Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II, Part 83

Author: Rice, James Montgomery, 1842-1912; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 930


USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 83


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David H. Proctor was a pupil in the public schools of Peoria until he reached the age of sixteen years when his desire to become an active factor in the busi- ness world led him to accept a position in the office of the J. C. Proctor Lumber Company, of which his uncle was senior member. His original position was a clerical one, but his close application, energy and ready adaptability enabled him to gradually work his way upward until he was active in the management of the business. In 1895, on the death of his brother, he assumed complete charge of the business, which he conducted in a most capable and successful manner. He readily recognized and utilized his opportunities and combined seemingly


DAVID H. PROCTOR


THE NEW YORI. PUBLIC LIBRARY


ASTAR, LENOX AND TILDEN FONDA IONS.


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diverse elements into a harmonious whole. He displayed notable tact in hand- ling men and situations, and guided the destinies of the business to a successful completion. He was not only well known in the lumber trade, but had reached a position where his name was an honored one on all commercial paper. Just a month prior to his death he was elected a director of the First National Bank of Peoria, becoming one of the youngest bank directors of the city. He seemed in the very height of his powers and his manhood when death called him and cut short a career of brilliancy and honor.


On the 8th of October, 1895, Mr. Proctor had married Miss Emma Louise Klingel, a daughter of Christian and Anna M. ( Schertz) Klingel, the father a native of Germany, while the mother was born in Peoria. The former came to America in the early '30s, settling in Peoria where he was prominently known. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor became parents of a daughter, Edna Dean. Mr. Proctor was a man of excellent qualities, very sociable and congenial, possessing in a large measure those traits of character which win friendship and regard. He was fond of outdoor life and enjoyed all manly sports. He greatly en- joyed art, music and travel, and was a lover of all that is good and beautiful. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and at no time did he neglect his duties of citizenship. He attended the Congregational church and found in its teachings many of the rules which governed his conduct. He held membership in the Creve Coeur Club, the Country Chib, the Duck Island Club and was also a member of the Peoria lodge of Elks, taking an active and helpful interest in the affairs of these different organizations. His life exemplified the truth of the Emersonian philosophy that "The way to win a friend is to be one." He appreciated the good in others and valued friend- ship highly; in fact all through his life he sought those influences which are elevating. It seems the natural order of things when an individual passes from life at old age, but when one is cut off in the prime of manhood the reason remains an unsolved mystery to those who are left behind. Yet. in a life record that covered only forty years, David H. Proctor accomplished more than many a man who reaches old age, and left behind him a memory that will be honored and cherished for years to come.


AUGUST J. REINMANN.


August J. Reinmann has progressed but a comparatively short distance on life's journey, but, while a young man, he occupies a creditable and enviable position in business circles as the president and general manager of the Rein- mann Brothers Company, successors to the Brown & Timberman Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of bank and store fixtures at Nos. 115 to 119 North Washington streets, Peoria. He was born in this city, February 3, 1884, his parents being August and Lena (Becker) Reinmann. The father is the secre- tary of the Reinmann Brothers Company and is a well known contractor and builder here, having been a resident of the city for more than a half century. Throughout much of this period his name has been a synonym not only for industry and sound judgment but also for honorable dealing in business circles.


August J. Reinmann was reared in Peoria and attended the public schools, after which he learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father. In 1910 in connection with his brother, R. H. Reinmann, and his father, August Reinmann, he took over the business of the Brown & Timberman Manufactur- ing Company and in June, 1911, this was reorganized under the present style. They do a general line of mill work and are manufacturers of interior finish- ing, store, office and bank fixtures. August J. Reinmann is the president and manager with his brother as treasurer and his father as secretary of the com-


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pany. In this connection he has become well established as a leading young business man of this city. The enterprise which he now largely controls is one of growing importance. The output finds favor with the public and the trade is increasing rapidly.


