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Lester Orville Beach
Back To Top1804 - 1859
Buried in Princeville Cemetery.
In the Bible of Frank
Beach, he is reported to have died of an "injury."
From History of Peoria County, Illinois
Published
by Johnson & Co. 1880
BEACH, Lester (deceased) - Farmer - Sec. 17, P.O. Box Princeville.
Was born in Canandaigua, Ontario County, N.Y. August 10, 1804. The principal part of his education was received in the schools of his native town. In November, 1837, married in Sandusky County, Ohio, Miss Lydia M. Chase, a native of Hopewell, Ontario County, New York, born August 27, 1818. In November, 1839, moved to Farmington, Fulton, Illinois and April 1841 removed to Princeville, where Mr. B. died April 21, 1859, leaving his widow who still survives him, and seven children, Annie [sic], Elvira, Frank, Cornelia, Emma, William, and Lester O. Mr. B. left a valuable estate, highly improved.
Politically, he supported the Whig Party
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THE BEACH FAMILY
By Amine Reeves and Emma Ferbrache,
1913.
Back To Top
[These are two of Lester's daughters]
Lester Beach was born in Rochester, New York in 1804. He served an apprenticeship and learned the carpenter trade in the city of Rochester. After the death of his parents [His mother, Betsey Phelps Beach (aka Betsey Marsh) actually traveled with him and did not die until 1872], he and his brother Charles went as young men to the vicinity of Clyde, Ohio. Here Mr. Lester Beach engaged in farming for a short time and was married to Miss Lydia Chase, who was an aunt of General McPherson of the Civil War.
About the year 1837 he came to Farmington, Illinois, from which place he sent back for Mrs. Beach. She came, with her baby Amine, and accompanied by Charles Beach. Mrs. Beach used on this trip an iron tea-kettle that is still in possession of the family, just at present loaned to Cutter's log cabin. Interesting stories are told of a faithful mastiff dog "Old Tige," that Mrs. Beach brought on this trip, remembered by many of the early settlers; at one time he stayed faithfully by a runaway team; and at another time took the pants leg off a thief who would other wise have gotten Mr. Beach's horses.
Arriving at Farmington the family could get no dwelling except the old "council house," a bark covered structure where the white men and Indians had been in the habit of meeting for their parleys. Mrs. Beach often told her children how the roof leaked and how the shadows in the large recesses suggested Indians to her even when there were none around.
The next year the family moved to Princeville where Mr. Beach built the first house East of town for the Sloan's. For himself he rented land from Wm C Stevens, the house being a double log one-half mile North of the Cutter house. Here the children remember their father often driving a steady old nag right into the house to drag in a log for the large fire place. There were no floors in some of the cabins nor in any of the stores and blacksmith shops of that day. In the stores, men could sit on a box or barrel and spit tobacco juice wherever convenient.
Children were born, including the one in Ohio, in the following order: Amine, Elvira, Frank, Cornelia, Lydia, Emma, Willie and Orville. The oldest child Amine was sent first to school in the log school house near Mr. Slane's southeast of town. Mrs. Cutter and Solomon Cornwell were her first teachers and at this late date the pupil now recollects that one of these teachers, perhaps Mrs. Cutter, wished to punish little Elvira for pulling a tame flower in some forbidden spot, but as Elvira was too little, the teacher punished Amine instead. This enraged the father, who went and informed the teacher that any whipping to be done might be taken out on him. Mr. Cornwell, who was developing his land as well as teaching school, had a habit of announcing to the scholars that if it were rainy or stormy on the following day they might come back to school, but if fair weather they need not come as he would be working on his place.
Later on Mr. Beach moved northeast of town to his own farm in the neighborhood of McGinnis, Peet and Clussman. This was on the Southeast quarter of Section 6, Akron, now known as the Blue farm. Here he helped to build a new school house. Selling this farm Mr. Beach bought one mile East of Princeville where he lived until he died in 1859, and his widow continued to live continuously until her death in 1906. This is the place remembered by the children as the old home and where they remember their mother carding wool and many other scenes that have long since gone out of date in the Illinois home. The daughter Emma still has in her possession a coverlet made of home spun wool raised on their own sheep, with the year "1840" and Grandmother Slocum's name woven in it. Mother Beach often remarked that her husband did not like farming as well as carpentering and after becoming a farmer he did not whistle at his work as he had formerly.
