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 79
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many of the years was well known as a member of of the legal fraternity, eminent in his profession, cultured in mind and well bred in manner.
Judge Gale was born in Salisbury, N. H .. Febru- ary 22, 1814, being a son of Benjamin and Achsah (Bailey) Gale. His early life was spent in the Granite State, and his education completed at Dart- mouth College, Hanover, from which he graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1833. The following spring he came to Peoria, and for a time was in the hardware business with Moses Pettengill who was originally from his own native place. Subsequently he read law in the office of Cyrus Leland, being admitted to the bar of the State of Illinois in 1837.
When beginning his practice, Mr. Gale opened an office with Horace P. Johnson, their connection continuing about one and one-half years. when our subject became a partner of Onslow Peters, from Massachusetts. The firm of Peters & Gale survived a number of years, and after the dissolu- tion of the partnership Mr. Gale continued his legal labors alone until his appointment as Clerk of the Circuit Court. This was received from Judge John D. Caton, being prior to the period when the office became an elective one. After that change was made Mr. Gale was elected to the office for two terms of four years each, and from that position was elected Circuit Judge. He is now the oldest attorney living in the city.
Judge Gale has ever manifested a deep interest in the cause of education, and his fellow-citizens have called for his services as Superintendent of the eity schools and as a member of the Board of Education. He has twice been Mayor of this city, his last term having been during the war, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket. He is one of the persons first interested in the gas company. of which he was Secretary more than twenty years. One of the first fine homes on the west bluff was erected by him-where he and his family now re- side-at No. 115 North Street.
Judge Gale was united in marriage, in June, 1838, with Miss Charlotte P. Bartlett, of Salisbury, N. 1]., who shared his joys and sorrows, sympathizing in his aspirations and plans, until November 28, 1868, when she entered into rest. Of their children, Edward survives. He married Mary E. Maxwell,
who died. leaving two children. He afterward married Miss Eva L. Allison, who has horne him two children also. Judge Gale makes his home with this son.
2 ORRIS PITT. In a city as large as Peoria there will of necessity be numerous busi- ness establishments of the same nature, and merchant tailors are well represented here. One of the oldest merchant tailoring establish- ments in the city is now located at No. 423 Main Street, its proprietor being Norris Pitt, who has been continuously in business here since 1867. HIe is therefore one of the oldest merchant tailors in this vicinity, and it is a pleasure to record that his labors have resulted in a thoroughly-established reputation and a fair share of worldly goods. His store is favorably located, and is one of the finest establishments in the city, with a well-selected stock, well displayed.
The birth of Mr. Pitt took place in England, November 28, 1827, and there he grew to maturity, received his education and learned his trade. He followed his calling for some years in his own land, principally in London, but also in . Birming- ham. In 1867 he determined to seek a home in America, and crossing the Atlantic came direct to Peoria, Ill., at once establishing a merchant tailor- ing house on Main Street, where he has conducted a successful business for nearly a quarter of a cen- tury.
Mr. Pitt is at present an Alderman, representing the Fifth Ward, and elected on the Republican ticket. He has never sought publie honors, but was willing to accept this position when it was urged upon him. By virtue of it he is a member of the Police and Judiciary Committee, and also that on Public Grounds and City Property, two very important committees. The enterprise and good judgment which have made of his business career a success are exhibited in his actions as a member of the Common Council, and the expecta- tions of his constituents are being fulfilled. James Pitt, the father of our subject, is still living, hav-
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ing passed the age of four-score years and ten, in Bristol, England.
The lady who presides over the home of Mr. Pitt, and to whose womanly nature he owes much of the enjoyment of his life, was known in her girlhood as Miss Elizabeth Granger. She is a native of the mother country, in which their mar- riage was celebrated March 14, 1854. To them were born, in England, three sons : Crescens Granger, whose home is in Chicago: Fred, at Can- ton; Harry N., a dentist in Chicago. After the removal to America there were added to their household band two sons, now living: William A., who is employed in the post-office in Peoria, and Albert E., who is still pursuing his studies. Mr. Pitt is a member of the Knights of the Golden Rule, and he and his wife belong to the Congre- gational Church, of which Mr. Pitt is a Deacon.
