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 52
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Mr. Wakefield, who died a few years since, pi- loted them to a point which was called Orange Prai- rie by the elder Pinkney, and there they purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land, paying $1.25 per acre. The father took a quarter that had some timber upon it. and the sons, Stephen and Andrew, took the quarters that were wholly prairie. They built three brick houses, the first on the prairie. The father had bought a span of good horses in Cleveland, Ohio, and these were sent across the country to the new home. In his reminiscences of farming in those days, our subject said that he sold wheat at twenty-five cents a bushel, taking calico at thirty-seven and a-half cents per yard in ex- change; eggs brought three cents a dozen, beef and pork one and a-fourth cents per pound, and corn from ten to twelve cents per bushel.
In 1859 Andrew Pinkney abandoned the farm, and removed to Peoria, where he resided until his death. For nine years he clerked for a distillery, and he then became interested in spice mills, paying $5,000 for the interest he purchased. During the next five years he made $25,000 in the business, and he then retired from active life, and since that time has lived quietly, enjoying the fruits of his prudence and wise investments. Some time ago he bought back the old homestead. the purchase price being $13,000 for that which originally cost $200.
On April 25, 1843, Mr. Pinkney became the hns- band of Caroline Farrell, an estimable woman who nobly fulfilled her duties as wife and mother until 1880. when she entered into rest. The union was blessed by the birth of seven children, one of whom died before the mother, and Charles in 1885. The survivors are; Emma, wife of Dr. Furry, County
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Physician; Elizabeth, wife of Reuben Skinner, of New York City; Mary; George; and Andrew, Jr., who lives on the old farm. The surviving compan- ion of Mr. Pinkney, became his wife July 7, 1887. She was the widow of J. P. Bosworth, of Woodford County. Her character and acquirements fit her for usefulness in any sphere, and make her a desir- able companion.
Mr. Pinkney in politics was a Republican. be- lieving that in that party the bope of the Nation lies. He never held any office except that of Town- ship Collector one term, in Orange Township.
E RASTUS M. LAWRENCE. In a section of country that contains as many attractive country homes as does Peoria County, it seems a work of supererogation to claim pre-emin- ence for any, as various features wanting upon one estate are to be seen upon others, making it difficult to decide which is most worthy of compliment. It would. however, be agreed that the farm of the gentleman above named is one of the most home- like and attractive, indicating as it does the pres- ence within the dwelling of an intelligent and refined family. The estate is located on section 11, Elmwood Township, and comprises a part of the Lawrence homestead, upon which the parents of our subject settled many years ago. The tasteful dwelling sets back a quarter of a mile from the road, and with its accompanying buildings, and surroundings of fruit and shade trees, well-tilled fields and pasture lands, forms a picture fair to look upon.
The Lawrence family is of German stock, and later generations of the ancestors lived in Pennsyl- vania. The father of our subject, George P. Law- rence. came west to Ohio, with his father, when quite small, their home being made near Canton, Stark County. Later when a young man, he re- moved to the vicinity of New Castle, Coshocton . County, where he married Phebe Butler. For several years he was engaged in trade, but after removing to Illinois, which he did in 1856, he turned his attention to farming. He purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land, afterward adding to it until the homestead comprised three hundred and forty acres, a portion of which, as before stated, is now occupied by our subject. For some six years prior to his death G. P. Lawrence carried on a general store at Summit, Knox County. Ile was a member of the Methodist Church, and en- deavored to instill the principles of Christianity into the hearts of his children and qualify them to discharge well their obligations. He died in 1874, his wife having preceded him to the silent tomb, breathing her last in February, 1869.
The family of G. P. and Phebe Lawrence con- sisted of nine children, all of whom were born be- fore their removal to this State. The family record is as follows: Lemuel II. died in Ohio in 1881, at the age of fifty years; Oscar B. died in infancy ; the third child is the subject of this notice; Ange- line is the wife of A. G. Miles, whose sketch ap- pears elsewhere in this ALBUM; Mary, wife of M. O. Harkness, died at the age of forty-three years: llattie L., wife of George Daughmer, lives at Sum- mit, Knox County ; George W. is married and liv- ing near Chanute, Kan.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was reared on his father's farm, early learning all that goes to make up a successful farm life, and in the meantime receiving a practical education in the schools of New Castle, Ohio. He had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he left the parental roof to set up his own home, having won as a help- mate Miss Emma J. Green, their marriage rites being celebrated at her home in the township that is now their place of residence. A year after his marriage Mr. Lawrence bought seventy-five acres of land on section 2, upon which he built a house which afforded shelter to the family four years. lle then engaged in trade at Oak Hill for a few months, moving thenec to Summit, Knox County, where he found occupation in store-keeping and the buying and selling of lumber and grain two years.