Fraternally Mr. Reinmann is well known as a member of the Maccabees. He is greatly interested in the Young Men's Christian Association work and is assistant physical director of the association here. He recognizes the fact that in youth, the critical period in the life of a boy, he should be surrounded with the influences that call forth and direct his latent powers and energies in the best possible way and train his better nature to an appreciation and acceptance of high and honorable principles. He is thus putting forth e fective and earnest effort to support and extend the work of the Young Men's Christian Association and his labors in this line as in his business are proving very resultant.


HENRY F. BREMER.


Henry F. Bremer is the president and founder of The Central Stone Com- pany, manufacturers of building stone, which is one of the thriving and rapidly developing enterprises of Peoria. He was born at Ottawa, Illinois, on March 30, 1872, and is a son of Henry F. and Mary Bremer. The father, a native of Germany emigrated to the United States in 1857 and subsequently located in Illinois. He was a stone cutter by trade and followed that occupation for many years both here and in Ottawa. When the Civil war broke out Henry F. Bremer enlisted in the Fifteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry and went to the front, where he remained until honorably discharged at the close of hostilities. He passed away on the 23d of December, 1901, and was laid to rest in Spring- dale cemetery, as was also the mother, whose death had occured in November, 1900.


Henry F. Bremer was only a child when his parents located in Peoria, and here he has passed the greater part of his life. He was third in order of birth in a family of nine children. At the age of fourteen he left school and began his apprenticeship as a stone cutter, and has ever since been identified with this line of work. From the time he was sixteen until he was thirty-four he worked as a journeyman, his varied experience while so serving proving of incalculable assistance to him in his business career later. He was too ambitious, however, to continue to work on a salary, and recognizing an excellent opening here for an establishment such as he is now conducting he organized The Central Stone Company. This industry has thrived from its incipiency, its development being characterized by a marked and substantial progress that now numbers it among the stable and well organized activities of the city. Mr. Bremer is both resourceful and sagacious and not only possesses the power to organize but to promote an undertaking and to his perseverance and determination of purpose must be attributed the prosperity that has attended his efforts. He is thor- oughly reliable and trustworthy and has established for himself a reputation that greatly helps to sell his products.


At Princeton, this state, on the 16th of May, 1898, Mr. Bremer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Brunzel, a daughter of Frank and Lena Brunzel, farming people of Kansas. One son, Henry F., Jr., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bremer.


Fraternally, Mr. Bremer is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Order of Ben Hur. His political prerogatives he exercises in support of the men and measures of the republican party, but has never been connected with official life. He has always utilized his time to the best possible advantage and has grasped every opportunity honorably open


MARY DANIELS HENEBERY


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to him for the advancement of his interests, finding his highest commendation in the fact that such success as has attended his efforts is entirely attributable to his own endeavors.


MARY DANIELS HENEBERY.


The battles of this world, its honors, its victories, its struggles, its triumphs, its rewards and its glories are for the men. The great industries, the spreading commerce, the rising municipalities, the upbuilding of cities, the conquering of the sea, the tilling of the land, the progress of nations, all militate to the honor and glory of the men who upraise them. And yet in the final analysis, the foun- dation of nations rests upon the women. Our mothers make us what we are. The influence of a good and noble woman, living out a virtuous and sacrificial life in her home and among her people, is the leading and final factor in the fu- ture greatness of her sons. On its lofty and high-minded women, wives and mothers of its future citizens the progress of America depends.


A woman of this type, one of the many Christian women about whom we hear too little, died in Peoria on March 13, 1912. Mrs. Mary Henebery was seventy-seven years of age at the time of her death, and was one of Peoria's most prominent, charitable and religious women. Her life was an epitome of all womanly virtne. For over half a century she lived with her husband and chil- dren, a truly noble wife and mother. Her influence extended into all the chiari- table and religious movements of her time, and many a humble woman, many a poor man, many a hungry child has cattse to remember her boundless love and kindness.


