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 20
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Joseph Stevens had a farm in Connecticut, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits there for sev- eral years. In 1840, he came here with his father and brother Zadock and took a contract to build the jail in Knoxville, and returned home the same fall. While here he bought a tract of land in Trivoli Township, and in 1844 he came by stage and water and located on his place, which comprised eighty acres of land in a wild condition. He added to his land from time to time and now has one hundred and twenty acres on sections 3 and 4, besides the original eighty forming his homestead, on which he resides with his son Zadock. Ile has attained the venerable age of seventy-åve years, and was very active until 1887, when he had a stroke of paraly- sis. Ile has borne a prominent part in the public and political life of the township, holding respon- sible offices, was Supervisor three years, Collector the same length of time and Assessor two years. Religiously, he is a believer in the Universalist faith. Politically, he stands stanchly by the Dem- ocratie party. His wife, who is about sixty-five years old, is his stay and comfort in his old age. Her maiden name was Sallie Rice and she was born near Louisville, Ky. Her father was also a native of that State. He crossed the river into Indiana, and after living there three years came to this State, settled in Knox County near Henderson, where he improved a farm, and on it made his home until death.
The parents of our subject had eight children, named as follows: Phoebe, Mrs. Meeker, of Pawnee County, Neb .; Mary, who died here ; Zadock, living on the homestead ; Alonzo, who died at the age of two years; Onslow; Ella. Mrs. Davis, of Pawnee County; Emma, Mrs. Bradley, who lives in Dan- bury, Conn., near the ancestral home; Eva, at home with her parents.
Onslow S. Stevens was given good educational advantages in the public schools and in two years' attendance at the High School. As in the case of
most farmers' lads. his services were early required on the farm, and he remained at home until he was twenty-five, affording his father valuable assistance in the management of his agricultural interests. At that age he went to Nebraska to secure one hun - dred and sixty acres of land in Pawnee County, performing the entire journey thither with a team and wagon. He made some improvements on his homestead, which was four miles east of Pawnee City, and had some breaking done, and the next year exchanged it with his brother for the one hundred and sixty he now owns and occupies. Ile located on it and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and constantly improved the place. Ilis wife's health became impaired and in the fall of 1888 he sought to improve her condition by traveling through Iowa and Kansas. On his return in the fall of the year he bought twenty acres of land ou section 3. The land had become impover- ished and the buildings dilapidated, but by vigor- ous work he has restored the place and bronght about a new order of things. In 1889 he put up his present residence, and added other necessary new buildings. His farm comprises one hundred and eighty acres, including the original homestead located on sections 3 and 4, is well watered by Clark's Branch, and forty acres of it are devoted to pasture, and he rents all but sixty acres. He is actively engaged in raising hogs and in feeding them, his preference being the Chester-White breed. He has good draft horses and his place is otherwise well stocked.
The wedding ceremony that united our subject with Miss Hattie Orton. was performed in Trivoli Township, March 3, 1881. One child, whom they have named Maud. completes their happy house- hold. Mrs. Stevens is a native of this State, her birthplace being in Henry County. Her father, Brenard Orton, came to Trivoli Township with his parents when a boy, they being among the early pioneers of the place. He married here and subse- quently engaged in farming in Henry County. Ile finally returned to Peoria and from here went to Barber County, Kan., where he lives in honorable retirement with his son.
Mr. Stevens is gifted with physical and intellect- mal activity. decision of purpose and calm jadg-
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ment, which traits are not only useful to him in the conduct of his affairs. but render him a most desir- able public official, and in him Trivoli Township has one of its most efficient Highway Commission- ers. He is serving his second year in this important office, and is Treasurer of the Board. In his polit- ical belief he is a Democrat. He has served on the Grand and Petit Juries. He belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity. being a member of Lodge No. 192, at Farmington.
AMES H. BUCHANAN, one of the most popular young farmers of Trivoli Township, is pleasantly located a mile from Cramer, his snug farm comprising eighty acres on sec- tion 17. where he has made various improvements such as might be expected of an enterprising and successful agriculturist. When he took possession of the place it was somewhat improved, but the dwelling was destroyed by fire in 1884. The same summer he put up a new one, soon adding a barn and other buildings, setting out orchards and groves, and bringing the land to a fine state of im- provement and cultivation. The farm is outlined and divided by hedges and board fences of stability and neatness.
