USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 76
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Clarence A. Pattison, president and secretary of the Peoria Drill & Seeder Company, was born at Dowagiac, Michigan, in 1869, and there reared to the age of twenty years, receiving his education in the public schools. In 1890 he left home and went to Fargo, North Dakota, to accept a position as a traveling salesman for the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of grain drills. Three years later he removed to Kansas City to become manager of their branch house, remaining there until 1897, when he withdrew from this connection in order to become manager of the Haworth & Sons Corn Planter Works at Decatur, Illinois. He discharged the duties of the latter position for four years, at the expiration of which time he came to Peoria and together with Luther E. Roby and others organized the Peoria Drill & Seeder Company.
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When the company was incorporated he was made vice president and secretary and in 1909 became president and secretary. This enterprise has thrived from the first and is now one of the well established and substantial operations of the city. Mr. Pattison's wide experience in the implement business united with his powers as an organizer and executive well qualify him for the duties of the position he is now filling. To him must be attributed much of the credit for the rapid and permanent development of the business, as he uses rare sagacity and excellent judgment in the methods he employes in placing their products on the market. He has every reason to feel gratified with the success attend- ing his endeavors, as the firm's books have annually shown a marked increase not only in the amount of their sales but also in the number of their patrons.
Dowagiac, Michigan, was the scene of Mr. Pattison's marriage on the 30th of January, 1894, to Miss Theo Rudolphi, a native of that city and a daughter of Dr. A. T. Rudolphi. Mr. and Mrs. Pattison have one daughter, Kathryn, who is six years of age.
Mr. Pattison is affiliated with the Scottish Rite of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Maccabees, and is a member of the Illinios Val- ley Yacht Club and the Peoria Implement and Vehicle Club. He is treasurer of the National Association of Agricultural Implement and Vehicle Manufac- turers, vice president of the National Grain Drill Association and a director of the Peoria Association of Commerce. He is highly esteemed among his busi- ness associates, generally, his upright principles and standards of commercial integrity winning him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has tran- sactions. He has met with much more than average success in his career but those who know him recognize it as the well merited reward of unceasing energy and determination of purpose.
WESTON CUTTER.
Weston Cutter, of the Cutter Coal Company, located at 1610 South Wash- ington street, is one of the representative members of Peoria's younger com- mercial circles. He was born in this city on the 6th of November, 1883, and here he was likewise reared and educated. He had completed the course of the grammar school and was a junior in the high school when he terminated his student days, at the age of sixteen years, and entered the business world. His first position was in the office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, but he subsequently withdrew from their employ and entered that of the Acme Harvester Company. At the age of nineteen years he left the service of the latter company and again engaged in railroad work. As he is ambitious he was not satisfied to remain an employe, so he industriously applied himself to acquire sufficient capital to engage in business for himself. By thrift and enterprise he was able to realize his ambition in 1908, and resigning his position he engaged in the retail coal business with his brother Charles C. Cutter, under the firm name of the Cutter Coal Company. Both young men are well known and highly esteemed in Peoria, and in the conduct of their enterprise have adopted a policy that has won them the confidence of all who have dealings with them, and has been one of the dominant factors in their success. They are enjoying an excellent patronage, which is constantly increasing, and have every reason to teel gratified with the development of their business.
In this city on the 11th of May, 1911, Mr. Cutter was united in marriage to Miss Sanchen Strehlow, a daughter of Rudolph and Abbey ( Ball) Strehlow. The parents, who reside at 2409 Seventh street, are pioneer citizens of Peoria and one of the city's first families.
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Both Mr. and Mrs. Cutter are members of the First Presbyterian church, and he also belongs to the Illinois Valley Yacht and the Peoria Canoe Clubs. He is one of the early members of the latter and was serving on the house committee when the new club house was built. It is the second, if not the largest, exclusive canoe club in the world. They have a beautiful club house. which was erected at a cost of seventy thousand dollars, located on the upper lake of the Illinois river, along the Galena road. It is one of the most exclusive social organizations in the city, its membership being limited to one hundred, and they now have a long waiting list. Mr. and Mrs. Cutter are both very popular socially. Mr. Cutter is just finishing a handsome house at 229 Tobias street which will be the family residence.
NATHAN GILES.
The life record of Nathan Giles covered eighty-one years. In the later period he lived retired but for many years he was numbered among the lead- ing agriculturists of Peoria county and was one of the pioneer settlers, who contributed largely to the early progress and development of this section of the state, especially along agricultural lines. He was born in Oneida county, New York, November 15, 1827, a son of Thomas and Ann ( Pickin) Giles, who were natives of Wales. The father was a soldier in the British army and was sent to the island of St. Helena to act as guard over Napoleon Bonaparte during the period of his banishment there. While engaged in that duty he was married on that island and three of his children were born there. At length he came to America with his family and took up the trade of a stone mason in the state of New York, but, thinking that the west held still better opportunities, he came to Peoria in 1836 and here purchased the land that is now owned by his descendants. This was a tract of eighty acres, which he bought from William Hale for eight dollars per acre. He died in 1838, two years after coming to Peoria, but his wife survived for many years, passing away in 1854. Their chil- dren were seven in number, Thomas, Joseph, William, Alice, Nathan, George and ' Sarah. The elder daughter became the wife of James Peters.
