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 67
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Charles Rapp, jeweler, north side of the square ; born in Washing- ton, Ill., in 1851 ; is a son of Earnest and Christian (Smith) Rapp,
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natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch commenced his apprenticeship at Fairbury, in 1873, and the following year engaged with an extensive house at Peoria, where he remained two years, when he returned to this city and opened his present place of busi- ness, where he entertains his customers with the finest and best selected stock of jewelry in the city. In 1877 he married Frances Miles, a native of this city. They have one child, Pearl May.
Joseph Ropp, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Washington ; born in Alsace, France, now Germany, in 1823. His parents were natives of same place, and emigrated to this country in 1836, and settled in Wood- ford county, where they lived a short time, when they came to this county and settled in this township, where he lived until his removal to MeLean county, where he died. The subject of this sketch then moved to Elm Grove township in 1839, where he pur- chased and resided until his coming to Washington township, and settled on his present estate of 156 acres, valued at $70 per acre. Married Catherine Burkey in 1850, a nativs of Germany, where she was born in 1829. Elizabeth, Barbara, Amos, Phoebe, Daniel, Katie, and Fannie, are their living children. A member of the Omish Church.
Frederick Rickman, firm of Rickman & Harrington, Washington ; born in Germany in 1834 and emigrated, with his parents to Amer- ica in 1854, stopping one year in Canada, thence to Spring Bay, and after a few years moved to Peoria, where his father still resides. The subject of this sketch came to this city in 1855, and engaged in wagon making until he formed the present copartnership, where he has since been successfully engaged. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Sophia Baker, a native of Ill. Frederick N., Lizzie, Loney, Frank, Annie D., Laura, Hattie and Tilly B., are their living chil- dren, lost one, William.
William F. Rochm, boot and shoe merchant, S. W. cor. Commer- cial Square; residence, High st; born in Wurtemburgh, Germany, in 1833. Parents were David and_Elizabeth Roehm, natives of Germany. Emigrated to America in 1847, and settled in Detroit, Mich., where he resided until 1855, when he moved to Peoria. Was married, in 1856, to Miss Catherine Eantzi, a native of Germany, where she was born in 1831. Came to this county in 1865 and opened a small shoe shop on Main street, forming a part- nership with Wm. Fletmeyer, which was dissolved in the same year. In 1869 he was enabled to open his present place, where he has since carried on a large trade. Katie, Louisa, Mary, Julius, Theo- dore, and Emil, are . their living children. Are members of the German Liberal Church.
William A. Ross, blacksmith, firm of Ross & Zinsen, north side Commercial Square; born in Franklin Co., O., in 1826. His father was Hugh M., a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was born in 1791. His mother's name was Nancy Crosseta, a native of N. Y. State, and the family moved to Maine, on the
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Penobscot river, at an early day, and to this county in 1835, settling in Deer Creek township, where he entered land and resided until his death, which occurred at the residence of Dewitt Higgins in 1842. He was a land surveyor and entered largely upon the inter- ests of the town and county, being among those of carly settlers. After his father's death the subject of this sketch made his home with Maj. R. N. Cullom, father of the present Gov. of the State, a native of Kentucky, and after four years residence came to this city, and served an apprenticeship with Brazilla Allee, with whom he formed copartnership, subsequently going into business for him- self, where he continued until the formation of the present firm in active operation. Was appointed Deputy Provost Marshall in June, 1862, and served every draft notice in the county, until the close of the war. His family are members of the Methodist Church.
Josiah Snyder, firm of Kingsbury & Snyder, merchants, Main street, Washington ; was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Feb. 20, 1827, and is the only son of Jacob and Julia (Woy) Snyder, natives of Pa., where his father died in 1848, leaving his wife and seven daugh- ters and only son. He remained on the farm with his mother and the younger sisters, filling, in a measure, the father's chair, in the duties which were before him. At the age of 22 years he was mar- ried to Miss Sarah C. Lawson, daughter of Rev. S. B. Lawson, and in Oct., 1863, left Somerset Co., with his wife and three children, for the West, and settled in this city, where he became engaged in the mercantile business, and two years later associated himself with G. W. Kingsbury, in the grocery business, where he has since been successfully engaged. This firm is popular among all classes through- out the surrounding county and city. Possessing business qualifi- cations and experience, they control the immense trade that is brought to this thrifty little city. Politically Mr. S. is Republican. Religiously, has been a consistent member of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church from the age of seventeen years. Is strictly tem- perate in all his habits. Being in the prime of manhood, he may long continue a useful member of the community in which he is highly appreciated and respected. Emma, John B., Frank M., Charles L. W., Harvey J., Clara R. and Sarah E. are their children.
