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 21
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Mr. Bull came to Peoria during the Presidential campaign, resulting in the election of Buchanan. Such a political struggle was possessed of novelty
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to him, and the right of suffrage with so few re- strietions, gave him new ideas of sovereignty. A study of politics, and a gathering of impressions made him a Republican, and in a quiet. earnest way he has always affiliated with the party he first chose. As a citizen, he is held in the highest esteem, Iend- ing a hand to all local improvements calculated to promote the beauty and welfare of Peoria, and quietly, unobtrusively driving his business. He has accumulated property here, and as he says, "makes more in three hours here. than he couldl in England in a week." He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity.
C HARLES P. KING. Mr. King, whose por- trait is shown on the opposite page, necds little introduction to the citizens of Peoria County, as he is numbered among its leading men, and has been for a number of years President of the Peoria National Bank. He has held this posi- tion since 1880, at which time the Second National was merged into the present institution, the charter of the Second National expiring. This was sue- cccded by the banking house of L. Howells & Co .. which was organized January 1, 1860, and which succeeded J. P. Hotchkiss & Co., organized in 1852.
The Second National Bank opened its doors for business January 1, 1864, with a capital stock of $200,000. L. Howells was the first President, and he held his position until his death. He was suc- ceeded by Mr. King, who had for some years been the Vice-President, and was one of the original stockholders. When the bank went into liquida- tion it paid $275,000 to the stockholders. At the time of the reorganization the old officers were re- placed, and the new bank went into operation with a surplus of $40,000. The officers were Charles P. King, President; George MeElvain, Viec-Presi- (lent; R. A. Cutler, Cashier, and C. C. Lyons, As- sistant Cashier. The Directors were Charles P. King, George McElvain, C. C. Lyons, Philip Zell, L. F. Houghton, William Jack, and N. C. Dougherty, now Superintendent of Schools.
The subject of this notice was born February 11,
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1817, in the town of Adams, Jefferson County. N. Y., and is a son of Henry and Betsey (Allen) King, who, while Charles P. was an infant, removed into an adjoining township. The father occupied himself as a farmer and carpenter, and Charles P. remained with his parents until approaching his majority.
Leaving his native State in the spring of 1838, Mr. King came to Peoria. When nineteen years old he had bought his time of his father, paying him the sum of $12.50 per month until becoming his own man. In the meantime he had learned carpentering, and was well fitted by the habits of industry to which he had been trained to make his own way in the world. The parents remained resi- dents of Jefferson County until their decease.
Mr. King followed his trade one year after com- ing to Peoria, then changing his occupation some- what, engaged as second engineer on a steamer ply- ing the Illinois River between Peoria and St. Louis. and he was thus occupied three years. In the meantime he was becoming a prominent eitizen. in- teresting himself in local affairs, and åfter filling other positions of trust and responsibility, was clected, in 1853, a member of the Illinois Legisla- ture, on the Democratic ticket. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Peoria and engaged as a contractor and builder, also in the engineering department of one of the leading dis- tillerics, and was thus occupied until 1857. That year he associated himself in partnership with the firm of Lightner, Schimpferman & Co., which then became the leading distillery company in that sec- tion. Afterward Mr. Schimpferman disposed of his interest in the concern and was succeeded by Mr. Zell. The establishment was known as the Star Distillery, under which title it was successfully operated until 1866.
During the above-mentioned year Messrs. King & Leightner withdrew from the distillery, Mr. King becoming interested in the banking business, at which he has since continued. In the meantime he, with others, organized the Savings Bank of Pe- oria, of which he is now one-third owner, and also has an interest in various manufacturing concerns, owning considerable stock therein. He has always maintained a warm interest in educational matters,
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and for several terms has served as School Director in his district. He represented Peoria Township in the County Board of Supervisors five or six terms. Ile east his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren. the opponent of William Henry Harrison, and uniformly votes the straight Democratie ticket.
Mr. King was first married in 1840, to Miss Emily Jacobs, who became the mother of four children, only two of whom are living, both daughters. Ada is the wife of M. Huffman, of Quiney. this State; May is the wife of W. H. Benton, of Peoria. Mrs. Emily King departed this life April 28. 1888. Mr. King contracted a second marriage in April. 1890, Mrs. Susan S. Clegg becoming his wife.
