Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 65

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1014

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 65

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The subject of this notice was married in Ohio, January 26. 1848, to Miss Malona Evans, a native of Ohio and who by her union with our subject be- came the mother of four children. The eldest of these, a son Oliver died at the age of seven years; Evelyn is the wife of J. S. Starr, Collector of Uni- ted States Revenue at Peoria; Isaac E. is a crayon artist of marked talent and is a resident of Minneap- olis, Minn. ; Lulu M., is the wife of William B. Cravens of Kansas City. Mrs. Malona Burt de- parted this life at ber home in Peoria, January 1, 1873.

Mr. Burt contracted a second marriage July 13. 1876, with Miss Betsey Cotton. This lady was born in Onondaga, N. Y. Mr. Burt, politically, is a sound Republican and religiously, a Universalist. lIe belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic at Peoria and is also identified with the Masonic fraternity. He was at one time the Senior Vice- Commander of Bryner Post, No. 67, G. A. R. of this city. At the battle of Resaca, Ga., he was shot through the cheek, losing all his teeth. but rapidly recovered and returned after thirty days to his command.

Le EMUEL T. BARTON came to Peoria County in his childhood in the early years of its settlement, grew up under the primi- tive conditions that obtained here during his boy- hood and early manhood, and for many years has exerted a potent influence in advancing its great agricultural interests, and to-day is one of the solid nien of his community. He has a valu-

able farm in Limestone that is in all respects as good a farm as is to be found in the whole county. It is finely improved and its well-tilled fields yield a rich income aside from the money the owner makes in the stock-raising business. Our subject is ably assisted in his work by his two sons.

Mr. Barton was born in Ohio, April 10, 1820, to Vincent and Mary Barton, who died here in 1834, and left a family of four boys-Simeon, William C. II., Lemuel T. and John. The latter died in Arizona.

The subject of this biographical review was but five years of age when he came with his parents to this county. He grew to manhood here, and in 1847 went out in the world, wishing to see more of the country and to better his financial condition if possible. He started on the long and tedious journey across the desert plains and mountains to the western coast, accompanied by Conrad Bonr- land and Henry Aiken, both Peoria boys, and they fitted out an ox-team and wagon together, and started out on the trip by the way of St. Joseph. Mo., where the last house was seen. They struck the Platte River near Ft. Kearney and they fol- lowed that stream to Ft. Laramie. They passed Lar- amie Peak and crossed a part of the Black Hills, and crossed the Rocky Mountains at South Pass. They went along the coast to Smoke River and stopped at what was then Ft. Vancouver, on the Columbia · River, for a short time and then proceeded to the mouth of that stream and built a mill, which was for the purpose of manufacturing lumber. At about that time gold was discovered in California and the rush in that direction left them without men to operate the mill. So our subject and his comrades followed snit, and in the winter of 1848- 49 went to California and worked in the mines. They subsequently returned to Oregon and bought a sawmill for $15,000. which they managed suc- cessfully for a short time and then sold out at an advance, and shortly after, in 1852, returned to Ill- inois by the way of Mexico and the Gulf, New York and Chicago.

Mr. Barton staid there until the opening of the war, and in the meantime was married to Miss Mary, daughter of William McCown, who had come to this county from near Johnstown, Pa.

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After the birth of three children, Mr. and Mrs. Barton started westward with their family, going by the way of Panama to San Francisco, and from there to Portland, Ore. They staid in that city some months and then returned to this State by the same route. Our subject then took posses- sion of the place where he now lives, which he bought of his father-in-law. His farm is pleas- antly located on the Pekin road about five miles from the court house, and here he has a lovely home, located on the side of the hill overlooking the valley of the Illinois, where his land lies. His homestead comprises seventy-one acres and he has three hundred and twenty acres besides in Living- ston County, which is among the finest farming land in the world. He and his sons do quite a large business in stock-raising, and have now about one hundred head of cattle of choice breeds in the place. They take quite an interest in horses, and have some very fine specimens of the Belgium and Henry Clay stock on hand.

