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 135

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 135

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Lottman C. farmer, P.O. Peorla. Lottman Fred, grape grower, P.O. Peoria.

MARIE JOSEPH, farmer, Sec. 34, P. O. Peoria. Nicholas Marie, the father of Joseph, was born, raised, and married the first time, in France and came to America and settled in Stark county, Ohio, in 1828. His first wife died, childless, in 1829. and abont a year after he married Mary Ann Smith, who was also born in France, September 20, 1800, by whom he had four children: Joseph, Mary Ann, Julia and Malinda. Joseph was born in Stark county, O., October 31, 1831. In 1838, his parents removed from Ohio, and founded the Marie's home as above. Their first house was a small log cabin that stood at the foot of the bluff in Jones' Hollow. Deer were often seen sporting on the bluffs, within easy shooting range of the cabin. In the Fall of 1840, Nicholas Marie, the husband and father died. Joseph was the oldest of the family, and the burden of their support fell on him, and hence it may be said that from his ninth year he has had a family to maintain. On the 5th day of June, 1861, he married Johana, daughter of William and Nancy Holden, nee Corcoran, who was born at Red Acre, county Kilkenny, Ireland, May 29, 1841, and came to America with her parents when she was quite a young girl. They first settled at Newark, Licking county ; subsequently in Zanesville, Ohio; came from there to Illinois about 1852. They had eleven children : Mary Ann, born June 3, 1862 ; Nellie, born June 15, 1863 ; the third child was born August 29, 1864, and died ; Nicholas, born September 15, 1865; William, born January 27, 1867; Joseph, born May 4, 1868 ; James Francis, born May 23, 1870; Anna, born October 14, 1872, died May 23, 1875; Malinda, born November 16, 1874 ; Thomas Centennial, born June 20, 1876 ; John Edmund, born March 30, 1878. The family are members of the Catholic Church. Politically, Mr. Marie is an Independent Democrat. Ile served as justice of the peace from 1866 to 1870, and has filled other local offices. Ile owns 160 acres of land, valued at $35 an acre. His mother, now in her eightieth year, has a home in his family.

MARSHALL JJOHN, farmer, Sec. 36, P. O. Kickapoo, was born in Devonshire, England, July 17, 1826, and worked on a farm for his father till he was twenty-six years old, when he married Rebecca Horse-

HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

well, by whom he had four children 'Thomas E., Elizabeth, John, and Richard, all of whom still reside in England. Ile buried his wife in the Fall of 1863, and in the Spring of 1569, immigrated to America, arriving at Peoria, August 7th of the same year, and settled in Kickapoo. He has always been a consistent professor of religion, and since obtaining his citizen- ship has generally voted with the Republican party. Ile has always conducted himself as a good citizen of his adopted country.

MASSING MATHIAS, farmer and grape- grower, Sec. 16, P. O. Kickapoo, son of Andrew and Mary Massing, nee Grevei, was born on the river Khine, Prussia, October 16, 1812, and bred a farmer. In the Spring of 1840, he immigrated to America and settled at the present site of Mossville, and engaged as wood chopper and common laborer. He bought his first horse from Captain Moss, and paid for it in clear- ing land and making rails. The wheels of his first wagon were made from sections sawed from a large oak tree ; there was not a particle of iron in the entire make up of the vehicle. In March, 1841, he united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Catharine Klein. She was born at Kreisnocht, Prus- sin, November 27, 1819. They remained at Mossville until 1845 ; lived two years on the bluff farm of Cap- lain Moss, and in 1847, came to the site of their pres- ent comfortable home, which was worked out of the timber and brush. They now own 260 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. A part of the home place is devoted to grape growing, and a part of their other land is underlaid with coal. They have had nine chil- dren : Mathias, born August 28, 1842 ; Andrew, born June 6, 1843, died at three months ; Andrew, the sec- ond, was born October 13, 1844, and died at the age of thirteen years ; Elizabeth, born May 15, 1847, married Frank German, November 23, 1868; Edward, born Feb- ruary 27, 1849 ; Catharine II., born September 3, 1853 ; Frederick, born April 25, 1855 ; Mary, born April 5. 1659, married Henry Dailey, in 1879; Frank, born April 5, 1869. Parents and children are members of the Catholic Church. Politically, Mr. Massing is a Democrat.