T. C. Sonnemann, hardware merchant, Main street, res. cor. Hol- land and High streets; born in Vandalia, Fayette Co., Ill., Feb. 10, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Ann, natives of Germany, who came to this State in 1835 and settled in Vandalia, where he engaged in the harness business, removing to this Co. in 1848, where he followed his calling until 1865, when he retired from business, and died in 1866. Mr. S. continued the business until 1870, when he formed a partnership with Tobias & Sons, in the hardware trade, where he remained three years, when he retired and engaged for three years in the lumber business, at which time he built the store he now occupies as a hardware store, and carries on a successful
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trade. Was elected City Treasurer at the first election of city offi- cers after its incorporation in the spring of 1877. Was married, in 1866, to Miss Mary F. Tobias. She was born in Circleville, O., in 1848. Lewis C. and George T. are their living children.
J. W. Spriggs, D. D., Pastor Christian Church ; born in Noble Co., O., in 1847. Parents were Morris D. and Catharine (Pool) Spriggs, natives of Pa., who emigrated to this State in 1867, and settled in Wayne Co. Was first educated for the law in Woodford, O., where he graduated and became pastor of a Christian Church in Minn. In 1878 he took charge of the Mission Church at Pekin, and in Feb. of the following year came to this' city, where he has filled the pulpit of the Christian Church. V. Winnie, Flora, Lotta and Ednor are their living children.
William Stormer, firm of Stormer Bros., south side of the square ; born in Frankenburgh, Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1845. Emi- grated with his parent to America, in 1856, and settled northeast of this city on a farm, where he resided until 1874, when he formed a partnership under the firm name of H. W. & W. Stormer. In 1875 his brother John purchased the interest of H. W., where they have since conducted a thrifty business. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Amelia Bontz; she was born in Peoria county in 1853. They have one child, Conrad B. John, senior member of the firm, was born in Hittenrod, Germany, in 1839. He married Catherine Keil in the spring of 1868; she was born in Holland's Grove, now Washington city, in 1847. They have four children -Charles, Julia, Clara, and Mamy. Are members of the German Lutheran Church.
Peter Strubler, Jr., farmer, sec. 30; post-office, Washington ; born in France, in 1827, and emigrated to this country in 1835, with his mother, and settled in Butler county, Ohio, where he resided until 1845, when he moved to McLean county, and to this county in 1867, and settled north of Washington. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Barbara Switzer, a native of France, where she was born in 1830. Joseph, Christian, Peter, Jr., and Valentine are their living children ; lost two-John, and Mary. Moved on his pres- ent estate in 1871, consisting of 320 acres, valued at $60 per acre.
Peter E. Stuckey, farmer, see. 19; post-office, Washington ; born in Butler county, Ohio, May 31, 1844; came to this county in 1865, and in 1866 was married to Miss Catherine Engle, who was born in Woodford county, Ill., in 1842. Mr. S. was called to fill the pulpit of the Omish Church, soon after settling on his present estate, in 1871, where he has since been occupied. Has a farm of 80 acres, valued at $50 per acre. John E., Wm. A., Joseph H., Charles J., Barbara E., Elvina J., and Theodore T. are their living children.
Edmund Sullivan, farmer, sec. 27; post-office, Washington ; born in Ireland in 1837. He married Johanna McCarty in 1856; she was born in Massachusetts in 1839. Mr. S. emigrated to America in 1857, and was engaged in a grocery in New York State for some
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months, when he came to the West and settled in Peoria, where he lived nine years, when he moved to this county and settled on his present estate, consisting of 240 acres, valued at $60 per acre. This home he has accumulated by his own labors and toil, and is a pros- perous, active farmer. John T., Daniel, Ellen, Edmund, Jr., and Michael, are their living children.
Adam M. Switzer, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Washington; born in Hampshire county, Va., in 1810. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Kline) Switzer, natives of Germany. They emigrated to Hennepin, Putnam Co., this State, in 1834, where he remained a short time, and settled in this village the same year, where he engaged at his trade, tailoring, a few years, when he purchased his present estate, consisting of 100 acres, valued at $100 per acre. In Nov., 1835, he married Harriet A. Heath, who was born in Mus- kingum county, O., Aug. 14, 1818. Arabella H., widow of John L. Webster, who died in Carlisle, Ark., in 1877, is their only living child ; she has one son, Abel M. Webster, of the firm of Voorhees & Webster, of this city. Family are members of Methodist Church.
