Radnor Township

Radnor Township

In early times the territory included in this township was attached to Kickapoo precinct for election and other purposes. Under the law providing for township organization, the name Radnor was proposed for this municipality by Evan Evans, the first supervisor, after Radnor, Pennsylvania, and Radnorshire, Wales, the home of his ancestors, and the name was adopted.

To a man named Miller is ascribed the honor of building and occupying the first cabin in this township. The Miller cabin was probably built about the latter part of 1832, or early part of 1838 ; and until 1835, if he remained here that long, he was " monarch of all he surveyed." In 1835, a number of persons came and founded homes.

Erastus Peat, Griffith Dickison, and some other members of the Dickison family, were the next settlers after Miller, but the date of their settlement is not easily accessible. They probably came about 1834-5. John L. Wakefield moved over from Kickapoo township about 1835-6, and located on section 18, his present home. George D. Harlan, the Dunlaps, Calvin Blake, Griffith Dickison, Daniel Corbert, Elihu Pratt, Daniel Robinson, Robert Cline, Jedediah Hitchcock, Moses Harlan, William Gifford, and Harvy Stillman, came in 1837.

The first precinct election was held at the house of Alva Dunlap, on the northwest quarter of section 14. Richard Scholes is reported as the first justice of the peace. The first couple married was George McMillan and Miss Phoebe Hill. The first birth was in the family of Henry Martin, on the southeast quarter of section 35, in 1836. The first death was that of Henry Martin the same year. The first post office was known as Orange Prairie, and was located at the residence of Enoch Huggins, who was the postmaster, on section 36. That post office was discontinued some years since, and was succeeded by the post office at Dunlap, Miss Frances Dunlap, postmistress. This is tlie only post office in the township.

The first schools were taught in the Summer of 1837, and were subscription schools. These schools commenced almost simultaneously. One of them was taught by Miss Mary Twitchell, in a log building on the Gifford place. The other school was taught by Miss Phoebe Cline, in a small building on the Wakefield place, on section 18. From the time of these primitive schools to the present, the educational interests have not been allowed to languish. Schools were carefully and steadily maintained in every neighborhood - in every part of the township where there were children enough to make a school. Sometimes they were taught in rooms belonging to private houses, and sometimes in houses that had been vacated for better ones. At last the township was districted, and public school-houses were built, until now there are nine as handsome schoolhouses in Radnor township as in any other political division in the county. Each district is composed of four sections, and the school-houses are located, as nearly as may be, at the adjoining corners of these sections. They are all supplied with modern furniture, and made as comfortable every way as possible. School is maintained about nine months in each of them.

The earliest preaching was about 1837, by the Rev. Mr. Cunniugliam, of the M. E. church. He visited here occasionally, and preached in the houses of the settlers. The first church edifice was erected on the land of Mr. A. V.iti*s, in l-<.')0. There are now four church l)uildin;4s, and as manj- conjjregations. Of these the Methodist people have two, tlie Presbyterians one, and the Catholics one.

The GlendaU Methodist Church was erected in 1861, and is located on the corners of sections io, 26, 35, and 36. It is an apiiointincMit of the Kickapoo circuit, and is supplied bv the "circuit rider." The other Metliodist congregation is iiuown as

Salem Church, and is located on the northeast quarter of the southeast quartet of section 16. It is also an appointment of the Kickapoo circuit. Rev. C. W. Green has preached to these congregations since the Conference appointments of 1878.

The Presbyterian and Catholic churches are located in the village of Duniap, and will be further noticed in the sketcii of that promising haniK-t.

InduKtries. - Agriculture and stock-growing are the leading industries of the township. In these respects, and especially the former, it is more than an average with the other townships of the county. The farms are all in good condition, and remuneratively productive.

Coal Mining. - Although the entire township is underlaid with a rich deposit of coal, only two banks have lieen opened. Both of these openings are in the southwest part of the township and are tiie principal sources of fuel su])ply.

What is known as Evans' mill, on the east fork of Kickapoo creek, was built about 1842-3 by a man named Pierce. It is located on Sec. 21', and is the only mill in the county driven by water power.

