USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 78
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D. Crawshaw, a professor in the University of Wisconsin; and Clara, who mar- ried Henry Newton Kipp of Pontiac, Illinois.
In his political affiliations Mr. Story is a consistent republican and actively interested in local affairs, although he never seeks public office. He is a devout adherent of the Presbyterian church. He has lived almost his entire life in Peoria and is numbered among the representative, substantial and public-spirited men of the city. He is one of the well known citizens and during the course of a long and useful life has made the energy, integrity and practical industry by which he promoted his own prosperity become influential factors in municipal growth.
WILLIAM A. WILLARD.
Many years have passed since William A. Willard departed this life but there are also many men now well known and prominent in business circles who re- member him with gratitude for his generous assistance or kindly words of advice when they were at the turning points of their careers. His own success as a merchant was well deserved, it being the fitting and merited reward of earnest, persistent and carefully directed labor. He was born July 27, 1828, at Rocking- ham, Windham county, Vermont, and died July 17, 1865, at Saxton's River, Vermont, while on a visit to his native state. His parents were Alpheus and Maria (Sabin) Willard, natives of Saxton's River whence they made the over- land trip to Illinois long before the era of railroad travel and settled in Brim- field, Peoria county, in 1838. They were among the first to take up their abode in that district and contributed to its early substantial development and upbuilding.
William A. Willard was at that time but ten years of age. Only six years before had the Black Hawk war occurred and there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy to be found in the state. Then too, there were great prai- rie stretches in Illinois that were unclaimed and forests that were uncut. His educational opportunities at Brimfield were very limited for his father died when a comparatively young man, and Mr. Willard was forced to earn his own living. His widowed mother opened her home which was at that time a log cabin for a school, which was attended by the children of neighbors in and near Brimfield. After a few years William A. Willard came to Peoria and entered the employ of Moses Pettengill, Peoria's "grand old man," of the pioneer days. This man, whose example and precepts so greatly aided and encour- aged many a youth starting on life's journey, proved indeed a friend to Mr. Willard and the latter, early developing high principles as well as a spirit of in- dustry and determination, made continuous progress. He saved his money and by frugal living at length acquired sufficient capital to enable him to engage in merchandising on his own account. He continued for many years as one of Peoria's prominent and successful young business men but about three years prior to his death his health began to fail and while on a business trip east the final summons came. He was a self-made man and took advantage of every legitimate opportunity presented and by unflagging industry and honor- able effort gradually worked his way upward in the business world. He was but thirty-six years of age when he passed from this life.
On the 8th of September. 1852, in Peoria. Illinois. Mr. Willard had mar- ried Miss Theresa Bissell, who was born July 22. 1830, in Colebrook, Coos county, New Hampshire, a daughter of Morgan and Octa ( Porter) Bissell, of Colebrook, who became early settlers of Wisconsin, where the father followed the occupation of farming. Both Mr. and Mrs. Willard were descendants of old New England families that helped to shape the destiny of the coun-
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WILLIAM A. WILLARD
MRS. WILLIAM A. WILLARD
THE NEW YORA PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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try. By their marriage were born four children: Frank, of Detroit who had three children, Warren A., Kingman S. and Margaret T., deceased : Mary B .. who occupies the family home with her mother ; and William and Harry B., who have passed away.
Mr. Willard lived an earnest Christian life as an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, in which he served as vestryman. In politics he was a demo- crat and a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas. At one time he served as mayor of Peoria and at the time of his demise he was a member of the board of school inspectors. He was one of the most enthusiastic and prime movers in securing for the city an adequate water supply and personally championed the movement that secured the first mercantile library for the city of Peoria. He was prominent in the Masonic fraternity and was also a faithful member of the Odd Fellows lodge. He loved his friends and delighted in dispensing generous hospitality and was ever a most genial, courteous and kindly host. He read broadly and though his school advantages in youth were very limited he became a well informed man. It was his great delight to aid others and he took an especially great interest in the boys and young men of the city who in- deed found in him a friend. His success as a merchant and his prominence as a citizen were well deserved. Throughout his life he never chose the second best in anything but sought to attain the highest and reached ever after lofty ideals. His career was an inspiration and an encouragement to others and he ever held with Abraham Lincoln that "There is something better than mak- ing a living-making a life.". Mrs. Willard passed away on May 23, 1912, at the age of eighty-two years.