B ENJAMIN W. THOMPSON, one of the best known and most popular conductors on the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, is a native of this State, born in Sangamon County, September 6, 1850. His parents, Richard M. and Nancy ( Brawner) Thompson, were natives respectively of Indiana and Richmond, Ky. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and in 1835, came to Illinois, and was a pioneer settler of this State. In 1856, he again became a pioneer, locating in Iowa, and there died in 1871. His wife also died in that State, her death occurring in 1865.
He of whom we write, was about six years of age when he accompanied his parents to Iowa, and there he gleaned his education in a district school, and after leaving school worked one year for a farmer. He remained in Towa until 1866, and then came to this State, and in 1867 went to work for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. We next hear of him in Peoria, com- ing to this eity in March, 1868. From the 1st of April, that year, he was engaged in a brick yard until be entered the employ of the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad Company May 1, 1868. At
first, he acted as a bridgeman until 1871. lle was next engaged in breaking on passenger trains. Ile thus gained valuable experience and learned how to manage a train, and in 1872, was put in charge of a freight train. In 1876, he was appointed to his present position as conductor of a passenger train and has ever since acted in that eapacity. It is worthy of note in this connection that he is al- ways on duty, has never yet missed a pay roll and no train while under his eare has ever met with an accident. He has seen the management of the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad change many times, but such is the confidence reposed in him and the high regard felt for him by his employers, that his position as conductor has always been secured. His kindly courtesy and obliging manners make him a favorite with the traveling publie, and he lias many warm friends among the officials and patrons of the road.
Mr. Thompson purchased his present homestead in Peoria in December, 1886, and has since made it his dwelling place. He is actively identified with the lodge of the Order of Railroad Conductors and is connected with the Universalist Church in this eity, his liberality, progressiveness and activity in all its good works, making him a valued factor in the society.
Mr. Thompson was married in 1872, to Miss Sue Mealey, a native of La llarpe, Hancock County, IN. She is a charming woman and understandis well how to make home attractive. Their pleasant house- hold circle is completed by their two children, the eldest of whom is Charles M., and the name of the other is Frederick N., both of whom are attending school.
AMES HARVEY ADAMS. None are more worthy of representation in a BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM than the late James Harvey Adams. of Brimfield Township who, while he lived, enjoyed the good will. esteem and confidence of all who knew him. He was well known as one who was honest in all business transactions, interested in the welfare of those about him and exhibiting
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in his domestic relations the utmost affection and consideration. He departed this life at his pleas- ant home October 3, 1885, leaving a wife and three children to mourn his loss, as well as a large circle of friends.
Mr. Adams was a native of Lawrence County, this State, where his eyes first opened to the light November 1, 1833. His mother, Mary (Chene- worth) Adams died when the lad was about six years old and his father, Joseph Adams, some cight years later. He received but a common-school education, his privileges being somewhat limited, but endeavored to keep well informed regarding the topics which are of general importance and particularly those relating to the Government and the line of work with which he was connected.
He came to Peoria County in 1852, worked by the month for several years, and then bought the farm upon which his widow now resides. His first purchase was in the spring of 1860, the amount eighty acres, and the price 82,000. He afterward bought an additional eighty, the entire amount be- ing in a practically unimproved condition when he obtained it. He brought it to an excellent con- dition, being able when called hence to leave his family in the possession of a comfortable and re- muncrative estate.
Mr. Adams was elected School Director and earnestly endeavored to advance the cause of edu- cation, discharge well the duties of his position and show himself the friend of pupils and patrons as well as a good counselor to the teacher. In politics he was a stanch Republican.
The good worman who for more than twenty years was a faithful helpmate and companion to our subject was formerly known as Miss Anna Macy. She was born in Union County, Ind., Au- gust 25, 1836, to Thomas and Sarah ( Petty ) Macy, with whom, when seventeen years old, she came to Peoria County, settling in Elmwood Township. There her marriage was celebrated December 24, 1863. She is the mother of four children, the living being Henry, Lulu and Joseph. Adelbert, the first- born, is deceased. She is an active member of so- ciety, looked up to for her Christian character, being a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She resides upon the land where almost
her entire wedded life was spent, exhibiting good judgment in the management of the business affairs connected with the estatc.
