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 47
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The avocation of an architect and builder, which Mr. Lind chose for bis life-work, was learned under I. G. Reynolds, a well known millwright, of Peoria. After thoroughly mastering the business he began operations as a member of the firm of Lind, Haggerty & Hunter, continuing in active employment until his death, which occurred April 27, 1888. During that time he assisted in erecting some of the best mills in the country. Ilis work was, like his integrity, ever to be relied upon. Ilimself a thorough workman, he insisted upon those whom he employed being equally painstak- ing and skillful in their respective departments, while no poor material found place in the buildings he erected. True to his heredity, he was a stanch Presbyterian, devout and earnest. He was a high degree Mason and a Knight of Honor.
The marriage of Mr. Lind was celebrated No- vember 25, 1856, his companion on the interesting occasion being Miss Mary Stitt, a native of Wells- burg, W.Va. Her family came to this State in 1852, settling in Bloomington. After their mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Lind came immediately to Peoria, taking possession of the home which is still occupied by the widow. It bears about it the in- dications of the presence of refined womanhood, and those who cross its threshold are sure of a cor-
dial welcome from the estimable woman who pre- sides therein.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lind are three in number-Willard W., the first-born, who has adopted his father's trade, is married, but still liv- ing in Peoria; Frank R., the second son, has also established his home here; Lewis W., a promising young man, died May 27, 188.1, at the early age of twenty-two years, and is buried in Springdale Cemetery.
Elsewhere in this volume we present a litho- graphic portrait of Mr. Lind, who is highly es- teemed as one of the representative citizens of l'coria.
R EV. ANTHONY HAKES, who is closely connected with the farming and stock-rais- ing interests of Hallock Township, of which he was an early settler, as one of its most intelligent and successful agriculturists, is also en- gaged in ministerial work here, he being one of the leading ministers of the Seventh Day Baptist de- nomination, and has filled the Advent pulpit in this place for twenty years. Ile used to preach here in early times, often conducting funerals, not only here but in various parts of the county, and may well be regarded as a pioneer preacher. He holds a warm place in the hearts of the people far and wide, regardless of creed.
Our subject was born in the township of Berlin, Rensselaer County, N. Y., June 2n, 1817. His father, Rensselaer Hakes, was also a native of that county, from which he derived his name. Ile was born in the township of Berlin in 1788. of an old and respected family. He grew up to the life of a farmer and was married, in his native county, to Lucy Eymer, also of that county. After marriage they lived on the old homestead that had been his birthplace until her death, when she was in middle life. She left a family of six children, five of whom are yet living, four sons and one daughter, and one daughter is dead. Mr. Hakes was married a see- ond time, Lucinda Hendrick, a native of New York State, becoming his wife. They came West
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as far as Illinois and settled on a small farm at Lawn Ridge, in this county, and there both died, he in 1862, and she a few years prior to that, when she was past sixty years old. He rounded out a busy life at seventy-four years, and left an honorable record as a virtuons upright man and a true Chris- tian. They were both devoted members of the Regular Baptist Church.
Anthony Ilakes was the second son and fourth child of his parents, and was reared in his native State and county, coming thence to Illinois in 1845 when he was twenty-eight years old, with his brother Alanson (of whom whom sce biog- raphy on another page of this work). The two brothers purchased forty acres of wild land with a log hut on it, and this was one of the first homes that was built out on the prairie. They made some improvement and. by subsequent purchase, became owners of large tracts of land. Our subject per- sonally has owned about three hundred and fifty acres of land, one hundred and sixty of which he has given to his children. He has a choice farm on section 30, Hallock Township, which has been his home for thirty-five years, and the substantial improvements that make it one of the best in its vicinity are the work of his own hand. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres under good tillage and well supplied with all the necessary farm buildings.