[Lydia Norton Chase, wife of Lester Orville Beach, was married several times. Her last marriage was to Isaac Slocum. Her grandchildren knew her as Grandmother Slocum and her husband as Grandfather Slocum]
An interesting reminiscence of Grandfather Slocum is as follows: At the time of the massacre of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, a seven year old sister of his was captured by the Indians and never heard from, until many years later a traveller came upon an Indian camp and an old woman, the widow of the chief, was very sick. She told him that she was of white blood and had been stolen by the Indians when a little girl. The story told by this man reached the ears of Grand-father Slocum who immediately set out to see if she was not his sister. She had recovered from her illness and denied the story; but when her brother said to her, "Now, if you are my sister there will be a scar on your foot where I once hit you with an ax when we were making our wood," the woman broke into tears and showed the scar. Her brother then visited her every two years. She said she did not remember much about her mother and her mother's housekeeping, except she had always swept with a broom and set the broom in the corner when she got through, as she remembered her mother had done.
Of the children, Amine Reeves of Abilene, Kansas and Emma Ferbrache of Sutherland, Nebraska, are the writers of this article. Elvira Frost died in 1893 and is survived by her husband Enos Frost, her children Mrs. Cora Nixon of Princeville, Ill., Miss Lydia who lives with her father in Wymore, Nebraska, Lester Enos of Canada, and Mrs. Flora James of Denver, Colorado. Frank is still living at Dumont, Iowa. Lydia died at the age of five years, and Cornelia at the age of twenty-three. Willie and Orville went West as young men and have never been heard from.
In the Charles Beach family the children were [Henry] Harlow of Peoria, Ill., [Charles] Fred[erick] who has been dead several years, [Cornelia] Elizabeth whom everybody knows as Miss Libbie, of Princeville, Mrs. Caroline McMains who died about 1910 [13 Apr 1908], at Phoenix, Neb., and [Nelson] Birdseye now of Glasford, Illinois.
Herriman Couch
Couch, Herriman, physician and surgeon, 800 N. Adams street, was born on the 20th day of April, 1824, in Merrimack county, New Hampshire, where he remained until 1840, then went to Concord and entered upon the study of medicine and worked at printing business as a means of support. In 1843 went to Boston and attended his first course of lectures, and remained two years. Then, on account of failing health, traveled abroad three years. Came to New Orlenas. From there went to Wisconsin. Married Anna Parshal in 1848, and in 1850 came to Peoria and commenced the publication of a weekly paper called the Voice of the People, it being the third paper published in Peoria. In April, 1852, his first wife died, and in 1854 married Mrs. M. A. Gilbert, a native of New York city, who came here in 1834. The fruit of this marriage was two children -- a boy and a girl. Mr. H. was in the War of the Rebellion about 18 months; has pursued the practice of medicine since. His family are members of the Congregational Church. While in South America, he went aboard a ship which proved to be a slaver, and while on a trip to the east coast of Africa, were overhauled by an English frigate and taken into Cape Town on suspicion, but there not being evidence sufficient to convict, were released.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Thomas Cratty
Cratty, Thomas, attorney and counsellor at law, of the firm of Cratty Brothers, is a descendant of Irish parentage, his great grandfather having emigrated from that country in 1760, and settled in Pennsylvania. Mr. Cratty's grandfather was born in Franklin Co., Penn., and fought in the war of the Revolution. William Cratty, the father of Thomas, was born in Butler Co., Penn., June 20, 1805, but removed to Ohio in 1814. In April, 1826 he married Miss Candice Bennett, who was born in Rhode Island, Dec. 25, 1805. She was the mother of twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, two of the former and five of the latter living. Mrs. C. died in Elmwood, Peoria Co., Jan. 27, 1875. Thomas was born in Delaware Co., O. His early education was limited, chiefly to the Winter terms in the district school, while the Summers were spent in labor on the farm. He taught several years prior to 1854, made a tour of the Southern States, and spent some time there in teaching, returning to Illinois 1856; engaged in farming four years, when financial reverses compelled a change of avocation. Entered the Chicago Law School, from which he graduated in 1861, and was immediately admitted to practice. Poverty necessitated the most rigid economy during his attendance at law school, and he was compelled to give his note for tuition, payable from the first moneys earned in practice. Mr. Cratty was one of four graduates selected by the faculty to conduct a moot trial at a public exhibition given as a graduating exercise. He began practice in Elmwood with a meager outfit, and one law book as a library. In the Fall of 1863 he formed a partnership with W. W. O'Brien, then a prominent attorney of Peoria, which lasted three years and yielded a prosperous business. In January, 1872, the present law firm of Cratty Brothers was created, by the admission of his only brother, Josiah Cratty, to the profession. The business of the firm has become so large as to require the employment of several assistants, one a short hand reporter. Their offices and consultation rooms are on the first floor of their building facing the Court-house on S. Jefferson street, and are among the finest and most ample in the West.
