturdy manhood,
when the hour of his country's peril called upon him to show his patriotism, and
he was prompt to respond. He enlisted in the Seventh Missouri Infantry, as a
member of Company I, commanded by Capt. J. S. C. Roland and Col. John D.
Stevenson. His regiment was sent to the South, and in the long and weary siege
of Vicksburg he proved himself to be possessed of the fine soldierly qualities
of valor, promptitude and endurance, and he did good service in many skirmishes.
During the whole course of the three years that he passed in the army he escaped
unhurt from ball or bayonet, and was never taken prisoner, and was always ready
to report for duty day or night. He won deserved promotion to the position of
Sergeant, and was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Mo., June 1, 1864.
Mr. Moffitt was bred to the life of a farmer, and has been actively engaged in
tilling the soil and raising stock for several years. Eight years ago he came
into possession of his present farm, lying partly on section 16, Chillicothe
Township, and comprising about one thousand acres of as fruitful land as is to
be found in this locality, forming as it does a part of the alluvial Illinois
River bottoms. The most of it is under cultivation, and is well stocked with
cattle, horses and hogs of excellent breeds, while substantial, roomy buildings
and many other improvements add greatly to the value of the place.
The marriage of Mr. Moffitt to Miss Abbie I. Pond was
solemnized in this township, and here they have established a very pleasant
home, which is rendered very attractive to their numerous friends, or to the
stranger who may happen to cross its threshold, by the kind consideration of the
hostess for the welfare of her guest and the courteous hospitality of the host.
Their two sons, Philip A. and William R., complete the household circle.
Mrs. Moffitt was born in St. Clairsville, Belmont
County, Ohio, November 22, 1850, to Lambert and Penelope (Murray) Pond, natives
respectively of New Jersey and Virginia. They were married in Ohio, but after
the birth of their children came to Chillicothe, and settled here on a farm.
They lived in this township some years, and then went to Sedgwick County, Kan.,
and located some ten miles from Wichita, and there Mrs. Pond died in December,
1888, at an advanced age. Mr. Pond is still living, he being now about
four-score years old, and makes his home in Kansas. Mrs. Moffitt was reared and
educated in Ohio, and was quite a young lady when she came to this State with
her parents. She and her husband are genial, social, people, and are among the
leaders in the community.
Our subject's career as a boy and man in this county of his nativity has been
such as to justify the confidence reposed in him, and his old friends and
neighbors of many years standing, some of whom have watched his course through
life, will testify to his fine personal character for unswerving integrity,
truthfulness and unblemished honor.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
486-488, submitted by Gaile Thomas)
JAMES MONROE. James Monroe has
accumulated a handsome property while actively carrying on milling, mining and
farming, and is one of the substantial citizens of Peoria County, of which he is
a resident of many years standing, coming here in pioneer times, and since
attaining manhood has made himself very useful in developing the rich and varied
resources of this part of Illinois. He has a beautiful home in Limestone
Township, his fine residence on the brow of the bluff commanding a beautiful
view of the city, with the court-house about four miles away.
Mr. Monroe was born October 11, 1822, in Luzerne
County, Pa., the third son and eighth child of Samuel and Lois (Brown) Monroe.
His father was a native of New York, and after marriage lived for many years in
Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to this State in 1836. On the 22nd of July,
that year, with a party of seventeen, includ- himself, wife and eleven children,
he embarked on a raft on the Tunkhannock Creek, and going a distance of eight
miles entered the Susquehanna, down which the little company floated for one
hundred and forty miles, then proceeded on the same boat one hundred and
twenty-eight miles up the Juniata River to Holidaysburg, where they crossed the
Alleghanies on the great inclined plane railway, of thirty-eight miles, to
Johnstown. From there they proceeded down the Kissecommita Creek, and as the
canal was out of order, they landed and took the same boat below the falls of
the Ohio at Louisville, where they took the steamer "Junius" for St. Louis. Mr.
Monroe had piloted his own boat through the rapids, which was considered a very
rash act by the boatmen of those days. At St. Louis the party was broken up, as
Mr. Monroe's family was the only one to come in this direction. He and his wife
and children got aboard the steamer "Illinois," bound for Peoria, where they
eventually landed the 5th of September, having been nearly two months on the
way, traveling all the time except when it was necessary to tie up and do
washing and baking. They found Peoria but a struggling village of about eight
hundred people. The Monroes stopped in the village for a few weeks, when the
father engaged himself to Orin Hamlin to run a mill, which he soon leased and
out of which he made a good deal of money. For the first two years the family
lived in about the same place, a squatters claim of a small piece of land, on
which they erected a shanty in which all lived. The surrounding country was in a
very uncivilized condition and wild animals were numerous. Mr. Monroe has often
seen wolves between their house and town, near where the Catholic Church now
stands, and at night many of them were heard making the air melodious with their
howls. The father of our subject made his home with him in his old age until his
death, in 1860. In his political views he was a strong Democrat. His name is
classed among the honored pioneers of our county, who will ever be held in
rememberance for what they did in developing the county.
