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 49
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moved to Elmwood Village, where the father died February 23, 1890, lacking but one month of being eighty-six years old. He came of a long-lived race and his mother attained the venerable age of ninety- two years before her death. Mrs. Barrett's mother departed this life May 25, 1884. Her father had been twice married and had a family of six children of whom the following three are living: Mary E., wife of Frank E. McCurdy of Belle Plaine, Iowa; Laura V., and Mrs. Barrett. Mr. Ramsey was one of the early pioneers of this county and was well and favorably known throughout this region. In early life he was a Whig but became a Republican after the formation of the party. Mrs. Barrett was reared in this county though she was a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, where she was born June 3, 1836. She received an excellent education, laying its foundation in the common schools, and for one term attended a seminary in Virginia. Her union with our subject was blessed to them by the birth of twelve children, of whom the following eight are living: Ella, wife of Frank E. Hickok, of St. Paul, Minn .; Ephraim L .; Addie L., wife of J. E. Powers of Gilman, Iowa; Harry R., a resident of Millbrook Township; Robert R .; Hubert E .; Minnie and Mand.
Mrs. Barrett was a very efficient helper to her husband and her wise counsel and active co-opera- tion were of great value to him in the accumulation of his property. She still resides on the old home- stead and is held in true respect and high esteem by all who recognize the genuine worth of ber character.
OSEPH MULLER. Perhaps no better rep- resentative of the sturdy-going German far- mer whose efforts have been crowned with satisfactory results, can be found in Medina Township, than the gentleman above named, who resides upon a fine tract of land on section 5. Ile and his father there own one hundred and seventy- three acres upon which a good farm-house and other buildings have been erected. The place was prac-
tieally wild and unbroken when secured by the Mullers in April, 1817, but most of the land is now under excellent improvement.
Our subject was born October 21, 1839, in Als- ace, Germany, the province at that time being un- der French control. lle is of pure German ances- try in both lines of descent, and the province in which he was born had been the home of both fam- ilies for several generations. The paternal grand- parents of our subject were George A. and Anna M. (Wakerley) Muller, the latter of whom died when forty-two years of age, while the former lived to be seventy-five. They were life-long members of the Catholic Church, that having been the re- ligious home of the old stock during former years.
The father of our subjeet is JJohan Anton Muller, born April 30, 1807. Ile learned the trade of a carpenter under his father, pursuing it as long as he remained in his native land. In his twentieth year he married Mary M. Wakerley, who was born and reared on a farin which had been in possession of the family for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Mul- ler remained in their native province until Novem- ber 25, 1846. In the meantime six children had been born to them, and one had died at the age of four years. Having decided that the United States gave a better promise of future advancement for themselves and children than their own land, they set sail on the "Queen Victoria." and after spend- ing fifty-eight days on the broad Atlantic, landed at New Orleans, La. They came up the Mississippi River, reaching Peoria after seventeen days' travel, and spending a month in the young eity.
The father then purchased the farm which he has since occupied, and where our subject grew to ma- turity, taking a greater share in the work of the es- tate from year to year until he finally might be said to entirely control it. The good wife and mother died April 28. 1886, at the age of eighty-four years. The father, though equally advanced in age, is yet living and still smart and active. Following the example and teaching of their progenitors, Mr. and Mrs. Muller have been life-long members of the Catholic Church, actively assisting in its work, among other labors in which they have been en- gaged being the organization of St. Joseph's Church of Medina Township. The living members of their
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family are: Theresa, wife of Albert Ernst, of whom a biographieal sketch occupies an appropriate place in this ALBUM; Anna M., widow of Jacob Winter, whose home is in Peoria; Wendling, who married Bridget Mahon, and occupies a farm near Corning, Adams County, Iowa; Mary M., wife of Nicholas Wilhelm, a farmer of Medina Township; and our subject.
