The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 103

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 103

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proportions. In 1857, he retired from the drug trade, and gave his whole attention to his medi- cine business. He has pursued his business with wonderful energy until now (1879) he has extended the local agencies over all of the Western States and accumulated quite a large capital. But his pathway has not all been sunshine for, in February, 1853, he lost, by fire, his new two- story dwelling-house, which he had built the fall before, with much of his furniture, and with no insurance. In the great fire of Oct. 16, 1855, he lost, in addition to his half of the drug store and building, his medicine factory and a three-story brick building, with small insurance. Ile has lost heavily by security debts and insurance companies, all of which he waded through with- out faltering. In 1871, Dr. Wakefield took in partnership his son Oscar, and his brother-in-law. C. S. Jones, and surrendered to them the most of the labors and perplexing cares of his exten- sive work, that he might improve his health and enjoy more completely the fruition of his many years of toil. Since his retirement from active duties, he has spent considerable time in travel- ing In 1874, he spent the spring in Florida and other Southern States, and the summer in Col- orado ; the summer of 1876 he spent with his family at Atlantic City and the Centennial, and in the summer of 1878 he, with bis family, traveled four months in Europe. He has raised a tam- ily of four children, viz., Emma, Oscar, Hattie and Homer ; Emma is now Mrs. A. S. Eddy, and lexides in Bloomington ; Oscar is married and occupies the Doctor's former residence, and he occupies his fine stone residence, which he built in 1871 ; Hattie and Ilomer are yet in their teens. Dr. Wakefield is a man of very firm and decided principle ; politically, he is a Repub- lican. After the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, he was among the foremost in advocating the formation of a new party, and he was one of those who organized the Republican party in Bloomington, at the first meeting, Sept. 9, 1854. He is decided in his religious views, and fol- lows his convictions to their legitimate results. He is at present a very liberal supporter of the Free Congregational Church of this city ; in fact, he is one of the most liberal citizens of Bloomington, ever ready to assist those who are in real distress : during the past winter, he gave much time to the work of charity, being at the head of the Public Committee on Distribu- tion, and, at the same time, was a liberal subscriber to the cause. Dr. Wakefield is a man of quiet, retiring manners, never seeking public office or any kind of notoriety. He was sought by the public, a few years ago, as a member of the City Board of Education, which position he filled very ably, and declined re-election. As a citizen, he stands among the foremost of the best- known of the many public-spirited men of our city, having a fame that extends outside the city, county or State, being, in fact, a man of national reputation.

WILCOX BROS., dealers in dry goods, Bloomington : one of the best and largest stocks of dry goods in Bloomington may be found at the above-named store; Mr. Frank B. Wilcox is a native of New York ; his first experience in the dry-goods business was as a clerk in that city ; in 1868, he commenced business as one of the firm of Richardson & Wilcox, in Bloomington, which afterward changed to Wilcox Bros .; these gentlemen now occupy a room 25x166 feet. Mr. L. T. Wilcox attends to the purchasing of goods, and has had over eleven years' experience in the dry goods busines- ; he understands the quality of goods and knows the best places to buy the same; those wanting any kind of dry-goods, silks and dress goods, will do well to call on Wilcox Bros.

FRANKLIN WINTE, Bloomington ; was born in Oswego, N. Y., May 13, 1833, and is the son of E. White, a contractor and mill-builder ; from 1839 to 1845, the family resided in several of the lending cities-Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis ; in 1845, they settled in Chicago, then a city of 13,000 inhabitants; here Mr. White remained until 1860; he learned the trade of a pattern-maker in Chicago : Mr. White states that he saw the first railroad laid out from Chicago, and the first telegraph line laid into it ; he and his brother had a little experience in the mer- cantile business in Chicago . in May, 1860, Mr. White came to Bloomington and accepted a posi- tion in the Chicago & Alton Railroad shops, as foreman of the pattern department; this place he has filled ever since ; in 1876, he was elected to office as Alderman from the Sixth Ward ; in 1878, he was re-elected to same office, having proven himself a man of acknowledged ability. Mr. White's political opinions are Republican.

