Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 106

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1014

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 106

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old. lie was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. His wife, Mary Horner, was born in Markham Township, being a daughter of Emanuel Horner,a successful and wealthy farmer. She died in Canada in 1875. The parental family comprised twelve children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. John and George are now farming in Canada; Abraham, the twin brother of our subject, lives in Simcoe County, Canada; that county is also the home of .James, Mrs. Martha Ditson and Mrs. Mary Baker, (twins) and Elias; Mrs. Lizzie Baker lives in Markham, County York; Joseph in Manitoba; and Thomas in County York.

The birth of our subject took place on the family acres in Canada, July 6, 1841. Ile was reared on the farm with good school advantages, and after the death of his father, which occurred when he was twelve years old, remained with his mother and brothers. The boys farmed together, continuing the improvements begun by their father and gain- ing quite an estate of which our subject sold his share when twenty-four years old. Hle then, in June, 1865, came to Princeville, HIl., where for a short time he worked for others. lle then with his twin brother bought one hundred and sixty aeres on section 35, Princeville Township, where the two tilled the soil for some years. Our sub- jeet then traded for the land which he now occu- pies.

The lady whom Mr. Klinck won as his wife was Miss Jane Martin, who was born in his native place, June 27, 1844, and with whose qualities of mind and heart he was thoroughly acquainted. She is a daughter of Thomas Martin, a native of Lincoln- shire, England, and Susannah (Sanderson) Martin, who was born in Yorkshire. Her father came to Can- ada when a young man, cleared a farm and became a successful owner of land and stock. He took part in the Canadian Rebellion in 1837, is yet liv- ing, and is now seventy-nine years old. He and his wife are now living retired in Canada. Ile be- longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he has been Class-Leader and served in various official capacities. Ile is a son of William Martin who spent his entire life in England, his occupa- tion being that of a farmer. The maternal grand- father of Mrs. Klinck was William Sanderson, a

Yorkshire farmer who spent the latter years of his life in Canada where he carried on a dairy farm. HIis wife was Miss Elizabeth Galloway.

Mrs. Klinck is the first-born in a family of eleven children, five of whom died in infancy and one in maturity. The surviving members of the family are: Mrs. Ann Fry, of Peoria, Ill. ; William, of York, Canada; Thomas, of Sault St. Marie, Canada; and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Granger of Simcoe, Canada. The deceased are Elizabeth, Rachel, Rebecca, Sus- annah, Martha E. and one daughter who died un- named.

The marriage rites of Mr. and Mrs. Klinck were celebrated in York County, Canada, February 18, 1869. They have six bright, intelligent children living, and lost a daughter, Edith A., when three. weeks old. The first-born. Susannah B.,an attend- ant at the Princeville High School and Academy, has devoted her talents to the work of pedagogy. The other members of the household band are: Thomas W. M., Alice L., Mary J., Daniel E. and George F. Mr. and Mrs. Klinck belong to the the Methodist Episcopal Church in Princeville and the husband is identified with the Prohibition party. He has served as Pathmaster. He is a man of much intelligence, courteous manners, and most upright character, white his wife is reputed to be a notable housewife and a most estimable lady.

AWRENCE SHEHAN. Among the many valuable and well-managed farms in Rad- nor Township, that of our subject is especi- ally attractive on account of its neat, well-ordered appearance and the number of beautiful shade and fruit trees that adorn the grounds. Mr. Shehan has been a resident here many years, and in the meantime has improved this farm and by wise and judicious conduct of his affairs has acquired an ample competence.

County Wexford, Ireland, was the native place of our subject, and he was there born in the year 1828. His parents were Abraham and Margaret (Sunderland) Shehan, natives and life-long resi-

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dents of the same county as himself. The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in the land of his birth. In 1856, in the opening years of man- hood, stalwart and self-reliant, ambitious to better his fortunes, he sought this promised land, and after an ocean voyage of several weeks disembarked at New York and came from there directly to this county and township. He had not sufficient means to begin life as a farmer on his own ac- count, and for seven years he worked by the month in Radnor and Medina Townships. He prudently saved his earnings and at the expiration of that time had money. enough to buy eighty acres of choice land on section 14, still included in his present farm, which he has made one of the most desirable farms and pleasantest places of resi- dence in all Radnor Township. He now owns one hundred and forty-five acres of land, which is under a high state of cultivation, its fertile soil yielding large crops in repayment for the time and care expended upon it. He has erected a neat and substantial class of buildings, and everything about the place betokens thrift and excellent manage- ment on the part of the owner.