In journalism, Mr. C. in company with Leslie Robison, published the Peoria Review, a Republican newspaper, with daily, tri-weekly and weekly editions, in 1871, '72 and '73; but finding it detracted too largely from professional duties, they disposed of their office and outfit in the latter year. He helped to organize the first Teacher's Institute in Knox Co.; the Paper Manufacturing Co., of Elmwood; the Chamber of Commerce Association of Peoria; the Merchant's Exchange and the Peoria Mercantile Library, and their success is due in no small degree to his judicious counsel and material aid. For several years he delivered weekly lectures before the students of Cole's Commercial College. Mr. C. has never married.
Josiah Cratty is the youngest of the family; was born in Delaware Co., O.; served as a cavalry soldier in the late war, part of the time as Gen. Sheridan's body guard; married Libbie M. Earing of Peoria in 1875, and has one son.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
David M. Cummings
Cummings, David M. (deceased) later of the firm of Cummings & Emerson, 416 and 418 S. Washington street, was born March 29, 1824, in Oswego county, N. Y., one of nine children, the country was new; there were no luxuries and but few comforts, and toil was the portion of all the children; and David was early compelled to find his own support. He moved to Oneida county, N. Y., when quite young, and was soon familiar with all the duties which a lad can perform on a farm. When he was 16 years old his mother died and he went forth from home to make his way alone. His mother's memory clung to him all through his life, and to his latest breath held the warmest place in his heart. When Mr. C. left home he engaged with a farmer at nine dollars per month, a moderate sum even in those days. He found no fault with his wages, doing always the best he could, considering this simply honest and fair. He now perceived the neccessity of an education which the hard labor of his younger days had forbidden, and not quarreling with his fortune, uselessly repining over lost time, he set himself to get the rudiments. With close attention to his studies, at the age of twenty-three, offered himself as teacher and taught two years successfully in Waterville, N. Y., then removing to Illinois he opened a school in Peoria. In 1850 he was among the adventurous young men who were flocking to California, for one year followed mining, but with indifferent success. His quick eye perceived that money was to be dug out of the earth in other forms than those of the yellow metal. He planted a garden and fed the men who labored in the mines. During the four years in California he accumulated five or six thousand dollars, and in 1854 returned to Peoria and entered into business. In 1858 he undertook a hotel in Springfield, Ill., and lost every cent he had made in the seven preceding years. Penniless he found his way back to Peoria, turning his hands to what offered a living. In the beginning of the war he enlisted in the 11th Illinois Cavalry, and was in continual service until 1863, when he resigned. Married Miss Eliza Hibben, February 7, 1871, at Hillsborough, Ohio, whom he left with two children. Mr. C. died at his residence in Peoria, January 25, 1878, in the 54th year of his age.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Daniel Cunningham
Cunningham, Daniel, blacksmith, cor. Washington and Hamilton streets, was born in the county Dublin, Ireland, 1839. Came to the U. S. in 1850 and located in Westchester county, N. Y., and in Peoria, 1857, where he engaged in his present business. He married Miss Ann Henneberry, Nov. 22, 1861. She is a native of the county Kilkenny, Ireland. They have seven children: Lizzie, Daniel, Annie, John, Nicholas, Nathan and Edward. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Cunningham was elected school director in 1870, and supervisor, 1875. He is an accomplished musician. He organized the Cecelian Band of Peoria, 1860, which he disbanded in 1861 -- the members going into the army. At close of the war, the band was reorganized under the leadership of Mr. Cunnincham. He is a whole-souled, good-hearted gentleman, a good citizen and successful business man.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Thomas V. Cutright