Nathan Giles was quite young when his parents removed from Oneida county to Oswego county, New York, where he pursued his education as a public- school student until after the removal of the family to the west in 1836, when he went to Richmond, New York. There he continued until 1843, when he pro- ceeded to Wisconsin and for ten months worked in the lead mines of Galena. In 1844 he arrived in Peoria and took up his abode on Knoxville road, about a mile and a half from the city of Peoria, which at that time, however, con- tained a population of only a few hundred. With characteristic energy he began to develop and cultivate that land and was thus engaged unitl 1849, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he started for the Pacific coast, accompanied by his brother William. They joined a large party, making the trip overland with ox teams, traveling by way of St. Joseph, Brownsville, Fort Kearny, North Platte and thence to the Sacramento valley in California. Mr. Giles prospected all through that state and also made several trips northward to Portland and to Oregon City. He intended to enter into the cattle business but did not regard the prospects as very favorable and in consequence returned to Illinois by way of the Panama route and New York, arriving at his home on the 22d of December, 1853, after an absence of four and a half years. He then entered industrial circles in connection with brick manufacture, in which business he continued for ten years. He next took up farming in Richwoods township and was thus engaged in tilling the soil for another decade. He then
NATHAN GILES
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traded that property for more land and sold some of his real estate at a very gratifying figure. In 1885 he erected the present home in the city and retired from active life save for the supervision which he gave to his landed interests and investments. In his vocabulary there was no such word as fail. He was determined and energetic and careful management of his business affairs brought him to a creditable financial position, enabling him in his later years to put aside further business duties and enjoy the fruits of his former toil.
On the 18th of December, 1856, Mr. Giles was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Claussen, and unto them were born five children. Anna, the eldest, is the wife of Arthur Keithley, of Peoria, and they have four children, Giles E., Olive May, Amy and Lillie Lucille, Lucy became the wife of Frank Car- rington but both are now deceased. They had three children: Annie 1., the wife of J. G. Frye; Nathan; and Washington, who is deceased. Olive is the wife of Edwin Sherwood, of Peoria, and their children are: Mrs. Kate E. Morton, who has a daughter, Mildred, and lives in Boaz, Alabama ; Ruth R., and Abijah M. Alice C. Giles is the fourth member of the family and Andrew N. has passed away.
Mr. Giles always took an active part in politics, giving loyal support to the democratic party until 1861, when the paramount questions and issues of the day brought about the critical situation of the country led him to espouse the cause of the republican party, of which he was ever afterward a stanch advo- cate. Several times his fellow townsmen called him to public office and for eleven years he served as supervisor of Richwoods township and was a mem- ber of the building committee at the time of the erection of the Peoria county courthouse. He was a prominent and well known pioneer, active in the move- ments for the county's welfare and development, and his labors were of a prac- tical and resultant character. He reached a ripe and honorable old age. passing away November 23, 1908, soon after he had come to the eighty-first milestone upon life's journey. He deserved much credit for what he had accomplished. as he started out in life for himself at a very early age empty-handed. He knew what earnest, persistent toil meant and he ever recognized the fact that all worthy success is that which is honorably won. Industry and integrity. therefore, became the salient feature in his life and gained for him prosperity and an honored name.
RUDOLPH SMITH.
Prominent among the native residents of Limestone township is Rudolph Smith, who is numbered as one of the prosperous farmers of his community. He was born April 24, 1858, his parents being John and Catherine (Crues) Smith, who came from Germany, settling in Peoria county in 1856. In their family were seven children, of whom Rudolph, of this review, was the fourth in order of birth.
Rudolph Smith, reared under the parental roof, remained at home until twenty-one years of age and then was employed in farm work for two years. In 1881 he rented a farm which he operated for eight years. In 1891 he pur- chased in Limestone township eighty acres, for which he paid four thousand dollars and which are a part of his present farm. To this in 1893 he added thirty acres, for which he paid sixteen hundred dollars, and in 1902, sixty-five acres, for which he paid four thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars, and in 1907, eighty acres, paying for it sixty-four hundred dollars. Later he sold fifteen acres, so that he now has two hundred and forty acres in all. He engages extensively in raising grain and live stock and has ever met with excellent success.
