USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 55
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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
tember 5, 1876, she wedded Robert G. Harding, who was born in Peoria, Illi- nois, March 10, 1856, the son of John and Jane Harding, of Logan township. Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Harding resided on a farm in Trivoli township until 1893, when they moved to Trivoli, where Mr. Harding died in May, 1902. He was a very prosperous man, well known in his community and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Harding became the parents of three children: Mrs. Rose May Pattee, of Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Clara E. Groniger, of Ustic, Idaho; and Frank R., a resident of Jefferson, Iowa.
On December 12, 1906, Roania (Bagg) Harding was united in marriage with Frank E. Bird, who is the present station agent for the Iowa Central Rail- road at Trivoli, an office which he has efficiently filled for eight consecutive years and also at a former period. He was born in Ohio, January 12, 1861. Mr. Bird is a successful, industrious and prominent man in Trivoli, where he enjoys a wide circle of acquaintances. Mrs. Bird is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and socially is identified with the Royal Neighbors, the Eastern Star and the Order of the Rebekahs. She is a very earnest, energetic lady of broad sympathies and many friends and has the high regard of all who know her.
WALLACE C. EVANS.
Wallace C. Evans, who since 1910 has been president of the Brewster-Evans Company, who are operating the Walbin mine at Bismarck, Peoria county, was born at Lebanon, Ohio, October 4, 1866. The great-grandfather, Joseph Evans, came from New Jersey to Lebanon in 1806 and erected a frame barn two years later, which is still standing in good condition on the old farm of two hundred acres. In 1810 he built the brick house which is also still in existence. The family is of Welsh origin and in 1680 nine brothers came to America. In the maternal line our subject is descended from the Williamson family, two of whose members, Stone and Clymer, were among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Wallace C. Evans is a son of E. H. and Perah Evans, the for- mer of whom was one of the pioneer agriculturists of Warren county. The father's death occurred in 1905 and his wife died four years later. They are both buried near Lebanon.
Wallace C. Evans remained under the parental roof until he acquired his early education. He was a pupil in the public schools of Lebanon and there prepared to enter the National Normal University, from which institution he was graduated in 1887, with the degrees of B. S. and C. E. Thus prepared for a professional career, he engaged as a civil engineer and has since followed that profession. After removing to Peoria he formed a partnership with Jacob A. Harman under the firm style of Harman & Evans, civil engineers. They con- tinued conducting their business for five years. At the end of that time Mr. Evans started out independently and contracted for stone work until 1906. In that year he entered the Crescent Contracting Company as secretary and treas- urer. He remained in that capacity until 1910. In June of that year, in part- nership with B. D. Brewster, he opened the Walbin coal mine. Mr. Evans received a good education, which prepared him for the work in which he has since engaged, and he has given his entire time and attention since he entered upon an active career to the engineering profession. Consequently he is well qualified for the position which he holds today and because of his accurate knowl- edge, his careful attention to details and his untiring energy the company is prospering to an unusual degree and is developing a mine which will prove in time a great financial success.
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On the 27th of June, 1906, Mr. Evans was married, at Peoria, to Miss Emma Detweiler, a daughter of John and Louisa Detweiler, who have been residents of Peoria for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans three sons have been born, John W., Robert D. and Harold D. The family reside at No. 905 North Jeffer- son avenue.
In politics Mr. Evans is a republican. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Creve Coeur Club. He attributes his success in life to hard work, honesty and perseverance and by these qualities has attained the success and prosperity which he is enjoying today.
WILLIAM SHAW.
William Shaw, who owns and operates a farm one mile east of Hanna City, was born in England on the 17th of August, 1871. He early removed to Canada, and in 1899 came from there to Peoria county, settling in Logan township where he purchased his present farm. He owns sixty acres of highly improved land which is under an excellent state of cultivation and has on it a comfortable house and commodious outbuildings and barns.
On the ist of March, 1899, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Reka Sholls, a resident of Limestone township, whose many fine qualities have gained for her many friends throughout the vicinity. Mr. Shaw is greatly interested in the welfare of his community, and during his residence in Logan township he has been active and helpful in all measures of reform and progress. He believes thoroughly in the education of the mass of people in general, and any movement that advances the cause always receives his earnest support. He is an energetic, useful and worthy resident of the county, and in all his relations, both in business and social life, he has been true to high and honorable stand- ards, following ever the principles of the golden rule.