Cutright, Thomas V., attorney at law, 112 N. Adams street, was born in Chillicothe, O., January 20, 1815, and is the son of Nat. and Margaret (Veail) Cutright. His father was a native of Fayette county, Ky., and his mother of Botetourt county, Va. He was raised in his native town till nineteen years of age, then removed to Fayette county, O., with his parents and four brothers. While in Chillicothe, he learned the trade of cabinet-maker, and after his removal to Fayette county, read law with Judge A. S. Dickie for one year. Removing to Detroit, Mich., he worked at his trade for one winter, then went to Brownsville, Tex.; read law for four months, and was admitted to the bar in the Fall of 1837. He came to Illinois in 1847, and settled in Chillicothe, Peoria county, and for a year or two practiced law and worked at his trade at the same time, but in later years devoted his whole attention to his profession. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois at Peoria, in the year 1865. His residence in Chillicothe extended over a period of twenty-seven years, and he removed to Peoria in 1874. He was city attorney for some years in the former place, and has filled the office of justice of the peace in Peoria. He married (1st) in Mt. Sterling, Ill., Sept. 1842, Miss Maria Owens, a native of Ohio, by whom he had one child, LeGrand B. Cutright, who was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge. His wife died in August, 1843, and he married Mrs. Mary Ann Moffitt, a native of Ireland by whom he had three children, all living: Nathaniel S., James M. and John W. She died in Chillicothe, Ill., in March, 1859, and he married (3d) in the same place, April, 1861, Miss Annie T. Collins, a native of Wicklow, Ireland, by whom he has had four children, two now alive: Theodore V. and Alice T. Mr. Cutright is in politics a Jackson Democrat.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
William Cutter
Cutter, Wm., 117 S. Washington street, of the firm of Wrigley & Cutter. Is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Metcalf) Cutter. Father was a native of Vermont; mother, of Ohio. They came to Illinois at an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 11th day of February, 1844. Received his education in Delphos, O., where he was sent to live with an uncle. When twenty-seven years of age, he enlisted in the 32d Ohio Infantry, Co. C, mustered at (Camp Denison) O. Was in the engagement at Cheat Mountain, and in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. Was taken prisoner, with 1,500 others, at Winchester, in the Spring of 1862. Was in Libby Prison five and one-half months, was paroled, took the small pox, and was sent to Annapolis. Was a mere skeleton, weighing only 110 pounds, when he got into Federal ranks. Thence sent to Ohio, until he was exchanged and joined his regiment at Chattanooga, and was appointed orderly sergeant. (Before being taken prisoner, was appointed division postmaster, which he held at that time. Was suspected of being an officer, and for that reason was kept in solitary confinement for forty-eight hours.)
Was at Atlanta, where he helped to build the breastworks; and at its surrender, which was the last of his soldiering. Returned to French Grove, in this county, where he taught school for one winter and then came to Peroia, where he attended Cole's Commercial College. In 1865 or 66, engaged for Geo. McClellan, Auer & White, as clerk, where he remained four years. Then engaged in the grocery business in company with Auer, firm Auer & Cutter. Mr. Wrigley having bought Mr. Auer's interest, the firm in known as Wrigley & Cutter. Carry a stock of $5,000 and do a business of $50,000 per year. Married Miss Jennie Wrigley Oct. 20, 1869. She was born in Peoria county. The fruit of this marrige is three children: Anna, Charlie and May.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
John Dailey
Dailey, John, shoemaker, res. 317 1/2 N. Adams street. Son of Joseph and Mary Dailey. Was born in Hampshire county, Mass., May 25, 1828. Emigrated with his parents, when he was five years old, to York State. In 1847, enlisted in Co. E, Third Dragoons, Capt. Wm. H. Duff. Mustered in at New York, and received a bounty of $12 and got $8 per month. Landed at Vera Cruz in June. Thence, under command of Gen. Perco, to Pueblo, where they joined Gen. Scott. Thence, to the Valley of Mexico, where they participated in the battle of Contreras, and acted as Gen. Scott's body guard. Thence, to Cherubusco, where they were led by Gen. Harney. Thence, to the City of Mexico, where they took quarters in the halls of Montezuma. Was on the raid with Gen. Joseph Lane, in pursuit of the guerilla Garouta. In the