The death of six of their eight children has shadowed the otherwise happy wedded life of our subject and his wife. Their son, William J., died at the age of twenty-three. Ile was a young man of great promise and was well educated, having been graduated at Cole's College, Peoria. John and Ollie died in childhood; Frank. Elmira and Cole also died when quite young. They have but two sons now living. both of whom are fine young men of great activity and business enterprise. Joseph, the eldest, received the benefits of a liberal education, and is a very energetic young man. Miner, the other son, is a graduate of the Peoria Business College.

As we have seen, Mr. Barton has been a resident of this county these many years. IIe has witnessed almost its entire growth and has been an able as- sistant in bringing about the great change that makes it one of the leading counties of the State. He has a vivid remembrance of the early days of the settlement of this part of Illinois and of the primitive manners and customs of the people. The children wore buckskin breeches in the winter and in the summer a shirt of linsey woolsey completed their costume. Ile can remember the day when money was a scarce article, with no surplus in the

treasury. and instead of specie and greenbacks as mediums of exchange. most any commodity was used; coon skins taking the place of silver, bees- wax of gold, and deer or buckskin of greenbacks. When he was a boy there were no schools. The State did not give him any education whatever, but later subscription schools were established. Mr. Barton is a strong Republican in his polititical views and his two boys follow in his footsteps in that line. Our subject's honorable and useful life has not only been productive of prosperity for him- self. but has won him a high place in the estimation of the entire community.

E RNEST F. SHEPARD is a successful gen- eral farmer and dairyman in Chillicothe Township, conducting the latter business in partnership with Mr. Whittaker, under the name of Shepard & Whittaker, and as an intelligent, en- terprising and progressive young man he is of great assistance in furthering the prosperity of this section of the county.

A native of Kalamazoo County, Mich., our sub- ject was born January 28, 1856, and is the son of Francis E. Shepard. llis father was born in New York State, and there grew to manhood near Syra- cuse. Ile learned the trade of a shoemaker, but subsequently turned his attention to farming. Ile was married in his native State to Miss Hannah Smith, who was also born in that State, her parents being Germans. After the birth of their first child Mr. and Mrs. Shepard settled in Kalamazoo County, Mich., and there be entered upon a prosperous ca- reer as a farmer. lle improved a place which he sold in order to come to this State in 1861. After his arrival he located in Chillicothe, and later set- tled on a farm in the country not far from the city. Ile disposed of that afterward and pur- chased one of one hundred and forty acres on sec- tions 6 and 7, on which he still makes his home. though he and his wife are now living retired, having accumulated an ample competence. The farm is well improved. and is supplied with good buildings, and everything necessary to carry it on

JA Dubett

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to the best advantage. Mr. Shepard Is seventy years old and his good wife is some years younger. A residence here of nearly thirty years has given them an extensive acquaintance, and one and all regard them with confidence and esteem for their kindly, friendly ways and benevolent sympathy, and their many other excellent qualities of head and heart.

The subject of this biography is the third child in a family of four children, three daughters and one son, all of whom are married and well settled in life. He was a small boy when his parents brought him to this township, and he was educated in the public schools. Ile early adopted the call- ing of a farmer, and has been engaged in agricul- tural pursuits on his own account ever since he became of age. His farm is located on sections 5 and 6, Chillicothe Township, and comprises one hundred and twenty acres of exceeding fertility, and supplied with substantial improvements, in- cluding a neat set of farm buildings. Mr. Shepard operates altogether two hundred and sixty acres of land, and is meeting with unqualided success in his work. Besides attending to the management of his farm Mr. Shepard also has extensive dairy in- terests in company with Mr. Whittaker, whose bi- ography appears on another page of this volume. They have fifty cows, which they depend upon for their supply in catering to the wants of all Chilli- cothe, where they have a large trade. and are doing a fine business, as they are found to be fair and square in their dealings, and sell nothing but the best of milk and cream to their customers.

Mr. Shepard was married in this county, in the city of Peoria, to Miss Henrietta Butler, and in her he finds one who is all that a good, true wife can be. She is a true home-maker, and their dwelling is the centre of comfort and hopitality. Five ehil- dren have come to her and our subject, namely: Frank B., Arthur R., Ruby S., George C., Grace M. Mrs. Shepard is the daughter of John and Susanna (Smith) Butler, natives of England; the father is deceased, the mother resides in Mckees- port, Pa. Mrs. Shepard was born in Mckeesport September 26, 1860, and came to Illinois with her sister in September 1878.