Mr. Smith married Miss Annie B. Look, a daughter of Barney and Cather- Vol. 11-32
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ine (Horn) Look. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, two of whom are deceased. They are: Johannes Johnson, deceased; Catherine G .; Katie : John J .; Claus J .; Barney, deceased; Barney; Everett; and Rudolph.
Mr. Smith and his famly are devout members of the German Lutheran church and their lives are guided according to its teachings. He is known as a steady, reliable, persevering man and whatever he undertakes he carries for- ward to successful completion. This reputation has made him a person on whom his associates can always depend and the permeating influence of his life is set forth in an upright character and in straightforward dealings in both social and business circles.
ALBERT WEIL, M. D.
Dr. Albert Weil has been a member of the medical fraternity in Peoria for the past eighteen years and has won a place among the foremost representatives of the profession here. His offices are in the Jefferson building. His birth occurred in this city on the 17th of March, 1864, his parents being Isaac A. and Babetta Weil. The father, who was among the earliest pioneers of Peoria, was successfully engaged in business as a wholesale liquor dealer. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party. His demise occurred in 1900, when he had attained the age of sixty years, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1884 at the age of forty-eight. The remains of both were interred in Springdale cemetery.
Albert Weil obtained his early education in the public schools and subse- quently pursued a course of study in the Chicago College of Pharmacy, from which institution he was graduated in 1884. After serving an apprenticeship with A. Reen and F. C. Bourscheidt, he embarked in the drug business on his own account at the corner of Eaton and Adams streets, there remaining for five years. On the expiration of that period he had saved sufficient money to defray the expenses of a course in Rush Medical College, from which insti- tution he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of M. D. He was then ap- pointed surgeon on the dispensary staff of the Michael Reese Hospital, serving in that capacity for eighteen months. At the end of that time he returned to Peoria and in 1894 was appointed surgeon of the Central City Railroad Com- pany. Soon afterward he was appointed chief surgeon of the local street car lines-a position which he has held ever since. In 1895 he was elected county physician on the democratic ticket over eight republican aspirants and also won a reelection, serving for two terms. Subsequently he acted for eight years as county physician under Coroner Harper. In 1907 he was appointed health commissioner, serving in that capacity during Mayor O'Connor's administration. Owing to his individual efforts, the long planned Isolation Hospital became a reality, a structure being erected at a cost of twenty-two thousand dollars which . is a credit to the city. Just before resigning the office of health commissioner he was appointed chief surgeon of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company for this district and has held that position continuously since, while recently he was also appointed surgeon for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Com- pany. On the organization of the Peoria Pekin Terminal Company he was ap- pointed its surgeon and has since remained in that capacity. He likewise repre- sents the Mckinley Traction Company as chief surgeon for all local lines. Dr. Weil is also a member of the Proctor Hospital staff and keeps in close touch with the progress of his profession through his membership in the Peoria Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical As- sociation and the Railroad Surgeon's Society of North America.
On the Ist of April, 1890, in Peoria, Dr. Weil was united in marriage to Miss
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Sarah Tuteur, by whom he has two children: Gladys, who is a student in Brad- ley Institute ; and Helen, who is pursuing her studies in St. Mary's College of In- diana. The family residence is at No. 414 Knoxville avenue. Dr. Weil has at- tained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and is a member of the blue lodge and the Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Creve Coeur Club. He is most conscientious in the performance of his professional duties and in every relation of life is actuated by high and honorable principles. His genuine worth and his devotion to all that is right, just and elevating, make him a man whom to know is to respect and honor.
EDWARD D. EDWARDS.
Almost a half century's residence in Peoria county has made Edward D. Ed- wards well known to a large proportion of its citizens, for through this period he has been in different ways closely associated with its commercial, industrial and agricultural interests and at the same time has taken an active and helpful part in promoting the work of public progress, being at all times a public-spirited citizen. He represents one of the oldest families of this part of the state and was born on the old homestead farm on section 24, Rosefield township, May 23, 1853. His parents were Edward D. and Susan E. (Schnebley ) Edwards, the latter a repre- sentative of the old and prominent Schnebley family of Maryland. The father was a son of Thomas and Elinor Edwards, who removed with their family from Hampshire county, Virginia, to Peoria county, Illinois, in 1833. They were among the first settlers in this section and the village of Edwards was named in their honor. Four generations of the Edwards family have now been represented in this county and all have been identified with agricultural interests. The old homestead farm in Rosefield township was originally owned by Edward D. and Francis A. Edwards, jointly, but has since been sold. The father. Edward D. Edwards, Sr., entered several hundred acres of land in the early days and in addition to being an enterprising and prosperous farmer he engaged in railroad building, constructing about ten miles of the Peoria & Oquawka Rail- road, now a part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy system. He led a busy and useful life, which won for him the respect and confidence of friends and neighbors, and his labors were crowned with a gratifying measure of success. To him and his wife were born the following named: Thomas H., who was a soldier of the Civil war, but is now deceased; Ellen J., who became the wife of David Geigley both of whom have now passed away; John S., who died in in- fancy ; Mary A., deceased; Francis A., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume : Edward D .: George W., deceased; and Susan, the wife of R. F. Van Arsdale, of Galesburg, Illinois.
