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 63
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In the fall of 1853, Mr. Mansfield returned to Illinois by the way of Panama, New York City and Chicago, to Kane County. Ambitious to be- come better educated he went to Galesburg and entered Knox College. Ile was a student there for a while and then attended Bell's Commercial Col- lege in Chicago, and was graduated from that in- stitution after pursuing an excellent business course. Ile had purchased one hundred and fifty
acres of land in 1854, and after leaving college he located on it in a log house and entered upon its improvement. At that time the country around here was yet in a partly wild condition, and deer and wolves still haunted the groves of timber. Mr. Mansfield broke prairie with oxen and horses, and continued to extend his farming operations, buy- ing horses, cattle and hogs, and driving them to Peoria for shipment and from time to time added to his farm, until it now comprises six hundred and sixty-five acres of as well-cultivated and highly improved land as is to be found anywhere in the county.
Mr. Mansfield has erected three dwellings on his land including a large and handsome residence, oc- cupied by himself and family, and there are four commodious barns, a fan and windmill and all the appliances for conducting agriculture to the best advantage. It is located on the North branch of the Kickapoo, and is adapted to both stock and grain raising purposes. It is well fenced and four miles of tiling give it ample drainage and there are a good orchard and fine grove. Ile has twenty- three finely graded roadsters, Clyde and Norman horses, and is the proprietor of the Belgian stallion Moxman, a three-year-old, which is considered a very valuable piece of horse flesh. He has one hundred and seventy-five head of cattle, full- blooded and high grades Short-horns,and feeds be- sides one hundred and fifty head of cattle a year and raises hogs very extensively, having one hon- dred and fifty head of the Poland China breed and three hundred of another grade. Besides raising a large amount of grain, he buys some seven or eight thousand bushels a year to feed. Five teams are needed to carry on his extensive interests.
To the lady who presides over his home and has cheerfully co-operated with him and encouraged him in his work, Mr. Mansfield was married April I. 1857. Mrs. Mansfield's maiden name was Re- becca Fulton, and she is a native of this county, born in Richwood Township. Her father was Josiah Fulton, who was born in 1800, and came to Illinois in 1819, and was one of the earliest settlers of the county. He was a ranger and his sketch appears in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield are the parents of six
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children: Leverett. a teacher in the Princeville schools, graduated from the Valparaiso Normal; Albert in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad, was also educated at that school; Edward is living at home, and is a student of that institution ; Sanford, Joseph and Charles are at home, Joseph having at- tended the Valparaiso Normal one winter.
Mr. Mansfield is a man of wide and varied expe- rience, of keen observation, and a cultured mind. He has an extensive acquaintance throughout the county, his social and business relations bringing him into contact with many people, and it is the universal opinion of all that he is above reproach in all respects. Ile is a man of excellent mental calibre, possessing that firmness, decision, sturdy self-respect and rectitude of character that com- mands the confidence of all. As a good citizen should, he interests himself in polities, was in carly manhood, in ante-bellum times, an outspoken, earnest Abolitionist, and cast his first vote for James G. Birney. After the formation of the Re- publican party, sympathizing deeply with the sen- timents of its founders, he joined its ranks, and has ever since remained true to its principles. He has served on the petit jury, has been School Director and a Pathmaster for years. He is identified with the Patrons of Husbandry, as a member of Salem Lodge.
ON. CALVIN STOWELL, a successful farmer and stock-raiser living on section 6. Hallock Township, is one of those agricult- urists whose life exemplifies the old adage
"Honor and shame from no conditiou rise; Act well your part, there all the honor lies."
He has not only become the owner of a considerable landed estate by the exercise of diligence and pru- denec, but he has at the same time gained what is better than silver or gold, the esteem of those amid whom his life has been passed. His title of Honor- able has been well earned by his conduct as a pri- vate individual, as well as by his efforts to advance the interest of his constituents while serving in the legislature.