Mrs. Henebery was born in Ireland in 1834. She remained in her native country tintil she was fifteen years of age, receiving her early education there. In 1849 she came to America and ultimately to Peoria. At a very early age, she married Mathew Henebery, one of Peoria's most prominent and successful busi- ness mien. Tlfe marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Henebery was ideal. No one can esti- mate the valtte and influence of stich a woman to her husband and to her chil- dren. The sons and daughters of Mrs. Henebery have to thank their mother for the memory of a happy and serene childhood, for a training in the Christian vir- tties which have made their lives better and more faithful, and for a beatttiful and joyous home. The life of most women is comprised in this ; and failing this she fails all. Yet Mrs. Henebery added to this, a mind equal to any emergency, a talent for business which she employed in the administration of her husband's estate of over half a million dollars, which he left to her in trust at the time of his death. Her able administration of her fortune, her keen appreciation of btisi- ness facts, her strict justice, her sterling honesty, were among the most notable phases of her character. Mrs. Henebery left this legacy of spotless virtue, boundless charity, and Christan motherhood to her children, of whom seven are living, one son, Richard J. Henebery of this city, and six daughters: Mrs. E. J. Cashin of Peoria; Mrs. Samuel Cummings and Miss Lucy Henebery, also of Peoria ; Mrs. Robert De Wald and Mrs. Charles Muehler of Fort Wayne, Indi- ana ; and Mrs. E. T. Muir of Detroit, Michigan.


During her early life, Mrs. Henebery was an untiring worker in the cause of charity. No poor child, no needy woman, no unfortunate man sought her aid in vain. She gave, and gave freely to the Roman Catholic church and its chari- ties, of which church she was a devoted and loyal member during her lifetime. In 1906 she presented to St. John's parish, in the south part of the city, a mag- nificent school for the education of its children, She saw the need of this par- ticular parish for a good school, she saw the poverty of the families which made it tip, and she placed in the hands of Rev. Father Quinn the means of building a


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magnificently equipped school, that the children of the parish might have the benefit of a moral and Christian education. The Henebery Memorial school is today an institution second to none in the city in perfection of equipment, and not the least noble of Mrs. Henebery's many noble acts, is this opportunity she has given to the people of St. John's parish to instill ideals of virtue and generous nobility into the hearts of its children.


Reverend Father Quinn, in his beautiful eulogy of Mrs. Henebery at her funeral said in part : "We mourn at the bier of a good woman. The passing of one of her type is a loss to the race. The whole world should mourn. If society be moral at all, it is because there is morality at home. If there be a public conscience, it is because our mothers are conscientious. We shall never know this side of eternity what we owe or what the world owes to a good mother. It is the Christian mother who glorified the world and made it her debtor. If there are good men in the world, men whose lofty characters make them Christ-like, it is because they had good mothers: In Mrs. Henebery, we mourn the loss of an ideal Christian mother, one of a generation passing away all too soon, for whose sterling worth, spotless purity and measureless faith we can never be too grate- ful to God. There were few more deeply religious women, into the texture of whose lives were woven more beautiful and exalted characteristics. Religion was to her of supreme value and she fulfilled its duties conscientiously. She loved humanity. She was unselfish. To be unselfish is to be heroic. It is at the very heart of religion. Her whole thought was more for others than for herself. Her charities were many and modestly veiled.


"Mrs. Henebery was an ideal mother. She labored to make her home a Christian home and her children dutiful children of God. 'No artist's work is so high,' says a writer, 'so noble, so grand, so enduring, so important for all time, as the making of a character in a child, and the mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.' Such was Mrs. Henebery's noble mission, and faithfully she ful- filled it."


HON. CHARLES N. BARNES.


Since 1895 the subject of this review has been connected in a prominent way with the legal profession of Peoria. He is at present senior member of the firm of Barnes & Burke, whose offices are at No. 33 Mayer building. Mr. Barnes was born in Washburn, Illinois, March 25, 1860, the son of H. T. and Anice (Little) Barnes. The father was one of the early settlers of Marshall county and his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He took an active interest in civic affairs, was a stanch republican, a respected citizen and a successful farmer. His death occurred in 1895, at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother's demise followed in 1900, when she was sixty-two years of age. Both parents are buried in the Barnes cemetery at Washburn. The Barnes family is of Scotch ancestry and was founded in this country in the nineteenth century.


