USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 105
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After land was bought by the father, our sub- ject and his brother Abraham rented and operated it until 1858, when the connection was dissolved and both went to Iowa, driving in a buggy to Pilot Grove, Washington County. Our subject bought a raw farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved, stocking it with cattle, and in connection with the labors thereon running a break- ing plow with thirty-inch shire and drawn by six yoke of oxen. Ifis principal business until the war broke out was the breaking of soil, but the needs of the country drew him to the battlefield.
On August 16, 1862, Mr. Merchant became a member of Company K, Thirtieth lowa Infantry, was mustered in at Keokuk as Corporal under Capt. Gallagher, and going to the front spent much time on boats moving up and down the Mississippi River as need arose. He was at Haines Bluff, Yazoo, Little Rock, Black River, Jackson (twice), Champion Hill, at the siege of Vieksburg forty days, returned to Jackson, then again to Vieks- burg, and to Milliken's Bend and Grand Gulf. After this round of engagements he was a partici- pant in the battles of Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- tain and Missionary Ridge, then having wintered in Tennessee, joined Sherman as an integral part of the Fifteenth Army Corps, commanded by the gallant " Black Jack," whom this State loves to honor.
Again Mr. Merchant bore a part in some of the most noted battles of the war, among them being Dallas, Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain. At the siege of Atlanta he acted the part of the brave patriot, and in the bat-
tle of Jonesborough he continued his courageous conduct. After this he was with Hood in Tennes- see, then returning to Atlanta, made one of the band that marched to the sea, then north through the Carolinas, and after Lee's surrender and the death of the martyred Lincoln, he went to Rich- mond and on to Washington to take part in the Grand Review, June 15, 1865. The next step in his life was his discharge and return to his prop- erty in Iowa. Several times his clothes were cut by bullets, but he received no wounds. One fall he suffered from typhoid fever, that being the only period when he was off duty.
The land of Mr. Merchant being rented, he gave his attention to buying, feeding and shipping cat- tle, doing well at that business. While on a trip to Chicago with stock in the fall of 1866, he bought the homestead from his father, and the next year located upon it, again becoming a farmer. He finally sold his Iowa land and bought an additional eighty here, thus bringing up his estate to the comfortable amount before mentioned. He raises hogs of good breeds, also feeds several carloads of cattle each year, finding this the most profitable way to use the corn he raises. He likewise raises good draft horses and roadsters, having twenty head at this writing, at the head of the herd being two standard bred Wilkes and Hambletonian horses.
In Richmond, Iowa, November 18, 1866, MT. Merchant was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Gallagher, a native of Fredericktown, Md. Her brother James, a native of Maine and early settler in Washington County, Iowa, was Captain of the company in which our subject served, having joined at the same time. He is now retired from active life. Mrs. Merchant was educated in Maryland and Iowa, was graduated from Washington Academy, and taught school from the age of sixteen years until her marriage. She was of Irish ancestry, and possessed the ready intelligence and aptness char- acteristic of the better elasses of that race, together with excellent traits of character. She entered into rest June 27, 1880, mourned by many beyond the walls of the home in which she was sorely missed.
The family of Mr. Merchant comprises six chil- dren, whose record is as follows: Lorena married
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William Akiu, a blacksmith living in Trivoli Town- ship; Jessie O. is the wife of Lewis Kerr, a farmer at Oak Hill; Walter L. and Grace M. are at home; Daisy died when thirteen years old; William is attending school in Farmington. Grace attended the High School at Washington. Iowa, then in Peoria, being obliged to abandon her studies on account of poor health; she secured a teacher's certificate when but fifteen years old.
Mr. Merchant has been School Director fifteen years, and is now President of the Board. He joined the Masonic fraternity after the war, and now belongs to a lodge at Farmington; he also holds his place among the members of the Grand Army of the Republic at Elmwood. By birthright he was a Quaker, but married without the pale of the society, his wife having been a Baptist. In politics he is a stanch Republican, has been dele- gate to county and State conventions, and a Central Committee man. At stock shows he has acted as judge, being competent to determine the respective merits of various species and breeds.