The Rev. Mr. Ilakes has been connected with the ministry here the most of the time since he came to the county. lle began his work by pre- siding at funerals and was called far and near when ever a death occurred among the settlers, and at one time was known all over the county. He has preached for all orders, never having made religion a subject of controversy. After he had been here a good many years he was regularly ordained by an association of Seventh Day Baptists at Walworth, Wis., and for the past twenty years, as before men- tioned, has preached acceptably before the Advent. ists of this locality, and has often been called upon to fill the pulpits of different churches in the town- ship.
Our subject had been married in his Eastern home in his native county, before he took up his abode in the Prairie State. The maiden name of
his wife was Susannah Saunders. She wasborn in the Empire State, September 29, 1821, a aughter of Charles and Mary ( Lamphere) Saundes. Her parents died in this county, where they sint their last years, coming here from New York. nd set- tling on a farm with their son William. Tey were natives, respectively, of Rhode Island add New York, and were married in the latter Stat Mrs. Ilakes was one of four children of the secod mar- riage of her father. She was carefully read and became an adept in all household affairs. nd has greatly assisted our subject in the prosection of his labors, both as farmer and as a minister She is the mother of two children-Mary S. andEgbert E. The latter, who married Mary Rankin. ves on his father's farm; Mary is the wife of Julis Pot- ter, a farmer of Akron Township, and the have two children-A. U., a merchant at Edelstu, and Edna, at home.
As a man of wisdom and probity of chracter, our subject is naturally selected by his fel w-citi- zens to fill offices of responsibility and trit, and three times he has been called upon to reprent the township on the County Board of Supervises, and he has been Assessor and has been otherwi: con- nected with the management of public affair Po- litieally, he is a firm advocate of the princiles of the Republican party. A man of deeply ernest, religious nature, it is pleasing to him that Is wife and children are of the same faith as himsf and are active supporters of the church.
ALENTINE L. SCHLINK. The life f this prominent dealer in real estate at coria affords a fine example to young mi, of what can be accomplished by the combinaon of energy and thrift with tact in business affai Mr. Schlink was born in Bensheim, Germany, Agust 25, 1830, and brought to the United States y his parents in July, 1832. In 1836 the family re oved to this county, the father buying a farm e the Kickapoo Creek near the village of Kicspoo. There Valentine Schlink, Sr., lived until 1872.chen he purchased a fine prairie farm in McLean Cunty
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and with one of his sons lived upon it until his death, May 12, 1890, at the age of eighty-four years. Ile was the twelfth settler in Rosefield Township, this county.
On the Kickapoo farm, he of whom we write lived nntil 1844, when he came to Peoria to work out an education. IIe hired out to William II. Fessenden for four years for his board, clothes and school tuition, finding Mr. Fessenden quite lib- eral toward him. Obtaining a good education, but having no money, young Sehlink put his shoukler to the wheel, determined to succeed in securing a home and a good reputation. Hle found employ- ment in the store of Curtenius & Griswold, with whom he remained a year, next entering the em- ploy of William E. Mason, a dry-goods dealer on Bridge Street. IIe left that establishment after working therein a year and a half, ceasing his labors there on the day of the death of Zachary Taylor. The savings garnered during his employment in the two stores named, furnished the capital on which Mr. Schlink began his real-estate transactions in a small way.
In 1852 our subject engaged in the hotel busi- ness, running the Peoria Lake House, on Water Street, which was at that time a first- class hotel. As "mine host" he made money until 1858, when he sold out to devote his entire attention to real estate. Ile made his beginnings principally in the Second Ward, being a prime factor in building up that part of the city. His own residence property, seven blocks from the court house, was owned by him when it was a cornfield. In point of residence he is the oldest real-estate agent in the city, having been the first to engage in what is now included under that head. Ile now owns land in all the prominent older additions to the city and is build- ing and selling twenty-three residences, worth from $1.500 to $3,000 eachı.
Mr. Sehilink carries on quite an extensive busi- ness in house renting, both for himself and others, and he is likewise engaged in loaning for outside parties, his transactions in that line being quite heavy. He has no political aspirations, giving his undivided attention to business, but has, neverthe- less, been Assessor two terms. The same ability which has led to his success in real-estate transactions
was exhibited in the valuation of property for the municipality. Ile is respected for the persistent industry, good citizenship and uprightness which have characterized his life.
