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 17
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At that time there was nothing especially at- tractive about the miniature city of Peoria, with
its twelve hundred inhabitants, and certainly there was no indication of its ever reaching the proud position which it now occupies. Dr. Murphy was simply fascinated by the extreme beauty of the locality, and while under the spell determined to make it his future home, and has ever since re- mained faithful to the city of his early choice.
Dr. Murphy is a graduate in medicine of the University of Edinburgh, and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London. Ilis carly opportunities of gaining a thorough knowledge of his profession in the lecture rooms and hospitals of London and Edinburgh, have continued to be culti- vated by him, and he has devoted himself to the the study of the various departments of his profes- sion and to the elucidation of the many intricate and complicated questions which are constantly arising in medical science.
At the period of his arrival in Peoria it con- tained a galaxy of physicians, such as is rarely met with in a provincial town. It was composed of Drs. Rouse, Diekenson, Fry, Andrews and Arn- old, all of them able and profound members of their profession, and also learned and cultivated men. In conjunction with them. the subject of the present sketch founded Peoria's first Medical and Surgical Society, of which he has always continued an active and interested member. It is now the oldest organization of its kind in the State, and has been of marked utility in molding the ethics of the medical faculty of Peoria and in giving tone and character to the profession in Central Illinois. Of the founders of this society Dr. Murphy is now the only living representative; all of the others, full of years and honors, have passed the bourne from which no one ever returns. He is also one of the few remaining original members of the Illinois State Medical Society, and of the Ameri- can Medical Association. As a faithful and skillful physician Dr. Murphy is widely known throughout the West, and has made for himself hosts of warm and lasting friends.
As was to be expected of a man of his natural ability and extensive educational advantages, Dr. Murphy speedily achieved a large and lucrative practice, and by judicious investments, it is under- stood, has been able to amass quite a large fortune.
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He has the reputation of managing his private af- fairs with caution and prudence, and although im- mersed in his still large practice, and constantly increasing private business, he finds leisure for his vacations, and enjoys them with a-zest and relish which many younger men would do well to imitate.
In addition to his being a skillful and popular medical practitioner, Dr. Murphy has long been recognized as a man of fine literary tastes, spend- ing his spare hours in his library, among his books, and filling the interstiees of his time in the culti- vation of general literature. Although an able writer and a fluent speaker, familiar with history, and en rapport with all the important topics of the day, he has never thrust himself prominently for- ward in politics or religion, and has always avoided every species of controversy. Seldom mingling in general society, and usually reticent when he does, he is said to be a most agreeable companion in private life, having under his control the con- eentrated results of omniverous reading, and of long intercourse with the world. His literary education was received in the colleges of Belfast and Dublin, he being an A. M. of the former.
b ENRY W. JONES. In traveling through Peoria County. a stranger would note with satisfaction the signs of prosperity and good taste which mark many of its rural abodes. One of the most attractive to be seen in Kickapoo Township is that of the above-named gentleman, an old settler, whose estate has taken on the character of those who have so long occupied it. The entire two hundred acres are carefully and intelligently · managed, neatness and order being every where apparent and indicating that the owner makes of farming both an art and a science. The buildings which have been erected are well designed, commo- dious and conveniently disposed, and are kept in first-class order.
In Culpeper County, Va., in 1782, llenry Jones was born. Some two years later, near the Juniata River in Pennsylvania, Sarah Zian opened her eyes
to the light of day. This couple, upon growing to maturity, married and settled in Gallia County, Ohio, whence they removed to Jackson County about 1824. In 1831 they came to Peoria County, Ill., settling in Limestone Township, on what was known as Jones' Prairie or Jones' Spring. There Mr. Jones breathed his last about 1852, his wife surviving several years. Their family comprised two sons and six daughters.
The sixthi child in this family was born in Gallia County, Ohio, February 7, 1819, and christened Henry W. This lad came to Peoria County with his parents when in his thirteenth year and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Limestone Town- ship. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred in the fall of 1842, when he set up his own home in the same township. About a year and a half later he removed to section 34, Kickapoo Township, where he has continued to reside. making farming his chief business and secur- ing a merited reward for his industry and good judgment.
