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 51
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For probably a quarter of a century Mr. Cutter has been connected with Calvary Presbyterian Church, in which he is a Deacon and one of its chief pillars. He also officiates as Trustee, which office he has held since its organization, in which he was largely instrumental. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and several benefi- ciary associations.
A quiet wedding occurred October 20, 1869, at the bride's home in Trivoli, the contracting parties being William Cutter and Miss Jennie C., danghter of William Wrigley. Mrs. Cutter was born July 12, 1848, in Trivoli Township, and from her youth was given the advantages suited to her position in life. She remained with her parents until her marriage, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of five children-Anna, Charles, May, William W. and Weston. The latter was named after the Rev. J. Weston, pastor of the church spoken of above.
The father of our subject was Isaac Cutter, a native of New York State, who went to Ohio when a young man and was there married to Miss Sarah
Moses L. Neal .
Moses I Neal
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Metcalf. In the latter part of the '30s he came to this county, was in business for a time, and then settled on a farm near Brimfield. In due time he was appointed Postmaster of the place, which office he held until the time of his death, about 1817; the mother died while her son William was lan- guishing in Libby Prison. He was captured by the enemy at Winchester, Va., and remained a prisoner of war for five and one-half months. This was the hardest part of his army experience. 1Ic attended upon Chaplain MeCabe, who was ill, and then was taken down with the small pox and paroled, which saved his life. The family residence is pleasantly located at No. 923 Munson Street, in the midst of ample grounds, forming a charming home, which has been built up solely by the in- dustry and taste of its present proprietor. Mr. Cutter has been a member of the Young Men's Christian Association since its organization, and is highly respected both in business and social circles.
OSES L. NEAL. There is no man in Peo- ria County who has had greater success, or accumulated a larger fortune by his own efforts through economy, close application and steady habits, than Moses L. Neal. He has never been a speculator, but has acquired his pos- sessions chiefly from products of the soil, although he is at present extensively interested in city prop- erty. He is a quiet, unassuming man, giving no indications of great wealth in his outward appear- ance or manners. Ilis pleasant home is located on some of the best land in the county, his landed es- tate in Medina Township amounting to more than one thousand acres, subdivided into farms of prac- tical size. He also owns more than a thousand acres in Missouri, together with lands in other sec- tions, and some of the finest blocks of Peoria City property. He likewise holds $35,000 worth of prop- erty at Austin, one of the recently annexed sub- urbs of Chicago. When it is known that these large worldly possessions have been gained chiefly by Mr. Neal's personal efforts, it will be understood
that he has been a busy man, and has made good use of his capital.
Mr. Neal was born in Dover, N. II .. May 7, 1820, but came to the Prairie State with his parents in the spring of 1838. lle had the advantages of a common-school education, a thorough knowledge of hard work, and the family pride due to a long line of honorable ancestry. When the family reached Illinois, they located in Medina Township, l'eoria County, in a sparsely settled section, where, however, they had a few good neighbors. In the midst of the beautiful prairie region. rich and pro- ductive. out uncultivated, the father secured a tract of land. where his son assisted in the pioneer labors under home influences, which developed the sturdy and generous qualities which he possessed, and led him to thoroughly appreciate all that is noble and enterprising.
Our subject has never married, but retains his good nature and love for his fellow men, as few do who are denied the companionship of wife and chil- dren. Much of the tenderness of his nature is lavished upon his aged mother, who lives with him, being cared for in the most reverential way. Never having lost sight of the duties he owes his kindred he has adopted two nephews. Roscoe and M. W. Neal, who have been under his guardianship since childhood. Mr. Neal gives generously to every enterprise that is worthy, being especially inter- ested in all that will favorably affeet his county. Without a drop of dishonest or lazy blood in his body, he detests shiftlessness in others. He has made it a rule through life never to eat or drink anything that would result in personal injury, and therefore preserves his vigor of mind and body be- yond an age when many men break down.
