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 90
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brick until 1866. He then established himself as a manufacturer of brick in Richwood Township, and has since been engaged in business that here. He manufactures from a million to a million and a quarter of bricks each year, which are found by his patrons to be both durable and cheap, and from their sale he derives a very profitable income.
When our subject came to this country, he was a single man, but he left a sweetheart behind in the old Isle, who had agreed to share his home and fortunes with him in this new country, when he had prepared the way for her, and in 1860 he returned to his native land to secure his bride, Miss Mary Ann Lane, and their marriage was duly solemnized December 13, of that year. Mrs. Wookey is a daughter of the late Thomas and Aun (Moore) Lane, natives, respectively of Cornwall and Devon- shire, England. Her father died in Newport, Mon- mouthshire, England, in 1887. Her mother survives at an advanced age. They had a family of four children, of whom Mrs. Wookey was the eldest. She was born in Bridgewater, Somersetshire, Eng- land, July 23, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Wookey's happy wedded life has brought them three children : Ella L., wife of Ernest W. Dickinson; William T .. and Benjamin L.
By those fine traits of character that mark Mr. Wookey as a sensible, progressive, far-seeing man of business, he has not only built up his own pros- perity, but has materially advanced the interests of his adopted county and township, and is classed among their best citizens. In the neat and finely appointed brick house that he has erected here. hospitality reigns supreme under the guiding hand of the good housewife, who understands well how to control the affairs of the household, and seconds her husband in his efforts to entertain friend or stranger while under the shelter of their roof. They are among the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, taking an active part in all its good work. Mr. Wookey has aided very efficiently in the management of the affairs of the church in the varions offices that he has held in connection with it, and especially as Superintendent of the Sun- day-school when he held that position. He has been influential in political affairs, and is an influ- ence in the councils of the Republican party in this
part of the county. He has been a member of the North Peoria Board of Trustees, and made an ex- cellent record as a publie official who was to be trusted to work only for the interests of the com- munity.
7.
E LIOT CALLENDER. This name is famil- iarly known to the citizens of Peoria as having been from the start connected with the Dime Savings Bank, which was organized in January, 1887, by O. J. Bailey, H. P. Ayers, Frank Myers and Mr. Callender. The latter and Mr. Ayers took an active part in its establishment. Mr. Callender was elected the first President, and still holds the office.
This bank occupied during the year 1887 the old A. P. Bartlett residence, adjoining its present quarters to which it was removed in January, 1888. The building is 30x70 feet in dimensions, four stories in height and was erected at a cost of $30,000. . The plans were furnished by Burnham & Root, the celebrated architects of Chicago, who had been concerned in the erection of sixty differ- ent bank buildings, and who gave to this their best efforts. The material employed is compressed brown stone and brick, with tile floors and Italian marble stairs, the wainscoting of Tennessee marble and the woodwork of polished oak. It forms a beautiful structure, as substantial as it is shapely.
The bank building is both burglar and fire proof, the safety deposit vaults being equal to any in the State in point of security and strength. In the construction of the vaults over fifty thous- and pounds of drill proof steel were employed. The door, weighing five thousand seven hun- dred pounds, has a double time-lock, this alone costing $400. By aid of an electric alarm attachment it cannot be even touched without ringing out its signal to the police station. The vault contains numerous safety deposit boxes be- sides the private safes of the bank, and is in all points as secure as mechanical skill and money can make it.
The first floor of the bank building, which is ten feet above the sidewalk, is occupied by the bank,
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and its architectural design is such that light is admitted both at the back and front of the coun- ters. There are four coupon rooms for the ac- commodation of the patrons of the safety deposit vault, these being also equipped with every con- venience for rapid and correct transaction of busi- ness. In point of architecture the building is an ornament to the city, and is excelled by few in the State, The bank accepts deposits of from ten cents to 85,000, the latter being the limit. It now has over seven thousand accounts open, all ac- complished within the space of three years.
This bank, as its name implies, was instituted in order to accommodate the class of citizens for whom no banking advantages had hitherto been furnished. Anyone may borrow money upon real-estate security, and as soon as his deposits amount to $100 it can be applied on the loan, and the interest cease. Interest of four per cent. is allowed on savings, the regular rate being seven per cent. Thus, to an honest and industrions in- dividual a mortgage may be robbed of its terrors. The bank accepts no mercantile paper, whatever.
