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 118

Author: Johnson & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Johnson & Company
Number of Pages: 932

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 118

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WARNER JOHN, mayor, res. 105 Third street, was born in Perry county, Ohio, October II, 1828, and is the son of John B. Warner, a native of Maryland, and Hetty Gordon, a native of Pennsylvania. He was raised and educated in Muskingum county, O., and with his parents came to Illinois in 1846, and

settled in the city of Peoria, of which he has since been a resident. From 1852 to '59 he was engaged in the clothing and furnishing business, and from the latter date to 1862 dealt in ice, and owned and managed sev- eral fine steamboats, carrying on a large business be- tween Peoria and New Orleans. He was elected Colonel of the 108th I. V. I. in 1862, and served with his regiment for eighteen months, taking part with it in many severe encounters, among them those of Chicka- saw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, and many others. On returning to Peoria, he was for two years in the revenue service, and then obtained an interest in the wholesale and retail liquor firm of Spier & Co., which he retained until 1874, in which year he was elected mayor. He has had the nomination from the Demo- cratic party four times in succession and their success- ful support three times, being elected each time by a large majority. He has, during his extended period of office, proved himself one of the most energetic and progressive, yet at the same time economical and pru- dent mayors the city has ever had. During his admin- istration the police and fire departments have been thoroughly organized and equipped, almost all the en- gine-houses built ; much lasting and faithful work has been expended upon the paving of the streets, the workhouse built and put in running order, and many other improvements instituted to keep pace with the growth of the city. Mr. Warner married in Peoria in 1851, Miss Elizabeth Simms, daughter of Alonzo Simms, a native of Virginia, by whom he has had eight children - John, Dollie, Harry, Etta. Aggie, Mollie and Daisy. He owns his residence and lot at above number, and other real estate throughout the city.

WARREN WM. carpenter and builder, 708 Fayette street, is the son of William and Susannah (Gagen) Warren, natives of England, where the subject of this sketch was born, in the city of London, December 9, 1842, where he served his time at his trade and re- ceived a common school education. At the age of twenty he emigrated to the United States and located in Rochester, N. Y., and followed his trade for five years. Thence went to Chicago, where he lived eight years ; thence to Peoria, where he has remained since. Married Miss Annie Mclaughlin, who was the daugh- ter of Edward McLaughlin, of Rochester, N. Y., where she was born in August, 1841. Six children blessed this union, four of whom are living - Edward F., Wal- ter HI., Charles J. and George A. He is a member of Genesee Lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F .; also of Apollo Lodge, Chicago, and of the A. F. & A. M., No. 642.

Warren W. E. moulder, res. 235 N. Water street. Washhousen Henry, res. 119 Warren street. Wasson Joseph, elty collector, Chy Hall.

WASSON JAMES W. store keeper, res. 119 McReynolds street, was born in Schenectady county, N. Y., October 3, 1842. Married Miss Lena Seetzen,

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

daughter of Peter Antonio and Anna Mariah Seetzen natives of Germany, who came to the United States in IS56. The fruit of this marriage is three children, two of whom are still living - Mary, born June 3, 1875; and Frank, born September 7. 1877. Mr. W. enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry Co. E. September 16, 1861, and served over three years ; was mustered out as ser- geant December 4, 1864. Was also on the police force in Peoria nearly seven years, and was superintendent one year. In January, IS7S, he was appointed United States store keeper, which position he still holds. Wasson Thos. J. res. 1117 Third.

