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 70
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John Müller
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Judge Ilopkins is an earnest believer in the principles of Republicanism, and, although not a politicia i in the ordinary sense of that term, wields his strong personal influence for their advancement, and uses the powers of his mind to convince others of their soundness. IIe is a member of the Re- formed Episcopal Church. His personal character is above reproach and he possesses the social quali- ties which give him popularity in the best circles.
The wife of Judge Hopkins was Emily A. Hough, a native of New Hampshire, who became his bride October 17, 1857. She died August 15, 1873, but still lives in the influences which a noble life ever exerts. Stie bore her husband seven children, all of whom are yet living. They are, Anna M., now a resident of Chicago; Henrietta A., wife of Prof. Edward B. Perry of Boston, Mass .; Henry S., book- keeper for Buckley, Parsley & Co., at the Board of Trade in Peoria; Emma Louisa, housekeeper at the family home; George W., farming in Nebraska; May Alice and Nida Helen, students in the Peoria lhigh School junior class.
R EV. JOIIN MULLER, A. B., A. M. The pleasing office of the biographical writer is to rescue from oblivion the names and deeds of those whose lives are well spent, whether on tented field, in busy marts of commerce, amid pastoral scenes or in the ranks of professional life. The man who stands before the people to proclaim the "unsearchable riches of the gospel of Christ," and to teach humanity how to live in order that it may be prepared to die, is surely worthy of remembrance, and deserving of an honorable place in the annals of the country. Rev. John Muller, pastor of the (German) Reformed Church of Peo- ria, bas filled the position since 1871, in a manner that denotes his deep attachment to the cause of Christianity, and his fitness for the holy office he has assumed.
The church over which Mr. Muller has charge, was established mainly through his efforts in organ- izing a society, as that organized in 1869 had gone
down for lack of a pastor. After the re-organiza- tion a church was built at the corner of Persimmon and Madison Streets, which still stands, and with which a school has since been connected, under the supervision of the officers of the church. The mem- bership of the church is now fifty families, and of the Sunday-school two hundred and twenty, while the day school is attended by fifty-six pupils.
Mr. Muller was born in Germany June 22, 1826, and under the wise laws of his native land ac- quired a fair education in boyhood. Before he had passed through his teens, he determined to seek a field of labor in the United States, and so bade adieu to the land of his birth, and crossing the At- lantic, arrived in New York August 19, 1845. He made it his first endeavor to learn the English lan- guage, and afterward attended Rutger College in New Brunswick, N. J., from which he was grad- uated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having the higher degree of Master of Arts bestowed upon him by his Alma Mater in later years.
We next find Mr. Muller prosecuting the studies that were intended to fit him for the ministry, in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at New Brunswick, N. J. During the first week of October, 1854, he was ordained, his first charge being at Wolcott, N. Y., the congre- gation American, and his pastorate continuing three years. He then went to Philadelphia to or- ganize a church, but his health was so poor, that he was obliged to abandon his labors and rest for a twelvemonth. At the expiration of the period of enforced idleness, he took charge of a church in Burlington, Iowa, leaving that city for a new field of labor in 1861.
At that time Mr. Muller assumed the pastorate of a large German Church in Silver Creek, Steph- enson County, IHl., continuing his labors there until 1871, when he came to Peoria. He is an ex- cellent speaker, forcible in argument, and as a pas- tor so faithful and conscientious is he, that his warmest and most devoted friends are his own pco- ple. His influence extends, as that of every true man must, beyond the limits of his congregation, and he is everywhere spoken of as an earnest and capable advocate of the claims of Christianity.
A young lady of New Brunswick, N. J., secured
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the affection of Rev. Mr. Muller,and with her he was united in marriage in January, 1855. She bore the maiden name of Cornelia V. Camp, and was born April 3, 1826. She entered into rest December 27, 1885, leaving behind her the record of good deeds that is a source of loving remembrance in the minds of her friends, and adds to the weight of her recollected words of counsel. Mrs. Muller was the mother of eight children, six of whom survive. They are Herman F., chief clerk for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in Peoria; Frank A., now in Omaha, Neb .; Mrs. Bessie Clinch, of Elm- wood, this county; Jobn, in the employ of the C'hi- cago, Burlington & Quincy road in Peoria: Martin is at home; and Emma Augusta, who has the house- wifely care of the house. All are well informed, upright, and useful in the spheres they occupy, and so are preparing themselves for greater works in the future.
