Akron Township

Akron Township

is one of the northern tier of townships bordering on Marshall county, was originally all prairie; is one of the prettiest and most fertile tracts of land, and cont lins some of the finest farm improvements in Peoria county. There is no incorporated town in tlie township. The village of Princeville lies on its western border and the hamlet and post oflSce of West Hallock on the eastern line, and Akron post ofBce is near the center of the township. The soil is admirnbly adapted to grain-growing and grazing, especiall}' to the production of Indian corn. Its inhabitants are intelligent and prosperous.

The first settler of Akron township wiis Hugli Alontgoniery, who located on section 7 in 18:!1. The same year D. Prince and James Morrow settled on section 'M, and Thomas Morrow on section l8. The first marriage took [place in 1838, when William Morrow was united with Miss Martha White. The first birth was Jane, daughter of Danifil and Elizabeth Prince, in February, 1832. The first death in the tcnvnship was that of Samuel Morrow, infant son of William Morrow, in 1835. Tiie first sermon preached was by the Kev. Mr. Hill, a Methodist preacher, at the residence of James Morrow, in 1832. Tlie first scliool house was built on .-iection 10, in 1836. The school was taught by Miss Hester Stoddard in that year. The first church edifice was built by the Seventh-day Baptists in 1871, and was dedicated by the Rev. Nathan Wardner. The first justice of the peace was Benjamin Slane, who was also the first supervisor. The Rock Island and Peoria Railroad runs tiirough the southwest corner.

West Halleek Cheese F'actory was organized February, 1876, the company composed of G. W. Butts, William Spiccr, and K. W. Burdcck. Make cheese five days in the week, and make about 11,000 pouuds per month. One day of the week (Saturday) make butter, and average 300 pounds per day. The cost of their present factory is about $3,500.

ANDERSON JOSEPH, grain and stock dealer, res. Stark, Stark county, son of John and Hannah Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania. Immigrated to Ohio where the subject of this sketch was born on the 18th day of March, 1827. Came to Peoria county when he was three years old, and was reared on a farm and received a common school education. Married Miss Susan McGinnis, daughter of Geo. I. McGinnis. She was born in Indiana on the gth day of December, 1829. The fruit of this marriage was eleven children, eight of which are still living: James W., Mary Jane, Francis M., John H., Lewis W., Robert K., U. S. Lincoln, Nathan A. Members of the M. E. Church at Princeville. Has 130 acres of land in Peoria county under good cultivation valued at $10,000. Has thirty acres in Stark, on which he has a grain elevator, two residences, and other property, valued at $5,000 ; 320 acres in Kansas valued at $5,000. The capacity of elevator, 48,000 bushels ; cribbage, 17,000.

BEACH I.,ESTER (deceased), farmer. Sec. 17, P. O. Princeville. Was born in Canandaigua, Ontario county, N. Y., August 10, 1S04. The principal part of his education was received in the schools of his native town. In November, 1837. married in Sandusky county, O., Miss Lydia M. Chase, a native of Hopewell, Ontario county, N. Y., bom August 27, 1818.

BLUE WM. W. farmer, Sec. 6, P. O. Prince. vlUe, son of James and Matilda Blue. Was born in Koss county, Ohio, on the gth day of March, 1827, where he was reared on a farm and received a common school education. Came to this county in 1844 or '45, and located in Radnor township, and in i860 came to his present place. Married Miss Rebecca Wakefield. She was a daughter of John L. Wakefield. She was born in Ohio in 1835. The fruit of this marriage was nine children, seven of which are still living, viz : Nellie, Belle, Blanche, Tilly, Katie, Harris and Nettie. Has eighty-five acres of land, eighty under good cultivation ; valued at ^4,000. Came to the country in limited circumstances, but by economy has made a good property and home.

BOUTON AUSTIN, farmer. Sec. 30, post office Princeville. Was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the l8th day of March, 1821. In 1837 emigrated to Peoria county. 111., where they landed March 7th, of the same year. On July 3, 1875, married to Miss Isabella Bush, a native of this county, born July 31, 1S52. The fruit of this marriage is two children - Amanda Jane, born May 28, 1876, and Wm. Thompson, horn November g, 187S. Owns 335 acres of land under good cultivation, and is one of the solid men of the township, notwithstanding he began life poor. Democratic in politics.

