USA > Illinois > Tazewell County > History of Tazewell county, Illinois ; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens. History of Illinois Digest of state laws > Part 65
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Emily M. Baird, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Washington ; widow of Thomas Baird, Jr., who was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., in 1812. Her maiden name was Haynes, and she was born in Sharp's Mills, Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1816. They were married in 1838, and came to this county in 1844, and settled on the present estate, then owned by Father Baird. Mr. B. resided here until his death, in 1859, when he was killed at South Bend, Ind., by a railroad accident, which cast a feeling of gloom and sorrow over the whole community. He was a man beloved and respected by all who knew him, and numbered among those of the early settlers. Mary L., Sarah R., Senith A., Martha C., Thomas P., and George S. R. D. are their living children.
Squire Baker, farmer, secs. 14 and 15; P. O., Washington ; born in Campbell Co., Ky., in 1813. His parents were Nicholas and Su- sanah (Carroll) Baker, natives of Penn. and Va. He married Eliza- beth Clark, in 1836; she was born in Campbell Co., Ky., in 1815. They came to this county in 1837 and settled on his present estate, consisting of 80 acres, valued at $75 per acre, which he bought with script. His father came to this county in 1856, and died in 1875. The family were among those of the early settlers, and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. John J., William C., George W., Benjamin F., Thomas L., Robert W., Elizabeth C., Edward S., Lillie, Stephen A., and Alfred are their living children.
George Bayler, farmer, sec., 36; P. O., Washington; born in York Co., Pa., in '18. His parents were John and Catherine (Kuhn) Bayler, natives of Pa., where his father died when he was 12 years of age. He came to the West in 1841 with his mother, and settled two miles west of their present place, where he resided 11 years. In 1845 he was united to Miss Elizabeth Franklin, a native of Frank- lin Co., O., where she was born in 1823; moved on his present estate in 1853. It consists of 140 acres valued at $70 per acre. Mr. B. is one of the early settlers and well known throughout the Co. Alfred P. and Joseph E., are their living children.
Joseph J. Bayler, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 36; P. O., Wash- ington ; born in Washington, Ill., in 1849; married Lillie Voor- hees, in 1876. She was born in La Salle Co., Ill., in 1857 ; they have two children -Theodore and Celia ; settled on his present estate in 1876. Mr. B. has for years been extensively engaged in taming and training horses, of which he has a fine stock and is successful in the business. He is a son of one of the oldest settlers.
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Joseph Belsly, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Washington ; born in Wood- ford Co. in 1842. His parents were John and Barbara (Ragy) Bels- ly, natives of France. They settled in Woodford Co. at an early day, where Mr. B. died in 1855. His mother is still living at a good old age. In 1864 he married Miss Susan Imhoff, a native of Butler Co., where she was born in 1842; came to this Co. in the spring of 1878 and settled on his present estate, consisting of 100 acres. Mary, John, Barbara, Bena, Annie, Katie, Louisa and Peter are their living children ; are members of the Omish Church.
Elias Benford, retired, born in Stark Co., O., in 1819. His parents were F. Henry and Magley Stael, natives of Pa., both deceased ; married Lavenia Snyder in 1843. She was born in Som- erset Co., Pa., in 1825; emigrated to this Co. in 1868 and settled in this city, where he engaged in the livery business, and in 1870 became the proprietor of the Sherman house, which he conducted with success and purchased it, retiring from the active pursuits of life in 1878. Julia, Arminta, Sophia K., Cyrus I., John H., Franklin A. and Hattie M., are their living children; lost three children - Jacob, Mary M., and one that died in infancy. He is a member of the English Lutheran Church.
Walter T. Berket, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Washington ; born in Lancaster Co., England, in 1792, and in 1817 emigrated to America and settled in Vermont, where he resided 12 years, when he started for the West, making his first stop at Fort Clark, in 1831, where he remained only a short time, when he came to this township and settled on his present estate, and erected the first frame-house built in the township. Mr. B. was married in 1833 to Miss Dorothy Weth- erell, a native of England, who died in 1856, leaving one child, Walter, Jr., who was born in this township in 1841, and was mar- ried Sept. 19, 1878, to Miss Mary Beman, a native of London, Eng., where she was born Dec. 25, 1842, and is daughter of Jeremiah and Susan Beman, who were banished from Prussia and found a home in the broad land of the free, and number among those of the county pilgrims. Mr. B. has always chung to his pioneer home, and is the oldest man in the township. A previous record predicted his early demise, but, though in the 88th year of his age, his eye is sharp at long range, and it was the pleasure of the writer to accompany his elastic footsteps to a row of apple trees which he set out in 1832, all of which are in a fine state of preservation, and have grown to an immense size.