Ths parents of Mrs. Adams were natives of North Carolina, but died in this county, the one in Elm- wood and the other in Brimfield Township. They had eight children, of whom the following survive: David, now living in Indiana; Matilda, in Brim- field Township, this county ; Micajah, in Elmwood Township; Emeline, wife of James Paddock, of Knox County, and the widow of our subject.
RANK NEWSAM. The denizens of the larger cities and towns are not the only ones who enjoy what are called modern con- veniences. On the contrary a traveler throughout the rural districts of the States which have been settled for a number of years, will find many homes thoroughly supplied with the conveniences of life and furnished in a manner which would do credit to the good taste of any family. One of these beau- tiful homes is located in Hlollis Township, oue and one-half miles north of Mapleton. It is a commo- dious structure of pleasing design and convenient arrangement, heated by steam, supplied with water pipes from three large wells and furnished in the latest style of decorative house furnishing. The water is pumped into a tank thirty-eight feet high, from which the fluid can be thrown to the second story. The dwelling was erected at a cost of $4,- 500, while the fine large barn, other outbuildings and improvements upon the estate caused the ex- penditure to reach $15,000. " A view of this beau- tiful home and pleasant surroundings appears else- where in this volume.
The owner and occupant of this fine residence is of English birth and ancestry, his eyes having opened to the light in Lancashire, April 6, 1841, The parental home was twenty one miles from Liverpool and there he remained until 1863 when he came to America. His first abiding-place was in Pittsburg, Pa., where he sojourned a year, going thence to East St. Louis, where he remained until 1865. He then removed to Peoria County, Ill.,
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: VIEW NORTH EAST FROM OBSERVATORY
PEORIA IN THE DISTANCE
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RESIDENCE OF FRANK NEWSAM, SEC.17. HOLLISTP. PEORIA CO. ILLINOIS.
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working in Kingston until 1869, when he formed a partnership with Thomas Jefford, the firm operat- ing the Lancaster coal mines located on the Illi- nois River, three years. During this time they reached as high an output as one hundred and twenty tons per day.
At the expiration of three years, Mr. Newsam sold his interest to Mr. Jefford and removing to the village of Mapleton, embarked in the mercan- tile business, at the same time opening up what is now known as the Walker mines, in which he sold out his interest on account of a misunderstanding. He continued the mercantile business and developed other mines at Mapleton, among them the McGrew in East Mapleton, which it was expected would be the largest in the county. It was opened in 1879, but development proved that there was no large vein of mineral and it gave out in three years.
Mr. Newsam has also been interested in the Or- chard mines with Richard Newsam, the two operat- ing there for seven years under the firm name of Newsam Bros. The output from there and the Mapleton mine of our subject was as high as three hundred and twenty tons of clean coal daily, fur- nishing employment to a force of one hundred and sixty-five men. In 1881 Mr. Newsam sold his mining interests and removed to his farm which he fitted up in elegant style. and expected to open up a larger coal field, but sickness and shipping facil- ities prevented, it being too far from railroad com- munications. He is a thorough, practical man, both as a manager and business man, having worked himself up from the lower levels to the top, and is master of his business. He drew the plan for his residence which contains nine rooms and was built under his own oversight. The farm com- prises three hundred and twenty acres,in the man- agement of which he finds sufficient oceupation. lle is the inventor of a double lock car coupler, the right to which was sold to practical parties who considered it worth their attention.
Mr. Newsam is a Republican and is now a mem- ber of the County Central Committee. He has been School Director and Township Supervisor several terms and has likewise served as Coal Mine In- spector for the county. His home is presided over by a lady of English birth who bore the
maiden name of Emma Harris. Their marriage rites were celebrated in Peoria, in 1865 and their union has resulted in the birth of seven children. They mourn the loss of four, having left to them John T., William F. and Richard. The gracious hospitality dispensed by Mr. and Mrs. Newsam and the pleasing qualities which they possess, add to the charm of their home and win favor from those with whom they come in contact.
