Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 83

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 83

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At the residence of the bride's father, Louis Green, of this city, March 31, 1875, Mr. Sehimpff led to the hymeneal altar Miss Frida Green, a worthy and pleasing young lady who has looked well to the ways of her household and made a happy home. She has borne her husband four children, of whom two survive, Lilly and Emily, to add to the joys of the hearthstone. Louis and Frida are deceased.

THT

ILLIAM W. WAKEFIELD. One of the most pleasant rural abodes in Radnor Township is that of the gentleman above named, which is located on section 17, in the midst of fertile fields, where everything necessary in the way of farm buildings has been erected, and all other improvements made which would add to the value of the estate or the comfort of those who occupy it. The greater part of the life of this gentleman has been spent in this county, and he is quite well known as a man of means, possessed of decided business ability, who has succeeded as an agriculturist, and has loaned considerable sums to those less fortunate than himself.

The father of our subject was born in Chester

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County, Pa., June 18, 1794, and died in Peoria County. November 8, 1881. The mother was born in Dauphin County, Pa., October 28, 1805, and departed this life July 19, 1879. When John L. Wakefield and Martha Strickler were married they set up their home in Butler County, Ohio, remaining there until 1834, then locating on Or- ange Prairie, Kickapoo Township, this county. After sojourning there two years they removed to Radnor Township, and on section 18, spent the re- mainder of their lives. They had a large family, consisting of fifteen children, the name of our sub- ject being the sixth on the family roll.

The birth of the gentleman of whom we write took place in Butler County, Ohio, January 30, 1832, he being therefore about two years old when his parents came to Illinois. He continued to live with his father until a year or more after his marriage, when he settled in Jubilee Township. There he pursued his vocation until 1867, then settled in Gilead Township, Henry County, so- journing there a year. Returning to this county he settled on section 18, Radnor Township, and actively engaged in farm work until the spring of 1885, since which time he has lived more of a re- tired life. His landed estate consists of about eight hundred and fifty-three acres in Radnor and Jubilee Townships.

The lady whom Mr. Wakefield was so fortunate as to secure for his wife was Miss Elizabeth Wil- kinson, with whom he was united in marriage in Radnor Township, January 1, 1857. The parents of Mrs. Wakefield were Aaron G. and Sarah (Har- land ) Wilkinson, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, whose first home after their marriage was in the vicinity of Rockville, Ind. Thence they came to Peoria County in 1836, living in Princeville Township about a year and then mak- ing their home in Radnor Township. After a time they changed their residence to Kickapoo Township, thence removing to Galva, Ill., and subsequently to Red Oak, Iowa. They had two sons and nine daughters, Mrs. Wakefield being the third in order of birth. She opened her eyes to the light in Radnor Township, August 2, 1839, growing to womanhood possessed of intelligence, an estimable character and many domestic virtues.

The first-born in the family of our subject and his wife is George W., who married Miss Carrie Davis; the second child, Frank L., married Miss Isabella Davis; the older daughter, Addie, mar- ried William Duggins; the youngest member of the family is Mabel E., who is still unmarried and gladdening her parents by her presence in the home.

Mr. Wakefield has served as Township Supervi- sor two terms, discharging his duties in a credit- able manner. Ile has taken quite an active part in the political work of the vicinity, exerting him- self to advance the interests of the Republican party. Although not a member of any religious body, he contributes freely to the support of varions churches, and has manifested an equally liberal spirit in promoting the cause of education. He and his wife are regarded with much respect, their hospitality frequently being enjoyed by their many friends.

ANFORD SEELYE. Not many of Peo- ria County's pioneers have done better from a financial point of view than this gentleman, who is one of its best known and wealthy citizens to- day. Ile came to Hallock Township many years ago, locating on his present homestead, and by the exercise of great enterprise, rare judgment and an extraordinary power for sustained and well-directed toil, has accumulated a fortune, becoming one of the largest landowners of this section of Illinois. and now has in his pos- session nearly a thousand acres of realty, free from incumbrance, nearly all under cultivation and di- vided into seven well-improved farms, which are all supplied with substantial buildings and every thing necessary to conduct agriculture after the best methods. His first purchase after arriving here comprised eighty acres of prairie. which was mostly unbroken and unimproved, and from that small beginning has come liis present handsome property.

