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 121

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 121

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AUSTIN J. E. farmer, Sec. 19, P. O. Elmwood, born in Preble county, Ohio, May 1825. In the Fall of 1850 he came to Peoria county, where his time was taken up with farming and carpentering until September, 1853. Married Miss Sarah Tomlinson, who was born near Malbourne, England, April, 1835, and came to the United States when she was about fifteen years of age. They rented for one year, at Altona, when he purchased where he now resides. Owns 400 acres of land, valued at $60 per acre. They have four children, two sons and two daughters. Are members of the M. E. Church. Politics Republican.

Baker Edward, farmer, P. O. Brimfield. Babcock Geo. C., painter, P. O. Brimfield. Belford Geo. farmer and auctioneer, P. O. Monica. Bennett F. R. plasterer. P. O. Brimfield. Bennett Mary. farmer. P. O. Brimfield. Blair A. farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

BOOTHI L. L. armer, Sec. 32, P. O. Elmwood. Among the first settlers of this part of Peoria county, was the subject of this sketch, who was born in Rox- bury, Litchfield county, Conn., on the second day of November, 1812. When very young he was ap- prenticed to a tailor, at Plymouth, Conn., with whom he served four years. After working at journeyman's

work at Plymouth for a few months, thence to Sackett's Harbor, N. Y .; thence to Bridgewater, Conn., where he took charge of an extensive merchant tailoring es- tablishment. On the 29th of March, 1835, he married Harriet C. Coggswell, born in Roxbury, Conn., De- cember 4, 1807. In the Spring of 1838, in company with a brother, came to this county, purchased 480 acres of land, of which 160 acres he retains, valued at $80 per acre. The fruit of this marriage was four chil- dren. Are members of the Congregational Church at Brimfield. Republican in politics.

Bowers Chas. L. farmer P. O. Elmwood.

BOWMAN J. P. dealer in hardware, residence Brimfield, was born in Windsor, Vt., on May 16, 1818, and when fourteen years of age entered a woolen mill at Perkinsville in his native county, and remained until the failure of the company ; in 1840 went to Chester, Vt., was employed in same occupation until I845, when he became a partner, and continued until coming to Illinois in 1854. In July, 1843 he married Martha A. Clark, who was born in Weathersfield, Vt., in 1820. Purchased a farm in Brimfield township, and for sev- eral years engaged in farming. In July, 1854. his wife died leaving one son. The following Fall he sold the farm and removed to Brimfield, and in company with Wm. H. Day purchased the business and stock of J. E. Wiley & Co. On the 18th day of July, 1857, married IIelen N. Day. She was born in Rockingham, Vt., in 1839. The fruit of this marriage was five sons and three daughters. In the Spring of 1859 Mr. B. sold out his hardware business and removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he embarked in the agricultural imple- ment trade until the Fall of 1862, then returned to Brimfield and engaged in the dry goods trade for six months, then sold out to J. B. Day, now ol Gloa. The brothers then purchased the Wily farm of six hundred and fifty acres at the same time owning half interest with IT. O. Burt in the hardware business. In 1869 sold their farm, and from that time until 1871 engaged in brick-making, a part of which were used by himself in erecting the store in which he is now doing business. In March, 1872, his present partner purchased the interest of Mr. Burt, since which time the business has continued unchanged. Are members of the Congrega- tional Church, of which he has been deacon for thirty years. Republican in politics.

BROOKS CYRUS, farmer, Sec. 14, P. O. Brimfield. Prominent among the enterprising and suc- cessful farmers of this section of Peoria county, was the subject of this sketch ; was born in Chester, Vt., on the 24th day of May, 1807. Ilis father granting him his

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

liberty on reaching his 20th year, he worked as a farm laborer until Jan., 1531, at which time he married Miss Emily C. Bennett, who was born in Rockingham, \'t .. in 1803. In June. 1343, they left their native State with team and wagon, and emigrated to Brimfield, Ill., being seven weeks and three days making the jour- ney. They settled where he now resides, and owns 469 acres of land, valued at $$5 per acre. In Febru- ary, 1568, his wife died, leaving four children. In December, 1869, he married Mrs. Ellen Carron, widow of John Carron, of Henry county, Ill. She was born on the Isle of Man, but raised in Ireland. Married in Liverpool, and with her husband emigrated to the United States in 1851. She died on the first day of May, 1578. Mr. Brooks is a member of the M. E. Church. Republican in politics.

Bruce J. M. retired, P. O. Brimfield. Bruce O. K. farmer, P. O. Rtrimfeld. Brysen J. O. carpebler. P. O. Brimfield. Barrett Isaac. farmer. 1. 0. French Grove.