Z. WATERS, M. D., Bloomington. The longest established and representative eclectic physician of Bloomington is Dr. Z. Waters, a native of Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y ; he was born May 16, 1836, and, with his parents, removed to De Witt Co., Ill., in 1844 ; early in life, he decided upon the profession of medicine, and read the allopathic system, and, in 1859, com menced practice in Van Buren, Crawford Co., Ark., where he continued for three years ; in July, 1861, he returned to Bloomington, and, in October of the same year, entered the Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, where he graduated in the spring of 1862. He then enlisted in the army as a private soldier. and was soon promoted to the p siti m of Assistant Surgeon of the 68th 1. V. I .; with his regiment, he joined the army , f the Potomac, where he was placed in charge of what was known as the Octagon Hospital, two miles west of Alexandria, Va. At the expiration of the term of enlistment, he returned with his regiment to Springfield, where they were discharged in September, 1862; in October, 1862, he commenced the practice of medicine in Bloomington, Il., where he has continued to the present time. Dr. Waters is the author of the well known " Waters' Family Medicines ;" also the inventor of the " Waters' Abdominal and Uterine Supporter." He is a member of the Illinois State Eclectic Medical Society, and of

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the United States Eclectic Medical Society ; as a physician and as a man of honor, he stands high in the estimation of the people of Bloomington.

JOHN C. WILDBERGER, saloon-keeper, Bloomington ; was born in Switzerland in 1833, and is the son of Jacob and Mary F. Wiklberger, of Sw tzerland ; in 1853, he sailed for America and landed in New Orleans in April, 1853: here he remained but a short time, and then came to Bloomington in the same year, which has been his home ever since. He enlisted in Co. A, 101st 1. V. I., as Orderly Sergeant, in 1862, and was mustered out in 1865 ; he participated in the battles of Resaca, Lookout Mountain (the battle above the clouds), Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, etc., and was with Sherman on the march to the sea, through the swamps of the Caro- linas, and at Washington on the grand review; he did good service and was only sick about two months ; with this exception, he served full time. At the close of the war, he returned home to Bloomington ; Mr. Wildberger was in the bakery business about five years ; he was, also, for a short time, a resident of Morgan Co., Ill He married Hattie Weersh, of Switzerland ; they have four children-John, Casper, Hattie and Lotta.

FRANCIS X. WOCHNER, brewer, of the firm of Meyers & Wochner, Bloomington : was born in Germany in 1832: came to America in 1839, landed in New Orleans, thence to Illinois, and located near Springfield, where he engaged in farming ; from there he came to Bloomington ; here he entered with Mr. Myers upon the making of beer ; they employ about ten men and draw their patronage from the surrounding country.

S. R. WHITE, lumber, Bloomington. One of the prominent contractors and builders of Bloomington is S. R. White ; he is also a dealer in lumber, lath, lime, shingles, etc, his estah- lishment being located at 804 East Douglas street. Mr. White is a native of Huntington Co., Ind., ; it was there that he learned the trade of a carpenter and builder ; since his residence in Bloomington, he has, in many instances, proven himself a thoroughly accomplished workman as well as a responsible contractor. He came to Bloomington in 1868, and first began working at his trade, and in 1874, he embarked in the lumber trade, and contracting and building ; in this, he has proven himself a good financier, as well as a reliable contractor ; during the season, he employs quite a number of men and frequently has several buildings in course of construction at the same time ; he is now doing a good business, which is the result of his own energy, industry and good financiering.

J. L. WHITE, M. D., Bloomington. Among the leading physicians of Bloomington, whose name and ability are familiar to the people, is Dr. J. L. White ; he is a native of Westminster, Mass : after receiving a liberal cducation here and at Williston Seminary, of Easthampton, he began the study of medicine. graduating at the Harvard Medical College in December, 1853. Previous to his graduating, he had been for some months one of the Medical house pupils of the Massachusetts General Hospital; subsequent to this, he spent several months in foreign travel and study. In 1854, he came West and located at Jerseyville, Ill., where he resided, engaging in the practice of his profession, until March, 1870, when he removed to Blooming- ton. Here, by his close attention to business and thorough knowledge of the science of medicine, he has met with very gratifying success. He is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society and of the Jersey and McLean County Medical Societies, in both of which he has held the office of Pres dent. He has, at various times, contributed articles on medical subjects to various medical journals. During the war of the rebellion, he was Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment of the 10th Congressional District ; for six years he has been District Surgeon of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Feb. 10, 1857, he married Miss Harriet, daughter of Samuel Hawley, of Jersey- ville, Ill.