History Of Peoria Couxty

Father descendant of the English and mother of the Scotch, who among others endured all the hardships and privations of the Puritan fathers, known so well 10 all who have read the histo^ of the first settlers of this country. Mr. B's. primary education was received in the schools of his native county ; after coming to Illinois attended school at Princeville, Farmington, Fulton county, and at Henry, Marshall county. In 1S57 married Miss Nina B. Gue. a native of Neville, Clermont county. Ohio. Born April 2, 1842. The fruit of this marriage is seven children - Lewis C, Annie M.. Lillie CJohn W., Ernest R., Mina L. and Bertha K. Owns 2CX) acres of fine fertile lands well improved and ranks among the finest in the county ; valued at $50 per acre. Has held several local offices of trust ; is Greenbacker in politics. Mr. B. devotes his entire time and energies to his farm and care of his stock. Has just embarked in the breeding of fine sheep, ol which he has seven imported English Cotswold, which have been shown at fairs, and has taken six sweepstakes premiums ; also has a mill for grinding feed, costing $3,000.

BURDICK EDWAIJD W. farmer and cheese manufacturer, Sec. 24, 1'. O. West Hallock. Was bom in Alleghany county. N. Y.. Jan'y 16, 1826. Mis early education was received in the schools of his native county. In the Spring of 1847 moved West in the neighborhood of Farmington, Fultow county. 111., and was married in April, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Sanders, a native of Rensselaer county, N.Y. She was born June 17, 1828. They have four children, two sons and two daughters. In the Spring of 1862 moved to his present farm in .\kron township, where he owns lig acres of land under good cultivation. Is one of the proprietors of the West Hallock cheese factory, an institution of considerable magnitude, the products of which are not inferior to any in the markets. Politically a Republican. Is a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, and has held several local offices of trust.

BUTTS GEO. W. farmer and cheese manufacturer. Sec. 25, P. O. West Hallock, was born in Chenango county, N. Y., November 10, 1834. At the age of nine years he, with his parents, moved to Ingham county, Mich., and received the education to be obtained in the primitive log school-house of the early pioneer settlements. In 1849 the family removed to Fulton county, Ills, for one year, and then came to Peoria county. Married Miss Emily ToUelt in 1858, a native of the same county. They have four children - one son and three daughters. Is one of the proprietors of the West Hallock cheese factory, a very extensive concern, the products of which rank high in the market. Owns 220 acres of valuable prairie land, which, for fertility of soil and improvements, ii not excelled in the township. Republican in politics, and a

CALLERY P.\TRICK, farmer. Sec. 10. P. O. Akron, was born in Roscommon county. Ireland, December 7, 1827. His education was received in the schools of his native country. In 1 840 emigrated to the United States and located in Saratoga county. N. Y., and the following year moved to Peoria county. III., and in 1859 married Miss Bridget Fulton, a native of the same place of husband. She died in 1863. leaving two children - one son and one daughter. In 186S he married Miss Mary Fay, a native of county Mayo, Ireland. Owns 160 acres of fine, fertile land as Akron affords. Democratic in politics, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a school director, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county.

CHASE P. H. farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 5. P. O. Wady Petra, is the son of Simon P. and Ann H. Chase, natives of New Hampshire. Emigrated to Peoria county in 1832, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 1 8th day of September, 1846, where he was reared on a farm and received a common school education. Married Miss Nancy Caloin for his first wife; she was born in Pennsylvania in 1844. and died November, 1872. leaving one child. For his second wife he married Miss Rachael Smith, daughter of John Smith, who was bom in Peoria county, in 1851. The fruit of this marriage is two children - Carrie P. and Forest M. Held the office of road commissioner and assessor. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Has 300 acres of land, all under good cultivation, valued at $15,000. Mr. C. is a young man with good business qualifications, and is one of the sound farmers of the township.