ALBERT S. McDONALD.
Albert S. McDonald, who is connected with the agricultural interests in Logan township, was born near Edwards station in 1862. His parents were Samuel J. and Mary Ann ( Sanford) McDonald, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Michigan. The parents removed to Illinois, settling in Peoria county in 1861, and in 1868 they purchased in Logan township a tract of one hundred and forty acres of land for which they paid thirty dollars per acre. They resided on this farm the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1896 at the age of fifty-four years and six months and the father on April 27, 1909, at the age of seventy-seven years and three months. To them were born four children : Jennie, deceased; Albert S. of this review; Hattie L., deceased; and Charles E.
Albert S. McDonald was reared and educated in Peoria county, and upon reaching manhood he purchased a sawmill, threshing machine and sorghum mill, all of which he operated for more than twenty-five years. He moves his sawmill from one customer to another in the counties of Fulton, Knox, Stark and Peoria, and has operated his sorghum mill by steam since 1881. Hle now owns in Logan and Trivoli townships two hundred and forty acres, of which ninety-one are under an excellent state of cultivation.
On the 6th of December, 1887, Albert S. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Ida Irwin of Cuba, Illinois, and they have become the parents of three children. Clara Belle, who was born December 3, 1888, died March 6, 1890. Mabel Clare, born April 14, 1890, is a graduate of the Bradley Polytechnic Insti-
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tute at Peoria, and is living at home. Howard M., who was born June 18, 1894, has a common-school education and is operating his father's farm.
Mr. McDonald has always been greatly interested in all measures of reform and progress and gives his support to educational development. He is honest and upright in all matters of business, considerate of his associates and has many friends throughout the entire county.
CARL P. OHL.
Carl P. Ohl has been identified with the operation of a large bakery-enterprise in Peoria, his native city, from the time he began his active life until his retire- ment, working first in association with his father and then as an independent business man. He has now retired after many years of honorable and upright commercial life, having gained during the period a distinct prosperity and many friends. He resides at No. 1205 North street in a pleasant and comfortable home which he erected in 1894. Mr. Ohl was born in Peoria, on October 10, 1857, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Eydman) Ohl, natives of Germany, the father having been born on April 3, 1824, and the mother on June 26, 1832. John Ohl came to America in 1849, in a sailing vessel, it taking thirty-five days for the trip and settled first in St. Louis and then in Mascoutah, Illinois, where for a short time he operated a large bakery. When he left Mascoutah in 1853, he located in Peoria opening up a similar enterprise on Fulton street between Washington and Water streets. He later removed his place of business to the corner of Washington and Jackson streets and was successful in this location until he retired from all business connections in 1886. He died in June, 1908. He had witnessed the growth and development of the city and in no small way assisted in its upbuilding. He enjoyed the confidence of a wide circle of friends because he was always willing to lend a helping hand in times of adversity. He belonged to the Lutheran church and was known as a man of high and exemplary char- acter. His wife is still living, at 410 Illinois avenue.
Carl P. Ohl was educated in the Peoria public schools and from his early childhood assisted his father in the operation of his business enterprise. After he laid aside his books he served his apprenticeship in the baking trade and in 1883 entered into partnership with his father. Their association continued until 1886 when John Ohl retired from active life and turned over the management of the business to his sons, Carl P. and Rudolph, who carried on the business along the most modern, upright and progressive commercial standards until Jan- uary I, 1912, when our subject retired. Since that time he has given up personal connection with all business interests and is devoting his time to the management of his property.
On May 11, 1886, Mr. Ohl was married in Peoria to Miss Julietta Sieberns. a daughter of Henry E. and Caroline (Niegarth) Sieberns, both now living in Peoria at 125 North street. Mrs. Ohl's father went to New Orleans when he was a young man and after a few years of activity in that city where he followed the trade of a cabinet-maker he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to Pres- ton, Canada. Here he remained for several years, working at his chosen occu- pation and becoming successful. His marriage occurred in Canada and in 1858 he came to Illinois settling in Cappa, where he remained a short time before go- ing to Gridley. There he established himself in the general merchandise busi- ness and conducted a prosperous and well equipped establishment of this kind until his retirement. He came to Peoria in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Ohl have been born three children : Carl H., whose birth occurred on March 10, 1887, and who is living at home ; Rudolph W., who was born on April 17, 1891 ; and Arthur S., whose birth occurred on the 22d of March, 1894.