In 1868 Mr. Lawrence returned to this county and took charge of the homestead, of which he now owns one hundred and sixty acres. Ile carries on mixed farming, raising both grains and stock. A feature of the estate not always seen is a large
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orchard covering twenty acres, which in one season produced 82,000 worth of apples. In 1886-87 he moved his family to Elmwood in order to give bis children greater conveniences in obtaining an edu- cation, but after securing that object again took up his abode on the farm. Under the hospitable roof - good cheer abounds and the affable, pleasing man- ners of the host, the gracious courtesy of his wife and the intelligence of his children. combine to enhance the charms of a visit there.
Mr. Lawrence is one of those public-spirited men who ever stand in the front when movements arc on foot that promise to aid in developing the re- sources of the country and bringing higher advan- tages to ler people. He has been Township Trustee and Sel.ool Director, and in the work of the United Brethren Church, with which he is identified, he acts as Steward, Class-Leader, etc., also holding the office of Sunday-school Superintendent. The sons and daughters who rejoice the hearts of himself and his wife are: Phobe O., wife of Oliver Troth, of this township; Albert L., who is still at home; Hattie E .. wife of A. G. Walton, of Elmwood; Minnie E., a school teacher but residing at; home. and Edna M., a miss of sixteen years.
ILLIAM BIEDERBECK. Among the for- eign-born citizens of the broad Prairie State, who, by the exercise of good judg- ment, unflagging industry and unswerving integ- rity, have acquired an honorable reputation among their fellow-men and secured a goodly share of property, may be mentioned William Biederbeek, of Millbrook Township. Ile is an excellent repre- sentative of the agricultural and stock- raising com- munities, and by reason of the loyalty to the Amer- ican flag which he displayed during the time of the country's need, is still more deserving of notice in a volume of this nature.
The home of our subject is on section 9, where he owns two hundred and eighty-six acres of fer- tile land upon which may be seen a complete line of substantial farm buildings, sufficiently commo- dious to fulfill the purposes for which they were
erected and conveniently located. Every part of the estate bears evidence to the thrift and intelli- gence of the owner. Mr. Biederbeck was born in Prussia, April 26, 1820, and carefully reared by his good parents, John and Catherine (Schutz) Bic- derbeck. Ile received a good education in his na- tive tongue, and when about sixteen years old began an apprenticeship at the trade of a carpenter and joiner. After having served three years, hc began journey work, continuing it in his own coun . try until 1850, and later pursuing it in America.
At the date mentioned, Mr. Biederbeck deter- mined to seek a broader field for his labors than the thickly settled regions of his native land af- forded, and taking passage at Bremen on a sail vessel, landed in New York City after a voyage of several weeks. He spent several years in the East, first in the State of New Jersey, and for a short time in Philadelphia, Pa. In that city, April 17, 1857, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between himself and Miss Augusta Kaus. This lady, who has nobly assisted her husband by her good coun- sel and wise management of domestic affairs, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born August 19, 1831, to John and Caroline ( Aeple) Kaus. When about twenty-one years old she came to America.
To Mr. and Mrs. Biederbeck, ten children have been born. of whom we note the following: Rich- ard is living in Millbrook Township; Amelia is the wife of Harry Combs, of Colorado; Mary is the wife of P. Ilart, their home being in Stark County ; Lincoln A. also lives in Stark County; Augusta and Sherman W. T. have homes in Millbrook Town- ship; Carrie, Addie, Robert Phillip, and Albert John still remain under the parental roof.