The history of the Neal family dates back in this country to a period prior to the Revolution. They are of Scotch lineage, and of the Presbyterian faith, former generations having been peculiarly striet in the observance of their ereed, although recogniz- ing the rights of others to a different faith and prac- tice. When Mary, Queen of Scots, had by her rut- ings cansed trouble in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the Neals, one of the foremost families of the shire in which they lived, were so decided in their opposition to Catholicism. and so determined
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in resisting encroachments. that they were practi- cally driven from their ancestral home. They went to Northern Ireland, where they worshiped in peace, but hearing of the land of promise and religious liberty across the sea, they with others set sail from Londonderry, making their first settlement in America at what is now Londonderry, N. 11., named by them for their refuge in Ireland.
The first of the Neal family in New England, was William, a fine type of the Scotch citizen, who died when full of years. His wife was also of good Seotch blood, and a noble woman. Among their children was a son, Moses L., who was born while they were crossing the Atlantic,and who became one of the most honorable citizens of the New Hamp- shire community in which he lived so long. He was a loyal American, although it is not known that he was a fighter. lle studied law, was a prom- inent attorney, and for many years connected with the leading offices of his county. He married Miss Martha Prentice, who was born and reared in the Granite State. and is supposed to have been of sim- ilar ancestry with her husband. She died in mid- dle life, and her husband married a second wife who survived him.
This Moses L. Neal had nine children, one of whom, John 1'., was born in Rochester, Strafford County, N. Il., while the father was keeping a prominent inn. John Neal grew up in his native village, but afterward went to Dover and learned the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trades. After completing the latter, he went into a factory for making bobbins for winding thread, and stood at one turning lathe for fourteen years. This long continued application eaused his health to fail, and buying a small farm near Dover, he turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits. Finding this em- ployment agreed with him, but desiring a broader field in which to labor, he removed to the Prairie State, where, after improving his original home- stead, he secured large landed possessions. He be- came the owner of more than one thousand aeres of land in this and other counties prior to his death, which took place October 29, 1872, at the age of seventy-five years. A life of unswerving industry, pure habits, and a sterling character, gave him a warm place in the hearts of all who knew him. Ile
became somewhat more liberal in his religious be- lief than his forefathers had been. He was gener- ous and public-spirited, transmitting these qualities to his son, of whom we write. He was a Repub- liean, and once served as County Commissioner, although he was not an office seeker.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sallie Clements. She was born November 2, 1797, in Strafford County, N. H., coming of an old and highly respected family. Her parents were Moses and Abigail (Paul) Clements, of English extraetion, and among the early settlers of New Hampshire. Mr. Clements was one of the first to rebel against paying tithes to the Church of Eng- land, and his house was always open for liberal church service. John P. Neal and his wife became the parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom two are now living, viz: Moses L., our sub- ject. and Samuel C. Mrs. Neal possesses the true virtues of womanhood, a sweet, even disposition, and Christian spirit. Religiously, she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to her counsel and loving eare our subject owes much of . his indomitable perseverance and unwavering hon- esty which have given him a foremost rank among the citizens of Peoria-County.
In connection with the personal sketch of Mr. Neal, we present lithograpic portraits of Moses L. Neal, the grandfather of our subject, and for whom he was named; John P. Neal, the father of our sub- ject, and one of the pioneers of Peoria Connty; Mrs. Sallie (Clements) Neal, the mother of our subject, and who still survives at the great age of nearly ninety-three years; also of our subject, the worthy representative of a noble family.
EWIS II. THOMAS. A walk throughout the leading streets of Chillicothe would re- veal many thriving business establishments, but none which give greater evidences of a flourish- ing trade than that of L. II. Thomas, who has been prominently identified with the business interests of Chillicothe during many years. He in Novem- ber, 1854, established a drug store, the first in the
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place and he continues to deal in all kinds of pure drugs. Hle also carries a stock of wall paper, school supplies, stationery, etc., adapted for both country and city demands. His establishment is pleasantly located on the west side of Second Street.
