USA > Illinois > Peoria County > The History of Peoria County, Illinois. Containing a history of the Northwest-history of Illinois-history of the county, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc., etc. > Part 107
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150
GALE HON. JACOB, secretary of Peoria Gas Lighting Co., residence North street, bluff, is a native of Salsbury, N. H., where he was born in 1814. His parents, Benjamin and Achsah Gale, nee Bailey, were also natives of New Hampshire. Judge Gale was educated at Dartmouth College, and graduated with the class of 1833. He came to Peoria the year following, began the study of law, and was admitted to practice in 1837 ; continued an active member of Peoria bar until he was appointed clerk of the circuit court, in 1844, the clerkship being then an appointive office. Having served in that capacity for twelve years, he was appointed circuit judge in 1856, which office he resigned after fill- ing it one year. Judge Gale has never resumed the law practice since his retirement from the bench, but has served two terms as mayor of Peoria, and was for a number of years superintendent of the city schools. Ile spent several years on a farm near the city, and has been secretary of the gas company nearly eight years. He married in Peoria, in the Spring of 1838, Charlotte Bartlett, also a native of Salsbury. She died nine years ago, leaving two sons. Mr. G. is a member of the Sec- ond Presbyterian Church.
Gallager Jas. peddler, 901 Third street.
Gallagher Patrick, res. 901 Third street. Gantt Thomas D. agt. P. S. & D. res. 205 Fifth street. Gans Wm. grocer, 209 S. Madison street. Gardner W. J. rooler, res. 413 Huribut street. Garrett A. china, wall paper, etc. 211 S. Adams street. Gattin Edward, cooper, S. Washington street. Gaugle John A. marble cutter, res. 1013 N. Adams streer. Ganl John, bakery, res. 313 Merriman street.
GAUSS WILLIAM, grocer, 209 S. Madison street. Is a native of Germany born in the city of Nnetingen, on the 19th day of July, 1842. Emigrated to the United States in 1853, with his parents, who lo- cated in Amboy, N. J., where they remained two years, then came to Peoria county and engaged in cigar man- ufacturing, and continued in that until 1869, when the subject of this sketch embarked in the grocery business on his own account, and has carried on the business successfully since. Always keeps on hand the very best stock the market affords, and by fair dealing and close attention to business has built up a trade that bids fair to be remunerative. Married Miss Sophia Pottchoff. October 31, 1867. She was born in 1846, in Germany. Their family consists of four girls and one boy.
Gebhard C. Mrs. res. 1512 N. Monroe street. Gebke F. 1117 Plank road. Gebhardt T. res. 1412 N. Monroe street. Geiger John, res IIOI N. Madison street. Geiker Harm, laborer res. 123 Gallatin street. Gehr John, West Bluff street.
Geldermeister J. cooper, res. 107 Cass street. Gengerick J. brewer, S. Water, below Bridge street. Gerdes G. T. laborer, res. 113 Gallatin street. Gibbons John, laborer, 710 Smith street.
GIBHARDT THEODORE, meat market, 912 N. Adams, corner Spring street. Was born in Ger- many, November 27, 1830. Son of Jacob and Dorothy Gibhardt. Emigrated to America at the age of twen- ty-five, and settled in Peoria in 1855. (In his native country he learned and pursued the trade of glass blow- er) ; worked at various places after coming to the coun- ty, after which he went into his present business. For his first wife, married Minnie Schilling, in Peoria. She was a native of Germany. She died nine years after their marriage, leaving one daughter, Minnie. For his second wife, married Miss Minnie Rammieg, October 4, 1877. She was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio ; by this marriage there is one child, Theodore, born July 12, 1878.
Gibson L. B. wholesale grocer, 104 S. Washington street. Gibson N. C. city engineer, res. 1319 N. Jefferson street.
GIENOW WILLIAM, saloon keeper, 700 S. Washington street. Was born in Prussia, February 5, 1840. Came to the United States in 1871, and settled in Peoria, where he worked as a laborer, and in 1875 commenced the saloon business, which he still follows. Married Miss Augusta Ferg. She was born in the same place, February 6, 1843. They had six children, four of whom are living - Louisa, Carl, Annie, Carrie (deceased), William and Louis.