Mr. Stowell was born in Bainbridge, Chenango
County, N. Y., October 5, 1836, being a son of Ebenezer Stowell, whose full history is incorpor. ated in the biography of O. B. Stowell, on another page in this volume. He was a lad of six years when brought to Peoria County, Ill,, and here grew to manhood, becoming a full fledged farmer as soon as he became of age. In the meantime, however, he had developed the faculties of his mind as thoroughly as the schools of the neighbor- hood gave him opportunity, and since his school days has added to his information by means of the facilities afforded by the press and contact with mankind. He remained under the home roof until after he was twenty-eight years of age and then pur- chased his first land in Marshall County. From that time lie has been closely identified with the agricultural development of both Marsball and Peoria Counties.
In 1864 Mr. Stowell enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, which was commanded by Col. Coats, and was enrolled in Company D, under Capt. Bedoe. He joined his regiment at Memphis, Tenn., remaining with it until the close of the war bearing a part in the battles of Spanish Fort, Ft. Blakely and the capture of Mobile, Ala. He re- ceived an honorable discharge at Alexandria and at once returned to the North to resume the peace- ful occupation in which he has proved so success- ful. IIis home farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres on which he has resided five years, and he also owns one hundred and sixty acres on another section, and an interest in one hundred and twenty acres in still another part of the township. During the twenty years of his residence in Marshall Count.y his home was in LaPrairie Township where he improved a good farm.
In 1880 Mr. Stowell was elected to the legisla- ture by the Republicans of the district which in- cludes Marshall, Woodford and Putnam Counties. He was a member of four committees of considera- ble importance, notably, that on agriculture and buildings. Ile introduced and was interested in some local bills, but failed to secure their passage, although he labored arduously in behalf of the welfare of his constituents. Prior to his election to the legislature he had served five terms as Su- pervisor of LaPrairie Township, Marshall County,
écuings
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and had held all the other township offices. He is a stanch Republican, who from the time he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. has been sound in the faith. He has been delegate to county conven- tions and generally active in the local work of the party.
When he set up his own home Mr. Stowell se- cured as his companion Miss Priscilla Greenhalgh, their marriage rites being performed in Hallock Township, August 27, 1864. Mrs. Stowell is a na- tive of Lancastershire, England, is of pure English ancestry, and the representative of an excellent family. Iler natal day was April 30, 1837, and she was about eight years of age when her parents emigrated to America, making their home in the city of Peoria. There her father, John Greenhalgh, died in the prime of life. Iler mother, formerly Miss Mary Manock, is now seventy-three years of age and is an inmate of the home of our subject. Mrs. Stowell was reared and chiefly educated in Peoria, acquiring the knowledge, habits and virtues which make her the highly honored wife, parent and friend.
The family of our subject and his estimable wife consists of five daughters, several of whom have already received instruction in Knox College, and the elder of whom is a skilled musician and an apt teacher of that art. The eldest daughter, Agnes, now lives at Lawn Ridge, having married Charles Pickney, a farmer there. Laura, Annie and Nellie, students at Knox, and Edith, who has not yet left home, complete the circle. The entire band rank high in culture of mind, in accomplishments, and in character, all being consistent members of the Congregational Church, with which the parents are also identified. Miss Nellie has aleady won some laurels as a school teacher. Mr. Stowell has been Church Trustee and now holds the office of Deacon.
E ZRA C. WING. The future prosperity of this nation depends upon our young people, and in exact proportion to their enterprise, industry and principles of honor, will our country flourish. It is always a pleasure for the student of
human nature and the biographer, to record the events in the lives of those whose intelligence and progressive spirit have placed them in the front ranks of the citizenship of their communities. The gentleman of whom this brief sketch is written is numbered among the prominent residents of Peo- ria, where he has made a name and a place for him- self in the financial circles. In connection with this sketch we present his portrait on another page. lIe is connected with the Peoria Transfer and Stor- age Company, as Treasurer and Manager of its large business, which is steadily increasing under his able supervision.
Mr. Wing has not yet reached the prime of life, having been born February 6, 1862, in Ottawa, the county seat of LaSalle County, Ill. He is a son of Clifton L. and Eliza M. (Tucker) Wing, natives respectively of Massachusetts and New York, and belonging to well-known pioneer families, the Tuckers having lived in Peoria County since 1834. C. L. Wing came hither in 1837, and was united in marriage with Eliza M. Tucker near Brimfield, April 26, 1861. Since then they have resided in various places, but for several years have been residents of Elmwood, where they have a very pleasant home. Mr. Wing at one time was engaged in business in Peru, and is now actively carrying on a profitable grain trade in Yates City.