ILLIAM McLEAN. No resident of Chilli- eothe. is better known in this part of the county, than he whose cognomen initiates this sketeh. For years he was prominently identi- fied with the business and social interests of the place which he saw develop from a hamlet to a thriving little eity. Having retired from the ardu- ous duties in which he was long engaged, he is now enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxu- ries of life in a pleasant retreat on the corner of Fourth and Beech Streets. His home is one of the most comfortable and attractive places within the corporation, the grounds being adorned with beau- tiful flowers and shade trees, and the dwelling bear- ing equal evidenees of neatness and good taste.
Mr. MeLean is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, born June 17, 1816, and the oldest child of Daniel and Ann (Cameron) MeLean. ITis father was of Highland-Scotch parentage, being the son of Will- iam and Margaret (Dewey) McLean. who died in Edinburgh when quite old. There Daniel MeLean was reared, learned his trade. and lived until thirty- nine years of age, when he elosed his eyes in death. llis widow, who was also of Highland stock, sur- vived him a number of years. dying at the age of fifty-five. Both were of the Presbyterian faith, as were their progenitors. Their family consisted of three sons and two daughters. of whom our subjeet and a sister, Maria, are the only survivors. The
sister came to America after her brother, and she also is living in Chillicothe, the widow of James Anderson.
The subject of this sketch was eleven years old when his father died, and he was thrown upon his own resonrees for a livelihood. He was bound out for six years to learn the trade of a confectioner, which he followed until he came to Chillicothe. In the winter of 1842 he emigrated to America. mak- ing his first home in St. Louis, Mo., and remaining there until 1855. He then removed to Peoria County, and putting up a little stoek of goods, be- gan selling groceries in Chillicothe. His entire stock did not amount to more than $700, but from this¿ moderate beginning he has accumulated an abundant fortune. His success has been quite re- markable. his industry and economy, although great, having been equalled by that of many men who have failed to reap the reward he has done. Com- bined with these important qualities has been a business tact which made his labors effeetnal. He owns a large amount of fine business property, the MeLean blocks being an ornament to the city.
Mr. McLean has been active in all that goes to advance the interest of the city. giving liberally of his means as well as of his time and influence. He is publie-spirited in the fullest sense of that term, and one of the most influential men in this part of the county. He was one of the first Aldermen un- der the city government. In 1884 he represented the Twenty-sixth District in the State Legislature, having been elected on the Democratie ticket. He was a member of the Committee on Public Build- ings and Grounds, that on River and Harbor Im- provements. and the Labor and Industrial Commit- lee. He also belonged to the committee whose duty it was to visit the charitable institutions of the State, and in the work of each and all, he took an active part. He introduced bill No. 260, which is an aet to protect the publie from imposition in relation to canned and preserved food, and the bill was passed with little opposition.
For five years Mr. MeLean has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors. He is very prominent in the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar. Well informed on many topies, he is especially versed in history, that of his native coun-
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try flowing from his lips with fluency and correct- ness. He has traveled extensively, visiting many . prominent places in Europe, and the scenes and in- eidents of his journeying are vividly portrayed by him. One of his pastimes is the construction of typical cities, castles, etc., which handiwork is beau- ful and instructive. The sturdiness of the Scotel character is exemplified in his life, and meets with a corresponding degree of respect from those about him.
The marriage of Mr. MeLean and Miss Margaret Menzies, was celebrated in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 22. 1837. The bride was born in Glasgow, May 22, 1817, but her parents, James and Doreas ( Wilson ) Menzies, spent the later years of their life in Edinburgh. They were active members of the Baptist Church, and carefully reared their off- spring. The mother died at the age of sixty years, and the father when four-score and three. Mrs. Mc- Lean is the second in a family of twelve children, two of whom besides herself, came to America. These were a brother, Robert, now deceased, and a sister, Ann, wife of George MeMurray deceased, now living in Chillicothe. Mr. and Mrs. MeLean are the parents of one child, Dorcas, who married George P. Lester, a groceryman in Chillicothe. To this couple have been born three children; Anna, who is still at home; William, a shipping clerk in a wholesale house in Omaha, Neb .; and Edward, who is with William Meade, the Chillicothe drug- gist.