Mr. Buchanan is of Pennsylvania birth and an- tecedents, belonging to a family of whom further facts may be learned by perusal of the sketch of his father, Alexander Buchanan, which is included in this ALBUM. He was born near Congruity. Westmoreland County, March 9. 1856, his father at that time being a merchant in the town where our subject remained until nine years old. He then went to Murrysville with his parents, living there about five years. Ile attended the common schools and finally entered the Turtle Creek Academy, afterward the Laird Institute, pursuing his studies there one term before removing from the State. Ilis boyish games were frequently enjoyed over the ground now occupied by the Murrysville gas wells.
1u 1867 the family came to Illinois, traveling by rail to Farmington and locating on a farm in this county. There our subject bore a part in farm
work during the summers, spending the winters in school until be was seventeen years old, when he entered the High School at Farmington, studying there six months. The following winter he en- gaged in teaching in Timber Township, but one term was sufficient, and determining that pedagogi- cal labor was not his forte, he returned to his father's farm. From that time until the spring of 1881 he stayed there. helping to pay for the place and develop its resources to the fullest extent.
An important step in the life of Mr. Buchanan was taken September 1, 1880, when he became the husband of Miss Elizabeth J. Shofe, their marriage rites taking place in Peoria. The bride was born on Delevan Prairie, Tazewell County, November 7, 1856, has spent her time in that and Peoria Coun- ties, much of the time in Pekin and Peoria, having the advantage of the excellent common schools until twelve years old when she began to make her own way. She learned the trade of a dressmaker in Pekin and worked at it in that place until the confinement proved injurious and she was recom- mended to undertake the more healthful occupation of housekeeping. She is refined in manner, dis- plays a decided taste for the beautiful in nature and art, and is as highly esteemed for her virtues as any lady in the neighborhood.
In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan located on their present estate, where they now have so attractive a home. The husband is busied with general farm- ing. his principal crop being corn, and feeds much of the produce to hogs. of which he raises full- blooded Poland-Chinas. Ilis drove comprises from fifty to ninety head, and he likewise has full- blooded Short-horn cattle, draft horses and road- sters of excellent quality. The equines are of Fairy Gift and graded Clydesdale stock. The dwelling is brightened by the presence of two in- teresting children : Ilarry D. and Russell S.
Mrs. Buchanan belongs to the Presbyterian Church, which her husband attends and supports. He is a Republican, stanch and true. He has served as School Director and in other ways assisted in the better civilization and material advancement of this section. His intellect is naturally keen. his manners pleasing, and his character is such as to win respect. No man takes greater interest in the
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public welfare than he, and none enjoy more of the friendship of those who know them. At one time he was the candidate for Township Clerk on the ticket of the party that is in the minority here, yet he came within fifteen votes of securing the election.
The father of Mrs. Buchanan was born in the Buekeye State and learned the trade of a cooper, following it there for a number of years. In the '40s he came to Illinois, first locating in Tazewell County, then coming to Peoria County, and work- ing at his trade in Pekin and Peoria alternately. Ile now owns a home in the county seat, which has been his chief residence for years. For a time he was engaged in farming in Timber Township. He was a soldier throughout the Mexican War, and in 1861 enlisted in Company G, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, serving three years in the Union army. Ile had the rank of Sergeant, participating with the regiment in various battles until taken sick, after which he was placed in the Invalid Corps at St. Louis as an officer. He belongs to the Society of Mexican War Veterans, to the Republican party, and to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The mother of Mrs. Buchanan was Lucinda Staples, a daughter of Josiah Staples, an Indiana farmer, that State having been her birthplace. Her father made an early settlement in Washington, Tazewell County, this State, finally dying there. Mrs. Lucinda Shofe died in Timber Township, this county, in 1865, and her husband afterward mar- ried Rohema Robbins. Mrs. Buchanan is one of four children. Her elder brother, John, left Peoria in 1886 and has not since been heard from; Josiah S. lives in Trivoli Township; Mrs. Mary E. Cole lives in Peoria.
