USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97
618
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
reposed in him by the efficiency with which he has discharged his duties. He is directing his department in a highly capable manner, and is meeting with unusual success in its development, the business having shown a marked annual increase during the five years he has had it in charge.
On the 27th of February, 1909, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Nelson, a daughter of James Nelson, a railroad machinist residing at No. 238 Rock Island avenue, Peoria. They are both active workers in the Swedish Lutheran church, in which they hold membership. Politically he is a republican and is affiliated with the Swedish-American Republican league of Illinois, of which he is the treasurer. Although he has not yet attained the age of thirty years, Mr. Swanson has made marked progress in his career and has achieved more than many men who are years his senior. His pleasing personality, geniality and marked enterprise as well as his general capability assure his success and well qualify him for the business he is engaged in.
JAMES E. MURPHY.
The position of manager of any of the great industrial enterprises of the present day is the pivotal point upon which the success or failure of many insti- tutions of this kind rests. The manager must have his hand upon the pulse of commercial conditions and must be ready at any time to change his policy in accordance with them. He must know his business world thoroughly, must be active in all the relations of his life and not only be an industrious business man but also one who is capable of superintending and directing subordinates. Upon his ability in this line depends much of the success of the enterprise which he is managing and his failure in this regard may spell failure for his firm. An expert manager and one well qualified to fill his position is James E. Murphy, of the Madigan & Walsh Company, a cooperage manufacturing concern, the factory of which is at the foot of Chicago street in this city. Mr. Murphy is experienced in his line of activity and has occupied the position of manager for this great in- dustrial institution since 1889. He is a native of Peoria, having been born January 1. 1865, and is a son of James and Bridget (Grant) Murphy. His father was a native of Ireland and in 1847 crossed the Atlantic to New York, where he resided until 1852, when he came to Peoria and interested himself in many differ- ent lines of business in this city until his death, in 1887, at the age of sixty-five years. Bridget Murphy died in September, 1883, at the age of fifty-four years, and is buried beside her husband in St. Mary's cemetery in Peoria.
Parochial and public schools of Peoria afforded James E. Murphy his primary education. He attended the Peoria high school for a short time but left at the age of sixteen years to enter the Parish Business College, which is now called Brown's Business College, in this city. His first venture in business was as a newspaper reporter, in which position he continued for about one year, when he resigned and in partnership with three other Peorians started a newspaper. This was the Peoria Sunday Herald, which existed but a very short time, when its operation was abandoned by its organizers for lack of funds. In 1887 he entered the railway mail service being so employed for three years. He resigned his position to accept employment with the Madigan & Walsh Company in 1889, with which concern he has since been identified. At the time of his first connection with this firm the enterprise was an extremely small one but was rapidly grow- ing and developing along progressive lines. In 1897 it was incorporated, Mr. Murphy being elected president of the company. Under his direction and as a direct result of his capacity for management and control the business of the firm increased enormously from year to year. Its market was enlarged, the qual- ity of its output became definitely better and in a few years it was recognize.1
619
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
in Peoria as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the city. Mr. Murphy held the office of president of the Madigan & Walsh Company until 1899, when the entire stock of the concern was sold to the Kentucky Distilleries and Ware- house Company, Mr. Murphy's interests going along with the rest of the stock. He was then called to his present position as treasurer and manager, in which capacity he has attained remarkable success. He is at present president of the Newport Stave Company at Eldorado, Arkansas, and holds the same position in the Louisiana Stave & Heading Company at Monroe, Louisiana.
Mr. Murphy takes an intelligent interest in public affairs of the city and state, voting the democratic ticket. He served for ten years as a member of the state central democratic committee and was police and fire commissioner of Peoria for some time. He is prominent in the Roman Catholic church and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, an organization affiliated with that body. He is an active member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is well known in the Creve Coeur Club. He holds his position as manager of the Madigan & Walsh Company with the ability and success which distinguishes all of his commercial operations. He is a keen business man, shrewd and discriminating in his com- mercial transactions, active in management and steady in progress, and his sound business judgment is an active factor in the success of the firm with which he has been identified since 1889.