Donlap Village

Tiiis village is located on the Peoria and Rock Island Railmad, fifteen miles northwest from Peoria, and is an outgrowth of that railroad enterprise. The situation is a commanding one, and is in tlie center of an agricultural district that is unsurpassed in any part of the county. The village site embraces forty acres of Alva Dunlap's iiome place, and was laid off by that gentleman in 1871.

The honor of Ituilding the first house in the village, belongs to Dr. .Toiin Gillett. Me commenced building in June, 1871, and completed and occupied tlie building witli a stock of drugs and groceries in October of the same year.

In the Fall of 1871 George W. Hlake built a business house at the curnerof B and Railroad Streets, and occupied it with a stock of groceries. H. I. Smith built a residence in the Fall of 1871, and commenced the business of a blacksmith. Hugh Yates built a store and residence combined on Fii-st Street in 1872. Miss Frances M. Duniap commenced the dry goods and notions trade in the [io>-t-ofliee building at tlie corner of Fii-st and A Streets in the .Spring of lS7t>, wliere siie still continues. Tiie post office of Dunlaj) was established in September, 1871, with Miss Duniap as postmistress, a position she still holds. J. Kreaner commenced the tin and hardware l)usine.ss on First Street in 187 A. Huber, the village shoemaker, added a stock of boots and shoes in the Fall of 1S78. Hen. C. Vaughan, iilacksmith and wagonmaker, commenced l)usiness in 1872. The .Mathews' elevator was erected in 1877. David Smith's warehouse was re-constructed and fitted up with elevator appliances the same year.

Schools and Churches. - The first school, after Duniap was sur\eyetl, was taught by Miss Susan Rathburn in a small building just over the south line of the village plat, and commenced in September, 1871. The sehool-house was buill in 1877. and cost about The first piaycr meeting wius held at the residence of (leorge W. Pyle, corner of Third and B Streets,"july 2. 1M7').

Thr /'renlii/terian Church edifice at Duniap is a gracefid and elegant structure. Previous to the completion of this building, the Presbyterian people woi-sliijied in ft building erected on the land of Mr. A. Yates, in 18;')0. 'I'lie Catholic house of worship was erected in 1879.

BRIGHT GEO. W. farmer. Sec. 15, P. O. Dunlap ; was born in Alleghany county, Pa., April 22, 1833. In 1857, he came to Peoria county. In September, 1861, enlisted in Co. I, nth Ills. Vol. Inf., and served three years. In April, 1859, married Mrs. Mary E. Faucett, a native of Massachusetts, born May 31, 1830. She had three children by her previous marriage. He owns thirty acres of land in a high state of cultivation and well improved. Was formerly a Republican but has joined the Greenback party.

CARR JOHN, farmer. Sec. 22, P. O. Dunlap ; was born in this township. October 29, 1847. His eaily education was received in the schools of the township. In 1872, married to Miss Grace Corbitt, also a native of this township, born November I2, 1844. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. Republican in politics. Is collector of Radnor township. Enlisted in 1863. in Co. M, nth Ills. Cavalry and served to the close of the rebellion. Campbell R. farmer. P. O. Alta.

C.A.RLISL,E JAS. B. D. farmer. Sec. 23, P. O. Alta ; was born in Shenandoah county, Va., June 17, 1838. At the age of ten years with his parents moved to Fayette county. Pa., where he was educated, and in the Spring of i860, he came to Peoria county. Ills., and in the Fall returned to Fayette county, and married in February, :86i. Miss Mary J. Hutchison, and immediately returned to this county where he has lived since. Owns 140 acres of some of the most productive and valuable land in the county. Is Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. Carr Wm. Mrs. P. O. Dunlap.