February 1, 1865, the marriage of our subject was solemnized in Peoria, and on that date he had the good fortune to secure as his wife and help- mate Miss Emily Gates. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Pratt) Gates. The father died in Radnor Township, and the mother is still living in this township. They were among the early pioneers of Peoria County, coming here from their New England home in Massachusetts in 1837. They first settled in Radnor Township, and from there went to Hallock Township, and thence to Peoria, where he was engaged in the boot and shoe business until they made their final home in Radnor Township. They had five chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Shehan was the second in order of birth, and she was born in Rome. this county, August 3, 1839. She is a woman of marked intelligence, possessing a strong character and the fine womanly attributes that make her a valued counselor and a true friend. She takes a lively interest in the affairs of the township. where she has so long made her home, and is especially interested in educational matters, earn-

estly desiring that her children shall have the bene- fit of a liberal education.

Mr. and Mrs. Shehan have had nine children, as follows: John H .; Mary L., wife of Grant Rogers; Myra E., Maggie A., Bessie A., Charles L., Fan- nie E., Stephen H. and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Shehan has borne an honorable part in the management of public affairs and has served with ability as Ilighway Commissioner and School Di- rector. In politics he takes his stand among the Democrats. He is well endowed with firmness, activity, shrewdness and discernment, and his place in this community is among our most solid and re- liable citizens.

OHN C. WOELFLE occupies a prominent place in the business circles of Peoria as the leading jeweler in the city. He has here one of the finest establishments of the kind in the State which is elegantly fitted up, and carries from $25,000 to $30,000 worth of stock. A native of Baden. Germany, our subject was born January 16, 1843, a son of John Jacob and Agnes Woelfle. John passed the early years of his life in the Fa- therland. and acquired a substantial education in its schools. He was ambitious to sce something more of the world, and to try life among other scenes, and he left his old home and came to Amer- ica in 1863. In 1871, he established himself in business here as a jeweler, and has built up a fine trade, having secured the patronage of Peoria's wealthiest citizens. He has a beautiful assortment of jewels, and the best silverware that is manufac- tured, and in his stock there is as great a variety as can be found in the leading stores of larger cities.

Mr. Woelfle was married to Emelia. daughter of August Hessler, an old settler of Peoria, November 1, 1888. They have here a lovely home, tastefully furnished and complete with all the modern com- forts and conveniences, and its bountiful hospital- ity is often extended to a large circle of friends.

Mr. Woelfle is a man of more than ordinary finan- cial ability, and in his business and social relations his energetic character and practical sagacity ren-

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der him a very useful citizen. lle is materially contributing to the wealth of the city by the able manner in which he is conducting his extensive business, and in public spirit and the loyal inter- est he manifests in the welfare of his adopted liome he is in no whit behind his neighbors.

S QUIRE A. STOOKEY, a sturdy and sub- stantial farmer of Trivoli Township, has attained a very prominent position among the members of his class in this vicinity. His fine farm consists of one hundred acres on see- tion 27, all tillable except twenty aeres, and hav- ing a living spring in every field. It is particularly well adapted for stock-raising and for the cultiva- tion of hay and grass, to which the good judgment of the owner has largely devoted it. The most of the improvements upon the place have been made by him; they include orchards, groves, tile drains, good fences, and a full line of farm buildings.

The ancestry of Mr. Stookey is detailed in the sketch of his brother, the Ilon. D. B. Stookey, which occupies an appropriate place in this volume. The birth of our subjeet took place on the farm he now occupies, February 24, 1855, and here he was reared, having the advantage of attendance at good common schools until about seventeen years old. From the age of nine years he had been bearing such a share as his strength would permit in the labors of the estate, and when eighteen years old, he took charge of the home farm, which at that time consisted of one hundred and seventy acres. It was devoted to general farming, our subjeet re- maining with his father, working for him and tak- ing charge of everything until the death of his parent. He then rented the farm for two years, after which he bought one hundred and forty acres of it. Of this he subsequently sold forty aeres to his brother-in-law, Mark Graham.