E LI MITCHELL. A stroll through the streets of the thriving city of Chillicothe will pre- sent to the view many business establish- ments, and bring before the mind of the ob- server many queries as to the standing of the proprietors in financial circles, and the traits which have led to their position. Should inquiry be made regarding a jewelry establishment located on Second Street. and bearing the name of Eli Miteh- ell, it would be found that it was established in June, 1862, and from a small beginning a good business was built up. A skillful artisan. Mr. Mitchell has a particularly good business in re-
/ pairing, his reputation being second to none in the city.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Yorkshire, England, not far from Hallifax, March 22, 1820, being of pure English stock and a member of a family which had been represented in Yorkshire for generations. He grew to maturity in his native shire, learning the trade of a jeweler in Ovenden, and afterward working as a journeyman. He married Miss Mary Ashworth, who was born and reared in the same part of England as himself, and is of an equally pure English lineage. After the birth of five children, including a pair of twins that died in England. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell determined to seek a home in America, believing that here they would secure greater prosperity and better opportunities for their children.
The couple set sail from Liverpool on the " Chi- cago" in the latter part of April, 1858, passing four weeks on the broad Atlantic. During this time their youngest child died and was buried in the great deep. They landed in New York, and continuing their journey westward via Chicago, located in Chillicothe, Ill. Here Mr. Mitchell es- tablished a permanent business, which has grown, by reason of his thorough workmanship and relia- ble dealings, into a flourishing enterprise.
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell well represent their race, and have long been known among the better class of citizens, whose lives are spent in quiet useful- ness. Mrs. Mitchell attends the Reformed Episco- pal Church. Mr. Mitchell is a supporter of the Republican party. Four children have been born to the worthy couple since they came to America, but all died young. Their two living children are Anna, wife 'bf Lyman Andrews, a prominent grocery dealer of Chillicothe, and Eli A., now Postmaster bere, who married Miss Helen Fisher, of this city.
The father of our subject was David Mitchell, a mechanic and spinner for woolen clotb. Ile did much work in the mechanical department of the factory in which he was engaged, and was regarded as a skilled workman in both lines of his acquire- ments. He died at the age of fifty-six years. in Elland, in his native shire. His wife survived him and died at the age of sixty-two years. Both were identified with the Methodist Church of England.
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They were the parents of six children, two of whom died in early life. Edward. Grace and Eliz- abeth are now living in Halifax, Yorkshire, our subject being the only one of the family to come to America. His brother is a carpenter, and he and bis sisters are married.
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OSEPH BRODMAN, Superientendent of the House of Correction at Peoria, is a native of France, his natal day having been No- vember 8, 1847. lle was seventeen months old when his parents emigrated to America, enter- ing the United States via New Orleans, and making their first home at Chillicothe, Ohio. Thence they came to Peoria in 1855. where the father breathed his last December 1, 1887, and where the mother still lives. They instilled into their son good principles. a desire for usefulness, and a determi- nation to bear well his part in life; also giving him the best educational advantages which were possible to them during his early years.
The gentleman of whom we write spent the days of his boyhood in Peoria, at the age of thirteen beginning an apprenticeship in a furniture house, his chief occupation being chair painting. He worked with the same firm until 1865, when he en- listed in the Union Army, but on examination was rejected. He then took up work in a plow manu- factory, where he remained until 1867, when he left the Tobey & Anderson Plow Works for a po- ' sition as coach painter on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. He remained in the employ of the road until 1882, when, without solicitation on his part. he was selected jailor for this county, un- der C. 1 .. Berry, Sheriff. In his official capacity he acted from December 4, 1882, until July 1, 1890, when he was chosen Superintendent of the Ilouse of Correction.