BURT E. E. farmer. Sec. 19, P. O. Elmwood. Was born in Rockingham, Vt., on the 16th day of Oc- tober, IS39. Hlis parents, with their family, came to this county in 1853. and located on Sec. 19. lle owns 120 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. In 1862 he enlisted in the 77th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, and served seven months, and was discharged from dis- ability. On the 14th day of April, 1863, married Miss Annie E , daughter of Truman and Betsy Barber, who were early settlers in Knox county, where she was born in 1839. They are blessed with a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Mrs. Burt is a member of the M. E. Church. Republican in politics. llas held several local offices of trust. Is a member of the 1. O. O. F., of Lodge 102 of Elmwood ; also of the Gate City Encampment, No. 167.

BURT II. O. dealer in grain, res. Brimfield, was born in Rockingham, V't., on the third day of May, 1823; having attained his seventeenth year worked as farm laborer until twenty-one years of age, arriving at l'eoria on that day, but soon after came to Brimfield. For the first two years worked for Washington Cockle, and continued as laborer until 1856. Married Harriet M. Bowman, born in Windsor county, Vt., on the 21st day of May, 1823. In 1857, in company with B. B. Bowman and 11. C. Gilson, embarked in the dry goods trade, and continued for three years, then engaged in buying grain at Oak Ilill for two years; then went into the hardware business, first with E. E. Burt, then with J. P. Bowman, continuing until 1872 ; since which time he has been engaged nt his present business, having erected an elevator with a capacity of 12,000 bushels ; sold it the past spring to J. M. Leet, of Chicago. Has held various local offices of trust. Mrs. B, is a member of the Congregational Church.

BELCHER DANIEL, proprietor of the

Brimfield House, Brimfield, is a descendant of one of three brothers who came from England at an early period in the history of New England, and founded Belchertown in the State of Massachusetts. Ilis grand- father, John Belcher, was born in Wrenthamn, Mass., on the 20th day of Jaly, 1744. and his father. Daniel Belcher, was born in the same village on the 6th day of July, 1797. The Belcher homestead at Wrentham is still in the possession of one of the family, and it is their pride and determination that it shall never know a change of name or ownership. In 1Stg. when twen- ty-two years of age, Daniel Belcher, the father of the subject of this sketch, left the old homestead and went to Boston. In 1825 removed to the city of New York and engaged in the hotel business. On the 6th of November, 1329, he united in marriage with Mrs. Rachel Hopkins, daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Drake, of Orange county, N. Y., where she was born on the 1Sth day of March, 1807. In 1837 he came to Brimfield, then called Charleston, on a tour of obser- vation. lle liked the country, and selected a site and erected a house for hotel purposes, the first frame house built in the township, where, in May, 1835, he was joined by his wife and children. The earliest religious services in that part of Peoria county were held at the Brimfield House. The late Bishop Chase, of the Episcopal Church, often conducted services there. Be- sides being opened for religious purposes, the Brimfield llouse was also opened for singing schools, lyceums and other public gatherings. No one ever applied at their door for food and shelter and was turned cold and hungry away. After an active and well-spent life of seventy-five years, thirty-five of which without inter- mission were spent in the management of the Brimfield House, Daniel Belcher died on the 20th day of March, 1872. On the 14th day of May, 1576, the wife, Rachel Belcher, died. Three children, two sons and one daugh- ter, are living. Daniel, the eldest son, who succeeded to the management of the hotel, was born in the city of New York, October 3. 1836. Mary S. was born De- cember 3. 1830, and married Rev. S. R. Child, of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Child died November 14, 1555. and Mrs. Child finds a home with her brother Daniel, and presides in the Brimfield House. Albert W., the third child and youngest son, was born February 22. 1840. When the war came on he enlisted in Co. HI, of the $6th Regt. Ill. Vol., and was with Sherman in his " march from Georgia to the sea." Served three years, received honorable discharge, and returned home to Brimfield, where he still resules. lle united in mar- ringe with Miss Sarah Slocum, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Slocum, of Brimfield, December 26, 186S. The fruit of this marriage is three children.

CADY CURTIS. (tetired), P. O. Brim- field, was born in Killingly, Conn., October, 1508.

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BRIMFIELD DIRECTORY.