HENRY M. WAIT, Bloomington, was born in Franklin Co., Mass., in 1834; in 1856, he came West, to Illinois; in 1867, he came to Bloomington, where he has been engaged in the flour and feed business and in the manufacture of brooms. Mr. Wait, at the breaking out of the war, enlisted in Company G, 18th U. S. Inf., as First Sergeant ; he served until the expira- tion of his term, and was honorably discharged ; he was in a number of prominent battles, with the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Wait is a Republican in politics. Ile holds the office of Health Commissioner.

CHARLES H. WAIT, proprietor of Wait's Hotel, Bloomington ; was born in Windsor, Vt., May 10, 1820, and is the son of Capt. Joseph Wait, whose father was Gen. Marmaduke Wait. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the farm and graduated from the district school when very young, namely, when 8 years old ; he then entered the hotel business, as hostler and bar-tender, in Perkinsville, Vt .; then was engaged in driving a four-horse team from Whitehall, N. Y .. to Claremont, N. H., over the Green Mountains, hauling flour, principally. In 1840, he came West and located at Chicago, then a small town ; he became general manager of a stage- route-one of the first at Chicago ; in 1842, he went to New Orleans, and was engaged in man- aging an omnibus-line ; thence to Vincennes, Ind .. and in charge of an omnibus-line running from Louisville, Ky., to Vincennes, Ind. He married at Washington, Ind., in 1844, to Elizabeth Lucas. In 1845, he commenced farming in Davis Co .. Ind., and farmed until 1853. He com- menced farming a poor man, but, with good management and hard work, he was very successful From farming, he went to Washington, Ind., and purchased an important hotel, of which he remained proprietor from 1853 to 1855. Ile then went to St. Louis and was engaged in the

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livery and sale stable business, doing a very extensive business and furnished many horses for the Government. He was Government Inspector during the first year of the war. In 1865, he came to Bloomington and married Mrs. M. C. Burch. He was for about two years in the mer- cantile business : with this exception, he has been engaged, during his residence in Blooming- ton, in the hotel business, and keeps one of the most home-like and pleasant hotels in the city.

PRESTON WOOD, clergyman, Bloomington ; was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1925, and is the son of Preston Wood, a tanner and currier. When he was but 14 years of age, he com- meneed to learn the printer's trade in Leeds. England, and served as an apprentice for seven years. In 1847, he preached his first sermon in York England, and was taken into the British Conference. In 1852, he came to America, and landed in New York City ; here he followed his trade as a printer for one winter. In 1852, he came West, to Illinois, and joined the Illinois Conference, in Winchester, Ill., in the fall of 1852. His first appointment was at Hillsborough, Ill ; thence to Waverly, Beardstown, Le Roy, Decatur, Atlanta, Clinton, Lincoln, Danville and other places. In 1861 and 1862, he was Chaplain of the 38th I. V. I. He is the only surviving one of four brothers who enlisted in the army. At the close of the war, he became Presiding Elder of the Dinville District for four years; thence to Bloomington four years. lle is now finishing his second year as Financial Agent of the Wesleyan University. Ilis son, William T., is a graduate of West Point, and is now Second Lieutenant in the 18th U. S. A.

JOHN F. WOOD, pattern-maker, Bloomington. Among the many lines of industry and enterprise represented in Bloomington, is the pattern manufactory of John F. Wood, located on East Douglas street ; Mr. Wood is a native of Virginia; he came West in 1854, and located at. Bloomington, where he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner ; finding himself capable of doing fine mechanical work, and having a natural talent in that line, he learned the art of pat- era-making, which, when properly done, requires the finest mechanical skill ; he has his estab- lishment fitted with all the necessary business facilities in the way of machinery, having an engine of ten-horse power, and an endless variety of tools ; by his energy and industry, he has established a fine business, receiving many orders for fine work in the State of Illinois and many of the Western States; he also does a general repairing business ; he is well-known to the citizens of Bloomington, and many dealers in the State, as a man whose honor and integ- rity is above reproach.

PETER WHITMER, banker, Bloomington ; was born in Chambersburg, Penn., Feb. 22, 1828, where he was raised and schooled ; during his early life, he learned the trade of a har- ness-maker and saddler; in 1852, he came to Bloomington, Ill., and began the harness and sad- dlery business with M. L. Moore ; this he continued for two years, then for the next three years he was in business with l'arke & Hoopes, grocery and provisions; in 1857, he engaged in the lumber business, which he followed successfully for some seventeen years ; during most of this time, he was in partnership with George Bruner ; Mr. Whitmer came to Bloomington with- out property, but being possessed of energy and perseverance, he gradually climbed the ladder of fortune, till 10-day, he is one of the solid men of Bloomington. In January, 1875, he was appointed President of the People's Bank, of which he was one of the original stockholders: in business he has been a successful man, and has acquired a large property. He married Mis, Lucy MeDonald, formerly of Winchester. Ky., Feb. 22, 1855, they have raise I a family of six.