The appointment of Mr. Brodman to his present position was due to his very marked ability to con- trol men, no man in the State having a better re- cord as a dealer with criminals. lle brings to his new position an experience which has taught him the value of various characteristics in the governor
and the governed, and there is no doubt that his control of the institution will redound to his own honor and increase its success in the work for which it was founded. His methods are humane and firm, characterized by strict justice and honesty in the treatment of those under him. The polit- ieal affiliation of Mr. Brodman is with the Demo. eratie party. He is a live, wide-awake man, well informed on all topics of public interest, thorough- going in whatever be undertakes, and to be relied npon in an emergency. He was married October 20, 1872, to Fredrika Blumb. They have three sons- Arthur, Elmer and Howard. Mrs. Brodman is a native of Peoria, the daughter of Peter B. and Marie (Krieger) Blumb. They were both natives of Germany, and settled in Peoria in 1833, having driven in a wagon from Baltimore, Md., to that city.
ICHIAEL E. ERLER. Among those who early came to this section of the country may be mentioned the subject of this bio- graphical notice, who is the oldest living watchmaker in Peoria. He has accumulated wealth, is one of the substantial men of the eity, and bas here a fine residence on Erler Street and other valuable property.
The parents of our subject were Michael and Christina (Fischer) Erler, natives of Altenburg, Germany. The father was born in 1805 and died in the Fatherland in 1844, ere yet be bad attained the meridian of life, he being but thirty-nine years ok at the time of his demise. The mother was born in 1799, came to this country in 1853, and died in Newburg, Washington County, Wis., in 1883, at the venerable age of eighty-four years.
Three children were born to Michael and Chris- tina Erler, of whom our subject and his brother August are the only ones now living. August lives in Newburg, Wis. Michael, of whom we write, was born in the city of Reichstadt, Germany, June 23, 1829, and until he was fourteen years old he attended school in his native town, obtaining a substantial education, At that age he was appren- ticed to learn the trade of a watchmaker with
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Richard Wagner, of Ronneburg, with whom he remained four years, acquiring in the meantime a thorough mastery of the intricacies of his chosen vocation. In his nineteenth year, after spending a year in Zeitz on the completion of his trade, he set sail for America, taking passage at Bremerha- ven on the ship "Williams." After a voyage of forty days he landed safely at New York, where he remained but a short time. He then made his way to Peoria, and on the 1st of August, 1848, arrived in this city. Ile soon found employment at his trade, he being an expert, very skillful with his tools, and during the ensuing two years was in the employ of Fred Menkens.
At the expiration of that time Mr. Erler started in business for himself, on Water Street. IIe was very much prospered, as he applied himself closely to the management of his affairs, and in 1870 had accumulated a sufficient competency to retire, and did so, disposing of his business to John C. Woelfe. An idle life did not satisfy our subject, however, and he subsequently entered Mr. Woelfe's employ as watehmaker, that gentleman being glad to avail himself of his services. As be. fore mentioned, he has gathered together a hand- some property. Ile has a commodious residence, with eleven acres of valuable land, besides several tenement houses and many vacant lots. lle is a man of earnest, strong character and intelligent mind, and his honesty and unswerving integrity in all the transactions of life have gained him a high place in the regard of all who know or associate with him. Of a truly religions nature, he is a firm Swedenborgian in his views of the right conduct of life and of the hereafter. He contributes liber- ally to the church, and to all things tending to ad- vance the welfare of the community. In politics, he is with the Republicans.
Mr. Erler was married in June, 1850, to Miss Laura Lehne, whose parents were early pioneers here, and were also natives of Germany, as was Mrs. Erler. The following five of the seven chil- dred born to Mr. and Mrs. Erler are living: Frank, a goldsmith, who is married and resides in Peoria; Max, a wealthy photographer of Peoria, is also married; William, foreman of the Damas Keening works at the watch factory in Peoria; Minnie, at
home with her parents; and Edward, who is en- gaged with his brother Max in the photograph business. Malvine died in infancy. Bertha mar- ried Philip A. Hensler, and died leaving a son, Max, who is tenderly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Erler.
ESSE Y. FORNEY is classed among the wealthy, liberal and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Peoria County, who have contributed a large quota towards its material development and present high financial standing. He has for many years been identified with the extensive agricultural interests of Kieka- poo Township, where he has a large and valuable farm, and has actively aided in the greater part of the growth of the township.
George Forney, the father of our subject, was born near Hanover, York County, Pa., while his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Young, was born in that town, and there both she and her husband died. They had a family of six children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of bitth.