Mellangkage J. farmer, P. O. Peoria. MrCowen Mrs. farmer, P. O. Peorla. MeEiroy D. farmer, P. O. Pearla. M. Manus U. conl miner. P. O. Peoria. Menzenmeyer Fred, vineyardist, 1. O. Peoria. Meyers C. coal miner, P. O. P'corla.

MIDDLETON JOSEPH HENRY,

grocer and wholesale and retail dealer in coal, l'otts- lown, P. O. Peoria. The subject of this sketch is the architect of lus own fortune and essentially a self-made man. Ile is the son of Joseph and Bridgel Middle- ton, nee Connors, and was born in the city of Peoria 22nd September, 1855. His mother died when he was about seven years of age. Soon after, he quit the com-

mon schools and commenced to earn his own living by working among farmers and whatever he could find to do. In 1974 he came to Pottstown and engaged to drive a coal-hauling team, in which capacity he con- tinued for some time , then formed a partnership with Frank Stemplin, and commenced the manufacture o brick. In 1878 Stemplin was succeeded by George Potts. In 1879 Middleton withdrew from the busi- ness and, with other parties, leased a coal bank from Samuel Potts, senior, and commenced business as above. His wife Lucy, to whom he was married on the fourteenth of November, 1576, is the daughter of Samuel and Ann Potts, nee Padgeter ; was born 24th July, 1858, They have one child, John Henry, who was born 25th August, 1877. Mr. Middleton is an ad- vocate of morality and temperance in all things. Miles John, coal mlner, P. O. Peoria. Miles Wmn. coal miner. 1º. O. l'eorla.

MILLER JOHN F. blacksmith, village of Kickapoo, P. O. same, was born in Germany, 15th March, 1842, his parents being Henry and Catherine Miller, nee Creager. They came to Ameica when he was a year old, and settled first at Pekin, where they remained three years; then removed to Limestone township, this county, John remained with parents till he was 17, then engaged with Frank Wilkenhamer, of Peoria, to learn the trade of a blacksmith. When the war came on, he enlisted as a blacksmith in the 11th Ill. Cavalry, and served four years. Upon being discharged he returned to Peoria, and in 1866, in com- pany with Frank McCann, commenced a shop at Smithsville, and staid two years. He married 7th June, 1866, with Irene, daughter of George and Lydia Ann Toland. She was born in Perry county, Pa., 23rd Feb., 1845. After making several removals, Mr. Miller settled, in 1874, in Kickapoo, where he now resides and carries on business. They have had seven children : Stephen F., born 25th March, 1867; William Henry, born 19th May, 1868 ; John Adison, born 23rd September, 1869, died 16th August, 1870; James Otto, born 19th August, 1571, died 16th August, 1873 ; Clara Irene, born 23rd October, 1873 ; Charles Martin, born 12th January, 1875 ; Laura, born 27th September, 1877. Mr. Miller's father died 185S. aged 76, and his mother, in 1871, aged 87.

MILLER MORTIMER MI. farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 25, l'. O. Peoria. The subject of this sketch is the son of Frederick A. and Sarah A. (Clifton) Miller, and was born in Newport, Campbell county, Ky., Feb. 3, 1837. When about sixteen years old he went to work in an oilcloth manufactory, and worked at that trade for two years. He then spent two years at the trade of painter, and afterwards joined lus father upon a farm in the same county, and remained there until 1857, when he came to Illinois and settled upon what is known as the Hickory Grove Farm, in

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KICKAPOO DIRECTORY.

Richwoods township. Afterwards came to Peoria and worked some time as brick-mason, and finally removed to Kickapoo township and bought the farm upon which he now resides.

Moffatt A. W. grocer, P.O. Peorla. Mohn Fred. coal operator, P.O. Peorla. Monroe Susan, farmer and coal operator, P.O. Peoria. Monroe Jas. coal operator, P.O. Peoria. Morath D. coal miner, P.O. Peoria. Mutter F. coal hauler, P.O. Peorla.

Nall George, coal operator, P.O. Peoria. Nichols Wm. coal miner, P.O. Peoria. Niltner J. coal miner, P.O. Peoria. Norwood G. farmer, P.O. Peoria. Norden R. coal miner, P.O. Peoria. Ojeman G. farmer, P.O. Peoria. Overmeyer A. farmer, P.O. Peorla. Peack M. plaster, etc., P.O. Peoria. Peoski Joha C. farmer, P.O. Peorla.