The wife of Henry W. Jones was known in her maidenhood as Miss Rebecca Miller, and was born in Shelby County, Ky., December 28, 1821. She is the seventh in a family comprising six sons and two daughters born to Reuben and Nancy (Sturgeon) Miller. They were natives of the Blue Grass State, in which they were married and spent their wedded life. Mr. Miller died in Shelby County about 1826 and in 1834 his widow with her family came to Peoria County, Ill. She settled in Kickapoo Town- ship, dying there in 1872. There the marriage rites of her daughter Rebecca and our subject were cele- brated October 30, 1842.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jones twelve children have been born, of whom we note the following: Clar- issa C. is the wife of Franeis Peppard; Lovina is the wife of Charles Daly; Amanda E. married Thomas Necomb; Charles P., who married Miss Caroline Daly, died in Limestone Township, March 17, 1888; Lucinda is the wife of Robert Awl; James H. married Miss Alice Brown and lives in Kickapoo Township; Malinda J. is the wife of Al- fred Kershaw, of Elmwood Township; John F. died when abont eleven years old; George N. died when two years old; Anna died in infancy ; Adeline C. is
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the wife of William Edwards. of Rosefield Town- ship; Euphemia is the wife of Richard Lonsdale, Jr., of Kickapoo Township.
Probably no citizen of Kickapoo Township has borne a more active part in local affairs than the subject of this sketch. He is deeply interested in the welfare of this section of the country and ever ready to bear a part in movements which will pro- mote it. Ilis fellow-citizens recognize this fact, and also his intelligence and good judgment, and have therefore called for his services as School Di- rector, School Trustee, Highway Commissioner, Justice of the Peace and Assessor. He is liberal in his religious views, honorable and upright in his dealings, kindly in social and domestic relations, and deserving of that which he receives-the thorough respect and good will of his associates. His wife is a fitting companion for a man of his calibre, bearing well her part in the duties of life and winning many friends thereby.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Jones, a Welshman, who married Sarah llowdeshell, who was of German and English ex- traction. They were among the early settlers of the Buckeye State, in which they were gathered to their fathers.
AMES CLARK. The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest settlers of Peoria County, having migrated from Adams County, Ohio, to the place where he now lives in October, 1837. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, June 4. 1815, where he grew to manhood and lived until he was about twenty-two years of age when, as above stated, he removed to Peoria County and settled in Hollis Township. Although he changed his residence from one State to another, geograph- ically considered, he has not changed his condition matrimonially viewed, but has passed his life in a state of single blessedness. During the first winter he was a resident of this county he worked in the city of Peoria. and in the second spring hired out to a Mr. Stephens, on the LaMarsh Creek, near where he now resides. Throughout the second
winter of his residence in the county he employed himself at his trade of a blacksmith, which he bad learned in Ohio. In addition to the trade above mentioned, he had served an appprenticeship to to the gunsmith trade. lle carried on blacksmith- ing upon the homestead in the intervals of opera- ting his farm. He commenced the united operations in 1840 and pursued them until nature protested too strongly, when he was compelled to relinquish active work and give himself up to the enjoyment of the repose his long and busy life had rendered necessary.
In 1858 our subject was elected School Treasurer of the township, and has held that office continu- ously to the present time. He was Road Commis- sioner of the district for twenty-six years. He is a Republican in political sentiment and takes an act- ive interest in all questions affecting the welfare of the district in which he lives. His age and well- known integrity and intelligence make him an authority upon almost all questions arising for dis- cussion in the neighborhood. He is held in high esteem by all who are privileged to secure his ac- quaintance.
Mr. Clark lives on his farm, but rents it and re- sides on the same, where he is kept from the loneli- ness he might otherwise feel by the presence of his brother Esau, who makes his home with him. The younger man was born in 1825, and removed to this county in 1857, coming to his brother, with whom he has since resided. Sarah, a sister of Mr. Clark lived with him for a number of years until her death in 1866. She was the widow of Sol B. McCall, and had one child-F. M. McCall, now a resident of Nebraska, removed hither from Ohio.