6 HEODORE J. MULLER, is a fine representa- tive of our native- born citizens, who, within recent years have stepped forward to aid in sustaining and extending the great business inter- ests of Peoria. He occupies the responsible posi- tion of Secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company of this city, with which he has been con- nected since 1879, acting in his present capacity since September 1, 1887,
Mr. Muller was born in this city, July 17, 1860, a son of Jacob and Paulina (Koenig) Muller. After he had completed his education he was em- ployed in his father's grocery store on Bridge Street, until he engaged himself with the insurance company. Here he began in the lowest position and by his faithful attention to his work, his ready tact, and the excellent business talent he displayed, gained the confidence of his employers, who pro- moted him from time to time to more responsible positions until he became Secretary of the com- pany, now having under him fifteen men and doing a business of about $300,000.
The German Fire Insurance Company was or- ganized in 1876, with a capital stock of $100,000, and was incorporated with Louis Green as Presi- dent and F. H. Wagner as Secretary. It has in- creased its capital from $200,000 to $300,000, in the years from 1882 to 1884. When Mr. Muller first took charge of the company it had a smaller amount of stock and did a much smaller business than at present. He devotes his whole attention to his work and is justly considered one of the most efficient and trusted officials in the company.
Mr. Muller married Miss Minnie Borries, who was
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born and reared in this city, a daughter of F. II. Borries, an old settler of Peoria, and they have es- tablished a pleasant and inviting home in their na- tive city. They have one child-Jeanetta.
Mr. Muller is one of the prominent German- American citizens of the city and earnestly interests himself in its welfare. He is a young man of fine capacity and excellent principles, and is highly spoken of by all who know him. He is a member of the Royal League, Turners and Schuetzenverein, of which he is Treasurer.
YLEY POPLETT. The life of a farmer, although devoid of the confusion and ex- eitement which marks that of the denizen of the large eity. is not therefore devoid of inter- est nor does it lack in opportunities for usefulness as a neighbor and citizen. This has been demon- strated in the life of the gentleman above named, a respected and useful member of the agricultural community of Richwood Township.
The parents of our subject were Thompson and Jane (Montgomery) Poplett, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia respectively, After their marriage they settled in the latter State whenee they removed to Kentucky, again changing their residence to Parke County, Ind., where they remained several years. In 1835, they journeyed farther westward, locating in Knox County, Ill., where Mrs. Poplett died November 16, 1841, when forty-one years old. The family remained in that connty until 1846, when they removed to Peoria County, settling on seetion 5, Richwood Township. There Thompson Poplett improved a farm which was his home until called upon to lay down the burdens of life, August 13, 1868, at the age of sixty-nine years. The parental family consisted of twelve children, of whom our subjeet was the seventh in order of birth.
The subject of this sketeli was born in Parke County, Ind., June 29, 1830. He was about five years old when his parents came to Illinois and about sixteen when he accompanied his father to
this county. Since his youth he has been engaged in farming and has continued to reside in Rich- wood Township, remaining with his father until he was about twenty-three years old. Ile now owns the old homestead, his entire estate comprising about three hundred and eighty-five acres of fine farming land.
The lady who presides over household affairs on the Poplett estate became the wife of our subject March 22, 1871. She bore the maiden name of Lucinda J. Vaughn, was born in Jefferson County, Pa., April 20, 1852, and accompanied her parents to Illinois early in the '60s. Robert and Elizabeth (Walkup) Vaughn settled in Richwood Township, this county, where they still reside. They are na- tives of Iluntington and Cumberland Counties, Pa., respectively. Their family consisted of ten chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Poplett is the eighth in order of birth. To our subject and his good wife eight children have been born, named respectively, Wil- liam T., Edgar L., George M., Cora E., Sarah J., Wilber I., Chester R. and Myrtis M. William, Edgar and Sarah are deceased.