CASSITY WM. H. carriage, wagon and cabinet maker, res. Dunlap. was ,born in Marion township, Putnam Co.. Ind., Sept. 1837. On the 4th of March, 1S61, immigrated West, locating in Unionville, Iowa, where he remained up to Feb. 1S62. Thence came to Kno.x Co., this State in the vicinity of Galesburg, and followed farming, until Dec. 1864. In the Summer of 1865 started farther West, settling in Mound City. Lynn Co., Kansas, where he learned the trade of cabinet maker. In 1868 removed to Butler, Bates Co., Mo., and there learned the carriage and wagon maker's trade. In June, 1875, returned to Peoria Co.. and engaged in the carriage and wagon trade, where he has remained since. On the 15th day of January. 1857, he married Miss Mary F. Bryan, a native of Kentucky, but reared in Indiana. She died Nov. 7, of the same year, leaving one child Mary F., born Nov. 2, 1857. April 20. 1859, ^f""- 0. married Miss Sarah A. Hodges, born in Indiana, Jan. 1839, who has borne him three children, Annetta. born Dec. 1S64, Hattie D., born March, 1S66, Emma ^., born Nov. 1S70. On May 2, 1876, he moved to Dunlap, his present home. Is a member of the Christian Church, and of the A. F. & A. M. in high standing, also an Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias. Politics, Republican.

CHALLACOMB JAMES, farmer. Sec. 30, P. O. Kickapoo. Was born in Devonshire, Eng., Dec. 25, 1836. His early education waB received in the schools of his native country, and in 1S58 came to this country and settled in Peoria Co., 111. Married in 1868 to Miss Lucy A. Rogers, who died in 1872, leaving two children, Chas. and Bertha. In April, 1876, married his present wite, who was Miss Sarah F. Rogers. The fruit of this union is one child, Archy T. Owns 225 acres of land, the most part of which is in a high state of cultivation. Democratic in politics. Is at present school director of the district in which he resides.

CLINE ALBERT, farmer, Sec. 13, P. O. Dunlap. Was born in Ontario Co., New York, Aug. 12, 1820. While quite young his parents moved to Oswego Co., N Y., where he was brought up and educated till fifteen years of age. In 1835 moved West, and settled in Peoria Co., 111. Married in 1852, Miss Lydia Hyde, a native of Washington Co.. N. Y., born Aug. 15, 1831. They have six children, three sons and three daughters. Owns 280 acres of valuable land elegantly improved. Is Democratic in politics, has been school trustee some

History Op Peoria Colxty

COKBET DANIEL, farmer. Sec. 7. Dunlap. Wa« born in Putnam. Washington Co. N. Y., Dec. 20. 1S09. In 1832, moved to Pembroke. Genessee Co., and remained there until the Fall of 1835. Thence removed to Peoria Co.. 111., and located at what is known as llile's Mills. Kickapoo township, and assisted in the construction o( the mill. In 1S3S purchased his present farm.and in 1840 be|^an improving it.and in 1843 moved on to it. On the 25th day of June. 1843 married Miss Frances Gordon, a native of Surry Co.. N. C. bom Dec. 6. 181S. Died Feb. 5, 1879, leaving five children, one son and four daughters. Mr. C. owns 2S0 acres of land under high cultivation. Politics. Republican, and is a member of the M. E. Church, lie came to the county in limited circum'^tances.

COOKE SILAS Rev. pastor. Presbyterian Church, Dunlap. Son of David and Agnes Cooke net Ritchey, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania 20th October, 1842. The first twenty years of .Mr. Cooke's life were spent on his father's farm in the Summer season, and attending the schools of the neighborhood and Cross Creek Academy in the Winter. At the age of twenty he enlisted in Company K. 140th Reg. Penn. Inf., and served three years in defense of the union. He was badly wounded and permanently disabled in the engagement at Spottsylvania Court-house, on the I2ih of May. 1864. After an honorable discharge, he returned home and entered Washington and Jefferson College in his native county, and graduated at the end of four years. Spent one year at the Western Theological Seminary, Alleghany City, Pa.., then became principal of the Oakdale Classical Normal Institute, at Oakdale, Pa., for three years, then returned to the Theological Seminary, and graduated at the end of two years. Soon afterwards he received and accepted a call to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church at NeliODville, Athens county, Ohio; remained there three years, when he accepted a call from the Presbyterian congregation at Dunlap, and came February i, 1878. Mr. Cooke united in marri.ige with Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Sarah and Joseph Musser, of Cannonsburg, Washington county. Pa.. 2oth August. 1874, in which county she was born 18th October, 1849. Two children bles3 their union, Grace Kelly, born 3rd August, 1875, and Clarence Murdoch, born gth October, 1878.