On August 20, 1862, Mr. Biederbeck became a member of Company G, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry. and from that time until his dis- charge, June 21, 1865, fought bravely, marched uncomplainingly, and watched patiently among the boys in blue, who endured more than tongue can tell in their support of American institutions. He was a member of Sherman's Fifteenth Corps dur- ing the siege of Vicksburg, also participated in the battles of Jackson and Missionary Ridge, and in the entire Atlanta campaign. He made one of the gallant sixty thousand who followed the leadership
byrus Lucha
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of the renowned "Tecumseh" from Atlanta to the sea, assisted in the capture of Savannah, and finally took part in the battle at Bentonville, N. C. Mr. Biederbeck was one of the fortunate number who escaped wounds and captivity, although he had many narrow escapes. The last great act in which he participated as a Union soldier, was the Grand Review at Washington. after which he returned to Peoria County.
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Several years ago Mr. Biederbeek located upon the farm he now occupies, and is so successfully conducting. He endeavors to bear his part in up- building the material and moral welfare of the county, quietly interesting himself in all which he believes will be for the public good. He has served as School Director, votes the Republican ticket, and in memory of his campaign life, is identified with Post No. 177, G. A. R., at Brimfield. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Laura, are active members of society, and enjoy the esteem and confidence of their neighbors and friends. Since coming to America, Mr. Biederbeck has acquired a fair knowledge of the English lan- guage, in which he transacts all his business. Ilis strict honesty and industrious habits are well known and valued.
C YRUS TUCKER. Too much credit can scarcely be given to the men who, coming to this county a half-century ago, braved the dangers which surrounded those who settled far from neighbors in a country overrun by In . dians and savage animals, and willingly endured the arduons toils necessary to develop the land and open it up for the advance of civilization. One of the many who bore a part in the pioncer work of Radnor Township was Cyrus Tucker, a litho- graphic portrait of whom is shown on the opposite page. He came hither in 1837, and with the ex- ception of about two years, made this his home until he entered into rest, August 9, 1888.
The birth of Mr. Tucker occurred January 19. 1809, in the vicinity of Plymouth, Mass., where he
was reared to manhood and resided until he came to Illinois. After locating here he remained some fonr or five years. then going East, sojourned in his native State two years, after which he again came West. Ile accumulated a considerable amount of worldly goods, leaving an estate of five bun- dred acres, on which he had made excellent im- provements, and had caused good buildings to be erected, among them being every needful structure for the comfort of the family, the shelter of stock, and the housing of farm machinery and crops.
Mr. Tucker was one of those whole-souled, enter- prising men, who not only pursued his life work in an energetic manner, but took an active part in the affairs of the township, interesting himself in every worthy movement, and becoming known as one who could be counted upon to assist in all which would promote the good of the country. Ile held the office of Supervisor of the township, discharging its duties in a creditable and satis- factory manner.
An important step in the life of Mr. Tucker was his marriage, August 11, 1841, to Miss Abigail Shaw, a worthy woman who shared his joys and sorrows but a few short years. She died at her home in this township October 7, 1846, leaving one son, who lived to the age of about forty-one years, dying in Galva. After having lived a widower for more than a decade Mr. Tucker contracted a second matrimonial alliance, celebrating in this county on September 13, 1857, his union with Miss Fanny Keim. This most estimable woman was born in Somerset, Pa., May 19, 1823. She is a woman of true motherly fecling, whose affectionate interest reaches beyond the walls of het own home to include all who are in sorrow or necd, and to whom she can be in any way a helper. She became the mother of two children, a son and a daugliter. The latter, named Ella, died in childhood.
George W. Tucker, the first-born and surviving child, first saw the light in this township August 1, 1861. Here he has grown to manhood and always resided, securing in earlier years an excellent edu- cation. and so good a fundamental knowledge of agricultural pursuits that at the death of his father he was enabled to take charge of the estate, and is now conducting it most etticiently. He gives his
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attention wholly to farming and stock-raising, dis- playing a spirit of progress. and while not aba' .- doning old and tried methods, is ready to adopt any late idea in which his judgment concurs after thorough investigation. A worthy son of an hon- ored father, he has already secured the good-will of his fellow-citizens, and gives promise of becom- ing an important member of the agricultural com- munity hereafter.
