Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 27

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

USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 27

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Mr. Mott is of a practical turn of mind and by careful attention to his calling, he has acquired a competence amply sufficient to free him from the necessity of hard labor, and to fortity his declining years against want and poverty. Both he and his sister are held in kindly regard by the people among whom they have lived so many years. Mr. Mott has borne an honorable part in the public life of bis township; was Commissioner of Highways for three years; Pathmaster for six terms, and School Di- rector for one term, and in each and every capac- ity proved to be a wise and helpful official. Ile is prominently connected with the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows,and assisted in organizing a lodge at Princeville, known as Diligence Lodge, No. 129, after the first lodge that had been established here was closed during the war. In his early life our subject was a Democrat, but is now independent in his politics, voting as he pleases and for whom be pleases. Ile is a Sabbatarian and a purely religions man.

I RA SMITII. If long years of honorable life entitle a man to the respect of posterity, then is Capt. Smith, pre-eminently deserving of a place in this ALBUM. For near seventy-four years he walked the earth, and from early life his in- fluence and example were on the side of sobriety, honesty, and unaffected piety.

Mr. Smith was born in Hampden, Me., on the 5th of January, 1806, and lived to be seventeen or eighteen years of age in the place of his birth. During this time he pursued such studies as were possible in the schools of that period. Being drawn to the sea, as is the case with many of the sons of the Pine Tree State, he followed his natural bent, his first sea service being during a term of enlistment on board a man-of-war.

Young Smith was much troubled because he was expected to go forward and take his grog with the others. the practice of supplying sailors with New England rum, being then in force on all vessels. He tried selling the rum to others, but this was stopped by the officers, and his attempt to throw his allowance away was also put a stop to. His studious and orderly habits having attracted the attention of the officers, he asked to have his grog stopped, and his request was granted. It was then announced by those in command, that any others who did not want grog would be allowed $2.50 per month extra. But few accepted the offer.

When Mr. Smith became master of his own ves- sel, he determined to get a crew who would go without liquor. The harbor-master told him it was impossible to do so in Boston. He, however, hung out a sign announcing that he would allow no grog except in cases of siekness, and wanted only men who were willing to go without it. It was some time before he picked up a crew, but he finally suc- ceeded, and was the first captain to sail from Bos- ton harbor under temperance regulations.

After the expiration of his three and a half years enlistment on a man-of-war, Mr. Smith continued his seafaring life, visiting different parts of the world until 1837. A few years prior to this date, he had married, and through the influence of his wife, who desired to get him far away from the sea, he came to Peoria County, Ill., in June, of that year. Hle purchased a farm, but having al- ways been accustomed to activity in business, the peaceful life of a farmer did not satisfy him, and he sold his land to engage in the lumber trade. In 1849 he established the business in which he con- tinued until well advanced in years when he re- tired, but not being contented with an inactive life, with his son he again engaged in business, continu- ing it until his death, December 16, 1879. 1lis first location was on Water Street, but he afterward moved up to Washington Street. He was one of the early lumber dealers of Peoria, prominent in that line of trade, and had an excellent reputation for business ability and honor.

Mr. Smith bought property on the bluff on both sides of Moss Avenue down to Seventh Street, erect- ing a residence which was a fine one for that period.

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Here his widow is still living in the home which has sheltered her for more than a third of a cent- ury. She has a large and elegant lawn, the sur- roundings of her dwelling making it very attract- ive and indicating the refinement of her nature. She is a native of Thomaston, Me., born November 20, 1813, to David and Sarah R. Jenks. After the age of sixteen years, she spent much of her time in Boston, where she first met the man to whom, on October 10, 1831, she was joined in wedlock.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of seven children, of whom but four are now living: fra, Jr., died at the age of nineteen years, and two oth- ers in infancy ; Sarah Ann is the wife of Isaac Cal- lander, of Galesburg, Ill., and the mother of eight children; Mary E. is the wife of David E. Holmes, a minister of the Congregational Church, now loca- ted at Galva, Ill., and their family comprises one child; James H. now resides in Chicago, engaged in the lumber, land, and insurance business; Emily A. is the wife of Dr. James Pidgeon, and the mother of one child. Mrs. Sarah D. Smith has ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren liv- ing. A true gentlewoman, she is as thoroughly respected as any citizen of Peoria, and is looked upon as one of the landmarks of the place. She is an attendant and supporter of the Congrega- tional Church, as was her deceased husband.

