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 24
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The gentleman of whom we write, was born at Carlyles, County Antrim, Ireland, three miles from the Irish Channel, June 4, 1831. He was brought up on a farm, enjoying the privileges of good dis- trict schools, and was early tanght industrious hab- its. He remained with his parents until nineteen years of age, when, believing that he could .better his condition by so doing, he emigrated to Amer- ica. Leaving Liverpool March 12, 1851, on the sailer "Tuscarora," he landed in Philadelphia twen- ty-eight days later, and in a short time was engaged in the iron mines, getting ont ore. In this employ- ment he spent the winter, working in the harvest field, or at other farm labor in the summer, until 1854, when he went to California, via New York and the Isthmus.
Landing at San Francisco, Mr. McCormick went up to Red Bluff, one of the foot hills on the Sacra- mento River, where he spent the winter in pros- pecting, but made nothing. He remained in the Golden State, however, three years, finally securing some money. In 1857 he returned to Philadelphia, remained there during the winter, and the follow- ing spring came to Fulton County, Ill. Locating in Farmington, he opened a clothing establishment, carrying it on three years, and building a good business edifice. He then sold, and buying sev- enty acres of land, moved into a log honse, and began farming.
In 1868 Mr. McCormick bought one hundred and twenty acres of his present home farm, located here and began improving the property which was run down by continual use as corn land. By clovering and pasturing, he has brought it to a high state of productiveness. In buying the property he was
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obliged to pay twelve and one-half per cent. inter- est, but notwithstanding that high rate, success at- tended him, and ere long he added one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, and still later purchased his other farm. Mr. McCormick pays considerable attention to stock, making money with his droves of hogs, draft horses, and his fine herd of cattle which are Galway crossed with Short-horns, both full blooded.
The estimable woman who has charge of the household economy on Mr. McCormick's estate, was known in former years as Miss Mary A. Rodg- ers. She was born in County Donegal, Ireland, reared and educated in her native land, and was united in marriage with our subject in Peoria, Au- gust 10, 1858. Their happy union has been blessed by the birth of ten children-William, John, Mary, Jane, George, Henry, Charles, Martha, Rachel, and May. The first two are farming in this township; the others still reside with their parents. Mary and May have attended the Dixon and Valparaiso Normal Schools, and Martha gives her attention to school teaching; George is also a teacher, at pres- ent advancing his learning in the school at Val- paraiso, Ind. : he formerly attended the Burlington Business College.
Mr. McCormick adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of those who helped to erect the church edifice at Concord. Personally, he possesses a very genial nature, which joined with his fine character, makes him well liked by those with whom he has to do, while his wife and the various members of their family are also well re- spected.
BRAHAM BRAYSHAW. Peoria is the home of many flourishing enterprises, and trade that falls below the tens of thousands yearly is scarcely noted as of more than minor importance. One of the establishments in which a fine business is done is that of the Mexican Amole Soap Company, of which the gentleman ahove named is the President. The business had proved a bad venture to its former managers but
feeling assured of the merits of the article manu- factured, in which he had already some interest, Mr. Brayshaw bought the patent and plant and has in a short time brought up the trade to $40,000 per annum. It is the nature of the President of the company to push forward any enterprise in which he engages,and from a line of manufacturers he in- herits the spirit that can carry to a successful ter- mination a large concern and the tact that can con- trol the force needed in its work.
The Brayshaws have been cloth manufacturers for several generations and in that business he of whom we write was occupied in England, his native land. lIe is a son of Benjamin and Anna (Berry) Bray- shaw and one of a family of twelve children. The others remain in their native land and continue the business of their forefathers. Abraham Bray- shaw was born on Christmas Day, 1838, and left the mother country when thirty years old. Taking passage on a vessel bound to America, he landed in New York in due time and there remained two years superintending a woolen mill for James Standring. He then came to the Prairie State and locating in Peoria, engaged in the carpet trade, con- tinuing in that business until 1884.