The natal day of Mr. Thomas was September 1. 1830, and his birthplace Halloek Township, this county. Ile was reared and educated in this county and was married in Princeton, Bureau County, to Miss Hannah Kelley. This lady was born in Muncie, Pa., March 7, 1830, but reared in Allentown to the age of eighteen years. Her father, William Kelley, then removed to Ohio, settling at New Haven, Huron County, where he followed the business of a harness-maker until his death, which cut short his career in the prime of life. His widow, Elizabeth ( Weaver) Kelley, subsequently came to Bureau County, Ill., where the daughter Hannah, attained to womanhood and became the wife of our subjeet. Sometime after Chillicothe became the home of our subject and his wife, they were followed hither by Mrs. Kelley, who passed the remainder of her days here, dying in 1870, at the age of three-score and ten. She and her husband belonged to the Methodist Church.
The first store occupied by Mr. Thomas was on Water Street where all the business was done dur- ing the early years of Chillicothe's history. In 1857 he built the first store on Second Street, where he carried on his drug business until 1873, at which time he went to Chicago. After doing busi- ness there four years he removed to Columbus, Cherokee County, Kan., where he sojourned nearly eleven years. Ile returned to Chillicothe in Jan- uary, 1888, and took possession of his present store. He possesses business taet, is discriminating in the selection of his goods, and pleasing in his manner toward all who patronize the establishment. He is doing a good business, the trade increasing with the growth of the city.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas three children have been born. A son, Joseph, was accidentally killed while working on a railroad in Arkansas. He was a bright and promising young man twenty-two years old1, whose death was a severe blow to his loving parents. Mamie E. resides with her parents
and assists her father in carrying on the store. Francis W. is elerking in a drug store at Webb City, Mo. He married Miss May Burgess, of Troy, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church since early life. Mr. Thomas has been an official member for many years and Sunday-school Superintendent fifteen years. In politics he is a Republican. For ten years he filled the otlice of Postmaster in Chilli- cothe. He may justly be called a good man and a good citizen, who honors "the city which he makes his home by his example and the part which he bears in all that pertains to its welfare.
Francis Thomas, the father of our subject, was a native of Virginia, but was only a child when his father, John Thomas, removed to Champaign County, Ohio. That section was wild and nubro- ken, inhabited chiefly by Indians, and the family were surrounded by dangers and met with many privations. After having improved a farm and residing thereon some years, John Thomas, in the year 1825, came to Illinois, obtaining a claim on new land in Peoria County. A few years later he re- moved to Galena where for some years he was in- terested in lead mines. He finally sold out and settled in Lee County, where he died when about four-score years of age. Ilis widow remained there for some years after his death, but finally removed to Bureau County, where she died full of years.
Francis Thomas was reared to manhood in Champaign County, Ohio, and there married Miss Eupha Richards, daughter of a pioneer family in the same county. In 1826, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas turned their faces westward and reaching Peoria County, Ill., settled in Hallock Township, where the red men were more numerous than the whites. But few families were then living in the county and between it and Galena no settlements had been made. Peoria was then known as Ft. Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas became well known to the early settlers in whose toils and privations they shared.
They had not lived here long ere the wife and mother was called henee, dying in 1838. She had borne seven children, one of whom had died prior to their removal from Ohio. Francis Thomas was again married in 1844, to Elizabeth Kimball, who
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died in Ft. Scott, Kan .. July 5, 1890. at the age of seventy-three years. The father of our subject passed away in 1868. He was a strong Whig and Republican, but never an office-sceker. He be- longed to the Baptist Church of which his widow was also a member.
OHN S. KINNAH. The Kinnah family are well-known and greatly respected residents of Akron Township, with whose agricul- tural interests they are closely associated, owning and cultivating considerable land in this locality, and having here a comfortable home pleasantly located on section 16.
