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 128

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 128

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Lemastus I. farmer, P. O. Elmwood. Lilly M. C. blacksmith, P. O. Elmwood.

LOBAAUGHI JOHN J. physician and surgeon, res. Elmwood, was born July 27, 1829, in Latimore township, Adams, Pa., eighteen miles northeast of Gettysburg. IIis father, John Lobaugh, was a farmer, and grandson of Peter Lobaugh, who emigrated from Germany about the year 1740 and settled in Berks county, where he married Helena Pallio, a French lady. The subject of this sketch married Miss Mary John, of Welsh extraction, one of the John family who settled in Chester county at an early day. Dr. Lobaugh was the sixth in a family of eight children. When he was three years old his father removed to the vicinity of Newport, Perry county, Pa .. where he was reared on a farm and attended the common school. In 1847 the family removed to Peoria county, and settled in Logan township, near Smithville, where there was abundance of hard work in opening up a farm. The son inherited a compact, hardy, physical organization. He read with avidity everything he could get hold of, and laid out his money chiefly for books of a scientific character. In 1849 he began teaching in the south end of Kickapoo township, and afterwards taught a long time in Smith- ville, boarding around with his pupils. In 1851, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Chas. Davis, a homeopathic physician in Henry, Marshall county, 111., where he remained two years. In 1853 entered the office of Dr. John Evans, of Farmington, Ill., where he remained two years, teaching some in the meantime to support himself, and attending lectures at an Eclectic college, from which institution he holds a diploma. In 1854 he began practice with his preceptor. In 1855 hie set up for himself in Glenwood, Knox county, Il. ; removed in June, 1856, to Elmwood, where he has

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

since resided. In March, 1860, he married Miss Sarah Cratty, daughter of William Cratty, of Elmwood, who was born May 17, 1838. He is now serving his fourth year as a member of the Board of Town Trustees, and eight years as school director. He is a member of the Western College of Homeopathy and of the Illinois State Homeopathic Society. He is extremely liberal in bis views and sees much good in all the different sys- tems, and uses in his practice whatever he deems of service in curing the ills of suffering humanity. Repub- lican in politics. Mr. L. is an earnest temperance man. In religion he is a Swedenborgian, but attends the Congregational Church, of which his wife is a mem- ber. Seven children - Arthur C., born Aug. 20, 1862, died Sept. 20. 1875; Laura Grace, born Oct. 12, 1565; Carrie B., born March 3, 1868, died March S, 1870; Ernest 1) .. born AApril 26, 1871; Bertha May, born Feb. 25. 1573; Florence E., born Dec. 21, 1875, died Dec. 11, 1877; Lou, born Aug. 3, 1873.

Lombard N. J., laborer, 1. O. Elmwood. Macy M. C. farmer. P. D. Elmwood. Marmock N. farmer, P. O. Eltu wood. Mathuson John, laborer, P. O. Elmwood. Mathews Mary N. P. O. Elmwood.

Maxwell John engineer, P. O Elmwood. May John, farmer, P. O. Elmwood.

McCANN GEORGE W. farmer, Sec. 27. P. O. Elmwood, son of Samuel and Susan McCann, natives of Cayuga county, N. V. ; immigrated to this county in 1837, and remained in Peoria for a short time; then moved to Harkness Grove for a couple of years ; thence to where they now resitle. The subject of this sketch was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., on the 5th day of March, 1837, and came to the county with his parents when a child, where he received a common school edu- cation. In 1962 enlisted in the 77th Kegt., I. V. I .. Col. Grier. The principal engagements participated in were, Vazoo Bottoms, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Ridge, siege and capture of Vicksburg, and others. Married Miss Mi- nerva Eno, daughter of Imle Eno. She was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1841 ; two children, une died in infancy. Ada May, born April 29, 1877, died July 30, 1579. Has 100 acres of land undler good cul- tivation, valued at $7,000. Mrs. McCann is a member of the M. E. Church.