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRAMSI
ASTOR ENEX AND TLDEN FOUNDA ONE.
CARL P. OHL
MRS. CARL P. ONL
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONE.
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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Ohl is independent, preferring to keep his judg- ment unbiased by not affiliating with an organized party. He is well known in Columbia Lodge, No. 21, 1. O. O. F. He is always active in any movement which has for its object the growth and upbuilding of the city. During his active life he sought no success beyond attainment in a purely business field. He has made his commercial career honorable and upright, and in doing this has achieved prosperity. He is public-spirited and straightforward, interested in the develop- ment of his community and a native son of whom Peoria has every reason to be proud.
JOHN M. ELLIOTT.
It may be stated without any disparagement to the other learned professions, that the bar of Peoria possesses as many men of prominence as that of any other city of its size in the west. And this assertion holds good not only as re- gards past generations, but as regards the present also, and gives every prom- ise of holding good in the future. With those of the past, we have little to do. Books might easily be filled with the life records of successful lawyers in Peoria's history. It is with those men who by their talents and abilities now grace the forum, and who deserve well of their fellow citizens, that we would now speak. Conspicuous among this class is John M. Elliott.
Mr. Elliott is still a young man, but has already attained a success in his chosen profession which might be envied by men who have completed their ac- tive life. He is the junior member of the firm of Stevens, Miller & Elliott, one of the best known law firms in the city. He makes a specialty of railroad law, and is connected with most of the principal railroads of Peoria in this capacity. He is one of the ablest railroad lawyers in the city, and one of the most popular. He is quick and decisive in his methods, keenly alive to any legal propositions and its possibilities, and finds pleasure in the solution of a difficult legal problem. He has that intense interest in his profession which is the foundation of progress in all lines.
John M. Elliott was born in Claysville, Pennsylvania, May 5, 1877. He was the son of John and Nancy Elizabeth Elliott. His father was a prominent and successful physician in Claysville, where the family resided until the son was four years old, when they left Pennsylvania for Missouri, settling in Dresden in 1881. Here they remained for ten years, removing to Eureka, Illinois, in 1890. John M. Elliott's early education was received in the grammar schools of Dresden and Eureka. When he received all the educational opportunities which these towns afforded, he decided to take up the study of law, for which he had always had a leaning. He entered the law department of Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1899 with a degree of LL. B.
After his graduation, Mr. Elliott entered the law firm of Barry & Morris- sey, of Bloomington, where he remained for one year, when he entered the of- fices of Stevens & Horton, lawyers doing business in the German Fire Insur- ance building of this city. A few years later. when Mr. Horton went to Chicago as general attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad, the firm was reorganized, and the merits of Mr. Elliott were recognized in the offer of a partnership. The name of the new firm is Stevens, Miller & Elliott. The firm is increasing its business every year. They are now recognized as the most prominent railroad lawyers in the city, and Mr. Elliott's brilliant talents and capacity for work have contributed their share to this happy consummation.
In Mr. Elliott, we find one of the most industrious students of the law, and his breadth of legal learning corresponding to the labor he performs. As a thor- ough, sound and deeply read lawyer, he certainly occupies a position in the first
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rank with his professional brethren. Clear and concise in his judgments, earn- est and of strong convictions, possessed of a clear insight into the justice of a cause he rarely fails of success once he has taken a case. He is at present gen- eral attorney for the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway, and his firm is general counsel for the Peoria & Pekin Union Railway, as well as local attorney for most of the railroads of the city. He is attorney for the trustees of the John C. Proctor Endowment, and for the Farmers' Savings, Loan & Homestead As- sociation. As a corporation lawyer he is a man of marked force and energy, and well exemplifies the power of constant labor, well applied, especially when the effort is joined with the personal qualities such as command the esteem and respect of his fellowmen. Clear, concise and candid, he has won a position in this way in legal and social circles, not inconsistent with his splendid talents.
