USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 28
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It was here on the 4th of October, 1877, that Mr. Avery was united in mar- riage to Miss Minnie Evalena Bartholomew, who was born at Elmwood, Illinois, February 25. 1856. and is a daughter of Luzerne and Sarah Elvira (Payne) Bartholomew. They became the parents of five children: Elvira Princess, born September 25, 1878; George Luzerne. September 12, 1879: Grace Ophelia, Octo-
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ber 8, 1883; Harriette, June 20, 1886; and Cyrus Minor, May 29, 1899. The first two were born in Galesburg, the last three in Peoria. George Luzerne Avery is still connected with the Avery Company as its secretary. The enter- prise is now a business of mammoth proportions and includes the manufacture of agricultural implements, farm wagons, engines, threshers, engine gang plows, gas tractors and city and farm trucks. While the factory and main office are at Peoria, branch houses are maintained at Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa ; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota; Billings, Montana; Kansas City, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana ; St. Louis, Missouri; Grand Forks, North Dakota ; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Aberdeen, South Dakota.
The family circle was broken by death, when on the 15th of September, 1905, in Galesburg, Cyrus M. Avery passed away. His life record has been a credit and honor to the city which had ever honored and respected him. His business career was notable by reason of its successful achievement and the extent of the concern which was developed through the enterprise and under the able direction of himself and brother. He seemed to possess a faculty for devising and executing the right thing at the right time and this was joined to every day common sense. He seemed easily to discriminate between the essential and the non-essential, to see the possibility for the coordination of forces and to use each opportunity to the best advantage. Method and system were ever features of the business, together with the employment of skilled and expert workmen. In matters of judgment Mr. Avery was seldom if ever at fault and what he ac- complished represented the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which were his. As prosperity came to him he continually reached out a helping hand to those less fortunate and his benevolence was manifest in generous support of many worthy public projects and charities. Something of his position in the city of his birth is indicated in the fact that at his demise the year book of Knox College for 1907 bore the following inscription :
"To the memory of Cyrus Minor Avery,
honored alumnus, valued trustee, successful business man, up- right and influential citizen; whose singular nobility of character, loyal friendship and warm-hearted, open-handed generosity, his Alma Mater holds in grateful and loving esteem, This Book is Dedicated."
This pictured forth the feeling entertained for him not only in Galesburg and in Peoria but wherever he was known and no higher testimonial of his char- acter could be given than the fact that he was most honored where best known.
CHARLES D. CLARK.
Charles D. Clark has occupied a central place on the stage of business activ- ity in Peoria for a number of years. He is today widely known as the president of the Clark-Smith Hardware Company, the president of the Western Stoneware Company, as the vice president of the Clark Coal & Coke Company and vice president of the Horace Clark & Sons Company, dealers in grain, flour and feed. His identification with the hardware trade of this city dates from 1869 and his name is synonymous with the highest standards of commercial ethics. He was born upon a farm in Tazewell county, September 22, 1848, his parents being Horace and Mary E. (Kingsbury) Clark. Genealogical records of the two fam- ilies are transferring in the paternal line. Charles D. Clark is descended from a certain captain of the Revolutionary war. The Kingsbury and the Clark
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record shows a lieutenant-colonel of the War for Independence. The children of Charles D. Clark on their mother's side are also descendants of Captain David Blakely, of Connecticut.
Horace and Mary E. ( Kingsbury) Clark were farming people of Tazewell county, who, when their son was a youth of thirteen years left the old home- stead in Tazewell county and removed to the city of Peoria, so that his prelim- inary education, which was acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in the graded and high schools of this city. The training thus received well qualified him for the practical and responsible duties which have devolved upon him in later life and gradually his broadening experiences have developed his powers and energies until he stands among the most resourceful, capable and representative business men of central Illinois. He crossed the threshold of the business world as bookkeeper for the firm of Ely, Clarke & Company, with whom he remained for several months and then entered the hardware trade in 1869, as partner in the firm of Clark, Quien & Chalmers. On the incorpora- tion of the business in 1888 he entered the corporation under the style of Clark, Quien & Morse and was elected to the presidency of the company, which operated under that name until 1910, when a reorganization was affected under the style of Clark-Smith Hardware Company. In 1903 was erected their pres- ent large brick building on Commercial street, which is a four-story structure, one hundred and thirty-one by one hundred and fifty-five feet. There they carry an extensive line of hardware of every description, which they sell to the retail trade, employing 14 traveling salesmen and in connection they are en- gaged in the manufacturing of eave troughs and conductor pipes. The business in both branches has grown continuously, making theirs one of the leading mer- cantile and manufacturing establishments of the city. IIe has largely concen- trated his energies along this single line and undoubtedly one of the strong fac- tors of his success is the fact that he has continued in that department of busi- ness in which he embarked in early manhood. He has achieved success be- cause he has labored indefatigably and because his energy and perseverance have enabled him to meet competition and overcome all the difficulties and ob- stacles in his path. Mr. Clark has recently been elected president of the West- ern Stoneware Company, the largest business of its kind in the world, and will have the full management of this firm.
