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 99
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ENRY KNOX SIKES. A worthy scion of a noble family, the gentleman above named is pursuing his course in life in a manner that indicates his full concurrence in the spirit of the motto "Noblesse oblige." In inherit- ing sterling traits of character from his progenitors and having had them strengthened by wise advice
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and instruction, he is fitted to act well his part in life and extend the family honor and influence. For some time he has been a resident of Peoria, and during a few years past engaged in the busi- ness of an insurance agent and general solicitor at No. 214 South Madison Avenue.
Mr. Sikes was born in Mercer, Me., May 8, 1841, being a son of Oren and Julia Knox (Thatcher) Sikes. His mother was a daughter of Judge Ebene- zer Thatcher, sister of Rear Admiral Henry K. That- cher, and granddaughter of Gen. Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War of the United States, and Chief of Artillery on Gen. Washington's Staff. Our snbjeet now has the bit that was in the mouth of three different horses shot under Gen. Knox at Trenton, December 26, 1776. Oren Sikes was an orthodox elergyman, of the body now called Con- gregationalists. at Bedford, Mass., continuing min- isterial labors until his death, which occurred when our subject was quite small.
After the death of his father, young Sikes at- tended school in Maine and also at Fall River, Mass., whence he went to New York and entered a business house as clerk. When the war first broke out he was desirous of entering the army, but being taken with the smallpox he was unable to do so; his health having been fully restored, in August, 1862, he entered Troop G. First New York Mounted Rifles, the regiment being under the command of Col. C. C. Dodge, of the firm of Phelps, Dodge & ('o., of New York, and the troop led by Capt. (berteutfers. Mr. Sikes served in the same com- pany and regiment until the close of the war, being attached to the Army of East Virginia and mainly ocenpied in scouting and raiding with his comrades, who were given this independent work of a nature specially adapted to their organization. They, however, took part in the engagements at Rich- mond, Petersburg, and the closing of the battle of Five Forks, Mr. Sikes received a severe injury from which he will never recover.
Mr. Sikes was mustered out of the service in November, 1865, and. returning to the Bay State, obtained an interest in a shoe business at Lynn. Thence he removed to Vineland, N. J., remaining there three and one-half years engaged in business and going thence to Stanford, Dutchess County,
N. Y. In that city he sojourned ten years, work- ing for the railroad company, and coming to Peoria, with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. He gave up the work at last to enter the employ of the Western Union Tele- graph Company, and three years later retired almost entirely from business on account of the sickness and death of his wife and daughter. Still later he became interested in general soliciting and insur- ance, to which he has in recent years devoted his attention.
Mr. Sikes was Sanitary Inspector of Peoria, and has held offices in various places, such as City Clerk of Stanford, N. Y., etc. In the Union Veteran Club, a large organization of old soldiers, he held the of- fice of Secretary three years. He has been Adju- tant in the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, his mem- bership coming by inheritance through Admiral Thatcher, and also by general vote on character. Of the social fraternities, he holds membership in the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Order of Red Men.
Besides the relie mentioned elsewhere in this sketch, Mr. Sikes has a solid mahogany bureau and secretary, eight and a half feet high and richly carved, which was formerly owned and used by Louis XVI of France and occupied a place in the Tuilleries. After the sacking of the palace in 1786 Gen. LaFayette secured the piece of furniture and sent it to Gen. Knox, from whom it has been handed down to our subject. Mr. Sikes also has a portion of a set of French china dishes made for Gen. Knox, ornamented with the coat-of-arms of the Society of the Cincinnati and the initials H. L. K., for Henry and Lucy Knox. The present owner has a just appreciation of the value of these remarkable relies and a due regard for his geneo- logical tree.
At Brooklyn, N. Y .. August 7, 1865, by the Rev. Dr. Inskip, Mr. Sikes was married to Margaret A., danghter of Joshua Terry. The bride was born February 5, 1837, was well educated, and possessed the noble traits of character which won and held deep regard. Iler father was for many years a shipsmith, owning and operating a large shop in which all kinds of iron work of vessels was done,
W.S. Tworbett
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To Mr. and Mrs. Sikes two children were born: Lillian Thatcher, who died in this city at the age of eighteen years, when developing into a charming womanhood; Waldo Henry K., who was born on the 3d of January, 1876, is still pursuing his stud- ies in school. Mrs. Sikes was called from time to eternity in May, 1887, less than two years after the death of her daughter. Mr. Sikes is a member of the First Congregational Church, his young . son also being identified with that religious society.
