USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 37
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that connection. He is now most comfortably situated in life, having attained
a gratifying measure of wealth as the result of his judicious investments and the careful management of his business interests. He has ever been alert to the city's interests and has cooperated readily in measures for the general good. No man has done more for the solid and substantial upbuilding of Peoria or is more thoroughly informed concerning the events which have shaped its history. A courteous, kindly, dignified gentleman of the old school, he deserves in high measure the esteem and regard which are uniformly tendered him. He talks most interestingly of his acquaintance with Lincoln and other prominent men of the state, and his reminiscences of the carly days constitute an attractive fea- ture of life in Peoria from its pioneer period to the present.
VICTOR PAUL MICHEL.
Victor Paul Michel, deputy county sheriff and salesman for the Johnson Cigar Company, was born April 29, 1887, in Peoria, and is therefore one of the younger business men. His years, however, seem no bar to his ability for he is rapidly forging to the front in various connections, being particularly promi- nent in athletic circles as well as a representative of commercial and political interests. His father, Leon Michel, was born in France and became a grocery- man at Peoria, where he died about fifteen years ago. The mother is still living in this city.
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Victor Paul Michel was a pupil in the public schools of Averyville, Illinois, and later he pursued his studies in the Galesburg Greeley school of Peoria. In fact he is practically a Peoria product in every way, standing as an excellent example of the opportunities here offered and of what may be accomplished when energy, capability and ambition lead the way. After his graduation from the Greeley school he went west to Portland, Oregon, where he remained for a year and then returned to Peoria. He was afterward made keeper of the Joliet penitentiary and following his retirement from that position was ap- pointed deputy sheriff of Peoria county, which office he continues to fill. He also has business connections as city salesman for the Johnson Cigar Company and is building up a large trade in that connection.
No one need question Mr. Michel's political position. He stands unequi- vocally for republican principles and is a recognized force among the young men of his party. He is also very prominent in city athletics, being a recog- nized leader among those who are interested in the chief athletic activities of the day. For eleven years he has been at the head of local athletics, especially football and bowling. He is now president of the Social Athletic Club and for eight years has been manager of its football team. His popularity is due not only to his personal skill but also to the feeling of fair play which he ever mani- fests, demanding at all times that the "rules of the game" be observed. He belongs to that class of young men who are accomplishing things whether in the field of pleasure, of business or of public duty, and the results achieved are ever of a practical and progressive character.
CHARLES A. HOPPIN.
As a city grows the number of its business representatives naturally constantly increases, but here as elsewhere the rule of the world holds good that it is the men of ambition, energy and determination who advance to the front and become leaders in their particular lines. The Peoria Gas & Electric Company has asso- ciated with it a number of thoroughly competent men, who are capable of hand- ling the business in its various departments, and as one of these Charles A. Hoppin was chosen, being assigned to the position of general superintendent of the electric and heating departments. He has been associated with the company since 1907, entering its employ as chief engineer at the electric station, where he remained for three years, when he was called to his present office. He was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, April 13, 1878, and pursued his education in the schools of Aurora, Illinois, to which place his parents removed, when in his youthful days. Entering the high school he was graduated therefrom in 1897 and subse- quently he became a student in the Illinois University, for he wished to gain that thorough technical training which would fit him to advance beyond the point of mediocrity in the business world and make for himself a creditable place and name. He completed his university course by graduation in 1901. when the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Mechanical Engineer were con- ferred upon him. He then entered the employ of the Allis-Chalmers Company as erecting engineer, subsequently represented that company in Milwaukee and afterward became assistant engineer for the same corporation in New York city. On leaving the eastern metropolis he made his way to Peoria, where, as prev- iously stated, he has resided since 1907. Here he has won advancement in con- nection with the Peoria Gas & Electric Company until he now occupies a posi- tion of large responsibility as general superintendent of the electric and heating departments. He has full charge of both departments, a fact which is indicative of the confidence reposed in him by the corporation and the ability which he displays in the discharge of his duties.
C. A. HOPPIN
EY YORK LIBFARY
1
LENOX AND 'LUEN FOUNDATIONS.
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In 1905 Mr. Hoppin was united in marriage to Miss Jessie C. Cramer, of Champaign, Illinois, and unto them have been born two children, Bessie Cramer and Charles Albert, Jr. Mr. Hoppin is well known in Masonic circles, having become a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He be- longs to the University of Illinois Alumni Club of Peoria, the Creve Coeur Club and the Transportation Club. He is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He is popular among his friends, having the attractive social qualities which gain high regard. He is ambitious, resolute and energetic and whatever he undertakes, whether in business or other connections, is carried forward to successful completion.
CLARENCE E. CASE.