September 18, 1851, Mr. Schlink was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Schaff, of this city, with whom he lived happily until March 18, 1875, when she was called from time to eternity. She was a worthy woman, to whom her children owe much for her good counsel and careful training. She was a native of Germany. She bore six children, of whom five now survive. They are: Mary, widow of William A. Zindel; Tilly, wife of Henry Rath, of Peoria; Emma, wife of Henry Lammers; and Frank and William, the second and fifth in the group, who also reside in this city. After having lived a widower until November 18, 1882, Mr. Schlink was again married, his bride being Miss Margaret II. Brutcher. To them has been born one son- Charles.
LANSON IJAKES. A history of the de- velopment of Ilatlock Township, and so of Peoria County, would be incomplete without notice of this gentleman, and what he has accomplished in connection with their im- mense agricultural interests, as he has taken a lead- ing part in improving this section of the country, and is to-day one of its most wealthy and influen- tial citizens, prominent among its farmers and stock-raisers, and it gives us pleasure to place on the pages of this BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM the life- record of so worthy a pioneer.
Mr. Hakes brought his wife here a bride forty- five years ago, arriving in this township May 1, 1845, and here they began their wedded life, which has been passed in peace and happiness, and they are now enjoying the fruits of their carly labors, surrounded by the comforts of the substantial home that they have built up here by their umted work. Mr. Hakes purchased his homestead in its primitive condition, not a sod of the prairie having been turned, and has improved it into a valuable farm, providing it with necessary buildings and every convenience for cultivating the soil, which is nearly
T. 5
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all under good tillage. He now owns four hun- dred acres of land in this county, and nearly the same amount in La Salle County.
Mr. Hakes was born in Hanover, Cortland County, N. Y.,April 21, 1819, a son of Rensselear Hakes, who was also a native of that State, and was brought up a farmer, his father having been a pioneer tiller of the soil in Cortland County, and from his home in the primeval wilds of that section of the coun- try he went out to take part in the War of 1812, and died while serving his country.
Rensselaer Hakes married Lana Aymer, who was born of German parentage in the same county as himself, and after the birth of the most of their children, they removed to Rensselaer County, where Mr. IJakes hired a farm for some years. In the home that they established there, the mother died when past middle life. She was a virtuous, pions woman, and it is thoughit was a member of the Lutheran Church. Five of the six children born to her are yet living, though well-advanced in years. they inheriting vigorous constitutions from their thrifty, industrious ancestry, both sides of the house descending from a long-lived race. The father of our subject married a second time, taking Lucinda Hendrick as his wife, and a few years later came to Illinois, and settled in Akron Township, where they both died at a ripe old age, he being seventy-five years old when he was called from the sphere of his usefulness, and she being a little past three-score and ten. They had a family of six children.
Our subject was one of the elder children of the first marriage of his father, growing up under the care of his parents to be a stalwart youth, and early became of assistance in earrying on the farm. He thus obtained practical experience in agricul- ture, and when he began life for himself, did not have to conduct his farming operations by theory. He was a mere boy when his parents settled in Rensselaer County, and there he was married to Miss Lucy Hendrick, who was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., December 15, 1824. ller parents, Jonathan and Urany (Morey) Hendrick, were na- tives and farmers of New York. Mrs. Hakes' mother died when she was quite a small child, and her father married again, and later in life came to Illi-
nois, and died in this State when an old man. Mrs. Hakes was reared in her native county, and when a young woman accompanied her parents to Rensse- lear County, and remained there until marriage, when she accompanied our subject on their ever memorable wedding trip to their new home on the boundless prairies of the "Great West," as this part of the country was then called, making the trip by lake and river and across a new country, where there were but few settlements, being six weeks on the way. Ilow they established their dwelling here, and how prosperity has followed them, we have al- ready shown.