Spring of 1848, thirty men were taken out of his command, and the same number of Capt. Porter's mounted riflemen, who escorted Seward and Clifford to Vurretero on their commission to ratify a treaty. Thence, back to Mexico City. Rode from Mexico to Vera Cruz, three hundred miles, in three days, escorting Maj. Polk, who took the report to Washington. Thence, back to New Orleans and St. Louis, where he was mustered out, Aug., 1848. Thence, to New York State, and in 1849 came to Peoria county. Married Miss Ann Wright. She was born in Ireland. Mr. Dailey moved to Kansas, where he lost his wife in 1860. From there, went via New Orleans to Boston, on boat, the first transport leaving New Orleans after Butler arrived there. Enlisted in the 28th Reigment, Mass. Vols., Co. K. Joined the regiment at Frederick City, Md., participating in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, where he was wounded through the thighs and was taken to Emery Hospital, Washington, D. C., where he was discharged.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
M. C. Daily
Daily, M. C., Chief of Police, City Hall, was born in county Kerry, Ireland, Dec. 10, 1842, and is the son of Martin Dailey and Catharine Horgan, natives of that county. When about eight years of age he came to America with his parents, landing at New York. They settled at Middletown, Conn., and resided there for eight years, where he received his education. In 1858 he came to Peoria. He enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. A, 17th Ill. Vol. Inf. under Captain Norton, and served with his regiment till June 2, 1864, on which date he was mustered out at Springfield, Ill. He took part in the battles of Frederickstown, Mo., Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Corinth, Vicksburgh and many others. He married, June 22, 1867, in Peoria, Miss Mary A. Hanlon, a native of this county, and daughter of Timothy Hanlon, by whom he has had three children -- two now alive: Maggie E., Katie, and Martin C. (deceased). He worked at various occupations for some time; kept a saloon for many years. He received the appointment of Chief of Police January 1, 1874, and has since filled that office, except during the years 1876 and 1877, proving himself one of the most vigilant and efficient officers the city has ever had. He owns his residence and lot on Caroline street, and himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Jacob Darst
Darst, Jacob, real estate dealer and capitalist, res. cor. Monroe and Fayette streets; is one of Peoria's early settlers and most successful business men. He was born in Meigs county, Ohio, on September 16, 1815. At the age of seventeen his father gave him his time, and he started out in life with fifty cents of cash capital; worked on the Ohio canal until he earned $50, then labored several months in the iron works at Portsmouth, O.; was then employed a year for the Kenawha salt works in West Virginia, boating salt down the Ohio river. Mr. D. enjoyed very meager school advantages; but acute observing powers and retentive memory have rendered him well informed. He early imbibed the maxim that "time is money," and acted accordingly. In June, 1835, Mr. Darst came to Peoria; quarried stone on the Kickapoo for a time; then clerked in a general store for Aquilla Wren, in Peoria, six months; afterwards engaged in coal mining and breaking prairie with ox teams, in the mean time trading and speculating, and in 1839 had accumulated $1,500; engaged in shipping pork and produce down the Mississippi, and lost his entire capital by a devastating storm; returned to Peoria with $13 in his pocket; hired again to Mr. Wren, remaining in his employ shipping produce three years, when failing health compelled him to seek the country, where he spent two years hunting. Being much improved, he began operating in coal and speculating in land, in which business he made $15,000 in five years; and at the end of that time embarked in the dry goods trade in company with Mr. Dougherty. Not being pleased with the results, he again engaged in real estate business; and by 1860 had made $100,000 above a living. Mr. D. has amassed a fortune of $350,000 chiefly in Peoria city property, valuable coal mining lands and Western lands. Mr. Darst married Catharine M. Dougherty December 16, 1839, by whom he had eleven children, three living. Mrs. D. died March 12, 1861. He married his present wife, formerly Ellen R. Leonard, of Auburn, N.Y., in 1863, who has borne him one child.