A glance at the official record of Mr. Poplett shows in a flattering manner the confidence which is reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen who have eleeted him to office year after year. As Township Collector he has served seven years, and as Town- ship Assessor nine years,and as Supervisor four con- seentive years. He takes an active part in political affairs, giving his ballot to the candidates who are pledged to support the principles of Democracy. In his religious views Mr. Poplett is liberal, basing his opinion of men upon their actions rather than their creed.
ILLIAM S. MCCULLOUGH is a represent- ative of a pioneer family of this county, and has valuable farming interests in Lo- gan Township. He is a native of Ohio, born Sep- tember 26, 1835. Ile is a son of John and Martha (Glasgow) Mccullough, who were natives of Rock- bridge County, Va., born respectively in 1804 and 1808.
The father of our subjeet was but a small boy
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when his parents took him from his early home in Virginia, to the pioneer wilds of Adams County, Ohio. in 1812. He was there reared. received but limited educational advantages, and was there mar- ried. In the year 1846, the same pioneer spirit that had actuated his father to seek a new home in a newly settled State, determined him to locate on the wild prairies of Illinois. On coming here, per- forming the journey by wagon, and being two weeks on the road, he selected a tract of eighty aeres of land on section 4. Logan Township, as be- ing in every way most suited to his purposes. In the years that followed, he developed it into a good farm, and increased its acreage by further purchase until he had one hundred and twenty acres of ex- eclient farming land at the time of his death in the month of August. 1874. llis wife died in the month of June, 1873, and as their lives were united in life, in death they were not long divided. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and were among its active workers.
The parents of our subjeet had born to them ten children, two of whom died in infancy, and the others lived to maturity: Rosina, wife of William A. Brooks; Thomas II., who was a member of Com- pany C., Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, during the late war, lives in Farmington ; Robert G., Will- iam S .; Samuel E., who was a Corporal in Company A., Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, was wounded at Vicksburg, May, 1863, and died in the hospital at St. Louis; James A., a resident of Oregon ; and Joseph II., a resident of Kansas, and served through- out the war. The father of our subject was a son of Thomas MeCullough. His wife was a MeClung. and her parents went from Virginia to Ohio in 1812, where her father carried on farming until his death at the age of ninety years. He was of Scotch origin, and had a family of three sons and two daughters-John, Samuel, McClung, Polly. and Mary.
The subject of this sketch was given the advan- tages of a common-school education in his native State, and as his early life was passed on a farm, he had a fine opportunity to learn all about farming. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself by renting land. In the spring of 1863 he invested money in sixty acres of land, which still forms a
part of his homestead. although he has greatly in- ereased it until now he is a landed proprietor to the extent of possessing two hundred and sixty. aeres of valuable farming land. This is nuder substan- tial improvements, is provided with a good set of buildings, and every convenience for conducting agriculture advantageously. Our subject and his wife have other property besides, he having re- ceived $1,000 from his father's estate, and she fall- ing heir to 83,000 from her father's property.
December 15, 1858, is the date of Mr. MeCul- lough's marriage to Miss Margaret A. Stewart. She was born in Rush County. Ind., in June, 1838, and is a daughter of John W., and Mary (Stewart) Stewart. Her wedded life with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of four children, namely : Martha J., wife of Robert W. Frances; John S., who died in infancy : Sylvester Grant, who died in infaney ; and Melvin G.
Mr. Mccullough has served as Justice of the Peace for four terms. His views of politics coin- eide with those generally held by the Republicans, but he uses his influence to advance the interests of the Prohibition party, as he is a strong temperance man. His steady principle, unswerving integrity, and kindly personal attributes have gained him many warm friendships. lle and his wife are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church, and are untiring in their zeal to promote its every good work.
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OHN W. RINER. A good position among the farmers and stock-raisers of Brimfield Township is occupied by the gentleman above named, whose well-regulated estate consists of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 32. The success which he has met with has been the result of his personal efforts, aided by the good management of a prudent wife, and his career may well be taken as an example worthy of considera- tion by those who begin life without worldly means. He was even denied the educational ad- vantages which boys of the present day enjoy, his early life having been spent in Preble County, Ohio, while it was yet considered a frontier region,
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