William P. Thompson, farmer, sce. 23; P. O., Washington ; born in Washington county, Pa., in 1816. His parents died when young, and when four years of age, he was taken to the home of Eliza Maxon, in Fayette county, with whom he lived many years. At the age of sixteen years he went to Clinton county, Ohio, where, in 1841, he was married to Miss Mary H. Kizer, a native of Va., where she was born in 1821. Came to this county in 1850, and set- tled one mile east of the city, where he lived 24 years, when he moved on his present estate of 20 acres, valued at $250 per acre. Also owns the homestead of 200 acres. Elizabeth J., Eliza M., Celia A., Lucinda E., Louisa, Ella, tnd Alice, are their living chil- dren, lost three- Emma, George O., and one died in infancy.
George F. Tobias, furniture dealer and manufacturer, of the firm of Tobias & Co., south side Commercial square; born in Pickaway Co., O., in 1854. Parents were Elijah and Sarah (Moyer) Tobias, natives of Pa., where they died at an carly day, Emigrated to this county in 1870 and settled in this city, where he engaged at his trade of wagon manufacturing. In 1875 was married to Miss Sophia Benford, who was born in Somerset, Pa., in 1354. Formed the present co-partnership in 1876, where he has since continued in a successful business. Leroy is their only living child. Member of the Lutheran Church.
Benjamin Tobias, Jr., carriage and wagon manufacturer, Walnut and Holland sts .; born in Burks Co., Pa., in 1829. Parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Roth) Tobias, natives of that State, where he married Elizabeth J. Anderson in 1850. She was born in Pick- away Co., O., in 1831. Came to this county in 1855, and settled in this city, when he commenced the manufacture of plows, which he conducted for several years, when he became engaged in wagon manufacturing, building his present premises in 1862, and a black-
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smith shop connected in 1874, where he has since been extensively engaged. Has two extensive farms near Gilman, conducted by his sons, valued at $40 per acre. Was Justice of the Peace twelve years, Supervisor a short time, and elected Mayor of this eity, April 15, 1879. Denny, Willis, and Sanford are their living children ; lost five- Alice, Flora, Charles A., Harley and Florence.
James Trimble, retired farmer. residence and P. O., Washington ; born in Highland Co., O., in 1820. His parents were Thomas and Margaret (Kelley) Trimble. Came to this county in 1834, and set- tled near this eity, where his father died in 1856. In 1839 or '40, came to this cify and engaged at his trade, wagon-making. In 1849 he married Mary B. Merris ; she was born in Cecil Co., Md., in 1820, and died in 1871. Of their several children two are liv- ing-Chas. E. and James H.
John Watson, Jr., proprietor Tazewell Co. Mills; born in Mont- gomery Co., Ill., in 1836. His parents were John and Eliza (Kelly) Watson, the former a native of Conn., and mother a native of Ireland. His parents emigrated to this State in 1836 and settled in Hillsburough, Montgomery Co., where he engaged in milling eighteen years, when he built a mill and erected the Pilot Knob Iron Works at Pilot Knob, Mo., where he resided five years when he moved to St. Louis, and after a few years residence there he returned to Hillsborough, when he sold his milling interest and lived one year at Litchfield, same county, thence to Morrissonville, where he leased a mill under the firm of Frederick & Watson, and continued until 1878, when the subject of this sketch came to this city and leased the mill where he is now conducting a successful trade. Was married, in 1865, to Mary Barefoot, who died the fol- lowing year. His present wife, Ella R. Hayes, was born in Pike Co., Ill., in 1856. They were married in 1874, and have two children, Fannie M., born May 3, 1875, and Mary H., Oct. 17, 1878.
George C. Wagner, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Washington ; born in Germany in 1838; emigrated to this country with his parents in 1847, and settled in Woodford county, where his parents dicd. Married Catherine Belchy, in 1861, a native of Woodford county, and has five children - Lane, John, Barbara, Samuel, and Susie, lost three - Bena, Joseph, and Emma. Came to this county in 1872, and settled on his present estate of 154 acres, valued at $70 per acre, where he has since made his home. Are members of the Omish Church.