GEORGE W. HERMANN.
George W. Hermann, who is the proprietor of a general merchandise store and who has also, since 1896, acted as superintendent of the post office at Bar- tonville, was born in Limestone township, Peoria county, November 21, 1872. He is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Fitchen) Hermann. The father came with his parents from Darmstadt, Germany, to America in 1847 and settled on a farm in Limestone township. Here the grandfather was engaged in general agricultural pursuits with much success, and his farm covered the present site of the Carter brick yard.
George W. Hermann received his early education in the district school which is known as the Oak Grove school and afterward completed a course in Brown's Business College. Subsequently he was employed for one year on a farm in East Peoria, after which, at the age of seventeen, he took a position in the grocery store of H. B. Bess in Peoria and remained there for about one year. He then worked for seven months in the retail grocery store of Joseph Stalter, which was located at the corner of Monroe and Morgan streets. Afterward he took charge of the grocery store of Scholl Brothers and remained with them for some time. On January 5, 1891, he came to Bartonville, where he managed the grocery store for J. & J. Hill until April 7, 1893, when he purchased the same and has since carried on the business for himself. He has added in the meantime a mercantile and general department. In 1896 he also became super- intendent of the postoffice here, which he oversees in connection with his mer- cantile storc. He erected his business building here and also two residences.
At Bartonville, March 1, 1893, Mr. Hermann was married to Miss Maria J. Hill, daughter of John Hill, who was formerly a merchant at Bartonville and who built the first store of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Hermann have been born six children, namely: Ray William, who assists his father in the store; Lloyd Wilbert; Lizzie Irene; Node Justin; George Joseph; and Susanna Dor- othy. The five last named are attending school.
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Mr. Hermann is a republican in politics and since 1904 has served as a notary public. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He acts as treasurer of the Workingmen's Sick and Death Benefit Fund and has ever taken an active interest in the welfare of the community. He is a well liked and successful merchant here and his prosperity is due to his own splendid business foresight and energy.
J. M. DAVID.
J. M. David, who was the junior partner of the law firm of Sheen & David, with offices at No. 403-405 German Fire Insurance building, was a resident of Peoria since 1909, in which year the partnership was formed. He was born at Bladen, Nebraska, July 15, 1884, a son of Isaac and Mary J. David. The father died in 1895, being buried at Bladen, while the mother, who survives her son, the subject of this review, made her home with him in Peoria until his demise. His primary education J. M. David received in Nebraska and in Washington, Illinois. He was graduated from the Galesburg high school in 1902, after which he entered the Illinois Wesleyan Law School, and after his graduation from that institu- tion in 1905 with the degree of LL. B., he was admitted to the bar in October of the same year. His first legal practice was when he became connected as a partner with the firm of Sheen, Miller & David. After remaining with this firm for a time he withdrew and practiced alone for two years, and when Mr. Miller withdrew from the firm of Sheen, Miller & David, and became associated with the Hon. John S. Stevens, Mr. David again entered into a partnership with Daniel R. Sheen, his uncle. The practice of this firm was most satisfactory and J. M. David acquired an excellent standing and reputation in the community in connection therewith.
Mr. David was married in Wolcott, Indiana, June 14, 1911, to Miss June E. Unroe, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Unroe. Her father is a well known cement contractor at Wolcott. In political matters Mr. David was independent, preferring to support for nomination and office such candidates as he considered best fitted for the positions. He was an enthusiastic member of the Peoria Bar Association, being a regular attendant at its meetings. He was well known as a promising young attorney and his demise occasioned widespread and deep regret. Always loyally giving his attention and energy to the causes entrusted to him he was on the road to success and his practice had become quite extended. He made his home with his mother at 519 Fifth street.