GIFFORD GEORGE W. wholesale dealer in cider and vinegar, 128 S. Water St. Was born in Putnam Co., Ind., Feb 28, 1848, and resided there until
652
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.
1974, when he moved to Terre Haute, Ind., where he en- gaged as clerk in a boot and shoe house. Thence came to Peoria and engaged in liis present business. Mar- ried Miss Anna Reed, January 7, 1878. She was a na- tive of Indiana, and a resident of Evansville. Mr. G., by energy and industry, has built up a lucrative busi- ness.
tillbert Aaron F. res. sw. cor. Armstrong avenue.
GILBERT GEORGE W. Il., hatter and furrier, S. Adams Street ; was born in Peoria, February 12, 1337. His father, Henry Gilbert, was born and brought up near Charing Cross, London, Eng .; left home for the New World with a good education, be- sides the mastership of the trade of architect and builder ; arrived in Peoria in 1834 ; soon after made the acquaintance of and married Margaret A, Fash, daughter of a retired sea captain, who came from New Vork, and settled on lands previously bought in the county, where he died in July, 1845 ; widow still lives as the wife of Dr. Ilarmon Couch. George 11. received a liberal education in the city schools and at Wesleyan Seminary, in which he won distinction for scholarship. April 1, 1852, he began the apprenticeship to the hat, cap and fur trade with Alex. Bishop. In July, 1858, he became a one-third partner with Mr. Bishop, in the best store of its class in the city. February 1, 1865, Mr. Bishop withdrew to go to Chicago, leaving Mr. G. senior partner and manager of the growing business. An unfortunate partnership, the financial depression succeeding the war, and some other bad movements culminated in disaster, which brooded over him for some time, but by hard struggling, with no loss of self- respect or the confidence of others, he is rapidly re- gaming his feet again. On the 22d of February. 1858, Mr. G. married N. Josephine Speers, from Belle Ver- non, Pa., who died January 12, 1865, leaving four sons and three daughters ; only two sons and one daughter survive. August 30, 1876, Miss Alice 'Osborn from Ripley, O., became his second wife. Mr. G. early united with the l'resbyterian Church, in which he has been ac- tive and a zealous worker in the Sunday-school cause. Ile cast his maiden vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever been a staunch Republican. Ile has been the efficient secretary of the Old Settlers Union since its inception.
GILL SAMUEL L. deputy sheriff, 310 llamil- ton street, is the son of James Gill and Rebecca Linch. Was born in 1833 in Bridgeport, New Jersey. Ilis mother died in 1837: father removed to Cincinnati, O., in 1838, and soon after to Elinwood, l'eoria county. Ill. Hle married again to Sarah Jackson, of Farming- ton, Fulton county, and engaged in dealing in horses and mules. Having purchased eighty acres of raw prairie in Elmwood township, Peoria county, Samuel
settled on and farmed it a number of years. le mar- ried Anna E. Hurff, of Elmwood, September 15. 1857 ; removed to Elmwood city in 1865 ; was collector of the township that year. In 1566 was chosen deputy sheriff, and has held the office continuously since, save two years-1869 aod '70 - when he was sheriff, and 1872 when he served as chief of the city police. His marriage with Miss Ilurff has resulted in two children, Carrie M. and Wellington E. Mr. G. is a member of A. F. & A. M. Father died in Elmwood in 1859, and his stepmother in 1570.
GILLIG JOSEPH, saloon keeper, 221 & 223 Fulton street, was born in Woerstadt, Germany, in 1838. Came to the United States in 1855, and located directly in l'eoria ; worked some time at his trade - baker ; traveled considerably for several years and en- gaged in the butchering business for a time, and in 1873 opened a saloon. lle married Margaret Pfeiffer, of Peoria, but born in Bavaria, Europe. They have one living child, Annetta. Mr. G. is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and several other societies ; in politics is a staunch Republican.
Gillesple John, laborer, res. 415 Johnson street. Gillwian V. stone mason, 143 Gay street. Glass Wm. M. plow works, res. 1905 Prairie street. Gleason John, carpenter, res. 301 Johnson street.