PEPPARD FRANCIS, coal miner, Edwards Station. A son of Francis and Bridget Peppard, nee Rale, was born in county Longford, near Dublin, Ire- land, 27th September, 1837, and came to America with his sister Elizabeth, in 1851. Ifalted first at New Orleans, then came to Peoria, where he remained a short time, and then went to Logan township, where he stayed about four years, and then to Kickapoo town- ship. In the Spring of 1858, he went to the head waters of the Missouri river in the employ of the American Fur Company, where he spent that Summer. Four months of that time they saw neither bread nor domestic veget- ables of any kind, but subsisted entirely upon wild meats, fish, etc. He returned from that trip late in the Fall, and on the 12th of May, 1859, married Caroline, daughter of Henry N. and Rebecca Jones, who was born in Limestone township, 15th November, 1843. They have had thirteen children, six of whom died in early infancy. The seven living children are, Edward, born 17th October, 1863; John, 19th February, 1867; Frances, 15th May, 1870 ; George, 22d February, 1872 ; Caroline 5th May, 1874; Charles, 15th April, 1876; Robert Emmett, 8th November, 1879. Mr. Peppard is a Catholic ; his wife is a Protestant. Politically he is a Democrat.

Perry Wm. M. teamster, P.O. Peoria. Peters Wm. farmer, P.O. Harker's Corners. Peterson Jno. horticulturist, P.O. Peoria. Pfifer Geo, retired, P.O. Peoria.

Pfletter P. superintendent Pfeiffer's carriage works, P.O. Peorla. Phillips P. gardener, P.O. Peoria.

POOLE GEORGE, laborer, village of Kick- apoo, P. O. same, son of Thomas and Mary Poole, nee Pritchard, was born in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Eng- land, Feb. 6, 1825. At St. Saviour's Church, Tetbury, April 28, 1853, he was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Stephen and Ann Smith, who was born in Glouces- tershire, England, Ang. 11, 1827. They came to America in 1854, settling first at Pulaski, N. Y .; re- mained there two years and came to Peoria ; lived for a time on the Knoxville road, between Peoria and Kickapoo; settled in the village of Kickapoo in 1868. They have had three children - Eliza Ann, born Jan. 8, 1854, died and buried at sea on the voyage to Ameri- ca ; William Henry, born June 8, 1856, and married

Mary Elizabeth, daughter of James and Elizabeth King- dom, nee Brown, Ang. 17, who have two children, Elizabeth Ann and Harriett. The parents, George and Mary Ann Poole, were baptized in the Church of Eng- land. Mr. Poole has never been naturalized ; his son William II., is a Democrat. Mrs. Wm. H. Poole was born in the village of Kickapoo, July 26, 1857. Her mother died Dec. 17, 1860, and her father on Dec. 26, 1878.

Poris L. coal miner, P.O. Peoria. Pothoff Theodore, retired. P.O. Peoria.

POTTS GEORGE, brick maker and coal miner, Pottstown, P. O. Peoria, is a son of Samnel and Ann Potts, nee Padgeter, and was born in the parish of Foleshill, England, July 24, 1856, and came to what is now Pottstown with his parents in 1857. For the last three years he has been engaged in making brick in Summer and mining coal in Winter. He married Anna Cody, and has had by her two children - Samuel, born Feb. 2, 1877, and Joseph M., born Dec. 21, 1878. Mr. Potts, like his father, is an energetic business man.

POTTS SAMUEL, coal operator, Pottstown, was born in Bredon, Leicestershire, England, Dec. 24, 1821. Ann Padgeter, his wife, was born in the parish of Foleshill, county Warwick, England, March 28, 1831. They were married in the parish of Foleshill, by Rev. James Harris, Oct. 13, 1844; came to America in 1856 ; stopped in the mining regions of Pennsylvania until 1857, and then came to Hale's Mill with eleven dollars in their cash box. Mr. Potts was an experienced miner and quickly found employment. From a com- mon miner, with no capital but his industry and Eng- lish pluck, he has come to be the owner of some two hundred acres of coal land, and the employer of many men. His enterprise has developed the coal interests at Hale's Mill, and made the village at that point, and has been careful to foster and encourage every under- taking that promised to result favorably to the county and township of his home. Politically he is a Demo- crat ; has served as supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Potts have had fourteen children: Hannah, born Nov. 28, 1845, died Oct. 14, 1866; Susan, born Nov. 7, 1847 ; Sarah, March 15, 1850; Samnel B., Sept. 6, 1851; Mary Ann, March 19, 1853, died Oct. 4, 1854 ; John, born Jan. 23, 1855, died Feb. 22, 1855 ; George, born July 5, 1856 ; Lucy, "July 24, 1858 ; John Henry, Feb. 2, 1860, died Sept. 16, 1861 ; Eveline E., born Nov. 17, 1861 ; Isadore Leviney, July 17, 1863, died Sept. 13, 1864; Michael, born March 15, 1865, died in early in- fancy; Eliza Menetta, born Nov. 28, 1866; Leah, March 31, 1869.