The present Cashier is Rudolph Pfeiffer, the Treasurer, H. P. Ayers, the Vice-President, O. J. Bailey, and the Manager of the Safety Deposit Vaults, Joseph E. Callender. The bank operates upon a capital of $100,000, but the entire assets of each partner arc liable for the liabilities of the bank, which makes its assets over half a million of dollars.
Eliot Callender was born March 22, 1842, in St. Louis, Mo., and is a son of George H. and Elizabeth P. (Melcher) Callender, who were na- tives of Maine and Massachusetts. The family left St. Louis when the son, Eliot, was about seven years old, going to Boston, where he attended school, remaining there until a lad of fifteen years. The parents then came to Peoria, and the boy re- turned to St. Louis, becoming a student of Wash- ington University. Upon completing his studies he learned the trade of a tanner and currier of John Howe, the first Republican Mayor of St. Louis, and was there at the outbreak of the Civil War. About this time occurred the Camp Jackson affair, when, the property of Mr. Howe becoming jeopardized, it was placed on a steamer at night, and
under charge of Mr. Callender brought to Peoria, where he finished up the stock in the building now occupied by the wholesale drug house of Colburn, Berks & Co.
This accomplished, Mr. Callender in November following enlisted in the United States Navy on the gunboat " Benton," at St. Louis, as an ordinary seaman under the command of Commodore Foote and Admirals Porter and Farragut, and engaged in all the battles on the Mississippi. In the meantime he distinguished himself for his courage and fidel- ity, and was rapidly promoted from an ordinary seaman to Paymaster. Steward, Master's Mate and Ensign. At the close of the war he was in com- mand of the United States steamer " Marmora," plying the waters of the Mississippi and its southern tributaries.
In the meantime, in 1864, Mr. Callender re- turned to Peoria. and was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary E. Frye, on the 5th of May. Mrs. Callender was born November 11, 1845, and is a daughter of Dr. J. C. Frye, one of the most promi- nent physicians of Central Illinois. After leaving the navy Mr. Callender embarked in the insurance business with William IT. Robinson, under the firm name of Robinson & Callender. They conducted this successfully a few years, then began loaning money for Eastern capitalists upon real-estate se- curity. Upon the death of Mr. Robinson, in 1880, Mr. Callender associated himself with Mr. Ayers, who was then Cashier of the Mechanics' National Bank. In 1883 the banking firm of Callender, Ayers & Co. was organized, Mr. Ayers retiring from the insurance business, which has since been continued at No. 124 South Washington Street under the firm name of Callender & Co.
In this new banking enterprise the firm consisted of Eliot Callender, Henry P. Ayers, C. R. Cum- mings (of Chicago), G. T. Barker and Walter Bar- ker. It has been a marked success financially, but was deprived of the services of Mr. Ayers in 1885 on account of his failing healthi.
January 1, 1885, Mr. Callender organized the Commercial National Bank of Peoria, with a capital of $200,000, this succeeding to the business of Cal- lender, Ayers & Co. Mr. Callender was President of the former for two years and until 1887, when
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the Dime Savings Bank was organized, and to this he has since given bis entire time and attention. In the meantime, however, he acted as Vice-Presi- dent of the Commercial one year, having resigned the Presidency, and was a Director until January 1. 1890, when he was re-elected but declined serv- ing. He is also Treasurer and one of the Execu- tive Committee of the Central Railway Company, and also a Director and Treasurer of the building committee of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. He was also one of the incorporators and directors in building the National Hotel and the Grand Opera-House.
Although a Republican in a Democratic city, Mr. Callender has been elected to the offices of Township Supervisor and City Collector, which is sufficiently indicative of his popularity among the people. He belongs to the military order of the Loyal Legion, Illinois Commandery, of which Judge Walter Q. Gresham is Commander. lle is member and Treasurer of the Second Presbyterian Church, and was one of the building committee during the erection of the church edifice, which is a fine and beautiful piece of architecture.