William Berket, farmer and dairyman, sec. 26; P. O., Washing- ton ; born in Addison Co., Vt., Jan. 21, 1818; his parents were Thomas and Mary (Field) Berket, who came from England and settled in that State, and to this Co. in 1831, landing at Fort Clark, now Peoria, in Sept. of that year, and after a short stop, came to this township and made a claim of 160 acres in sec. 26, where he erected a cabin and lived until his death in 1838. On May 12, 1842, Mr. B. was married to Miss Mary J. Keys, daughter of Laban Keys,
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
a native of N. H., and a veteran of the Revolutionary war, in which he enlisted when 17 years of age; was the first settler to erect a habitation on the present site of Kalamazoo, Mich., from which place he came to this township in 1837 and purchased of John Lindly 200 acres of land now occupied by the residences of J. R. Crane and Ben. Nichols. He died at his home in Dec., 1865. Mr. B. carries on an extensive dairy business, manufacturing an average of 200 lbs. of butter weekly ; has 130 head of cattle, many of them being thoroughbred Durhams and Jerseys. Another noticeable occupant of his farm is a large pear tree, which he planted when a mere switch, and it has grown until it measures over six feet in cir- cumference, bearing yearly from 40 to 80 bushels of its fruit-the popular Berket pear. Mr. B. is one of the early pioneers of this township, and has realized all the hardships of pioneer life. The fine improvements of his farm attest his energy and perseverance. Of his children, 10 are living. David, eldest son, enlisted, in 1861, in 86th I. V. I., Co. G; was wounded at Goldsborough, N. C., and died at Newburn, April 12, 1864; Clara J., Annie E., Charles L., Lafayette, George, William, Ella, Perry, Hattie and Lester.
William A. Berket, farmer and brick-maker, sec. 27; born in Peoria, Ill., in 1836. His parents were John and Mary (Thomas) Berket, who emigrated from England in 1826, and settled in Peoria, (at that time Fort Clark, there being but one house there at that time,) where he remained until 1839, when he removed to this county and purchased 320 acres land, where he lived until 1849, when he returned to Peoria, where he died in 1875. Married Sarah J. Wilson, in 1860. She was born in Drum Lodge, Ireland, in 1836. Returned to this eounty in 1862, and settled on his present estate. Martha A., Margaret W., John A., James W., Frank, Samuel, Edward A., Lewis C., and William W., are their children.
William A. Berket, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Washington; was born in England Aug. 30, 1796, and is the second son of John and Ann Berket, who emigrated to America in 1816, and went to Ver- mont, where he engaged in farming, and in 1821 settled at Fort Clark, now Peoria, there being but few cabins erected at that time. He became extensively engaged in the nursery business and farm- ing, his being the first nursery started in the State north of the Sangamon ; was also engaged in farming in Greene Co., and spent one winter in Madison Co., and in 1831 settled in this township on his present estate. Here he erected a cabin and commeneed to improve the farm. The same year he was married to Miss Mar- garet Barrick, a native of Ohio, where she was born in 1816; she died in 1852. Charles, Ann, Margaret, Margy, Eliza, John and Thomas, are his living children. His youngest son, Thomas, re- sides on the homestead. He was born in this township in 1847, and in 1872, married Miss Jennie E. Frances, a native of Ohio ; Albert H. and Lillie Bell are their children. The life of this aged veteran of four score years has been one of industry and perseverance. An
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early pilgrim to this township, he has lived to see his sons and daughters grow up with their families, settled on the land that was (in his prime) a dense forest. His locks are silvered with the frosts of time, but he has been spared to be a living witness of the great changes which have taken place in this township and county.
James Brown, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Washington ; was born in Woodford Co., Ill., in 1841, and is the eldest son of Asa and Cath- erine (Kines) Brown, and grandson of Amos A. and Ruth (Nelson) Brown, natives of Conn. and Md. His father was born in Switzer- land Co., Ind., in 1808, and came to the West in 1834, settling in Woodford Co., and numbering among the early pioneers of that county. Came to this county in 1859 and settled on his present es- tate, consisting of 160 acres; his father still owns 120 acres in Woodford county. In 1862 was married to Miss Mary Noel, a na- tive of France, where she was born in 1845. Nellie, Nettie, Stella, Linda, Ida, and George are their living children.