Harriet Waughop, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Washington ; widow of James Waughop, a native of Portsmouth, Va. She was born in Bedford county, Va., in 1814, and is a daughter of Abraham and Nancy Huddleston, early pioneers of this county, who settled iu this township at an early day. Mr. Waughop came to this county in 1830, and settled in this township, where he lived until his death in 1868. Was one of the early pioneers and was well known throughout the county. They were married in 1836, and of their
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several children two are living-Martin and Joseph. Settled on the present estate of 65 acres in 1857.
John Weeks, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Washington ; born in Wor- cester Co., Mass., in 1834; married Easter Holland, daughter of William Holland, Sr., a native of this township. Came to this Co. in 1860 and settled in Washington, where he resided with his father- in-law until his death, he then removed to the east side of the township, where he lived until 1877, when he settled on his present estate of 84 acres, valued at $70 per acre. Eliza J. and William A. are their living children.
W'm. H. Weirick, M. D., Physician, north side Commercial Square ; born in Union Co., Pa., in 1841. At the age of 21 he enlisted in 131st Regt. Pa. nine month's men, participating in the battle of Fredericksburgh. Returning, re-enlisted, in 1863, in State militia, serving six weeks, when he returned home, and in the spring of 1864 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Blair, of Louisborg, and in the fall of same year entered Lombard Univer- sity of Pa., and the following spring entered the service in the 213th Regt., as Surgeon, serving until the close of the war. Returning, continued the course of lectures until the spring of 1866, when he commenced practice at Montrose, Henry Co., Mo., remaining until 1875, when he came to Peoria, and after a short stay there returned to Montrose, where he remained until Feb., 1876, when he came to this city, where he followed his occupation for one year, when he engaged with Drs. Wood and Wilson as assistant, where he remained until the death of Dr. Wilson, on Feb. 17, 1879, at which time he opened his present place, where he has successful practice. He married, in 1869, Harriet N. Wilson, who was born in Union Co., Pa., in 1843. Agnes B., Margaret A. and Ralph W. are the living children.
Jacob L. Wilson, firm of Wilson & Shormaker, livery stable, south side of Commercial Square; born in Wayne county, Ind., in 1817, and is the eldest son of Jacob Wilson, and grandson of Isaac Wil- son, who owned a large farm on the present site of Indianapolis, Ind., where he died at an early day. In the fall of 1823 his father started from Wayne county, and after a hard journey, landed on the flats in Fond du Lac township, in February, 1824, where he made his claim of 320 acres of land on see. 14, where he resided until 1828 or 1829, when he sold his claim and went to the lead mines at Galena, and after one year returned and purchased the homestead claim, where he lived until his death in September, 1869, and was one of the oldest residents of the town and county. He was com- missioned by the Governor to act as Justice of the Peace for several years ; also County Deputy, which office he held at the time of his death. The subject of this sketch was married, at Indianapolis, Ind., March 25, 1841, to Miss Martha Evins, a native of Lexing- ton, Ky., where she was born in 1824. Mr. W. moved to Wash- ington, Ill., in 1874, and opened his present business, where he has
E. f. Hoved MR.
WASHINGTON.
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been successfully engaged. Was elected Justice of the Peace in 1864, to fill vacancy of C. J. Gibson ; re-elected in 1866, and re- signed, and again elected in the spring of 1879. Mr. W. is the second oldest living settler of Fond du Lac township, and has ex- perienced all the privations of pioneer life. To Unele Jacob, as he is familiarly know, the writer is largely indebted for many valuable items, and the interest and assistance which it was his pleasure to bestow. May his memory through life keep fresh and green as now, and his shadow never grow less. Mary J., Sarah F., Laura C., and Hattie E. are their living children. Family are members of the Methodist Church.