Ezra C. Wing was early introduced into business, and at the youthful age of sixteen years entered the grain trade in connection with his father. At the age of twenty-one he went to Chicago, where he was book-keeper for the Ajax Forge Company, and was employed by it for a year. He then returned to Brimfield and was busily engaged in the grain trade the ensuing two years. At the expiration of that time he established himself in the same trade in Hamburg, Iowa. A year later he came to Peo- ria, and 1887, connected himself with the Avery Planter Company, and kept books for it until Au- gust, 1889. In that month he accepted his present position as Manager of the Peoria Transfer and Storage Company, and during the year that he has had charge of its business he has proved himself to possess exceptional capacity for financial undertak- ings, being shrewd, far-seeing and systematic in the conduct of affairs. He looks zealously after
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the interests of the company, which is perfectly satisfied with his method of conducting business and considers that it is in a large degree indebted to him for its present standing.
Mr. Wing was wedded to Miss Minnie Purcell, daughter of Maggie Purcell, of Elmwood, October 29, 1887, and they have established an attractive home in our midst, where the considerate kindness of the hostess and the genial courtesy of the host attract numerons friends to share its pleasant hos- pitalities. Two children have come to bless their union-George C. and Marjorie Franees.
Mr. Wing possesses in a rare degree, those hap- py combinations of character that mark him at once as a man who is prompt and bold in his measures and at the same time, prudent and cautious in car- rying out his undertakings. He possesses a frank and open manner. is warm-hearted and liberal, and is much liked by his associates. He has intelli. gent convictions in regard to polities, and ranks among the active young Republicans of the city.
ENRY OERTLEY. One totally unae- quainted with the details of farm life, the value of different soils, or the modifying influence of forests, hills or prairies, ean still judge of the worth of an estate and the capa- bility of its manager by a glance. Fields wherein weeds fill every fence corner and lift their heads between the rows of grain, poor or inadequate shel ter for stock and crops, tumbled down fences and a general air of disorder, give conclusive evidence that the land is poor or illy managed. On the other hand, the appearance of neatness and order pre- vailing throughout every part of an estate, is an equally conclusive evidence of good management, industry, or fertility of the acres under considera- tion. The farm of the gentleman above named is included in the latter class, the buildings being most excellent and every improvement kept up in good shape. It is located on section 15, Akron Township, and comprises two hundred and forty acres.
Mr. Oertley, is a native of the beautiful land of
Switzerland, wherein his birth took place Septem- ber 27, 1840. His parents, Henry and Anna (Grass) Oertley, were Swiss. who emigrated from their own country in 1848, making their first home after crossing the ocean in Peoria. After living there three years they came into Akron Township,spend- ing the remnant of their days here. They were the parents of eight children, our subject being the fourth, upon whom they bestowed every advantage which their means and affection could compass.
Our subject grew to manhood in the township which is now his home and of which he has been a continuous resident with the exception of three years, during which he was serving gallantly in the Union Army. The intense loyalty and love of freedom which are inherent in the Swiss character led him to take a deep interest in the mutterings of the war cloud. and not long after the first gun was fired he determined to give the strength of his right arm to the Union cause. June 25. 1861, he became a member of Company H, Eighth Missouri Infantry, and going to the front participated in varions severe skirmishes, sanguinary battles and the various trying duties of eamp and campaign life. When mustered out of the service he returned to his father's home and when he set up his own household still remained within the township.
The lady whom Mr. Oertley won for his bride was Miss Babetta Hartmann, who was born in the same country as himself, her natal day having been September 17, 1846. She is the only child of Jacob and Babetta (Hansenberger) Hartmann who left the romantic land of their birth in the latter part of the '50s to become citizens of the United States. They settled in Peoria, but afterward removed to Akron Township where Mr. Hartmann died and his widow still lives.