Mel'ann Wm farmer, 13. 0. Elmwood. Melkermott John, laborer. P. O. Elwood. Sellermott M. Laborer, PO Finwood. Mc Farland .A. . I . farmer. P. 1. 1.1mwood. Metirale A. farmer, P. 1). Elmwood. MeMuller W & farmer. P. O. Farmington. MeNay W'm. H. farmer. 1 0). F'lio word. Miles F. retired farmer. 1. 0. 1.1mw oud. Willer t' W farmer. F. 0. Elmwood. Monnock Chas. farmer. P. O. Elmwood. Moore Monroe, farmer, "'. O. k.100 000. Muore 'T J. Farmer, 1. 0. Hussefeld. Murry T. E. retired farmer, J. @ Elmwood.

MORRIS II. J. butcher, res. Elmwood, son of Henry and Ann Morris, natives of England, who came to the United States in 1841, and located in l'eoria county, where the subject of this sketch was born on the

22d day of May, 1846. Married Miss Sarah Chapman. She was born in the same county on the 11th day of August, 1345. They have had four children, two of whom are living, Clarence and Frank. Enlisted in 1864 in the Sth 1. V. I., Co. H. under Col. Shuts ; was at the charge and capture of Ft. Blakesley, where the regi- ment lost sixty men ; thence to Mobile and Texas ; mustered out at New Orleans ; thence back to this county, where he followed farming until 1874. when he embarked in the grocery business as the firm of II. J. Morris & Co., and remained in the same business until 1877, when he commenced his present business. Is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the G. A. R.

Moyer John, farmer, 1. 0. Elmwood.

Murphy J. C. retired farmer. 1.0. Elin wood. Murray S. R. farmer, 13. 0. Elmwood.

Nieberson John, farmer, P.O. Elmwood.

OLDFIELD GEORGE W. machinist. res. Elmwood ; was born in Belleville, Richland county, Ohio, May 21, 1842. Was the son of Jonathan Old- field, one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio, emigrated from Orange county, N. Y., to Ohio, in 1Sos ; settling on Clear Fork, and made the first clearing where Belleville now stands. He was the father of fourteen children, all of whom lived to adult age. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of four sons, of his father's third wife, whose maiden name was Esther Andrews, he was reared on a farm until fourteen years old, when he engaged in the business of an engineer until twenty, when twenty-one married Miss Mary E. Reves, of Washington, D. C., who was sixteen years of age. when twenty-two enlisted in the 178th Ohio Vol. Inf. and served until the close of the war, then removed to Illinois, and settled on a farm near Elmwood, one year. At that time the Elmwood Machine Works having completed their new building he obtained a situation as machinist and continued with the company ever since ; the last ten years as foreman. In 1874, after four years illness, Mrs. Oldfield died, leaving three little children-Parry, aged eight ; Sadie, six, and llenry, four years. Mr. O. married Mrs. Eliza- beth Dickson in September, 1878. She was the daughter of R. M. Grey, of l'utnam county, N. Y. Oldfield J. foreman foundr) . P. O. ElIn wood.

O'SHEA MICHAEL, laborer, Elmwood.

Itto Jacob, merchant tailor. 1. 0. Fimwood. I'nge Eliza, boarding house. l' O. Fmwood. l'atterson Win. A. farmer. 1. 0. Elmwood.

PHELPS WILLLAST E. Hon, eldest son of W. J. Phelps and Olivia B. Johnson ; was born October 9. 1835, un the family homestead where he now resides. At the age of fourteen he commenced his education in a private school in the village of Farmington five miles distant, going and returning daily on horseback. His Summers were spent at work on the farm. He broke a large part of the prairie where the village of Elm- wood now stands, He graduated from Knox College

W.E. Sheeps

ELMWOOD.

