USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 10
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At Wichita, Kansas, on December 20, 1884, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Lucretia Snodgrass, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Snodgrass, and to this union three children have been born: Blanch, now the wife of H. P. Allen, of the Allen- Wookey Land Company; Clarence, at home; and Muriel, who is attending school.
Mr. Morgan is a member of the Masonic order and is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been a member of the latter organi- zation for about twenty-five years. The important position which Mr. Morgan occupies in the company with which he is now connected has fallen into good hands and by tact and the experience which he has gained he is enabled to dis- charge the duties devolving upon him with distinction to himself and satisfaction to his business associates. He has become well known in real estate circles in the city of his adoption, where his opinions and judgment are given the most respectful consideration. Aside from his business duties he takes time to culti- vate the social side of life and in his fraternal connections he is a popular and valued member of the organizations to which he belongs.
GEORGE W. MICHELL, M. D.
Dr. George W. Michell is a specialist in the treatment of mental and nervous diseases and is proprietor of a sanitarium located at No. 106 North Glen Oak avenue. He has done important work and has not only followed the most ad- vanced methods as promulgated by others but has also evolved plans of practice which have proven eminently effective in bringing about a return of normal con- ditions. He has been located in Peoria since 1904, coming to this city two years after his graduation from Rush Medical College in Chicago. That period was spent in private and hospital practice in Wisconsin and Minnesota, after which he came to this city, with whose professional interests he has since been identified.
Dr. Michell is a native of Gridley, McLean county, Illinois. He was born May 18, 1876, of the marriage of James M. and Cynthia Ann (Stokes) Michell. The father erected the first house at Gridley, to which place he removed from Boston, Massachusetts. He was born in Queens county, Ireland, and spent the first seventeen years of his life in that country, after which he bad adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America. He served as postmaster at Gridley for a quarter of a century and also engaged in general merchandising there through an extended period, figuring to the time of his death as one of the prominent and influential residents of that place. He was called to his final rest in 1891.
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Dr. Michell was reared in Gridley and attended the public schools, passing through grade after grade until he had completed the high school course with the class of 1897. His interest in the medical profession determined him to enter upon practice as a life work and with that end in view he became a student in Rush Medical College at Chicago, in which he completed his course in 1902. For a time he was located in professional work at Dewey Sanitarium at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 1903 went from there to the Lenont Mining and Railroad Hos- pital at Virginia, Minnesota, and the following year became identified with the State Hospital for the Insane at Bartonville, this county, serving as chief of its medical staff from 1904 until 1910. He entered upon active practice in Peoria in the former year and during the entire period of his residence here has con- centrated his energies and efforts upon the treatment of mental and nervous diseases. The profession has made rapid strides in this branch of practice and Dr. Michell has kept in close touch with the work. He believes in studying each individual case, learning what produces injurious and beneficial effects, and then safeguarding the patient from the former, brings to bear all that can promote the latter. In establishing and conducting his sanitarium at No. 106 North Glen Oak avenue, he is doing a most excellent work and in that institution have been ef- fected many cures.
In December, 1910, Dr. Michell was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Mc- Kee, of Aledo, Illinois. They have an attractive home in Peoria, and like her husband, Mrs. Michell is rapidly winning friends here. Dr. Michell is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity and his professional connections are with the Peoria City Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medi- cal Association. Those who know him recognize his sterling worth as a man and citizen as well as a physician. He bases his labors upon the broadest scien- tific principles and holds to the highest standards in all of his professional duties.
MICHAEL MCALEENAN.
Success may awaken admiration but kindness and geniality win the still warmer and higher tribute of friendship. Michael McAleenan possessed these qualities in large degree and at the same time had determination and energy, which enabled him to advance steadily in the business world until the prosperous owner of the Vulcan Iron Works bore little resemblance to the almost penniless young man who came from Ireland to America in 1854. He was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1831. a son of Patrick and Sarah McAleenan. He attended the schools of his native country and there learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1854, however, he bade adieu to the Emerald isle and sailed for the United States, having heard favorable reports concerning the opportunities of the new world. He settled at Peoria and secured a position at the head of the blacksmithing de- partment of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. Later he entered the employ of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad Company in the same capacity but was not content with that business connection, as he wished to become interested in an enterprise of his own. In 1867, therefore, he became a partner in the foundry firm of Nicol, Burr & Company, with which he was as- sociated for ten years. On the expiration of that period he entered into partner- ship with Joseph Cody in the boiler making business and afterward he bought out his partner, conducting his plant as the Vulcan Iron Works. In this business he continued with gratifying success to the time of his death and for fifty years he was a notable figure on the commercial and industrial stage in Peoria. His was the industry that seemed never to tire, the enterprise that knew no bounds and the determination that never recognized fatigue. He worked on persistently day after day, his interests broadening in their scope, and year after year chron-
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icled the fact that he was far in advance of the position to which he had attained the previous year.