OIN SMITH is a native of Peoria County, and is now occupying a prominent place among the intelligent, well-to-do and enter- prising young farmers who are doing so much to develop and extend its marvelous agri- cultural interests. He owns a valuable and well- improved farm on the southeast quarter of section 14. Princeville Township, his place of birth. Ilis father. John Smith, was an old and prominent set- tler of this locality. and was one of the leading farmers of the township.
Mr. Smith, the elder, was a native of Lanark- shire. Scotland, his father. bearing the same name as himself, being also a native of that place. John was a name in the family for four hundred years back to the time of William Wallace. The grand- father of our subject became a soldier in the Eng- lish army when a young man and followed a mili- tary life for nine years, being a member of the Seventy-first Glasgow Regiment. He was in Spain with Wellington and was wounded in the shoulder during the Peninsula War. Ile left the army be- fore the battle of Waterloo. At the battle of Cor- onna he was wounded in the breast and was taken prisoner and imprisoned six months. He was finally discharged from the army at the age of thirty years, he being one of five brothers who had enlisted. He returned to Glasgow, where he was engaged as a cotton dresser, following that until he came to America and became quite well off. In 1842 he embarked for this country, landed in New Orleans, and from there went to St. Louis. He bad started with a colony for Texas, but as the yellow fever was so deadly in that quarter that season, they had
changed the course of their journey. He lived in St. Louis awhile, and in 1844 came from there to Peoria, and invested in some Government land on section 7, Princeville Township, and made his home on it until his death in March, 1852. He was a Presbyterian and was strong in the faith.
The father of our subject was reared in Scotland and his first occupation when he became self-sup- porting was as a clerk in a bookstore. Subsequently he learned the trade of a dresser of cotton. In 1842 he came to the United States by the way of Canada. He was engaged on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, between New Orleans and St. Louis, and even beyond the head of navigation on the Missouri until 1845, when he settled here. He bought Government land on section 7, of this township, improved it and was actively engaged in farming and stock-raising and acquired a valua- ble property, being at one time owner of three hundred and twenty acres of exceptionally fine farming land. Ile was ever liberal and public- spirited and bore an honorable part in local affairs, especially in educational matters, and at various times held different school offices. He was a strong Republican in his political views and gave gener- ons support to his party. Religiously, he was a Presbyterian, and was in every way an exemplary Christian gentleman. Ilis death here May 27. 1890, at the age of sixty-seven years, two months and thirteen days, was a loss to the citizenship of Princeville.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Jane Payne, and she was born in Carroll County, Va., coming of a worthy family. Her fa- ther. Walter Payne, was also a Virginian by birth, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a soldicr in the War of 1812. About 1840 he came to Illi- nois and settled in the timber in Princeville Town- ship, and carried on his farming operations here until he retired from active life, and from that time he made his home with a daughter in Toulon, where he died. The mother of our subject, a highly re- spected lady, is still residing on the old homestead. Of her marriage eight children were born: Isa- belle. Mrs. Martin, of this township; Rachael, Mrs. Chase, of Akron Township; John; Walter, of Gage County, Neb .; Mary J., with her mother in Prince-
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ville Township; Margaret A., Mrs. Miller, who died in Gage County, Neb .; William W., of Gage County, Neb., and Lizzie, Mrs. Lewis, of Salt Lake City.
'The subject of this biographical review was born in Princeville Township, July 15, 1852, and was reared to man's estate on his father's homestead. He gleaned a good education in the distriet and graded schools which he attended during the winter session until of age and he then entered Cole's Busi- ness College in Peoria, from which he was gradu- ated after pursuing an excellent course. Leaving college he returned home and entered upon his ca- reer as a farmer on his father's farm, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-three. After his marriage, in the fall of 1875, our subject lo- cated on his present place and has since been act- ively engaged in its improvement,and has developed it from its original state to its present fine condi- tion, breaking a part of the prairie sod himself, and in 1880 he purchased it from its former owner. It comprises the southeast quarter of section 18, and its one hundred and sixty acres are already under admirable tillage and are well hedged, and provided with a neat dwelling, good barns and other necessary buildings. It is a very desirable piece of property and is well watered by the creek and a never-failing supply of running water, has fine groves and orchards and is well adapted to rais- ing, grain, corn and oats. Mr. Smith has two teams of Clydesdale and Shire horses of good grade, and has a number of full blooded Poland-China hogs, paying much attention to raising that animal for the markets.