To Mr. and Mrs. Callender there have been born three children, all of whom are living: Joseph E., already spoken of; Anna J. and Eliot, Jr. The family residence, one of the most attractive in the city, is pleasantly located on the corner of Monroe and Jackson, while our subject and his estimable wife occupy a position in the front rank among the social circles of Peoria.
OHN S. TUCKER is a native of this county. and his course through life has been such as to reflect credit on its citizenship. Brim- field Township is the place of his birth, and he is the son of one of its earliest pioneers, who became well and favorably known throughout this part of the State and was an active factor in its initial development. Our subject is a veteran of the late war, in which he suffered much for the cause of his country. He is now one of the prominent farm-
ers of his natal place, having a finely improved farm on section 6, which he is managing with profit.
Mr. Tucker was born March 3, 1844, his parents being John and Ellen Tucker, natives of Ohio. They came from that State to this in 1833 or 1834, and easting in their lot with the pioneers of this county were among the very first to settle in Brim- field Township, locating on a wild tract of land on section 6, far away from any other settlement, their nearest neighbors being about thirteen miles dis- tant. Mr. Tucker promptly entered upon the im- provement of a farm on which he lived and labored until his useful career was closed by his untimely death, June 25, 1850, when this township lost one of its best citizens. Ile had an extensive acquaint- ance here, and by all was greatly respected for his undoubted integrity of character and true merit. lle was interested in the political issues of the day and gave his support to the Whig party. He was the father of a large family of children, as follows: Samuel, V. L. and Ezra W., who are living in Knox County; Catherine, wife of Amos MeKrill, of Brimfield Township; Sarah, wife of L. A. German, of Knox County; Deborah, who lives in Missouri, and our subject.
John Tucker passed his boyhood and youth amid the pioneer scenes of his native township, growing with its growth to a strong manhocd. He received his education in the local district schools, making the best of the advantages thus afforded him, but he is mainly self-educated. He was a youth of sixteen years when the war broke out, and with patriotic ardor offered his services in defense of the Stars and Stripes, and became a member of Company L, Eighth Missouri Infantry, enlisting in September, 1861, his regiment forming a part of the Fifteenth Army Corps under Sherman and Grant. Notwithstanding his youthfulness. he fought bravely at Fts. Henry and Donelson, bore an honorable part in the battles of Shiloh, Russel House and Corinth, and was then engaged in the siege and capture of Vicksburg. He was afterward dispatched to Memphis with the corps and started with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. At Moscow, Tenn., he was shot in the left hand, re. ceiving a permanent injury, and for that reason now has a pension of $6 per month.
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In the fearful conflict at Waterloo, Tenn., our subject was often in the thickest of the battle, and was finally captured by the Confederates. For sev- eral months he had a terrible experience in rebel prisons, suffering every imaginable privation and hardship, which so affected his health that his weight was reduced from one hundred and sixty- five pounds to seventy at the time he regained his liberty. He was first assigned to Thunder Castle Prison in Richmond, and was in a dungeon there for nine days, and then escaped by effecting a ruse. le did not taste the sweets of liberty very long. however, but was recaptured and sent to Libby Prison, where he staid about six weeks and was then transferred to Belle Island, near Richmond. Three months later he was taken from there to Anderson- ville, where he was confined some seven months, and was then incarcerated in the Florence Prison some five months. Ile experienced all the horror of life in those famous prisons and at the close of the war was exchanged and returned home more nearly dead than alive.
Our brave hero soon found consolation for all his sufferings in his marriage, Angust 8, 1865, to Mary Nelson, a native of Knox County, and a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Nelson, pioneers of that part of Illinois. The happy wedded life of our subject and his wife has been productive to them of ten children, of whom the following eight are now living: Emma, wife of Harry Nelson, of Knox County; Maggie, Dollie A., John A., Clem, Carrie. Minnie and Elmer.
Our subject has made farming his life work and has done well at his chosen calling, as is apparent to one who notes the condition of his farm, which is well ordered in every respect, provided with neat buildings and all the necessary machinery. Forty acres of his land he received from his father's estate, but the remainder of the two hundred and seventy- five acres comprising the whole, he has gained by his own exertions. Ile shrewdly carries on farm- ing to make money, and is in possession of an in- come that places him among the solid men of the township.