WATERHOUSE GEO. FREDRICK, (deceased) local preacher ; was born at White Lee, Sad- dleworth, England, March 22, 1824. His parents were James and Mary Waterhouse. The former died July 12, 1852. the latter July 3, 1849, each sixty-eight years of age. Mr. W. learned and pursued the trade of cabi- net maker ; for the last fifteen years of his life was gov- ernor of the Union Workhouse in Derbyshire. April 6, 1848 he married Mary Ann Thrope in the M. E. Church at Glossop. They crossed the Atlantic, landing in New York June 1, 1857, and Mr. W. died there at the house of a brother on June 9. Mrs. W. came immediately to Peoria with her children-the eldest not being eight years of age-arriving the Ist of July. The care of the family developed entirely upon Mrs. W. until the sons became old enough to assist her. The children are William Thrope, born Jan. 11. 1849; James Andrew, born May 21. 1852, and Fredrick Alex- ander, born April 6, 1854. All born at East Glossop, England, at the birth place of their mother. Wm. is running on the Wabash Railway, James is local agent of T. P. & W. Railway, and Andrew is in baking powder business in Albany, N. Y. James is also treas- urer of Peoria Transfer Company.

Watson .John. No. 839 Millman street Waugh John, Sr. carpenter, 802 N. Adams street Waughop R. glazier. 30] N. Water street. Weardy E. laborer, res. 102 S. Stadison street.

WEATHERL EDGAR, locksmith, bell- hanger, and general repairer. 230 N. Adams street, was born in Rock county, Wis., October 2, 1840, and is the son of Amasa and Keziah (Russell) Weatherl, natives of New York State. When eight years old he inoved with his parents to Peoria, and lias resided there most of the time since. There he attended the common school, and served an apprenticeship to his trade. Hle enlisted June 19, 1861, in Company 11., 8th Missouri Infantry, and jomed his command in St. Louis, under Col. Morgan L. Smith, After serving about six months he was, in consequence of injuries received, transferred to hospital service at Paducah, Ky., and on his discharge in August, 1562, returned to l'eoria, and in the Fall of the same year began business for himself at his present location, and has since continued it. lie married in

1863 Miss Caroline Ridley, a native of Sweden, who came to America when an infant, and losing both her parents on the way landed in the country an orphan. By this marriage he has three children, Jessie D., Edith M., and Bertha R. Hlis fatner is still alive, and is a resident of Arkansas. lle owns his residence and lot at 1702 N. Madison street, and is a member of the local lodges of A. O. U. W. and I. O. M. A.

Weatherell E. whitesmith. 217 Adsms street. Weher August, brewer. S. Adains street. Weber Geo. F. buteher. 605 N Adams street. Weber 11. couper, res. 105 Cedar street.

WEBBER SAMUEL, foreman carpenter and car builder, C., R. J. & P. shops, residence 2S1 Bluff street. Was born in Devonshire, England, in March IS26 ; spent a large part of his early life in London, where he learned the trade. His parents were Samuel Webber and Eleanor Simmons. He married Eliza JIo)- away, and, after the birth of their first child, came to the United States twenty-two years ago November last, and settled in Peoria. Hle soon after began work for the Peoria and Oquawka R. R. Company, and about three years later, for the C., R. I. & P. Company, in whose employ he has spent seventeen years. Their family consists of four children-Elizabeth E., George S., Julia A. and Charlotte E. Mr. W. owns a home- stead in the city, and is a member of Lodge 46 A. F. and A. M.

Webber .John, boots and shoes, 1221 S. Adams street. Webber N. residence 324 Plauk road.

WEERS HENRY S. (of 11. S. Weers & Sons), dealers in general hardware and house furnishing goods, 1163 S. Adams strect. Was born in Oldenburg. Germany, January 1, 1834, and is the son of John S. and Kindelt Maria (Clauser) Weers, natives of Han- over. Hle was raised, educated, and learned his trade of baker there, and in 1854 came to America with his parents, landing in New York in July of that year. They settled in Cincinnati, O., and he worked at his trade there for two years, and in 1856 came to Peoria, and after working one year at his trade, started for himself in the grocery business, and carried it on until Spring of the present year, when he went into partner- ship with his sons in his present business, and keeps a full line of stoves, shelf hardware, tinware, and house furnishing goods. lle married in Peoria, in 1856, Miss Kegina Benedina Frayer, who was born in Prussia in February, 1833, by whom he has had seven children, four now alive-John, Anton, Henry and Theodore. The two eldest are huis partners in business. Ile owns three stores, with the lots on which they stand, on the corner of South Adams and Peoria streets. Mr. and Mrs. Weers are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Webrie It. saloon, 1313 S Washington street.