Our subject was born near Hanover, Pa., May 24, 1822, and there grew to man's estate, making his home in the place of his nativity till his mar- riage. After that important event in his life Mr. Forney came with his bride to Peoria, arriving here May 17, 1852. They began their wedded life in Kickapoo Township, of which they have ever since been honored residents. Our subject has given his attention to agricultural pursuits to some purpose and by persistent toil, directed by excel- lent judgment and sound business principles, has accumulated a valuable property. lle owns a large farm of four hundred and sixty-seven acres, under fine tillage, and he has erected a neat and well-ordered set of buildings, and everything about the place bears the impress of a master band and mind.
In March, 1852, Mr. Forney and Miss Catherine Feeser united their lives and fortunes, the cere- mony that made them one being solemnized in York, Pa. Mrs. Forney is the second child in a
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family of four children of John and Hannah (Sten- ecifer) Feeser, natives of Maryland, in which State she was born October 16, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Forney ale the parents of six children, of whom the following three are living: David married a Miss Cannagahan; Georgia Etta is the wife of James H. Ford; Luta M. is the wife of Charles Ford. The names of the deceased children are; Karl, who died when about four years old; Luella. who died when about five years old; and Lillie, who died when ten years old.
For many years a resident of this county. Mr. Forney is well-known and his character for mor- ality, true piety, unostentatious character and lib- eral spirit have won him golden opinions on all sides, and no one is more truly respected than he, his wife -haring in the general esteem in which he is held. His financial standing in the county speaks well for his praetieal ability as a farmer and stock-raiser of roundabout common sense and acute judgment. In religion he is a Lutheran, and the church of that denomination in Kickapoo finds in him and his wife, two of its most conscientious members and generous supporters. Politically our subject adheres to the Republican party, firmly believing its tenets the best calculated to enhance the highest interests of the country wherever they are carried out.
G EORGE A. WILSON, a native of Illinois and a son of one of its early pioneer fami- lies, has, since attaining manhood. taken a conspicuous part in the public, political and social life of this county, and is prominent as an attorney and business man, having an extensive law praetiee in Peoria. his place of residence. besides being gen- eral agent for the German Fire Insurance Com- pany, of Illinois, a home company. He is a veteran of the late war, and is deserving of all honor for his patriotic course during those "times that tried men's souls."
Mr. Wilson was born in Tazewell County, three miles from Peoria, on the parental homestead, De-
eember 9, 1840, being the date of his birth. He is a son of the late Jacob and Emily ( Donahoe) Wil- son. natives respectively of Tennessee and Ken- tueky, the mother being of Irish extraction, as her family name indicates. They were married in In- diana, and early in their wedded life, in the prime and vigor of a stalwart manhood and noble woman- hood. sought the wilds of this State to build up for themselves and the children that might come to them, a comfortable home. They located in Taze- well County in 1823, and were among its first set- tlers. In 1824. Mr. Wilson entered a half section of land in Fond du Lac Township, which is still in his name, and by careful, patient and unceasing labor made of it a valuable estate, and for many years was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, he being a thorough practical farmer, as was his fa- ther before him. At his death September 15, 1869, Tazewell County was called upon to mourn one of its most faithful and sagacious pioneers, who during a residence there of nearly half a eentury had borne himself honorably in all the relations of life. and was looked upon with esteem by a large cirele of friends and acquaintances. His wife survived him many years. her death finally occurring No- vember 25, 1888, at an advanced age, and both are now peacefully sleeping in Springdale Cemetery.
Those worthy people were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living: Joseph F., a resident of Washington City; George A .; Charles B., Deputy Cireuit Clerk of Peoria County; Sarah E. and Mary, residing at No. 710, Jackson Street, Peoria. Joseph was a gallant soldier in the late war. and his name is inscribed on the Roll of Honor. He had his lower jaw shot away at Ft. Donelson while bravely fighting at the front. and has an arti- ficial jaw. Robert T. was a sutler in the army dur- ing the war, and was killed by the guerrillas near Helena on the Mississippi River, seven balls enter- ing his body. killing him instantly. Thomas W. was accidentally killed in Peoria.
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