Mr. Tucker possesses in a large degree the sound intelligence, ripe wisdom and discretion so neces. sary to full success in any walk in life. He is re-
garded as one of our most desirable citizens, none being more public spirited or more desirous to promote the welfare of the township than he. He served as School Trustee of Brimfield Township three years and showed himself to be earnestly in- terested in educational matters. He displayed true patriotism in his course during the war and his loyalty has never been questioned since. In poli- ties the Republican party receives his zealous sup- port.
In connection with his sketch a portrait of Mr. Tucker is presented.
NDREW J. GRAHAM, M.D. A simple story of a life devoted to earnest endeavor in the line of duty and personal culture, presents an example of true manhood worthy of consideration by all who appreciate heroism in daily life or in times of peril. It af- fords the biographical writer great pleasure to re- count the life history of Dr. Graham, who has reached an honored position through the mental powers which have been developed and the char- acter which has been won by a will not to be con- quered by difficulties.
William and Elizabeth S. (Jackson) Graham left the Blue Grass State to make a home in Illinois, driving through to Peoria County, and settling ncar Farmington about 1832. They reared a fam- ily of ten children, of whom the subject of this notice was the next to the youngest. Ile was born in Trivoli, this county, in 1844. and was left fath- erless when four years old. His mother died in this county in 1882. After the death of the father each of the children was obliged to do for him- self as early as possible, as the support of so large a family was an arduous task for the mother.
Young Andrew grew to maturity on a farm and obtaining his education as best he might, the most of it being gained after the age of twenty-two years. While he yet lacked some months of man's estate he entered the Union Army. his loyalty to his country deciding him to take up arms in her defense. In February, 1864, he was enrolled in
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Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, and became an integral part of the First Brigade, Second Division, of the Army of the Cum- berland. He served in Georgia under Gen. Stead- man for a year, the most of the time being spent in fighting guerrillas. He was injured in the right shoulder and still suffers somewhat from the wound.
After returning to the North Mr. Graham at- tended a commercial school at Aurora, Kane County, from which he was graduated in 1866. Ile also took one term at the Farmington High School, and finally entered Lombard University at Galesburg, Knox County, his expenses being paid by means which he had saved while in the army. lle be- gan teaching near Farmington, the directors of his first school being so well pleased with his success as an instructor that they secured for him a cer- tificate on that ground, lic having failed to pass the required examination in all branches of study. They also engaged him for the second year at a sal- ary of $60 per month, an increase of $15 from the preceding year. From that time on, so well did he improve his opportunities for gaining knowledge, that he was able to secure a first grade certificate. Ile continued his pedagogical labors for some time, gaining an excellent reputation among both patrons and pupils. For two years he was principal of Good Hope School, and from 1868 to 1872 was the teacher in Lancaster; the first school in Glasford was conducted by him in 1873-74, and he then held a position in the Good Hope lligh School for two years.
While occupying the latter position Mr. Gra- ham began the study of medicine, his preceptor being Dr. Wright. After gaining a fundamental knowledge of the science to which he desired to devote his future life, Mr. Graham entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Keokuk, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1879. His initial work as a practicing physician was in Tri- voli, this county, in partnership with Dr. T. R. Plummer. From that place he went to Summit, Knox County, three years later removing to Elm- wood, where he remained from the spring of 1883 until October, 1888. Flis next removal was to the county seat where he has made for himself an ex-
cellent reputation, not only as a physician but as a man. llc has a growing practice and has already become one of the most prominent practitioners in the city.
Dr. Graham belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is now Surgeon of Bryner Post, No. 67, in Peoria. In 1886 he was Commander of Dan McCook Post; and while living in Elmwood was Master of the Masonic lodge, and in the Grand Lodge in 1887 was a member of the Committee on Charter Lodges. In Trivoli Township he held the office of Clerk in 1867-68 and in 1874 was Col- lector. In 1886 be was elected Assessor on the Democratic ticket, and re-elected in 1887 and 1888 in Elmwood Township. Sinee moving to Peoria he has given very little attention to politics. He has always been an active member of society and an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday-school. Recently he has taken a less prominent part in the Sunday-school work, his pro- fessional duties requiring more of his time and attention. He is numbered among the members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pe- oria.