WILLIAM F. HARTMAN.
William F. Hartman, who has the exclusive agency for electric pianos in central Illinois and eastern Iowa, maintaining an office at 207 Bridge street, Peo- ria, was born at Wapello, Iowa, on the 5th of February, 1864. His father, Henry Hartman, was born and reared in Germany, whence he emigrated to the United States in 1834. He sailed from Hamburg, and upon his arrival in this country settled in Louisa county, Iowa, acquiring government land in the vicinity of Wapello. There he reared his eight children, devoting the remainder of his life to the further improvement and cultivation of his land.
The boyhood and youth of William F. Hartman were unusually hard, as at the age of eight years he began assisting his father with the operation of the home farm, such education as he received being acquired prior to that time. In 1880, at the age of sixteen, he left home and started out to make his own way in
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the world. Never having learned a trade, agricultural pursuits were the only oc- cupations open to him, and his energies during the succeeding fourteen years were entirely devoted to farming and threshing. In the latter year he removed to Boston, Illinois, where he worked in the sawmills during the winter months and engaged in threshing in the summer, remaining there for two years. His next removal was to Illinois City, Rock Island county, Illinois, and there for three years he followed the same vocations. From there he removed to Musca- tine, Iowa, and contracted in a sawmill where they handled hardwood lumber ex- clusively. He gave up this position in 1903, however, and coming to Peoria es- tablished an agency for electric pianos and other musical instruments, which he both rents and sells. His territory is good and he has succeeded in establishing a profitable business and is meeting with satisfactory financial returns.
On the Ist of January, 1886, Mr. Hartman was united in marriage to Miss Emma Moore of Columbus Junction, lowa, and a daughter of Lafayette Moore. The fraternal relations of Mr. Hartman are confined to his membership in the Eagles. Such success as has rewarded his efforts must be attributed to his enter- prise and determination of purpose.
CHARLES V. ENGSTROM.
The life record of Charles V. Engstrom is indicative of the fact that success has its root in individual qualities and not in any environment or fortunate com- bination of circumstances. Careful analyzation as to the causation of success proves clearly that industry, intelligently directed, is the basis of all business ad- vancement and so it has been in the case of Charles V. Engstrom, who for a quarter of a century has been identified with the wholesale leather trade of Peo- ria. A native of Sweden, he was born at Kalmar, on the 10th of November, 1854. He acquired his education in his native land, where he remained until fifteen years of age, when, in 1869, he accompanied his parents on their emigra- tion to the new world. The family made their way westward to Galesburg, Illi- nois, and the boy soon secured employment as a farm hand, to which work he gave his time and attention until 1873. He then came to Peoria and entered into active connection with railroad work as an employe on the old Rock Island & Peoria line. He was ambitious, however, to engage in business on his own ac- count and eagerly availed himself of any opportunity leading in that direction. In 1876 he established a custom shoe shop in connection with C. A. Malm, the partnership continuing for five years, or until 1881, when he purchased Mr. Malm's interest and was thereafter alone in business until 1887. . In that year he changed the direction of his activities somewhat by entering the leather and shoe findings business in connection with W. P. Bowers. This partnership was maintained uninterruptedly for seventeen years, or until 1904, when Mr. Eng- strom became the sole proprietor and is today one of the leading wholesale leather dealers of this part of the state. As the years have passed his trade has developed along substantial lines owing to the enterprise, the close application and the unfaltering energy of him who is at its head. His patronage has shown a marked increase from year to year and his volume of trade is now large.
On the 31st of December, 1879, Mr. Engstrom was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Anderson, of Galesburg, and they became the parents of four children, of whom three are living: Ella Victoria, the wife of Dr. William N. Cosley, of Peoria ; Roy V., who married Miss Edna Fulks and is a resident of the state of Washington ; and Charles L., who is engaged in business with his father.