from The History of Peoria County, Illinois, Johnson & Co., 1880
Henry Harding
HARDING, HENRY W.; Farmer; born in the city of Peoria, February 25, 1853, the son of John J. Jane (Greenough) Harding. The father was born at Bratton Fleming, Devonshire, England, June 3, 1819, and the mother in Lancashire, England, July 14, 1830. The paternal grandparents, John and Mary (Gill) Harding, were also natives of England. The grandmother lived to be ninety years old. The maternal grandfather was James Greenough, of England, who came to America in 1842 and settled in Brimfield Township, Peoria County. John J. Harding left England for America, April 4, 1845. After landing at New York he came to Chicago by the water route, and then to Peoria by wagon, reaching here on June 24. For some time he was a clerk, in a commission house, but in 1861 he moved to Logan Township and settled on an "eighty" in Section 3. Later he bought an eighty in Section 32 in Rosefield Township, and subsequently one hundred and fifty acres in Sections 30 and 31, where he now resides. He was twice married. He married Sarah Tucker in England March 29, 1845. She died in Peoria in September, 1847. There is no living child of this marriage. For his second wife on January 9, 1850, he married Jane Greenough, the daughter of James and Jane (Pilkington) Greenough. Six sons were born of this marriage, all of whom are living: John J., Henry W., Robert G., Eleazer E., William W., and Adoniram J. Henry W. Harding has a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land with a new house and new barns. He married Henrietta Pinkerton at the old Peoria House in Peoria, September 28, 1875. She was born in Peoria County September 30, 1856, daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Mclntyre) Pinkerton. The father was born in Ohio, the mother in Canada, and they were married in Peoria County. The father had a store in Peoria which he sold and located on a farm in Logan Township, where he farmed and raised cattle. He died in 1873, the mother in 1899. Four children have been born to Henry W. Harding and his wife; Minnie B., born June 22, 1876; Eliza J., born May 2, 1879; Henry J., born November 8, 1884, and Ada H., born November 22, 1894. Mr. Harding is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a Republican, and has been Township Clerk four years, has been School Director some fifteen years, and is now Supervisor. He is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 46. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Peoria; of Memento Lodge. No. 42. Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Farmington; of Ferguson Lodge, No. 4732, Modern Woodmen of America at Hanna City, and of Hanna City Camp. No. 139, Knights of the Maccabees at Hanna City.
Frederick Holt
HOLT, FREDERICK; Farmer; born at Rosefield, Illinois, November 9, 1853, the son of James W. and Ellen Holt. His paternal grand-parents were John and Elizabeth Holt, natives of England. James Holt was a machinist by trade, came to America about 1830 and first settled in the city of Peoria. He purchased a farm farm on Section 32, Rosefield Township. He died in Eden, Logan Township, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife died at seventy-one. They were members of the Methodist Church and he was Commissioner of Roads for Rosefield Township and School Director. Frederick Holt has been a farmer all his life; has one hundred and twenty acres of land on Section 32. November 16, 1875, he was married in Elmwood Township to Rosina Bagg. who was born in Rosefield Township, December 19, 1856, the daughter of Otis and Phoebe (Brown) Bagg, natives of New York, now living in Elmwood Township. Mr. and Mrs. Holt have two children: Charles F. and Otis J. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican. He has been School Director three terms, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Hanna City.
Annie King
KING, ANNIE (O'RILEY); Widow of Philip King; Rosefield Township; born in County Cavan, Ireland, April 16, 1841; received a common school education. Her paternal grandparents, Philip and Margaret (Fitzsimmons) O'Riley; her maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Grey) Sheridan, were born in Ireland. Philip and Elizabeth (Sheridan) O'Riley, her parents, were natives of County Cavan. She married Philip King at St. Mary's Church, Peoria, May 17, 1869. They had eight children: John James; William Christopher; Margaret Ellenor; Delia Jane; Philip Thomas; Mary Frances; Lizzie Annie and Taressa, deceased. John J. married Annie McCan; William C. married Maggie Boland: Margaret E. is the wife of Michael Ibeck; Delia J. is the wife of Fred Antrum; Mary F. is the wife of Charles Wyman. Mrs. King came to America alone, landing in New York City in 1855, after being on the ocean fifty-two days. She at first made her home with John Leland. She then went to Fulton County, New York, and lived with Jane Simpson. She next came to Peoria, where she was married to Mr. King in St. Mary's Church, May 17, 1869. They removed to this township, where her husband worked for a time on the railroad, and then purchased about forty acres of land near Oak Hill. He was foreman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and was crippled so badly while trying to take a hand car off the track in front of a passenger train, that he died soon after the accident, May 17, 1894. Mrs. King belongs to the Catholic Church.