Joseph Muller married Miss Regina Feinholz, a native of Byern.Germany, her natal day having been October 13, 1844. Iler parents, Franz C. and Cathe- rine U. (Uhl) Feinholz, were natives of the same province wherein they died when about three-score years of age. They were farmers, and communi- cants of the Catholic Church. Their daughter, Mrs. Muller, was reared and educated in the land of her nativity, being about twenty-two years old when, with an older brother, she came to the United States. After living in New York City some five months, she came to Peoria, Ill., where she was sub- sequently married. She is the mother of nine liv- ing children, viz: Mary M., Joseph. Mary, George A., Regina, Frank, Jacob, Clara, and Nicholas. All are at home but Joseph, who is now in Washing- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Muller have lost three children -Catherine, John, and an infant.
Mr. and Mrs. Muller and their children belong to St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Their friends are not confined to those of their own faith and nation- ality, but include others to whom their good quali- ties are known. Mr. Muller exercises the right of suffrage in behalf of the principles and candidates of Democracy.
E DWARD W. BURDICK. One of the many attractive rural abodes of Akron Township, is that owned and occupied by this gentle- man. It is situated on section 24, the land accom- panying it comprising one hundred and nineteen acres of fertile soil under excellent cultivation, and supplied with a complete line of substantial farm buildings. Having been for years under the con - trol of one who has made farming his life work, it bears in every part the appearance of a well-regu-
lated establishment. In addition to this comfort- able estate Mr. Burdick owns a one-third interest in the West Hallock Cheese factory which has a ca- pacity of about ten thousand pounds daily.
The parents of our subject were Jabez and Abi- gail (Millard) Burdick, natives of Berlin, Rensse- laer County, N. Y., where they made their first home after their marriage. They subsequently re- moved to Allegany County, where the father de- parted this life. The widowed mother afterward came to Peoria County, Ill., making her home with our subject until she too was called hence. Their family consisted of five children, of whom Edward is the fourth in order of birth. The parents were held in good repute by those who knew them, it having been their constant endeavor to properly rear their children, and discharge all the obliga- tions they owed to their fellow-men.
The gentleman of whom we write, was born Jan- uary 16, 1826, in Little Genesee, Allegany County, N. Y., and was there reared to manhood. After he became of age he made his way to the Prairie State, choosing as his location Farmington, Fulton County, where he engaged in farming, continuing to reside there nutil early in the '60s. He then sold his prop- erty and removing to this county, bought that upon which he has since resided, and which now forins so pleasant a home. Possessed of unusual intelli- gence and excellent judgment, Mr. Burdick has the confidence and esteem of those about him, who have manifested their respect by electing him to the various school offices, and to that of Justice of the Peace. He has brought to his public stations the same energy which has made his private life success- ful in a worldly sense, and has therefore advanced the interest of the community.
At Farmington, April 12, 1852, Mr. Burdiek was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Saunders, a native of Berlin, Rensselaer County, N. Y., who proved her efficiency as companion and helpmate for a period of almost thirty years. She entered the valley of the shadow of death January 29, 1882, cheered in her dying hours by Christian faith. Her membership was in the Seventh Day Baptist Church. She and her husband had adopted five children, named respectively : Dorcas E., Joseph, Lillie J., Charles A., and Cora A. The oldest is now the
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widow of William Bavington. Lillie died while yet in her infancy. Those who survive were given such advantages as would have been theirs had Mr. and Mrs. Burdiek been their parents in truth, and every effort has been made to fit them for useful and honorable careers.
Mr. Burdick contracted a second matrimonial al- liance, November 29, 1888, being wedded in l'eo- ria, to Mrs. Ophelia Partridge, daughter of Reuben and Delight (Palmer) Brown, and widow of the late Albert Partridge, who died in the county seat November 4, 1882. She had four children-James II., Harvey E., Mary, and Charles A., the second and youngest being all who survive. The parents of the present Mrs. Burdick were natives of Rhode Island, whence they removed to Ellisburg, Jeffer- son County, N. Y., and thence to Oswego, where the wife and mother died. Mr. Brown afterward came to Illinois, residing at Mt. Holly, as host of the Mt. Ilolly Hlouse, for about four years. IIc then removed to Waukesha, Wis., in which place his death occurred. Mrs. Burdick is the third of the four children born of this union, her birthplace being Ellisburg, N. Y., and her natal day March 18. 1828.