The parents of our subject were John and Eliza- beth (Gall) Clark. The father was a native of Ireland and left that country when a child of four years. The mother's family, the Galls, were of Dutch ancestry and belonged to that portion of the Dutch who settled New York and were driven out by the English when the latter obtained poses- sion of that State. George, the father of Mrs. Clark, and grandfather of our subject, was a hero of the Revolutionary War. His son George, served in the War of 1812. At Hull's surrender he was taken as one of the prisoners and, along with his com-
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rades, put into a pen and fattened on raw corn. History does not inform us how the experiment succeeded, but the end of the war mercifully ter- minated their sufferings and restored them to their homes and civilized surroundings. The grand- mother of our subject, the wife of George Gall, was a Miss Susie Nichols, and was a fitting mate for a brave man in those troublous times.
L B. MARTIN, M. D. Prominent among the successful physicians of Peoria County may be properly mentioned Dr. Martin, who has a finely equipped office at No. 303 Main Street and an elegant residence at No. 1001 Perry Street North.
The main incidents in the life-history of Dr. Martin are essentially as follows: He is the offspring of an excellent family, his father being Dr. James W. Martin, who came to Peoria in 1862 and fol- lowed his profession successfully until the illness which resulted in his death, November 5, 1881. Ile was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., and in early manhood married Miss Mary Gardner, of Ohio. They located in Fairview, Fulton County, Ill., where Dr. Martin, Sr .. practiced medicine. In Peoria he became prominent and popular, and by his genial disposition drew around him hosts of friends. The wife and mother is still living, mak- ing her home with her son, L. B. Besides the lat- ter, five other sons survive: W. C. is one of the successful dentists of the city; two of the sons are in lowa-John V., a physician, and Francis G., a merchant; Eugene C. is traveling for the well- known wholesale grocery house of Sprague & War- ner, of Chicago; J. W. is a merchant at Mossville, this State.
The subject of this notice was born in Catawba, Ohio, March 28, 1845, and completed his education · at Galesburg, this State. He commenced reading medicine under the instruction of his father and then took a course of lectures in Rush Medical Col- lege, Chicago, from which he was graduated in Feb- ruary, 1868. Shortly afterward he entered upon the re_ular practice of his profession which he has since
followed with uniform success. Ile gives little at- tention to politics with the exception of voting the Republican ticket. He was at one period the Pen- sion Examiner of this district, but resigned in favor of Dr. Spaulding, as the duties of this position in- terfered too much with his general practice.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hughes, October 1, 1868. Mrs. Martin was born in Peoria and is a daughter of William and Maria Hughes, the former of whom settled in Peoria as early as 1845, and established himself as a wholesale cooper. To the Doctor and Mrs. Martin there have been born eight children, who form an unbroken household circle which lias thus far been uninvaded by the destroyer. These are named respectively, Leonidas B., Jr., Hughes, Maude, Mabel, Ethel, J. W., Harry and Bruce. The eldest son is studying dentistry but the others, with the exception of the two youngest, are attending shoool. Mrs. Martin is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
E ZRA DOTY VARNES. One of the most pleasant homesteads of Trivoli Township is that owned and in part operated by the gen- tleman whose name heads this sketch, and who, as a skillful agriculturist and enterprising citizen, is identified with many important measures in the de- velopment of the resources of Peoria County. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres is located on section 20, and is embellished by a commodious and conveniently-arranged residence, a good barn. 50x60 feet, and other outbuildings essential to the proper conducting of a modern farm. His estate is largely devoted to the cultivating of the vari- ous grains, although he gives considerable atten- tion to the raising of stock.
Tracing his ancestry back a few generations, we find that Isaac Varnes, the grandfather of our sub- ject, came from Germany at an early date, and settling in Juniata County, Pa., there passed the remainder of his life. He was a Captain in the War of 1812. Among his children was one son, Isaac, the father of our subject, who was born in
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Pennsylvania and was a farmer by occupation. At one time he made a trip to Ohio on foot, going as far west as the Maumee River, and returning to the Keystone State, where he died in 1851. Po- litically. he was a Whig, and in matters of religion was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Jane Arnold, and was a native of Juniata County, Pa., descend- ing from German ancestors. She passed away in Pennsylvania in 1880, having survived her hus- band many years.