In 1856 Mr. Hakes was appointed Postmaster of what was then known as the South Hampton post- office, and held that position until about 1870, hav- ing had the office in one room of his house, which is located on the old State road, known as the Peo- ria and Galena Post route. Our subject has also served the public in various other civic capacities, noticeably as Supervisor, representing Hallock Township on the County Board of Supervisors, and as Justice of the Peace for some years, and has proven a good official in every respect, as he has always been wise, honest, and prudent in the dis- charge of the duties thus devolving upon him. He. is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, us- ing his influence and means freely in its interests.
F. THOMAS, M. D. This gentleman should by no means be omitted from the list of Chillicothe's citizens, being one of her most successful physicians and surgeons as well as one of the leaders of society. He began his practice here in the spring of 1878, immediately after his gradu- ation from the Chicago Medical College. His practice has increased from year to year, as his thorough understanding of the science of therapeu- tics and his practical application of his theoretical knowledge has become better known. He was born near this place April 16, 1855, and was graduated from the Chillicothe High School with the class of '74. This was the first regular graduating class after the establishment of the High School and com-
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prised four boys and five girls. Ile then studied medicine with his father prior to entering the col- lege, where he received his diploma March 5, 1878.
Dr. Thomas was married in Philadelphia, Pa., to Miss Ida B. Steckel, who was born in Princeton, Ill., August 23, 1858. She is a daughter of Solomon S. and Emeline (lleinley) Steckel, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Illinois some years after their marriage. They subsequently returned to their native State, making their home in Phila- delphia for some time and finally removing to An- nandale, Va., where they are now spending their deelining years in quiet. Mr. Steckel was formerly engaged in merchandising.
Mrs. Thomas was graduated from the High School at Princeton in the class of '76, and was engaged in teaching until her marriage. She is the mother of two children-Harry V. and Trella E. Her intelligence, social tact and pleasing qualities of character give her a prominent place in society and she stands side by side with her husband in the regard of the community. Dr. Thomas belongs to Sampson Lodge, No. 188, K. of P. and to Calumet Lodge, No. 196, I. O. O. F., having filled all the Chairs in the latter. He is not a seeker after po- litical honors, but ever ready to vote the Republi- ean ticket.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Frank Thomas, a farmer born in Virginia. Early in the century he went to Champaign County, Ohio, and there married Miss Eupha Richards, a native of the Buckeye State, but of Virginian parentage. After the birth of their first child, Joseph F., Mr. and Mrs. Thomas journeyed westward in the fall of 1826, with teams, settling in what is now Chillicothe Township, Peoria County, Ill. Securing Gov- ernment land, Grandfather Thomas took up the work of a frontiersman when settlers were very few in the county. Indians were very numerous here and many a time he entertained the chief Scheneckwine in his home. He participated in the Black Hawk War and lived to watch the progress of the Rebellion and see his son return from the struggle which established the Union on a firmer basis than before. He was a very small man but noted for his activity, with a local reputation as a great wrestler, being for some years the champion
of the county. He lay down to his final rest when about three- score and ten years of age, having lived to witness the thorough development of the county.
The first wife of Frank Thomas died in the prime of life after active labors as a helpmate to a pio- neer. Mr. Thomas married for his second wife Miss Malinda Kimball, who still survives, residing with her son, H. A. Thomas, in Martin County, Ohio. She is now quite old and sightless. Mr. Thomas was a Baptist and an active local politician in the ranks of the Whig and Republican parties.
Dr. Joseph F. Thomas, the father of our subject, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 15, 1826, and died at his home in Chillicothe, July 2, 1888. He was but three months old when his par- ents crossed the Illinois River and settled in this region, Peoria and Galena being then the only towns in Illinois north of St. Louis. He grew up here, studied medicine with Dr. William Chamber- lain of Princeton, and was graduated at the Missouri Medical College. For two years he practiced with his former preceptor, then returning to Peoria County he devoted his time and mental energies to his profession here. His practice extended over a large territory and he made many friends in vari- ous parts of the county. Ile was one of the well- known early settlers and for some years bore an active part in the proceedings of the Old Settlers' Association.