The need of assistance at Johnstown, Pa., after the great floods, was felt by Dr. Graham, and on June 6, 1889, he arrived at the scene of devasta- tion. There he labored for a fortnight without remuneration, and his kind heartedness and Christ- ian charity, received the following flattering trib- ute from the Sanitary Department of the Pennsyl- vania State Board of Health, which was sent to a Peoria paper without the knowledge of the Doctor. The article is dated at Bucknell University, Lewis- burg, July 3, 1889, and reads as follows: "Editor of Transcript-You have in your city a man to whom the State of Pennsylvania owes a lasting debt of gratitude. When the terrible floods came upon our State he at once left his home and came and offered himself to the stricken people of Johnstown, to aid in whatever capacity he could do the most good. lle belongs to the medical profession, but finding that he had been preceded by so many physi- cians that the sick and injured were well cared for, instead of returning home as did many other physicians, he offered his services to the State Board of Health to combat anticipated pestilence,
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and under direction of the Board did most excel- lent work in clearing the devastated region of thousands of carcasses of horses, cows, pigs, dogs and smaller domestic animals. The State Board of Ilealth of Pennsylvania found Dr. A. J. Graham of Peoria, Ill., a man upon whom they could de- pend,and should sickness during the present summer be held in check in the Valley of the C'onemaugh, the valuable work of Dr. Graham will stand as no small factor in producing this hoped for result. Par- don me, Mr. Editor, for this letter, but it is due you and the citizens of Peoria that I speak. Respectfully. G. G. Groff, M.D., Member of Pennsylvania State Board of Health." The board also passed the fol- lowing resolution at their thirteenth annual meet- ing which was held in Johnstown, July 10, 1889. "Resolved that the thanks of the State Board of Ilealth are certainly due and are hereby tendered to Dr. A. J. Graham, Peoria, Ill., for his arduous, indefatigable, and efficient services, so generously rendered as a volunteer member of the Sanitary Corps of the Board at Johnstown, in aiding in the important work of preventing epidemie diseases as a result of the recent disastrous flood in the Conemaugh Valley. Signed; Daniel Engleham, M.D .; Pemberton Dudley, M. D .; J. T. Edwards, M. D .; Howard Murphy, C. E .; J. H. MeClellan, M. D .; George G. Groff, M. D .; Benjamin Lee, M. D. Philadelphia, Secretary and Executive office.
OHN E. MCDERMOTT, United States Claim Agent, and also interested in insurance and general collections, is pleasantly located at No. 100 South Adams Street, Peoria. Ile takes all classes of claims against the Government and finds sufficient business to occupy his time very thoroughly. Ile has become well known in Peoria and vicinity as a member of the Revenue force and in other business capacities, and adds to his commercial reputation that of a gallant soldier who devoted some of the best years of his life to the service of his country.
Mr. McDermott was born in Ireland, October 13, 1838, and spent the first few years of his life in
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the land of his birth. In 1847 he accompanied his parents, Michael and Catherine (McCormick) Mc- Dermott, to America, the parents locating in La- Salle County, III., where our subject remained until thirteen years of age. Ile then came alone to Peoria and found employment in the wholesale and notion house of Bissell & Willard, in whose employ he continued until August, 1862.
Mr. McDermott could no longer be contented to remain engaged in a peaceful pursuit in the North while others were battling for the flag, and he, therefore, became a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighth Illinois Infantry, in which he was immediately appointed Sergeant-Major. The regiment was sent to the Southwest with Grant and passed through Kentucky to Vicksburg. The first heavy engagement in which Mr. McDermott was engaged was at Chickasaw Bayou, following which were the contests at Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, the siege and capture of Vicksburg, the battle of Guntown, Miss., and fin- ally at Spanish Fort, the last battle of the war. He was one of those fortunate men who escaped wounds and capture, and during his three years' service he never lost an hour from duty. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, then to First, then to Captain, and finally became Brevet-Major, with which rank he was mustered out August 5, 1865, conscious that he had done all that was in his power to keep the old flag intact.
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