Mr. Elliott's politics has always been consistently republican, although his pressing business affairs preclude his taking an active part in public life. He is at present and has been for a number of years, United States commissioner, under appointment by Judge Humphrey. Mr. Elliott is a director of the Central Brass & Stamping Company. He is an active and prominent member of the Creve Coeur Club, the Peoria Association of Commerce and the Peoria Trans- portation Club.
Mr. Elliott was married in Eureka, Illinois, on June 27, 1901, to Miss Zelda De Motte, daughter of Thomas H. and Rebecca C. De Motte who have been prominent in Eureka and in Woodford county for a number of years. Mrs. Elliott is a charming woman, well able to keep pace with her husband in his remarkable career. They have a beautiful home at 422 Windom street, which is a popular meeting place for their many friends in this city. Mr. Elliott's religion forms a vital part of his life. He is a prominent and influential mem- ber of the First Methodist church of Peoria, and has served as treasurer of the board of trustees for a number of years.
Through all the varied responsibilities of life, Mr. Elliott has acquitted him- self with dignity, fidelity and honor, and won the approbation and esteem of op- ponents as well as friends. His experience and energy have been signally dis- played in all the enterprises that he has undertaken, and he is eminently a prac- tical and true type of lawyer. Democratic in his manners and associations, being easily approached by any citizen, yet he is cool, calculating and safe in all his legal judgments. A man whose natural abilities would secure him prom- inence in any community, he is well fitted to manage the affairs of the great railroads, who entrust their affairs to him. Mr. Elliott in the course of a short career, has won a worthy place among his fellow citizens.
ALBERT V. THOMAS.
Whatever there is glorious in this world is the product of labor, either of body or mind. History is but the record of work. The halls of art display the exquisite touch of its hand, cultivated fields blossom and grow to harvest under its toil ; busy marts, rising cities, are the treasure house of its deeds. The Creator has made work the all-regulating law of man, obedience to which promotes the harmony and happiness of the state and society. The symbols most pleasing to the great Architect of the Universe, and expressive of the civilization and ele- vation of man, are not the sword, the cannon, not the regal crown, but the symbols of the great industrial development of the world. The men in all ages who have gone forth into the world of manufacturing and industry are the pioneers of earth. A representative man of industry, whose business operations have contributed much to make Peoria the thriving metropolis which it is com- ing to be, is Albert V. Thomas, whose name heads this sketch.
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Mr. Thomas is one of Peoria's recognized business men and an example of that kind of success which makes a man a public benefactor. By diligent application of his powers to industrial pursuits, and the practice of the essen- tial principles of commercial honor, he has advanced steadily until he is now at the head of the Thomas & Clarke Cracker factory, one of the greatest inter- ests in the city, giving employment to hundreds of deserving workmen and sup- porting their families. Mr. Thomas enjoys the satisfaction of having so far successfully acted his part in life, and affords an example and encouragement to those who are laboring for success.
Albert V. Thomas was born in Champaign, Illinois, February 14, 1856. Ilis father was John H. Thomas, a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia. His mother, Fannie Edgar Thomas, came from England, and survived her husband many years, dying in Peoria in 1909 at the advanced age of ninety-three years. Albert V. Thomas was very devoted to his mother during her life, and made his home with her continually until her death. Our subject received his education in the grammar schools of Champaign and Peoria. When he left school, he became connected with railroad work, being first employed as a telegraph operator, and then in the city ticket office for three of the principal roads entering the city. This office had the distinction of being the first city ticket office established in the city, and was located at 104 North Adams street. About 1887, Mr. Thomas left the railroad business to establish the first wholesale produce commission house in the city. The business started on a humble scale, the first commercial trans- action being the sale of one case of eggs. This case of eggs, however, was the foundation of a rapidly growing and remarkably successful industrial institution. All goods were received in carload lots, and he enjoyed the distinction of import- ing into Peoria the first car, each of bananas, oranges, lemons and California fruits ever received in this city. In 1899, Mr. Thomas, in partnership with Robert D. Clarke, established the cracker and cake factory of Thomas & Clarke, now one of the largest and most prosperous industrial institutions in the city. They started their bakery in the building at 310-312 South Washington street. The business grew rapidly from the time of its establishment. It was incorporated with a large capital stock in 1901, and in 1911, outgrew its quarters, and the magnificent new factory at the corner of Bridge and Water streets was built. This is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the state. It occupies four stories and a basement, and gives employment to hundreds of workmen. Every kind of plain and fancy crackers and cakes are baked here, and find a market not only in Peoria but in other cities as well. The name of Thomas & Clarke on a box of fancy crackers spells deliciousness, cleanliness and careful manufac- ture, where it is known. Mr. Thomas, as head of this unique factory, deserves the credit of successful accomplishment. He stands forth in the business world today an example of what a man's determined maintenance of his honest con- victions will accomplish. Regular as clockwork in his business habits, watchful of his tremendous interests, broad-minded and liberal in his thoughts upon all public topics, the only exaction he enforces in his dealings with his fellowmen is that he shall be allowed to conduct his business according to his own ideas, according others the privilege of like independence. That he knows what he is about, that his views are safe, that his position in the world of trade is solid, are not left to prediction to prove. The house of Thomas & Clarke is a serious, successful reality, and the man who directs its policy is clear-headed, self-reliant, and an example of what a man can become who starts right and stays right.