AMES E. PILLSBURY. This cognomen is one well known and highly honored through- out Peoria County, he who bears it being an efficient servant for the public, for whom he acts in the capacity of Clerk. In this station he has served continuously since 1882, winning an official record such as few men attain in these days of bribery and corruption in public places. His capability is unquestioned, as are his honor and integrity, and he supports with all his influence the cause of education and other elevating enterprises. Having previously acted as County Superintendent of Schools, he well understands the responsibilities of that position and the needs of the schools, and is better able to advance the cause than if he were ignorant on these points.
Mr. Pillsbury is of English and Scotch ancestry several generations back. On the father's side he traces his descent from William Pillsbury, who came to America in 1640, settling in the old Bay State. This worthy man was the progenitor of all
the Pillsburys now in America. The immediate progenitors of our subject were Thomas and Eliza- beth (Dunbar) Pillsbury, natives of Maine, where the father kept a country store. In Lincoln County, that State, two children were born to the good couple, they being our subject and a sister, Lizzie S., now Mrs. Perkins, of that county.
The natal day of James Pillsbury was February 6, 1.840, and in the State of his birth he received his education, which included a partial course in Colby University. Like many another Maine lad, he went to sea "before the mast," but a sailor's life did not prove sufficiently attractive to retain him long. He adopted the profession of teaching, and for years followed pedagogy. From 1862 to 1865 he was engaged in the lumber business in Cali- fornia, and he then returned home, coming thence to Peoria late in 1865. IIe was engaged as Princi- pal of the Second District (now the Lincoln) School, of this city, retaining the position until late in 1877, when he was elected County Super- intendent of Schools. Taking up the duties of his oflice January 1, 1878, so ably did he labor for the improvement of the schools and so much did the cause advance under his supervision that he was retained in the position five years, leaving the field only to assume other public duties to which the suffrage of the people called him.
An interesting event transpired August 8, 1865, when Miss Helen A., daughter of Horace Hall, be- came the bride of our subject. Mrs. Pillsbury shares with her husband in the good-will of a large circle of acquaintances, by whom she is re- garded as worthy of respect for her character and acquirements. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Pills- bury consists of six living children-Helena, Bes- sie, Grace D., Irving J., Hester M. and Ella C. Both parents belong to the Baptist Church. The father is a Democrat, who has never departed from his political faith. He belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity, having membership in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, and in the Scot- tish Rites Consistory. He also belongs to the An- cient Order of United Workmen and to the Im- proved Order of Red Men. His nature is an extremely companionable one, and the ability he displays in whatever duty lies before him is
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acknowledged by all who know him. His record in public and private life is one to which he can point with justifiable pride, and no better heritage can be left to his offspring than this.
IIOMAS L. H. DOTY. No one stands higher in the estimation of his fellow-citizens than the gentleman whose portrait is shown on the opposite page and whose occupation is that of a railroad conductor, with a pleasant home in l'eoria. Ile was born in Clermont County, Ohio, July 17, 1846, accompanying his parents to Peoria in 1852. Here he attained to man's estate, securing a good education and being peculiarly fortunate in his home surroundings, by which his better qualities of mind and character were strengthened and de- veloped. In 1864 he began life as a railroader by securing the position of brakeman on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Road. After a brief service he was employed by thic Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville Railroad, and in 1867, began with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific.
Mr. Doty was soon promoted from brakeman to regular freight conductor, a high tribute to his capacity and honesty. In 1885 be accepted a simi- lar service with the Rock Island & Peoria Railroad which he still occupies. He has been singularly free from accidents, the fact being largely due to his own carefulness and sobriety. He is an honored member of the Order of Railway Conductors, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Modern Woodmen. Ilis religious belief is that of the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife belongs.
At the end of his trips on the road, Mr. Doty gladly returns to his cozy home where a charming group composed of mother and four children awaits his arrival with loving anxiety. ITis cher:shed companion bore the maiden name of Flora N. Mounts, was born in this city, and became his wife December 19, 1869. Their children have been named respectively, Frank A., Eva S., Orrin A. and Charlotte.