Charles N. Barnes attended the public schools of Washburn, Illinois, and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1878. Early in his stud- ent life he inclined toward the law as a profession and in accordance with his determination to become an attorney he entered Iowa State University at Iowa City, graduating from this institution in 1881 with the degree of A. B. He then entered the Law School of the Northwestern University at Chicago, Illi- nois, and was graduated LL. B. in 1883. He began the practice of his profes- sion at Wenona, Illinois, and later removed to Peoria, engaging in general prac- tice in this city. He attained prominence both as a lawyer and as a citizen and in 1892 he was elected to the state senate on the democratic ticket, serving in that capacity for four years. He ran for congress in the sixteenth district in


C. N. BARNES


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1898, but was defeated by J. V. Graff. He then resumed the practice of law, forming a partnership with A. H. Burke, a relationship which still continues. Mr. Barnes is an active member of both the Peoria and State Bar Associations.


At Marion, Ohio, on the 21st of January, 1887, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Anna Guthery, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Guthery. The father, who was a large real-estate owner, is now deceased and both par- ents are buried in the Guthery cemetery at Larue, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of three children: John T., who pursued the agricultural course in the University of Illinois at Champaign and is now engaged in farming near Washburn ; Mildred G., who attended National Park Seminary, at Washington, D. C .; and C. Howard, a student in the Peoria high school.


Mr. Barnes gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. In his fra- ternal connections he is a chapter Mason and belongs to the Benevolent Protec- tive Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. Mr. Barnes enjoys a wide acquaintance and an excellent reputation not only in Peoria county and city but throughout the state, having formed an ex- tensive acquaintance all over the commonwealth of Illinois during his four years' service in the senate. As an attorney he has shown marked ability and his prac- tice has been universally successful. His clientele is of the highest order and the business accorded his firm is most satisfactory. He has always taken a deep interest in municipal and political affairs and is numbered among Peoria's most valuèd and respected citizens.


JOHN J. CROWDER.


On the roster of city officials of Peoria appears the name of John J. Crowder who since May 1, 1901, has acceptably and creditably filled the position of city comptroller. He was born on a farm in Sangamon county, Illinois, April 27, 1859, and is the son of John C. and Ursula (Wilton) Crowder. The father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in Sangamon county for many years or until the time of his death.


A farmer lad, John J. Crowder early became familiar with the best methods of planting, plowing and harvesting, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the country schools and thus laid the foundation for his education. Subsequently he continued his studies in the schools of Springfield and later still more advanced opportunities were afforded him in a course in the University of Kansas at Lawrence, that state. He then returned to Springfield, where he engaged in teaching school for four years, becoming principal of one of the schools in that city. His leisure hours were devoted to the study of law and he was admitted to the bar in the capital city in May. 1890. He at once entered upon active practice there and remained in Springfield for two years, after which he came to Peoria, in 1892. Here fic opened a law office and has since engaged in general practice. He does not specialize along a certain line but keeps well informed concerning the various branches of the profession and his knowledge is adequate to the needs of a growing and important patronage, as is indicated by the favorable verdicts which he has won in the presentation of his cause before the courts. His ability has won recognition in appointment to office. He served as assistant city attorney for five months, filling out the unexpired term of John Daily. He was also city collector of Peoria for two years and the record which he made in this position commended him for the present office of city comptroller, which he is now filling.


Mr. Crowder was married to Miss Addie F. Coleman, a daughter of Albert Vol. II-35


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and Sarah Coleman, of Peoria. They now have one child, Dorothy. Mr. Crowder is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is representing the local lodge of the latter order in the grand lodge. His religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the First Baptist church and his influence is always given on the side of right, improvement and progress. In a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he is steadily working his way up- ward and in official connections he has gained the distinction of making for himself a clean and creditable record as an incumbent in public office.