Mr. Engstrom is well known as a member of Fort Clark Lodge, No. 108, 1. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the chairs. He belongs to Peoria Lodge, No. 15, F. & A. M., and to Peoria Camp, No. 812, M. W. A., and is also treasurer
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of the Deaconess Home and Hospital. Making a close study of economic, socio- logical and political problems, Mr. Engstrom has become identified with the so- cialist party, to which for fifteen years he has given his support, believing that in its principles are found the solution for many of the vital questions which are before the country. Mr. Engstrom has at all times evidenced those qualities which stamp him as a man of integrity and high purpose and in matters of citi- zenship his public spirit and progressiveness are manifest in his loyal indorse- ment of every movement that he believes will advance the welfare of the com- munity.
NEWTON MATTHEWS.
Newton Matthews, who has been a resident of Peoria courty since 1843, was in the years of his early manhood connected with the profession of law but for the past twenty years has given his time and energies only to the supervision of his invested interests and personal business affairs. He was born June 30, 1841, in Henry county, Illinois, and is a direct descendant of Cobit Matthews, who married Miss Mary Carrington. Both were natives of Hartford, Connecti- cut. Their son, Simeon Matthews, was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Royce, of Litchfield county, Connecticut, a daughter of David and Jane ( Foote) Royce. They were the grandparents of Newton Matthews and the parents of Leman Matthews, who was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, October 30, 1816. In the fall of 1839 the last named sought a home in Illinois. He was a young man of about twenty-three years when he left New England, traveling by wagon from Connecticut to Albany, thence by the Erie canal to Buffalo and by the steamer Anthony Wayne to Chicago. There he hired a man to haul his goods to La Salle and for three years therafter he was a resident of Henry county, Illinois. On the expiration of that period he removed to Peoria county, settling in Medina township in 1843. As the years passed on he became a large land owner and was extensively engaged in farming to the time of his death. He con- tributed largely to the pioneer development of this part of the state and his energy and industry made him a prosperous agriculturist. He married Miss Mabel Barker, who was born in Connecticut, March 18, 1815, and died on the 29th of November, 1892. They were the parents of three children: Newton; Wallace, who was born January 12, 1843 : and Emily, born November 14, 1845. Newton Matthews was not yet two years of age when the family came to this county. He pursued his education in the schools of Peoria, which he attended until twenty-one years of age, after which he began reading law in the office of Johnson & Hopkins, with whom he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Chicago and in 1866 was admitted to the bar. He then began practice and followed the profession successfully for a few years, or until his private business interests claimed all of his time. He had in- vested quite extensively in real-estate and the management of his property made heavy demands upon his energies. For the past twenty years he has given all of his time to his personal business affairs and yet at different periods in his life he has rendered important public service, filling a number of public offices. He has been active as a political leader in Peoria, stanchly advocating demo- cratic principles, and during President Cleveland's administration he was largely instrumental in securing the appointment of J. W. Hunter to the position of internal revenue collector in a spirited contest with a number of candidates for the position. His motto has ever been clean politics and he has been a pro- nounced foe to graft and to misrule in municipal affairs. He served for many years on the board of supervisors of Peoria and over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
In 1869 Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Ann Chambers, who
NEWTON MATTHEWS
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ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS,
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died in 1906, leaving three children : Pearl, who is the wife of Walter H. Kirk, a lawyer of Peoria, and the mother of one child, Evangeline; Maud, who is the wife of Dr. E. A. Bradley of Peoria; and Wilbur, who is United States store- keeper and gauger. He is married and has one child, Priscilla Matthews. After losing his first wife Mr. Matthews married again, his second union be- ing with Mrs. Harriet MI. Baker. Mr. Matthews is a member of the Creve Coeur Club and also of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Illinois Lodge, A. F. & A. M., while in Peoria Consistory he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite.
KARL WOLF.