CLINE PETER, farmer. Sec. 22. P. O. West Hallock, was bom in Oswego county, N. Y., May 3, 1831. In 1835 his parents moved to Peoria, III., where he was raised and educated in the district school of the county. Is the third son of Robert and Harriet Cline. His father was a native of Ontario, and his mother of Oswego counties, N. Y. (both died in this county). The subject of this sketch was married on October 8, 1862, to Miss Myra Mattison. of Rensselaer county, N. Y., born May 14. 1835. Four children blessed this union - Alice, born May 23. 1865; Arthur R., born January 23, l86q; Albert J., born October 16, 1871, and Jesse A., born March 12, 1876. Owns 24oacresof fine land, well improved. Has held the office of Supervisor of Akron township for seven year*. Mr. C. is one of those to whom the township of Akron is indebted lor its present prosperous condition. In politics he is Democratic.

Akron Directory

GRAHAM JOHN, farmer, P.O. Princeville. Son of David and Margaret (Forsythe) Graham, natives of Scotland. The subject of this sketch was born in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, on the 7th day of December, 1841, where he was reared on a farm and received a common school education. Married Miss Lizzie Bowman, she was the daughter of Robert Bowman, of Scotland, in 1867, she was born in 1S52. The fruit of this marriage is four children - Lizzie S., Robert, John and Margaret. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Politics Democratic. Mr. Graham came to the U. S. in 1872, where he has worked on farm since.

GRUNEK GEO. farmer. Sec. 4, P. O. Princeville. Was born in Germany on the Igth day of March, 1S25. .Married Miss Augusta Turum in 1851. She died in i860, leaving six children, one son and five daughters. In 1S52. came to the U. S. and located in this county. Married Mrs. Catherine Vogel, by this marriage there are three children, one son and two daughters. Owns 320 acres of land, well improved and very valuable. Democrat in politics. Enlisted in 1845 in the German army and was discharged in 1849.

HARRISON PAUL, farmer, Sec. 31. P- O. Princeville. Son of James and Susan Harrison. Father a native of England, mother of Va. Emigrated to this county in an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born on the 1st day of August. 1S49, and reared on a farm and received a common school education. Married Miss Alice Smith, daughter of David Smith, of Dunlap ; she was born in Radnor township, on the 14th day of July, 1851. The fruit of this marriage is two children, Cora J. and Ora Ann. Held the office of road commissioner for three years. Politics Republican. Has lOO acres of land under good cultivation, valued at $5,000.

HAWLiEY JEROME C. farmer, Sec. 2, P.O. Lawn Ridge. Was born in Sandy Creek, Oswego county. N. Y., on the gth day of June, 1832. Emigrated with his parents when three years old, to this county in the immediate neighborhood of Mt. Hawley, received a common school education. In the Spring of 1S65, married Miss Sarah Wilkison, a native of Pennsylvania. They were blessed with three children, alive - Clarence and Jennelt. Has a valuable farm of

HOI>GES DAVID, farmer, res. Valley, Stark county, P. O. Lawn Ridge, was born in Kent, England, Feb. 15, 1822. In 1834, emigrated to the U. S. with his parents, and settled a short period at Saratoga Springs, N. V,, and afterwards moved six miles into the country. In 1852, married Miss Jane Standish, who was a native of New York. She died March 23, i860, leaving two children. In Sept., 1852, moved west to Stark county. 111., and married, on Feb. i, i86i, his present wife, who was Miss Nancy Hutchinson, a native of Ohio. By this marriage, there are five children, all sons. Mr. H. has a beautiful farm of 550 acres as fertile land as Stark or Peoria counties afford, elegantly improved. Republican in politics. Honahan J. farmer. P. O. Princeville.