The marriage rites between our subject and Miss Hartmann were celebrated December 9, 1866. and have been productive to them of five children- Henry, Jacob, Amelia, Emil and Babetta. The ohler daughter died when in her tenth year. She was an interesting little maiden, sprightly and apt, and like her brothers and sisters was being very carefully reared by her parents, whose earnest en- deavor it is to have their children grow to man. hood and womanhood in the possession of good
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educations, fine principles, and the manners of the truly courteous. That their efforts are being crowned with success the popularity of the various members of the family proves.
Mr. Oertley votes the Democratic ticket. He is interested in public affairs to the extent of en- couraging every worthy movement with his influ- ence and means, is respected for his good character, while his wife is regarded as one of the most in- telligent and worthy women in the neighborhood.
RS. PHEBE HINKLEY is a well-known and greatly esteemed resident of Brimfield Township. From her fine farm on section 28, she derives a most excellent income and her home here is replete with comfort. Mrs. linkley is a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Lancaster, September 11. 1831, coming of a sterling New England ancestry. ller parents, Otis and Clarinda (Severy ) Bennett, were also natives of the old Bay State. When she was about a year old they took her to Cayuga County, N. Y., where they resided for some years, and then took up their abode in Oswego County, the same State. There Mrs. Hinkley grew to womanhood, receiving her education in the common schools, her instruction there being supplemented by the careful training that she received at the hands of her good parents in her childhood's home.
She was thus amply fitted for the cares of a household, and September 11, 1851, by her marriage in Oswego County with William Darby, was placed in a home of her own. Mr. Darby was of New England birth and antecedents, and was a son of William Darby. By her marriage with him she had one daughter, Frances L., who is now deceased.
ory is still cherished as one of the sturdy pioneers of this section of the State. Ile was a man of high principle and earnest religious character, and was a devoted member of the Baptist Church.
Our subject was married a second time April 13, 1860, taking as her husband Rockwell Hinkley. Mr. Hinkley was of New England birth, born in the month of May, 1831, in Windsor County, Vt., and he was a son of J. Hinkley. By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hinkley became the parents of a danghter, named Alice M., who is now deceased.
Mr. Hinkley departed this life July 11, 1875, leaving behind him an honorable record of a life work well done. He was a true Republican in his polities, and actively co-operated with the public- spirited citizens of Brimfield Township, in any en- terprise looking to its improvement, morally, socially and religiously, and in his death, the citi- zenship of this place met with a loss. He was kind and loving as a husband, and was obliging as a neighbor, and was much missed far beyond the home circle. Ile served as Township Road Com- missioner, and School Director, doing good work in both capacities.
Mrs. Ilinkley, our subject, is a woman of many sterling virtues, possesses ability, tact, and energy. She has here a very pleasant home, and her farm comprising one hundred and two and one-fourth acres, is replete with improvements of substantial order, and its fields are under admirable cultiva- tion. A true Christian, who is active in all good work, she is one of the most valued members of the Baptist Church.
ACOB SELTZER. No more striking exam- ples of the result of the persistent pursuit of a purpose, prudent management, and wise economy can be found than in the careers of some of our German-American citizens. The subject of this notice is one of those who, begin- ning life's labors empty handed, has acquired a fine property, surrounded his family with every com- fort, and made provision for ease in his declining
In 1852, Mr. Darby came to Peoria County and purchased eighty acres of land in Brimfield Town- ship, of which he thus became a pioneer, and in 1853, he sent for his wife, who joined him, and she has been a resident here ever since. Mr. Darby's career in his new home was not destined to be a long one, as he died April 29, 1856, and his mem- | years. Ile owns and occupies a fine farm on sec-
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tion 21, Elmwood Township, and other landed es .. tate, the entire acreage being about four hundred and forty-two.
Mr. Seltzer was born in Germany, September 15, 1834. being one of three children born to Jacob and Elizabeth Seltzer. His father was a farmer and soldier in the German Army. When our subject was about six years of age, the parents emigrated to America, settling in Trivoli Township, this county. The father survived until 1859, and the mother until 1870. Our subject and a brother are the only members of the family cirele living. Dur- ing his boyhood and youth, the school privileges of Mr. Seltzer were somewhat limited, and he acquired but a meagre education. In lieu of book knowl- edge he learned habits of industry and persever- ance, and became well versed in agricultural pur- suits.