James Cameron, stock dealer, was born in Scotland in 1834. In 1855 married Helen Glegg, a native of Scotland, where she was born in 1824. In the same year emigrated to America and settled in this city, where he became engaged at blacksmithing for cleven years, and after two years in the lumber business with F. D. Har- rington became largely engaged in stock dealing, which business he has since followed with success. He has served two consecutive terms on the old Board of Trustees, and was elected to the City Council at the first election for city officers in 1878. Ann H., Belle E., Mary and Louisa L. are their living children. Members of the Christian Church.
Charles A. Crane, postmaster, Washington ; was born in Wash- ington, March 9, 1839; married Laura L. Parker, March 4, 1864. She was born in Washington, April 29, 1841; have two children - William T. S. and James C. A. He is a descendant of Mathew and Martha (Rogers) Crane, natives of Pa., from which State they emigrated to O. and to this county in 1835 ; his father died Sept. 28, 1855. His wife still survives him at the age of 77 years. Mr. C. engaged in teaching until his appointment as P. M. in March 1870, which office he has filled to the present time. He is a member of the Methodist Church.
James R. Crane, general broker, residence and business, Main street; was born in Zanesville, O., Sept. 14, 1824; came to this county in 1835, and settled in this city, where he became engaged in carpentering and milling ; married Leva A. Burton, Sept. 13, 1855. She was born in Ky. in Oct., 1835. In 1854 he opened a general brokerage office in which business he has been entirely successful ; filled the office of School Treasurer for 16 years and is well known throughout the town and county.
A. G. Danforth, banker, Washington ; was born in Washington, Ill., Dec. 8, 1840, and is eldest son of Asa H. Danforth, who was born in Norton, Mass., June 4, 1813. His parents were Asa and
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Hannah (Walker) Danforth, natives of Mass., where they died at an early day ; and during the years of his boyhood worked on the farm until seventeen years of age, when he went to Fall River, where he served an apprenticeship at cabinet making and for four years after became engaged in the manufacture of furniture at Mil- ford, Pa. In 1835 he removed to Coshocton, O., where he engaged in the manufacture of wheat-mills, and in the following year settled in Peoria and engaged in turning and planing until July, 1836, when he removed to this city and became extensively engaged in his profession. In those primitive times machinery was unknown, and the increasing demand for his goods made it apparent that a power to turn his lathe was necessary to meet the requirments of his trade, and to attain this desired object his inventive faculties were brought to play, and the problem soon solved. He owned two large dogs, and these intelligent noble friends were brought to take an active part in his success. Accordingly, he constructed a large eylindrical wheel twenty feet in diameter, into which the dogs were placed for duty. The experiment proved an entire success, and in this manner he was enabled to turn out hundreds of bed- steads and other articles of furniture which found its way to the eabins and homes of the pioneers. He erected the mill now occu- pied by Andrew Brothers, in 1844, and has in various ways added to the growth and prosperity of the city. He was for four years Director of the eastern extension of the Peoria & Oquawka R. R., and at an early day established the first banking institution in this city, and beeame entirely engaged in the interests and development of his Western home. Of him we may say he is a self-made man in every respect. Beginning without capital, but with a determined will and ready hands. His unquailing purpose and tireless indus- try, making every opportunity useful, combined with scholarly enthusiasm, with which he acquired wealth. He was married in Feb., 1839, to Miss Catherine Rupert, a native of Mt. Pleasant, Va., where she was born in 1819- Almon G., Henry R., Harriet C., Caroline R., Catherine M., are their living children. Mr. D. retired from the active pursuits of life in 1872.
The subject of this sketch began life in the mercantile business and became a partner in the banking house of his father, where he has since been actively engaged. In 1872 the firm dissolved, and Mr. D. assumed control of the institution. Was married in 1861, to Miss Susan A. Burton, a native of this city. From the marriage five children are growing up in all the educational advantages of the present day. They are George C., Jessie M., Cassie A., Asa H., and Mary. Mr. D. is among those of the present business men of the city and a social genial gentleman. His residence stands upon the site of ground historic as the spot where the palatial log cabin of William Holland Sr., was erected in 1825. Mr. D. takes a just pride in his blooded stock of horses, prominent among which is Fairy Gift, a brown stallion of Hambletonian stock, who has a
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record on private trial of 2:383 after two months work including breaking. He will undoubtedly rank among the celebrities of American trotters. Nellie, grey mare, Restless, bay mare, Dolly, bay filly, and a thoroughbred bay mare, all Hambletonian stock, also bay stallion, Live Oak, bred by Col. Peppers, of Ky., all of which promise fair records and are valuable stock.