About six years ago a company was organized for the manufacture and sale of a prime toilet soap and Mr. Brayshaw became interested in it. The corporation was known as Albaugh's Mexican Soap Company, the President being Mr. M. H. Haverhill. When the new organization was per- fected the name was changed, and that of the root whence the cleansing properties are derived was incorporated with other words formerly used to designate the company. The Amole soap is a vegetable product, the tree from which it is made having high healing as well as cleansing qualities, and being therefore especially adapted to toilet use.
Shortly after reaching America, May 13, 1868, Mr. Brayshaw led to the hymeneal altar Miss Car- oline Wilby, who, like the man of her choice, was born in the mother country. She possesses a fine nature, much intelligence and pleasing manners, and is the chief member of the household to the husband and children to whose comfort she ever ministers, Mr. and Mrs. Brayshaw are the parents of three living children-Benjamin W., who is in
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the factory with his father; Walter, a student in college; and Clarence S., who is still at home. Mr. Brayshaw is a charter member in the lodge of United Workmen of this city. He gives his vote and influence to the Democrat party, in whose principles he believes.
AVID SMITHI. This gentleman is Manager of the Central Illinois Agency of the New York Life Insurance Company, his head- quarters being at Peoria and his territory embrac- ing twenty counties. He began the duties of a life insurance agent in March, 1887. and was so remarkably successful that after about seven months' work he was chosen by General State Agent, L. C. Vanuxen, as Manager of the Central Illinois Agency. He has been successfully pur- suing the work, discharging the duties of his posi- tion with satisfaction to his superiors and credit to himself.
Mr. Smith is a son of John and Anna (Havens) Smith, early pioneers in McLean County, to which they came from Ohio. In the county mentioned our subject opened his eyes to the light December 31, 1836, spending his youth upon his father's farm, except the days in which he was pursuing his advanced studies. These were prosecuted at the Illinois Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, an institution in which he has been particularly inter ested since his school days, and for which he is an executive member of the Board of Trustees, an of- fice to which he was elected in June, 1886.
At the completion of his course of study Mr. Smith returned to his home and took charge of his father's farm until the death of the latter, in 1882. He was appointed administrator of the estate, and the homestead being put up for sale. he bought and still retains it. It comprises five hundred and forty acres near Hudson. Upon it our subject re- mained until he began his life insurance work, and he still gives considerable attention to the es- tate, where he is interested in breeding fine cattle and horses. Having quick intelligence and a keen appreciation of good stock, he is likely to make a
success of his venture in that line, to which he brings also the business tact which will lead to a good disposal of members of his herds.
At the home of the bride, in Peoria, July 18, 1889, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Smith and Miss Mary J. Russell. This esti- mable and accomplished lady was born in this city, being a daughter of the late William and Susan (Black) Russell. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since boyhood and is regarded as one of those to whom a Chris- tian profession means a conscientious discharge of his obligations to God and man. Ile votes tlie Republican ticket, and although he has never cared for political preferment, has been elected to various township offices, and was given the posi- tiion of School Treasurer five years.
C ORNELIUS N. MINIIGAN. One of the lights of the legal fraternity in Peoria is the gentleman above named, who enjoys a lucra- ·tive practice and a high reputation as an honorable and capable attorney and counselor-at-law. He has been in practice here since 1878, making a speci- alty of criminal practice, for which his keen wit, acute perception and accurate judgment of charac- ter seem particularly to qualify him.
Somerville, Somerset County, N. J., was the birthplace of our subject and his natal day March 15, 1856. His parents, Jeremiah and Catherine (Tracy) Mihigan, were born in Ireland, Queens- town being the birthplace of the latter. When a young man Jeremiah Mihigan emigrated to Amer- ica, residing in New Jersey for a number of years. There he married Miss Tracy, who bore him four sons and two daughters. In June, 1856, the fam- ily came to Peoria, Ill., which was then but a small town without a prominent building within its borders. Mr. Mihigan made this his home until his death, which occurred October 28, 1879, at the age of fifty-five years. Ile was an honest and law- abiding citizen, an excellent mechanic and a kind husband and parent. His widow is still living in this city, having with her her daughters, Maggie
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M. and Katie. The brothers of our subject are: Daniel C., a railroad engineer; J. T., Government Gauger; T. J., late engineer at the city water works, and now master mechanic of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, all making their homes in Peoria.