Wellman M. reeldence 1336 × Washington street. Welkand Phil. tailor. 408 Spencer streel.

Welpelte F DJ. wholesale grocer ( L. Green & l'o.), residence 417 Fifth street.

A. M. Wells

PEORIA.

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PEORIA CITY DIRECTORY.

WEIS WILLIAM, United States Collectors Office, corner of Main and Washington streets.

WEISBRUCK JOSEPH, boot and shoe dealer, 400 S. Washington street. Was born in Prussia, April 4. 1822. Came to America in the Spring of 1852, and landed in New York, where he remained a short time, then went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked at his trade three years, and in 1855 came to Peoria, one year later commenced his present business in company with his brother, who remained with him four years. Married Miss May Schutz. She was born in Ilessen, Germany, 1827 ; by this marriage there were six children, three living - Carrie, Lizzie and Louis R., members of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Weisbruck died April 1, 1874.

Weiss P. cooper, 981 W. Jefferson street. Weissbrack J boots and shoes, 400 S. Washington street. Welch James M. pilot, res. 401 Huribut street. Welch P. res. 11? Saratoga street.

Welch John, res. 301 Merriman street.

Welch Robert, 807 First street.

Welcher John, saloon, 1367 S. Adams street.

Wellfrock C. blacksmith, res. 408 LaSalle street.

WELLS HENRY W. MAJOR, attorney at law, is the son of John H. and Julia (Tracey) Wells. His father was a merchant, formerly of Oswego coun- ty, N. V. In the Fall of 1839 he removed his family to Wethersfield, Henry county, Ill., where he died in 1844, aged about fifty-nine. His grandfather, J. H. Wells, was a Unitarian minister of Brattleboro, Vt., who emigrated from England in company with Dr. Priestly, the author and chemist. Julia (Tracey) Wells was the daughter of Dr. Ebenezer Tracey. Her mother was the daughter of Gen. Artemas Ward. After the death of her husband, owing to the educational facilities of Galesburg, III., Mrs. Wells removed thither with her family, consisting of four sons and one daughter. At the age of seventeen Henry went to Peoria, Ill., and entered the employ, in a general merchandise establish- ment, of Pettengill & Babcock. In 1851 he entered the National Law School (then at Balston, but after- wards removed to Poughkeepsie, N. Y.), where he graduated in 1853; after which he was admitted to the New Vork bar. Ile then returned to Peoria and read in the law office of Messrs. Johnson & Blakesley, teaching school in Winter seasons till 1855, when he removed to Cambridge, Henry county, Ill., entered upon the practice of law, and very soon did an extensive business. In 1862 he enlisted in the 112th Illinois In- fantry as a private. On the regular organization of the regiment he was made adjutant. In 1863 he was pro- moted to the rank of major, and made chief of artillery of the 23d Army Corps, and had command of a portion of the line of defense at the siege of Knoxville. He was also chief of artillery on the staff of General J. D. Cox, in the Atlanta campaign. His military career ceased with the close of the war. In June of 1865 he returned to Peoria and opened a law office. Since then

his business has assumed large proportions. Major Wells is now candidate for attorney general of the State. He votes with the Republican party. In 1869 and 1870 he was a member of the Constitutional Con- vention. He was married September 8, 1859, to Mary, daughter of A. H. Showers, of Cambridge, Ill.

Welte F. & Co. grocers. 521 S. Adams street. Wenke George F. farmer. West city. Wenke F. J. farmer, West city.

Werner P. cooper, 1514 S, Washington street.

WEST JOHN A. circuit clerk and recorder, Court House.