The gentleman of whom we write was one of a large family, ten children having been born to his parents, of whom he was the third in order of birth. The others were: Arnold, a farmer in Juni- ata County, Pa .; Isaac, who is engaged as a farmer in Fulton County, Pa .; Mitchell, a resident of Juniata; Michael, who lives in California; Phobe. Mrs. Stewart, died in Trivoli Township; Mary, Mrs. Grafton. is a resident of Harford County. Md .; Anna M .. Mrs. Robison, also lives in Harford County, Md .; Elizabeth, Mrs. Grafton, lives in the same county; Sarah, Mrs. Horning, is a resident of Juniata, Pa. The natal day of our subject was August 9, 1834, and the place of his birth Mifflin, Juniata County, Pa. He remained on the parental homestead, attending the district schools, until the age of eleven years, when he began to work out, His remuneration was not very large, receiving the first five years, respectively, $1.50, 82.50, $5, $6.50, $8, $9 per month.
At the age of nineteen years our subject began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade in Juni- ata County; later he worked at Mifflin as a jour- neyman, being a practical blacksmith. Having, in 1857, accumulated $100 by hard work, he went by rail to Logansport, Ind., and engaged in work as a blacksmith and farmer for a few months. In the fall of the same year he located in Pekin, where he sojourned until the spring of 1858. Lancaster was his next home, and there he erected a blacksmith's shop and worked at his trade. He also bought property and remained in that place for four or five years. Then, selling out, he removed to Orion Township. Fulton County, Ill., buying eighty acres, which he improved and cleared. There also he put up a shop and labored as a blacksmith in addi-
tion to his farm duties. hauling the lumber for the building from Peoria. Ile remained in Fulton County until 1866, then going to Elmwood Town- ship, bought a one hundred and sixty-acre farm on section 36. To this estate eiglity aeres were added later, making two hundred and forty, which be improved and embellished with substantial build- ings, etc. He resided there until 1869, continuing to manage a shop in connection with his farm labor.
The present fine property of Mr. Varnes was pur- chased in 1886, and two years later he traded one hundred and sixty acres of his farm in Elmwood for a farm in Russell County, Kan .. of one hundred and sixty aeres. His place is surrounded with hedge fence, neatly trimmed; the land is tiled, and other- wise improved. Ile still owns eighty acres in Elm- wood Township, which is also improved. Perhaps the most important event in the life of our subject was his union with Miss Jane Kepner, which was celebrated at the bride's home, in Delphi. Ind .. July 20. 1858. This lady was born in Pennsyl- vania to ,Jacob and Mary Kepner, both natives of Juniata County, where Mrs. Varnes was also born. In 1837 the father came to Ohio, and remained during one winter near Chillicothe. In the spring of 1838 be removed still further west, locating in Carroll County, Ind., between Delphi and Logans- port. There he put up a log cabin and improved a farm comprising eighty acres of land. He died at his home in February, 1886, at the age of eighty- five years. Prior to the Civil War he was a Demo- crat, but later became an ardent Republican. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Varnes was Leonard Groinger, a native of Pennsylvania; he was taken prisoner by the Indians, and kept until almost starved to death. He finally escaped by contriving a raft, on which he floated down the river. He died in the Keystone State, the mother also passing away in that State at the age of eighty years.
Mrs. Varnes was one of a family of eight chil- dren. namely : Samuel, in Kokomo, Ind .; John, de- ceased ; Ilenry, also in Kokomo, Ind .; Catherine. Mrs. Bimghamam; Adeline, Mrs. Collins, both of Indiana; Jane, Mrs. Varnes; Susanna, Mrs. Rhor-
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habangh, deceased; Naney, Mrs. Gardner, of Cam- den. Ind. Samuel and Henry were in an Indiana regiment during the late war, but escaped unhurt. Mrs. Varnes was born in Juniata County, Pa., and when two years old went with her parents to Ohio, and later to Indiana, where she was reared to womanhood.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Varnes ten children have been born, namely : William A., who operates an eighty- aere farm in Brimfield Township; Mary J., who is the wife of Lee Thurston, and resides in Elmwood Township; Ezra D., Jr., who resides in Trivoli Township and operates a farm; George Stewart, Sarah E., Clara E., Emma M., and Albert G. at home. Two children are deceased. Mr. Varnes is interested in the cause of education, and has served as School Director for many years. He was Justice of the Peace for four years in Orion Township, also as Township Clerk. Together with his family, he worships at the Old School Baptist Church, in Elmwood Township, and is Deacon there. His party belief coineides with the plat- form of the Democrats, although he votes inde- pendently, supporting the men that he considers most fitted for the office. Ile and his wife are held in high esteem wherever known, and are welcomed in the best society of the community.