GLEASON WILLIAM, grocer, 201 First street, was born in county Kilkenny, Ireland, in April, 1847, and is the son of Martin and Catharine (Kelly) Gleason, natives of that county. He came to America with his mother when about three years old, landing at New York, and settling upon a farm which they bought in Waukesha county. Wis. llere he was raised until about twenty-two years of age, when he went to St. Louis, and after attending school for some time there returned to Wisconsin, and from thence went to Min .. nesota, where he taught school for two years, and again returning to Wisconsin taught school in Chippeway Falls county for other two years. Ile then began the grocery business, and carried it on until he was taken down with a severe attack of typhoid fever. On his recovery he found his business so much run down, and the expenses consequent upon his illness so large that he was obliged to sell out in order to meet his liabilities. lle then came to l'eoria in April, 1877, and started his present business at present location. He married in Milwaukee September 20. 1878, Miss Mary McMahon, a native of Wisconsin, by whom he has had one child - Thomas - born September 1, 1879. Ilimself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
GIPPS JJOIN MI. brewer, res. 814 Sanford street, was born in llerfordshire, England in 1818 ; is the son of Rev. Henry Gipps, L. L. D., rector of St. l'eters church in Herford. Ilis mother's maiden name was Emma M. Plumtre. Mr. G. was one of a family of four brothers and six sisters. Hle descended from a
653
PEORIA CITY DIRECTORY.
very wealthy family ; has a brother a member of Par- liament and others in high official positions, Ile graduated from Cambridge University in 1838, as a barrister, came to United States in 1848, located in Tazewell Co., Ill., engaged in merchandising and farm- ing ; closed out the former business in 1858 or '59 ; left the farm and came to the city in 1871, having become identified with the brewing business previously. The firm of Gipps & Co., now does the heaviest business in central Illinois, running from 1,200 to 1,400 barrels per month. Mr. G. married Ellen Davidson, in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1852 ; she was born in England ; they have two children, Bessie W, and George II. Mr. G. is a member of I. O. O. F.
GODEL EBERHARDT, packer of and deal- er in fresh and salt meats. Sale room 119 N. Wash- ington street. Was born in Fenerback, Wuertenbach, in 1836. Came to the United States in 1850. Was married to Elizabeth Rentz in 1857, and settled in Monmouth, Illinois, and in 1859 came to Peoria, and engaged in his present business in 1868, and has con- tinued in the same since, and has built up a business which bids fair to make him in easy circumstances through life.
Gohlbeek M. Mrs., saloon, res. 319 S. Washington street. Goldsborough Win., carpenter 235 N. Water street. Goldsborough N .. res. 1122 N. Monroe street.
Goldsleln John N., cooper, 333 Gallatin street.
GOODHARDT JJOHN, grocer, 739 Plank road. Was born on the 3rd day of March, 1820, in Marenburg, Prussia, emigrated to the United States in 1854 ; landed at New Orleans and thence to Peoria, and remained a short time, then went to Washington where he worked at the carpentering trade about two years, then returned to Peoria. Married Miss Fisher in Nov. 1857. Has been engaged in the grocery trade for the past twelve years at his present stand. By close at- tention to business and fair dealing has built up an enviable trade. The firm at present is Goodhardt & Fisher.
Goodman Mary, res. 133 Gay street.
Goodwin W. B., carpenter, 608 Green street.
Gorman Danlel, gas pipe layer, res. Antoinette street.
Gorman John, grocer. 101 S. Adams street. Gorman J. P., carpenter, 815 S. Adams street. Gorsuch F., clerk, res. 1517 Main street.
Gorsuch Joseph, brick layer, res. 417 Floral street.
Gorsuch Win. carpenter, res. 214 S. Bourland street.