R. B. M. Wilson, M.D., deceased. The subject of this sketch was born on Island Magee, County of Antrim, Ireland, March 19, 1827. Was the eldest child of Alex. C. Wilson, and grandson of Rev. John Murphy, who was for fifty-three years pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Island Magee, the church with which the Doctor's family was connected. He pursued the study of medicine and surgery at the Royal College in Belfast, Ireland, also at the Glasgow University, and the Andersonian University in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. He took his degree in the latter University, in March, 1847, at the close of the 20th year of his age. In the fol- lowing month he emigrated to the United States, and first settled in Metamora, the county seat of Woodford county, in this State. He was married, June 1, 1854, to Miss Jane F. Anthony, daughter of the late Charles S. N. Anthony, of this place. In the fall of 1848 he removed to this place and commenced the practice of medicine, forming a co-partnership, in the same year, with the late Dr. G. P. Wood. Being worn by the labors of a large practice, and desiring a period of rest, he accepted the nomination, and was elected by the people in 1858, to serve as their Representative in the Legislature of this State. He was also chosen a member of the convention which met, in 1862, to frame a new constitution for the State. At the expiration of his term of service, he returned to the practice of his profession. By success in his labors, he accumulated a large landed property, which he improved and managed with executive ability. In 1877 he formed a co-partnership, in the practice of medicine, with Dr. E. F. Wood, the son and successor of his former partner, and entered with new energy upon the labors of the phy- sician .. His professional reputation extended far beyond this imme- diate vicinity. His services were in demand throughout this section of the country, and almost every incoming train brought patients to receive the benefits of his skill. He had, for some time, been troubled with chronic bronchitis, which was at last rendered acute by exhaustion, over-exertion, and exposure caused by these large demands upon his strength, causing his death, which occurred Feb. 17, 1879. His wife and their only children, two sons, survive to mourn his death. His portrait may be found in this volume.
E. F. Wood, M.D., residence, North Main street ; born in Wind-
42
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
sor Co., Vt., in 1829, and son of the late Dr. G. P. Wood, a native of Windsor Co., Vt., where he was born in 1800. At the age of eighteen years he commenced his studies at Castleton, Vt., when he moved to this eity and became a student with Dr. Dundee, a pioneer physician of this county, with whom he was associated several years, afterwards forming a business relation with Dr. Rogers, and in 1848 formed a partnership with the late Dr. R. B. M. Wilson, which was continued until 1856, when he made a professional connection with his son, and followed a successful practice until 1864, when he re- tired from public practice, attending only to private cases where his services were deemed a necessity. His death occurred in this city in Nov., 1872. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait ap- pears in this work, commenced studying with his father, with whom he remained until 1849, when he entered the State University, at St. Louis, through the sessions of '49, '50, and '51, in which year he was graduated, and returned to this city, forming a partnership with Benjamin Harris, of Groveland, and for one year followed his professional calling at Morton, Ill., when he returned to Washing- ton, and entered upon an extended practice in connection with his father, and in Feb., 1877, a partnership was formed with the late Dr. R. B. M. Wilson. From this relation sprang the deepest feel- ings of friendship and brotherly love. Having a large field of practice it was often the cause of remark, that so much could be accomplished only by the united feelings of the heart. He was married, June 22, 1852, to Miss Lydia A. Lindley, daughter of John Lindley, an early pioneer of this city. She died in this city March 17, 1879, leaving four children - Maria E., Julia E., Laura L., and Charles E. Dr. W. is the oldest resident physician of this township, and possesses the affable and gentlemanly qualities that endear him to a large circle of friends, to whom his life, for a score of years, has been devoted.
William B. Yale, retired farmer; res. Peoria st; born in Wash- ington county, N. Y., in 1820. His parents were Nira and Anna (Chase) Yale, natives of Mass. Emigrated to this county in 1836 and settled four miles south of this city. Was engaged at his trade, blacksmithing, several years, and in the spring of 1840 moved two miles north of the city and engaged in farming. Was married in 1854, to Miss Margaret Bell, a native of Nelson county, Ky., who died in 1875, when he moved to his present residence, which he has since made his home. Mr. Yale was selected as the people's choice as a representative of the city fathers April 15, 1879. He numbers among those of the early county pilgrims, and is a social, genial gentleman.
Israel Zinser, druggist, Main street, Washington ; born in Picka- way Co., O., in 1844. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Lin- ter) Zinser, natives of Germany and Pa. The family came to this county in 1851, and settled near Washington. Subsequently re- moved to Henry Co, in 1868, they moved to ElPaso, where
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his father died in 1870. The subject of this sketch enlisted, in Feb., 1865, in the 105th I. V. I., Co. K; was sent to Nashville and Murfreesboro, where he was mustered out in Sept. and returned home, and after one term at school engaged in the grocery business one year, when he went to Plainfield, returning to Washington in 1868, where he married Miss Martha Tobias, and formed a partner- ship with Solomon Sonnenstein in the drug business, which was con- tinued until 1871, when he sold out and returned to Plainfield, where he engaged in the same business until 1873, at which time he returned to this city, forming a partnership business which was con- tinued until 1876, when he purchased the whole interest of the con- cern, where he has since carried on a successful trade. Mr. Z. is one of the growing young merchants of the city, is popular with all classes, and a social, genial gentleman. Elmer F., Harley A. and Royal are their living children.
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