The portrait of the Rev. John Muller, which is presented in connection with his sketch, will be con- sidered a valuable addition to the ALBUM, not only by his parishioners, but by his many friends throughout the county.
E DWIN S. WOLLAND is a prominent and wealthy coal miner of this county, and is successfully operating the mine of E. Wol- land & Sons with his brothers-Jesse Thomas and Henry. Within a few years he has purchased from his father, a former well-known and honored resi- dent of this county, the old homestead, which is finely situated near the village of Bartonville, and here he and his family have a beautiful home.
Our subjeet is a native of Richland County, Wis., and was a Christmas gift to his parents, Edward and Eliza (Striekland) Wolland, he having been born December 25, 1857. When he was three months old, they settled on the same section where he now resides, and his father engaged in mining and has always been interested in mines in the vi- cinity of Peoria on the Kickapoo Creek, and has acquired a comfortable fortune. About three years ago. he and his family removed to Missouri, our
subject purchasing the old homestead at that time. During his residence here the father took a promi- nent part in public affairs, and held many offices of trust in the township. He was a true Repub- lican in politics, and in religion is a Methodist. He is a man of upright, noble character, and has always borne himself, both in public and in private life, so as to win and retain the thorough respect of all about him. He and his wife are of English birth, were married in England and came from Bristol to America many years ago. Two of their children were born in England and eleven were born in the United States, eight of whom survive. They were all given fair educational advantages in the district schools.
Since he was eleven years old, our subject has been in the mines of this county, with the exception of two years in Leadville, Colo., where he worked in the smelting works and one year in Argentine, Kan., where he was also employed in smelting works. He thus gained a good practical knowledge of mining at an early age, and when he attained his majority he commenced in business for himself, working in the mines and then operating mines in his own interest, and is at present engaged as be- fore stated. His large enterprise and talent for business have brought him in large returns, and though he has not yet attained middle life he is already a man of considerable wealth.
Our subject has been very fortunate in his mar- ried life, as in his marriage, in 1882, to Miss Violet Johnston, he secured a true and devoted wife. She is a daughter of Archibald Johnston, who died when she was about fifteen years old. By that sad event she became an orphan, her mother having died when she was nine years old, but kind friends provided for her a home, and she became an inmate of the household of Mr. Lemuel Barton, whose sketch ap- pears in this work. She remained in his family until within a year of her marriage, when she went to live with Joseph Collier. Each of these families think as much of her as if she was their own, and treated her like a daughter. To her and our subject have come four children, two of whom survive, two having died in infancy. Harold, a lad of six years, and baby Agnes brighten the home of their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Wolland spent one
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year of their wedded life in Argentine, Wyan- dotte County, Kan., but have since made their home here. They are people of high social stand- ing and are greatly esteemed by the entire commu- nity. Mr. Wolland's practical business ability and enterprise have been very beneficial in their effects on the prosperity of the township and have given him a good name in financial circles.
ENRY S. BARTON, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Limestone Township, is the son of a well-known pioneer family, and since attaining manhood has taken his place among those who are most active in sustaining and extending the great agricultural interests of Peo- ria, his native county.
lle is the eldest son of William C. II. Barton, and was born in Peoria Township, within half a mile from where he now lives. He was given ex- cellent educational advantages, attended the Tomey school, now known as Oak Grove, and the district schools, and completed his studies by a course at Cole's Business College of Peoria. After marriage he took charge of the old homestead, and has re- sided on it ever since, carrying on an extensive farming business, and paying particular attention to stock-raising. There are about four hundred acres of land in the farm, and much of it is finely adapted to stock-raising purposes, and is used for pasturing. It is under good improvement, has substantial, well-appointed buildings, and is in all respects one of the most desirable estates in the township. This location may be considered his- torical, as it was once the home of an Indian tribe, and directly in front of the Barton homestead was the old camping ground of the noted Shabbona, the Chief who was so friendly with the whites, he and his braves having their wigwams in the mouth of Shabbona hollow or creek, five miles south of Peo- ria.