GOURAN THOMAS, res. 708 Fifth street, was born in the county of West Meath, Ireland, about the year 1805, and is the son of John Gouran and Rosie lIaley. Ilis father was a native of West Meath, and his mother of Kildare, Ile was raised on his father's farm. After coming to manhood farmed for himself, and married in 1840 Miss Margaret Garigan, a native of West Meath, by whom he has had a family of seven children, six now alive, John, James, Kosie, Jane, Bridget and Margaret. The whole family came to America in 1858, and came straight to Peoria where they have since resided. All of his family reside with
him, and are members of the Catholic Church. He has worked for many years upon the railroads, but in con- sequence of an injury received some three years ago he hss not of late been able to do anything.
GRAGG JOHN S. engineer Monarch mills. Was born in Niagara Co., New York, July 4, 1831. Son of Levi and Ann Gragg, both of which are now de- ceased. The subject of this sketch was a soldier of the Mexican war of 1846. Served in Griffin's battery for eighteen months. Then came to Peoria where he en- tered machine shops until 1852. Went to California where he worked as engineer in the Pony mines for nineteen months; returned to Peoria where he again engaged in running an engine until the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in the 8th Mo. Infantry and served two years ; from there was promoted to Captain of a colored company, in which capacity he served for three years ; mustered out and returned again to Peoria, where he married Augusta Schenke in 1864. She was born in Germany in 1842 ; they have three children Alice, Henry, and Agnes. At the present time is one of the engineers in the Monarch mills.
Goucher Martha Mrs. res. 1700 N. Adams street. Graber Henry, miller, res. 2105 S. Adams street. Graber R. res. 615 Second street.
Graham Eliza Ellen, 209 Jackson street.
Graham M. cabinet maker. 812 Fourth street.
Grant J. Jab. res. 409 Hurlbut street.
Grant Robert, bookkeeper, 1513 N. Adams street.
Grauss William, grocer, 209 S. Madison street.
Gray Mary Mrs. res. 105 N. Monroe street.
Green Simon C. butcher, res. 517 Second street.
GREEN GEORGE M. boot and shoe maker, 418 Main street, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Nov. 25, 1835, and is the son of George Adam Green and Rosina Prellos, natives of Wurtemburg. He resided there until sixteen years of age, when, with his father, he came to America, landing at New York in March, 1852. They settled in Philadelphia, where he learned his trade and worked at it for four years, and for two years in Baltimore, and while in the latter city married, April 7, 1858, Miss Anna Wilhelmina Wallrecher, a native of Prussia, who came to America in 1856, hy whom he has had nine children, eight now living, John, Annie, Rosie, Caroline, Henry, Mary, George, and Minnie. In the year of his marriage he came to Peoria, and shortly afterwards started for himself in the business he now carries on ; makes a specialty of fine work, and does a good business for a good class of customers.
Green Lonis, wholesale grocer. 230 S. Washington street. Green G. M. boots and shoes, 412 Main street. Green William L. Jr. grain, res. 712 Hamilton street.
GREENLEAF C. W .. D.D.S., dentist, 301 Main street, was born in Hartford, Conn., Sept. II, 1835, and is the son of Charles Greenleaf and Caroline B. Wilson, natives of Connecticut. Hle was reared and educated in his natal city, and in 1848 removed with his parents to the city of Peoria, and afterwards com- pleted his education hy attending for three years the
654
HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.
classes at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois. Dr. Greenleaf comes of a family of dentists, his great grand- father, grandfather, and father, having practiced as such, and he has imbibed a knowledge of the profession from his youth. Ilis father was the second dentist to settle in Peoria, and he practiced there for many years. Though now quite an old gentleman he is still able to attend to professional matters, but his son attends to the bulk of the practice, and does much the largest business in the city : has kept same business location tor thirty- two years. Dr. Greenleaf married at Sing Sing. N. Y., Sept. 11, 1856, Miss Phoebe Quinby, a native of West- chester county, N. Y., and the daughter of Aaron Quinby, of Sing Sing, by whom he has three children, Adele, Ella, and Charles HI. Greenleaf. His parents are still alive and are at present residents of Farming- ton, Fulton county, Illinois.