Edward D. Edwards, our subject, was reared on the old homestead and the usual experiences of farm life were his, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He pursued his education to the age of twenty years and then began farming. working in the employ of others until he was able to purchase land. Frugality, industry and ambition were the qualities that enabled him in time to become the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Rosefield township, which he purchased in 1884. He cleared and improved this tract and converted it into rich and productive fields. He afterward opened a general store in Edwards, which he conducted for five or six years, when he sold out and turned his at- tention to the coal trade, operating a mine in connection with Michael Cusack at Youngsiding. There he continued in the coal business for about seven years and his undertakings in that direction also met with success, for it is characteristic
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of Mr. Edwards that he accomplishes what he undertakes, his vocabulary know- ing no such word as fail. In the meantime he removed his family to Peoria, in 1903, and the succeeding two years he disposed of his business interests else- where that he might remain at home with his family in this city. Subsequently he erected seven or eight houses as an investment and now devotes his time to looking after his property in the city and his extensive farming interests. Otherwise he is living retired, for his energy and indefatigable labor in former years brought to him the substantial success which now enables him to rest from further labor in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
On the 7th of August, 1877, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Luella O. McVicker, a daughter of John W. and Melissa ( Shepard) McVicker. They have two children : Edna Mamie, at home ; and Charles Ellis, who in 1902 married Eva M. Mapole and conducts one of his father's farms, being the fourth generation of the family identified with agricultural pursuits in Peoria county. There are two children of this marriage, Luella Belle and Enid E. The family is a prominent one, having an extensive circle of friends in Peoria, and their home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality. Mr. Edwards votes with the republican party, which he has supported since casting his first presidential ballot for Rutherford B. Hayes. A residence of almost fifty years in the county has made him thoroughly acquainted with its history. He has been an interested witness of its upbuilding and the work which was instituted by his grandfather and carried on by his father is continued by him. He is a man of genuine per- sonal worth and his sterling traits of character have established him on a high plane in public regard.
EDWARD A. PRATT.
One of the most flourishing institutions in the city of Peoria and one doing business along original and rapidly developing lines is The Edward A. Pratt Audit Company, located in the New Jefferson building, since its incorporation in 1910. The company takes its name from its president, Edward A. Pratt, the founder of the business in this city, whose energy and resource have been largely responsible for its splendid growth.
Edward A. Pratt is a native of Illinois, having been born in Thomson, Car- roll county, February 16, 1868. His parents were Israel and Rebecca Pratt, the former an extensive farmer and stock dealer in Carroll county. Israel Pratt, the father of our subject, died in Thomson, December 30, 1874, having survived his wife since February 26, 1868. They are buried side by side in Carroll county.
Edward A. Pratt received his primary education in the common schools of his native city, and later entered the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio. However, he was unable to complete a college course and subsequently taught school for some time and later acquired a half interest in a newspaper at Johnstown, Ohio. This he operated for some time, later removing to Col- umbus, Ohio, and there took a thorough course at a local business college. Mr. Pratt soon obtained employement and later became secretary of The Ohio Pipe Company, remaining in this connection for about seven years. In 1896, he went to Chicago and soon after became a public accountant, and has been associated with this line of activity ever since. He spent the years from 1896 to 1908 doing all kinds of expert auditing and accounting in Chicago, where he gained a wide professional experience and a reputation for thoroughness and individuality in his work.
On the 15th of July, 1908, when he had already gained a high place in the ranks of his profession as an expert accountant, Mr. Pratt came to Peoria and
EDWARD A. PRATT
-LE TW YORK
LIBRARY
A LENOX AND TLDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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opened offices in this city as Edward A. Pratt & Company, Public Accountants and Auditors. His efficiency was soon recognized and his business grew until it was decided to enlarge the capacity and incorporate the company. This was done in September, 1910, with Mr. Pratt as president. The business has proved so successful and has developed with such rapidity that now several auditors are regularly employed with contracts in many cities of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. It is a significant fact that the Pratt Audit Company does work year after year for the same concerns, particularly large wholesale and manufactur- ing establishments, auditing and systematizing their accounts and records and giving them detailed reports of their business in convenient book form. The firm makes a specialty of establishing systems for the handling of the accounts of any business, furnishing special books and records which simplify the work and save much money and time. The business in Chicago is still in active opera- tion and increasing rapidly. The offices of the firm in that city are in the Old Colony building. A branch has also been established in Springfield, Illinois, and other branches are contemplated.
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