Mr. Seelye was born in the town of Parnell. Bennington County, Vt., July 7. 1823, coming of

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an old New England family. His father, Thomas B. Seelye, was also a native of the Green Mountain State, where he earried on farming for many years. He lived in Bennington County, till he was eighty- one years old, when he came to Illinois, and two years later passed away from the scenes of earth, in the home of our subject, his death occurring February 10, 1850, at the age of eighty three years and four months. He was a quiet unassum- ing man, and had many friends, by whom he was affectionately known as "Uncle Barnes." The maiden name of his wife was Bethany Shaw. She was born and reared in the State of New York, and came westward with her husband, whom she survived eight years, and then died at the age of eighty-four years, four months and ten days. Ten children were born to that worthy couple, of whom our subject was the eldest, and four of the family are yet living and reside in different parts of the West.

Mr. Seelye was reared in his native county until he had nearly attained manhood, when he crossed the State line into Berkshire County, Mass. There lie was married to Miss Lucy Larabee, the mar- riage ceremony being performed in Williamstown, which was Mrs. Seelye's birthplace. She was born November 19, 1824, and was reared amid the beautiful Berkshire hills. She came of an old fam- ily, who for several generations had lived in Berk- shire County, and her parents were Elcizer and Ruth ( Haley) Larabee, natives of that part of the Bay State. Her ancestors had settled there in Co- lonial times, and several of them took part in the Revolution and fought the British at the battle of Bennington, Vt. Eleizer Larabee and his wife be- gan life in their native county, succeeding to the old homestead, and there passed their natural lives, dy- ing at an advanced age, when past three-score and ten years. They were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and were devoutly relig- ious. Mrs. Seelye was one of a family of four sons and eight daughters, five of whom are yet living.

Mr. and Mrs. Seelye began their life together in Williamstown, and came from there to this county in 1849. Their wedded life has been productive to them of eleven children, of whom the following

four are deceased: Marshall, Ephraim, Emeline and Bethany, the latter dying at the age of seven- teen years, the others dying quite young. Those living are Diana, wife of Lankford Green, a farmer and stoek-raiser in Marshall County; Lyman, of whom see sketch elsewhere; George W., who re- sides near Chenoa, Livingston County, who married Carrie R. Roberts ; Ruth, wife of William Wilcox, a farmer near Rome; Thomas B., a farmer in West Hallock, who married Maggie Landers; Lucy M., wife of Michael Landers, a farmer of Ilalloek Township; and Fannie H., who lives at home and cares for her parents. The children are all useful members of society and are well settled in life.

Mr. Seelye has accumulated a large fortune, solely by his individual efforts, with the exception that he has always had the cordial assistance of his good wife, who, by her wise and prudent manage- ment of household affairs, has contributed in no small degree to his success. When he came to this county he had but $5 in cash, which proved the nucleus of after wealtlı, and what he has, he has acquired by strictly honorable methods, as he has always paid his bills promptly, has never yet been dunned by a man and owes no man a cent, his credit standing high in the financial circles of the county. Although a strictly upright, moral man, he is not religious, nor does he engage in politics.

E DWARD W. HANLY is an active, intelli- gent and useful member of the farming community of Logan Township. Cincin- nati was the place of his birth and September 18, 1856, the date thereof. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Cary) Hanly. His father was born in Ireland and his mother either there or in England. They were married in New York City, and from there came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he carried on his trade of a shoemaker. He died in that city at the age of fifty-six, in 1868, his wife having died about three months before. Those worthy people were the parents of three sons: . Joseph, a printer of Cincinnati; Edward W. and Francis R. The father had been previously married and by his

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first wife had one son, Thomas, who served in an Ohio Regiment during the war.

The sad death of his parents left our subject an orphan at an early age and he then went to live on a farm in Butler County, Ohio, and when sixteen years old began to receive wages for his work at the rate of $18 a month. He was a bold, venturesome lad, desirous to see something of the world, and at the age of seventeen went to Mississippi, where he worked for six months at $12.50 per month. Hè then rented land for a year and reaped good har- vests in return for the time and care that he spent on the land.