POTTS SAMUEL B. coal operator, Potts- town, P. O. Peoria, is a son of Samuel and Ann Potts, nee Padgeter, and was born in the parish of Lowe, Eng- land, Sept. 6, 1851, and came to America with his

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY

parents in 1856, and to Pottstown in 1857. In his eighth year he commenced to drive a coal team, and during all the years of his minority worked hard at whatever his father had in hand. Ilis opportunities for going to school were limited, but he made good use of such advantages as were offered. On the 15th of Feb. 1870, he married Leah, daughter of George and Ann Randle, nee Woodhouse, who was born in the parish of Foleshill, England, in July, 1851, and came to Amer- ica in June, 1865 ; they have had four children : Sam- uel, born Aug. 25, 1871, died Oct. 26, same year ; George, born Jan. 24, 1873 ; Lucy Minetta, born June 28, 1875, died July 24, following ; Lillie May, born May 24, 1878. Methodistic predilections. Independent Democrat.

Powell M. M. coroner, P.O. Peoria. Powell Wm. E. carpenter and farmer, P.O. Peorla.

PRITCHARD JOHN, farmer, P. O. Ed- wards Station.

Pye S. P. coal miner, P.O. Peoria.

RANDLE ABRAHAM, farmer, Sec. 35, P. O. Peoria.

Rice D. farmer, 1'.O. 1'corla.

Roelfs J. larmer, P. O. Peoria. Rosenbohm Hl. farmer and carpenter, P.O.[Peorla.

Koy ster T. coal operator, P.O. Peorla. Rutherford Wm. coal operator, P.O. Peorla. Salier C. gardener, P.O. l'eorla.

Sargent Jas. Iarmer, P.O. Peorla.

Sargent W'in. fariner, P.O. Peorla.

Saur John, coal miner, P.O. Peoria. Schertz P. farmer, P.O. Peorla. Schmidt F. coal hauler, P.O. Peoria.

Schuchley G. coal ininer, P.O. Peorla.

SCOFIELD JACOB, and stock- grower, Sec. 29, l'. O. Edwards Station. The subject of this sketch is the eldest son of Samuel and Ann Scofield, nee Greenough, and was born at lleyworth, Lancashire, England, December 30, 1821, and was edu- cated to the local express business, which he followed until he immigrated to America. On the 14th of January, 1842, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Lonsdale, nee Halstead, who was born the same year with Queen Victoria-February 7. 1819. They immigrated to America in 1844, coming the entire distance to Peoria, with the exception of the first eight miles, by sail and steam vessels, arriving on the 14th of June, In coming up the Mississippi from New Orleans they were passengers on the steamer Macedonia, which took fire just below Natchez and burned to the water's edge, and from which the pas- sengers barely escaped with their lives-most of them with nothing but their night clothes. Scofields lost nearly all their luggage, but by returning to the burn- ing boat after he had once got to the shore, Mr. S. succeeded in securing what money they had, which had been hidden away in a barrel for safe keeping. When the Scofields reached their journey's end they had $60, with which to commence life. After a few days rest among their friends, Mr. Scofield went to work as a

common laborer at $10 per month, one-half cash, and one-half store pay. Mrs. S. also went out to service at $1.50 a week, and worked thus for two years. After two years of hard times, they purchased forty acres of land. built a cabin, and commenced for themselves. Before the cabin was finished, they both fell sick. Their cabin had neither doors, windows, fire-place nor cooking-stove. In clear weather those who took care of them cooked their food out of doors ; when it was rainy and bad, a plank was lifted from the floor, a fire kindled there and the cooking done inside. After their recovery, they set to work with renewed energy and in- dustry ; and prosperity has followed them to the pres- ent. Other land was purchased from time to time un- til they now own 360 acres, which is well improved, with good stone residence, etc., and well stocked. They have never had any children, but have adopted and raised three to manhood and womanhood, and recently adopted a fourth one-Carrie Barker, a bright-eyed, pretty and intelligent orphan of twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Limestone Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Scofield has always voted with the Democratic party since he was naturalized. Schoff Jos. gardener and farmer, P. O. Peorla.