E UGENE F. BALDWIN, a well-known news- paper man of Peoria and one of the propri- etors of the Grand Opera House, was born in Watertown, Litchfield County, Conn., December 1. 1840. His parents, Stephen and Julia ( Pardee) Baldwin, were early settlers of that section but na- tives of the State. The father was a deacon of the
Presbyterian Church about sixty years. Ile died in Peoria at the home of our subject when eighty- two years old. Stephen Baldwin first came West in 1818, locating at Shawneetown, this State, thence going to New Orleans where he sojourned a twelve. month, thence returning to Connectieut. The family came West again in 1855, making their home in Wisconsin until 1860 when they removed to III- inois. From that time until 1877 when he came to live with his son, Stephen Baldwin resided in various places.
The gentleman whose name initiates this notice spent the days of his boyhood in Western New York, whence at the age of fifteen he departed to Wisconsin, spending his time principally in Mil- waukee until about twenty years of age. In 1860 he taught school in Clinton County, Ill., after which he attended the Normal University a twelve- month. Thoroughly patriotic, the Civil War bad not long been in progress ere he took arms in de- fense of the flag, being enrolled September 17, 1861, in Company B, Twelfth Indiana Infantry. Being discharged a year later he resumed the profession of teaching at Chillicothe, Peoria County, Ill., but in a short time removed to Peoria where in 1863 he was appointed Principal of the old First Dis- trict school. The same year he entered the news- paper business as local editor of the Transcript.
In 1868 Mr. Baldwin bought the El Paso Journal which be carried on eleven months, then started the Peoria Review, continuing that publication un- til 1872. His next enterprise was to edit the Rock Island Union for the short period of three months, after which he returned to El Paso, bought back the Journal and personally conducted it un- til 1873. Ile then formed a business connection with Jacob B. Barnes and together they continued the publication of the Journal until 1877. In September of that year they returned to Peoria, soon afterward starting the daily edition of thic .Journal, which has a large circulation, is a recog- nized power in the journalistic work of Peoria and vicinity, and as a shrewd, newsy sheet com- mands the attention of visitors to the city.
Mr. Baldwin possesses recognized literary ability, keen judgment regarding character, and is able to make effective use of logic or sarcasm as occa-
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sion seems to him to demand. In 1881 he began the construction of the Grand Opera House which being completed the following year affords favor- able quarters for the Journal.
The wife of Mr. Baldwin is a lady of acknowl- edged intelligence and refinement, possessed like- wise of the shrewdness and energy characteristics of those born in New England. She was known in her maidenhood as Miss Sarah Jane Gove. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have three living children -- Ethel, Frank and Mildred, and have lost one. Their wedded life has covered a period of almost a quarter of a century, the date of their marriage being April 23, 1866.
G EORGE F. EMERSON. One of the prom- inent wholesale establishments of Peoria is that of Cummings & Emerson, dealers in heavy hardware, wagon and carriage stock. with a large trade in this State and lowa. Af- ter acting as book-keeper for the firm of Cum- mings & Stone one year, Mr. Cummings succeeded and our subject continued with him three years as book-keeper. In 1872 he purchased an interest in the business and since that time has been adding his ability and energy and since January, 1878, the date of his partner's death he has had exclusive control.
The gentleman of whom we write is a son of Enoch G. and Harriet P. (Waters) Emerson, of New England. The father was born in Rochester, Vt. and the mother in Lebanon, N. II. Enoch Emerson had been obliged to shift for himself from boyhood, his father having died when he was four years old. He learned the tanner's trade in Boston, but after coming West devoted himself to farming for many years. He took up his residence in Tazewell County in 1834, remaining there until March 1865, when he removed to Peoria and en- tered the paper trade and the manufacturing of paper collars. Ilis business was burned out in 1868. He breathed his last Christmas day, 1874, at the age of sixty-two years. The parental house- hold consisted of seven children, of whom the sur-
vivors are: George F., Don Carlos and Achsab, all living in Peoria.
George F. Emerson was born at Morton, Taze- well County, April 4, 1847. His fundamental ed- ucation was obtained in the district schools and he further prepared himself for the practical du- ties of life by studying at Worthington & War- ner's Commercial College, from which he was grad- uated in 1865. lle became assistant book-keeper for D. C. Farrell, subsequently book-keeper for Bobb& McClellan, and finally entered the estab- lishment in which he now has an interest. He is well fitted for a successful business career, having inherited much of the shrewdness which charac- terizes the Yankee race and combining with it the energy of the Westerner.