JOHN A. VANCE.
John A. Vance, a well known contractor and builder of Elmwood, has since 1904 been the successful owner and operator of a cement block factory in this town. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, January 29, 1854, the son of Andrew and Hariett ( Kibler) Vance, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Ohio. Andrew Vance was brought by his parents to Ohio when he ivas eight years of age, and he grew to manhood and was married in that state. In 1869, together with his family, he came to Illinois, locating in Peoria county and later removing to Knox county. Throughout his active life he was engaged in farming. He lived retired in Elmwood, having reached the age of eighty-six years, when his death occurred in March, 1912. In his political views he has ever been a stanch democrat. He is a member of the Baptist church and his wife was also of the Baptist faith. She passed away in 1908. In their family were six children, four of whom are now living. They are: Mrs. Lavisa Rog- ers, Strodder L., Cornelius Andrew, and John A. of this review
The last named received his early education in the public schools of Illinois. and later attended the high school at Yates City. Subsequently he began work on the farm, where he remained until he was twenty-nine years of age. He then took up the contracting and building business, having all his life been somewhat interested in that work, and he has followed this occupation ever since. He has a wide and remunerative business, which extends over a radius of twenty-five miles around Elmwood. In 1904 he started a cement block factory and now has an extensive shipping business, having about twenty-two men in his employ. He also carries a large stock of paints and has in his employ a large force of painters and masons. He is contemplating starting next year an automobile es- tablishment, of which he will also be the manager.
In 1880 Mr. Vance was married to Miss Katie Yager, a native of Canada, and a daughter of Philip Yager, who came several years ago to the United States, where he passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Vance have been born two children : Earl W., who married Miss Fannie Remmlee; and Lehbelle, who is at home. In his political views Mr. Vance is a republican, although he has never cared to hold office. He gave excellent service for eleven years as a member of the city
620
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
council. Fraternally he is identified with Horeb Lodge, F. & A. M., and with the Arcanus Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Vance has been extremely successful as a contractor and builder and also in the manage- ment of his cement block factory, and is considered among the prominent busi- ness men of Elmwood where he has the high regard of all his associates. In the community interests of his town he takes an active and helpful part, sup- porting the various measures that have for their objects the welfare and ad- vancement of the town and county.
WILLIAM R. CONE.
William R. Cone is the senior member of the real-estate firm of Cone & Sears, real-estate brokers, with offices at No. 101 North Jefferson avenue, and president of the Sloan Abstract Company, incorporated. He has occupied the latter position since 1904. He was born in Gilman, Illinois, February 12, 1874, the son of Spencer S. and Araminta Cone. The father came to Peoria in 1896, having previously been engaged in the practice of law at Gilman up to the time of his removal to Peoria. The family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, the first representative, Daniel Cone, coming to the new world in 1662. General Cone, of Revolutionary fame, has in the subject of this review a direct descendant, while Daniel Cone, the first American progenitor, married a lady whose parents settled in this country in 1635. Spencer S. Cone, the father of our subject, is now living retired at Peoria.
The preliminary education of William R. Cone was gained in the public schools of Gilman, and also in the high school, from which he was graduated in 1892. He later entered Knox College at Galesburg and was afterward a stu- dent at the Illinois Wesleyan University, of Bloomington, from which he was graduated in 1900 with the degree of LL. D. Following the graduation he settled in Peoria, where he became interested in the real-estate business. The broad legal knowledge which he had received proved to be extremely useful to him and as his abilities peculiarly fitted him to handle real-estate transactions, he suc- ceeded in business almost from the beginning. The loan department of his busi- ness is an important one, and in that as well as in the real-estate department, Mr. Cone's legal training was of much value .