When but five years of age became an orphan, and was placed in the care of an uncle and taken to Otsego, New York, where he was raised until he was sixteen years of age, then went to Richfield and served four years at the cabinet trade, and after working at joiner work several years, started business for himself at Mad- ison, New York, where on the 28th day of January, 1830, married Eliza Furniss. She was born in Madi- son, New York, in 1813, In 1834 they came West, stopping at Cleveland, Ohio, until the Spring of 1835. Thence to Trivoli township, Peoria county, where he engaged in improving a farm, and remained until 1839, then moved to Brimfield township, two miles west of Brimfield. In 1847 his wife died, leaving five children, two sons and three daughters. In March following Mr. C. married Maria P. Miles, who died in December of the same year, On the 14th day of February, 1850. mar- ried his present wife, Abigail Robinson. She was born in New York in 1827. In 1849 settled on the place now owned by Mrs. Trusin. In 1854, having received the appointment of postmaster, he sold and came to the village and built his present residence, retaining the postoffice. In the Fall of 1858 he purchased an interest in the flouring mill with Chas. Fox & Co. This required the most of his attention until it was burned, in 1874, since which he has devoted most of his time with improvement and cultivation of his farm. Five sons have been born to him by his present wife. Democratic in politics.

Caldwell Ezekiel, farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

Camp Harry (retired), P. O. Brimfield.

Campbell F. G. farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

Catton Thomas, farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

Catton Win. farmer. P. O. Brimfield.

Church J. C. farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

CHAPMAN DAVID, farmer, Sec. 28, P. O. Elmwood, was born in Washington county, New York, on the 16th day of December, 1819, and when a small boy his parents immigrated to Oswego county, New York. Receiving a limited education, remained upon his father's farm, making a home for the old peo- ple, until thirty-six years of age. In June, 1845, mar- ried Miss Eliza A. Bennett, who was born in Worces- ter, Massachusetts, in 1824, In the Fall of 1855 came to Illinois, rented a farm for three years, then purchased his present farm, consisting of eighty acres, valued at $70 per acre. They are blessed with one child. Dem- cratic in politics.

CHICHESTER HARRIET E. residence Brimfield, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Shepard nee Armstrong, the former of Irish parentage, but born in Pennsylvania, the latter born in Ireland. In early life,with her parents, immigrated to Ohio, near Steuben- ville, where they were married on the 4th day of Novem- ber, 1813. The parents of both were, early settlers of Ohio. In the Spring of 1837 Mr. and Mrs. S., with their family, consisting of six children, one son and five

daughters , again removed westward, finding a home at Harkness Grove, this county, where he purchased 400 acres of land, and remained until one year previous to his death, which occurred on the 29th day of August, 1860. The mother survived him six years, and died October 7, 1866, at the age of 76. Wm. A. an only brother of Mrs. C., served in the Mexican war, and also participated in our late war, and served faithfully until its end, and was murdered at Springfield, Illinois, while on his way home. Mrs. C. was born in Ohio, February 8, 1828, and came to Illinois when she was nine years old. On the 17th day of May, 1854, she married Elias W. Chichester, a native of Indiana, born November, 1825, and when a small boy came to Peoria with his father. Kept the first ferry, and his mother in the meantime kept a boarding house until his father's death, which occurred when E. W. was three years old, after which she resumed her trade of tailoress, by which she supported her two children. After marrying Mr. C. settled in Jubilee township until the following Fall. when she returned to her father's, and he went to Texas for seed, intending to embark in raising hedge plants, a business he has since followed, visiting Texas each Fall for seed. In the Spring they removed to Brimfield. Own 160 acres of land adjoining the village, valued at $16,000, also a half section near Oak Hill, valued at $60 per acre, and 150 acres in Jubilee town- ship, valued at $7,000. They were blessed with seven children, six sons and one daughter. Clark Stephen, farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

COE JOHN C. farmer, Sec. 5, P. O. French Grove, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August, 1828. Was raised on a farm, but at an early age engaged in clerking. In the Fall of 1859 came to Peoria county. Married Miss Eliza J. Reed March 4, 1861. She was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, December, 1841. Lived in Elmwood and Fulton county, for two years. Came where he now resides. Owns 80 acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. The fruit of this marriage was three children, a son and two daughters. Members of the Presbyterian Church at French Grove, in which Mr. Coe is elder and super- intendent of Sabbath school. Republican in politics. Ileld several local offices of trust.

COOLIDGE EDWARD L. farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Brimfield, son of Lewis and Amanda C. Cool- idge, was born in Addison county, Vt., 1825, emigrated with them to Illinois in the Spring of 1834, and settled in what was known by the early settlers as 9-6, now Rosefield township, where his mother died on the 3d day of Sept., 1856. Ilis father found a home with Mr. C. until his death, which occurred in 1869. Mar- ried Miss Mary E. Palmer, who was born in Galesburg, Knox county, III., Dec. 31, 1838, being the first white child born in that city. They soon afterwards settled

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

where they now reside. Owns 252 acres of land, val- ued at $60 per acre. The fruit of this marriage is eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Mr. C. was one of the first road commissioners of Rosefield township. Members of the Episcopal Church.