WESTON & CUMMINGS, undertakers, 415 Main street. Mr. Weston was born in the State of New York, June 12, 1847, and has been engaged in his pres- ent business in Peoria for a number of years; three years in business for himself, and two years in the firm of which he is a member. Mr. Cummings was born at Pleasant Hill, Ill., November 26, 1851, and is the son of Samuel P. Cummings ; married, September 10, 1873, Miss Abigail Francis, daughter of John and Mary Francis, of Niagara county, N. Y., by whom he has had three children, two now alive -- Emma G. and Mabel. He has been twelve years in the business in Peoria. The firm has been in existence about two years, and claim to do two-thirds of the undertaking business in the city and vicinity. They carry a full and select line of coffins, caskets and general undertakers' supplies.

WELCHER JOHN, saloon, 109 Plank road. Was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 8, 1830, and came to America in 1850, landing at New York, May 2, of that year. For the first six months he worked at his trade of locksmith in New York city, and removed thence to Wayne county, Pa., where he opened a shop for himself and continued it for about one year, com- ing in 1852 to Peoria, Ile worked as a laborer for some years, and in 1860 again took up his trade for eight months. Then worked in a malt house till 1862, when he enlisted in the 82d Illinois Volunteer Infan- try, and served with it eighteen months at the front. He was taken prisoner at Gettysburg and held for six weeks, being then sent to Washington on parole. Af- ter a short visit home he returned South, and after re- maining there about one and a half years returned to Peoria, where he has ever since resided. He married in 1851 in Wayne county, Pa., Miss Magdalen Schlager, a native of Bavaria, born there in 1817, by whom he has had three children, two now living - Barbara, Catherine and Louis (deceased). He was divorced from his wife, and married, January 25, 1880, Mary Oswald, who was born in France in 1830. Mr. Welch- er owns property to the extent of about $4,000.

WELLBROCK CLAUS (of Wellbrock & Frederick), blacksmith and horseshoer, head of Walnut street, was born in Hanover, Germany, June 28, 1848, and is the son of Martin and Anna Wellbrock. When

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

eighteen years of age, he came to America, and resided in New York till 1869, and then came to Peoria, February 19, of that year. He learned his trade in Germany, and worked at it most of the time he was in New York State. He started in business for himself about eighteen months ago, and conducts with his partner a general wagon repair and horse shoeing business. He married in Peoria, October 13, 1872, Magatha Kuck, a native of Germany, by whom he has had five children, four now living : Martin Henry, Henry Edward Rudolph (deceased), Carl Edouard Johan Rudolph, Kudolph and Ilerman. He is a mem- ber of German Methodist Episcopal Church,

WELTE FERDINAND (of F. Welte & Co.), grocery and saloon, 521 S. Adams street, was born in Baden, Germany, October 18, 1833, and is the son of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Yeager) Welte, natives of Baden. He was raised and went to school there, and also learned the trade of baker; came alone to America in 1854. landing at New Orleans in February of that year ; went up the river to St. Louis, and after a stay of a few days, came on to Peoria and has ever since resided in it, and still does business in the same block in which he first settled. For the first four years he worked at his trade, and then went into partnership with his employer, and, after six years, started his present business. He carries a stock of general family groceries, notions, queensware, wines, liquors, etc., and does a large business. He married in November, 1864. Elizabeth Kingerick, a native of Illinois, who has borne him five children, four of them now alive : Charles, Emma, Elizabeth and Albert. Is a member of the Catholic Church.

Wetstem F. tallor, res. 106 Evans street. Wetzel John, carpenter, 301 \. Water street. W'ex Louis, machinist. 1200 N. Adams street. Whalon Jas. labrrr, 214 Smith street.

Whalen Roht. C. res. 206 Birket street.

Whalen Willlam. teamster, res. 506 Hurlbut street.