On the 22d of April, 1861, in Peoria, Mr. McAleenan was married to Miss Jane Smith, a daughter of Bernard and Mary (Conlan) Smith, who were natives of Ireland and in 1845 arrived in Peoria, which was then a comparatively small town of little commercial and industrial importance. Her father engaged in the transfer business here and was well known at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. McAleenan became the parents of six children : William J., who is married and has two sons, Howard and Fred; Margaret A .; Eugene; Charles; George R., who is married and has three children, Eugene, Jane and Edward; and Walter S. Mr. McAleenan was a member of the Builders' Exchange, gave his political al- legiance to the democratic party and his religious support to St. Patrick's church. He was liberal to a fault and as he prospered contributed generously of his means to the support of the church and to the aid of many charitable projects and in- stitutions. As a citizen he was public spirited, seeking ever the welfare and im- provement of city and county. He justly earned the proud American title of a self-made man, for he never heedlessly passed by any opportunity. He won his success at the cost of earnest, self-denying labor, but in the end found that the prize was worth the effort. He was accounted one of Peoria's most prosperous and prominent citizens and merited as well the high reputation which he won for character and ability.
The Peoria Daily Transcript in its editorial columns on September 12, 1890, said: "The sympathy of The Transcript is extended to the family of the late Mich- ael McAleenan. Peoria has lost a good citizen ; the family a husband and father, who leaves the legacy of a good name. The writer has known him well, and sor- rows with those who have a better right. Mr. McAleenan's career furnishes an example to American youth. He was literally a self-made man. He started in life with nothing but a good trade, but by hard work and perseverance had become proprietor of the iron works in this city. His habits of industry clung to him after he had built up his business, and he personally superintended even the minor details. He was a man who knew not what it was to be discouraged. In hard times, he only worked the harder. When his plant was destroyed by fire, he said nothing, but quietly went to work again, building larger and better. Such men as Mr. McAleenan are good men for any city or county. They are splendid specimens of the kind of men America turns out from her work-shops. They are an example to the young of what hard work can accomplish. Mr. Mc- Aleenan was somewhat abrupt and brusque in his manner, but a kinder heart never dwelt in human bosom. No one who was deserving ever asked a favor of him and was refused. For a positive man he leaves very few enemies, while his friends-warm friends who looked beneath the surface, are numbered by the hundred."
JOSEPH A. MERCER.
Joseph A. Mercer lived a life that in its good influences can be measured not by time but by eternity. If success is reckoned by worldly gains he was not a successful man for no fortune crowned his efforts. Some one has said: "Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes through us is the measure of our success," and judged by this standard Joseph A. Mercer was a highly successful man. He ever held with Kant that: "The object of education is to train each individual to reach the highest perfection possible for him," and it was this spirit which actuated him in all of his career as a teacher. The memory of such a man can never die while living monuments remain upon which were imprinted the touch of his noble soul.
PROF. JOSEPH A. MERCER
THE LEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATION&.
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Professor Mercer was born in Princeton, Illinois, November 12, 1844, and after mastering the elementary branches of learning in the public schools of his native town he entered Dover Academy, six miles north of that place. He came of sturdy Scotch descent and was surrounded in his youth by some of Illinois' most renowned citizens, notably Owen Lovejoy and the Bryants. Reared amid such an environment it was but natural that the growing boy should be- come a strong lover of the right and an opponent of all that savored of evil or oppression. He was ambitious to acquire a college education and was qual- ified to enter college at the age of sixteen but limited financial resources made this step impossible. He then began teaching in the district schools, following the profession for two years, during which period he carefully saved his wages and thus opened the way for further study. Matriculating in the University of Michigan, he remained at Ann Arbor until his funds were exhausted and he was again compelled to resort to teaching to replenish his depleted exchequer. Two years later he was again able to enter the university and this time he took with him to Ann Arbor his bride, Elizabeth ( Kinsman ) Mercer, a "woman of marked sweetness of character and purity of life," whose personality must surely have contributed largely to his successful career. Two more years at Ann Arbor completed his course, at the end of which time he accepted the position of principal of schools at Sheffield, Illinois, thereby returning to his native county. For fifteen years he occupied that position and in 1882 was elected principal of the Lincoln school in Peoria. For twenty-seven years he continued as its head, resigning because of ill health in March, 1909. During that period he declined more remunerative positions, including the chair of Latin in the State University, preferring rather to remain where his home and friends were than to earn a higher salary in a strange environment. It would have meant much for him to have broken home ties for he loved his city and fellowmen to an unusual degree and they came to admire and love him as few men are loved. His ability and his upright life ever compelled the admiration of a con- stantly growing acquaintanceship. Men of affairs often deferred to his judg- ment, recognizing its soundness, for his opinions had their bases in wide infor- mation and in the habit of looking at things judicially. He did not have to ponder long over any situation to form an opinion because there was a reserve store of knowledge that had usually already acquainted him with the principles that were involved in a specific situation. His earnestness of speech carried conviction to his hearers and from early manhood he was accorded a position of leadership. One writing of him in this connection said: "Joseph Mercer was always a leader. At the university, president of his class and one of seven chosen from one hundred to speak on Commencement Day: on the athletic field, at the head of his baseball team as catcher ; in Sunday school, a successful teacher of the most advanced class for many years; in the leading Congregational church of his city, a deacon for life, in recognition of his character and worth ; in prayer meeting, an occupant of the front seat, most eloquent in speech and fervent in petition; in professional gatherings, an active, earnest worker and the recipient of numerous offices of trust and honor."