The father of our subject was Orrin Doty, an early pioneer of Ohio, to which State he went in
1820. Long before railroads had been built he was engaged in staging, carrying passengers, freight and Government mail outward from Cincinnati. His trip from New York to Ohio by the Great Lakes was one of the romantic experiences which many pioneers enjoy. Ile closed his long and busy life in March, 1876, in Peoria, where he had been living nearly a quarter of a century.
The mother of our subject was known in her girlhood as Miss Charlotte Heyl. She and the bus- band to whom she had been a devoted companion for many years were not long divided, as she joined him beyond the river of death in Decem- ber, 1876. She was a woman of rare character and Christian devotion, her reliance on the inspiration of the Scriptures being a sacred legacy to her chil- dren.
n OBLE HOLTON, M. D. This gentleman is now located at Harper's Corners to which he removed from Peoria in 1888, and where he has put up some fine buildings. He is well versed in the principles which underlie his profes- sion, proficient in anatomical knowledge, and prac- tical in his application of that which he learned from books to the needs of suffering humanity. Since he began his professional labors he has en- deavored to keep up with the times in his under- standing of the latest discoveries in medical science, feeling that the responsibility of his position made it incumbent upon him to take advantage of every opportunity to become still more efficient and pro- ficient. He is well posted on all the affairs of the day, his fine library containing works by the best writers on the various topics which a scholarly mind enjoys.
Dr. Holton traces his descent from Arad Holton, a Revolutionary soldier. In the family of that patriot was a son, Noble, who married Betsy Whit- ney. This couple were living in Windham County, Vt., when on the 22d of May, 1823, the son was born whose history it is our purpose to outline. The parents removed to Western New York, when our subject was fourteen years old, their new home be- ing in Livingston County, where he finished his
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literary education at an academy. He then entered the office of Dr. Merriam, of DeKalb County, Ill., and after studying with that excellent practitioner a sufficient length of time, entered Rush Medieal College in Chicago, from which he entered the Chi- eago Medical College and was graduated in 1867.
In 1861 Dr. Holton passed the examination of the State Army Medical Examining Board, and was appointed surgeon of the Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry, April 22, 1862. The Examining Board of Medicine was organized by Gov. Yates and, its requirements being exacting, he who could pass its examination must be competent in physics and surgery. He served with the regiment for a year in the neighborhood of Cairo and New Madrid, thenee went to Corinth, Miss., where his health be- came so poor it was necessary for him to leave the service. On a surgeon's certificate he offered his resignation, which was accepted, and returning to the North he journeyed westward in search of re- newed vitality.
After the war Dr. Holton spent some time in Colo- rado, Nebraska and Wyoming, praetieing his profes- sion when his health would permit in the latter, where, with his wife, he sojourned four years. Not content with the knowledge he had previously gained he entered the medical department of the Northwest- ern University, from which he was graduated in 1867, beginning his practice in the States in the village of Pekin. In 1878 he removed to Peoria with his family, making that the headquarters for his professional labors, with which he has constantly been oceupied for many years. For a time he was located in Smithville, and during his residence in Peoria was connected with other prominent physi- cians in establishing a medical college. Dr. Ros- cotton was the first President and Dr. Holton Secretary, Dr. Boal afterward taking the presiding office. The Association secured a charter and, rent- ing a large room, started into business, but owing to the lack of funds the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Peoria was short-lived.
The wife of Dr. Holton bore the maiden name of Rosina A. Greenman. She is a daughter of Martin and Modena Greenman, of Tiskilwah, Bureau County, by whom she was carefully reared, growing to womanhood in the possession of a character and
acquirements which fitted her for the companion- ship of intelligent and cultured associates. She and her husband have had five children, all of whom died in infaney, the parents therefore having but one child living at a time.
Dr. Holton east his first Republican ballot for John Charles Fremont, the "Pathfinder" of the West, and has ever been stanch in his adherence to the Republican party. He is well informed on and mueh interested in the political outlook, and quite active in the work of his seetion of country. While a resident of Kearney, Neb., he was elected Mayor of that eity.