The parents of our subject, Joseph and Margaret (Smith) Kinnah, natives of Scotland, were married in Princeville, and began their wedded life in Akron Township, of which they thus became pioneers,and have ever since dwelt here in peace and content- ment. They had to endure many trials, brave many dangers, and make many sacrifices in their early wedded life in order to make a home for themselves and the children that came to them. But they were industrious, persevering, and cheer- fully labored to bring their land under its present good tillage and to provide it with the suitable buildings and machinery for carrying on farming operations. Now as old age approaches they can en- joy the fruit of their toil in the comforts of a good home, surrounded by children and friends, who value them for their many sterling and kindly traits of character, and they will ever hold an hon- orable place among the pioneers of the county,
Three of the six children that have blessed the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Kinnah are still liv- ing-John S., Joseph and David, and three have been removed by the hand of death, as follows: Cecillia, who died when seventeen months old; Margaret J., who died at the age of eleven months; and Robert, who married Miss Nancy A. Fry and died in Akron Township when twenty-nine years old. Their son David married Miss Clara E. Wil- son.
John S. Kinnah is a native of Akron Township.
and here his life has been passed on the old home- stead where he was born and is still making his home with his parents. They trained him carefully in industrious habits, and his mother, who is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, early instilled into his mind principles of rectitude and morality that have guided him through all the years of his boyhood and manhood, making him true to himself and those about him. His father gave him an excellent opportunity to acquire the rudiments of farming on his farm, and he early adopted the calling of farmer as his own, and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of choice farming land that is improved and under admirable tillage.
Our subject stands among the solid men of his native township, and is well thought of by the en- tire community. Ile is frank, straightforward, and strictly honest in all his dealings, and is regarded as eminently trustworthy. He has been Highway Commissioner for six years, and in that capacity is very active in improving the highways and by- ways of travel in Akron Township. He is a man of social prominence, being connected with the In- dependent Order of Odd-Fellows, and with the De- tective Mutual Aid Association, as one of its most alert members. In politics, he is a trne Republican. stanchly adhering to his party whatever betides.
ARKER T. PUTNAM. This gentleman is the oldest member of the Stock Exchange of Peoria. in which he holds the office of President. The organization was formerly known as the Union Stock Yards. Mr. Putnam is a dealer in live stock and a commission merchant, being senior member of the firm of Putnam & Wright. The firm is doing a flourishing trade, the stock business being one for which Mr. Putnam was fitted by years of experience in the sale of meats. lle is both honest and shrewd in the conduct of business affairs, while in his social and domestic re- lations he is considerate and kindly.
The birth of our subject took place in Allegany County, N. Y., April 6, 1834, and he came West
John Neal
Sally- Veal
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in 1854 with his parents. They first located in Rockford, Il .. but he in 1860 removed to Peoria which became their permanent home. He of whom we write first engaged in the trade of a butcher and in 1862, established a market of his own which he operated successfully some fifteen years. Ile then abandoned it and turned his attention to the stock trade, in which he has been occupied con- tinuously from that time.
Mr. Putnam has twice been a member of the Board of Supervisors prior to the term which he is now serving, but not consecutively. In politics he is a thorough-going Republican, ever ready to de- posit his vote for the candidates who are pledged to support the principles in which he believes. He is not identified with any of the social orders, find- ing sufficient field for his benevolence in promiscu- Olls cases of need, and for his social traits in the society of family and friends in a more homelike manner than that of the fraternities.
The wife of Mr. Putuam was known in her girl- hood as Miss Laura A. Austin. She is a native of the Green Mountain State, and in the conduct of her household affairs manifests all the thrift which characterizes the New England woman, having also many traits of character and graces of manners which extend her usefulness. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Putnam comprises two sons-Frank H. and Fred B. The older is city salesman for J. C. Streibeck & Co., while the younger is in the employ of P. C. Bartlett. They are enterprising young men with good educations and a fitness for busi- ness life.
ORMAN H. SILLIMAN. Although this gentleman is still on the sunny side of life, his labors have been so successful as to en- able him to retire from active business pursuits and, surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, enjoy the domestie and so- cial pleasures to which his tastes lead him and which his finances make possible. In Dunlap he has erected a residence, which is of pleasing ar- chitectural design, substantially built and sur- rounded by grounds tastefully arranged and neatly
kept. Those who cross the threshold of the hos- pitable home find it well furnished, arranged with a view to the comfort of its occupants, and sup- plied with an abundance of good cheer for both the physical and mental man. Besides his village property Mr. Silliman owns two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land within the limits of the county.