When about eighteen years of age, Mr. Seltzer began his personal career, working out by the month about two years, after which he operated rented farms in Trivoli and Elmwood Townships. On February 6, 1865, he took possession of one hundred and twenty acres which he still occupies, and for which he paid $60 per acre. Prior to this time he had bought one hundred acres of unim- proved land, and after improving, had sold it at a fitting advance. The land upon which he perma- nently located, has been added to by adjoining property and various improvements have been made by the present owner. A well built residence and barns have been erected, and the usual adorn- ments in the way of fruit and shade trees, a well- kept garden and neat fences, also added.
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The most of the land is under cultivation, de- voted to diversified farming, and some fine speci- mens of Short-horn cattle roam over the pastures. Another tract of one hundred and thirty-seven aeres. also in this township, has been supplied with a residence and proper outbuildings, and is mostly under cultivation. Mr. Seltzer likewise owns a five-acre tract of timber land.
In his efforts to build up a home, Mr. Seltzer lias been ably seconded by a wise and loving wife with whom he was united in marriage in 1856. Prior to that time she was known as Rebecca J. Bevins. She was born in Ohio, August 13, 1836, and is oue
of seven children, three now living, born to Rob- ert Bevins, who removed from the Buckeye State to this section about fifty years ago. Both her par- ents are now deceased.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Seltzer comprises six children-Edward, Harriet, Amos, Richard, Louis, and Jacob. The first-born is now Road Commissioner for Elmwood Township, and he and his youngest brother remain under the parental roof. Harriet, wife of Dexter Dikeman, lives in Fulton County ; Amos married Elvira Harding, has one child, and lives in Knox County; Richard mar- ried Minnie Dillon, their home being in the same township as our subject; Louis married Catherine Crabill. has one child, and also lives in Elmwood Township. Mr. Seltzer votes the Democratic ticket, has served his fellow-citizens as Pathmaster, and is considered a reliable and worthy citizen. He is justly proud of his worldly success, and of the standing which he occupies in the community.
R OBERT W. HARRISON, deceased, was one of the most prominent and wealthy farmers of Princeville Township. who took a leading part in the development of this section of the county, and was one of its most honored citizens. His father was an early settler of this part of Illinois, and was very much prospered in his various enterprises.
James Harrison was born in England in 1809, his birthplace being Yorkshire. He was a son of Robert Harrison, a blacksmith of that part of Eng- land. In 1822, when he was thirteen years old, his father emigrated to this country, and settled in Hampshire County, W. Va., where he established a home for his family, and there followed farming, and was also engaged as a blacksmith, and there he passed the remainder of his life. The father of our subject left his early English home with his father, and accompanied him to this country, and in Vir- ginia learned the blacksmith's trade of him, and carried it on there some years. In 1834 he came to Illinois with a wagon drawn by one horse, and settling in Rosefield Township, on the Kickapoo, he
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took up a claim there and erected a smithy as soon as he could get tools from Springfield, which was not until two years later. Ile carried on farming in connection with blacksmithing. and in 1836 bought a tax title to some land near Princeville. He engaged in its cultivation for one year, and then removed to Akron Township, where he bought a tract of wild land. Ile put up a smithy there, and for some time was actively engaged as a blacksmith, besides managing bis agricultural interests. He met with more than ordinary success, and became quite wealthy. Ile added to his farm until he possessed six hundred acres of as fine farming land as is to be found in this county. In 1871 he removed to Henry, Marshall County, where he lived retired until his death in 1879. IIe was in every respect a true, noble-hearted man, whom to know was to respect. In politics he used his influence in favor of the Republican party. He was actively identi- fied with the religious interests of his community, as one of the prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Cinuch, in which he served as Class- Leader, and in various other capacities ; and he also exerted his influence in behalf of education, and gave $20 toward the erection of the old stone school- house which is still standing, and is now used for a residence. Ile was a man of great practical me- chanical genius, and in early days used to make plows and manufacture some of the first that were ever used in this part of the State, and he made several other useful inventions. During his resi- dence in Akron Township, he built a mill, and operated it very successfully for five years. The maiden name of his wife was Susan M. Evans, and she was born in Hampshire County, Va. Her fa- ther died in that county. She died in Henry, Marshall County.
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