GREENWOOD GEORGE G. millwright, res. bluff, near Main street, was born in Dublin, Cheshire county, N. H., Nov. 13, 1So8. Is the elder of two sons of William and Betsey Greenwood nee Morse. Mr. G is the eighth generation from England on his father's side, and his great grandfather, Eli Morse, was a native of Sherborn as was his grand- father, Thaddeus Morse, who was a relative of Prof. Morse of telegraph fame. William Greenwood, of Sherborn, Mass., settled in Dublin in 1765, his son Joshua was the fifth of eight children. Ilis son William and his son George G., were born on the homestead in Dublin, which is still in possession of the descendants. Their mother having died when Mr. G. was two years old, he and his brother remained with their grandparents till sixteen and eighteen re- spectively. lle began working at millwrighting with his father in Orange county, N. Y., in 1822, and re- mained there until 1835, when he came to Peoria county Illinois; soon after engaged with William and Asahel Hale to build the Hale mill on Kickapoo creek. lle removed to the city in Jan., 1843; has devoted his life to his trade. Mr. Greenwood married Ellen B. Dunlap, of Radnor, l'coria county, Jan. 1, 1843, by whom he had nine children, three living. George, Madora, and Stephen D. Ile owns a fine homestead on the bluff and several other pieces of property.
Greeble P. elgar manufacturer, 1161 %. Adams street. Green wood A. willwright, res. 1129 Main street. Grier Robt. C. grain, Chamber of L'ommerce. (rler D. P. grain, res. 204 Perry street.
GRIER JOHN C. of Grier & Co. grain and commission merchants, res. 207 Perry street. Is the son of Rev. Isaac Grier, a Presbyterian clergyman, and formerly president of Northumberland College, Penn. where he died in 1814, llis son, John C., was born in Northumberland in 1808; went to Danville in 1819. and engaged to work for a mercantile house, remaining
there in that business until 1846, when he removed to Wilkesharre, Pa., and spent five years in the same pur- suit ; removed to l'eoria in 1851, and has since been engaged in packing pork and in the lumber and grain trade. Ilis son, Gen. D. P. Grier, erected the first grain elevator in the city, and has been interested as a builder or owner of several others. The business of the firm is now chiefly under the management of the sons, who do the heaviest grain and commission traffic of any firm in Peoria. Mr. Grier married Elizabeth l'erkins, in Penn., a native of that State by whom he had a family of three sons and three daughters. le has ever been active in advancing the financial and moral interests of the city, and being of a nervous tem- perament, manifests extraordinary zeal and earnestness in whatever he undertakes. He has served the city two terms as a member of the County Board of Super- visors, against his personal wish. lle and family have for many years been active members of the Presbyteri- an Church, and Mr. G. has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Northwestern Theological Seminary, Chicago, since the school was founded, in 1859.
Greiner Phillip, cooper, res. 418 W. Madison street. Griffin .J. N. bookkeeper, Harrison, cor. Commercial street. Grimes A. J. clothing. cor. Adams and Fulton streets. Griswold .J. L. res. Moss street.
GREY ANDREW (deceased), residence 105 N. Monroe street. Was born in county Derry, Ireland, July, ISoo; came to the United States in 1527 and lo- cated in Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained three years, and thence to Nashville, Tenn., where he engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and boating, where he remained until 1833 when hecame to Peoria county and engaged in the mercantile business afterward steamboating. and wholesale grocery business, Married Miss Mary Stevenson, daughter of James Stevenson, in 1830. She was born in Ireland, November, 1812. The fruit of this marriage was eight children, five sons and three daughters. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Ileld the office of City Treasurer. Mr. G. was among the earliest settlers, a consistent Christian, and respected by all who knew him. Mrs Grey is still living, honored and respected by all who know her.
Griswold M. capitallat, 202 Main street, Groftey Giro. V. laborer, res. 504 Evans street. Gronlg F. fallor, 205 Taylor strert.
Gironig F butcher, res 1517 $ Washington street. (roma J. tallor. 11455 5 Adams street.
Grunerd C'has, engr. So? S. Washington street.