Sholl A. coal operator. J'. O. Pekin.

shonp A. M. farmer. P. O. Harker's Corners. Shutiz F. farmer, P.O. Peoria.

Nefkes St. farmer. P. O. Harker's Corners.

SLOUGH GEORGE W. farmer and car- penter, P. O. Peoria.

SLOUGH HENRY CLAY, farmer, Sec. 13, P. O. Peoria. Son of Jacob and Ann Elizabeth Slough, nee Cype, was born in the city of Peoria. September 23, 1836. When he was about twelve years of age his parents removed to Richwoods township, where he grew to manhood. On the 26th of July, 1857, he married Miss Maria, daughter of Isaac and Abigail Pratt, who was born in l'eoria county, January 30, 1839, and soon after removed to their present resident. On the 2d of September, 1862, Mr. Slough enlisted in Co. E, 77th Illinois, and served three years in defense of the Union, fourteen months of which time was spent in the rebel prison at Camp Worth, Texas, where he suffered all the tortures coarse and scanty rations could bring. lle and his comrades were released from that prison pen on the 17th of May, 1865; reaching Springfield about the 2d of June, and were allowed to come home to spend the Fourth with their families and friends. They went back to Springfield on the 5th and were mustered out on the 6th. Since then Mr. S. has engaged in improving his farm and adding, by purchase to its original acreage. Hle now owns 160 acres, valued at $40 an acre. lle is Republican in politics, and liberal in religious belief. They have had seven children-Edgar Il., born September 20, 1858, died, July, 1859; Maria Louise, born July 11, 1860 , Henry Francis, April 7, 1862 ; Abbie Richmond, May

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KICKAPOO DIRECTORY.

14, 1866; Ann Elizabeth, December 25, 1867 ; Adelia Edith, June 4, 1869; Louis Herbert, December 13, 1874. Mrs. Slough was raised under the religious in- structions of the M. E. Church.

SLOUGH JACOB W. farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 13, P. O. Peoria, son of Jacob and Ann Elizabeth Slough nee Cype, settlers of 1834. Was born in Harris- burg, Pa., 22d April, 1829, and grew to manhood in Peoria Co. In April, 1851, he went to California, remaining four and a half years, coming back in 1855. He married Ist Oct. 1856, Elizabeth Fulton, daughter of Josiah and Augusta Fulton nee Hughes, who was born on the Fulton homestead in Richwoods, 14th June 1836. Her father is now the only surviving pioneer settler of 1819. Soon after marriage they settled at their present home, on land his mother entered from Government in 1836. He remained there about eigh- teen months, when he started on another trip to Cali- fornia for his health, and after an absence of nine months returned in June, 1859, and farmed the Slough homestead until 1866, when he removed to his own place in Sec. 13, Kickapoo. They have had six children, William, born 19th Nov. 1857, George, 12th March, 1860, Mary A., 29th June, 1862, Emily J., 22d May, 1864, Joseph HI., 25th March, 1866, Nellie C., 10th Dec. 1868. Politically, Mr. Slough was a Republican from the time that party was organized, but about 1878 he became a Greenbacker, and is now strong in that political belief. While living in Richwoods he held the offices of town clerk, collector, school trustee, and school director, and in Kickapoo filled the office of assessor for four years. He owns 160 acres of land valued at $30 an acre.

Smith Catharine, farmer. P. O. Peoria. Smith J. coal miner, P. O. Peoria.

SMITH ROSY Mrs. farmer, Sec. 5, P. O. Kickapoo. Mrs. Smith is the daughter of John and Catharine Kerrott nee Fagan, and .was born in county Down, Ireland, 14th October, 1813. Her parents were farmers and from her earliest years she has been accustomed to farm life. On the 14th of April, 1833, she married Patrick Smith, the son of a neighboring farmer, and the next day started to America. They first stopped at Albany, New York, and after thirteen months in that city went to Trumansburg, Tompkins county, where Mr. Smith engaged as a common laborer for four years. They then came to Illinois and lived a few months in the service of Bishop Chase at Jubilee College. In the Fall of 1838 they came to the neigh- borhood in which she now lives, and where they pur- chased their first home, a log cabin which they occupied seventeen years. Then for two years they lived on a place now owned by Andrew Heintz, then back to the old place, and in 1857 occupied the present residence. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been intimately associated