W ILLIAM GIELFILLIAN. No one takes more interest in Peoria County's welfare or would do more for its advancement than its native-born citizens, who are to-day vari- ously identified with its industries. Our subject, the son of a pioneer, is doing his share in sustain- ing its high reputation as one of the finest countries for agriculture that the sun ever shone on. He owns and is managing with profit a choice farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres ou section 9, Chillicothe Township, on which, during the four- teen years it has been in his possession, he has made several additional improvements, greatly increasing its value, and its well-tilled fields give evidence of his careful cultivation as well as of his practical

knowledge of farming. lle does a general farming business and is interested in raising stock.

Mr. Gillfillian was born in this township and county, near where he now lives, September 30, 1852. His father, James Gillfillian, was a native of Ohio, coming of mingled Irish and Pennsylvania Dutch stoek. He grew to manhood on a farm in Ross County, and early in the '30's when a young man, came to the wikis of Illinois with his mother, his father, having died previously in Ohio. They located south of Peoria near Kickapoo, l'eoria then being a small place known as Ft. Clark. A few years later they removed to Hallock Township, and there the mother died at the advanced age of eighty years, her death occurring in 1874. She was a truly good woman and was highly thought of by all who knew her. She was the mother of seven sons and three daughters, of whom only one son is now living, Henry, a resident of Hallock Township.

James Gilltillian was first married in Indiana to Miss Mary Chisam who died after a married life of three years, leaving two children, both of whom are now dead. ller death occurred in Indiana, while she was there on a visit. The father of our subject was married a second time in Hallock Township, taking to wife Miss Jane Martin. She was born in Illinois, and came to Peoria County, when in her girlhood. Mr. Gillfillian and his wife lived in Peoria County, until 1858, when they went to Kansas and thence to Texas. They were in the Lone Star State when the War broke out, and started northward but succeeded only in getting as far as Conway County, Ark., where they were com- pelled to stay with the rebels. Mr. Gillfillian being blind in one eye was not compelled to serve in the Confederate army against the North. He and his family remained in Arkansas until 1864, and then the presence of Union troops enabled them to come northward, and they again located in Peoria and very soon afterward the father died there when past the meridian of life. Ilis widow is still living in that city, with her daughter Josephine, and is now fifty-two years old. She is the mother of three sons and two daughters, whom she has reared to good and useful lives, and who are still living.

William Gilllillian, of this biographical review. was the oldest son and second child of the parental

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family. He was reared to agrienltural pursuits, has made farming his life work, and has been prospered in all his undertakings. He was married in C'hilli- cothe to Miss Kate MeDermitt, and she has been an important factor in promoting his success. She was born in New York City, January 1, 1853, and was but a year old when she came here with her parents, Barney and Anne (Cosgrove) McDermitt, who were both born and reared in Ireland, and im- mediately after their marriage came to this country. After coming to Illinois they settled in Chillicothe, and lived in this section of the county until 1886, when they moved to Clay County, Neb .. and lo- cated on a newly improved farm and are still mak- ing that their home. They are now upwards of fifty years of age. and are good hard-working peo- ple, and useful and honorable members of the com- munity where they reside. Mrs. Gillfillian was reared and educated in Chillicothe, and is a very capable, refined and estimable woman. She is the mother of six children, one of whom, Anna, died at the age of four months. The others are at home and named as follows: Rose A., John R., Clara Louisa, Kittie B. and Bessie E.

Our subject and his wife are open-hearted hos- pitable people, whose sterling characters commend them to the confidence of the community. Mrs. Gillfillian is a communicant of the Catholic Church, and is active in its every good work. Mr. Gill- fillian, is much interested in the political life of his country, and is a firm supporter of the Democratic party.