I>ICKINSON iiltlKriTH, farmer. Sec. 21. I'. O. Dunlap. Was born in the territory of Indiana, in what is now Switzerland county, Nov. 27. iSlI. Is the eldeit son of John and Mary Dickinson. Mis early life was spent in the then frontier settlement of Indiana, and his school advantages comprised in a brief attendance in primitive log school houses, lie married Miss Achsah Bennett, a native of western New York, in 1829; born Jan. I, iSoo. In 1835. with his wife and two children started West in a four-horse wagon, and landed in Peoria. III., on April 24, of that year. His principal business while in the county has been farming and stock raising. Owns I.OOO acres of land of excellent quality. Politically was an old line Whig up to the birth of the Republican party, since which he has been a member of it. His talents and energies as a financier, and his industry and good management in his business affairs has placed him in possession of a comfortable fortune. His first wife died Sept. 12, 1858, leaving three children, two sons and one daughter. On the 24th of November, 1859, married Miss Margaret Johnson, of Peoria county, by whom he had two children, one son and one daughter. His third and present wife was Miss Sarah A. Chamberlain. By this marriage there are six children, three of each sex. DICKINSON GUIFFITH E. farmer. Sec.

35, P. O. Aha. Was born in the township January 21, 1840. His education was obtained in the district schools of this county and at Henry College, Mercer county. In i860 he married Miss Annie Adkins, a native of Oxfordshire, England, bom Feb. 27, 1S44. They have five children - Nelly, born July 25, 1867; Fanny, born Aug. 20, 1S70; Olive, bora Dec. 6, 1872; l.aura N., born Aug. 24, 1874, and George A., bom June 24, 1S77. He owns 375 acres of land in a high state of improvement ; is a Republican in politics ; has held several local offices. He enlisted May 2, 1862, in Co. .A, 2d Illinois Light Artillery, and ser»ed to the close of the war.

36, P. O. .Mia. Was born in Kickapoo township. Peoria county. III.. Aug. 13, 1852, and was educated in the schools of this township. Owns 143 acres of veiy valuable land ; the home place is elegantly improved and abundantly supplied with fruit. Is Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Church.

1>UNL.\1* ALVA, retired fanner, Sec. 11, P. O. Dunlap. Was l)om in Montgomery county. N. Y., Oct. 28. 1805. and is the eldest son of Smith Dunlap, an early citizen of that section uf the Stale. Ills parents moved to Oswego when he was an^iiifant. settling in the timber, debarring him from Ihcadvantagcsof an education. In 1829 he married Miss Mary Knight, a daughter of Jesse Knight, of Windham county, I'onn., bora Sept. 10, 1806. They have had eleven children, five sons and two daughters are still living. They moved

Radnor Directory

West in 1834, and located in Radnor township, Peoria county, III., in 1S37. In 1871 the town which bears his name was laid out on his estate, and has at present a population of some 200 inhabitants. Politically Mr. D. is a Republican ; is the present supervisor of this township, which office he has filled for a number of years, besides has held several other local offices.

DUNLAP BURLEIGH, farmer. Sec. 2, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Oswego county, N. Y., May 29. 1830. In the Fall of 1S3S with his parents, Alva and Mary Dunlap. moved West and settled in Radnor township on Oct. 5 of the same year, on the farm on which the town of Dunlap now stands. Here he received his early education. Married Sept. 14, 1854, Miss Sylvia Pride, a native of the same county as her husband, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Cook county. 111. She was born May 21, 1833 and died April 16, 1873, leaving seven children - Helen F., Benton C, Clara H., Andrew Jackson, Minnie, Katie M. and Henry Ward B. Mr. D. is Republican in politics ; is at present justice of the peace, and has held other local offices in the township. He is an energetic, rising young man.

DUNLAP GILBERT L. dry goods and notions, res. Dunlap, was born on Sec. 11. Radnor township, June 19, 1S49, and was educated in the schools of this county. Is at present town clerk of Radnor township. Republican in politics. In 1876 embarked in his present business and has succeeded in establishing a good trade.