W ILLIAM S. TURBETT. Among the por- traits and biographical records of promi- nent and pioneer citizens of Peoria County that of Mr. Turbett is presented. He belongs to a pioneer family, and is descended from worthy ancestors. Tracing his lineage back a few genera- tions, we find that Jolin Turbett and Priscilla Moore were married in the North of Ireland, April 22, 1723, and had the following children : Matthew, Esther, James, Nathan, Jonathan, John, William, Thomas and Samuel. Thomas was born January 20, 1741, and died June 12, 1820, aged seventy-nine years. lle was married to Jean Wilson, who died June 15, 1826, when sixty-eight years of age.
A native of the Emerald Isle, Thomas Turbett, the paternal grandfather of William S., came to America during Colonial days, settling among the pioneers of Pennsylvania. When the War of the Revolution broke out he entered the army, becom- ing Colonel of his regiment. His wife, who was a native of Scotland, bore him eleven children, named as follows: John. Thomas, James, Samuel, George, Stewart, William, Nancy, Mary, Esther and Priscilla. Three of the sons were early set- tlers of Ohio, one of Fairfield County and two of Richland County. Col. Thomas Turbett and his brother James were the only members of the fam- ily who came to America.
Concerning the grandfather of our subject the following is quoted : "Col. Thomas Turbett was a remarkable man in his day. His name appeared on
the tax lists of Milford Township as early as 1774. He started the first tanyard in the present Juniata County, and most probably the first west of the Kittatinny Mountains. The tanyard is on the tax list of 1778. He took an active part dur- ing the Revolutionary War and rose to the rank of Colonel of Militia. He always contended that the service he rendered his country in that great day of trial and distress was no more than the plain, common duty of any and every citizen. It Is related that at the battle of Princeton, a British officer was loudly calling upon the rebels with a profusion of terrible oaths to surrender. Col. Turbett was not in that business at that time, so he laid a rifle on the fence and killed the British ollieer."
When a young man, John Turbett, the son of this brave Revolutionary officer, left his native Pennsylvania and became a pioneer of Fairfield County, Ohio, where he married. In 1829 he re- moved to Fayette County, that State, and during the sojourn there our subject was born, Decen- ber 25, 1831. The maiden name of his mother was Nancy Beaty. In the fall of 1840 John Tur- bett, accompanied by his family, came to Illinois and purchased a large tract of land in Logan Township, which his sons improved while he ear- ried on his business as a tanner. IIc established the first and only tannery in this township, and was one of the substantial citizens of the place. IIis death, which occurred January 23, 1847, at the age of nearly sixty-four years, was a serious loss to the industrial and material interests of his town- slip. Ilis wife survived him until December 7, 1862, when she too was called hence. She was a daughter of John Beaty, who came to this coun- try from Ireland, and was an early settler of Ohio. He was twice married, first to Jane Gray, who left two sons and four daughters, and afterward to Elizabeth Banker, who had seven children. Mrs. Turbett was a woman of true Christian spirit, and was an esteemed member of the United Presby- terian Church. She and her husband were the parents of ten children, namely : Thomas, who died, leaving a widow and one child; Jane, who died in Ohio; Priseilla, John B., Anna Eliza, Nancy E., Mary B., Hannah M., William S. and James A.
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Our subject grew up in the pioneer home of his parents, and like every farmer's lad, was drilled in all that pertains to agricultural pursuits. Ile was given the advantages of a common-school education, and at the age of twenty years was well equipped to start out in life on his own account, and in 1857 he and his youngest brother, James, purchased eighty acres of land, where he now re- sides. lle has worked hard, and his labors have been so guided by discretion, prudence and sound judgment that he has done well in the prosecution of his calling, and has here one of the finest im- proved farms in this section of the country. He owns two hundred and seventy acres of land where he lives, and has one hundred and twenty acres of land on the western part of the section. Fle is very profitably engaged as a breeder of thorough- bred llambletonian and Norman horses, having a line herd of them. When he commenced farming operations on his own account he scarcely owned anything beside his team and wagon, and from that small beginning has built up his present valuable property.