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ELMWOOD DIRECTORY.

at twenty-one, and again engaged in the business of the farm. Already Mr. Phelps took a lively interest in the political questions of the day and was frequently called on to address local gatherings. Ile was from the first a Republican, having returned home while in college to cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he was active in raising and equipping the first company that Elmwood put into the service, and had he followed his own in- clination would have gone with them. He yielded, how- ever, to the representations of many friends that his duty lay clearly at home. Mr. Phelps addressed numer- ous war meetings and assisted in recruiting four or five companies and parts of companies. In November, 1862, he was appointed United States Consul to St. Petersburg, Russia, which position he filled for three years. May 17, 1864, while at home on leave of ab- sence he was married to Miss Ellen A. Wiley, with whom he started at once on the return journey to St. Petersburg. While here Mr. Phelps discovered that negotiations were in progress for the purchase of a steamer then in Cronstadt harbor for a blockade runner. He immediately secured the services of an able Russian broker through whom he obtained ac- curate information of the whole transaction in- cluding a careful description of the vessel. This was forwarded by the Navy Department to the Admiral commanding the blockade squadron, who cap- tured the vessel on her first voyage. Mr. Phelps secured numerous complimentary letters from Secretary Seward recognizing special services. In 1865 he resigned, and came home, and has since resided on the old homestead, engaged in farming, mining and manufacturing. In 1868, after a hotly contested campaign, during which he addressed meetings in every township in Peoria and Stark counties he was chosen Representative to the Legislature. He served as chairman of the Committee on Education, and was also a member of the Canal Committee, in both of which positions he was regarded as an able and efficient worker. Since that time Mr. Phelps' business affairs have demanded so much of his time that he has positively declined to be a candidate for any office, although repeatedly solicited to do so by the leading Republican influences in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps have had five children, four living, William Joshua, now thirteen years old, Margaret Wiley ten, Mary Violet, eight, Edwin (Lynd, died in infancy,) and James Wiley two years old.

PHELPS WM. J. Hon. Sec. 18, P.O. Elmwood. The subject of this biography belongs to a very ancient family. Their genealogy in England being traced back to the time of William the Conqueror. William Phelps of Parlock, England, was the first paternal ancestor in America. He emigrated to New England in 1630 and settled at Dorchester, near Boston. On the 15th of

October, 1635, he set out with his family and about sixty others for the valley of the Connecticut, the compass being their only guide, and settled at Windsor, Con- necticut. lle was a member of the first Court (Legis- lature), held in Connecticut, in 1636, also in 1637; was magistrate from 1638 till the close of 1642. Held many important offices from that period till 1663, and was truly a pillar in both church and State. The genealogy from William Phelps is as follows: Timothy, fifth son of William and Mary (Dover) Phelps, was born in Windsor, Conn., Sept. 1, 1639; Samuel, sixth son of Timothy Phelps, born Jan. 29, 1675; Joshua, son of Samuel Phelps, born Oct. 13, 1729; Joshua, son of Joshua Phelps, born Aug. 29, 1762 ; William Joshua Phelps, the subject of this record is the son of the last mentioned, was born at Burlington, Conn., March 2, ISO8. He was bred a farmer and educated at the com- mon schools and academy of his native State. At the age of twenty-one he began to spend his winters travel- ing on business, mostly in the Middle, Southern, and Western States, and returning home to spend the sum- mers. During these trips he decided to settle in the West. He was married in Hurwinton Conn., on the Ioth of September, 1834, to Miss Olivia B., daughter of Benoni and Abigal Johnson, and immediately depart- ed with his young wife to Illinois. They arrived at Peoria after a three weeks' trip by steamboat, canal and stage on the 30th of September, 1834. The next day Mr. Phelps, leaving his wife in Peoria, started on an Indian trail to the vicinity of his present home. He purchased the pre-emption right of a settler, who had previously erected a rude log cabin. Re- moved his wife to it, and in this he lived about six years, when his present residence was erected, which has since been enlarged and furnished with the com- forts and elegancies of a modern home. Additions were made to the quarter-section first purchased, till at present Mr. Phelps has about two thousand acres of rich and beautiful land, and one of the finest timber tracts in this part of the country. This valuable estate is intersected by the Peoria branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R., and is rich in coal deposits, one of which has an important shaft in successful oper- ation, with a side track from the main line of the railroad running to it ; making the facilities for supply- ing the markets as abundant and advantageous as those of any coal region in Illinois. It was mainly through Mr. Phelps' untiring efforts in the County and Legis- lature that these roads were located and built, which have contributed so largely to develope the material and social interests of Elmwood and vicinity. When the first branch was built, he donated the right of way and the land for the depots. The township in which their new house was located, was not laid out for some years and their nearest post office was Peoria or