Mr. Smith and Miss Bessie A. Roweliffe were married in Jubilee, October 27, 1875, and their wedded life has proved a mutual benefit and has been a happy one. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of the flon. William Roweliffe, of Jubilee Township, of whom see biography on another page of this vol- ume. Mrs. Smith was born in Erie County, Ohio, January 16, 1848, and was a child when she came to Illinois with her parents. She is a lady of true culture, having received the advantages of an excellent education. When she was seventeen years old she entered the Illinois Normal' School, and was a pupil in that institution for six months.
She afterward engaged in the profession of teaching for some nine years in Jubilee and Radnor. She is the mother of four children-Roy B., Jessie G., Flossie M. and John H.
Mr. Smith is endowed with strength of character and a moral and mental makeup that place him among these whose citizenship is most honorable to his native township and county. His sturdy, prac- tical traits and thrifty habits have been very ad- vantageous to him in the prosecution of his calling and have already put him among the men of casy circumstances in Princeville. He is a stalwart among the Republicans, one of the leaders of the party in this vicinity and has been a delegate to county conventions. Relgiously he is of the Pres- byterian faith.
UCAS C. HICKS. In noting the successful farmers of Halloek Township, mention should certainly be made of the gentleman above named, a large landowner who for a num- ber of years has lived on section 32. The home farm comprises three hundred aeres, besides which Mr. flicks owns an equal amount in another part of the township. His property has mostly been made by his own efforts since he became of age and sufli- ciently indicates that he has been industrious, prudent and careful in management.
Mr. Ilicks was born in Jackson County, Ohio, August 25, 1819, coming from his native State to Illinois in the fall of 1830, with his parents. The family came overland in accordance with the means of travel of the period, making settlement on the line between Medina and Hallock Town- ships, this county. The father secured unbroken land whereon his son, our subjeet. pursued the even tenor of his way until he became of age. Soon after reaching his majority he began farming for himself, beginning his residence on his present es- tate in 1846.
At the home of the bride in Ogle County, near Polo, marriage rites were celebrated between our subject and Miss Sarah Reed. The lady was born in Ross County. Ohio, May 7, 1826. and was quite
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young when her parents removed "to the Prairie State. Here she grew to womanhood,acquiring much knowledge and fitting herself for usefulness. She and her husband are worthy of the esteem in which they are held, both being intelligent, kindly and con- siderate in their intercourse with those about them. Mr. Hicks is an independent Republican in politics. He has been Supervisor of his township and served two terms as County Commissioner under the old law.
The family of Mr. Hicks and his good wife com- prises six sons and daughters whose record is as follows: Lucius married Mary A. Siddons and lives on a farm in Hallock Township; Samnel, a farmer in Medina Township, married Lucia Van- Buren ; Ira who is living in Peoria and connected with a dairy and cream house there, is a widower, his wife, Nancy Blue, having been killed in the Chatsworth disaster; Emerson, a farmer in Hallock Township, married Ella Kimball; Mark married Olive Robinson and lives on a farm in Hallock Township; Adda is the wife of John Snyder, their home being on a farm in Medina Township.
Mr. Ilicks is of Welsh ancestry on his father's side, although his grandparents were natives of Rhode Island. They sojourned for a few years in Nova Scotia, where Joel Hicks, father of our sub- ject, was born. He was three years old when his parents emigrated to Delaware County, N. Y., where he grew to maturity and married Phebe Coleman. That worthy woman was born in Con- necticut, belonging to an old New England family. Her parents removed to Delaware County, N. Y., when she was young and she grew to womanhood in the same neighborhood as her husband. After the birth of two children Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hicks re- moved to Jackson County, Ohio, the husband be- ginning there as a small farmer and miller. Ile was joined by his parents, and a few years later, his father, Levi Ilicks, was aceidentally drowned at Richmondale, on Salt Creek, near the Seiota River. The widow of Grandfather Hicks, form- erly Mary Waters, subsequently married Judge Samuel Reed, of Pike County, Ohio, dying at Piketon when quite old.
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