Mr. Emerson was united in marriage November 7, 1871, to Miss Harriet C., daughter of Nelson S. and Mary (Monroe) Woodruff. The living chil- dren of this union are a son and daughter-Frank and Grace by name. Mr. Emerson belongs to the Calvary Presbyterian Church, is a popular and re- spected member in the society in which he moves, and has an excellent reputation among the business men for his honorable dealing and financial taet.
APOLEON DUNLAP. The son of a pioneer family, and a pioneer himself, Mr. Dunlap occupies an honorable position among the farmers and stock-growers of this county, who have been instrumental in developing its agricultural in- terests, and have been such potent factors in plac- ing it on a sound financial basis, as one of the wealthiest counties in the State of Illinois. He is the proprietor of a finely improved farm on section 3, Radnor Township, where many years of his life have been passed.
Our subjeet is a son of Smith Dunlap, who was born near Canajoharie, Montgomery County, N. Y., and his mother, Eleanor Lane, was also a native of that county. In 1838 they came to this State, and located among the pioneers of Radnor Township, and here passed their remaining days. Mr. Dun- lap became one of our most substantial citizens,
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and for many years ably discharged the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace.
Our subject was the youngest of a family of five sons and five daughters, and he was born on the parental homestead, in the town of Sandy Creek, Oswego County, N. Y., August 31, 1823. Ile was a bright, self-reliant lad of fourteen or fifteen years when he accompanied his father and mother to their new pioneer home in this township, where he has since lived. He early acquired a sound prac- tical knowledge of farming, and when he attained man's estate, adopted that calling for his lifework. Ile now owns one hundred and eighty acres of finely tilled land, on which he has erected a conveniently arranged set of buildings, and has otherwise greatly improved, and increased the value of his property.
April 22, 1848, was the date of the marriage of Mr. Dunlap with Miss Eliza Robinson, their mar- riage being solemnized in Trivoli Township. Mrs. Dunlap's parents, George and Maria (Gaylor) Rob- inson, natives respectively of New Lisbon, Otsego County, N. Y., and of Connecticut, were early pio- neers of this county, coming here in the month of June. 1836, and passing their remaining days in Trivoli Township. They had six sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Dunlap was the fourth in order of birth, and she was born in New Lisbon, N. Y., January 2, 1829.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of ten children, namely: George, a clergyman in the Pres- byterian Church, and at present settled in La Salle County, who married Miss Sarah A. Hervey; Eme- line, wife of Harvey Comp; Thomas, who died in infancy ; Ilarriet M., wife of George V. Yates; Franklin; Walter, who died at the age of seven years; Flora, wife of James E. Watson; Ellen E., who died when about two years old; Leslie S., and Stella R.
Mr. Dunlap occupies an important place in the citizenship of the county. He has represented the township on the County Board of Supervisors one term, has been Highway Commissioner for several years, and has held various school offices. He is a man of fine character and a blameless life, and hold- ing serious and earnest views on all the important questions of the day, he is ever found firmly advo- cating the right. Ile is a Prohibitionist in princi-
ple, but aets independently in politics. le and his wife, who is a woman of rare intelligence, and is highly spoken of on all sides, are among the most valued members of the Presbyterian Church, and the lives that they lead testify to their Christian worth.
OHN JACKSON. Among those old settlers in Peoria County whose life labors have re- sulted satisfactorily and enabled them to retire from active duties with a competence, is the gentleman above named, who resides in Rad- nor Township. ITis comfortable and pleasant dwelling is situated near the village of Dunlap. surrounded by two hundred improved acres, where waving grain, fruitful orchards, well-kept stock and good farm machinery show what manner of a man the owner of the estate is. Neatness and or- der prevail about the home wherein good cheer is abundant and hospitality reigns.