Mr. and Mrs. Burdick are members in good standing of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. She is a most estimable woman, an excellent neighbor, interested in all that is best in the movements go- ing on around her, but finding in her own home her chief joys. It is needless to say that, like her bus- band, she has many warm friends, and that their pleasant home is a favorite gathering place for the better class of people in the neighborhood.
OHN BOYLAN. This gentleman deserves mention among the practical and well-to-do farmers of Hallock Township, in which he has been living since 1863. He owns a fine farm of three hundred and eighty-nine acres on section 34, whereon good buildings have been erected and the other improvements made which stamp it as the home of one who understands ag- riculture and means to surround himself and family
with comfort. The greater part of the estate is improved land. Mr. Boylan is a member of the Democratic party and a communicant of the Catho- lie Church. Ile is social, honorable, industrious, and has many friends throughout the section.
The father of our subject, Patrick Boylan, was born in Ireland not far from the city of Dublin, was of good Irish blood and the son of a gentleman of considerable means. He received careful train- ing and better educational advantages than fall to the lot of all boys. When eighteen years of age he was sent to America, beginning business as a merchant in New York City. There he remained until early in the '30s, in the meantime having married Miss Mary Branagan, a native of Ireland, who had emigrated to New York with her brothers when a young woman. Mr. and Mrs. Boylan with two children emigrated West, via the water route to St. Louis, Mo., when that city was but a small town. There Mr. Boylan lived for a few years, being engaged in the work of macadamizing streets. About 1840 he sold out his interests there, coming to this county and taking possession of one hundred and sixty aeres of wild land in Medina Township, began the pioneer work of development.
A log house was built, improvements made from time to time, and subsequent purchases made nntil the Boylan farm amounted to almost two sections. Mr. Boylan still occupies the homestead, and al- though eighty-five years of age, is quite active physically and mentally. He is a well-respected citizen, a member of the Democratic party, and the Catholic Church. Ilis wife departed this life on the homestead in 1878, at the age of seventy-three years. She was a devout Catholic also. The par- ental family consisted of four children, one of whom is deceased. Of the survivors, Charles and Thomas own and operate farms in Medina Town- ship; they, like their brother John, are married and have families.
The subject of this notice was born in St. Louis, October 13. 1837, and being brought to this county in childhood, grew to man's estate on the farm, acquiring such an education as the distriet sehools could furnish and a thorough knowledge of the vocation to which he turned his attention. Ile was still unmarried when he took possession of his
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present farm. He was first married in this town- ship to Miss Christina Holihan, who was born in New York City in 1843 and coming West when a child, grew to womanhood on the parental estate in this township. She died at her home in 1875. her career cut short in the prime of life. She left five children: William F., M. Ella, Rosa, Lena and Clara. The son, a student in the Cincinnati Medical Insti- tute. expects to be graduated in June, 1891, and enter at once upon the practice of his chosen pro- fession. In the intervals of study he occupies his place at the parental fireside where his sisters yet remain.
A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by our subject in this township, his bride being Miss Eva A. Weber. Her parents, Andrew and Gertrude (Wiltz) Weber are well-known residents of Chillicothe where they have spent many years. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Weber is a furniture dealer and cabinet-maker. Both are natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, and came to America in childhood with their respective parents who located in this county. Their daughter, Mrs. Boylan, was born in Peoria, January 4, 1852, reared and educated in Chillicothe and like her parents belongs to the Catholic Church. She has borne her husband four children: Emmet, John, Lewis and Archibald.
S AMUEL E. ADAMS, M. D. The Spring Hill Park Electropathie Sanitarium, under the ownership and management of Dr. Adams, has become one of the famous in- stitutions of Central Illinois and is rapidly proving the absurdity of leaving the State for the various other health resorts when this precious boon may be obtained comparatively near home. The Sani- tarium marks one of the important features of l'eoria, being located at the intersection of Glen- dale Avenue and Spring Street and amid whose grounds are located both mineral and pure water springs. The Sanitarium was planned and organ- ized by Dr. Adams in 1880, when he bought the Park and Zoologieal Garden and began building
extensively. equipping his establishment with all the applianees for bathing and the use otherwise of these valuable waters. The original main building was destroyed by fire in 1888, but with his usual enterprise and persistence Dr. Adams rebuilt upon the old site and has an establishment which for popularity and the skillful treatment of nervous and chronic diseases is not excelled by anything in this part of the United States. He employs ex- perienced physicians and furnishes a limited num- ber of his patients with board aud rooms.