No matter how strenuous were his duties nor how important the work that en- gaged his attention. Professor Mercer always felt that his chief interest was his home and family. The relation that there existed was largely an ideal one. Unto him and his wife were born two daughters: Clara; who is the widow of Fred- erick .R. Avery, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work; and Mrs. Edith Rosbrook. Disease fastened itself upon Professor Mercer and though unable for several months to give more than a part of the day to his school work, the board of education and the public in general were loath to lose his services, preferring him as principal to anyone else. In the Lincoln school, of which he had charge for twenty-seven years, he had the high respect and warm regard of teachers and pupils alike. The boys and girls felt that they had his Vol. II-7
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sympathy and that his interest in them was unfailing. His life and work were ever an inspiration to fellow members of his profession. For many years he served as treasurer of the Central Illinois Teachers' Association and at one time acted as its president. For several terms he was a director of the State Pupils' Reading Circle. In 1903 he was vice president of the Illinois State Teachers' Association and in 1906 was its president. When the time for the convening of the meeting came ill health prevented his attendance. One of his friends said: "It was my privilege to be with him on the day the message of regret and sympathy came from the State Association, then in session at Spring- field, and I am sure it comforted and cheered him greatly to know his friends had given him a passing thought of kindness and love." It is not from the few conspicuous duties of life that the blessings chiefly come which make the world better, sweeter, happier; but from the countless little ministries of the everydays ; the little faithfulnesses that fill long years. So it was with the life of Professor Mercer, who day after day in the performance of the duties of his profession sought to inspire and encourage others and to make the young realize what life is with its meaning and its opportunities. His career was indeed an inspiration to many and his work yet bears fruit in the lives of those who came under his influence.
WILLIAM M. COOLEY, M. D.
Dr. William M. Cooley is one of the most prominent among the younger physicians of Peoria. While he has practiced here only since 1905, or for a period of about seven years, he has demonstrated his ability to cope with the in- tricate and complex problems which confront the physician and his professional labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success when viewed from the health and the financial standpoints. Dr. Cooley is a native of Toulon, Stark county, Illinois, born March 2, 1879. His parents were Jonathan B. and Lucy (Parrish) Cooley, the former a shoe dealer who is now deceased, having passed away in 1892. He had for a number of years survived his wife, who died in 1884.
In his native city William M. Cooley was reared and he supplemented his public-school education by a course of study in Toulon Academy. He then started out to make his own way in the world, securing a position in a hardware store, in which he remained for a year. Desirous, however, of entering the medical profession, he then matriculated in Northwestern Medical College, of Chicago, in which he pursued a four years' course, being graduated there- from with the class of 1903. During his residence in that city he was interne at Michael Reese Hospital for two years and in his broad hospital experience and practice gained wide knowledge and skill which have proven of immense benefit to him in the conduct of his private practice in Peoria. On coming to this city in 1905 he opened an office at 426 Main street and is now pleasantly located in the Jefferson building, in the conduct of a general practice.
Dr. Cooley's home relations are attractive and pleasant. He was married in February, 1906, to Miss Ella V. Engstrom, of this city, and they now have two children, Elizabeth and William. Dr. Cooley and his wife have many friends here and the hospitality of a large number of the best homes is extended them.
The Doctor is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine and has many friends among the brethren of this order. He possesses a social, genial nature, which endears him to those with whom he comes in con- tact but he never allows social or outside interests to interfere with the faithful performance of his professional duties. He is now serving on the staff of the Deaconess Hospital and he belongs to the Peoria City Medical Society, the Illi-
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nois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He served for three years on the board'of censors of the first named and was chairman of the board in 1910. He believes in holding high the standards of the profession, realizing fully how great are the obligations and responsibilities that devolve upon the medical practitioner.
ROLAND L. MAHER.