As before stated, Mr. Stookey has given much of his attention to the raising of stock, though erops are not neglected. The machinery used upon the estate is of the latest and most approved mod- els, and every means is taken to insure large crops

of fine quality. The cattle raised are a good grade of Short-horns, and the swine are full-blooded Po- land-Chinas. Two teams of draft horses are used in the work of the estate.

For so young a man, Mr. Stookey has certainly no reason to be dissatisfied with his financial suc- cess or the standing which he has secured in the community. The confidence of his fellow-citizens has been shown by his election to the office of Col- lector in 1885 and in 1889. IIe has also advanced their interests as School Trustee one term. He is a sturdy Democrat, whose ability has been made use of by sending him as a delegate to county con- ventions. Honorable in private life, peaceable and law-abiding as a citizen, and displaying much en- ergy in whatsoever he undertakes, Mr. Stookey is looked upon with respect by all who know bim.

On September 16, 1880, in Logan Township, Mr. Stookey was united in marriage with Miss Nel- lie S. Wilson, who was born in Trivoli Township, here received her education, and surrounded by good home influences, grew to womanhood. She is the daughter of Jolin and JJane Wilson, early set- lers, and occupants of a farm in this township. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Brunswick, possesses a consistent Christian char- aeter, and is an efficient helpmate and companion. The union between Mr. and Mrs. Stookey has re- sulted in the birth of four children-Edith L., Nel- son A., Earl L. and an infant unnamed. Earl L. is the only one now living, the others having died in early infancy.

P ETER HASSELBACHER, who is now comfortably well off, and is the proprie- tor of a substantial, well-cultivated farm, pleasantly located on seetion 7, Rosefield Township, landed in this country more than three decades ago, with just $1 in his pocket, and it is only by courage, persistent and faithful labor that he lias attained his present position.

November 3, 1828, was the date of the birth of our subject in Herzogaurach, Bavaria, Germany. His parents were Leonard and Magdaline (Brittuer)

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Hasselbacher, who were also natives of the same place as their son. His father was a stonemason by occupation, and he and his wife were both de- voted members of the Lutheran Church. They had four children, namely : John Peter, Eva, now Mrs. Lawrence Freehalld; Catherine, wife of John Thacler; and John Michael.

Our subject was the first of the family to come to the United States, and arrived here in the month of November, 1857, coming directly to this county. lle lived one year with a brother-in-law, and in 1858 began his career as an independent farmer, purchasing in that year forty acres of timber land on section 7. This he cleared, placed under excel- lent cultivation, and greatly improved, and has since purchased forty acres, and now has a farm of eighty acres of as fertile and productive land as can be found in this neighborhood.

In his struggles in the pioneer life that he led here the first few years after he came to this county, Mr. Hasselbacher early won the assistance of a wife who is active and capable, and did her full share in bringing about their present comfortable circum- stances. Their marriage was solemnized in the month of September, 1857, and to them have come four children: Ludwick; Catherine D., wife of William Awl; Mary; and Simon P., a resident of Yates City.

Mrs. Hasselbacher's maiden name was Eva M. Gundacker, and she was born in Linden, Bavaria. Germany. She is a daughter of Casper and Eva Magdaline (Steinmetz) Gundacker. They were the parents of seven children as follows: Barbara, who married and died, leaving a son and daughter; Mar- garet married and died, leaving a son and daugh- ter; Kundegunda, who died in Germany, leaving one daughter who lives in New York City; Dorothea, who died in Buffalo, N. Y., and was the wife of Fred Brothers, and was the mother of three daugh- ters: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Hamarbecher; Jolin S., a resident of Germany ; and Eva M.

Our subject and his wife are very worthy people, possessing in a large degree those pleasant attri- butes that make them desirable friends and neigh- bors. Their daily lives are guided by true Chris- tian principles, and in them the Methodist Episcopal Church has two of its most efficient working mem-

bers. Our subject is a sturdy Republican in poli- tics, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He believes thoroughly in a sound education, and his children have received excellent school advantages.