The subject of this notice grew to manhood here, receiving his education in the city schools, and beginning his career in life as a clerk in a grocery store, busying himself in other employ- ments suited to his years and knowledge prior to the commencement of his law studies. He can re- call the time when the major part of the city was but a cornfield, business being mostly confined to Water Street, and has seen every improvement from the first really good building crected, to the last modern residence and elegant public building.
The law studies of Mr. Mihigan were pursued in the office of Messrs. Whitney & Foster, of Pekin, in which city he remained until admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court, at Ottawa, in 1876. He located for practice in the city where his studies had been pursued, remaining there two years. The larger city, which had long been his home, seemed better suited for one of energetic disposition, and hither he came, in 1878, to begin a career which has stamped him as the possessor of natural abil- ity and fine legal training.
Mr. Mihigan has been actively engaged in politi- .cal work with the Democratic party, but has not sought offiec for himself. He is recognized as a strong man in the political arena, and has, there- fore, been sent as delegate to various conventions and called upon to assist in securing for his friends political honors and emoluments. Aside from this work his whole attention is given to his profession. His wife was born and reared in this city.
OHN HERSCHBERGER. Among those who have seen the fruition of their hopes of comfortable fortune, and have retired from active business life to enjoy the rens- onable recreations suited to advancing years. is John Herschberger, who for many years has re-
sided in Peoria. For nearly a quarter of a century he was identified with its business life as proprietor and manager of establishments in which others found employment, and in which he had pre- viously won the confidence of those for whom he worked in handicraft.
The parents of our subject were Peter and Cath- erine (Stalter) Ilerschberger, natives of Bavaria, Germany, whence they emigrated to America about 1830, locating in llamilton County, Ohio. There their third child, our subject, was born, April 2, 1835. He has three sisters and one brother, the latter, Joseph, and one of the sisters, Mrs. George F. Weber, being residents of Peoria. The other members of the family circle are Mrs. Madeline Slaybach, of Tazewell County. and Mrs. Philopena Sexton, of Missouri. The parents removed to l'e- oria County, III., in 1841, and here the father died of cholera in 1849. The widowed mother sur. vived until August, 1887, breathing her last at the age of eighty-three years.
John Herschberger learned the trade of a har- ness-maker, beginning an apprenticeship with Philip Bender in 1849. After familiarizing him- self with his handicraft, he followed the same until 1861, when he entered the field of merchan- dising as a dealer in shelf hardware, stoves and tin- ware. In this business he was occupied three years, then bought an interest in a planing mill, and subsequently the entire plant, carrying on the business until 1884. Since that time he has been engaged only in looking after his investments, bearing the part which a good citizen should in the worthy movements going on in the city, and enjoying domestic and social life as he could not do when occupied with business cares. He is an honored member of the Baptist Church, and in politics is, as he himself expresses it, " a Prohibi- tionist clear to the backbone."
The lady who occupies the place of honor in the household of Mr. Ilerschberger became his wife February 8. 1865. She was known in her girlhood as Miss Sarah D. Bastow. and is a native of England, whence the family emigrated in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Herschberger have lost four children and have five living, the latter being named respectively, Will- iam B., J. Herbert, Harrietta, Clarence B. and
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Harold H. Mr. Herschberger had an excellent reputation in business circles, as he still has in church and social life, and his good wife also en- joys the confidence and esteem of their acquaint- ances.
SAAC JACKSON MARSH. The death of the 1
late Isaac J. Marsh removed from Peoria a gentleman who had filled a position of respon- sibility and conducted himself as became a man, in dealings with his fellow-men, in domestic and so- cial relations, and in the prosecution of the duties that lay before him as a member of business circles. lle was born in Champaign County, Ohio, June 12, 1832, remaining at his birthplace until a few years after he had entered his teens, when be sought the Pacific Slope. With a brother-in-law he crossed the plains during the gold excitement and reaching California spent two years in surveying and sight- seeing, but strange to say, not engaging in mining. A part of this time was spent in Oregon.