745

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

Canton, though a little later an office was established at Farmington, Fulton county. They desired that their home should be designated by some appropriate cogno- men, and named it Elmwood, from the beautiful grove of elms near their dwelling. Thus Mr. Phelps' home became nuted long before either the township or village was named. Having succeeded in getting an extension of the mail route to his place, he became post- master, the office being named Elmwood. Subsequently the township, then the village and railroad station took the same name. Mr. Phelps owned the land on which Elmwood is built, and laid out the place in 1554. Ile declined to sell lots to persons who would erect build- ings for saloons, or other immoral purposes, and offered special indacements to the best elements of society to come an I settle there. Thus the young town got well started and was the legitimate offspring of a high and noble purpose on the part of the founder. Mr. Phelps has been possessed of a vigorous constitution, embrac- ing a happy combination of the temperaments, render- ing him energetic and thorough going in whatever he engaged in, laying large plans and evincing extraordin- ary ability to execute them. Is a clear vigorous thinker, and a jovial, affable and generous companion ; but is firm and independent in his own opinions. Is a staunch Republican, and a consistent member of the Congregational Church. He was elected jus- tice of the peace in 1835, county commissioner in 1836, and was chosen representative to the legislature in 1840. In the several positions he discharged the responsibili- ties of his office with marked ability. Though always taking a lively interest in politics, and possessing a good knowledge of the science of good government, he has devoted his sole attention to his large private business, chief of which is the management of his large farm, one mile south of the public square, and the coal mining interest. Hle is one who has always acted upon the belief that it is better to wear out than tu rust out. Mr. Phelps lived happily with the wife of his carly choice till the 17th of February, 1873. when Mrs. l'helps departed this life, in the sixty-ninth year of her age. She was a woman adnured and loved for her many excellent qualities and Christian virtues. Mr. and Mrs. P. had three children, one of whom died in infancy. Their two sons living are Hon. Wm. E. Phelps and Augustus S. J. I'helps Esq., in the practice of the law at Elmwood.

1helpin A. S. J. lawyer. 1. 0. Elmwood. Philhower A. carpenter. P. O. Klinw (IN). Pierre W. N. mori bant, PO. 1.000. I'resrutt K. merchant, 1. 0. E.linwood.

I'ructor Jatnes, farmer, P. O. Elin wood.

PULSIFER GEORGE H, (deceased) farmer, P. (. Ro cheld, was born in Rockingham, Vermont, Sept. 29, 1807. where he was reared on a farmi and received a common school education. When twenty- one years of age went to Penn., where he followed ped-

dling for nine years, then came to Illinois in r$39. Married Miss Abigal Bosworth, daughter of Truman Bosworth. She was born in Clinton county, New York. June 7, 1817. The fruit of this marriage was six chil- dren - Laura O., born August 25. 1543, Lucia A., born May 20, 1545. Eliza Jane, born November 6, 1549. Fred. B., born July 22, 1851, Isabell, born Sep- tember 30, 1853. Ethel May, born April 8, 1855. Mr. l'ulsifer was a member of the New Church. Died June 11, 1861.

l'ulaiter Mrs. farmer, 1. O. Elmwood.

PUTNAM JAMES, proprietor Elmwood llouse, Elmwood.