DUNLAP NAPOLEON, farmer. Sec. 3, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Sandy Creek, Oswego county, N. Y., Aug. 31, 1823. His early education was principally received in the schools of his native town. In the Fall of 183S, moved West and settled in Peoria county. Married on April 22, 1S48. Miss Eliza Robinson, a native of Otsego county, N. Y., born Jan.2, 1S29, and came West in 1836. They have had ten children, three sons and four daughters are living. He owns 260 acres of land in a high state of cultivation ; the home place is elegantly improved. Mr. D. is independent in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Is at present commissioner of public highways, and has held various other offices. Is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. Uustlii George, farmer. P. O. Princevllle.

EDWARDS CHARLES, farmer. Sec. 2, P. O. Dunlap. was born in Warren county. Ohio, Sept. :6, 1822, where he was brought up and educated. In 1834 moved with his parents to Switzerland county, Ind. Married in 1844, Miss Julia Ayers, a native of New York, They have five children, three sons and two daughters. In 1S54 they came West and settled in Peoria county, 111. Owns t6o acres of land, well improved and very valuable, which is the result of his own

ELSON JOHN, farmer, Sec. 26, P. O. Alta, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, June 12, 1825. In 1833 his parents removed West and settled in Peoria county, where he was educated, and married in 1849. Miss Elizabeth Clifton, a native of Ohio, born Sept. 19, 1824. They have two children - Eupha. born Jan. 23, 1S51, and Eugene, born Jan. iS, 1856. Mr. E. is Democratic in politics. Owns 2io acres of land, the greater part of which is well improved, abundantly supplied with fruit, and very valuable. lie is one of ihe prosperous farmers of the county. Flltun John, farmer, P. O. Klckapoo.

FLEMMING JAMES, retired. Sec. 10. P. O. Dunlap, was born in Washington county, Penn., Aug. 5, 1806. His primary education was received in the district schools of the county. At the age of twentytwo years, attended Cross Creek Academy four terms ; then attended Franklin College, at New Athens, one term; passing from there to Washington College, in Washington county, where he graduated in 1S33. After graduating, accepted a position as teacher in St. James' Academy in Baltimore county, Md., for some twenty months. On June 26, 1838, was licensed by Washington Presbytery, and exactly one year after was ordained a minister. On October 31, 1839, married at Martinsburg, Knox county, Ohio, Miss Catharine B., daughter of David Parks, of that town, born in Wooster, Ohio, November 14, 1819. Ten children blessed their union, six sons and four daughters ; the eldest of his sons is a clergyman in the Presbyterian Church, near Albany, Ills. In June 24, 1840, Mr. F. was established pastor of West Union Church, Marshall county, Va., and remained about seventeen years ; was then called to Lower Bufialo, in his native county, and was for the next eleven years pastor of a congregation. Thence to Marshall county. Ills., and occupied the pulpit in the Mansfield Church for seven years, and in 1S76, moved to this county and supplied the Limestone pastorate up to the Spring of 1879. Has, during his p.istoral life, attended four meetings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. After leaving the Limestone Church, retired from the labors in which he has been so ardently engaged for the past forty years. His family are all members of the Presbyterian Church. Another of his sons is at present at the Academy of Campbellsburg, Penn., preparing himself for the ministry.

FORD JOHN, farmer and stock raiser. Sec. 32, Kickapoo, was born in Devonshire, England, March 12, 1821. Was educated in the schools of his native country. In March, 1850, married Miss Phoebe Ann Fry, a native of the same place as husband. They have six children living, all sons. Immediately after marriage, immigrated to this country and settled in this county, owns 403 acres of very valuable land, well improved ; is Democratic in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church. He is school director of his district ; he began poor, but is now one of the prosperous farmers of the county.

FOX WBI. blacksmith. Sec. 35, P. O. Alta, was bom in Lincolnshire, England, June I, 1S18, was educated in the schools of his native country, and also teamed the blacksmith trade. In January, 1846, married Miss Ann Rouston, born January 29, 1S23. They are the parents of six children, four of whom are living, two sons and two daughters. In 1S51, they came to this country and settled in, this county, where he has followed his trade since. Owns one acre of land on which he lives and has his shop. Democratic in politics and a member of the Episcopal Church.