WHEELER H. N. president Mechanics' Na- tional Bank, 200 Main street. Was born in Scioto county, Ohio, in Istr, and is the son of Amos Wheeler. of Wheelersburg, O., and Eliza Snow, both formerly from Connecticut. When eleven years of age he left, with his parents, his native county and came to Mon- roe county, O., residing there until sixteen years of age, at which time his father died, and he removed to Burlington where he completed his education, during a residence of five years, then returned to Monroe. Shortly afterwards he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, until 1851, in which year he came to Peoria. He was married in Hardin county, Ohio, in 1837, to Miss Matilda McCoy, a native of Putnam, Musking- um county, O., by whom he has had four children, two now living : 1'. C. Wheeler, now sole proprietor of the late firm of Singer & Wheeler, and C. R. Wheeler, banker, in Cambridge, Ills. A few years after coming

to Peoria, he engaged in business as wholesale grocer, under the name of Wheeler, Sloan & Co., and con- tinued for five or six years and did a large business ; sold his interest, and since then has been engaged in real estate and banking business. He was for several years director of the Second National Bank - was one of the original directors, and upon his election as president of the Mechanics' National Bank, in January. 1866, resigned his position. He has been president of the Mechanics' National Bank for fourteen successive years, and has assisted in guiding its fortunes through many critical periods. In 1879. was president of Chamber of Commerce, of Peoria ; also treasurer of Peoria Mercantile Library Association, since its organi- zation. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Wheeler P. C. wholesale drucs. S. Water street. Whitaker A. teamster, 129 lielen street.

White Andrew, brick mason, res 303 Floral avenue. White Crosby, grocer. cor Fayette and Adams streets, White F. C. shipper, Stock Y'ards, res. 609 Sixth street. Whlte U' M. clothing, 213 Main street.

WHITE LOUISA, MRS. 1706 N. Adams st.

WHITE AUSTIN, engineer, res. 1703 N. Madison street, was born in Worcester, Mass., in De- cember, 1841, where he was raised, and came to Peoria shortly before the war. Shortly afterwards he entered the employ of the C. R. I. & P. R. R., and has been with that company for over fifteen years. He married, Jan. 14. 1869. Miss Rachel Webster, a native of Illinois, by whom he has had six children, four boys and two girls, five of them now living.

WHITE BARRETT, justice of the peace and real estate agent, too N. Adams street, was born in Todd county, Ky., March 26, 1824. and is the son of Daniel and Eliza (Anderson) White. His father was a native of Virginia. In October, 1835, the family moved to Illinois, settling at Washington, Tazewell county, in the April following, where they resided about ten years, and in March, 1847, came to Peoria, where he has ever since resided. His schooling he got in Tazewell county, and he also learned there the trade of brick making, and worked at that and at the cooper trade for some years after coming to l'eoria. He was elected alderinan from the fourth ward of Peoria in 1859, and held that office at various times for ten years ; was elected justice in 1862, and has ever since held the office ; was city marshal under Mayor Ballance in the years 1855 and '56. lle married, April 9, 1877, Mary E. Ayers, a native of Ohio Mr. White's father died in 1837, but his mother is still alive and a resident of the city, at the age of eighty- three years.

Whitman J. res 3078 Orange street. W'hliing It. tt. capitalist, 200 Muss street. Whitmore ". whitesmith, 306 Fulton street.

WHITFORD S. G. builder and contractor, 909 Fourth street, was born in Herkimer county, N.Y., Jan. 18, 1828, and is the son of Oliver Whitford and Polly Vanderburgh, natives of New York State. He

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PEORIA CITY DIRECTORY.

was raised and educated there, and learned his trade of carpenter in Oswego, N. Y., where he resided till 1853, in which year he went to Canada in the employ of the Grand Trunk R. R., and superintended, during the next twelve months, the erection of their shops at Cornwall. He then went to Chicago, and was for the next two years with Cyrus and Wm. McCormick, com- ing, in the Fall of 1857, to Peoria, where he has since resided. He married, in Jan., 1856, at Sundford, Conn., Miss Amelia Scofield, a native of Connecticut, who was born in Sept., 1828, by whom he has had three children, only one of them now alive: Frank Ernest, born Oct. 7, 1862. Since coming to Peoria, he has carried on quite an extensive business as builder and contractor, doing some seasons as high as $150,000 worth of work. Mr. Whitford is president of the Mechanics' and Build- ers' Exchange ; owns residence and lot at above num- ber, and house and lot adjoining. Mrs. Whitford is a member of the Congregational Church.