Mr. Barton was married in 1879, to Miss Mary J .. daughter of Henry and Margaret K. Bickerton, and their pleasant home circle is completed by the presence of their only child, Pearl May. Mr. and
Mrs. Barton are exceedingly hospitable, and render their charming home attractive alike to friend or the stranger who may happen within their gate.
Mr. Barton's career as a practical agriculturist, as a man and a citizen, has been such as to reflect credit on the place of his birth. A man of many resources, possessing a clear, well trained mind,and a good capacity for business, he has been instru- mental in advancing the prosperity of Limestone, and the township finds in him a citizen who takes a genuine interest in its welfare, and never hesitates to use his influence to forward all schemes that are in any way likely to benefit the community. In politics he is, and always has been a stalwart Re- publican, and his means and energy have always been at the disposal of his party to a most generous extent. lle takes quite an interest in political mat- ters, and during the war when as a boy, he went to school in the neighborhood, he and his cousin were the two only representatives of Republican fami- lies, the other scholars being rebel sympathizers and Democrats. They would jump on the two Bartons and many a hard battle was fought between them. But our subject and his cousin always stood bravely by their colors, though so greatly in the minority.
R EV. WILLIAM R. BUTCHER. To all be- lieving in the immortality of the soul, the calling of a minister is looked upon as one of the utmost responsibility, requiring the exercise of the highest faculties of which mind and heart are capable, and needing for its successful prosecution the tact which will make a man "wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove." Although there have been worthy men who have won many souls to Christ by means only of their religious zeal and natural aptitude for the presen- tation of Gospel truths, it is generally conceded that a thorough education is a weapon that should be used in the Gospel warfare. The man who com- bines with an earnest faith the knowledge of liter- ature which will enable him to cull illustrations from many climes and seasons, and to connect rev-
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elation with nature and science, possesess a lever with which to move some hearts which might oth- erwise remain untouched.
The subject of this sketch, a well-known minis- ter of Elmwood, was prepared in excellent schools, to carry on the work to which lis natural inclina- tions and abiding interest in the cause of Chris- tianity led him. He is of English birth, having opened his eyes to the light September 25, 1841. in a town in the mother country. His parents, William and Sophia A. (Chappell) Butcher, like- wise natives of England, emigrated to America in 1847, coming directly to Illinois. They settled in McLean County, but in 1851 removed to Knox County where they are still living. The aged couple are the parents of seven children, three of whom have been spared to the present time. Of these the subject of our notice is the oldest. The others are: L. G., a resident of Cass County, Iowa, and W. J., whose home is in Galesburg, this State.
After some fundamental instruction, he of whom we write entered Knox Academy at Galesburg, whence he at length departed to Montreal, Canada, to become a student in McGill University. IIe left the University at the close of his junior year and spent some months in England. Returning to Illinois he engaged in farming, with the variety of school teaching during two winters, until a change in his life plans directed him toward the Christain ministry and he entered the Chicago Theological Seminary, from which he was gradu- ated in 1869. The American Home Missionary Society desired to send ministers to the Far West and was looking about for such as' possessed the neccessary qualifications to carry on the work in a new field. While yet in the Theological Seminary, Mr. Butcher was selected as one fitted for such a position. He was ordained in Galesburg, Ill., June 15, 1869, and went west the following August.
For seven years Mr. Butcher remained on the Pacifio Slope, during that time being pastor of a Congregational Church at Albany, Ore., and subsequently of one at The Dalles. He put the whole strength of his mind and body into his work and was abundantly blest by the love and confidence of his people and by the increase of the religions bodies under his charge. He returned
to Illinois in 1876 and in this State has since re- mained with the exception of two and one-half years, still laboring in the Master's vineyard and garnering sheaves for his kingdom. He has been stationed at Hinsdale, Wataga and Elmwood, his charge in the latter place having been assumed some three years since. Kokomo, Ind., was the field of his labors during the period which he has passed outside of Illinois since his return from the West.