C HARLES R. HIGGS. This young gentle- man bears the distinction of being the sec- ond largest landowner in Trivoli Township, his fine property consisting of five hundred and eighty acres, improved in three different farms. Probably no other resident of the township, at least in the agricultural distriets, has prospered as well in the same length of time, and certainly few men of his years have been able to secure so in- dependent a financial position,
The father of our subject was Thomas Higgs, born in Spratton, Northamptonshire, England. Oc- tober 13, 1809, son of Joseph Higgs. the owner of several houses there and the manager of a sheep ranch. Thomas Higgs was reared and educated in his native place, and becoming of age determined
to emigrate to America, it being the intention of bis brother James to accompany him. Their fa- ther tried to dissuade them, and finally succeeded in persuading James to remain at home, but Thomas was firm in liis determination. He erossed the Atlantic, in the spring of 1831, on the sailer "Caledonia," landing in New York City, April 24, among strangers, but with money enough to take him back to England in case he was dissatisfied here. Going to Elizabethtown, N. J., he began working on a farm for a Dr. Doty, with whom he remained three years. There he was married, in 1834, to Miss Caroline Doty, a cousin of his em- ployer, who was born in New Jersey in 1810. After a time Mr. Higgs emigrated westward with a one-horse wagon, bringing his wife and young son Joseph to Central Illinois.
On reaching this county Mr. Higgs had money enough to buy a quarter section of Government land, which he did in Trivoli Township, building a log house and beginning the improvement of the virgin soil. In 1842 he built a frame house, and on April 27, 1843. the former dwelling was totally destroyed by the cyclone. In 1839 his good wife died, having borne him two children: Joseph, now a farmer in this township; and Charles, who died at the age of six months. The land then oceupied by Mr. Higgs is now owned by our subject. On July 17, 1842, Mr. Iliggs was again married, his bride being Mrs. Harriet ( Riel- mond) Holcomb, who ably assisted him in build- ing up his fortunes and rearing their family to honorable and useful careers. Mr Higgs con- tinned his agricultural work, buying land from time to time, having at one time about one thou- sand acres, eight hundred and eighty of which was improved real estate in Peoria and Marshall Coun- ties.
Thomas Iliggs was a thorough American in feel- ing. Ile came to America because be despised the oppressive government of his native land, and de- sired to escape from the tyranny and penury which dominate that country. 1lis first political atlilia- tion was with the Whig party and later he became a Demoerat. He belonged to the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in which he at one time held an official position. One of the most prosperous men
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in the township, he was also one of the most pub- lie spirited and enterprising, donating liberally to whatever would improve the condition of the country. Ile helped to build and support the five churches which were around him, and assisted in the building of the railroad through the township. Ilis personal popularity was great, all being his friends who knew him. Ile died as he had lived, without an enemy, the date of his de- cease being August 26, 1889. To him and his second wife five children were born, our subject being the fourth on the family roll. The first- born, Thomas, an attorney at Storm Lake, Iowa, is now visiting his father's old home in England; John W. lives in Trivoli Township; Carrie H., who married William Lawrence, died in this town- ship; Mary Alice breathed her last when twenty- two years old.
The mother of our subject is a daughter of Na- thaniel and Hannah (Durgee) Richmond, the for- mer a native of Litchfield County, Conn., andthe latter of Washington County, N. Y. The par- ents of Mrs. Richmond were Nathan and Lydia (Pitcher) Durgee. the Durgees being of English deseent, and Grandfather Pitcher having been a large landowner in the Empire State. Nathaniel Richmond having gone to Washington County, N. Y., from his native State about the time of the War of 1812. acted as a teamster for the American Army for a time. After his marriage he returned to Connecticut, remaining until 1818, then remov- ing to Jackson County, Ohio, where he was en- gaged in farming until 1828. Selling his prop- erty he then removed to the adjoining county, Athens, where he became the possessor of five farms, some of which he cleared. He was exten- sively engaged in stock buying, driving his stock to Eastern markets or to the coast, thus realizing large profits and accumulating a fortune.
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