At Peoria on September 26, 1905, Mr. Cone was married to Miss Kathryn Christian, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Christian. The parents reside in Hancock county and the father is a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Cone is a Blue Lodge Mason and he is also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and the Creve Coeur Club. He has by his winning personality formed a large acquain- tance in Peoria and his successful business career as well as his general reputa- tion for sterling integrity and ability have made him respected wherever he is known.
L. W. MOOREHOUSE.
L. W. Moorehouse, who has spent the greater part of his life in Peoria, here enjoys an enviable reputation as a valued and public-spirited citizen who has done noteworthy service as a member of the city school board, manifesting effi- ciency and integrity in the discharge of his duties as a public official. For the past two decades he has been engaged in business as a dealer in meats at the corner of First and Sanford streets. He was born in this city in 1857 and is a son of William and Amelia Moorehouse, natives of Hamburg, Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1842, locating in Peoria. They first
1. W. MOOREHOUSE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
A. - . - 'NOX AND TL" H FOUNDATIONS.
623
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
resided on Adams street but subsequently removed to Water street, both resi- dences being clapboard houses. The father, who was a cabinet-maker by trade, was an exceptionally good musician and was the organizer of the old Germania Band, among whose members were numbered John F. King. William Murphy. the pioneer grocer, and several other prominent business men of that period. Unto William and Amelia Moorehouse were born five children, three daughters and two sons, as follows: Minnie, who is the widow of J. Claypool; Mary, now Mrs. Hirt, who resides at No. 222 First avenue in Peoria; Charlotte, who mar- ried James McMurray ; George, who passed away in 1910; and L. W., of this review. William Moorehouse, the father of these children, was called to his final rest in 1859. The following year his widow gave her hand in marriage to Charles Rauthenberg, a potter by trade, by whom she had five children, three daughters and two sons, namely: Louisa; Amelia; Frank and Katie, both of whom are deceased; and Edward.
In the acquirement of his education L. W. Moorehouse attended the old Greeley or Fourth Ward school, which was the seat of learning of so many of Peoria's prominent citizens. After laying aside his text-books he entered the pottery of Tobias Bradley, one of the wealthy pioneer business men of this city, and while there employed was a witness of the fatal accident to the proprietor of this industry. He next entered the service of James Dohney, the plumber, with whom he spent four years learning the trade. At the expiration of that time he took a position with Simpson, MeGlynn & Klingle, who were also en- gaged in the plumbing business. When he left their service he went to Chicago and was connected with the hotel business for eighteen years, after which he was a cook in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad Company for a time. He subsequently returned to Peoria and in October. 1892, established the meat business he is still conducting. He has met with very good succes in this enter- prise and enjoys an excellent patronage that nets him a handsome annual income. He served for two years as vice president of the Master Butchers' Association of the United States and has held all of the positions in the Retail Merchants' Association except that of president.
For his wife and helpmate, Mr. Moorehouse chose Miss Maggie Kerwin, and they became the parents of eight children, seven sons and one danghter, but one of the sons is now deceased.
The political allegiance of Mr. Moorehouse is accorded to the Republican party, and for the past fourteen years he has been actively identified with muni- cipal affairs in various capacities. He is now serving as a member of the house of correction committee, having received his appointment from Mayor Wood- ruff, and has established an excellent record by reason of the prompt and capa- ble discharge of his duties. His most notable service, however, has been in con- nection with the city school board, of which body he has been a member for six years, and will without doubt be reelected to the same position at the next election. In the fulfillment of his public duties, Mr. Moorehouse exhibits the close attention to details and careful supervision of expenditures that has always characterized him in the direction of his own affairs, as he maintains that a public office is a public trust and that a man in the employ of the municipality is no more justified in wasting the money of the people who entrust him with a public position than he would be, were he in the service of a private corporation. He has high standards of citizenship and regards it the duty of every man in public life to be just as conscientious in the discharge of his duties to the com- munity as a whole as he would be in conducting a transaction with a single individual. Ever since he has been in public office Mr. Moorehouse has worked tirelessly to bring about various reforms in connection with the department of education and has had the satisfaction of seeing some results from his work. although there is still much to be achieved. He well deserves recognition as a public benefactor, having by his investigations saved the city a great deal of unnecessary expenditure on public school buildings and in other matters of
624
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
similar nature. He stands high in the esteem of the community at large, who recognize in him a man of sound principles and incorruptible integrity who can always be depended upon to do what he considers to be right in the face of the strongest opposition. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, having been a member of the former for thirty-two years and of the latter for fourteen years. No breath of suspicion has ever assailed his good name and on the contrary he stands as a splendid type of the honorable, reliable, successful man, the public-spirited citizen and the trustworthy friend.