The treatment at the Sanitarinm includes hot and cold mineral baths, besides Russian, Turkish and Electrical. Acting upon the maxim of John Wesley, that "electricity is a thousand remedies in one," Dr. Adams makes of this a specialty and also calls to his aid medicine, hygiene and various surgical appliances. The most difficult cases have received successful treatment. The large building is heated by steam, employing for this purpose a ten-horse power boiler. The tasteful grounds are embellished by artificial lakes, some of which con- tain goldfish, German earp and other choice varie- ties of the finny tribe. A pond of cold spring water furnishes a suitable receptacle for choice trout. All classes and both sexes are treated at the Sanitarium, which furnishes free consultation and by addressing the Doctor all particulars and terms will be readily obtained.
A native of Livingston County, N. Y., Dr. Adams was born August 15, 1827, and is a son of Nathan W. and Achsah (Eggleston) Adams, with whom he grew to mature years in his native county and in Western New York. After leaving the common school he was admitted to the Wesleyan Academy at Lima, N. Y., from which he was duly graduated. He commenced the study of medicine in his native county, subsequently attended lectures at Geneva and next entered the Medical College in Cleveland from which he emerged a full fledged M. D.
The Doctor commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Springfield, Ohio, where he instituted an extensive water-cure Sanitarium which he con- ducted with marked success and in connection with which he gained a valuable experience. In 1881 he came to Peoria to establish Spring Hill Sanita-
very truly garry
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rium, which each year is becoming more widely and favorably known and receives the patronage of the best class of people.
Dr. Adams contracted matrimonial ties Septem- ber 20, 1855, being wedded to Miss Ada Ayers, a native of Chesterville, Ohio. This union has re- sulted in the birth of four children, one of whom died at the age of eight years. The three survi- vors are, Frank S., a practicing physician of Marion, Ohio; E. Pearl, the wife of M. Spaulding, of New York City ; and Ada, who is thirteen years old and remains with her parent; the mother died at the birth of the latter. Mrs. Ada L. Adams was a well-educated lady and a graduate in medicine from the Cleveland College. She was warmly interested in her husband's work and practiced with him in the Sanitarium at Springfield, Ohio, until her death.
Besides the Sanitarium and its appurtenances Dr. Adams owns valuable real estate in Florida, where he spends his winters. Ile meddles very little with politics, simply giving his support by vote to the Republican party. In his religious views he is liberal and non-sectarian.
ALENTINE DEWEIN. This gentleman owns large property interests in Peoria and is recognized as one of her well-to-do citizens; he is also well-known in financial circles as a man who has been industrious and successful, conduct- ing his business affairs with strict integrity and a degree of nerve which has won success where many would have failed. As a citizen he is interested in every means of advancement and all movements which will increase the true prosperity, not only of the city, but of the country at large.
The natal day of our subject was April 1, 1817, and his birth took place in Alsace-Loraine, then a part of France, but now included in the German Confederation. This is the Rhine province of which his parents, Valentine and Margaret (Gold) Dewein, were also natives. Their ancestors were French Huguenots, their faith leading them to lo- cate near the line where they were less liable to per- secution, or could more easily escape when it was
threatened. The first of the family to come to America was Frederick Dewein. grandfather of our subject, who accompanied La Fayette across the sea in 1814, and located in Pennsylvania. Ile made his home in Shippensburg, and engaged in the manufacture of pearlash at Chambersburg. His death oceurred in 1822 or 1823. Before coming to America he had been a Commissary in the east- ern division of the French army.
Valentine Dewein, Sr., served seven years in the French army under Napoleon I. He came to America in 1830, locating in Baltimore, Md., whence he removed to McConnellsburg, Bedford County, Pa., where he resided until 1834. He was a tailor by trade, but after his removal to Cincin- nati, Ohio, which took place at the date last men- tioned, he engaged in the manufacture of bagging. He breathed his last September 9, 1844, leaving a family of four children, of whom the eldest is the only survivor.