In 1875 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Emily Blakesley, of Peo- ria, a daughter of Joel and Amy Blakesley, and unto them have been born five children : Lucie B., wife of H. L. Parkhurst, of Brooklyn, New York; Marie V. and Richard F., who are living at home; and Horace and Charles, who have passed away. In 1910 Mr. Clark took his wife and children on a trip around the world, being passengers on the ship Cleveland, of the Hamburg-American line, which visited many ports and from these the party made their way to many points of interest in the interior of the countries. Mr. Clark wrote a series of most interesting articles concerning the trip to the Peoria Star. His letters dis- play high literary merit and at the same time indicate a most keen observation and retentive memory. He seems not only to have seen those things which are pointed out to the traveler, but also to have noted many little incidents and cus- toms which indicate something of the life of the people, their habits and trend of thought that does not usually appear in works of travel. From his letters it would appear that he forgets nothing that he has once seen, and he describes with equal clearness the great temples or the peculiar kinds of foods found in the markets of the Orient. the clothing of the people, or a distant mountain range with its lights, shadows and coloring. He was as interested in the mat weaving of Java as in the burials of India and he presents to the reader a vivid picture of each. Day by day brought something new and interesting. all of which he describes most graphically until the reader feels that he himself has looked upon the scene or witnessed the action told. It would be impossible in this connec-
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tion to quote at length from Mr. Clark's description of the lands visited, but something of his style of writing is gathered from the closing words of one of his letters which read: "The experiences of such a trip as this are manifold. No attempt has been made to enumerate the many little incidents that enlivened the trip and which will be cherished for years by those who participated. Yet no matter what sights were seen or what lands were visited, no sight could so thrill their hearts and cause the tears of joy to spring unbidden to their eyes as the sight of the dear old flag as it waved a glad welcome from the heights of Manila.
"Never will be forgotten the golden days and the balmy nights when the good ship went gliding smoothly over the tropic seas, where all around, for limitless miles, stretched the vast ocean with its mysteries. Deep below the waves lie life and death together: The coral builders at work and women in their last sleep; living fishes and wrecks of ships; lofty mountains, deep valleys and wide deserts ; sea mosses, shells and caverns ; petrified forests and the mouths of dead volcanoes. Every ideal, every real, every hope, every faith ; lessons of courage, heroism, sacrifice; these and a hundred other virtues and glories spring to the mind out of the everlasting fountains of the sea.
"'Oh, boundless sweep of restless deep, what secrets dost thou hold Locked safe within thy heart of hearts through ages manifold.'"
His powers of description and his ability in story telling, as well as other individual traits of character have made Mr. Clark a valued and well known member of the Creve Coeur and Country Clubs, with both of which he has been identified for some time. He is one of whom the word citizenship is no mere idle term. He has rendered full return for the privileges and opportunities that have been his and in compensation has given faithful and effective service in promoting public progress and advancing the general good in many lines. In whatever condition of life he has been found he has sought for all that is best in American manhood. He believes that every citizen should exercise the right of franchise and, moreover, that each should thoroughly inform himself concerning the political conditions and the significant problems of the age. His mature judgment has led him to support republican principles and while never an office seeker, he has served as chairman of the republican county central commitee. His fellow townsmen recognize his merit and ability and his business colleagues and contemporaries entertain the warmest admiration for his many good qualities.
GUY C. POWELL, M. D.
During the years of his residence in Peoria Dr. Guy C. Powell occupied a commanding position as a member of the medical profession, especially in the field of his specialty. He ever fully recognized the duties, obligations and respon- sibilities of his chosen life work and put forth persistent effort to make his labors valuable in checking the ravages of disease. He received the patronage of many of the best families of the city and in addition he won success in other business undertakings. He was born September 23, 1868, in Rockfield, Indiana, a son of Dr. J. W. Powell. Whether parental example, early environment or natural ten- dency had most to do with his choice of a life work it is impossible to determine. At all events, however, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, who about 1878 removed with his family from Rockfield to Peoria, Illinois. The boy had previously begun his education in the schools of his native city and here he continued his studies, attending the Greeley school. His professional training was received in the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1895. He then returned to Peoria and practiced as a specialist for ear, eye and
DR. GUY C. POWELL
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throat troubles and soon gained popularity and success, becoming well known as a representative and able member of the medical fraternity in this city. As he pros- pered he made investments in land in Texas and became the owner of large hold- ings there, which added materially to his income.