with the improvement and development of the country around Kickapoo. Mr. Smith died 20th January, 1861, at the age of fifty-one years and ten months. Mrs. Smith has been the mother of fifteen children, eight boys and seven girls, Francis, born 13th April, 1835, died 2d November, 1837; Mary born 29th July, 1836, married William Fox in 1863, died 25th September, 1878; Cath- arine born 13th March, 1838, died 11th October, '1839; Anna, born in Peoria 10th March, 1839, married Patrick Bennett in 1861 ; Francis, born 21st November, 1840, married Miss Margaret Murphy, in September, 1866 ; John, born 12th August, 1842, married Miss Mary Hill, February, 1868; Elizabeth, born June, 1844, mar- ried William Murphy in the early Winter of 1863-4 ; Catharine, born 26th December, 1845, married Richard Elwood, 28th April, 1868 ; James, born 8th January, 1847; Edward, born 12th November, 1848 ; Rosy, born 7th April, 1850, married Peter Hill, 28th May. 1876; William, born 14th August, 1852 ; Patrick, born 2d June, 1854 ; Margaret, born 30th August, 1856 ; Charles, born 23d January, 1858. Members of the Catholic Church. Owns 263 acres of land in the home place, and twenty acres timber in Sec. 16. Total value $13,380.

SPURCK ELIZA ANN, farmer, P. O. Edwards Station ; daughter of John and Patience Van Horn nee Hanson, was born in Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, Ist December, 1811. On the 2d day of June, 1831, she married William Spurck (son of Peter and Mary Spurck) a young merchant of Zanesville. They came to Illinois and commenced merchandising in Peoria, continuing until 1855, when they purchased the farm now owned and occupied by Mrs. Spurck. The union of William Spurck and Eliza Ann Van Horn resulted in the birth of seven children : Mary L. A., born 7th November, 1833; Martha, born 12th November, 1836, who has been twice married. Her first husband was William 'R. Swinnerton, with whom she crossed the plains to California, being among the first passengers over the Union Pacific railroad. Mr. S. died in California, and his widow returned to Kicka- poo, and four years later married Judge S. Bailey, of Macomb. Adam, born 25th October, 1839, married Mary Thompson ; William, born April, 1842, married Harriet Kingsley, August, 1869; Amelia, born 13th November, 1844, married Nathan F. Heard, of Wor- cester, Mass .; John V., born 18th of May. 1848, died at eighteen months ; Cora P., born Ist November, 1854, married! Crescens G. Pitt 19th June, 1878 ; John L., born 9th April, 1857, died at the age of eighteen years from injuries received by being thrown from a horse when he was five years of age. Mr. Spurck died several years ago. Mrs. Spurck is a member of the Presby- terian Church.

STEARS JOHN P. farmer and stock dealer,

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HISTORY OF PEORIA COUNTY.

Sec. 32, P. O. Peoria, is the fourth child and third son of Richard and Joana Stears, nee Pillman, and was born in Wnemworthy, Devonshire, England, 2d Octo- ber, 1$37, and was raised as an English farmer. llis education in letters was confined to four years school- ing between his seventh and eleventh years. At the latter age he was set to work on the farm, and kept engaged at that until eighteen years of age. He then ran away from home, and engaged with a neighboring farmer at sixty cents a week for seven months, returned home, and at the age of nineteen joined what was known as the Yeoman Cavalry. He served seven years, won the rank of Corporal and then resigned ; then rejoined his father, and engaged as a farmer and cattle dealer until his family, consisting of father, mother, two brothers and three sisters, came to America in 1869, landing at Peoria on the Sth of May, and set- tling as above. The father died on the 19th of June following. His sister Ann died 17th September, 1869 ; the son William died October 10, the same year, and the mother died 19th March, 1878. On the 8th of November, 1877, he united in marriage with Mrs. Angeline H. Manville, nee Beecher, who was born in Connecticut, 13th May, 1842. She was married to her first husband ist day of May, 1$60, by whom she had three children : Lillian M. was born 17th February. 1861; Eva L., 10th August, 1864, and Minnie, 15th October, 1868. During her widowhood she was post- mistress at Summerville, this county, from 1573 to 1577. Their union resulted in one child, Richard Henry, who was born 30th September, IS78. Mr. and Mrs. Stears were both raised under the religious teach- ings of the Episcopal Church, are regular attendants of Christ's Church, near their residence. Mr S. is Democratic in politics. Ile owns one hundred and forty acres of land, valued at $50 an acre.

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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 135

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