Our subject was a lad of fourteen years when he
accompanied his parents to their new pioneer home and he grew to a sturdy strong
manhood amid its primitive scenes. When twenty-four years of age, he and his
brother John purchased the mill, which his father had leased, and operated it
together until 1849, when John went to California, during the gold excitement,
and died there shortly after. Mr. Monroe then continued the mill business alone
for many years very prosperously, and also extensively engaged in mining, and
has paid considerable attention to farming. There was a quarter of a section of
land with the mill, and our subject bought the most of this after his brother's
death, and from time to time has disposed of it at good prices for lots. He
still retains, however, twenty-five acres of it, which he has placed under
excellent cultivation, and has supplied it with all the best improvements. He
built his present roomy, commodious residence in 1858, and it is one of the
substantial old houses of the county.
Mr. Monroe has been three times married, his first wife
and third wife having no children. The maiden name of his second wife, the
mother of his children, to whom he was married in 1857, was Mary E. Cunningham.
Of the four children born to our subject of that union, all are married and well
settled in life, as follows: John N., a resident of Morris County, Kan., is
married and has one child; Benjamin F., who is married and has one child, owns a
farm adjoining his brother John's; Emma V. is the wife of Daniel Fisher of
Peoria, and they have two children; Annie B. is the wife of E. J. Fisher, an
attorney-at-law in Harper, Harper County, Kan., and they have one child. The
mother of these children departed this life in 1869.
Mr. Monroe has ever been a man of weight and influence
in the county, whose development he has promoted, and he has given an impulse to
many an enterprise to advance the growth and best interests of his adopted
township, and has taken a prominent part in the conduct of public affairs,
holding many offices of trust and honor in the county. He was elected Supervisor
three different times, and has been Treasurer of the School Fund for the
township, and also a road official. Politically our subject has always voted for
a Democratic candidate for the Presidency, but in county and local affairs he is
not bound by party ties. Our subject has never identified himself with any
church, but is a confirmed spiritualist in his religious views. He seeks the
good of others and does what he can to elevate humanity.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
488-489, submitted by Gaile Thomas)
MOREY, C. B., farmer, Sec. 33, P. O. Elmwood. Was born in Butler county, O., January, 1829, and in 1839 moved to Washington county, Mo. In those days the schools were supported by subscription, and there being ten children in the family, his opportunities for education were limited. June 12, 1852, married Miss Mary A. Dickson, who was born in the same county, October 8, 1825. They soon after settled on Sec. 33 of this township, where they own 200 acres of land, valued $60 per acre. Liberal in religion. Politically a Republican. (The History of Peoria County, Illinois, 1880, page 720, submitted by Janine Crandell)
MORROW, JAMES was born in Pendleton county, South Carolina, in 1800. John Morrow, his father, was married to Jane Garvin about 1799. James Morrow is the oldest child of a family of eight, four brothers and three sisters, one sister and three brothers living. He was married in 1831 to Elizabeth White, by whom he had seven children, three boys and four girls; and to his second wife, Sarah Ann Hobbs, in 1851, by whom he has had four children, two boys and two girls. Both of his wives have been kind and affectionate mothers. From his native state, when a lad, he went with his parents to Kentucky, then to Ohio, then to eastern Indiana, then to the Wabash river. On this journey, when but thirteen, to the Wabash, the travelers were protected by soldiers from the troublesome Indians. His early days were spent on the frontier. His father, for years, used to keep loaded guns in his house to fight the Indians with. He knows by actual experience what hardships our early settlers endured. He has ground corn in a coffee-mill to get meal to make corn cakes. He came to Fort Clark, now Peoria, in 1831, and then went to Prince's Grove, now Princeville, the same year. The next year he went to Spoon river, but the Indians, during the Black Hawk war, molested the settlers there, and he re-returned to Prince's Grove. He is now living on section 19, in Princeville township He has always been a farmer, and has never rode on the cars nor seen a steam engine. To do right has been his rule of life. In his decline of life we wish him much joy, and hope the friends of our old settlers will read these lines with tender feelings toward the memory of James Morrow, one of our old settlers. (Atlas Map of Peoria County, Illinois, 1873, page 62, submitted by Janine Crandell)
JACOB MULLER, a prominent and wealthy business man of Peoria, who for
nearly thirty-five years has carried on a large retail grocery business at No.
112 Bridge Street, is a fine type of the German element that has been so
instrumental in the upbuilding of the city. He has met with more than ordinary
success in business, and has acquired a fine property, and has erected a
handsome residence at Nos. 309 and 311 Jefferson Avenue, that is an ornament to
this part of the city.
Mr. Muller was born in Germany, January 26, 1835, but
before he had attained manhood, he had turned his face toward this land of
promise, the goal toward which so many of his countrymen pressed, he coming to
this country in 1851. He first located in Massachusetts, but hearing much of the
"Great West," and especially of the Prairie State, he determined to avail
himself of its marvelous advantages, and in 1854 he, took up his residence in
Peoria County, and in 1855 came to this city to establish himself in the grocery
business. He had come to this country a stranger in a strange land, with whose
language and customs he was unfamiliar, and by his own efforts he had made the
capital on which to start in his new career. He located on Bridge Street, and
here has remained for a third of a century, and is now one of the leading
grocers in the city. In 1865 he built the fine brick store in which he is now
carrying on his business, and has it well-fitted up and stocked with everything
in his line.