J. D. DOWNING.


J. D. Downing, who is engaged in farming in Logan township, was born in Peoria county in 1849. His parents were John and Marguerete (Parks) Downing, who, in 1830, came from Ohio to Peoria county where they pur- chased eighty acres of unimproved land in Logan township. At that time there were numerous prairie chickens and deer in this section of the country. J. D. Downing was reared under the parental roof, and remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age, helping his father to clear and culti- vate the farm. He then began farming for himself in Logan township, and now owns forty acres and rents an adjoining sixty acres, making in all one hundred acres in the tract on which he carries on agricultural pursuits. He cultivates yearly fifty acres of corn and twenty-five acres of wheat, and has twenty acres in hay and five in pasture. He engages in raising live stock, to the amount of about seventy-five head of hogs, fifteen head of cattle and fourteen head of horses yearly.


Mr. Downing has been twice married. In 1873 he wedded Miss Anthea Cox, who died in October, 1879, leaving three children: Robert, Marguerete and Charles, who is deceased. Mr. Downing's second union was to Miss Hester Buchanan, and to them have been born seven children: Zula M., Bertha V., Estella F., Wilbur D., John D., Myrtle and Sylvia B.


In politics Mr. Downing gives his allegiance to the republican party, and for the past fifteen years he has efficiently served in the capacity of road com- missioner. He is conscientious in all business relations, industrious in his farm- ing pursuits and has the high regard of all who know him.


HOWARD MOODY.


Howard Moody, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, is a native resident of Rosefield township. He was born May 13, 1866, the son of James M. and Ellen H. (Morris) Moody, the father born in Ireland in 1834 and the mother in Peoria county in 1843. James M. Moody was brought to America in 1842 by his parents, John S. and. Elizabeth Moody, who located in Rosefield township, where they purchased at first one hundred and sixty acres and later added to it eighty acres. They both died there, the mother in 1868 and the father in 1900. In their family were three children, James, Thomas and Mary Ann.


James M. Moody remained at home with his parents until he was twenty- five years of age, when he rented a farm which he operated for twelve years and subsequently purchased eighty acres in Rosefield township, and added to this forty adjoining acres. At the death of his father, John S. Moody, James M. Moody inherited one hundred and twenty acres of land and in 1900 he purchased


GEORGE T. PAGE


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forty acres adjoining it. In the family of James M. and Ellen HI. ( Morris) Moody were nine children, as follows: Harry M. and Nellie, both of whom are deceased ; Howard, of this review ; Mary A., who is the wife of Walter J. Green, of North Creek, Ohio; Catherine E., the wife of Eugene C. Wrigley, of Peoria, Illinois ; James H., who is engaged in the automobile business at Trivoli; Harry, deceased : Hugh H., who is engaged in the automobile business in Peoria ; and Marcus H., who is a farmer in Rosefield township.


Howard Moody was reared and educated in Rosefield township and remained with his parents until 1892, when he established a home of his own. From 1889 to 1900 he was engaged in the threshing business .. He purchased one hundred acres of his present farm in November, 1889, and in 1904 added to it forty acres and in 1906 another one hundred acres, so that he now owns in all two hundred and forty acres. He engages in the cultivation of grain and also raises stock, making a specialty of horses. He has nine registered stallions, two being Perch- eron and seven Standard bred. He also has twenty-three head of brood mares and colts, seven Standard bred brood mares and six of the Percheron grade, and seven Standard bred colts and three of the gelding grade.


On the 16th of November, 1892, Mr. Moody wedded Miss Clara A. Beccher, who is a daughter of A. H. and Sally ( Fisher) Beecher, of Logan township. Mr. and Mrs. Moody have become the parents of six children : Mandella H., who was born March 29, 1894. and who is studying with the International Corres- pondence School; Morris B., born December 1, 1896; Rilma 1., born October 28, 1898; James R., born May 16, 1901 ; Leland M., born October 21, 1903; and Clarita E., born March 22, 1906.




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