On the 17th of August, 1903, Dr. Powell was united in marriage to Miss Dean Weaver, a daughter of Abraham and Eudora ( Jewett) Weaver, both of whom were natives of Vermont and on removing westward became residents of Illinois. Dr. Powell held membership in the Episcopal church, which his widow also attends. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, for he believed that its principles contained the best elements of good government. He held membership with the Masonic fraternity and attained the Knight Templar degree. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Creve Coeur and Ivy Yacht Clubs, and was loyal to each. In fact, fidelity was one of his marked characteristics and was evidenced as strongly in his devotion to these fraternal organizations and to his church as to his profession. His ideals of life were high and he never lowered the standard which he set up at the outset of his career. Death came to him August 25, 1911, when he was scarcely forty-three years of age, yet within that period he had accomplished a work equal to that which crowns the lives of many men of twice his years.
HENRY SANDMEYER, JR.
Henry Sandmeyer, Jr., is manager of the Majestic Theater, the leading and highly exclusive show house of Peoria, presenting the best attractions known to the stage. In the control of this theater he displays keen business judgment and sagacity and substantial success has crowned his labors. He needs no in- troduction to the readers of this volume for he has been a lifelong resident of Peoria and is a representative of one of its oldest families, his father, Henry Sandmeyer, Sr., having located here at an early day. He was a well known business man in the period of Peoria's pioneer development and progress, be- coming well known as a manufacturer, banker and capitalist. He is today one of the venerable and honored residents of the city and is mentioned at length on another page of this work.
The son was born in Peoria, February 24, 1862, and at the usual age entered the public schools, therein mastering the common branches of learning. Start- ing out in the business world, he became an employe in his father's hardware store, then situated in the Hundred block, on South Adams street. There he remained and worked his way upward through the development of business capability until he finally became manager, retaining that position until the time the business was closed out, in 1905. He then devoted a year or more to the erection of the Majestic Theater and also to the building, in connection with his father, of the elegant Sandmeyer apartments, which is the largest and most exclusive apartment building of the city. Every modern convenience has been introduced, the interior finish and equipments are most attractive and the style of architecture thoroughly pleasing. On the completion of the Majestic Theater Mr. Sandmeyer assumed its management and has never deviated from the high standard which he set up in assuming control here. The most distinguished actors and actresses not only of this country but of England have here appeared and Mr. Sandmeyer has given to the city a list of attractions equal to those ap- pearing in the leading houses of Chicago. He is also a director of the Peoria Stone & Marble Works, of which his father is the president, and he is a stock- holder in the Merchants' National Bank, of which his father is the vice pres- ident. In many other of Peoria's prominent business concerns he is financially
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interested and is recognized as a man of sound judgment and keen discrimina- tion whose opinions constitute valuable and effective forces in the successful management of business concerns.
In 1887 Mr. Sandmeyer was united in marriage with Miss Emma C. Singer, a daughter of P. J. Singer, and theirs is one of the attractive and hospitable homes of the city. Mr. Sandmeyer is a very prominent Mason, and he was one of the original members and of Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Creve Coeur Club and is one of the fifteen life members of the Peoria Country Club. His friends are many in the city in which he has always lived, for his salient qualities have endeared him to those with whom he has come in contact. He enjoys the admiration and respect of his colleagues and contem- poraries, the good-will of acquaintances and the strong and enduring regard of those with whom he has been more intimately associated.
GEORGE A. ZELLER, M. D.
Dr. George A. Zeller, occupying the responsible position of superintendent of the Peoria State Hospital at South Bartonville, an institution caring for two thousand patients, entered upon this connection well equipped by thorough prelim- inary training and broad experience. Indeed, he is a man of national reputa- tion, whose investigations and researches have gained him world-wide prom- inence. Along many lines of professional activity he has manifested the spirit of the pioneer in that he has advanced beyond the majority of his fellows into new and untried fields, wherein he has gleaned many facts and truths of im- mense value in professional service.