The Congregational Church at Elmwood, over which our subject has pastoral care and oversight, has been in existence since 1854. The congrega- tion numbers about two hundred, carries on a great deal of benevolent work, and is an impor- tant factor in the moral education of the young as well as the spiritual welfare of those that arc old enough to decide the great question, "whom will ye serve."
Mr. Butcher is an able speaker, not only on Bi- ble topics, which he eloquently expounds, but on other subjects of both social and national im- port. He frequently delivers orations on Decora- tion Day and the Fourth of July, the announce- ment that he is to speak never failing to attract many listeners. He is well known as a strong ad- vocate of Temperance, although not a third party man, his political affiliation being with the Repub- lican party. His first Presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln at his second candidacy. Thoroughly posted on various political issues, Mr. Butcher has not only weighed well and calmly decided upon their merits, but he is able to clearly express his convictions to others.
The household of our subject includes a wife and five children, the most important member of the circle being a devoted Christian woman who bore the maiden name of Mary Avery. She became the wife of our subject in 1869, and by her appreciation of his efforts and entire sympathy with his aspira- tions,as well as by the peace which she has secured to his home life,has been an efficient aid to him in the work which he has undertaken. Her parents, George and S. P. M. (Phelps) Avery, were mem- bers of the first colony in Galesburg, where the daughter was born August 13, 1844. She was a student at Knox Seminary and has ever been
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much interested in the prosperity of her Alma Mater, as are all lovers of learning. Her father was a native of New York and her mother of Massachusetts.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Butcher are: Ilarry E., Mary Zelle, Etha, William A., and Irene Lonise. The older son has just entered Knox College and the others are students still in the common and high schools.
RANCIS E. SHEPARD came to this county in 1860 and has ever since been an influen- tial and prosperous member of its farming community. He purchased his present valuable farm, located on section 7, Chillieothe Township, in 1864, and since then has made many fine im- provements and has placed it among the most de- sirable estates in this locality. Mr. Shepard was born in Cortland County, N. Y., August 20, 1820. His father, Nathaniel Shepard, was a native of Massachusetts, and a son of the Rev. Timothy Shepard, who was born in England, and came of pure English ancestry.
The Rev. Timothy Shepard was only a small boy when his parents came to the United States and settled in New York. He grew to manhood in that Commonwealth, and entered the ministry of the Baptist Church, being a representative of the old school. He was later married to a lady of New York State, Miss Casiah Cooper, who was born and reared in that part of the country, and came of an old family, who were early settlers of Cooperstown, N. Y., and gave that place its name. After their marriage Mr. Shepard took his young wife to the wilds of Broome County, and there he farmed and preached during the remainder of his active life, dying when an old man past four-score years of age. Although a minister of the gospel he had a truly martial spirit, and when the Rev- olution broke out his patriotism was aroused and he offered his services as a soldier, and did good work in that conflict. He was an honest upright man, and was greatly reverenced by the entire
community where so many years of his life were passed. His wife preceded him in death some two years. They were the parents of fourteen chil- dren, Nathaniel, the father of our subject being the eldest, and eleven of the family were reared and married, and in their turn reared families to good and useful citizenship.
Nathaniel Shepard grew up on a farm in his na- tive county, and in early manhood was married to Polly Billings, who was of fine old New England stock and was a native of Vermont. Her parents, Jonas and Polly (Lawrence) Billings, were also natives of the Green Mountain State, and were there reared, educated and married, and later in life removed to Broome County, N. Y., of which they became pioneers and there reared a family on a farm. After their children, four in number- Sallie, Polly, Alvin and Jonas-had grown to manhood and womanhood, Mr. and Mrs. Billings both passed away at an advanced age, on their old homestead in Broome County. They had been all their lives active members of the Presbyterian Church, and were most severe and straight laced in their principles, after the old New England faith of their day.