Mr. Marsh returned to the States by way of the Isthmus, and having completed his journey from New York to his native State, entered Antioch College to complete his education. The famous institution over which Horace Mann presided was an excellent place in which to imbibe advanced ideas regarding the use and beauty of knowledge, and gain the wisdom without which schooling is of little benefit to one's self or mankind. After finish- ing his course of study Mr. Marsh came to Peoria and for a time was engaged in various occupations.
The cry of a nation whose life was attempted by traitorous hands aroused the spirit of Mr. Marsh, and he enlisted from Milford Center, Ohio, in the one hundred days' service, afterward enrolling himself again for a term of three years. On the second occasion he went out as a Lieutenant, was shortly afterward appointed Brigade Commissary and in that capacity served during the remainder of the war. When mustered out of the service he returned to Milford Center and while agent for two railroads, had an elevator, and handled grain on his own account.
From that place Mr. Marsh came to Peoria as an
employe of the Peoria and Rock Island Railroad, . and for some time was General Manager of the Coal Transportation of the Indiana, Blooming- ton & Western Railroad. He next applied him- self to business of his own until appointed by President Cleveland, United States Storekeeper. In that position he also served under J. Starr until taken ill in September, 1889, the sickness termina- ting fatally on November 17. lle was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows.
The estimable and highly respected lady who be- came the wife of our subject more than thirty years ago, was born in Woodstock, Ohio, April 17, 1834, and bore the maiden name of Rebecca C. Speers. Her parents, David and Sarah (Franklin) Speers, removed to Metamora, Woodford County, Ill., when she was a young lady of eighteen years and there her marriage was celebrated May 31, 1856. She has one daughter, Orpha Angie, born April 6, 1861; one child, Charlie Spencer, died aged nine months. She belongs to the Universalist Church in the tenets of which her deceased hus- band found comfort.
G EORGE T. PAGE. The law firm of Worth- ington, Page & Brady, is recognized as holding a prominent position in the legal profession of Peoria County, and has well-equipped offices in the city of Peoria, at the corner of Jeffer- son Avenue and Hamilton Street. Mr. Page is comparatively young in the profession, but has made rapid strides, possessing natural abilities of a high order, and the perseverance and industry which, together with a close application to the du- ties of his calling. are a guarantee of success. He is a native of this State, and was born in Woodford County, September 22, 1859, to T. C. S. and Cor- delia E. Page, living at home until he was seven- teen years of age. He attended school at Metamora, and partially completed his studies in the Illinois University at Champaign. after which he was for a time engaged in teaching in his native county. Mr. Page is a nephew of Judge Shope, of the Illi-
.
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nois Supreme Court, and a brother of Judge S. S. Page, of the Peoria County Circuit Court.
Mr. Page has always been an industrious student, and emerged from the university more than ordi- narily well-informed. He commeneed the reading of law with his brother, then senior member of the firm of Page & Elwood, at Metamora, and was ad- mitted to the bar January 14, 1882, by the Supreme Court of Ottawa. Ile commenced the practice of his profession the following year in Denver, Colo., seeking that region for the benefit of his health. When sufficiently recovered, he returned to Peoria and practiced law with his brother S. S. Page, and alone, until March 1890, when the firm under the title as it now exists, was formed. They give spe- cial attention to corporation law, which they have investigated to such an extent, that they are en- abled to settle the knotty points which are con- stantly arising and which are not thoroughly un- derstood by the majority of practitioners.
The subject of this sketch was married Septem- ber 7, 1887, at the bride's home in Decatur, Ill., to Miss Jessie Stevens. Of this union there has been born one child, a son, Gerald H.
ICHARD SCHIOLES, deceased, entered into rest October 22, 1870, at his home in Chil- licothe. He was born in Bolton, England, in 1804, of good English stock, his mother belonging to the leaps family, well known among the extensive manufacturers of the mother country. He was well educated, received careful home in- struction, and after graduation from the college of his native city, when about of age, he set out for America. Ile began his labors in this country by teaching in New Jersey, succeeding as an instruc- tor and obtaining a financial start by this tempo- rary expedient. He subsequently made several trips to England for the purpose of securing help for a New England cloth manufacturing company, with which he was afterward connected as a pattern maker.