Robert Daris, ticket agent and telegraph operator of T. P. & W. R. R .; was born in Laine, county of Antrim, Ireland, in 1852; married Martha Davis in June, 1876. She was born in Laine Co. in 1858; emigrated to America in 1871, and settled in Peoria, where he became engaged with the T. P. & W. R. R., and by strict attention to duties has been promoted to his present position, which he fills with satisfaction. Are members of Presbyterian Church.
Henry Denhart, merchant and banker, of the firm of Anthony & Denhart ; was born in Hessel Kassen, Dec. 8, 1842. His parents were Andrew and Mariah (Storner) Denhart, natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1853, and settled in this city. In June, 1866, the present Partnership was formed with Mr. A., which has been successfully carried on to the present time. In March, 1872, he was married to Clara S. Lawson, a native of Somerset Co., Pa., where she was born in 1833. Mr. D. has always taken an ac- tive part in the interests of the town and county, and was elected to the City Council, March, 1877.
John W. Dougherty, attorney at law, was born in New Castle Co., Del., in 1824. His parents were Dennis and Margaret (Baldwin) Dougherty, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Dayton, O., in 1828, thence to Centreville, Ind., where he re- sided until 1857, when he came to this county and settled in this city and became engaged in the grocery business. He then com- menced the study of law, relying upon his own efforts and ambi- tion ; he was admitted to the Bar in Jan., 1874. He now fills the office of City Attorney, and is successful in his profession. In 1852 he married Caroline E. Hornish, who was born in Wayne Co., Ind., in 1834. William J., Martin D., Forest and Florence, twins, John B., Robert, Edith A., Martha E., and Laura C. are their living children.
Reuben W. Dunnington, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Washington ; was born in Putnam Co., Ind., in 1836. His parents were Joshua and Mary (Spencer) Dunnington, natives of that State, and who emi- grated to Ill. in 1840, and settled in this township one mile west of Washington. From that place he moved to Walnut Grove, now Eureka, where he lived until his death, in 1844. His mother died in 1876. Mr. D. settled on his present estate in 1848; was mar- ried in 1868 to Miss Catherine Bayler, daughter of John Bayler, an early pilgrim to this county. She was born in this township in 1847. They have six children -Mary M., John C., George E., Reuben F., Cora M., and Catherine.
Christian Engel, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Washington, was born in
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Woodford Co., Ill., in 1840. His parents were John and Barbara (Detwilda) Engel, natives of France. They emigrated to America in 1831 and settled in Woodford county, where his father is still living ; his mother died in 1874. He came to this county in 1873, and settled on his present estate, consisting of 160 aeres, valued at $65 per acre. The same year was married to Miss Elizabeth Nof- singer, who was born in this county in 1848, and was the daughter of John Nofsinger, an early settler of this county. Ida E., John A. and Anna M., are their living children. Members of the Omish Church.
George Ferner, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Washington; born in Somerset Co., Pa., in 1815. His parents were Abraham and Bar- bara (Smith) Ferner, natives of Pennsylvania. He married Miss Catherine Weyand, in 1835. She was born in Somerset county, in 1812. They have five children -George W., John W., Sarah, Mary, and Elvina; lost one, Barbara. He came to this county, in 1851, withont means and rented land until, by frugality and indus- try, he was enabled to secure 40 acres of land, where he lived until he purchased his present estate. He is a Deacon in the Evangelical Church, of which the family are members.
Mary A. Field, farmer, see. 34; P. O., Washington. Mrs. F. is the widow of Anthony Field, who was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Aug. 15, 1808. He was married to Miss Mary A. Hathaway, Ang. 11, 1836, a native of Swanton, Vt., where she was born April 17, 1817. Mr. F. came to this county in 1835, and settled on their present estate, consisting of 260 acres, where he resided until his death, which occurred Dec. 19, 1878. He was one of the early pio- neers to this county, and the first man to lay out the roads through this section of the township. He died, beloved and respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
Peter Fifer, grain broker ; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Jan. 21, 1821, and emigrated to this county in the spring of 1842, where he engaged in farming for some years, when he commeneed buying grain and stock, opening the grain house of Fifer & Co., at Peoria, in 1866, which is still in successful operation. He also has a saw- mill in operation in this city, where he is extensively engaged in business. He was married in 1843, to Miss Mary J. Curtis, a native of Erie Co., Pa., by whom he has four children - Cordelia, Inez, Charles M., and Ellie. Mr. F. is among the foremost of the business men of this city, and was the people's choice to fill the Mayor's chair in March, 1877, at which time the city was incorpo- rated ; was also elected Supervisor April 15, 1879, and has always been identified with the interests of the town and county.