N. KEITH, M. D., is the leading old school physician of Chillicothe, having a large practice and meeting with abundant snc- eess in his efforts to mitigate the sufferings of mankind. His office is located in the Thomas Building on Second Street. Dr. Keith is railroad surgeon for the Rock Island Company and devotes his time energetically to physics and surgery. add- ing to his already good store of knowledge by the perusal of medical journals and other professional literature.
The grandparents of our subjeet, both in the pa- ternal and maternal lines, were pioneers of Eastern Indiana. In Switzerland County Dr. E. H. Keith, the father of our subject, was born and grew to maturity. He married Miss Rebecca J. Adkinson, daughter of William and Malinda (Colvin) Adkin- son, who left the Hoosier State about 1853 for Mar- shall County, Ill. After improving a farm there theyretired to the town of Henry where they subse- quently breathed their last when about three-score years of age.
During the year 1853 Dr. E. H. Keith removed to Peoria Township, Peoria County, Ill .. settling on a farm which was his home for a few years, after which he carried on a drug store in LeRoy, Me- Lean County, for four years. The war having broken ont he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, going at once to the front. He was a participant in several minor skirmishes be-
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fore he was transferred to the medical department and stationed on Johnson's Island near Saudusky, Ohio, where a prison was located. Ile was con- nected with the army three years, during which he was able to report for duty every day. He then practieed his profession in Memphis, Tenn., one year, his wife and children still remaining in llenry, Ill., where they made their home during his army experience.
In 1865, Dr. E. Il. Keith was joined in Peoria by his wife and children and in that city he gained a prominent position among medical practitioners, giving up a good practice when his health failed. In May, 1888. he was compelled to lay aside the duties of his practice from the effects of sickness, from which he never recovered, dying in Chilli- cothe, Ill., at the residenee of his son, April 15, 1889. llis widow is now living on her own property in Peoria and at the age of sixty-one years is still ac- tive and useful. Dr. Keith was for some years connected with the Peoria Boarct of Health. He was a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. A. N. Keith of whom we write was born in Switzerland County, Ind., June 8, 1853, but reared in the Prairie State, whither he was brought in in- fancy. He is the third in a family of three broth- ers and four sisters, of whom he and his brother Edward E .- the latter a merchant in Henry, this State, are the only survivors. Ile was well reared, educated in the Peoria High School, and prior to entering upon the practice of his profession, labored as a teacher, a book-keeper and drug clerk. His medieal studies were completed in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago,from which he was graduated in the class of '83. He began his professional labors at Alta, this county, where he continued to reside until the fall of 1887, then tak- ing up his abode in Chillicothe.
At the home of the bride at Chillicothe, March 20, 1878, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Dr. A. N. Keith and Miss Ella E. Turner. This lady was born November 30, 1858, and was reared and educated chiefly in this county to which her parents removed during her girlhood. Her father, Jack Turner, a cabinet-maker, died here some years ago. Her mother, Mrs. Martha (Southworth ) Tur-
ner, still resides here and is now about three-score years of age. Doctor and Mrs. Keith have one child, Cloyd E., born May 30, 1880.
In local polities Dr. Keith takes an active part, supporting the Republican party with his voice and vote. He is now at the head of the municipal govern- ment of Chillicothe, having been elected Mayor April 15, 1889. He belongs to Sampson Lodge, No. 188, K. of P., and to George Washington (Blue) Lodge, No. 222, A. F. & A. M. Possessing excellent natural abilities, a fund of information regarding general topics, and professional skill, he occupies a foremost place among the members of the com- munity and his good wife is also looked upon with highest favor.
G EORGE B. TEMPLE is extensively identi- „fied with the mercantile interests of Chilli- cothe as one of its leading merchants. Hle is a member of the firm of Temple & Colwell, dealers in all kinds of dry goods, boots and shoes, with a large and well fitted up store on Second Street, where they are doing an extensive business.