Karl Wolf, proprietor and manager of the Hotel Meyer, in which connection he is proving a popular host, was born in Germany in 1874. He has followed in the business footsteps of his father, John Wolf, who was a hotel proprietor in that country. The son remained a resident of his native land until 1893, when, at the age of nineteen years, he came to America, making his way at once into the interior of the country. Settling at Peoria, he entered its business circles in connection with Die Sonne, a German newspaper, learning the printer's trade. After he had thoroughly acquainted himself with the mechanical part of the work and had gained considerable knowledge concerning the methods of gather- ing news and compiling a paper, he joined leading German citizens in founding and publishing the Peoria Volksfreund, which he conducted for nine years. His business ability and enterprise were manifest in the success that attended his efforts during that period and he became well known as a prominent representa- tive of the German press of Illinois.
Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Meyer, a daughter of August Meyer, a hotel keeper. The wedding was celebrated five years ago and of this marriage two children have been born, Paula and Johanna. After his marriage Mr. Wolf became proprietor and manager of the Hotel Meyer, situ- ated at the corner of Oak and Adams streets, and is numbered among the successful hotel men of the city. He belongs to the Peoria Turn Verein, Con- cordia Singing Society and is a director of the German free school. His promi- nence and popularity in the German American circles of the city are widely ac- knowledged. Aside from his membership connections already mentioned he be- longs to the Woodmen of the World and to St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. The latter indicates that a spirit of helpfulness and broad humanitarianism rules him in his relations with his fellowmen. He came to America empty-handed and has since been forced to depend upon his own resources. He, therefore, has great sympathy with others who are starting out in life without capital and is ever ready to extend a hand of assistance where he believes that material aid will prove beneficial.
SHERMAN ANDREW IIUNT.
The old homestead farm of the Hunt family lies four miles south and a mile west of Trivoli. There occurred the birth of Elijah Hunt and of his son Sher- man Andrew Hunt, whose name stands at the head of this review. The former was born August 20, 1833, and was, therefore, forty-nine years of age when he passed away in 1882. He had been an active farmer to the time when his health failed. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Adelaine Murdaugh, was born in Pana and is now sixty-nine years of age. By her marriage she became the V.1 1 -: 3
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mother of seven children, four daughters and three sons, William C., Sherman A., Harry A., Mrs. Edith Miskimmen, Mrs. Eva Clark, Cora and Grace. The last two are now deceased.
At the usual age Sherman A. Hunt entered the public schools and therein pursued his studies while spending his boyhood and youth upon the home farm, where his birth occurred July 24, 1865. He resided continuously on the old homestead to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated June 30, 1885, when he was twenty years of age, Miss Rickie Becker, a native of Richwoods town- ship, Peoria county, becoming his wife. Unto this marriage have been born four daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Elizabeth Slane, Mrs. Leona Bloomershine, Alice Irene and Dorothy Lucile. There is also a little grandson, Byron Slane, who was three years of age on the 22d of December, 19II.
Following his marriage Sherman A. Hunt engaged in farming in Richwoods and in Medina township until 1885, when he established his home in Peoria, ac- cepting a position in the livery stable of B. F. Bowman on West Bluff. He was afterward employed in the Great Western Distillery until 1897, when he entered the employ of the Clarke Brothers Distilling Company, being associated with that corporation until he received his appointment as deputy sheriff on the Ist of November, 1899, under Sheriff John Kinsey, under whom he served for three years. He continued in the position for four years under Sheriff D. E. Potter and then entered the detective service in connection with the Central Detective Association. In 1909 lie was elected constable for a term of six years and is now acting in that capacity. Two years ago he was a candidate for sheriff at the primaries but was defeated by a small majority. He has always given his political support to the republican party. As deputy sheriff he handled four hundred insane patients who were taken to Watertown and Jacksonville asylums and in all that number there were no mishaps. He is justly proud of the record that he has made in office, for his duties have ever been discharged with prompt- ness and fidelity and sound judgment has guided him in all of his official connec- tions. While serving under Sheriff Potter he was chief deputy and was in charge of criminal work.
Fraternally Mr. Hunt is a Mason, belonging to Temple Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and he also holds membership in Peoria Camp, M. W. A. Honorable purpose, activity and fidelity have characterized him in every relation of life. He is both energetic and progressive and these qualities, combined with reliability, insure his advancement.
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