FRY THOS. farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Kickapoo, was born in North Devonshire, England. December 24, 1832, and secured a common school education. Married Miss Christina Symmonds, April 20, 1858, native of the same shire as her husband, bi>rn July 12, 1836. They have five children : George, Robert, Hettie, Mary and Annie. Owns 320 acres of land which, for fertility of soil, can not be surpa.ssed in the county. The most of his time has been spent in farming and handling stock, in which he has been quite successful, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors. Is Independent in politics.

OALE STEPHEN', farmer. Sec. 36, P. O. Alta; was born in Sailsburg, N. H., December 28, 1820. He attended the district schools of his native county and pursued the higher branches at Dartmouth College. On April 4, 1S44, married in Vermont Miss Sally .\nn Bailey, a native of that State, born June 7, 1824. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. In 1S52. they came West and settled on the beautiful farm he now occupies on Sec. 36, Radnor township, containing eighty acres to which he has since added eighty acres more; is Republican in politics; has been justice of the peace for six years and has hcM other local offices in the township.

GEKM.VX C'lIAKLES, farmer. Sec. 12, P. O. Dunlap: was born in lladen, Germany, November 3. 1833, and was educated in the schools of his native country. In 1848 immigrated to the United Stales and settled in Erie county, N. Y., where he lived up to the Fall of 1853 : then came to Peoria county Ills. Married in 1856, Miss Josephine Dinuenode, a native of France, born April I, 1836. He owns eighty acres of farm land in a high state of cultivation ; is Democratic in politics, and « member of the Roman Catholic Church. Is at present school director of the district in which he resides.

GIFFOKl) WILLI.ASI, farmer. Sec. 35. P. O. Alta. The subject of this sketch is a son of William and Rebecca Gifford, tue Ellis, and was boro in the town of Falmouth, Mass., February 5. 181 1. He received a good education and at the age of sixteen years entered upon the study of chemistry and pharmacy, to which he devoted several years close application. On the 2ist day of November, 1833, in the city of New Bedford, he united in marriage with Miss Meriam H., daughter of John and Anna Baily. who was bom at Hanover, Mass., December 5, 1813. and who, like her husband, had received all the advantages afforded by the schools of that period. In June, 1736, Mr. Gilford came to Illinois to "spy out the land," and selected Peoria as a permanent home. November of that year, he returned to the " Old Bay State " for his wife and a stock of goods. On Febraary I, 1837, ihey left New Bedford for their future home, and on the 2d took passage on the barque "Jane" for New Orleans. At New Orleans they transferred to a Mississippi river steamboat, and reached Peoria on the 2d day of April, and have resided in the county since. Mr. and Mrs. Gilford are the parents of eleven children - Helen C. H., was born in New Bedford, Mass., June 15. 1835, married Elias H. Pratt, May 23, 1S33, and died May II, 1869; Caroline P., was born at Net^ Bedford, December 2, 1836, and died at Peoria, .August S. 1S37; .Vnna T., was born at Peoria, May 24. 1S39. and married Kdwaid Butler, .March 19, 1S63; John B., was born September 21, 1S4I, married Miss Kmeline Johnson, September 28, 1S64, and is living in Chainpaign county ; Suban L., was born -April 20, 1S44, married Edward Merrill in February, 1879. and is living in Union county; Charles, wa:> born October 30. 1845; Edward, was bom December 10, 1847, and died in March, 1856; Irene and Miriam H., (twins) were bora .August 4, 1850, Irene, married Edward Douglas, December 25, 1S72, and .Miriam 11., married Isaac W. Grant, December 23, 1871 ; William H., was born October 20, 1852, and died January 12, 1855 ; Alice G., w.as born .April 5, 1855. The father of Mrs. Gilford is an honored and respected citizen of Lynn, Mass., and has lived to sec his ninety-third year.