HOUSTON WM. farmer and postmaster. Sec. l6, is the son of John and Anna Houston ; father a native of Bedford, N. H., born Nov. 30, 1767 ; married to Anna Moore in 1798. They had ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom four are still living. The subject of this sketch was the ninth child, and was born in Temple, Hillsboro county, N. H., Feb. 24. 1815. Lived with his father until he was twentyone years of age, and then went to work in a store in Quincy. Was one of the first workmen in the Manchester Quarries, and helped to build Amoskeag canal, built for the purpose of running the cotton mills in Manchester. Married Miss Sarah E. W. Chase, on the 25th day of Sept., 1842, and immediately moved to this county, where they landed Nov. 28, 1842. In the Spring of 1846, purchased the farm on which he now resides. Have tliree children : Henry C, W'm. A. and Charles S. When he first settled on this farm, there was not a house east of him in Akron township. Is postmaster of Akron, which office he has held for seven years. Is a man highly respected by all who know him. Came to the county in limited circumstances, but by industry and economy has succeeded in placing himself in a comfortable position. Politics, Republican.

HOAG JACOB, farmer, See. 2g, P. O. Princeville, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1814. At the age of two years he moved with his parents to Niagara county, N. Y., where he was reared and educated in the schools of that county. In 1838, moved west to Peoria county. 111., and married Miss

Abigail Hill. April, 1839. a native of New York. They have nine children, six of whom are now living - four sons and two daughters. Has a beautiful farm of 160 acres ; as good a one as Akron affords ; also, 160 acres in Morris county, Kansas. Member of the M. E. Church ; also trustee of the same. Republican in politics. Has held several local offices of trust. Had two sons in the Union army: Edwin K. serving three years and five months in liattery A, of this county ; and Albert S. one year and three months.

KARR .\X1)REW E. farmer. Sec. 18, P. O. Princeville. Was born in Monmouth county. N. J., on the 1st day of September, 1S17, where he received a common school education. In the Spring of 1849 came to Illinois, and in 1350 to Peoria county. In 1869 was married in Davenport, Iowa, to Mrs. Charily E. Nixon, a native of Ohio. She had four children by her previous husband, three of which are still living, Annie, Diana, and G.ale. Mr. Karr owns 200 acres of land on sec. iS, under good cultivaiion, besides 320 acres in other portions of the township. Republican in polities. Is a member of the I. O. O. F.. and one of the largest and well-to do farmers of Akron township, notwithstanding he be^an life in very moderate circumstances.

KIXXAH JOHN' S. farmer. Sec. 16, P. O. Princeville. Was born on the section where he now lives, on the l8th day of December, 1846. Has 165 acres of valuable land, elegantly improved, valued at $5,000. His father was among the earliest settlers. Is a member of the Detective Association of Princeville. In 186S commenced in the milling business at Coxes Mill, on Spoon river, where he remained until 1874; thence to Princeville for a short time. Mr. Kinnah is a young man, with good habits, and is respected by all who know him.

KINNAH JOSKIMI, farmer. Sec. 16, P. O. Princeville. Was born in Gallowayshire, Scotland, in l3oi. Came toCanada in 1832; lived there two years ; thence to Detroit, Mich., where he remained one year, and in 1835 came to Peoria county, where he has resi. ded since ; lived in Peoria nine years, where he followed draying ; in 1844 came to his present home. He married Miss Margaret Smith. She was born in Rulher- (jlen, Scotland, on the 22d day of January. 1819. The fruit of this marriage are six children, four of which are still living; John, Joseph. Robert, and David. Politically Republican. Has 160 acres of elegantly improved lanil, valuol at $8,000; fifteen acres of timber, valued at $750. When he came to the United Slates had not a dollar he could call his own ; came here.

McGINNIS GEO. I. farmer. Sec. 7.P.O. Princeville. Was born in Granger Co., East Tenn., on the 15th day of Sept. 1802. When he was a boy about seven years old, went to Butler Co. Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. Afterwards learned the printing trade. On the 1st day of January, 1829, married Miss Sarah Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery (a soldier of the Revolutionary War). Was bom in Russell Co., Va., on the 2oih day of Sept. 1812. The fruits of this marriage was twelve children, nine of which are still living, viz., Susanna, John, James, Nancy Mary, Elizabeth, Jane, George '., and Charles. Members of the M. E. Church. In the Fall of 1835 left Indiana in wagons, taking ten days to make the trip to this county, camping out and doing their own cooking. Moved into a log cabin 16x17, »'"-> * six lighted window and puncheons for floors. Came here in limited circumstances, but by industry and economy accumulated a fine property and home. Was among the earliest settlers and respected by all who knew him.