Mr. Muller has been prominent in many of the
enterprises that have greatly added to the financial standing of the city. He
helped to organize and start the German-American Bank in 1870, when it was a
private concern, and remained with it until one year after it was made the
German-American National Bank, when he sold out his share of the stock. He was
also one of the organizers of the German Insurance Company which was established
in 1876, with a capital of $100,000, which has since been increased to $300,000,
and he is still a stockholder in the company, has been connected with it all the
time, and has been a factor in its healthy and continuous growth to its present
prosperous condition. He is also a stockholder in the Central City Railway,
having owned shares in it from the start until the present time, when it has
become one of the finest equipped electric railways in the country.
Mr. Muller was married to Miss Paulina Koenig, a native
of Germany, in Peoria, and she has been to him a true and devoted helpmate, and
looks well to the comforts of her household in the pleasant home that they have
established. The six children born to them are all living, and are residents of
this city: Theodore, Secretary of the German Insurance Company, married Minnie
Borries; Julia is the wife of Henry Krenter; Amelia is the wife of Charles Jobst,
of Gauss, Jobst, Barthard & Co., wholesale grocers: Rudolph, Jacob, and Adolph
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Muller have four grandchildren.
Mr. Muller has attained his position of wealth and
prominence in this community by his own energy and ability. He is a prominent
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Schiller Lodge, No. 335, of which
he has been Treasurer; and he is also a leading member of the Turnverein, and
has been Treasurer of the society for the last thirty years. He is a man of
honor and solid worth, which justly entitle him to the high regard in which he
is universally held. In the accumulation of his wealth he has not neglected his
duty towards others, but has ever been just and generous in his dealings, and
with true public spirit, has encouraged all schemes for the advancement of the
prosperity of the city, and has given liberally of his means to the needy and
suffering, who have ever found in him a true friend.
(Portrait & Biographical Album of Peoria, Illinois (1890), pages
374 &377, submitted by Janine Crandell)
WALTER J. MURRAY. Walter J. Murray was called to the position of
secretary of the board of park commissioners on the 20th of June, 1910. This was
not his first public office for in other connections he had proven his loyalty
to the best interests of the city in the faithful performance of duties which
devolved upon him. He is one of Peoria's native sons, his birth having here
occurred October 27, 1870. His parents were James J. and Mary (McLean) Murray,
the latter a daughter of William McLean who was a native of England. In the
paternal line Walter J. Murray comes of Irish and English ancestry. His father
was born on the Emerald isle and the mother in Liverpool, England. In 1854 the
father was brought by his parents to the United States, the family home being
established in Peoria. He became a moulder by trade and afterwards served for a
number of years on the police force of the city. Both he and his wife have now
passed away, but their son, Walter J. Murray, still occupies the old home at
1208 North Monroe street in which he was born and to which his parents removed
in 1864.
The public schools afforded him his early educational
privileges, and after he began earning his own livelihood he continued his
studies by attending night school. He was first employed as a page in the
circuit court under Sheriff Berry and was afterward connected with the firm of
Singer & Wheeler for two years in the wholesale drug business. He then entered
the employ of Nickol-Burr & Company, serving an apprenticeship at the
machinist's trade. He afterward spent eleven years as a machinist in the shops
of the Rock Island Railroad and then became superintendent of sewers of Peoria
under Mayor Bryan. That his services were appreciated by the railroad company is
indicated in the fact that he was solicited to return to his old position where
he continued until the shops were moved from the city. He next entered the
service of the Keystone Fence Company as a machinist, and while there became his
party's nominee for city clerk against Robert Joos, the republican candidate. He
lost the election by a majority of one hundred and thirty-four votes, but was
appointed assistant city comptroller under Mayor Tolson, and acted in that
capacity for two years. When Thomas O'Connor succeeded Mr. Tolson to the
position of mayor Mr. Murray was appointed city comptroller and continued in the
office for two years more, after which he returned to the Keystone Fence
Company. A year later he was elected by the park commissioners to the office of
secretary of the park board, and has now filled that office for two years. In
this connection he is rendering valuable service and is doing much to further
the park interests of the city.
Mr. Murray is connected with various fraternities and
societies. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, the Independent Order of
Foresters and was the first financial secretary of Court Gibbons Independent
Order of Foresters. He is also a member of the Peoria Yacht Club. He likewise
holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and the International Association
of Machinists and for three years was secretary of the Machinists' Union. His
religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He has made a creditable record
in public office, and in his different private positions has proven himself
thoroughly loyal and faithful to the interests which he has represented.
(Peoria, City
and County, Illinois (1912) by James M. Rice, pages 25-26, submitted by Janine Crandell)
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Updated June 30, 2006