OII..I.ETT .lOHN, M. D., physician and druggist, res. Dunlap ; Wfis born in Columbia county, N, Y., on the stii day of September, 1S23, at the age of two and a half years his parents moved to Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y. Is the second son of Gardner and Phoebe Gilletl. Father native of Massachusetts and mother of New York. Remained in Wayne county until 1S35; thence removed to l'hclp.s, Ontario county, N. Y., where he w.is educated, took an academic course at Waterloo, Seneca county, at which place be read medicine in the office of Dr. Landon Wells, and graduated from the Geneva Medical College in 1850. After practicing one year in his native State came West and located in LaSalle, Ills., and followed his profession up to 1S64 ; thence removed to Trivoli township, this county, and remained up to 1S71 ; thence to Dunlap; made the first improvement in that town. Alter completing a building engaged in the drug business in connection with the practice of his profession. Married in Varrick, Seneca county, N. Y., in 1852, Miss Julia Manning, who died at LaSalle, Ills., in 1864, leaving one child, Lucy C, born June 20, 1861. In l856. Doctor married his present wife Miss Almira E. Blood, who is the mother of two children, one living - Jessie B., born June 16, 1872, being the first child born in Dunlap.

GORDON SAMUEL, farmer. Sec. 15, P.O. Dunlap; was born in Park county, Ind., November 17, 1841. In March, 1856, came West and located in Radnor township, Peoria county, Ills., and married January I, 1876, to Miss Nancy A. Strain, a native of Iowa. They have three children, Sarah, Elnora and Elizabeth. Owns 176 acres of .valuable land, elegantly improved and very fertile. Is a member of the Salem Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. In September, 1861, enlisted in Co. H, 47th Ills. Vol. Inf., and was mustered out October 20, 1S64, at Springfield, Ills. Mr. G. is one of the large and well to do farmers of the county, a man and citizen respected and admired in the community in which he resides. Republican.

HARRISON ABSALOM, farmer, P O. Dunlap. was born in this county, July 17, 1841, and attended the district school of his native county. On May 24, 18(13, married Miss Hester A. Kidd, daughter of Richard Kidd (deceased), of Akron township, born October 31, 1S42. They have five children: Essie L., born January 24, 1868 ; Marian J., born March 6, 1870; Lorin E., born April 26, 1S72 ; Lydia H., born December 10, 1873; and Myron A., born December 21, 1S76 ; owns 250 acres of valuable land, 160 acres in a high state of cultivation and well improved. Politically he is Republican ; is at present school trustee and has been director ; is lecturer of Salam Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, No. 1483. Hawley P. W. farmer, P. O. Alta.

HAWLEY PETER R. farmer. Sec. 25, P. O. Alta, was born in Bennington county, Vt., September 24, 1813. When but two years old, his parents immigrated to Oswego county, N. Y., where he was brought up and educated. In 1835 moved West and located iu Peoria county, where on Dec. 24, 1846, mar- ried Miss Adelaide Hinman, of Oswego county, N. Y., born February 28, 1825. They have seven children : Alden L., Frank J., Derry L., Justice T., Peter T., Guy and Charles Burt. Mr. Hawley owns 308 acres of land, over half is under a high state of cultivation and well improved ; is Republican in politics, and one of the energetic and industrious citizens who have been so conducive to the county's welfare.

HARLAN HARRISON, farmer. Sec. 22, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Radnor township, February 12, 1S42. His early education was received in the schools of the county. On March 6, 1862, he married Miss Hannah L. Gordon, also a native of this township, born January 10, 1847. They have seven children, three sons and four daughters ; own 278 acres of valuable land, elegantly improved ; is Republican in politics ; entered the service in 1864, during the late war of the Rebellion, and served to its close in Co. "A." 32nd Ills. Vols.

HIBBS EV^VN L. blacksmith, residence Dunlap, was born in Lambertsville, N. J., September 15, 1843. While an infant his parents moved to Philadelphia, Pcnn., where he was educated, and commenced learning his trade, and at the age of eighteen, started for Easton, Ind., and there finished his trade. In March, 1862, moved to Brimfield, Peoria county. Ills., and lived one year ; enlisted in Co. " C." 148th Ills. Vol. Infty., but afterwards transferred to the 47th, and served until the close of the war. After returning home removed to Princeville, where he married in the Fall of 1S66, Miss Emily Hitchcock, born February 14, 185 1. They have one child, Willis, born December 5, 1867. In the Spring of 1S76, they removed to Dunlap, where he has worked at his trade since. Mrs. H. died in May, 1870; September 10, 1876, Mr. H. married Miss Ella Young, a native of this county ; is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and a Democrat.