On April 5, 1910, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Irene M. Morgan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Morgan, of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a charming little daughter, Loraine Saxton Thomas.
Mr. Thomas has not mingled much in political life. He was elected a mem- ber of the board of park trustees in 1908, and this position, to which he was re- elected in 1910, his natural love of flowers, trees and outdoor things, led him
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to accept. He has held generally to republican principles in his politics, reserv- ing, however, to himself the right to vote independently for the best man. He is very prominent in social circles of the city, where his genial temperament, his unfailing good nature and his qualities of good-fellowship have won him a high place in the esteem of his friends. He is a member of the Creve Coeur Club, . the Country Club and the Illinois Valley Yacht Club.
Mr. Thomas enjoys the respect and confidence of the business world and the friendship of those whom he meets socially. He has made for himself an enviable reputation as a man of business, straightforward and reliable under all circumstances, courteous and affable to his patrons whom he always endeavors to please. He has never been known to overreach anyone in business transac- tions, but conducts his affairs along the strictest lines of commercial integrity. He possesses, moreover, much business tact as well as executive force and un- faltering enterprise. His own labors have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded his success, making him one of the substantial business men of the community.
GEORGE A. SMITH.
George A. Smith who for the past ten years has been commercial agent in charge of passenger and freight business for the Illinois Central Railroad Com- pany at Peoria, was born at Fredericksburg, Indiana, on the 8th of December, 1860, and is a son of William H. H. Smith, formerly a traveling salesman, who has retired, now living in Indiana.
The education of George A. Smith was completed upon his graduation from the high school of Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1875. The following year he be- gan his career as a railroad man in the capacity of messenger in the employ of the Logansport, Crawfordsville & Southwestern Railroad Company at Frankfort, Indiana. He discharged the duties of this position for three years, during which time he also learned telegraphy, and in 1879 was assigned his first position as operator. During the succeeding two years he served as operator and agent at various points on the same road and at the expiration of that time was appointed operator on the Vandalia road. He served in this capacity for a year, following which he became cashier in the local freight office of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois and the Evansville & Terre Haute road at Terre Haute, remaining there until 1886, when he became freight agent for the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad at Vincennes, Indiana. His services were retained in this capacity for five years, when he was promoted to the position of chief clerk in the general freight office at Evansville. From 1891 to 1892, he was general freight and passenger agent of the Ohio Valley Railroad in the same city, while he was sub- sequently appointed general agent and superintendent of terminals on the Evans- ville & Terre Haute and the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroads at Terre Haute. He held this position for a year and then became general agent for the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad at Decatur and in 1895 he was appointed chief clerk in the general freight and passenger department of the same road at Evans- ville. From 1896 to 1898 he was agent of the continental lines at Peoria, and during the succeeding two years he was general agent for the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad at this point. In 1900 he was promoted to the office of commercial agent for the Illinois Central lines at Peoria, and has ever since held this position. He has met with success in his career, as he applied himself in- telligently and faithfully to the discharge of his duties, thus winning the recog- nition of his superiors, who advanced him in accordance with the abilities he manifested. In addition to the responsibilities of his position, Mr. Smith is
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