James Moody
MOODY, JAMES M.; Farmer; born in Leeds, England, May 3, 1834; received a common school education. His parental grandparents, James and Margaret Moody, and his maternal grandparents, James and. Elizabeth Metcalfe, were born in England. His parents, John S. and Ann (Metcalfe) Moody, came from Leeds to America, settling in Rosefield Township, Peoria, on Section 29, in 1842. They were members of the Methodist Church and died at the old homestead. James M. Moody enlisted in Company K, Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteers, September 3, 1862, and was in the following battles: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Fort Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River, Vicksburg, and at the battle of Mansfield, where he was taken prisoner, being released after thirteen months and fourteen days. He was discharged June 25, 1865. Mr. Moody married Ellen H. Morris in Rosefield, April 26, 1860. They had nine children: Harry M., born April 26, 1861, died February 22, 1881; Nellie A., born April 10, 1863, died October 24, 1863; Howard, born May 13, 1866; Mary A., born March 15, 1868; Katie E., born July 19, 1870; James H., born January 2, 1875; Hartley H., born March 7, 1880; Harvey M., born March 9, 1882, died August 13. 1883: and Marcus H., born June 25, 1884. Mrs. Moody was born in Rosefield Township April 17, 1843, the daughter, of Henry and Ann Morris. Her parents were born in England and came to Illinois in 1841, locating on Section 32. She died November 20, 1892. Mr. Moody is a Methodist, in politics a Republican, and has held the office of Road Commissioner.
James Neville
Back To TopJames S. Neville was born Sept 11 1822 in Tyrone County Ireland. He
traveled to Liverpool England where he boarded the ship Jersey,
arriving in New York 16 Sept 1851.
James married Margaret Duncan daughter of Samuel and Jannetta Duncan 16
Oct 1853 and lived in Delaware co. PA. The first four of their children
were born there George Richard, Samuel Elliot, James Allen and Alfred
Duncan Neville. Abt 1861 they packed up and moved to Jubilee twp.,
Peoria co., IL.. Children born in Jubilee were Janet Elizabeth, Atwood
Pierce, Frances Ann, Margaret and Edward Blain. Janet and Edward died
at a young age. There is a marker for Janet (Jannet) and I would
imagine that at one time there was one for Edward.
After Edwards death the family moved to Taylor Co., IA. James died 23
Dec 1908 and Martha 04 Apr 1892. Both of their bodies were taken back
and buried in the Church Yard Cemetery in Jubilee.
Samuel, James, Alfred and Frances continued to live in Taylor Co.IA..
Goerge went to Kansas, Atwood went to California and Margaret went to
TX.
Albert G. Powell
Back To Top
1890 Biographical album Peoria County...
Albert G. Powell is one of
the oldest and best known settlers of Hollis Township, to which he came in
August 1837; At that time the only residents of the township were Messrs. Thomas
and Topping, two Englishmen, who had come hither in 1836; John Duffield, who
lived on section 20, and John Essex and Nat Richardson, who lived upon the hill.
All these have passed to the bourne from which no traveler returns. A few years
later William S. and Mary H. (Davis) Powell, the parents of our subject, also
came hither accompanied by their two sons-Isaac and Abraham, their son-in-law,
Robert Buchanan, and a Mr. James Jones. These are all now deceased, the last to
pass away having been Abraham who breathed his last Oct 1889.
The Powell
family is of Welsh extraction and the father of our subject was a native of
Loudoun county, Va. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, as was also his brother
Charles, who was killed at the siege of Norfolk. After his marriage he made his
home in Guernsey Co. Ohio, until 1844, when he followed his son to Illinois. He
of whom we write was born in Cambridge, the county seat of Guernsey County, July
16, 1818, and was nineteen years of age when he came to what was then the Wild
West.
It took a letter over a week to reach Ohio, whither it now goes in
less than twenty four hours, and the carriage of it cost twenty-five cents.