WALTER KEE MAXWELL.
Walter Kee Maxwell, who for many years has been a well known representa- tive of journalistic interests and is an editorial writer for the Peoria Herald Transcript, was born in Bardolph, McDonough county, Illinois, January 12, 1879, a son of H. A. and Mary (Kee) Maxwell, both of Cadiz, Ohio, where the father engaged in teaching. In their family were thirteen children, of whom twelve are living.
Walter K. Maxwell was a pupil in the public and high schools of Bardolph and afterward became actively engaged in newspaper publication in the office of the Bardolph News, owned and founded by his brother. He entered the office at the age of fifteen years and there remained for two years setting type and familiarizing himself with different phases of newspaper publication. He later founded the Kane Telegram at Kane, Illinois, which he operated for two years, and then went to Smithfield, Illinois, and was employed by the Smithfield Sun for two years, when a disastrous fire swept the town, destroying the business. Removing to Oneida, Illinois, he established the Oneida News, which he con- ducted for nine years, leaving that paper to come to Peoria, where he joined the editorial staff of the Peoria Herald-Transcript as feature writer. His reputa- tion as a business man and one thoroughly acquainted with all phases of news- paper publication had long since been established and in February, 1911, he suc- ceeded George Fitch as editor of the paper. In dictating its policy he keeps in mind the most progressive methods of newspaper publication and in his editorials shows a masterly treating of subjects under discussion, upholding the reputa- tion of the Herald-Transcript as one of the leading metropolitan papers of the Mississippi valley. He is a member of the American Press Humorous Association.
On the 12th of October, 1900, Mr. Maxwell was married to Miss Alma Bur- nett, of Kane, Illinois, and they have two children, Burnett and Irene Louise.
HARRY S. MILLER.
Harry S. Miller is the junior member of the law firm of Dailey & Miller, The copartnership is comparatively a new formation but both members are expe- rienced lawyers, Mr. Miller having practiced for twenty-two years, or since his admission to the bar when he was twenty-one years of age. His work in the profession has been marked by an earnestness and a thoroughness which have won him advancement. He was born in Peoria, August 8, 1869, and is a son of Henry C. and Elizabeth L. (Fisher) Miller. The father was for a number of years engaged in the contracting and building business and is now living retired. He came to this city about 1860 from Newport, Kentucky, and in the interven- ing years has done much to improve the city along building lines.
The games of youth and the work of the public schools occupied the atten- tion of Harry S. Miller in his boyhood, and when he looked over the field of
625
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
business to determine upon a life vocation, he decided upon the practice of law and began studying in the office of Starr & Starr, with whom he remained for a year and a half. He then continued his reading with Henry C. Fuller as his pre- ceptor and was in his office when admitted to the bar. He then opened an office for himself and practiced in this city for about two years, at the end of which time he removed to Creede, Colorado, which was then a mining camp. He looked carefully over the field but saw no immediate prospect for success there and after three months returned to Peoria. Here he entered into partnership with R. H. Radley and opened a law office, practicing in that connection in the Woolner building. Two years later the firm dissolved and Mr. Miller then entered into partnership with Robert Scholes, the present states attorney. Their business association was continued for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Miller formed a partnership with the Hon. John Dailey, with whom he has been asso- ciated since 1904, his partner being the present state senator from this district. They do general trial work entirely and are strong advocates before the courts. Mr. Miller has always realized that success depends largely upon a thorough preparation of his cases and has never feared that laborious work of the office which must precede the presentation of his case in the court room. His reason- ing is strong, his deductions logical and his points follow in a natural sequence that cannot fail to impress court and jury with the correctness of his opinion. He never fails to command the attention of those in the court room and seldom fails to win the verdict desired.