CORCORAN GEORGE L. was born in the county of Langford, in Ireland, in 1826. At the early age of sixteen he matriculated in Latin, Greek, French, Geometry and Algebra, and after a brain rest of six months, commenced the study of medicine with his fatber, who was the leading physician in the county, having two dispensaries and the county infirm- ary under his charge. By these means the subject of our present biography got a thorough elementary edu- eation in clinical medicine, materia medica and chem- istry. lle afterwards studied in Dublin, and finally graduated in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1849. The doctor came to Brimfield on the 27th of May. 1851, and im- mediately cominenced the practice of his profession, although with a sad heart and a strange desire to return home, for the condition of affairs was not what he ex- pected. A vast prairie like an open sea stretched out to his view, without roads or bridges such as we have now. His average day's work was forty miles in the saddle, on horseback, for buggies were impracticable over the sloughs and swollen streams, and although often exhausted by the heat of the sun in Summer and the snow storms and cold of Winter, he never forsook his duty day or night, and has continued to practice in the county ever since, three years of which was in the city of l'eoria ; and not alone in this county, for he is frequently called to the surrounding counties for advice and consultation. He was the first president elect of the Peoria County Medical Society, which he held for several years by re-election. Ile is a member of the American Medical Association, and also of the State Medical Society, and was commissioned by Governor Cullom as a representative to the medical department of the celebrated l'aris Exposition of 1873. He has also been justice of the peace in Brimfield for nearly twelve years, getting the vote of all political parties, and although it is not a lucrative office, he has fulfilled it without fear or partiality, to the best of his ability and judgment of the law. He is a man of almost uni- versal genius, passionately fond of the arts, science, poetry and music, and in the latter he excels ; of a san- guine, nervous temperament, generous and big-hearted to a fault, no person, either friend or stranger, enters his door and leaves it hungry or thirsty ; but he is quick to detect deceit, fraud, ingratitude, lying and low, cun- ning tricks, which make him irritable, but he has an abundance of charity and soon forgives. Ile is still nearly in the prime of life, healthy. and liable to live many years with profit to himself and his patrons.

COWLES WM. W. postmaster at Brimfield

and dealer in groceries, was born in Hampshire county, Mass., on the 7th day of Dec., 1830. By trade he is a blacksmith and wagon ironer. In Nov., 1854, married Miss Delia Woods, who was born in Belchertown, Mass., on the 28th day of Nov., 1834. Continued his trade in his native village until 1857, when they came to Brimfield, where he engaged in farming for two years. Thence to Oak Hill, where he bought grain for four years ; then embarked in the dry goods trade until July. 1862. Ile enlisted in the 14th Cavalry and participated in the Atlantic campaign, Knoxville. Tenn., the regi- ment being the first Union troops to cross the Cumber- land Mountains to eastern Tennessee, and twenty- four days on four days' rations. They also participated at Bear Station, Bentonville, and in the following of John Morgan. Mustered out as second lieutenant at Pułaski, Tenn., Aug., 1865. On enlisting, removed his family to Brimfield. He returned to this city and re- commenced his trade, which on account of failing health he soon abandoned and worked for the R. K. Co. until January, 1571, after which he engaged with the Hayes Brothers, in their store, until 1875. Was appointed, Jan., 157S, postmaster, and soon afterwards added a stock of groceries, and has since done a prosperous business in that line. They have three daughters and are members of the Congregational Church. l'olitics, Republican.

CROWLEY WM, farmer, Sec. 16, P. O. Brim- field, was born on the Isle of Man on the third day of March, IS11. Having attained his thirteenth year he learned the carpenter's trade, and, at twenty-two. emi- grated to the United States, locating in the city of New York. On the ninth day of November, 1842, he married Martha P'rice, who was born in Flintshire, Wales, in 1820. They afterwards moved to Memphis, Tenn., where they resided until 1852. In 1846, came to this county, and purchased the farm which he now occupies, containing 210 acres, valued at $75 per acre. In 1852, they settled permanently on their farm, which now compares favorably with the best in this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley are members of the M. E. Church. Democratic in politics. Curran Wm. farmer, 1'. 0. Itrimfeld. Colllater, John, farmer. P. O. Hrimufield.