During the first few years of Mr. Powell's residence here, Peoria was but a
hamlet with two or three stores, that of Griswold and Cortenius, on what is now
Water Street, being the first and most important and another being opened by a
Mr. Varis. Milling was done at Hale's Mills upon the Kickapoo River.
The
gentleman of whom we write learned the trade of a carpenter with his father, and
worked at it many years. Some twenty years ago he abandoned it and settled upon
land which was then made into a fine estate. It comprises two tracts of three
hundred and sixty-seven, and eighty acres respectively, the entire four hundred
and forty-seven acres lying within a range of two miles. His son Grant is now
his chief assistant in the management of the estate, the father feeling that his
years and long
labors entitle him to a certain withdrawal from the cares of
life. He is by no means inactive, however, but does a fair share of mental and
physical work.
The first marriage of Mr. Powell was celebrated in
October, 1844, his bride being Miss Eliza Jones who bore him three children. Of
these Smith now deceased, having died at the age of forty years; John is now
living in Hilton, this State, is married and has four children; Emily is the
wife of John A. Calhoun, of Hollis Township, her family consisting of ten
children. The mother of these three children having been removed by death, Mr.
Powell contracted a second matrimonial alliance in 1865. He won as his wife Mrs.
Margaret Starts who has borne him five children- Charles Grant, Maggie, Scott,
Albert, and Walter, all of whom are yet at home. Mrs Margaret Powell is the
mother of three children by her former marriage. they are Melissa; Mary, wife of
Walter Houghtaling of Warren County, Iowa, and the mother of two children; and
Hugh, also of Iowa, who married a Kansas lady and has two children.
Mr.
Powell is a Republican and a member of the La Marsh Baptist church. He was the
first Assessor of Hollis Township, but has taken to active part in Public
affairs since those early days. An intelligent and law-abiding citizen,
honorable in his dealings with humanity and kindly in his domestic relations, he
is highly regarded by those who know him, irrespective of the esteem which his
labors as a pioneer have earned.
Siebold Reents
REENTS, SIEBOLD; Farmer and, Carpenter; born in Ostfriesland, Germany, August 27, 1842. His parents, John and Alice Reents, were born in Germany. Siebold Reents came to the United States in 1867, and located in Peoria County. He began a farm in Rosefield Township and occasionally worked at his old trade as a carpenter. By his industry and economy he has become owner of over five hundred and twelve acres of land, from which he is now getting one hundred tons of coal each day, in addition to having several hundred acres under cultivation. He married Anna Meussen in Peoria September 9, l868. They have six children living: George M., born May 10, 1871; John Henry, born June 18, 1873; Anna Sophia, born April 14, 1875 ; August, born August 28, 1877; Anton J., born July 3, 1879; and Siebold, born December 5, 1884. Mrs. Reents was born in Ostfriesland in 1846, the daughter of Jurgen and Anna (Sophia) Meussen. Her parents came to America in 1883 on a visit, and later returned to their native country. Mr. Reents is a member of the Lutheran Church; is a Democrat, and has been Supervisor eight terms, Road Commissioner nine years and was School Director, which office he has held for several terms. He is a successful farmer and devotes much time to the raising of stock; he has a large herd of high-bred cattle and a number of horses, sheep and hogs. Two of his sons and one daughter are managing a store in connection with the postoffice at Kramm.
John Rupp
RUPP, JOHN; Farmer; born June 8, 1836, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the son of George Rupp, a native of Maryland, and Elizabeth Rupp, a native of Connecticut. George Rupp died in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. John Rupp came to Dixon, Illinois, in 1863, and to Rosefield in 1866. He purchased his present farm in 1885. He was a member of Company C, Nineteenth United States Infantry in the War of the Rebellion and took part in the battle of Shiloh and other engagements. He married Margaret Wilkinson at Peoria, October 29, 1867. She was born in Ohio March 5, 1845, the daughter of William and Cynthia Ann (Walton) Wilkinson. Her parents came from Ohio to Rosefield Township, where her father purchased a farm in the fall of 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Rupp have eight children: Alameda, John Byron, Eliza Lena, Cynthia Centennial, Daisy Violet, Mary Dellie, Fred H. and Gale A. Alameda married William Howe. Lena was married but her husband is now deceased. Byron married Mary Hanny. Mr. Rupp was educated in the common schools. He votes the Republican ticket, and has been School Director.