Twelve years have passed since Clarence E. Case was called to his final rest, and yet he is well remembered by his many friends because of the genu- ine worth of his character. He was a man of exceptionally good habits, his life being actuated by high and honorable principles, and, while he never sought to figure prominently in any public connection, those with whom he was daily thrown in contact entertained for him the warmest personal regard. He was born March 21, 1851, in Medina township, Peoria county, not far from Alta, his par- ents being Imri and Salina Case, both of whom were natives of New York, Re- moving westward, they became early residents of Illinois and the father was numbered among the prominent and well-to-do farmers of this county, year after year carrying on the work of the farm in a manner that brought sub- stantial returns. His wife died during the infancy of their son, Clarence, but the boy remained upon the home farm with his father, spending his youthful days in the acquirement of an education and in the work of the fields. After attending the district schools at Alta and thus mastering the elementary branches of learning he came to Peoria, where he entered the high school. When his education was completed he returned to Alta and assisted his father on the farm for several years, his labors proving an important element in the success- ful conduct and management of the property. He did not wish to engage in agricultural pursuits thoughout his entire life, however, and left the parental roof to learn telegraphy, which he readily mastered, and for eighteen years he had charge of the railroad office at Alta. He proved a most capable, efficient and accommodating representative of the road at that place and had the good will of all who had business dealings with him. On the 17th of April. 1903. he gave up active work and removed to Peoria, after which he lived retired.
On the first of January, 1873. Mr. Case was united in marriage to Miss Julia B. Schneby, who was born in Peoria, April 2. 1852, and is a daughter of George W. and Margaret (McVay) Schneby, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed westward to Illinois, becoming early settlers of Peoria. The father was an honored pioneer here and engaged in merchandis- ing, being numbered among the leading factors in commercial circles here in pioneer times. He also served as government gauger for many years and had a wide acquaintance throughout the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Case were born three children : Margaret S., who was born October 1, 1874. and died De- cember 9, 1874: Georgia T., who was born November 20, 1880, and died July 23, 1897: and Harry Clarence, who was born April 14, 1876, and is the only sur- vivor of the family. He married Blanche I. Johnston, and they lost their only child, Clarence, Jr., on the 29th of April, 1911. The son, Harry Clarence, resides with his mother.
Mr. Case gave his political allegiance in early life to the democratic party and afterward advocated republican principles. At local elections, however, Vol II-16
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he generally voted regardless of party ties, casting his ballot for the candidate whom he considered best qualified for office. He attended the Methodist church while a resident of Alta and after coming to Peoria attended the services of the First Congregational church. He held membership with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias and was loyal to the beneficent purposes and teachings of both orders. He was a man of genial, kindly spirit, who possessed a love for all mankind. His habits were exceptionally good and he never used intoxicants or tobacco and held to the highest standards of morality. He was a lover of out- door life and also very fond of reading, spending many happy hours among his books. Those in need found him most charitable, none ever being turned away empty-handed who appealed to him for aid. It has been said: "Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success," and judged in this way, Clarence E. Case was a most suc- cessful man.
LINCOLN D. FOREMAN, M. D.
Through the greater part of his professional career Dr. Lincoln D. Foreman was a resident of Peoria, and the faithful and conscientious performance of his professional duties gained him high rank among the leading and successful phy- sicians and surgeons of the city. He was born in Pike county, Illinois, February 26, 1861, and his life span covered the intervening years to the 9th of February, 19II-almost half a century. His parents were James W. and Jennie ( Norton) Foreman, both of whom were natives of Ohio but became early residents of Illinois, with the development and progress of which they were closely associated in the district in which they lived. The father devoted his life to farming and as his financial resources increased he added to his property until his landed holdings were extensive.
At the usual age Dr. Foreman entered the public schools of his native county and therein laid the foundation for his professional knowledge. He attended the St. Louis Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri, and also obtained his first practical experience in the profession in that city. From the outset his labors proved congenial and he displayed special aptitude in his studies and in the application of his theoretical knowledge to the special needs of his patients. He afterward went to Greene county, Illinois, where he continued in practice for four years, and then removed to Waverly, this state, where he followed his profession for ten years. Wishing to secure the broader opportunities of- fered in the city, however, he then came to Peoria, where he practiced with success until his death. His reading was broad, his researches deep and his methods were at all times practical and resultant. He was very conscientious as well as capable in the discharge of his professional duties and was seldom, if ever, at fault in diagnosing a case. He belonged to the State Medical Society and was well known to the profession, at all times enjoying the high regard of his fellow physicians and surgeons throughout the state.