Mr. Turbett's fellow-citizens find in him a man whom they can trust, his credit being always good in financial circles, and his word never doubted. No one is more interested than he in pushing for- ward the prosperity of Logan Township, and the part that he has taken in its development will al- ways be noted in any mention of the history of this locality. In politics he has ever favored the policy of the Democratic party, and he cast his first vote for President, for Franklin Pierce.
ACOB LINCK, manufacturer of harness and horse collars at Trivoli, is known widely throughout the county, and is liked by every one for his good nature and his geniality. lle is still doing business in the old shop that he established here many years ago and is now inde- pendent and well-to- do.
Our subject is of German birth and antecedents. lle is a son of Jacob Linck, who was born in the
Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. The father was orphaned at an early age, and when quite young was set to learn the trade of a tailor but could not endure the confinement and left that to engage as a grain dealer in the village of Wahl- heim, and there his death occurred in 1812 while he was yet in life's prime, he being but forty-four years of age. He was a devoted Christian and a member of the Protestant Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Aun M. Mack, was born in Ielbe- sheim, in a Rhine Province of Bavaria, and came to America with our subject and spent the remain- der of her life with her children, dying in the home of the son of whom we write in 1868, at the age of sixty-nine years.
To these worthy people were born six children of whom the following is the record: Jacob, our subject; Catherine, Mrs. Seltzer, died in Trivoli Township; Philip died at Ft. Worth, Tex., in 1886; Frederick died in Trivoli; Ellen, Mrs. Nei- derlander, lives in Pekin; Henry died while in the army. He was a member of the Third Illinois Cavalry, enlisting in 1862, at Pekin, and he died of sickness contracted on the battle field. LIe was in a hospital at Memphis, and was transferred to St. Louis, Mo., but just as he got to the wharf ex- pired. Philip was also a soldier, a member of the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. Ile enlisted in 1863, at Peoria, assisted in getting up a company of which he was appointed Second Lieutenant, and served as such until his resignation.
The subject of this biography was born in Wahl- heim, Germany, June 21. 1830. 1Ie had excellent school advantages and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed for a term of three years to learn the trade of a harness-maker in the city of Alzey. At the expiration of that time he traveled as a journey- man for five years through Hesse-Darmstadt, Nassau, Baden, Bavaria, Prussia, Austria and Poland. In 1852 he opened a shop of his own in his native place and conducted a successful business there for four years. The remainder of his family had made up their minds to come to America and though he was doing so well, they prevailed upon him to ac- company them, and in September, 1856, they left Havre on the good ship "Caroline,"under Capt. Dow and six weeks later landed in New York in Novem-
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ber. They made their way to this county and to Trivoli Township, where they remained over winter.
In the spring Mr. Linck went to Peoria, and was employed there as a journeyman for one year. February 14, 1858, he opened a shop and com- menced the manufacture of harness and horse col- lars in Trivoli. He did not intend to stay here, but did not care to be idle while he was waiting for some other opening. But he did so well here that he finally decided to remain permanently and he has since built up a large and lucrative business, employing from one to three hands beside himself and for three or four years has manufactured col- lars for the Peoria market. Ile is now the oldest business man in the place and has one of the pleas- antest homes in the township. The residence which he built himself is neat and commodious and he lias eight acres of land in the village. He owns besides three hundred and twenty acres of improved land in Antelope County, Neb., and since 1885, has owned a tract of one hundred acres in this town- ship, which he rents.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Agnes Ilaas took place in Trivoli October 7, 1862. She was born in Baden in the village of Overbergen, and is a daughter of Roman Haas, who came to this country in 1867. Her mother died in Germany. Her father made his home with his children, a part of the time with her, and a part of the time withi a daughter in Woodford County, where he died. Mrs. Linck came to America with an uncle who lo- cated in Woodford County.
Mr. and Mrs. Linck have three children : Emma, Henry C. and Otto B. Emma is the wife of E. E. Harding, an attorney at Elmwood; Henry, who is in the harness business with his father, is well edu- cated, having been a student of the Western Busi- ness College, at Galesburg; Otto, though only fifteen years of age, is one of the most advanced scholars of the place and already holds a teacher's certificate.