In the spring of 1875, Mr. Hanly came to this county with his brother Franeis, and with the ex- ception of two years passed in Ohio, has been a resident of this county ever since. For one year he was with his elder brother in the grocery busi- ness in Cincinnati, and for one year was on a farm. Since taking up his residence here, he has been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and for seven years was employed by the month. He wisely saved a portion of his earnings, and for the past year has been more independent and has rented land for himself on section 11, Logan Township, and is meeting with excellent success in its cultivation. In the spring of 1890 he was elected Assessor on the Republican ticket, and his choice for this re- sponsible position is shown to be a wise one by the able manner in which he is discharging the du- ties devolving upon him as an incumbent of this office. His father was a sturdy Democrat but our subject upholds the Republican party.

Mr. llanly and Miss Luella M. Pinkerton were united in marriage December 24, 1889. Mrs. Han- ly's parents, John H. and Nancy C. (Maus) l'ink- erton were pioneers of this township. Her father was born in Preble County, Ohio. August 10. 1842. He was a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Mc- Crerry ) Pinkerton, who were farmers and reared seven children. Mr. Pinkerton's grandfather came from Ireland. Mrs. Hanly's parents came to Illi- nois about IS52. Her father was a veteran of the late war in which he did noble service. Ile en- listed in Company C, Seventy seventh Illinois In- fantry, and took part in all the hard fought battles in which his regiment participated. He was at

Chickasaw Bluff, Arkansas Post, Ft. Hudson, Cham- pion Hills, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, Jack- son, Mansfield, (La .. ) Kane River, Ft. Haines, Siege of Spanish Fort, and at Whistler Station. He was discharged at Mobile, Ala., July 20, 1865,hav- ing won a military record upon which his chil- dren and children's children may look with pride. Ilis death occurred May I, 1881, and his commun- ity was then deprived of an honored citizen. His wife was born in Miami County, Ohio, May 20, 1845, and was a daughter of Charles F. and Cath- erine (Sherwood) Maus. Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton had four children-Mary L., Margaret C., William E. and Harriet E.

AMES G. WHITING, D. D. S. A compen- dium of biographical sketches from Peoria would be incomplete did it not include that of the above-named gentleman, who although quite young, is taking a good rank in a profession to which he brings an understanding mind, meclian- ical ability, and thorough knowledge of its details. The son of a minister, the Rev. Charles Whiting, D. D., and Luey M. Whiting, nee Webb, his youth was spent in the different places to which his father was called in the line of his duty, and with the usual quickness of boyhood, he picked up consid. erable information regarding men and manners, learning that best of all lessons-Christian faith.

'The birthplace of Dr. Whiting was Dover, Mo. and his natal day August 4, 1866. He obtained a fair education in the various sehools which he at- tended, being graduated from the High School at Canton, Ill., in 1883. Ile then entered the office of Dr. J. W. Peek, remaining there two and a half years, studying dentistry. He next entered the Philadelphia Dental College, an institution which ranks higher than any other school of the kind in America. From this he was graduated in the class of 1889, holding the honored position of valedic- torian, in a class numbering ninety-nine. He at once opened an office in Peoria, his rooms being favorably located at No. 430, Main Street, and fitted up in the best style of modern dental parlors. Dr.

yours Recepty

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Whiting is securing an excellent practice and es- tablishing a fine reputation for skill in his cliosen profession.

Dr. Whiting pursues a most straightforward course in life, while giving his principal attention to his professional work, being ready to assist as well as he can in that which tends to the welfare of the city which he has chosen as his home. He has abounding faith in the future of the fair town as a business center, and a place from which culture of mind and heart will spread throughout the sur- rounding country. His gentlemanly bearing, in- telligence and social qualities win friends among those who look no deeper, and his consistent mem- bership in the Baptist Church gives him the respect of those who appreciate worth of character.

G EORGE W. H. GILBERT. The real-estate interests of Peoria and vicinity are worthily represented by Mr. Gilbert as senior mem- ber of the firm of Gilbert & Gilbert, the junior member being his son, Henry S. Mr. Gilbert is also the Secretary of the Old Settlers' Society. He was born in Peoria, February 12, 1837, and has been a resident of this county his entire life, except a few years spent in St. Louis in early life.