Our subject was born in Lexington, Mo., Oc- tober 20, 1850. His father, Dr. Peter Temple, was a native of King William County, Va. HIe came of one of the most prominent families of the Old Dominion, who had settled there in 1649,hay- ing fled from their early English home during the Revolution in England. They came from an an- cient family in the old country which was titled and had a coat of arms and large possessions, which were confiscated by the crown when they left Eng- land. The coat of arms is still in the family and many other relics, such as jeweled shoe and knee buckles. The family rose to prominence in Vir- ginia, acquired wealth there, were large slave own- ers, and were well known throughout the State.
The father of our subjeet was reared in the place of his nativity and being of a wealthy family he was given every advantage to secure a good edu- cation. When deciding upon a career in life he chose the medical profession, and became a student in one of the first medical schools in the country,
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Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. After leaving college he came to Illinois and established himself as a physician in Chicago, and while there acquired a large practice, and, being possessed of a marked talent for business, accumulated a large property, including many acres of Chicago city property and also land in suburban towns, and in several other counties of the State, the value of which amounted to several million dollars, but the titles being contested caused a great deal of litiga- tion.
Dr. Temple moved from Chicago to Chillicothe, and after some years to Missouri. He became an active and leading citizen of that State and was variously identified with its interests, and at his death in Lexington, March 12, 1889, one of its most prominent and public spirited-citizens was removed. His had been a busy and useful career which was rounded out at the ripe old age of sev- enty-six years. In early life he had married a Vir- ginia lady, Miss Lucy W. Mathews, who was a sister of P. T. Mathews, of whom sec biography for full history of the family, which was a prominent one in the Old Dominion. Mrs. Temple was care- fully reared and educated by good parents. and af- ter her marriage came West with her husband, her cheerful help and wise counsels being import- ant factors in making his life a success. She died June 4, 1890. aged sixty-eight years, of heart failure, her death being instantaneous.
George B. Temple, of whom we write, is the youngest of a family of seven children. He re- ceived the basis of his education in Missouri, and while he was still in school, a lad of fourteen years, Price made his famous raid there,and he came to Chillicothe and attended school, and also clerked in his uncle Thomas P. Mathews' store until he be- came of age. Ile then went to Montana and in Deer Lodge County was engaged in general mer- chandising for five years. At the expiration of that time he returned to this county, and since March, 1890, has been carrying on business as be- fore stated, with Mr. Colwell.
Mr. Temple was married in Chillicothe City to Miss Laura C. Moffitt, who was born here Febru- ary 24, 1851. She is a member of a well-known family of this city, and was reared to womanhood,
under the parental roof receiving a fine education, and prior to her marriage was engaged as a teacher. She is a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and refinement, and the home of herself and hus- band is the center of true culture. Their pleasant home circle is completed by the presence of their one child-Mary L.
Mr. and Mrs. Temple are prominent society people. Mr. Temple is a Democrat in politics, and his means and influence can always be de- pended upon to forward the interests of the party. As a wide-awake, far-sighted business man he is a potent factor in advancing the financial prosperity of Chillicothe, and is regarded as one of the most desirable citizens.
ANIEL KLINCK. Among the many highly-improved farms of Princeville Township none prove more attractive than that of the gentleman above named, which comprises about eighty acres of land on sec- tion 23, and which is represented elsewhere by a view. It is a choice piece of land and under the efficient control of its present owner has been sup- plied with a cozy residence, excellent barns and other outbuildings,conveniently divided by hedges and adorned with fruit and shade trees. The Santa Fe Railroad runs along the north end of the farm, where grain, cattle and hogs are the princi- pal staples.
Mr. Klinck is descended in the second genera- ation from Leonard and Elizabeth (Brown) Klinck, the former of whom was born and educated in Al- bany. N. Y., and in early life engaged in school teaching. While still a young man he went to Can- ada where he followed farming. He participated in the Canadian Rebellion and finally came to Illi- nois, dying in Princeville. His wife lived to the extreme age of one hundred and five years.
The father of our subject was George Klinck, who was born in County York, Ontario, Canada, adopted farming as his vocation and bought land in Markham Township, County York. He was killed by the fall of a tree when forty-four years
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