Mr. Linck is a Master Mason at Farmington. He is influential in township affairs, and has been School Director. He was instrumental in getting the old Peoria and Farmington Railroad here, lend- ing his influence to the company, and subscribing $100 towards the project. Ile is a true-blue Re-
publican. is prominent in the councils of his party, and has been delegate to county and Congressional conventions. He is a man of earnest religious na- ture and holds to the faith of the Evangelical Church. Ile also was Postmaster for fifteen years, until the office was removed to lower Trivoli.
Le QUIS PHILIP WOLF. This worthy descen- dant of a cultured family has become well known in Peoria and throughout the sur- rounding country by reason of his connection with journalism. He is a man of deep and varied knowl- edge, particularly able as a linguist, and was for some years connected with the educational work of the State in a somewhat prominent manner. He has done much toward enlightening the foreign- born regarding their duties as citizens of a great Republic, and were this the extent of his labors, would well deserve recognition and remembrance. Ilis other claims, however, are established, as will be seen by a perusal of the paragraphs below.
Mr. Wolf was born in Nassau, Germany, Decem- ber 16, 1851, his parents being Carl and Katherina (Lorsbach) Wolf. For more than a century his forefathers were prominent teachers, honored by the Government with decorations for their skill as instructors, and likewise for their horticultural tastes and acquirements. It is therefore not to be wondered at that our subject was well fitted for pedagogical labor, and that when he chose to em- bark in that calling, he excelled. He obtained a good education in the schools of his native land, which he was led to leave on account of his love of independence.
Coming to America in 1868, Mr. Wolf took up the first occupation which came to hand, that being labor on a raft on the Mississippi River. As soon as possible he secured a position more in keeping with his abilities, becoming interpreter and teacher of modern languages in the German-American In- stitute of Chicago, and subsequently filling a posi- tion in the Academie Francaise. After a time Mr. Wolf organized a private school where he taught Germans the English language, and their duties as
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American citizens, making a specialty of the latter, his lectures being highly spoken of by all who heard them.
Abandoning the profession for which he was so eminently qualified, Mr. Wolf embarked as corres- pondent for various papers, both American and Ger- man, his first literary communications being pub- lished in a Cincinnati journal. In 1875 he started a paper of his own at Lincoln, III .- the Volksfreund -it being the only German Republican paper in the State. Two years later he came to Peoria, tak- ing a position as editor on the Zeitung, and in 1879 establishing the Sonne, which he is still managing. This paper has met with remarkable success, win- ning its position on its inherent merits, being strictly independent in politics. It now has a daily, weekly and Sunday edition, for each of which the subscription list is highly gratifying.
The scholarship of Mr. Wolf, his understanding of the needs and desires of those of his own nation- ality, his thorough sympathy with American insti- tutions, cach gives him a special fitness for editorial work, as he can judge better than many to what items of information, what discussions, and what literary work to give a place in his publication. Ilis own pen is a trenchant weapon in behalf of all that is elevating and civilizing, and is equally po- tent in words of disapproval, condemnation and judgment.
In his personal views and his use of the right of suffrage, Mr. Wolf is a pronounced Republican. His name was once brought out by the German press of the State, for Secretary of State, but he was averse to making a political racc. He is very popular among those of his own nationality as is in- dieated by an ovation given him on the occasion of his last visit to his native land, which was such as had perhaps never been extended to another resi- dent of Peoria. He has made several trips to Ger- many and the greater part of Europe, since he be- came an American citizen, cach making him a more confirmed Republican than before.
Much of the success of the Sonne is due to the wife of Mr. Wolf, who has proven herself an effi- cient helpmate in his financial affairs as well as a charming companion in home life. She is a native of Germany, bore the maiden name of Augusta
Klifus, and for years was a resident of St. Peters- burg, Russia. She is highly accomplished, is an excellent writer, and a capable financier, as her counsel in the management of the Sonne has demon- strated.