In noting the parental history of our subject, wc find that his father, Henry Gilbert, was a native of London, England, and born in 1808. He was educated in his native city where he grew to man's estate and served a seven years' apprenticeship at carpentering and architecture. Emigrating to the United States in 1834 he established himself in Peoria as an architect, contractor and builder, being one of the principal men in this business at that time. He put up some of the largest and best buildings which were then erected in the city, among which was the Mitchell, which afterward became the Fulton House; Mrs. Lettie Baldwin's, formerly the Louck residence on Bluff Street, and the John Flanigan and Moses Pettengill mansions, all of which are still standing.

Henry Gilbert maintained his residence in Peoria

until his death, which occurred July 4, 1848. IIe was a Whig, politically, and one of the pioncer temperance men of this region. He was married in early manhood to Miss Margaret Ann Fash, who is still living at the family residence, No. 312 South Jefferson Avenue, which has been the home of the family for more than fifty years. Mrs. Gil- bert was born in New York City about 1820, where she was reared to womanhood, receiving her cduca- tion in the city schools. She came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fash, to Peoria, and engaged as one of the first teachers in Peoria. Her union with Mr. Gilbert occurred in 1835, and they be- came the parents of six children, five of whom are living, viz: George W. II., our subject; Margaret E., the widow of Lester Pattee; A. Frederick; Celestine S., Mrs. J. M. Black, who is one of the chief officers of the Women's Christian Home Mis- sion in Dakota; and Carrie M., Mrs. J. W. Row- cliff, of Peoria. Mrs. Gilbert is a member of the Congregational Church with which she became connected during the ministry of Rev.Levi Spencer. The father was also an attendant of this church and a liberal supporter. He possessed some talent as a vocalist and sang in the choir of the church.

Mr. Gilbert, of this sketch, with the exception of four years which the family spent in St. Louis, Mo., has been continuously a resident of his native city and obtained his education principally in the public schools. He commeneed his business career with A. Bishop, with whom he remained from 1851 until January 1, 1865, becoming in the meantime, in 1858, a partner in the business under the firm name of Bishop & Co. Upon the removal of Mr. Bishop to Chicago, Mr. Gilbert became associated with his brother, A. Frederick, and Gilbert Bros. immediately became recognized as leaders in the sale of hats, caps and furs, which business they conducted until 1885. The ambition of Mr. Gilbert was to conduct the largest wholesale, retail and manufacturing business which could be maintained in this section.

In 1885 Mr. Gilbert closed out his business and spent two years in travel. In the meantime he had been posting himself upon the real-estate busi- ness and in 1887 commenced in earnest the business to which he now gives the greater part of his time and attention. Although a stanch Republican,

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politically, he has never aspired to the responsibili- ties of office, preferring to continue the life of a private citizen. In religion he is a Congregation- alist, being a regular attendant at his church and contributing to its regular support.

The subject of this notice was first married in 1859 to Miss Josephine Speers, a resident of Peoria at that time, but a native of Pennsylvania, born near the city of Pittsburg. She became the mother of seven children and departed this life at the family residence in Peoria in January, 1875, aged thirty-nine years. Their eldest son, Henry S., is the partner of his father; Mamie W. is a teacher in the public schools of St. Pan], Minn .; Lester E. is in the employ of the Consolidated Tank Line, mak- ing his headquarters at Peoria. The other four children died in early childhood. Mr. Gilbert has given to the survivors a good education and they occupy honored positions in society. He con- tracted a second marriage in 1876 with Miss Alice Osbon, of Ripley, Ohio. Of the three children born of this union only two are living: Retta O., and Elsie M.

After the outbreak of the Civil War the mother of our subject could not bring herself to give her consent to the enlistment of her sons and kept out of the way so they could not ask her. A. Freder- ick enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, being but a boy. His mother was patri- otic in all her impulses and desirous of presenting a flag to her son's company, started out to obtain the necessary funds. Finding it slow work she re- turned what she had collected and then purchased silk with her own money. made the flag and pre- sented it with a nice speech. The boys carried it through the war and when they returned consigned it to the care of the donor with appropriate cere- monies. At every re-union the old flag is unani- monsly called for and the poor old tattered bauble has become a valued relic.