USTIN H. GORDON, deceased, was form- erly a well-known and influential farmer and stoek-raiser of Kickapoo Township. lle was a member of a pioneer family of this county, and himself did much pioneer work in im- proving one of the finest farms in the township where he located. He was born in North Carolina, April 22. 1812, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Her- ring) Gordon. His parents came to this county in 1840, and were among the early settlers of Rad- nor Township, where they died. Austin was one of the older members of the parental family. He was in the prime of a vigorous manhood when he accompanied his parents to this county, and here it was his good fortune to meet Miss Harriet Bouton, whom he persuaded to share his life and fortunes, and their marriage was duly solemnized in Jubilee Township, March 20, 1851.

Mrs. Gordon was born in Wayne Township, Knox County, Ohio, February 17, 1825, a daugli- ter of Hiel and Maria (Peet) Bouton. Her father was a native of New York, and her mother of Connecticut, and after their marriage they first settled in the former State. They subsequently became pioneers of Knox County, Ohio, and later of Peoria County, this State, whither they had come in 1837. They were among the original set- tlers of Jubilee Township, where the remainder of their lives were passed. They were the parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, Mrs. Gordon being their sixth child in order of birth. She was twelve years old when she came to this county with her parents, and was reared to a useful womanhood in Jubilee Township.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gordon began their wedded life in Radnor Township, and lived there until 1858, when they settled on section 2, Kickapoo Township. Here in the course of a busy life he developed a valuable farm, which is amply

James Jsuley Micheal Kkelsh

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supplied with comfortable and well appointed buiklings, and its three hundred and seventy acres of land of exceeding fertility is under admirable tillage. Ilere in this pleasant home he passed from the scene of his usefulness January 17, 1876, leaving an honorable record behind him of good citizenship, of neighborly kindness, and of an np- right private life, and the entire community mourned with his bereaved family, feeling that his death was a blow to the interests of the township. Mr. Gordon was a member of the Republican party, and took an active part in politics, and was always prominent in promoting the advancement of Kick- apoo in various ways.

Since the demise of her husband Mrs. Gordon, who is a woman of exceptional character, and of great energy and capability, is managing the farm very ably, and is keeping it up to the same high standard that it had attained during her husband's lifetime.

Mrs. Gordon is the mother of the following children: Mary, who died in infancy; Ann M., who is the wife of Christian Wiles; Samuel, who mar- ried Hattie B. Vanarsdale; Jennie, a graduate of the State Normal School and a school teacher; Charles ; Jessie, who is the wife of Charles K. Slough ; HIenry C., who married Mary A. Frye; Mattie is the widow of Charles Atwood, who died in Dakota; and Austin.

ICHAEL KELSII. Probably no better business man can be found in Richwood Township than the gentleman above named who is engaged in the manufacture of brick, his yard having a capacity of about ten thou- sand per day. The land upon which he lives has been placed under good improvement and is sup- plied with a complete line of edifices so well built "and designed as to be noticeable to the passer by. Every detail of the business to which Mr. Kelsh de- votes himself is carefully looked after, his dealings are strictly honorable, and in his social relations no more genial, pleasant gentleman can be met with than he. Notwithstanding his busy life he finds

time to fulfill the duties which are reposed in him by his fellow-men when occasion demands, having acted as Highway Commissioner and being now Chairman of the Street Committee of North Peoria. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Demo- cratie party.

Mr. Kelsh is the second of four children born to Nicholas and Lena (Bombach) Kelsh, and opened his eyes to the light in Decatur County, Ind., May 8, 1847. lle lived in the lloosier State until he was about eight years old when he came to this county with his father, remaining with him near Brimfield until he was sixteen years old. In the meantime the lad had acquired a good practical education and was already manifesting some of the qualities which have led to his success. Going to the city of Peoria he found employment in driv- ing a team for a while, afterward becoming porter in the old Fulton House. He next found employ- ment at brick-making, continuing to work in the yards three years, after which he rented a farm for an equal period, then returned to his former work of brick-making. In the spring of 1876, he began the manufacture of brick in Richwood Township on his own account, and has since given his atten- tion to the work with satisfactory results.