RAMSEY ROBERT, retired farmer, resi- dence Elmwood, was born in Brook, West Virginia, on the 23d day of March, 1804 ; was reared on a farm until he was sixteen years old, and received a primitive education. The fall he was seventeen years old went to New Orleans with the products of the farm. The next season came back to the farm, and farmed, and Winters made trips to New Orleans, until 1828. Then married Miss Jane Cleland. She was born in Ire and. and came to this country when a child. She died Feb- ruary 19, 1830, leaving an infant four days old. Then returned to the river and remained until 1834. when he married Miss Cornelia Shaw, daughter of William Shaw. She was born in Chenango county, New York, December 20, 1811. The fruit of this marriage was one son and four daughters, three of which are still living. Emigrated from West Virginia to Jefferson county. Ohio, in 1834, and engaged in the milling business, and in 1852 came to Illinois and located in Brimfield town- ship and followed farming until 1567, when he came to the beautiful town of Elmwood.

REED J. B. harnessmaker, Elmwood.

REGAN JOHN, editor Elmwood Messenger, Elmwood.

Krgan J. 1. printer. P. V. Elmwood.

Richardson Geo. farmer, 1'. O. Elmwood. Richardson L. carpenter, 1º. O. k.In vud. Hirhinyrd Geo. Iarmer, P. O. Elinwood. lille, Timothy, laborer, " O. Elinwood.

ROBERTS .A. H. stock dealer, Elmwood.

tioch hald J. W carpenter, 1. 0. Elin oud.

RODMAN J. M. hardware and stove mer- chant, Elmwood.

ROGERS HENRY P. lumber merchant, res. Elmwood, was born July 16, 1826, at Brockport. Monroe county, N. Y. , one of ten children, eight of whom are now living. His parents settled in Trivoli township, Peoria county, in July, 1838. His father died at huis home in the village of Elmwood, Dec. 15, 1571. in the $7th year of his age. His mother is now living at her home in Elmwood in her Sist year, loved and respected by all. Henry P. Rogers is one of a large family, and in connection of whom it can be said, in character and worth, they stand second to none.

M. Philho

ELMWOOD.

749

ELMWOOD DIRECTORY.

The lumber interests of the county comprises one of its most important features, and its growth and devel- opment are synonymous with the various improvements that are in progress. And as regards Elmwood and vicinity this particular interest is well represented in the establishment and yard of II. P. Rogers, through whose energy the business has been brought up to a point which, in importance, is not inferior to any indus- try or enterprise in the place. Mr. R. has been iden- tified with the lumber trade here for the last fourteen years, and is among the earliest settlers of the county. His yard is conveniently located, and is well stocked with hard and soft wood lumber of all kinds, together with builders' material of every description, embracing paints, oils, sash, doors, blinds, etc.

ROSE J. J. mechanic, Elmwood. ROWLAND E. retired farmer, Elmwood.

Runlen J. farmer. P. O. Elmwood.

RYAN WILLIAM D. carpenter, Elmwood.

SCHENCK HENRY, farmer, Sec. 6, P. O. Elmwood, son of Peter and Catharine Schenck, natives of Ohio. Father born May 3, ISOI, mother in 1800 ; father still living in Butler county, Ohio, at the age of 79 years ; mother died in 1858. Henry was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 14th day of December, IS35 ; was bred a farmer and educated in the district school , came to Peoria county in 1864 and located on the place where he now resides. Married Miss Maria C., daughter of David Kemp, of Elmwood. She was born in Butler county, O., Oct. 15, IS41, and died Dec. 27, 1869. He married Susan Snyder, widow of Jacob A. Snyder, born in Butler county, O., Jan. 29, 1837. By this marriage resulted, two boys and one girl, Ebert, born Aug. IS. 1871 (died July 31, 1872); Harry, born Oct. 28, 1872 ; Edna, born February 5, 1877. Has 210 acres of land one mile north of the city of Elm- wood, beautifully located, and valued at $20,000.

SCHENCK W. L. Mrs. Elmwood.