The mother of our subject was also one of the first women to assist in the organization of a relief corps and went to the front at Memphis, Tenn. While there she one night took an armful of pillow slips for use in the wards and by mistake walked over the guards of the boat into the water. She was rescued, after having passed under the boat, a

steamer, nearly its entire length. At the time of the Garfield memorial services when there was so much discussion about the reunited North and South, this lady hung out both Union and rebel flags, having been presented with one of the latter at Chickasaw bayou. Her son, the subject of this sketch, inquired why she did so, and she replied, that " as they say no North no South, we should be able to say no Sonth no North." The incident at- tracted much attention at the time, and this modern mother with the spirit of '76 was widely spoken of in admiring terms.

Mr. Gilbert's portrait is presented on another page.

OSEPH S. SCHNEBLY is the owner and occupant of an excellent property on section 34, Richwood Township, together with sev-

C eral city lots in Peoria. lle has built a good residence upon his farm, is keeping up the other improvements upon it and operating it with a satisfactory degree of success. He is known as an unpretentious man who pursues the even tenor of his way with no desire for public honors or a prom- inent place before the public, finding sufficient oc- cupation for his business hours in the conduct of his own affairs, and abundant recreation in social and domestic life. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, his estimable companion being likewise numbered among the workers in that relig- ious body.

The parents of our subject were Henry Schnebly, a native of Maryland, and Elizabeth M. (Wunder- lich) Schinebly, who was born in Dauphin County, Pa. They were married in Maryland, living there for a short time, but removing to Illinois in the fall of 1835. They settled in Richwood Township, this county, making it their home during the rem- nant of their days. Mr. Schnebly died in 1858, his widow surviving until August, 1885. They were the parents of eleven children of whom our subject was the first-born.

The subject of this notice opened his eyes to the light November 20, 1831, in Washington County, Md. Ile was about four years old when his par-

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cnts came West and he grew to manhood in this county, acquiring a good education and learning all that is necessary in order to satisfactorily con- duct a farm. When twenty-three years old be went to California, being absent from home about nine months. Not long after his return he was married, and settling in this county, remained bere several years. We next find him a resident of Woodford County during a period of nine years, then making McLean County his home three years, after which he engaged in the flour and feed busi- ness in Peoria. He carried on that business about a twelvemonth, then purchased the property which he now occupies and again took his position among the dwellers in the rural districts.

On February 7, 1856, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Joseph and Anna (Landis) Stone- braker. Mrs. Schnebly is the tenth in a family of twelve children, was born in Maryland, October 14, 1833, and possesses many of the qualities most highly esteemed in womanhood. Her father was a native of Maryland, in which State he died. Iler mother was born in Lancaster, Pa., and departed this life at the residence of her son while on a visit to Woodford County, Ill.

Our subject and his good wife have had thirteen children but have been called upon to part with five, The living members of their family circle are Anna K., Cora, Joseph K., Henry, Landis S., Elmer L., Daisy E. and Walter A., all of whom have been carefully rcared and well fitted for useful careers.

P AUL F. GRAZE. Many of the most enter- prising agriculturists, as well as the most in- dustrious mechanics of America, were born and reared in lands far across the sea, and whatever may be one's opinion regarding indis- criminate immigration into the United States, all honest-minded men must confess that we owe a debt of gratitude to the foreign-born citizens who have done so much to develop our resources. Mr. Graze, whose home is on scetion 12, Kickapoo Township, is a German-American citizen who from

early manhood has been identified with the indus- tries of the United States and during the most of the time with those of the Prairie State.

The eyes of our subject first opened to the light in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 24, 1835, and in his native land he sojourned until about nineteen years old. He was reared on a farm, early becom- ing acquainted with the details of agricultural life, and under the school laws of his country acquiring a good practical education. In the fall of 1853 he came to America, accompanied by his parents, Henry and Caroline (Faber) Grazc. of whom he is the only child. They both died in Kickapoo Township.

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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 83

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