Dowered with energy and ambition, seconded

by prudence. thrift and stability, and with an ex- cellent capacity for labor. Mr. Shepard is sure to make of life a success, and is already accounted one of the solid men of the neighborhood. Politi- cally he is a supporter of the Republican party.

AMES A. TURBETT. We invite the at- tention of the reader to a lithographie por- trait of this gentleman, presented on the opposite page. He is a representative citizen of Peoria County, owning and operating a fine farm in Logan Township. Besides being a practical tiller of the soil he is interested in stock- raising, making a specialty of Short-horn cattle amd Norman horses. Upon his farm he has a beautiful home, replete with the comforts and luxuries of modern civilization.

The parental history of Mr. Turbett is fully given in the sketch of John B. Turbett, to be found elsewhere in this volume. His parents were John and Nancy (Beaty) Turbett, and while they were residents of Fayette County, Ohio, James A. was born. May 31, 1831. When five years of age lie accompanied his parents to this county. of which he is now an honored and enterprising citizen. At the age of eighteen he began to work out by the month, and his extensive property has been acen- mulated by the persistent force of quiet and well- directed toil. Ile is now the owner of a large and very valuable farm of four hundred and forty acres, and has erected a handsome and substantial residence, a commodious barn and other conve- niently arranged outbuildings. For the past eight years he has been engaged in breeding Short-horns, and for six years has bred Norman horses, having a fine collection of stock on his place.

March 3, 1870, Mr. Turbett and Miss Naney Parr were united in marriage. She was born in Ireland, and is a daughter of Andrew and Ann (Parr) Parr. Of their pleasant wedded life seven children have been born, of whom the following are living : John G .. Stewart, William and James H.

As the most of his boyhood and manhood have

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been passed in this county, our subject is well known, both socially and in a business way, and is regarded with favor and friendship by a numerous acquaintance, his wife sharing with him in the high estimation in which he is held. He has long been identified with the Democratic party, having cast his first vote for James Buchanan.

AMES CIIALLACOMBE. For more than thirty years this gentleman has been num- bered among the progressive, thorough- going farmers of Radnor Township. His industry has been rewarded by the securing of a good farm, his private worth has been recognized by an established reputation, and the confidence of his fellow-men in his ability to serve them has been manifested by his election to positions of public responsibility and trust. His well-regula- ted estate is located on section 30, consisting of two hundred and twenty-five acres, on which good improvements have been made, and where the fields present an appearance which indicates, even to one unfamiliar with farm life, that it is con- trolled by one who understands his business.

Mr. Challacombe is an Englishman, having been born in Devonshire in 1836. ITe is the third child in a family consisting of four sons and one daugh- ter, born to William and Anna (Stevens) Challa- combe, who spent their entire lives amid the fair fields of Devon. Our subjeet passed his early years in the mother country, leaving it only after he had attained his majority, when, believing that America would afford a broader field for the exer- tion of his energies, he emigrated in 1858. He selected the Prairie State as the scene of his fu- ture labors, and in this county secured employ- ment as a farm laborer, continuing his work as such some three years. He then rented land until his accumulations had reached an amount which warranted bim in purchasing, when he became an American landowner.

The estimable character and pleasing manners of Miss Lucy A. Rogers, a native of this county, won the regard of Mr. Challacombe, who wooed

and won the lady for his wife. The happy union was blest by the birth of three children, one of whom died in infancy. The survivors are Charles and Lucy Bertha. The wife and mother was torn from her dear ones by death in 1872, breathing her last at her home in Radnor Township. Some time afterward Mr. Challacombe was again married, in Peoria, to Sarah F. Rogers, a sister of his first wife, and the possessor like her of genuine worth of character, together with the domestic knowl- edge and general intelligence which enables her to make her dwelling a happy home. This union has resulted in the birth of three children-Archie T., Bruce and Edna. All of the children of our sub- ject are receiving the best advantages which the section affords to secure good educations and fit themselves for useful careers in years to come.