After his marriage, Nathaniel Shepard at once took his bride to Willett Township, Cortland County, N. Y., where he began life as a farmer, and they made their home there the rest of their days. Mr. Shepard died at the age of forty-seven years, his death having been caused by a fall from a barn that he was building. His wife survived him some years, and died when little past fifty years of age, she, like her husband, dying in the faith of the Baptist Church.
Our subjeet is one of seven children, three sons and four danghters, all of whom are yet living, with the exception of two brothers, who sacrificed their lives on the altar of their country during the late Civil War. All are married and have reared families. Our subject gleaned an excellent educa- tion in the common schools of his native county, and gained a good practical knowledge of farming on his father's homestead. Since coming to Illi- nois, his devotion to his work, and his sound judg- ment in regard to all matters pertaining to the best means of carrying on farming and stock-raising,
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have brought him their sure reward, and have placed him among the substantial farmers of Chilli- cothe. Ilere he has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is first class in its appointments, and is under a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Shepard was married in his native county, to Miss Hannah Smith, and had the good fortune to secure one who has been to him a true help- mate indeed. She was born and reared in Broome County, her birth occurring April 12, 1823. Her parents. Nicholas and Elizabeth (Cornell) Smith, were also natives of New York, and lived and died in Broome County. They were farmers by occu- pation, and rounded out their useful lives at an advanced age. Mrs. Shepard was the youngest but one of a family of thirteen children. but few of whom are now living. She is an intelligent lady and is well considered by her neighbors for her pleasant social qualities and kindly helpfulness. She is the mother of four children, as follows: Mary, wife of Frank Wilson, a farmer in Howell County, Mo .; Ellen, wife of S. Neil, of Chillico- the, who is connected with the Sante Fe Railroad Company as a mechanic; E. F., whose biography appears in this volume; and Ada, wife of William Whittaker, a farmer and dairyman in this town- ship.
A man of Mr. Shepard's common sense, good capacity and sterling principle is necessarily a per- son of weight and influence in any community, and he is found to be one of our most useful citi- zens. Ile has filled several of the local offices with ability, and has always interested himself in what- ever concerned the welfare of his adopted town- ship. In politics lie is a true Republican, though not offensively partisan.
REDERICK SCHILOTS, a pioneer though not an early settler of Brimfield Township, has borne an honorable part in its develop- ment, and is to-day accounted one of its substantial and most worthy citizens. Ile is a native of Ger- many, Wurtemberg being the place of his birth. and December 20, 1833, the date thereof. Ilis
parents. Frederick and Catherine Schlots, were also of German birth, and he was carefully reared by them to industrious habits, and when he was twenty- one years of age, started for this country, with his health and good principles and excellent capacity for labor as liis only capital, to seek on a foreign soil a home for himself. It was in the fall of 1853 that he took passage at Hamburg on a sailing vessel, and after an ocean voyage of fifty-six days, Janded in New York and went directly from there to Pennsylvania. Ile lived in that State some nine months, working at whatever his hands could find to do to make an honest penny, and he then made his way to Kentucky and for eighteen months was employed by a gardener near Louisville. In 1856, he came to this county, and for some five years worked by the month as a farm hand, receiving from $15 to $18 per month and his board. He also farmed as a renter for about four years. He was careful in saving up his money and finally was en- abled to buy his present farm on which he settled in 1866, and since that time has been a highly re- spected citizen of Brimfield Township. His farm, comprising two hundred and thirty-five acres,is one of the most desirable in its locality on account of its excellent cultivation, and the many good im- provements that are the work of his own hand. Thus we see his industry and perseverance,seconded by careful and thrifty management and sagacious judgment have been well rewarded.
Our subject has not worked alone all these years but has had the cheerful assistance of an active and capable wife, to whom he was married January 23, 1862. Mrs. Schlots' maiden name was Catherine Eslinger, and she is a native of Ohio. To her and our subject have been born eight children, of whom the following four are living: Charles, Samuel, Sadie and Alice.
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