The subject of this brief sketch was educated in his native land whence he accompanied his parents to America, beginning his labors in life by working on a farm in the Keystone State. lIe was then apprenticed to a shoemaker and followed his trade about thirty years. Ile then began dealing in leather, shoe findings, saddlery hardware, etc., in which he continued until 1883. Since that time he has devoted his attention solely to his property interests, having acquired both business and resi- dence property of value. He became a resident of Peoria in 1847, reaching here March 17, and soon becoming known for the qualities which have led to his success.
Mr. Dewein has taken very little part in politics and looks more to the personal character of men than to the views which they express. During the war he gave the Union soldiers the use of a room in which to drill. He has been a member of the City Council. For nine years he was a Director of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, and he was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Peoria & Rock Island Railroad, in the construction of which he took an active part. Ilis marriage was celebrated August 22, 1845, the estimable lady whom he chose as his companion being Miss Margaret Shafer, who was born near Strasburg, Germany. To Mr.
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and Mrs. Dewein seven children have been born, the only survivors being Lewis K., who is now in Denver, Col., and Noble, who lives with his father. The parents belong to the First Presbyterian Church.
A portrait of Mr. Dewein is shown on another page of this volume.
AVID G. EVANS. Among the enterprising young farmers and stock-raisers, natives of Peoria County, not one has performed with more zeal and good practical results his share in pushing forward the work left them by their pioneer sires, which has made this one of the best developed and most valuable farming regions in this State. llis interests are centered in Prince- ville Township, where he owns a finely improved farm, comprising parts of sections 9, 10, and 15. lie has placed two sets of neat buildings on his farm and rents much of it.
Walker M. Evans, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Evan Evans, like- wise a native of that State, where he was engaged as a miller until he came here in the early days of the settlement of the county and located in Radnor Township, of which he thus became a pioneer. He bought a mill on the Kickapoo, and carried on milling in connection with farming, and was much prospered in his work, placing himself among the well-to-do citizens of that township, and there his life was brought to a close at a ripe old age.
The father of our subject came here when a young man in pioneer days and assisted his father in the management of his farm and in operating the mill, he having an interest in the latter, and being a practical miller. Ile finally located on the Kickapoo, and was very successful in his efforts in improving his farm land, and he owned besides one hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land in Princeville Township. He was ever a loyal and patriotic citizen, and when the war broke out quickly responded to the draft but was rejected on account of his age. IIe was a true Republican in politics and was ever zealous in his support of
party principles. Religiously he was a Baptist and a consistent follower of that faith. At his death in April, 1879, the county lost a truly good and valued citizen. His widow, who is much estcemed in the community where she lives, still makes her home on the old homestead in Radnor. Her maiden name was Mary Dickinson, and she was born in Indiana, a daughter of Jolin Dickinson, a farmer of that State. Ile early came to Illinois with his fam- ily, performing the journey with oxen, and was a pioneer farmer of Medina Township. Mrs. Evans has four children, namely : Adolphus, and Evan living in Radnor Township; David G., our subject, and Aaron, a resident of Radnor Township.
Ile of whom we write was born on the banks of the Kickapoo, Radnor Township, February 26, 1857. His early days were passed on the farm, and he learned in boyhood the rudiments of agri- culture. He gleaned a substantial education in the district schools, which he attended until he was twenty-one. lle remained an inmate of the parental home until he attained his majority, and then came to Princeville Township, where he located on one of his father's farms, and in this township he completed his schooling. He settled on this place in February. 1880, buying seventy-two acres of it for $3,700, and immediately entered upon its im- provement, and has since been carrying on the work. He has added to his original purchase until lie owns two hundred and forty acres, minus six and one-half acres taken by the railway. This is all tillable, is well fenced and is supplied with two sets of excellent buildings, as he rents a part of it, and as a whole it is one of the finest farms in the vicinity. His dwelling is a substantial, well-ap . pointed house, 24x36 feet in dimensions, and the farm is supplied with the latest modern machinery. Ile has it well stocked, raises cattle, horses and hogs of an excellent grade. His horses are of the Norman and Belgian breeds, and he at one time owned the celebrated imported Belgian "Match- man."
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