Dr. Foreman was pleasantly situated in his home life, having been happily married on the Ist of March, 1884, to Miss Margaret Van Sueringen, a daugh- ter of Samuel and Augusta (Aldrich) Van Sueringen. The mother was born in Pike county, Illinois, in 1843, and was a daughter of D. J. Aldrich, a de- scendant of the old and distinguished Aldrich family of Massachusetts. He re- moved from the old Bay state to Illinois, traveling overland in the '30s and casting in his lot with the pioneer residents of this state. Mrs. Foreman is also a descendant of Garrett Van Sueringen, who figured in the early history of the Empire state when it was ruled by the Dutch. Dr. and Mrs. Foreman were
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the parents of three children: Ethel and Lucille, who are now in school; and Lemuel R., deceased.
In early life Dr. Foreman was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church. He never felt bound by creed or dogma, however, his sympathies reaching out along broad humanitarian lines to all mankind. In his life he exemplified the beneficent spirit of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Knight Templar degree. He was also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. He was a lover of nature and all outdoor life and the hours which he spent "in communion with her visible forms" qualified him in large measure for the arduous duties which devolved upon him in his professional career. He was always a broad reader and possessed a studious nature that enabled him to delve below the surface of things and reach down to the very root of the matter. In manner he was entirely free from ostentation and display, but his true worth of character found recognition, as was attested by the warm friendship accorded him.
CHARLES P. WATSON.
Charles P. Watson, official reporter for the circuit court of Peoria county since the Ist of July, 1887, was born September 21, 1851, in Tecumseh, Michi- gan, his parents being Cyrus L. and Elizabeth H. Watson. The father, born in 1800, died in 1882, and the mother, born in 1813, passed away in 1907, both at- taining a very advanced age.
Following the completion of his public-school education Charles P. Wat- son took up the study of shorthand with the purpose in view of becoming a court stenographer. He began reporting in the courts of Peoria in November, 1871, and was thus engaged until January. 1877, when he removed to Indianapolis. He was in Washington, D. C., from 1883 until 1887, as clerk of the senate com- mittee on territories, but in March of the latter year returned to Peoria and on the Ist of July following was appointed official reporter of the circuit court of Peoria county. What higher testimonial could be given than the fact that for a quarter of a century he has occupied this position? Accurate, systematic, me- thodical, prompt and obliging, he has the high regard of the court and members of the bar and of all with whom his official duties bring him in contact.
On the 15th of October, 1879, Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Ella H. Adams, a daughter of George F. and Rebecca Adams, of Indianapolis, Indiana. The two children of this marriage are: George A., who was born Sep- tember 3. 1880; and Charles L., born January 12, 1882. The latter was mar- ried in May, 1909, to Miss Nancy Wolcott, of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Wat- son is a member of Peoria Lodge, No. 250, K. P., and has been identified with the order since 1875. He also belongs to Lodge No. 20, of the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks. He has a wide acquaintance among business and profes- sional men of this city and everywhere he is highly esteemed because of his per- sonal traits of character are such as command confidence and warm regard.
SOLOMON BENNETT.
In eastern Illinois few men were better known and none were held in higher regard than Solomon Bennett because his salient traits of character were such as awakened admiration and commanded respect. He was at one time proprietor of the only wholesale clothing establishment conducted in central Illinois, and for a long period he was extensively connected with the wool trade through-
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out the southwest. He was one of the worthy citizens that Germany furnished to Peoria, his birth having occurred in the fatherland April 15, 1842. His par- ents were Israel and Gertrude Bennett. The father, on crossing the Atlantic to the new world, settled in Buffalo, New York, the mother's death having pre- viously occurred. Solomon Bennett accompanied his father to America and pur- sued his education in the schools of Buffalo where he remained for about six years. He was a youth of sixteen years when, in 1858, he came to Peoria and later embarked in business here as a dealer in clothing. His stock was small but his enterprising business methods and reliability won him favorable recog- nition and his trade constantly grew. Along safe, substantial lines he built up the business, and eventually developed a small retail store into a large wholesale clothing establishment with ramifying trade interests reaching over extensive territory. His was the only wholesale clothing house ever conducted in Peoria, and for many years it figured as a prominent feature in the business circles of the city. Mr. Bennett also became extensively engaged in the wool industry in the southwest, his business activities in that connection being represented by a large factory.
About 1890 he retired from active life and lived quietly in his home in Peoria from that time until his death, employing his leisure in the pursuit of those things which contributed to his interests and happiness.
On the 27th of January, 1869, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Delia Fridenberg, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and unto them were born two children : Charles M., who is a real-estate dealer and well known business man of Peoria ; and Gertrude, who is the wife of H. T. Bloom and the mother of three children: Delia, Sarah and Clara Gertrude.