MORROW JOSI.VH, farmer. Sec. 20, P. O. Princeville. Was born in this township on Sec. 18, Sept. 2O, 1834. Married in 1863 to Miss Ellen .\ldrich, a native of Cheshire Co, N. H. They have been blessed with a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. Owns 233 acres of land under good cultivation. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is trustee of the same. Has had several local offices of trust. Democrat in politics. .MulllKan <-. farmer. P. O. Princeville.

MUNC'Y ORSON J. farmer. Sec. 13. P- O. West Hallock. Was born in .Madison Co.. N. Y.. July 28, 1845. Received a liberal education in his native county. In 1872, married Miss Charlotte B. Crandall. 1 native of the same county as her husband, born Aug. 7, 1846. They have been blessed with a family of two children, Alice L., l>orn Nov. 20, 1875, Anna M., March 25, 1878. In January, 1874. emigrated to I'eoria Co., and purchased the beautiful farm on which he now resides, in Akron township, containing eighty acres as fine land as the county affords. Republican in politics and attend the seventh day Baptist Church. If at present justice of the peace, and an energetic, enterprising citizen.

PARKS STEEN B. farmer, Sec. 34, P. O. Dunlap. Was born in Ivnox county, O., November 28, 1836, and received his early education in the schools of his native county. In l86l enlisted in Co. B., 4th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served three months, and received a recruiting commission and returned home. Recruited one company for the Syth Ohio, three months men, .\fterwards recruited another company for the 124th Ohio in the P'all of 1862, and went as its captain, and served until July, 1864. Was discharged on account of being disabled on the march from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Atlanta, Ga., after which time served three months as military conductor on the Chattanooga and Atlanta R. R. In the Fall of 1S46 came West to Peoria county, and taught school for some five years, in the district schools of the county. In 1867 married Miss .-\manda Yates, a native of Virginia. They have a family of four sons. In 1871, began farming in Sec. 34. and owns no acres fertile prairie land, highly improved. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Republican in politics. Has held the office of supervisor one term.

PETEK.S JAMES. Was born in Coventry, Warwickshire, Eng., October 16, 1808. His early education was received in the schools of his native county, and also learned the trade of silk manufacturing, serving an apprenticeship of seven years. In May, 1838, immigrated to this county. On January 16, 1841, married Miss Alice Giles, native of New York State. Ten children blessed this union, six sons and four daughters. Owns a beautiful farm of 160 acres, ranking with any in the township, being in a state of high cultivation. His wife and family are members of the M. E. Church. His son Julius enlisted, in the Spring of 1865, in the Union army, and served until its close. Republican in politics.

West Hallock. Son of Asa C. and Lucy (Eldrich) Potter, natives of York State. Father born August 6, 1804, mother March 16, 1806, The subject of this sketch was born in Rensselaer county, N, Y., on the 6th day of July, 1834, where he received a primary school education. In 1850 moved West to Farmington, Fulton county, 111., where he completed his education in the high schools of that town. After a residence of two years in that county, removed to Akron township. On July 17, 185S, married Miss Ellen M. Brassfield, a native of Fulton county, 111. She was born May 3, 1841. They were blessed with a family of seven children. Nellie, born January 7, i860 ; M. Devillo, September 7, 1861 ; Asa E., October 23, 1864; Frank, March 6, 1S67 ; Ida E., February ir, 1869; Charlie, June 12, 1872 ; Noel J., May 14, 1S77. Owns 440 acres of land, highly improved, valued at $30,000. Democratic in politics. Is at present supervisor, and has held several local offices ol trust. Mr. P. is one of the solid farmers of the county. Potter. I. .M. farmer, P. O. Lawn Ridge.