Mr. Challacombe is now serving his second term as Highway Commissioner, an office to which lie was at first appointed but subsequently elected. For about fourteen years he has been School Director, his continuance in this position giving abundant evidence that the residents in the district think the progress of the schools is being advanced at his hands. In political affairs he takes quite an active part, voting the Democratic ticket. Mrs. Challa- combe is a member, in good standing, of the Bap- tist Church.

OHN G. SIEGEL is numbered among the leading substantial farmers and stock-raisers of Rosefield Township, wherein he has a fine estate of four hundred acres. Sixty-six acres were inherited by his wife, but the remainder has been purchased by Mr. Siegel.

Mr. Siegel is of German ancestry in both lines of descent. His paternal grandfather, George Sicgel, was the father of four sons and three daughters. The sons emigrated to America, all settling in Troy, Ohio, and all rearing families. Ferdinand, the fa- ther of our subject, was the first to locate there, the date of his arrival being 1838. He was a native of Baden, Germany. He learned the trade of a black- smith in Troy, where he lived nineteen years, then

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removing to Putnam County, purchased one hun- dred and twenty aeres of land, and spent the re- mainder of his days in farming. He passed away June 30, 1888, at the age of seventy-six years, his faithful companion having departed this life some thirteen years previously.

The wife of Ferdinand Siegel was known in her girlhood as Margaret Acer. Her parents came to Ameriea in 1833, loeating in Chambersburg. Pa., whence they removed to Ohio, the father dying in Dayton when forty-four years old, and the mother also breathing her last there. They reared three children-Margaret, Elizabeth, and John. Eliza- beth Acer was first married to Mr. Colter, and sub- quently to Mr. Raschke; John Acer was a member of the Union Army during the Civil War. The family was reared in the Catholic faith. Mr. and Mrs. Siegel afterward became identified with the Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of seven children, the subject of this notice being the first-born. The other members of the fraternal band are William, whose home is in Ohio; Jacob, a resident of Crawford County, Neb .; Ferdinand, living in Columbus, Ohio; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Beard, also of the Buckeye State; Frank, of Co- lumbus, Ohio; and Edward, who resides in Brim- field Township.

The subject of this notice was born in Troy, Ohio, January 4, 1845, lived in that city until twelve years old and there obtained his education. When twenty years old he left the parental home to begin life for himself, coming to Peoria County, where he sojourned but a short time ere returning to his native State. Two years later he came again to Illinois, finding employment in Rosefield Town- ship, this county, as a farm laborer, working by the month for a year. He then made brick at Edwards Station a twelvemonth, after which he began farm- ing for himself where he is still living. lle rented the land eight years, then purchased with the re. sult that he now has, one of the best farms in the township.

Mr. Siegel is an honored citizen, peaceable and law-abiding, upright and considerate in all his deal- ings with mankind, and kindly in domestie life. His political adherence is given to the Democratic party, but his friends are not confined to that or-

ganization. He has served as Tax Collector of the township, and was Highway Commissioner three terms.

The home of Mr. Siegel is presided over by a lady of genuine worth, who became his cherished companion February 3, 1870. She is a daugliter of Ephraim C. and Keziah ( Luce) Rynearson, her parents being natives of Hamilton County, Ohio, and Indiana respectively. She was christened Eliza- beth A., and when married to our subject, was the widow of Andrew Meeks, who lost his life during the Civil War. The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Siegel has resulted in the birth of four children, of whom William and Charles W. survive. Demini- cus F. died when seven years old, and Rebecca B. at the age of seven weeks.

ILLIAM H. BRADLEY. Although but thirty years of age Mr. Bradley is well- known in Rosefield Township and the ad- joining agricultural distriets, as a farmer and stock-raiser of enterprise and substance. Hle was born in Marshall County, April 1, 1860, his father, Hugh Bradley, being a native of Ireland, and his mother, Phebe Jane (King) Bradley, of Peoria County. this State. .

Ilugh Bradley came to the United States when but a boy, working for E. C. Rynearson in this county by the month for several years. After his marriage he located in Marshall County, purehas- ing two hundred and forty aeres of land, in the im- provement of which he became broken down in health. Returning to his native land in hopes of regaining strength, he died there about 1868. Ile left three children-Mary, now Mrs. John Logue; Fanny, now the wife of Alphonso Dann, and Wil- liam 11., of whom we write. He was a Republican in politics. His two brothers. Francis and Barney, and his sister Catherine, now MIrs. Sloan, came to the United States after his death. and the brothers are now living in Iowa.