John Frederick, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Washington; was born in Germany, in 1833, and emigrated to this country in 1855, settling in Butler Co., where he resided two years, when he removed to this county and settled in Morton, where he lived two years. He then came to this township and settled on his present estate ; was married
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in 1859 to Miss Nancy Graves, a native of Ohio. Wilson Freder- iek is their only child. He has a farm of 80 aeres, and 10 acres of timber, valued at $70 per acre; also owns 160 acres in Fairbury, Livingston Co.
C. J. Gibson, of the firm of Gibson & Co., grocers, Main street ; residence, corner Catharine and Elm streets. He was born in Lan- caster Co., Pa., in 1823; his parents were Cyrus J. and Margaret C. (Canon) Gibson, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in November, 1830, and settled in this township, where he purchased a claim and erected a log cabin, where he died in 1832. His son remained on the homestead until 1863, and moved to Woodford Co., and after a few years returned to Washington, when, after some years, he embarked in his present business, in which he has been success- ful. He is one of the early pioneers of this township, and expe- rieneed all the hardships of pioneer life.
George D. Gibson, farmer and dairyman, sec. 34, P. O., Wash- ington ; born in Fayette Co., Pa., in 1810; parents were John and Nancy (Mills) Gibson, natives of N. J. and Pa. He worked at home until he had saved $100, with which he purchased a horse and equipments and in the fall of 1834 started for the West, and made his elaim on the site of his present estate and commenced work in Washington at wagon-making with Wm. Spencer; the same winter split 5000 rails, enduring much hardship and privation ; has hauled wheat to mill that weighed 60 lbs. to the bushel and in those prim- itive days portage was paid in produce. Some years later he became engaged in business at Pekin, where he continued until he was enabled to purchase a few cows and commenced on a small seale in the dairy business. Mr. G. has now increased his farm to 360 acres, which he has gained only by continued perseverence and economy, and all the privations of pioneer life. He was married in 1836 to Miss Alice Berket, a native of Vt., where she was born in 1820. Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Charles, Martha, George, William and Mary, are their living children. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church.
U. Z. Gilmer, D.D., pastor Methodist Church, was born in Brown Co., O., in 1846. His parents were Derrick and Margaret (Strain) Gilmer, natives of O. and Pa,, respectively, who emigrated to Put- nam Co., Iowa, in 1850, and after four years' residence there, moved to Decatur Co., Ind., where they resided three years, and re- turned to Iowa, where they lived for a short time; thence to Clinton Co., Ill., where his father died in 1860. He commenced his course of studies at the Monmouth Academy after his removal to that place, in 1865; entered college, in 1869, at Oquawka, Hen- derson county, where he graduated in 1872, and immediately en- tered upon his duties as pastor of the Methodist Church at Milan ; after which he became engaged as teacher in Abingdon College, Knox Co., where he continued until three months prior to his coming to this county, which he spent at Chaddock College, Quiney,
41
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Ill. Came to this county Nov., 1878, and has held the pastorate of the Methodist Church since that time in a commendable manner. In 1870, he married Mary McCullongh, a native of Rush Co., Ind., where she was born in 1852. Emma, Nellie L., Nina M., and Carl R. are their living children.
Jocob Glebe, farmer, see. 31; P. O., Farmdale; was born in Germany, in 1815, where he married Catherine Stein in 1844. She was born in Germany in 1816; emigrated to America in 1848, and settled on his present estate, consisting of 120 acres, 80 acres of which he entered. He is one of the early settlers of this township. and well and favorably known. Henry, John, Caroline, Jacob, Jr., Levi and Sebasken are their living children. They are members of the Evangelical Church.
Andrew Gongloff, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Washington ; was born in Tazewell Co., in 1841; is son of John B. and Mary (Miller) Gong- loff, natives of France, and who emigrated to America in 1839, and settled in Woodford county, and after a residence in this county, re- turned to that county where he still resides. The subject of this sketch settled on his present estate, in 1863. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Roth, by whom he has four children - Mary, Julia E., Susannah, and Christena. They are members of the Catholic Church.
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