G EORGE PLACK. The members of the farming communities occupy an important place in the life of our country. supplying as they do the primary needs of existence and exhibiting in their lives the sterling virtues which pertain to true manhood. A worthy member of this class is the gentleman above named. who occupies a well-developed estate in Rosefield Township. It consists of one hundred and ninety acres, where during the season fine erops may be seen and where various kinds of stock are raised in considerable

numbers. The possession of so good a home is creditable to the owner, indicating that he has been industrious, prudent and zealous.

Mr. Plack was born in Biedenkopf, Prussia, Oc- tober 28, 1835, being the fourth child of John Henry and Elizabeth (Roht) Plaek. His parents were natives of the same place as himself and bis father was a farmer and miller. He was also a member of the German army, serving according to the eustom of the country. He belonged to the Lutheran Church in which he held the office of Trustee. Besides our subject, the parental family comprised Elizabeth, now the wife of Henry Kesler of Nebraska; Maggie. deceased; Henry; John, now living in St. Louis, Mo., and Anna Maria, wife of Jacob Debel, of Jefferson County, Mo. The father died in Germany and the mother came to America in 1859 with her son, our subject. and other mem- bers of the family. settling in Jefferson County. Mo., where she died about four years later. The oldest and youngest members of the family had emigrated a few years earlier than the mother.

After having lived in Jefferson County, Mo., until 1871, George Plack came to Peoria County and purchased one hundred and six acres of land on section 4, Rosefield Township. He subsequently sold thirty-six acres, then bought eighty, and at other periods sold or bought, having at one time two hundred and sixty-six acres. When he landed in America be had about $100 in money. In his efforts to secure a good home he was ably seconded by his companion whose -prudent management of household affairs was an important factor in his suc- cess. The wife to whom he owed bis comfort and a portion of his prosperity from July 16, 1859, when they were united in marriage, until her death in 1873. bore the maiden name of Helena Jiede.

Mrs. Plack was born in the same section of Ger- many as our subject. She became the mother of eight children, two of whom died with her in Au- gust, 1873. The survivors are Elizabeth, wife of George Koch; Anna Maria, wife of Henry Huhn; Maggie, wife of Conrad Schwartz; Henry; Joseph and Jolin. The estimable woman who now presides over the home of Mr. Plack, looking well to the ways of her household, was born in Germany and came to the United States with her mother about

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1874. She was formerly Miss Elizabeth Jiede. and is the mother of six children-Louisa C., Philip, Katie, George, Theodore and one who died when six months old. Mr. and Mrs. Plack belong to the Lutheran Church, and are highly esteemed by their associates therein and by others to whom they are known.

ASON HINMAN. Among those who, after laboring long and well in the development of HIallock Township, have gone to their long home, none are more worthy of remem- brance than the subject of this sketch, who was well and favorably known in this part of the county. He had come hither with but a small store of this world's goods, but by the exercise of prudence, wise economy and unremitting industry, had ae- cumulated a good property. His occupation was that of a farmer and dairyman. At his pleasant home he breathed his last, November 9, 1876. his career cut short in his forty-second year by the dire disease, consumption. He was a native of Pitcher, Chenango County, N. Y., his natal day having been March 2, 1835.

The father of our subject was James Hinman, a native and life-long resident of the Empire State, who passed away in middle life. Ile was a black- smith, quite prominent in his business, and consid- ered a worthy citizen. Ile left a wife and nine children. The widow and family drifted into Ohio, later coming to Illinois and living for some years in Hallock Township, Peoria County. Two dangh- ters returned to their native State, to which the widowed mother followed them when quite old, dying soon afterward. She was a member of the Congregational Church, to which most of the chil- dren adhered, although a part of the family united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her maiden name was Marcia Terrell.

Jason Hinman was one of the younger members of the parental family, six of whom are yet living, the most of them residents of Illinois. Ile was reared and educated in his native county, learning the trade of a harness-maker, with which equip- ment for the battle of life he came to Illinois. Af-

ter reaching here, however. he began farm work in partnership with his brother Marcus, being thus engaged at the breaking out of the Civil War. Ile abandoned the plow. and joining the Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry, on October 20, 186t, went at once to the front to take his part in the struggles to de- fend the old flag. He was enrolled in Company K, which was under the command of Capt. Barry, and with the rest of the regiment first saw the smoke of battle at Corinth. Prior to this he had the measles, and exposure soon compelled him to return home on a furlough. As soon as his health was suffi- ciently improved, he rejoined his regiment, but a relapse caused acute bronchitis, and he was dis- charged for disability in April, 1862.