Whitty B. Mrs. cor. White and Taylor streets. Wiel J. A. grocer, 1200 S. Adams street.

WILKISON S. secretary Board of Trade, res. 304 Evans street.

Williams George H. book-keeper, 619 Main street.

WILEY W. R. wholesale flour merchant, 209 S. Washington street, was born in Windham county, Vt., in 1850; is the son of George R. Wiley and Susan Johnson ; father born in Vermont, mother in Massa- chusetts. Parents removed to Galena, Il]., when he was seven years old, where his father engaged in the dry goods trade, and was appointed postmaster, served during the war and eight years in all. W. R. was in the bank there seven years, and cashier the last three years ; came to Peoria in 1876, and at once embarked in present business. He deals exclusively at whole- sale, and ships to points throughout Central Illinois, having a trade of $130,000 to $150,000 a year, with a steady increase. In 1873 he married Nellie F. Day, of Galva, Ill., who has borne him one child, Roy R. Mr. W. is a member of V. M. C. A., and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church

WILLIAMS BENJAMIN H. general West- ern agent of White Line Transportation Company, res- idence 202 N. Jefferson street. Was born in Marion county, Ohio, on December 9, 1816 ; is the son of Ben- jamin Williams and Jane Hood, natives of Maryland, where they were married in 1786; settled in Chilli- cothe, O., in 1798, and in 1812 removed to Marion county, and in 1825 left the farm and located in the town of Marion. From the age of sixteen years Mr. W. engaged in the mercantile business, with which he was identified in Marion until 1862, when he removed to Indianapolis, Ind., and went into freight transportation for the Great Western Dispatch, on a salary of $2,400 a year ; came thence to Peoria, in 1869, continuing in same business, but changing a year and a half later to

the general agency of the White Line. In 1839 Mr. Williams married, in Marion, to Nancy Leonard, who has borne him eight children, six living ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Jos. Dodd, of Peoria ; W. B. Williams, agent of Red Line, Chicago ; Ella, Mrs. Stewart, of St. Louis ; Nan- nie, Mrs. Wheeler, of Cambridge, Ill. ; Charley A., in railroad business in Chicago; and Mary, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been members of the Presbyte- rian Church for many years, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Their son, W. B. Williams, went into the United States army at the age of sixteen years, and served three years.

WILLIAMS GEO. H. book-keeper, residence Knoxville road. Was born in Appledon, Devonshire, England, on the 11th day of May, 1845; came to the United States, March, 1869, and located in Peoria. Mar- ried Miss P. J. Bestor, July 27, 1871. She was born in the city of Peoria, February 16, 1850. Two children blessed this union ; G. C. Bestor, born August : 0, 1872 ; Ilarry, born September 3, 1874. Members of the Re- formed Episcopal Church.

Williams Jackson, mouider. 235 N. Water street. Williams Jacob, res. 118 McReynolds street.

WILLIAMSON M. H. physician, 607 N. Mon- roe street.

Williard Wm. Mrs. res. cor. Perry and Hamilton streets.

WILSON LEVI, of the firm of Ballance & Co., contractors, and dealers in all kinds of cut and sawed stone, 906 S. Washington street. Was the son of John and Susannah (Davis) Wilson, natives of Worcester county, Mass., where the subject of this sketch was born, on the 15th day of May, 1817. Was reared on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he was appren- ticed to learn the machinst trade, in Lowell, and re- mained there five years; while there helped to build the first locomotive in this country, being in 1837; then went to Boston, where he followed his trade, and worked as a journeyman for six years. In 1856 came West and located at Peoria, where he was master mechanic of the C. R. I. R. R. shops. From 1866 to 1876 was en- gaged in the coal trade, since which time he has been engaged in his present business. Married Miss Mary Pickerell. She was born in Durham, N. H., in 1826. Four children, two boys and two girls.

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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 118

Author: Johnson & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Johnson & Company Number of Pages: 932

Author: Johnson & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Johnson & Company
Number of Pages: 932