GUDAT ADOLPH, butcher, 1621 S. Adams street, was born in Poland, October, 1850, and is the son of John Gudat and Kate Zidat, both natives of Prussia ; was raised there until 1871, when he came to America landing at New York in Fall of that year ; came straight to l'eoria ; worked on farm in Tazewell county, for a few months, and then came to the city and after working for a few years as a butcher, started for himself in the Spring of 1575, and has since continued
655
PEORIA CITY DIRECTORY.
it. lle married July 31, 1876, in Peoria, Miss Sophia Lind, a native of Poland, born August, 1856, by whom he has had two children-Adolph George and John Frederick. His wife and he are adherents of Lutheran Church.
Guger John, harnessmaker, 108 N. Washington street.
GUILL JOHIN M. constable, res. 417 Han- cock street.
GUTSCHE ERNEST, dyer, 122 N. Adams street ; was born December 6, 1834, in Prussia, and emigrated to the United States in 1858, and located in Chicago, and engaged in the dyeing business, and re- mained there about a year, worked at various places until 1868, when he came to Peoria where he has re- mained since. Married Miss Anna Guinther, October 21, 1870. They have five children, one boy and four girls. Mr. G. is a member of the A. F. & A. M. of Peoria.
Gutz Wm. second hand store, 411 S. Washington street. Guyer Jacob. res. 501-Knoxville road, Biutf. Haberer C. grocer, 315 Smith street.
lladank Jacob, wheelwright Plow works.
Hadank J. N. painter, res. 700 Cedar street.
Hadley .J. M. carpets, 209 S. Adams street.
Hagan B prop. Spring Hill Park.
Haggerty J. C. peddler, res. Webster street.
Hagerty Saul, res. 1004 Perry street.
Hagemeyer C. H. clerk, res. 1017 S. Adams street.
Hake J. F. bookkeeper Mec. Nat. Bank.
HALE ASAHEL (deceased), one of the early settlers in Peoria, and noted in his lifetime as a public benefactor and a philanthropist as well as a prominent anti-slavery man when it required courage to be one, was born in Pawlett, Vt., on December 10, 1791 ; left his native State, and after living a short time in New York, came to Illinois in 1830, and the following year settled in Peoria, which was his home until his death, on March 23, 1864. In 1838, Mr. Hale received the appointment of County Treasurer, by the Governor, and filled the office one term. He espoused the anti- slavery cause in the early years of its agitation, and was a radical and zealous advocate of its principles. He became associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1840, and was a prominent member during the rest of his life. He and Mark Aiken donated the lot on which the First M. E. Church was built in 1844; and prior to his death he provided for the erection of Hale Chapel for which he bequeathed $12,000. It was built by the executors of his will, and a committee of trustees designated therein, the corner stone being laid on June 23, 1868, and dedicated the following January. For generations this edifice will perpetuate the memory and noble philanthropy of him whose name it bears ; and grateful hearts will ,ever mingle that name with their thanksgiving while bowing before its altar in worship. Mrs. Laura Hale, his widow, still survives, and occupies her comfortable residence on High street, near the church.
HALE WILLIAM HION. (deceased), resi- dence of widow, 109 Perry street. One of the promi- nent benefactors of Peoria, now deceased, is the subject of this brief record. William Hale was born in Pawlett, Vermont, on the 7th of December, 1783. His early life was spent on a farm, where he received the advantage of a good common school education, and, like many young men of the Green Mountain State, spent a por- tion of his time in teaching. He settled on a farm in Oswego county, New York, and, while living there, be- came one of the leading men of the county. For many years he held the position of justice of the peace. He was then appointed to the associate judgeship, held the office of deputy sheriff, then sheriff, of the county. In I835 he came to Peoria, and in company with his brother, Asahel Hale, and George G. Greenwood, erected a saw and grist mill on the Kickapoo river. At the first town meeting after township organization was adopted, on the 2d of April, 1850, he was elected one of the first Board of Supervisors. He was also the first mayor of the city of Peoria, receiving his election at the adoption of the city charter, on the 28th of April, 1845. The business life of Mr. llale, after leaving the mill, was mostly spent in dealing in real estate, in which he became quite wealthy. He bought at an early time eighty acres in the central portion of the east part of the city, including now some of the finest residences, and laid it out into streets and lots, from which he re- ceived a handsome income. We are informed that he purchased the whole eighty for $700, scarcely the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.