C OL. JOHN WARNER. While Col. Warner has many qualities which make him deserv- ing of mention in a BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, his chief claim to distinction is his eminent public spirit. He has undoubtedly done more in bchalf of public works, street improvements, etc., than any other citizen in Peoria, and it was well for the municipality that the citizens recognized his abil- ity, and kept him in the Mayor's chair during quite an extended period.
Mr. Warner was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 11, 1830, being one of the six sons and two daughters comprising the family of John B. and Esther (Gordon) Warner. Ilis father was a native of Maryland, and his mother of Pennsyl- vania. The business of the former was that of an hotel-keeper, and a general contractor for railroad and canal work. Besides our subject the survivors of the family circle are Bennett O., now in the liv - ery business in Peoria; Henry, Government Gauger in that city ; William G., also residing there; Eliza- beth, wife of R. M. Cox; and Orlando. The father removed to Peoria with his family in 1846, dying here in March, 1863. He was host of the Clinton House, and served in the public capacities of Asses- sor, Justice of the Peace, and Alderman.
After acquiring bis education, John Warner be- gan his career in life as a clerk, and during the eight years of his labors in that capacity became well acquainted with the details of business life and management. lle then embarked in the sale of clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods which he continued until after the breaking out of the Civil War, when his loyalty led him to the front. He entered the army in August, 1862, as Colonel of the One Hundred and Eighth Illinois Infantry, and until his discharge in March, 1864, did gallant service at the head of his regiment. The most im- portant battles in which he participated were Chick-
1
Mis. Any Blakesley
yours truly Joel Blakesley
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asaw, Arkansas Post, and those of the siege of Vicksburg. After his return to civil life, Col. Warner was for a time engaged in the wholesale liquor business with Spear & Co.
In 1874, Col. Warner was first elected Mayor of Peoria occupying the mayoralty ten years, a longer time than any other incumbent. In 1883 he was appointed Postmaster, but after a year resigned the office. At present he is General Inspector of the Water Works, his constituents not being willing to allow him to retire to private life. While Mayor he organized the fire department into a metropoli- tan body, uniformed the police force, and author- ized the erection of the Library, Work House, and various public works of the city. The buildings now stand as a monument to his interest in Peoria and her people, and will perpetuate his memory as long as the ravages of time allow them to remain. Col. Warner is a leading politician, giving his suf- frage to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
The lady who presides over Col. Warner's home bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Simms, and be- came his wife in 1854. They are the parents of the following children : John A., who has been a mem- ber of the fire department for the past eight years; Cora; Dollie, wife of Frank Buell, of Chicago; Etta, wife of W. B. Miser, clerk for Pardee, Wilts & Co .; Harry, whose home is in Colorado; Molly, wife of W. F. Bryant, a clerk; and Daisy, at home. Col. Warner and his family have high rank in the society of Peoria, displaying good breeding, intel- ligence, and a genial spirit, which are not without their due effect upon their associates.
OEL BLAKESLEY. Among the old settlers of Peoria County none are more deserving of recognition in a BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM than Joel Blakesley, who for more than half a century has been connected with the best interests of this section. In early. years he gave of his mental and physical strength to aid in the development of her material resources, ever mani- festing a desire to assist also in all that would ad-
vance the growth of the county in wealth and cul- ture. A leisurely tour of the world in the pro- gress of which he made detours as curiosity prompted or love of adventure dictated, has been supplemented by numerous trips throughout his native land, every State having been visited save North and South Carolina. His extensive travels have familiarized him with many people, whose customs and peculiarities form the topic for most enjoyable conversations.
In 1668 three brothers of the name Blakeslee, as it was then spelled, came to America from England where they had been workers in iron. From these sprang all of the name now in this country. One of their number located in Plymouth Hollow, now Thomasville, Conn,, and there it was that David, the father of our subject, was born. He married Sarah Bailey, to them being born nine children. Of these Mrs. Wealthy Simmons and he of whom we write are the only survivors. Thinking to bet- ter his condition David Blakesley forsook the hills of Connecticut for those of Oneida County, N. Y., and there his son Joel was born May 20, 1814. The lad found it tough work farming among the stones of Oneida County and at the age of sixteen years went to the home of his ancestors, there en- gaging in labor in the Seth Thomas Clock Fac- tory.
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