After spending some years with the firm of
Gregg & Co., Mr. Scholes came to Illinois in 1837, and secured a large traet of land in Sprague Town- ship, Marshall County. After having improved most of the farm he removed to Chillicothe, Peoria County, engaging in the sale of merchandise and grain. His experiences were many and varied,con- siderable property being lost by him at times, but the stubborn persistence characteristic of the Eng- lisnman would not allow him to become discour- aged under any reverses. His personal traits se- cured for him the confidence and love of all who made his acquaintance, and among those to whom he was not personally known he was reputed a man of activity, an honest citizen and a ripe scholar.
The efforts of Mr. Scholes toward intellectual improvement did not cease with his school days, but continued throughont his life, and he became the possessor of the finest library in the county. Although not an office-seeker, he took an active part in local politics, during slavery times was an Abolitionist and until Ins death a sound Republi- can. He possessed much artistic ability, water colors being his forte and beautiful scenes growing under his brush. Natural history was made a specialty by him until he became an expert.
The first marriage of Mr. Scholes occurred in England when he was quite young, the bride being Miss Elizabeth Crossdale, a well-educated and refined lady of a good English family. A few years after he came to America she joined him, living with him in New England States until in her prime when she was called hence. She died at Fall River, Mass., leaving two children, of whom Johr died when young and Frank was accidentally drowned in Marshall County, Ill., in 1841. when eleven years old. Mr. Scholes contracted a second marriage in Massachusetts with Miss Jennie Dalrim- ple; of this union there were three children: Agnes Oakfor, of Fredonia, Kan .; Alice Hasmer, of Chicago; Samuel D., of Springfield, an attorney.
Mr. Scholes contracted a third matrimonial alli- ance in Medina Township, Peoria County, Ill., his bride being Mrs. Sarah H. Stillman, nee Gillus, a native of Salem, Washington County, N. Y., born November 25, 1811. Her parents, Robert and Esther (Baker) Gillus. natives of the same county as herself, removed to Oswego County in later
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life. and died there during the same year, when about four-score years old. They were well and favorably known where they lived, and both were members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Gil- lus was a farmer. The father of Mrs. Gillus was C'apt. Thomas Baker, a Revolutionary soldier, who was seriously wounded and drew a pension for many years before his death. Ile was of Scotch parentage. His wife, Mary Carswell, was the daughter of a prominent man in Washington County, her father having been High Sheriff of Salem for many years.
Mrs. Sarah H. Scholes was reared and educated in her native State. chiefly in Ontario County. She first married Demming, son of Samuel and Eunice (Demming) Stillman, who were natives of Connecticut and had been educated for teachers. After their marriage they removed to Oneida County. N. Y., where the husband was engaged in farming. and where the son, Demming was born. After the marriage of the latter he and his wife re -. mained in the Empire State until 1836, when they removed to Peoria, Ill. There Mr. Stillman was engaged in a hardware store two years, after which he purchased a fine, unimproved farm in Medina Township, which he made the scene of bis labors during the remnant of his days. Ile died in July, 1842, when in the prime of life, leaving behind him the reputation of a good citizen. He was the father of three children, the oldest of whom was born in New York. One of them is now deceased, namely, Walter D., who left a widow and two sons in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he had prac- ticed medicine sixteen years. The living children are: Caroline, wife of Dr. William H. Wilmott, of Lawn Ridge, Marshall County, and James, a sin- gle man, who lives in Chicago.
By her marriage with our subject Mrs. Schioles has became the mother of three children: Jennie, wife of William Baldwin, a retired farmer and travelling-man. lives in Peoria; Thomas J., mar- ried Lydia Ransom, of St. Joseph, Mo., resides in Chicago. and is engaged with the Barnes School Book Publishing House; and Charles resides in Auburn, Sangamon County, where he was for- merly engaged in the hardware trade. Mrs. Scholes is a member in good standing of the Congrega-
tional Church and several of her children are iden- tified with the same society. She is looked upon with great respect by the members of the commu- nity among which she condnets her useful labors.
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