In the fall of 1862, Dr. Joseph F. Thomas raised a company known as C, of the Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry. He went with his regiment to the front as their Captain, taking part in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and many other important and minor en- gagements. He was promoted to the rank of Major March 24, 1864, serving in that capacity until his discharge, June 6, 1865. The only wound which he received was by the accidental discharge of his own revolver while riding to a charge, the bullet entering under the knee joint of the right leg. It was never extracted but was carried to his grave. He was able to report for duty during his entire army life, except some days when he suffered from a well-known army malady.
Dr. J. F. Thomas was an active local politician in the Republican party, was several time Supervisor
.
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of the township and was nominated for county offices, but bis party being in the minority, was de- feated. He was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He was married in Princeton to Miss Emeline Walker, a native of Champaign County, Ohio. She is still living, an inmate of the home of her son, our subject, and at the age of sixty-two years active in body and mind. She is a daughter of the Rev. Ora A. and Mary A. (Staples) Walker, natives of the Old Dominion who were early settlers in Champaign County, Ohio. ller father was one of the early ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Rock River Con- ference. He was formerly active in the work of the Democratic party and was twice elected County Treasurer. He is now eighty-two years old, with mind undimmed and exceedingly active in body, while his wife, at the age of seventy-eight years, is quite feeble; they still make their home in Prince- ton.
Dr. O. F. Thomas, of whom we write, is the sec- ond of seven children born to his parents, of which family two sons and two daughters are yet living. They are Inez, wife of Edward Nelson, a livery- man in Chillicothe; our subject; Watie, wife of W. V. Van l'etton, a dealer in farm implements and real estate in Stratton, Neb., and Lewis H., Jr., who is nnmarried and clerking in the clothing de- partment of the dry-goods and clothing store of P. T. Matthews & Co., of Chillicothe.
S OLOMON STOWELL. The late Solomon Stowell was favorably known in Chilli- cothe, and far beyond the limits of the thriving city in which for a number of years he was interested in the lumber and planing- mill business. A few years before his death his mill was destroyed by fire and he from that time lived in quiet retirement. While on a visit at Henry, Marshall County, April 25, 1887, he died from paralysis, the stroke coming while he was riding in a 'bus. Mr. Stowell was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, had received an excellent education, and was successfully engaged in teach-
ing for a number of years. Ilis Christian charac- ter was well understood by all who knew him, as he quietly and conscientiously carried the principles of his faith into his daily life. His death left a corresponding void in the community, and his name calls up pleasing memories here and elsewhere among his many friends.
The natal day of Mr. Stowell was July 27, 1819, and his birthplace Chenango County, N. Y., where his parents were well known for their worth of character. His father, Aarad Stowell, was proha- bly born in the Empire State, and was engaged in farming during his active life. For forty years he was a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife, Martha (Warner) Stowell, was a lifelong member. The parental family consisted of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. Eleven of them married and reared families, and seven are yet living, quite ad- vanced in years.
The subject of this notice was reared on a farm and himself obtained a tract of land while still a young man but, preferring to teach, did not make much headway in farm labor. Ile had finished his education in the Oxford and Manington Academies in Pennsylvania, and in his native State carried on his professional work until 1848. He then came to Illinois, making Marshall County his home until 1863, when he removed Chillicothe. After his marriage he turned his attention to farming and be- came the owner and operator of a good property in Marshall County.
The wife of Mr. Stowell bore the maiden name of Austina M. Pratt. She was born in Broome County, N. Y., February 27, 1822, being a daugh- ter of John and Clarissa ( Merwin) Pratt, natives of Broome and Windsor Counties,respectively,and de- scendants of old New England families. Their three children were nearly grown, when in 1848 the family settled on a farm in Marshall County, Ill., where the parents spent the remainder of their active lives. Both were working members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Pratt was a noted Ab- olitionist and early Republican. He died in Peoria County, but near his former home, in 1862, at the age of sixty-one years. His widow went to Kan- sas and spent her last days with her daughter, Mrs.
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