Our subject is a son of a worthy English couple, Bryan and Hannah (Jennings) Jackson, who emi- grated from Yorkshire to the United States in 1819, settling in Delaware. There the husband and father died in 1829, the wife and mother de- parting this life also in Wilmington. Their family consisted of ten sons and daughters, of whom our subject was the youngest. Ile was born in York. shire, August 10, 1807, and coming to America with his parents lived in Delaware seventeen years. In the meantime he had grown to man's estate, adopted the occupation of farming and already was doing good work in that line of labor. In May, 1837, he came to this county, since which date he has continued to reside in Radnor Township.
Ilere Mr. Jackson took up the life of a pioneer, displaying the indomitable energy, cheerful spirit, hospitality and endurance that marked the true frontiersman, and have made the name of pioneer one honored by all mankind who appreciate the comforts of our later civilization. So much has been told of the surroundings in this county at that period, that it is needless for us to do more than mention the rude log cabins, the distant neighbors, the scarcity of what are called the com-
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forts of life as regards food and clothing, the de- tails of this picture being readily filled in by the imagination of the reader.
Realizing the worth of a companion, Mr. Jackson wooed and won Mrs. Elizabeth (Jordan ) Auckland, daughter of Paul and Rosamond Rose (Graves) Jordan, natives of Lincolnshire, England, in which country they died, and widow of William Auck- land, who breathed his last in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1850. She had five children by her first marriage-Thomas, Shadrach, Meshach, Elizabeth and Ann Auckland. The wedding of Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Auckland took place February 26, 1852, and has been blessed to them by the birth of six sons and daughters-Lavinia, Caroline M., Dora, John R., Mary J. and Lincoln B. Lavinia is now the wife of Moses Harlan; Dora, of Charles Wig- ginton; John married Miss Savanna Auckland; Lincoln, Miss Isabella Wood. Mary J. died at the age of three years.
The neighbors of our subject have reposed con- fidence in him in making him Highway Commis- sioner and electing him to the various school offices, in every position gaining from him efficient and faithful service. He and his wife are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ever striv- ing to carry out in their daily lives the virtues inculcated in Holy Writ, and winning the respect of their acquaintances. over whom they wield an influence toward all that is improving and ele- vating.
ILLIAM G. BULL. From Colonial days until now, the fondest dream indulged in by thousands of dwellers in the mother country, has been that of crossing the sea and be- coming citizens of the United States, where mode- rate finances would secure more of the comforts of life, and better opportunities for educational and social progress than in their native land. This dream has been realized by many who have become recognized as among our best men. One, now a citizen of Peoria, tells us that in boyhood's golden days he often thought of America as a proper home, and now that many years have found him in the
enjoyment of his desires, he can but think that our skies are a deeper blue, our opportunities infinitely greater, and our possibilities vastly beyond those of his native land. Years of prosperity such as could not have come to him there, have been his lot here, and he has no reason to regret having crossed the briny deep.
Mr. Bull was born in Oxfordshire, England, Sep- tember 18, 1823, being a son of William and Eliza- beth (Grant) Bull. He learned the trade of a car- penter, and became a contractor, continuing to pursue that business after emigrating to America, which he did in 1855. His first location in the New World was Akron, Ohio, where he remained but a year ere taking up his abode in the Prairie State. In Peoria he not only continued to contract for the construction of buildings, but made a spe. cialty cf plaster contracts, and many houses still standing are witnesses to his skill and honor in ful- filling his obligations. He gradually drifted into the handling and making of mantels and grates, and in 1870, in connection with John F. King, em- barked regularly in this industry as a specialty. The business relation continued until the present year (1890), when a daughter, Emma E., took charge and continues the business. Even after tak- ing up the special work, Mr. Bull continued to make and fill contracts for the erection of buildings and is still thus occupied.
Our subject has been twice married, first to Miss Anna Adkins, in Oxford, England. The union re- sulted in the birth of four children-Emma E., Hannah A., Carolina, and Lanra Maria. The last two named are deceased. The second wife of our subject was Mrs. Annabel (Cowperthwaite) Adams, of Philadelphia, a lady of Quaker extraction, highly esteemed for her quiet kindliness, amiability, and general intelligence. This union has been produc- tive of two children, one of whom, George, is now learning his father's trade. The other child, Caro- line F. is deceased. Mrs. Bull at the time of her sec- ond marriage, had one daughter by her former husband, William Adams, named Williamanna Adams, now the wife of Ilarry E. Sloan, of Peoria.
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