SECORD JAMES K. physician and surgeon, res. Elmwood. Was born in Lincoln Co., Canada, July 15, IS35, and worked on a farm till eighteen years of age. Then learned the trade of house and sign paint- ing. Worked at it until 1859, then commenced the study of medicine and surgery, attending lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he grad- uated. Was a volunteer under Gen. Walker, the one- eyed man of destiny, went to Central America, was taken prisoner, and returned with a number of others who were taken at the same time. Located in Vates City, Ill., for the practice of medicine, March, 1862. Enlisted in Co. F. 77th I. V. I., Sept. 1862, for three years or during the war. Served three years having been pro- moted to the Captaincy of the company. Was with Gen. Grant at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and Jackson, Miss., under Gen. Sherman. Then transferred

to the department of the Gulf under Gen. N P. Banks. Was at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, where Gen. Banks was defeated by Gen. Dick Taylor. Was mus- tered out of service by reason of expiration of term, July 1865. Married Miss Mary Carlton Sept. 18, 1865. Have had four children, two living, Maud and Norman. Located in Elmwood for the practice of medicine, but having poor health, due to the hardships and exposures of army life, removed to Texas in 1869; receiving no benefit returned to Elmwood. Thence to California for health, but not experiencing much relief returned to Elmwood, where he has since remained, having a good practice.

Settzer J. farmer, P. O. Elmwood. Shearer G. G. laborer. P. O. Elmwood. Shipter H. farmer, P. O. Trivoli.

Slayton C. farmer, P. O. Elmwood.

Slayton H. B. carpenter, P. O. Elmwood.

SLAYTON HI. B. retired, res. Elmwood. Was born in Woodstock, Windsor county, Vt., on the 16th day of September, IS07, was raised on a farm and at- tended the district school. When eight years old, went with his father to Genesee county, N. Y., and remained five years; thence to Morgan county. At the age of seventeen years, he went to Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he married Miss Eunice Chand- ler. She was born in the same county, March 10, 1814; she died in 1851, leaving four children. He married Electa Norton, who was born in Brattleboro, Vt., April 19, 1811. This marriage resulted in one son and one daughter. In 1853, settled in Knox county, Ill., three years ; thence to this county, where he has remained since.

SLOAN W. T. M. D., druggist, P. O. Elmwood The subject of this sketch is the son of John and Sebina Sloan, who were natives of Pennsylvania. His father died in 1855, and his mother - now Mrs. Johnson - is a resident of McLean Co., III. IIe commenced the study of medicine under Dr. W. A. Baker, of Reids- burg, Pa., in 1868. In 1870 he attended lectures at the medical college of Cleveland, O., and during the years 1871 and 1872, practiced medicine in Jefferson Co., Pa. He attended lectures at Bellevue Medical Col- lege, New York city, in 1873, and in the Spring of the following year graduated, and moved to Elmwood, Peoria Co., where he has since resided and practiced. He has acquired a good share of the medical practice of the town and surrounding country, and in 1879 added the business of druggist and apothecary. He married in September, 1875, Miss Bertha Vandervoort, who was horn in Canada in 1857, and by whom he has one child, Eleanor, born in June 1877.

SMITH D. H. stone cutter, res. Elmwood; was born in Kickapoo township. Jan. 27, 1845, and in 1867 went to Columbus, Ohio, and learned his trade, where he married Miss Bell Vance in 1872. She was born in Ohio in 1853. Have four children, Nellie, Dassie B.,

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

and Edson C. and Leroy. Came back to Illinois in 1575, and followed farming one year. Then removed to Elmwood and has been engaged at his trade since. Enlisted in the 14th Ill. Cav., Co. M., Feb. 1864, was in all the engagements of the company up to the time of Stoneman's raid, in which he participated, and was taken prisoner. Ile and others were taken to Atlanta Ga., by Graham scouts and from there was sent to Andersonville, where all his clothes and everything of value were taken. Their food consisted of a small piece of corn bread, and a mouthful of meat, After being confined three months there was sent to Millan, Ga. Thence to Savannah, Ga., were five days and nights without a mouthful to eat, and was shortly afterwards paroled, got a furlough and came home. Smith F. S. engineer, P. O. Elmwood.

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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 128

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