ALBERT WELCH, grocer, Bloomington. The advent of this gentleman to McLean Co., dates back to the year 1835, at which time there comparatively few settlers, and the coun ry pre- sented rather a desolate appearance ; he had but little means, but was possessed of willing hands and a determination. He was married to Sarah, daughter of G. Randolph, Esq., of this county, Oct. 22, 1846; they first located in what is now Randolph Township, where he entered his first forty acres ; they prospered and gradually added to their land until they had 500 acres of as fine land as may be found in McLean Co. They have raised a family of two boys and two girls. 1Ie is now doing business at 225 East Front street, where he keeps a well-assorted stock of provisions and family groceries.

W. M. WILLIAMS, grocer, Bloomington ; was born in Montgomery Co., Tenn, Aug. 11, 1839 : his parents removed to Christian Co., Ky., in 1843, where he was raised and educated ; he came to McLean Co. in 1856, and, for a time, was engaged in agricultural pursuits ; in 1858, he emigrated to Washington Co., Tex., where he began mercantile life, and, after a time, returned and resumed farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted with the 108th I. V. 1., and was in many of the most severe battles of the war ; at the expiration of his enlisted term (three years), he returned to Bloomington ; in 1866, he removed to La Fayette, Ky , where he embarked in the grocery business, in which he continued until 1868, when he returned to Bloomington and opened a grocery store ; he is located at 204 East Front street, where he keeps a fine grocery, in which is offered a well-assorted stock of goods, sold at bottom figures. He married Miss Sarah E., daughter of D. J. Livingston, Esq., an early settler of this county, Nov. 5, 1868.

MRS. ALLEN WITHERS, widow, Bloomington. But few of the citizens of Mclean Co. who are now deceased were better known or more respected than Mr. A. Withers; he was a native of Jessamine Co., Ky .: came to MeLean Co. in 1834. On May 2, 1836. he married Miss Sarah Rice, who was also a native of Jessamine Co. His first business in Bloomington was in the dry-goods trade, which he followed until 1837, when they moved to Clark Co. Mo., where

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they remained eight years : he returned to Bloomington and, in 1847, in company with Mr. Temple, again embarked in the dry-goods business, the firm being known as Withers & Temple; from this he engaged in the hardware business, which he continued for three years, when he gave up the mercantile business entirely : moved t, the country and engaged in the fine-stock trade ; he had been very successful in business : had just secured a fine property in Blooming- ton, and was preparing to move there when he was taken sick, from which he never recovered ; his death occurred March 3, 1864, in his 56th year. After his death, Mrs. Withers removed to their residence in the city, which is located at No 305 West Locust street ; she is a very pleas- ant, genial laly ; is well known, loved and respected by a large circle of friends.

P. WEBBER, M. D., Bloomington. Dr. P. Webber is a native of France; born Jan. 5, 1813 : he came to the United States in 1860, and located in Peoria, Ill., where he remained until 1869: he is a regularly graduated M. D .. and, previous to his coming to the United States, he had been a surgeon in the French army during their crusade in Africa; this was from 1834 t > 1839; when he left Peoria, in 1869, he came to Bloomington, where he has since resided. His people were those of rank and nobility; the name used to be spelled De Webber, but, dur- ing the time of Robespierre and the revolution of 1794, his people, with many others, were caused to suffer, and, as is the French custom, the name is now spelled without the De. The Doctor has a good practice, having many patients from a distance who come to him to be treated for old chronic diseases, as he makes a specialty of this kind of human troubles, and has quite a repu- tation in this respect. His office and residence is located at No. 607 West Market street.

H. B. WRIGHT, physician and surgeon, Bloomington. The science of medicine is of such magnitude that years may be spent in the study of some particular part of it. Dr. II. B. Wright, one of the well-established physicians of recognized ability of Bloomington, has spent much time in the study of that particular part of the medical science known as female diseases ; he is a native of Otsego Co., N. Y. ; was born Nov. 20, 1824. Ile is a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago : he began his practice in Bloomington in 1869; his suite of rooms is located at 211 North Main street. Having a great many lady patients, the Doctor has taken special pride in fitting up his office and reception rooms: here he has every convenience, his office being supplied with choice medical works, fine cabinets of medicines, elegant adjustable chairs, as well as many fine and rare specimens of anatomy and geology : since his practice here he has met with a gratifying success, having cured some cases of female diseases of twenty-two years' standing ; he is a pleasant, genial gentleman as well as a well-read physician, both of which are conducive to his success.