Roland L. Maher, president of The Peoria Engraving Company, has been identified with the business interests of Peoria for the past twelve years. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on the 18th of January, 1871, and is a son of Patrick and Ellen Maher, both of whom are now deceased. The father was for many years a meat inspector in Louisville, and there he and the mother passed away and were laid to rest in a Catholic cemetery.
The education of Roland L. Maher was acquired in the public schools of Louisville, which he attended until he was fourteen years of age. He then laid aside his text-books and became a wage earner, his first position being that of a messenger boy with the Western Union Telegraph Company. Two years later he withdrew from this and became an apprentice in an engraving establishment. After completing his period of service he followed this occupation at various places until 1900, and in January of that year he came to Peoria to become iden- tified with The S. F. Hallock Company. Ile was a most capable and efficient workman and was subsequently made a partner in the business, and later when the company was incorporated under the name of The Peoria Engraving Com- pany, Mr. Maher was made president. In this capacity he has manifested more than average executive ability and powers of organization, and under his capa- ble supervision and direction the company has developed in a most gratifying manner and is now one of the thriving and highly prosperous enterprises of the city. Employment is given to a large corps of skilled workmen and their receipts show a marked increase from year to year, which must largely be attributed to the intense diligence and systematic methods employed by Mr. Maher as chief executive of the company.
Mr. Maher resides at No. 310 North street, while his office is in the factory at No. 107 Main street, where the company have been located since the 2d of May, 1901. In matters of religious faith he is a Roman Catholic and in politics he is independent, giving his support to such men and measures as he deems best qualified to subserve the highest interests of the majority. Mr. Maher is highly regarded in local business circles, as he possesses the qualities that command the respect the commercial fraternity generally and in his transactions he con- ducts himself in a manner that entitles him to the esteem and confidence of those with whom he has dealings.
GEORGE W. PRINGLE.
George W. Pringle is the Peoria manager for the Inter-state Independent Telephone & Telegraph Company, formerly known as the Northwestern Tele- phone Company, with offices located at No. 125 South Jefferson street. His birth occurred at Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the Ioth of September, 1862, and he is a son of Thomas W. and Rose Pringle. The father, who has always been more or less actively identified with agricultural pursuits, is a veteran of the
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Civil war, having gone to the front as a private in the First Regiment of Illinois Light Artillery. He saw considerable active service, having participated in some of the notable conflicts of the war, and was incarcerated for a time in Libby prison. His health suffered from the hardships and privations incident to camp life and he was honorably discharged at the close of his period of enlistment with the rank of corporal.
The boyhood and early youth of George W. Pringle were passed on his father's farm in the cultivation of which he assisted until he was eighteen years of age. His education was acquired in the common schools of. Duck Creek, Brown county, Wisconsin, and after laying aside his text-books he entered the office of a local dentist, with the expectation of adopting this profession for his life vocation. He remained there for two years and was subsequently com- pelled to give up the work owing to the state of his health. For several years thereafter he was employed at Battle Creek, Michigan, going from there to Minneapolis, where he entered the service of the Northwestern Telephone Com- pany. His next removal was to Detroit, Michigan, to assume the duties of line foreman with the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He continued in their service for four years, and at the expiration of that time became line foreman with the Bell Telephone Company at Chicago. He subsequently was employed in the same capacity by the Chicago Telephone Company, after which he accepted the position he now holds. Mr. Pringle has proven very efficient and capable in his present position, discharging his duties in a manner highly satisfactory both to his employers and their patrons.
At Glencoe, Illinois, on the 15th of September, 1901, Mr. Pringle was united in marriage to Miss Lena Micholson, a daughter of John Micholson, a retired farmer of Allegan, Michigan. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pringle, Helen M., who is attending school. The family reside at No. 2161/2 Fourth avenue.
Mr. Pringle votes with the republican party, but he has never sought political preferment. He has been a resident of Peoria for eleven years and enjoys the regard of a large circle of acquaintances, many of whom are held in the more intimate bond of friendship.
WILLIAM R. ALLISON, M. D.
Dr. William R. Allison is a general practitioner of medicine of Peoria with office in the Observatory building. He has practiced here since 1892 and the years have chronicled his continuous progress. Indeed advancement has been the watchword of his life. He is largely a self-educated as well as a self-made man and has depended upon his own resources and ability for the attainment of success. He is a highly intellectual man, of quick perceptions and sharp dis- crimination, of great eloquence, and always speaking to the point. His being possessed of a thorough classical and medical education in combination with his innate talents, explains also why he is a very successful practitioner. He loves science for science's sake : is a hard student; and is enthusiastic in his efforts to cultivate and elevate the standard of the medical profession. He is also a public-spirited man, and has, by word and deed, done much for the benefit of our city. He is a gentleman of fixed principles-a man in the full sense of the word.
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