Mr. ITinman resumed his agricultural labors in the Prairie State as soon as his strength would al- low, although his condition continued to show the effects of the old illness which ere long developed into consumption, which terminated fatally in spite of all the efforts which were made to restore his health. His last days were cheered by the Chris- tian's faith, he having long been a member of the Congregational Church. In politics he was a sound Republican, active in the local work of his party. The general verdict at his death was that an hon- est, upright and conscientious man had been re- moved from earth.

The marriage of Mr. Hinman and Miss Mary J. Barker, was celebrated in the city of Peoria. The bride was born in Coventry, Chenango County, N. Y., October 12, 1833, and is a daughter of Charles and Armina (Smith) Barker. She was well and carefully reared by most estimable parents, receiv- ing the most of her education after coming to Peoria County. Her natural abilities have been strengthened and developed by her surroundings, and she has become a prominent member of the community. She now owns about one hundred and fifty acres of fine, well-improved land, in the management of which, and the business affairs con- nected therewith, she manifests executive and busi- ness talent of a high order. She is strong-minded in the true sense of that word, while her character as a Christian woman is in keeping with her mental powers. She belongs to the Congregational Church.

The parents of Mrs. Hinman were born in Greene

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and Putnam Counties, N. Y., respectively, and be- gan their wedded life on a farm in the former. Some years after their marriage they changed their residence, and after having sojourned for various periods in Almond, New York City, and the State of New Jersey, they finally, in 1846, came to Illinois. They began life here somewhat as pioneers in Peo- ria County, but prior to his death, Mr. Barker had secured a good home. His demise ocenrred Octo- ber 24, 1888, at the age of eighty-five years, he having been born November 4, 1803. ile retained his mental and physical strength until his last days, and up to within a very few years of his death, led the choir of the Congregational Church, of which he was a faithful member. He was a great Bible stu- dent. capable of expounding its truth with force. Ile was everywhere known as one of the most hon- est and straightforward of men. upright in every respect. In no sense an office-seeker, he was a strong supporter of the Republican party.

The mother of Mrs. Hinman is still living, now more than eighty-five years of age, but physically active and mentally bright. She retains loving re- membranees of the companion with whom she spent sixty-one years of wedded life, and whom she looks forward to meeting in the land where part- ing will be no more. She has been for years a member of the Congregational Church. Her fam- ily consists of three daughters. of whom Mrs. Hin- man is the youngest. The others are Electa, wife of Lee Hallister, of Arlington, Kan .; and Angusta, wife of Munson llinman, a blacksmith of Hallock Township, this county.

M ATTHEW McDONNELL. No better example can be found in Hallock Town- ship of the practical thrift, energy, and industry which results in the accumulation of a goodly share of this world's goods, than in the person of the gentleman above named, whose home is pleasantly located on section 20. lle possesses a large estate, comprising eight hundred and eighty aeres, the most of which is highly improved, while the buildings which have been erected upon it are

most excellent, comprising every structure needful for the furtherance of his business. The barn is a noticeable feature, justly considered one of the best in the county, and is of sufficient size to accommo- date more than one hundred head of stock, to- gether with feed for the same. It is 42x85 feet, with a basement, with the most approved arrange- ment and fittings. The dwelling is a substantial one, within which order and good cheer abound.

Mr. McDonnell is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County Louth in 1828, and represents a good old family. In 1845 he emigrated to Amer- ica, and making his home in Philadelphia, Pa., found employment as a laborer at $5 per month. When his wages were advanced to $9 per month, and still later to 811, he felt that he was on the high road to prosperity, and when, still later, he re- ceived $14 per month, he considered himself the recipient of wonderful remuneration. In 1850 he removed to Peoria County, Ill., with the determin- ation to make a good home, and well has he suc- ceeded in his efforts. He has been cautious in his investments, qniek to note an opportunity to im- prove his methods or management, and ever lead- ing in hard work those whom he employed.