The birth of Mr. Silliman took place in Hallock Township, this county, October 30, 18.12. His boyhood and youth were passed in acquiring a good education and a thorough knowledge of farming, to which he proposed to devote his atten- tion. Until 1870 he continued to reside in Hal- lock Township, pursuing his chosen calling, then removing to Peoria he made that city his home a year. At the expiration of that time he became a resident of Dunlap, having until 1883 been en- gaged in the grain business. The success which he has achieved is conclusive evidence of his shrewdness as a business man, and the place which he holds in the esteem of the community is indi- cative of his worth of character.
The many estimable qualities possessed by Miss Emily Matthews, a native of Peoria, won the re- gard of Mr. Silliman and aroused his desire to se- cure her companionship in his home. His wooing proved successful, and on February 1, 1866, their marriage took place, being celebrated in Hallock Township. Mrs. Silliman is the youngest of three children born to Leman and Mabel (Barker) Matthews, who now occupy a farm in Medina Township. The parents were born in Connecticut, there grew to maturity and became man and wife. Soon after their marriage they removed to Henry County, Ill., coming thence to Peoria, where Mr. Matthews was engaged in the sale of clocks about nine years. At the expiration of that time be re- moved to the farm upon which he is still living. The natal day of Mrs. Silliman was November 11, 1845. She is the mother of two children, but one of whom, a daughter, Flora E., has been spared to the fond parents. The first born, Rollin M., died September 20, 1870, when nearly a year old.
While living in Hallock Township Mr. Silliman filled the office of Justice of the Peace. With this exception he has devoted his attention exclusively
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to his personal affairs and his duties as a private citizen. His political affiliation is with the Demo- cratic party, in the principles of which he firmly believes. He is liberal in his religious views. His own hospitable spirit, combined with the charm- ing manners of his wife, makes his home oue to which the best people of the neighborhood fre- quently go, finding there every means of social enjoyment which heart can wish. No lady in Dunlap is better qualified to act as hostess than Mrs. Silliman, and her efforts are ably seconded by her winsome daughter.
NDREW W. PINKNEY, SR., who died July 19, 1890, had lived in this county since early in the '30s, knew much of the primitive life and customs, and had wit- nessed a large part of the growth of this section. Not only was he well informed on these points, but he possessed marked financial ability, an excellent character, and a genial disposition that made his companionship desirable. Ile was born in New York City, November 18, 1814. and belonged to an his- toric family. The Pinkneys were originally from France, and the maternal ancestors lived in Ger- many. Grandfather Poff, on his mother's side, came to America with John Jacob Astor.
The parents of our subject were Israel and Eliza (Poff) Pinkney, both natives of New York City, in which they resided until he of whom we write was eighteen years old. Israel Pinkney and his brother William were merchants there. The parental fam- ily consisted of eleven children, the survivors of this large circle being Stephen, Theodore and Kate. widow of D. C. Farrell, all of Peoria. Five of the deceased members of the family died in infancy. and Richard and George in mature years; these two breathed their last in Peoria, Richard leaving a widow.
The gentleman with whose name this biography is introduced, clerked for James A. Pryor in the metropolis prior to the removal of the family to Peoria. Their journey hither was performed en-
tirely by water, the Hudson River, Erie Canal and Great Lakes carrying them to Cleveland, Ohio, where they embarked on the Ohio Canal, and hav- ing reached Portsmouth, descended the Ohio River to its junction with the Father of Waters, on which and the Illinois River they completed their jour- ney. The party consisted of one hundred emi- grants, and seven weeks were consumed en route. Many grew discouraged, and returned ere long to the East, but the Pinkneys tried farming seven miles from Peoria, and remained permanently in their new location.
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