S. C. WILSON, D. D. S., Bloomington ; among the leading dentists of this city who have established a name and reputation for fine and lasting work is Dr. S. C. Wilson, who is a native of Newburgh, N. Y. ; he was born Aug. 20, 1841. and began the study of dentistry in 1857, with Dr John Cottam. In 1861, he became a member of the 71st Regiment N. Y. Militia, and the same year was ordered to Washington, D. C., participating in the first battle of Bull Run; he returned to Newburgh, and in 1862, his regiment was ordered to Baltimore; in 1863, he entered the 168th N. Y. V. I., and remained in the army until 1864. Upon his return from the army, he resumed the practice of dentistry, becoming a partner of his old tutor, Dr. Cottam, remaining with him about one year, when he sold out to him and came West, locating at this city, where he has since resided, engaging in the practice of his profession. Here, by his close attention to business and his thorough knowledge of dentistry, he has established a fine practice. His suite of rooms are located corner of Jefferson and Main, where he is supplied with all the equipments necessary to do first-class work.

H. D. WHITCOMB, printer, Bloomington; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1830, and was taken by his parents to Monroe, Mich., in 1832, remaining until 1835 ; he then returned to his native county ; in 1839, he came to Illinois, and located in Putnam Co., where he lived until 1851 ; thence to Ottawa, for one year. He attended the Judson College (of Put- nam Co.) for a time, and, by study and practice at home, he acquired a good education. He resided for about five years in Lowell, La Salle Co. He practiced medicine in Amboy, Lee Co., for about eleven years. He is a man of fine physical as well as mental powers, and a natural . artist ; his taste being in that direction, he removed to Bloomington, in 1868, and has since given his attention to fine painting, in which he enjoys the reputation of being second to none. He married Miss Laura C. Hurd, of Middleport, Niagara Co., N. Y., March 1, 1851 ; they have five children.

JOIIN T. WALTON, plow manufacturer, Bloomington. Prominent among the business industries of Bloomington is the plow manufactory of John T. Walton, located at 210 and 212 W. Washington street. Mr. Walton is a native of Bracken Co., Ky .; he came to Bloomington in 1840, with his people ; In 1849, he began work in the plow manufactory of Mr. Brokaw, serving an apprenticeship of four years ; in 1854, he. in company with Mr. Il. Hastings, began business in the manufacture of wagons and stocking plows ; in the fall of 1855, he began business alone in the manufacture of wagons ; in 1857, he took Mr. A. Hamilton as a partner, and they began the manufacture of plows ; in 1866, he bought Mr. Hamilton's interest in the business, and has since conducted it alone ; he is now conducting one among the largest manufacturing establish- ments in the city, his factory being 50 feet front by 115 feet deep, three stories, besides an "L"

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of two stories, 22x55 ; he gives employment to from twelve to eighteen men, and manufactures about two thousand five hundred plows per annum. A more complete conception of his busi- ness may be gained by referring to his business card, which is found in the business directory of this work. This large business is the result of his own energy and industry and good financier- ing. He is a man who is well known, it being frequently said of him, " His word is as good as his bond."

NORMAL TOWNSHIP.

HIRAM BAKER, real estate, Normal ; was born near Troy, N. Y., Sept. 27, 1818; son of B. and Lucy (Ives) Baker, who were of English descent During his early life, he obtained a good business education, laying the foundation for future usefulness. He came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Fulton Co ; then, in 1841, removed to Peoria Co .. where he was engaged in real estate some twenty-seven years; in fact, Mr. Baker has been a successful dealer in real estate thus far through life. He has improved a large amount of land ; now owns 230 acres in the homestead located near Brimfield, Ill., and a large traet of land in Henry and Ford Cos. ; alto- gether, he owns 2,200 acres of improved land. He enjoys the reputation of being a public-spirited and highly-respected eitizen, having always taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the good of the community. He married Miss Sarah Frye, of Peoria, Ill., Feb. 16, 1847 ; they have raised two children-Hattie P., now Mrs. George Champion, of Normal, and Frank R .; he married Miss Delia A. Sheton, of Normal, June 3, 1875.

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 103

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092