The wife of Mr. McDonnell was formerly Miss Catherine Cash, and like himself is a native of the Emerald Isle, but born in County Kilkenny in 1832. She was about of age when she came to America with an uncle who settled in the city of Peoria, Ill., where she remained some time. After she had been bere a few years, she sent for her par- ents, John and Mary (Welsb) Cash, and while they were on their way, the mother died at New Or- leans, La. She was then in middle life. Mr. Cash continued his journey to the Prairie State, and some years later died in Hallock Township, this county, being about seventy years of age. He and his wife were members of the Catholic Church.

Mrs. McDonnell has ably assisted her husband in the upbuilding of his fortunes, her thrifty manage- ment of domestic affairs and good counsel being no small factors in his success. Their children also have done their share since they arrived at a suit- able age, in adding to the comforts as well as the joys of home. The family comprises four living children, and six were removed in early life by the

John Birket

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hand of death. The living children are: John, Thomas, Catherine, and Mathew, Jr. The second son is working the farm, and the two children younger than he, are also at home. John married Miss Eliza Pluncket, and they live on a farm in Hallock Township.

Mr. McDonnell is a sound Democrat in his politi . cal views, while in his religious faith he is a devout Catholie, as were his parents before him. The en- tire family are communicants of the same church. Their honorable efforts to advance their persona! interests, while treating those about them with hon- esty and kindliness, have secured the respect of other members of the community, and made many to rejoice in the success with which they have been rewarded.

The father of our subject was another Mathew MeDonnell, a native of County Louth, Ireland, who grew up to the business of a farmer, and was thus engaged during his entire active life. ITis last years were spent in the United States, to which he came in 1847, dying in Peoria County, Ill., in 1851. Ile was then about three-score years of age. His wife, a native of the same. county as himself, and of pure Irish ancestry, bore the maiden name of Jane Fedi- gan. She lived and died in the land of her birth, passing away when of middle age. She was the mother of two sons and three daughters, of whom our subject is the youngest. He is now the only one of the family living to relate the history of their settlement here, to which country four of the children came.

OHN BIRKET. In order to better preserve the history of one who bore a very import- ant part in laying the solid foundation of Peoria's prosperity, a brief record of the life work of John Birket is placed upon the pages of this BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, dedicated to the citi- zens of Peoria County. Hle was one of the earliest. pioneers of Peoria, and for many years was promi- nently identified with its growth; by his liberal contributions to aid all schemes for promoting the

material, social and religious advancement of the city, he did much to bring it to its present stand- ing as one of the foremost cities of the State.

Our subject was born in Lancashire, England, March 8, 1798. IIe early learned the trade of a carpenter, and in 1819, during the opening years of a stalwart manhood. emigrated to this country, landing in Philadelphia some time in the month of June. From there he went to Albany, N. Y., by sloop, and thence to Ferrysburg, Vt. He pursued his trade in the latter place some six years, and then started for the wild prairies of Illinois in the fall of 1824. Ile did not come directly here, however, but stopped in Plainsville, Ohio, until the spring of 1825, when he came to Peoria by wagon. Ile was engaged en route as a peddler, carrying tea, coffee, calicoes, ete., and arrived at the present site of Peoria on the 6th of Jannary, 1826. At that time there were but six families in Peoria besides the Indians who still lived here.

On the day after he came Mr. Birket bought a claim comprising one hundred and fifty -four acres on the northeastern part of section 3, and then es- tablished himself at his trade, and in the spring planted the first nursery in this section. Mr. Birket planted the first nursery in Peoria from seed brought from Vermont in 1826. He was at one time called on as a guard to care for the first murderer of the region, and whilst performing that duty the Indians entered his home. Luckily he returned soon, as two of the Indians were still there, and after he had driven them off he found that they had stolen 8200. At another time several Indians entered his house one night,and he awoke to find one of them reaching for his throat. He jumped from his bed, caught the Indian by the hip and demanded to know what they wanted. Upon answering "fire water," he told them they could have it at sunrise.

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Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 27

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

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