On the 26th of November. 1902, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Peterson, a daughter of John and Patience Peterson, of Peoria. There are now two interesting little daughters in the household. Virginia and Harriet. The parents are well known socially and their own home is characterized by an at- tractive and generous hospitality. Mr. Miller is interested in all matters of pro- gressive citizenship to the extent of giving his cooperation wherever his aid can be of avail, but he has little time for work outside of his profession, his practice having constantly grown in volume and importance.
EDWARD D. MCCABE.
Since 1891 Edward D. McCabe has been a practicing attorney at law in Peo- ria, Illinois, with offices at 127 North Jefferson street. He was born in Peoria county in 1859, and is a son of a pioneer family of the county, his parents being Patrick and Catherine McCabe. The father followed agricultural pursuits. Both parents were natives of Ireland and are now deceased.
Edward D. McCabe received his early education in the district schools near his father's farm and afterward attended the Brimfield high school, while later he entered St. Viateur's College at Kankakee. At the close of his studies at col- lege, he engaged in farming until appointed, in 1887, to a position in the govern- ment service as United States store keeper at Peoria, Illinois, a postion which he occupied for over two years. In 1889. desiring to enter the legal profession, he resigned his position to enter the law department of the University of Michi- gan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891, receiving the degree of LL. B. Immediately after his graduation therefrom he came to Peoria where he has since remained in the practice of his profession. He is vice president and a director of the Lake View State Bank of Chicago, his brother, George W. Mc- Cabe, being president thereof.
Mr. McCabe is an active and honored member of the Peoria and the State Bar Associations. In his political faith he is a democrat, and, in 1908, was elected democratic central committeeman, a position which he held with credit to himself and his party until 1910. He occupies the position of public guardian
626
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY
in and for Peoria county. He is a member of several fraternal and social asso- ciations and clubs.
His practical knowledge and careful application of the law, coupled with good business judgment, and his kindly treatment of all persons, have combined to give Mr. McCabe a creditable standing among the members of his profession as well as a good, clean and abundant clientage.
JOHN C. BECKENHAUPT.
John C. Beckenhaupt, who for nearly twelve years has been grain sampler on the board of trade, is one of Peoria's native sons, his birth having occurred here on the 6th of July, 1877, and a son of John H. Beckenhaupt.
The education of John C. Beckenhaupt was acquired in the public schools and the old business college, his student days being terminated at the age of fourteen years. For two years thereafter he was employed in the planing mill of George J. Raton. At the expiration of that time he severed his connection with this enterprise and entered the employ of Rowley & Wiley, members of the board of trade. During the succeeding seven years he held various clerkships on the board and in 1900 was appointed to the position he now holds. He has given very satisfactory service in this capacity, having applied himself closely to the business and acquiring a thorough knowledge of the essential points necessary to the successful discharge of his duties. He is exceptionally well informed on all matters vitally affecting the grain business and is recognized as a highly effi- cient man in his line, having manifested unusual ability in this direction during the period of his connection with the positon he is now filling.
This city was the scene of Mr. Beckenhaupt's marriage on the 12th of June, 1901, to Miss Mary Hastings Harlow. They are both members of the Central Christian church, in the work of which they take a helpful interest, and frater- nally he is affiliated with Lodge No. 47, K. of P., in which he has held all of the chairs. He is also a member of the Dramatic Order of the Khorassan and of the North American Union. Mr. Beckenhaupt is one of the widely known men in the business and commercial circles of the city, among whom he numbers many friends. He is a man of many estimable qualities, whose unsullied reputation and honorable business methods entitle him to the respect he is accorded by all who have had dealings with him.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.