Mr. Bennett was a broad-minded man who never measured life by the inch rule of self but sought to view the world from the standpoint of public opin- ion. Each vital question he carefully considered, whether it related to the in- dividual or the community at large. He was a great admirer of Robert G. Inger- soll. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as a member of the board of supervisors at the time the courthouse was built. His public duties were ever discharged in a most capable, prompt and faithful manner, and he ever kept well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day relative to local progress and to the welfare of the nation at large. He held membership in the Jewish Temple, also with the Order of B'Nai Brith and in the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was a man of marked individuality and left the impress of his charcter and ability upon all with whom he came in contact. He never sought to figure in any spectacular life but preferred a quiet and unassuming life with the companionship of family and friends who ever found him a most congenial, hospitable host. He died May 5, 1902, at the age of sixty years, and the consensus of public opinion is that he had used his time wisely and well and that his work had constituted an ele- ment in Peoria's progress and advancement.
JOHN T. BOLAND.
John T. Boland is the active member in the firm of Daniel Boland & Son, of this city, one of the oldest and best known undertaking establishments in Peoria. He inherited the business from his father, Daniel Boland, and has been engaged in it since he left school and has given his time and attention from an early age to making himself thoroughly capable and efficient in his chosen line of activity. John T. Boland is the son of Daniel and Catherine Boland. His father was a native of Ireland, born in County Tipperary. When he was seventeen years of age he left Ireland, and made his way to Liverpool, where he took passage on a
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sailing vessel bound for America and landed in Philadelphia after having been twenty-three days on the voyage. Daniel Boland came immediately to Camden county, New Jersey, and engaged in farming there until 1858, when he removed to a farm at Jacksonville, Illinois, where he remained for three years. In 1861, he came to Peoria and became connected with the street railway company until 1872, when he was made a member of the Peoria police force, and served for four years, resigning to open an undertaking parlor which he conducted successfully up to the time of his death when the business reverted to his son, John T. Boland, who is the present owner.
Since the death of his father, John T. Boland has given his entire time and attention to his business. He has thoroughly mastered its details, and he al- lows no modern methods and innovations making for further efficiency to escape his notice. He keeps his knowledge up to date, and as a consequence his repu- tation in Peoria is of the highest. His present shop is located at 124 North Adams street, and is recognized as one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city. John T. Boland is well known in Peoria as a public spirited and loyal citi- zen.
MANUAL TRAINING HIGH SCHOOL OF PEORIA.
The Manual Training High School was organized in September, 1909. The building ranks among the first in the United States in well-lighted rooms, well equipped shops, laboratories, commercial department, cooking and sewing depart- ments for modern high school work. The attendance the first year was one hundred and seventy-nine, the second year two hundred and seventy-one, and the third year three hundred and seventy-eight. Full credit was given each depart- ment at the State University at the close of the second year, giving its gradu- ates the same standing at colleges and universities as is given to graduates from the best high schools of Illinois. The first class of graduates numbered seven and the second class in June, 1912, numbered twenty-nine.
The plan of the building and aims of the school are in accord with the pres- ent high-school movement, that is extending equal advantages to all boys and girls.
In every large city a large number of students go to work direct from the high school, and it has been ascertained that sixty per cent of those who do not go to high school are financially able to go, and would go, if in the judgment of their parents the education offered was worth while. In order to aid those who are going to work direct from the school and to help stop the early with- drawal of so many boys and girls from school, new types of high schools are organized, and among these new types is one known as the complete high school. This kind of high school has five courses, namely: the commercial course, the industrial course, the agriculture course, academic course, and domestic science and art course. These courses are equal or equivalent, one being better than another only as a student finds his ability along one course more than an- other. These five courses give the fundamental education for every occupation, trade and profession. This type of high school is one of the latest efforts to equalize conditions in which boys and girls start into their life work.
The name of one department, Manual Training, has been made to cover the whole school, and emphasizes the change in the nature of education. Practice work at school is essential as book work.
The one noticeable thing above all else, is the increased attention that must be given to studying the boy and finding the right course for him on entering high school. One of the results is, it gives more boys and girls a purpose in coming to high school. More boys and girls make going to high school a business and at- tend to it.
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Instructors of 1911-1912.
W. N. Brown, principal.
Clara E. Barclay, algebra, geometry.
F. W. Bennet, Latin, French, English.
J. H. Blackman, manual training.
Florence L. Ebaugh, English.
Florence Cutright, algebra.
Edna L. Earnest, English.
W. WV. Gorsline, geometry, algebra, surveying.
W. F. Henning, physics and chemistry.
D. C. Hilling, head of commercial department.
F. C. Keeler, history, civics, economics.
Anna A. Kellogg, German.
Lena A. Kemp, typewriting.
Charles G. Mason, history, English.
A. C. Miller, biology.
Elizabeth Persinger, shorthand.
William Peters, manual training.
Alice M. Otman, English.
G. R. Spraker, commercial arithmetic, bookkeeping.
*Minnie M. Peterson, supervisor, sewing.
*Bertha Case, supervisor, cooking.
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