DAARBY H. H. farmer, Sec. 2S. P. O. Elm- wood. Son of \'m. and Mary Darby, nee Mann, natives of New England, but settled in Genessce county, N. Y., about the year 1826, where the subject of this sketch was born August 2, 1S40. At the age of eleven, with his parents, came to l'eoria county and located on section 28, where he now resides. Owns fifty-five and a half acres of land, valued at $So per acre. On May 26, 1865, enlisted in the hundred days service ; mustered out at Chicago, November, 1565. On September 6, 1866, he married Ellen, daughter of

IL, Carcara 10,

BRIMFIELD.

JOSEPH CLUTE. BRIMFIELD.

20 0 Inches BRIMFIELD

Daniel Belchen

( DECEASED) BRIMFIELD.

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BRIMFIELD DIRECTORY.

Edson Smith, of Elmwood township. She was born in Elmwood township, May 30, 1848. They have two children, a son and daughter. Members of the Con- gregational Church, at Elmwood. Republican. Day Eddy, farmer, P. O. Brimfield. Day Thomas, farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

DAY WM. H. dealer in dry goods and general merchandise, Knoxville avenue ; residence, Brimfield. Was born in Chesterfield, N. Y., on the seventh day of March, 1818 ; was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. At seventeen, engaged as an employé in a woolen mill in his native town, where he remained six years. Thence to Grafton, Vt., where he engaged in business for himself, and remained until 1854. Thence to Illinois, and soon after embarked in his present business in Brimfield. In 1843, he married Miss Abbie S. Wooley, of Grafton, Vt., who was born in that city on the seventh day of April, 1821. She died in this village on the Ist day of June, 1878, leaving two sons. Wm. Il., Jr., born on the third day of March, 1845 ; married Josephine, daughter of Ezekiel Day, of Peoria. Second son, George M., born on the 27th day of February, 1850; married Louisa J., daughter of Geo. F. Guy, of Peoria. The family are members of the Baptist Church. Politics, Republican. Derby L. M. constable, P. O. Brimfield.

DOVE J. J. butcher, residence, Brimfield, son of Isaac and Sarah Dove; father, native of Pennsyl- vania ; mother, of Virginia. The subject of this sketch was born in Custer county, Pa., September 10, 1836. Immigrated with his parents to Ohio, where he remained until 1862, when he came to Peoria county, where he engaged in farming, coal digging, and tile laying. Married for his first wife Miss Nancy Ault. She was born in Ohio, in 1840; died in 1869. The fruit of this marriage was five children-two boys and three girls; three living, viz : Susan, Sarah M., John Edward. Second wife, married Frances IIadlock ; she was born in Ohio, September 30, 1847.

Eaton Eplıraim, farmer. P. O. Brimfield. Eaton Joseph, farmer, P. O. Brimfield. Eby John, farmer. P. O. Elmwood. Elliott Wm. farmer. P. O. Brimfield.

English J. R. farmer, P. O. French Grove.

FARNUM JAS. F. Sr. buggy dealer, res. Brimfield, son of Asa and Arrathusa (Lovejoy) Farnum, natives of Amherst, N. 1I. Immigrated to Bennington county, Vermont, where they raised a family of six children, five of which are now living. The subject of this sketch was born in Bennington county, Vermont, February 6, 1811, where he received a common school education. When he was sixteen years old went to Windsor county, Vermont, where he worked on a farm for five years for Mr. Ezekiel Davis. Afterwards mar- ried his daughter Laura, who was born in the same county September 9, 18og. The fruit of this marriage was four children, of which three are now living, viz :

James, Jr., George and Giles. In the year 1854 came to l'eoria county and located on section 22, Brimfield township, where he remained two years. Then traded his farm for block 4 in town. In 1857 commenced the mercantile business in company with B. K. Harrington, and continued until 1860, when he bought the interest of Mr. Harrington and continued until the close of the war, when he sold out and has since heen in his present business. Members of the M. E. Church. His father was in the war of 1812, was at Bennington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, N. Y.

Fisher Simon L. farmer, P. O. Brimfield.

FORD L. D. farmer, Sec. 21, P. O. Brimfield, was born in Licking county, O., on the 5th day of May, 1835. When twelve years of age with his parents moved to Adams county, Ills., and the following year to this county, settling near French Grove. In 1850 his parents removed to Knox county, where they now reside. In 1866 the subject of this sketch married Miss H. F. Burt. She was born in Rockingham, Vt., September 3, 1844. Settled near Fairbury, Livingston county, and in August, 1874, came to their present place of residence. Owns 157 acres of land valued at $75 per acre. The fruit of this marriage is four children - one son and three daughters. Members of the M. E. Church, of which he is trustee. Politics, Repub- lican.

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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 121

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