The mother of our subject has been twice mar- ried since the death of Mr. Bradley, but has no children by the later unions. She is a daughter of

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

John King, who was among the earliest settlers in Rosefield Township and the parent of four children -William, Jacob, Phebe Jane and Catherine. The latter is now Mrs. Van Arsdall. The mother of this family died some years since and the father after marrying a second time removed to Oregon.

Since the death of his father our subject has shifted for himself, but has fortunately found friends able and willing to assist him in worldly affairs. He was reared in the family of Henry Hu- lick, an early settler of this township where he had entered one hundred and sixty acres of Govern- ment land. Eighty acres of this was willed to our subject, who has since purchased the other eighty and a forty-acre tract additional. On this fine estate of two hundred acres he is carrying on the work of the general agriculturist, successfully prosecuting his calling and gaining the respect of those who know him by reason of his manly, upright char- acter. He has had $1,000 from his father's estate, which, together with the land he inherited, gave him an excellent start in life.

A most important member of the household on the estate of which we are writing, is Mrs. Bradley, formerly Miss Minnie Harper. She is an intelligent lady, possessing much housewifely skill and a fine character. She became the wife of our subject August 12, 1880, and their union has been blessed hy the birth of two children-Hulick R. and Leon Forrest. Mrs. Bradley is a daughter of David and Christenah (Vanover) Harper, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Bradley followed school teaching for nine years before her marriage, teaching several terms at one place, and was quite successful in her labors.

W ILLIAM JASPER EWALT. As a repre- sentative of the pioneer stock of Elmwood Township, no better person can be found than W. J. Ewalt, who occupies a farm on section 28. His grandfather, John Ewalt, was the first settler in the township, locating in 1831, on section 29, where he built the first log house, and with the help of his son William D., turned the first fur-

row. In 1846 he erected a brick house that is yet standing. ITis land was taken from the Govern- ment and at one time he owned thirteen hundred acres. He passed away April 3, 1869, his first wife, the grandmother of our subject, having died in 1857.

The father of our subject was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 26, 1818, and was therefore about thirteen years old when he began his labors in the Prairie State. In 1845 he married Hannah Bevans, whose parents had come hither from the Buckeye State in October, 1838, settling on sec- tion 34. The Bevans family included twelve chil- dren, all yet living but two, and the youngest now nearly sixty years old. Mrs. Hannah (Bevans) Ewalt is still hale and hearty, although seventy- three years of age. Her husband, William D. Ewalt, died on the homestead on section 28, to which he had taken his bride, and on which they lived happily until he was called home February 14, 1882. Their children are George M. D. of this township; Maggie, wife of Levi Okell, of Mis- souri ; our subject; Elizabeth, wife of John Nicke- son, of this township; and Arthur, who died in 1858. The father was particularly interested in the cause of education, and like his progenitors was esteemed as a trustworthy and energetic citizen.

The subject of this notice was born on the farm he now operates, December 27. 1850, remaining thereon until of age. Ile acquired a practical cdu- cation, completing his course of study in the high school at Elmwood. After reaching his majority he spent a short time in Iowa, then returned here, permanently locating at the old home, where he is carrying on general farming, breeding standard grades of cattle and the George Sprague stock of horses. Ile owns sixty-seven and one-half acres, together with a third interest in a forty-acre tract, having adequate improvements upon his home place and various conveniences for carrying on his occupation. Ilis comfortable dwelling was erected two years ago at a cost of $1,200, taking the place of the old home which was destroyed by fire.

In February, 1882, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Ewalt and Miss Grace, daughter of James P. and Cynthia (Ferguson) Ja- cobs. The bride's mother was the first white child

John G. Kendall,

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born in Orange Township, Knox County, to which Mr. Jacobs came in 1847. The latter is still sur- viving, keeping an hotel at Eureka. Mrs. Jacobs died in 1878. Their family consisted of seven eliildren, five of whom are yet living.

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Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 65

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1014