In Brimfield, January 23, 1870, the interesting ceremony took place which transformed Miss Anna Lawless into Mrs. Michael Kelsh. The bride, who was the third in a family of twelve children, was born in Rosefield Township, May 13, 1848. She is an intelligent woman possessing many virtues of mind and heart and devoted to her home and fam- ily. Her parents, Thomas and Margaret (O'Brien ) Lawless, were born in the Emerald Isle, emigrated to America at an early day, and her father died in Rosefield Township July 29, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsh are the happy parents of five children: Thomas J., Lena, Mary R., Joseph H. and Jessie M.

The father of our subject was born in Germany near the Rhine River and came to America about the year 1840. Ile landed at New Orleans, thence going to Indiana where he was employed on the old farm then owned by Gen. William II. Harrison. After his marriage hie settled in Peoria, working at different occupations some four years and then re-

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turned to the Hoosier State. After sojourning there nine years he came again to Peoria, remaining in that city until about 1883, when he removed to Wichita, Kan. The mother of our subject died in the Hoosier State. She, like her husband, was a native of the Fatherland. We invite the reader's attention to a portrait of Mr. Kelsh, presented in connection with this sketch.

I AMES HINDLE. The Hindle homestead, now operated by our subject, consists of two hundred and forty acres on sections 17 and 18, Jubilee Township. It is watered by Hindle's Creek and well adapted for stock-raising, as well as for the cultivation of hay and grains. To these various purposes it is devoted, the stock being of good breeds, the swine full-blooded Po- land-China. Mr. Hindle ships a car-load of cattle and hogs each per year, and about a dozen head of horses are raised by him each season. There is a good coal bank on the estate which he rents. The estate is well fenced and supplied with a comforta- ble and substantial set of buildings, including a pleasant dwelling and the various structures need- ful for sheltering and feeding the stock and hous- ing the vegetable products of the place.

Our subject is a grandson of one Henry Hindle, a cattle speculator in England, who drove his herds from the northern to the southern extremity of his native land in marketing them. Ile was a success- ful drover but never got much ahead in life, on account of his love for various kinds of what is commonly called sport. His son John, the father of our subject, was therefore obliged to shift for himself from an early age. He was born in Lan- cashire, near Manchester, in 1818, and when nine years old began working out on a farm. For a time he was employed as a dairyman, also laboring for a man who raised large numbers of cattle and sheep. When about twenty years old he came to America, locating in Peoria County, Ill., where he finally be- came prominent in agriculture, mining and religious work. Ile was recognized as one of the best citi- zens in the county, thoroughly reliable in business

transactions, in his neighborly associations, and in all that goes to make up true manhood.

After coming hither John Hindle worked in the lime kiln of a Mr. Pennington several years, then going to the Riggs place, in Jubilee Township, he spent a few years in coal mining for the owner. Having by this time accumulated some little means he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 17, and settling thereon began farming and stock-raising. He was obliged to clear and grub out a part of the land and to break the sod, which had never yet been utilized for farm products. He added to his land until he possessed an estate of two hundred and forty acres and had it in excellent condition.

Mr. Hindle also engaged in lime burning and coal mining, being quite successful at those oceupa- tions. He opened different mines and continued the lime business until the Alton mine was opened. He was one of those enterprising men who were ready to turn their hands to any honorable em- ployment, and beside the pursuits of which we have spoken, he took contracts for building bridges, etc. Although loyal to the flag of the Union and will- ing to enter the army if drafted, Mr. Hindle felt that his duty to his small family would otherwise prevent his going to the front. It did not, however, prevent his exerting his influence and giving of his means toward the preservation of the Union. IIe was on one occasion called out by the draft, re- sponded at once, but as the call had been made for a greater number than were needed, his name was thrown out.

For fifteen years Mr. Hindle served as Commis- sioner of Highways, and he also held school offices more or less. During the period of the war he was thrown from a mower by the horses jumping across a ditch, receiving an injury to his side from which he never fully recovered and which left him some- what crippled. He closed his eyes in death Feb- ruary 25, 1880, dying of starvation on account of the closing of the passage leading into the stomach; He voted the Republican ticket, belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he held the offices of Class-Leader and Steward, and was active in every movement made to advance the eause of Christianity. For years he was Superintendent of

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Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 106

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1014