POTTER JULIUS A. merchant and postmaster, West Hallock. Was born in Little Genessee, Alleghany county, N. Y., on the l6th day of April, 1S44. His early education was received in the public schools of his native town, and his academic at Alfred Center, Academy of Alfred, Alleghany county, N. Y. In 1S60 moved to Peoria county. 111., and married in the Spring of 1S66, Miss Mary C. Hicks, of this county, born December i, 1846. The fruit of this marriage is two children, Anthony, aged eleven years, and Mary, aged five years. In 186S, embarked in his present business, which by his untiring zeal has been brought to a magnitude which promises wealth at no far distant day. Republican in politics, and a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church. Is postmaster, which position he has held ever since he commenced in business, with a short intermission. Enlisted, in 1861, in Col. Robert Ingersoll's nth Cavalry, and was disabled and discharged on the field at Corinth, Miss., in 1862.

KOWCJLIFFE GEORtiE, farmer. Sec. 21, P. O. Princeville, son of John and Grace Rowcliffe (natives of England), emigrated to the Unittd States in 1S36, and located in Huron county, Ohio, where his father died in 1861 ; mother died coming to this country. The subject of this sketch was born in Devonshire, England, on the first day of July, 1829, where he was reared on a farm and received a common school education. When he was seven years old, came to this country and remained in Huron county until 1866, when he came to Peoria county and located on section 21. Akron township. Married Miss Harriet E. Hatfield, daughter of Nathan Hatfield. She was born in Huron county, Ohio, on the Joth day of December, 1833. The fruit of this marriage was three children : Willis, Mary and Burt. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Politics, Republican. Held the offices of collector, assessor, and school trustee. Has one hundred and forty acres of land under good cultivation ; probable value, $9,CXX3. Mr. Rowcliffe has a fine farm and bouse and is one of the sound farmers of the county.

RUSSELL EBON, farmer. Sec. 16, P. O. Princeville, was born in Beaver, now Lawrence county, Penn., November 13, 1811. The principal part of his education was received in his native county. In 1828, he moved to Wayne county, Ohio. Married Miss Edith Emery, in 1834, a native of Mercer county. Pa. The fruit of this marriage was thirteen children, eight of whom are still living ; three sons and five daughters. Owns two hundred and sixty acres of land in Akron township, well improved. Republican in politics. Member of the M. E. Church. Has held several local offices of trust in the township, and is one of the well to do farmers. Had three sons in the Union Army : Cunard E., James A., and Joseph. C. E. served four years and J, A. three years ; Joseph but a few months.

SLOAN HENRY A. farmer. Sec. 18, P. O. Princeville, was born in Sloanville, Schoharie county, N. v., June 5, 1823. His early education was limited to the common schools of his native county. On the 7th day of December, 1S38, the family moved West to Farmington, Fulton county, Illinois, and removed to Akron, this county, in 1839. Married in the town of Princeville, in 1849, to Miss Mary Ann Reed, of Ripley, Brown county, Ohio, born February 16, 1830 ; she died March 7, 1S77. Own four hundred and eighty acres of farm land, two hundred and eighty of which is in I'eoria county, and, for fertility of soil, is not surpassed in the county. Is the fourth son of John R.

and Maria Sloan; father, native of Massachusetts : mother, of Newton, N. J.; both of whom died in this county. Mr. Sloan is among the large and well to do farmers of the county, to whom it looks for a continuance of its present prosperity.

SLO.\N JEROME, farmer. Sec. 19, P O. Princeville. Was horn in Sloanville, Schoharie county, N. Y., January 15, 1816. Received a common school education. In 1839. the family moved to Peoria county. Married Miss Charlotte Barnes, in i860: the fruit of this marriage was nine children, seven sons and two daughters, viz: Augustus, Wallace, Woodbury, Burtran, Jerome, Frank, Charles, Lottie, and Eva. He owns 560 acres of land, the home place containing 160 acres of as fine land as Akron affords. Was among the earliest citizens of this part of the county. Republican in politics.

WILLIAMS V.^UGHN, farmer. Sec. 30. P. O. Princeville. Was born in Fredericktown, Knox county, O., March 13, 1818. where he received a common school education. In February, 1S40, moved to this county, where he landed on the iSth of the same month. In 1843 married Miss Viola Hall, a native of the same county as her husband, born December 25, 1824. They have been blessed with a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. Owns a farm of 240 acres of valuable land, well improved. Came to the county in limited circumstances, but by hard work and judicious management has accumulated a fine property and home.