Dr. Zeller was born at Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois, just across the river from and within sight of the city of Peoria, in 1858. His father, Dr. John G. Zeller, was one of the best known physicians of central Illinois and, stimulated by his example, the son entered upon preparation for the profession, which he has made his life work. His early education was acquired in the public schools of his native village, wherein he displayed special aptitude in his studies, entering the University of Illinois before he reached the age of fifteen years. He continued his studies in that institution from 1873 until the close of the school year in the spring of 1876. He had determined upon the practice of medicine as his life work and in the fall of the latter year he matriculated in the St. Louis Medical College, in which he pursued the regular three years' course and was graduated in 1879. He then entered upon active practice in con- nection with his father, Dr. John G. Zeller, at Spring Bay, Illinois, and their pro- fessional relation continued for ten years, or until 1889, when Dr. George A. Zeller after spending a year in European clinics removed to Peoria, where he continued in active practice until 1898. He was then appointed superintendent of the Peoria State Hospital, which important position he has since filled save for the period of his service in the Philippines. In November, 1899, he en- tered the volunteer medical service of the United States army and on the 21st of March, 1901, he was promoted captain and assistant surgeon of volunteers while in the field, and remained in the government service until November, 1902, spending the entire time in the Philippines. He then returned to Peoria and was reappointed superintendent of the Peoria State Hospital. The buildings of this institution were in process of erection while he was in the military service of the country and he was excused from his duties as superintendent to go to the front. Today the Peoria State Hospital is one of the best equipped and most thoroughly appointed institutions of this character in the country, and its methods of caring for the two thousand unfortunate people who are thus wards of the state there embody the most advanced and scientific principles and re-
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ceive the indorsement of all those qualified to speak intelligently upon the sub- ject. Dr. Zeller holds to the highest standards in his care of the patients and the plans utilized in an attempt to effect cures. He has long made a close and thorough study of mental and nervous diseases and of the various causes which produce mental aberration. lle was one of the most prominent in bringing to the scientific world a knowledge of the disease now known as pellagra and is the general secretary of the National Association for the Study of Pellagra. He also belongs to the Peoria City Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the National Association of Military Surgeons.
In 1889 Dr. Zeller was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Kline, of llenry, Illinois. He has not allowed his interest in public affairs to lag and has been many times chairman of the Peoria county and city republican central commit- tees, maintaining a leadership that had the united support of the party and achieved an unbroken line of victories. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and socially with the Creve Coeur Club and Country Club. As a scientist his contributions to the world's work have been most valuable and the advanced methods which he has introduced into the Peoria State Hospital place him with the foremost representatives of the profession in America. His brother. Rev. Julius C. Zeller, is president of the University of Puget Sound, of Tacoma. Washington.
JOHN MICHAEL NIEHAUS.
John M. Niehaus, master in chancery at Peoria, to which office he was ap- pointed by the circuit court in November, 1898, exemplifies in his life many of the sterling characteristics of his German ancestry, and his record is another proof of the fact that Peoria is largely indebted to its German citizenship for its progress and development. He was born at Warendorf, Germany, February 15, 1855, and came to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Nie- haus, who first made their home in Pittsburg for about one year and then re- moved to Peoria where the father engaged in mercantile business, becoming one of the early and representative merchants of this city. In his native country he had engaged in the hardware business.
John M. Niehaus was an infant at the time of the migration to the new world and was about two years of age when brought to Peoria where, later he pursued his education in German private schools and received special instruc- tions in Latin and the classics. He also attended a local business college from which he was graduated in 1871. He then took up the study of law under the preceptorship of the firm of O'Brien & Harman, well known Peoria attorneys. who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1874. He did not begin active practice, however, until 1877. As a representative of the legal fraternity he made continuous progress and the public recognition of his ability won to him a large clientage. He was also a student of the political issues, questions and conditions and in 1880 was elected on the democratic ticket to the state legislature in which he served for one term. In 1883 he was chosen state's attorney of Peoria county to fill out an unexpired term and was elected to the office in 1884 and again in 1888, serving until 1892, or for nine consecutive years in that position during which time he carefully safeguarded the legal interests of the county, conducted much important litigation and won many favorable ver- dicts. He again became one of the lawmakers when in 1892 he was elected state senator, serving for four years. In both the house and the senate he gave careful consideration to the questions which came up for settlement and stanchly supported those measures which he deemed of value in promoting the welfare of the commonwealth.
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In 1895 Mr. Niehaus was married to Miss Kathryn L. Gallagher, and the children of this marriage are two in number-Kathryn M. and John M. Mr. Niehaus holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is also prominent in club circles, belonging to the Creve Coeur Club of Peoria and the Peoria Country Club. He has gained a large circle of warm friends in those organizations, also among his professional associates, and he is justly ac- counted a representative member of a bar that has numbered many distinguished and able lawyers. For more than a third of a century he has continued in active practice and the excellent work he has done in behalf of his clients indicates his thorough mastery of the principles of jurisprudence and his devotion to the legal interests of those who retain his services.
SANDOR HORWITZ, M. D.
The story of the Jewish people since the beginning of history has been a record of high and ennobling sacrifice, the unmurmuring acceptance of unde- served subservience for the sake of standards which they loved and cherished. The better class of Jews, the class which has written its story upon the records of time, are high-minded, God-fearing, upright men, honoring their own people, loyal to their own religion and leaving the impress of this honor and love in tragic history. The life of the subject of this sketch, Dr. Sandor Horwitz, has its roots in this tragedy. Before his babyhood was well over he had known hunger and homelessness, and the loss of friends. His childish years were filled with work for food and shelter, and with the dread need of money to purchase his existence. And yet through it all he kept in his heart his loyalty to the faith of his fathers, and his burning ambition, which he has today realized, to be a learned and a cultured gentleman.
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