HITCHCOCK BURTON A. farmer. Sec. 2, P. O. Dunlap, is the son of Jedadiah J. Hitchcock, who was born in Greene county, N. Y., September 8, 181 1, and married Miss Elizabeth Artman, who died in March, 1855, leaving three children, two sons and one daughter. In 1857 he married Mrs. Salome S. Cooper, his present wife. One child blessed this marriage. In the Fall of 1836 settled in Peoria county, Ills. The subject of this sketch was born in Greene county, N. Y., October 31, 1834, and when two years old came to the county with his parents. Is Democratic in politics and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

HUBER AQUILLA, boots and shoes, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Tazewell county. Ills., .Xpril 30, 1854. In 1858, with his parents moved to St. Louis,

History Of Peoria Countt

Mo., »nd from there to Peoria, Ills., the Fall of 1864. His early education was received principally in Peoria, where he also learned the shoe making trade. In September, 1S76, settled in Uunlap and engaged in his present business, and has by fair dealing and close attention to business built up a very profitable trade. Is Republican in politics.

JACKSON JOHX, farmer. Sec. 15. P.O. Dunlap. Was born in Yorkshire. England, August 10, 1807. His education was partially received in his native country. In 1S19 immigrated to the United States with his parents, and located in Newcastle county. Delaware, and lived there some eighteen years, and in 1837 moved west and settled on his present farm in section 15, Radnor township. In 1851 he married Mrs. Elizabeth .\ukland, a native of Lincolnshire, England. Mrs. Jackson had two children by her former husband, and five by the present marriage ; two sons and three daughters. Own 220 acres of valuable land well improved. Mr. J ack.son is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Church, Held the office of highway commissioner for a number of years. His step-son and also the husband of his step-daughlcr were in the Union army. The former serving one year and the latter three years.

KNOTT WM., Sr. farmer. Sec. 26, P. O. Aha, was burn in .Mason county, Ky., March 31, 1803 ; was brought up and educated there, and in 1S28 marrieil, in Washington, Mason county, Ky., Miss .Sarah E. Knight, a native of Italtimore, Md., born Match 12. 1813. They have had thirteen children, five living - Emily, John, Joseph, Wm., jr., and Elizabeth. On March 12, 1830, they came West and settled In Peoria city, and in 1850 purchased and began Improving ihe beautiful farm he now occupies in Radnor township, which contains 360 acres in a high state of cultivation.

Also owns ss acres in other portions of the township. Is Democratic in politics, and has held various local offices in the county. His son William enlisted, in 1864, in the 108th III. Vols., and ser\-ed to the close of the rebellion. Kuult William, farmrr. P. O. Alia.

KRAMER JACOB, tin and hardware. P. O. Dunlap, was born in Peoria, III., Aug. 27, 1853. and attended the schoels of the city. He married Miss Annie Spannier, a native of Richwoods, bom April 23, 1853. They have two children - Emma, born March 20, 1877, and Lena, bom .\ttg. 19- 1878. Mr. K. is independent in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. On the nth of April. 1876. purchased and began erecting his store and residence in Dunlap, and after Its completion began the bosiuess in which he is now engaged, and has attained a good trade.

M.VTTHEWS W.\LL-\CE, grain and stock dealer. Sec. 0. Medina township. P. O. Dunlap. was born in Henry county. 111., on the I2th day of January, 1843, and six months later his parents removed to this county. His education was obtained In the schools of Peoria city. In 1865 he married Miss Eliza A. Ferguson, a native of this county. They have two children - Harry L., born Dec. 14. 1866, Edward W., bom May 21, 1S74. Is Republican in politics. In the Fall of 1877 Mr. M. engaged in his present business, which has grown to large dimensions under his judicious management.

P.VRKS JOHN H. farmer. Sec. lo, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Knox county, Ohio, Jan. 8, 183J. and was educated in his native county. In 185$, came to Peoria county. 111., and married in 1857, Miss Dorathy G. Hervey, of Washington county. Pa., bom June 35, 1843. .Seven children have been bom lo them, three sons and four daughters. He owns tto acres of land, elegantly Improved and ver}' valuable. Is Republican in |>olitics and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He enlisted in 1863 in what wat then known as the Maine recruits, but after having served nine months. Congress failed to establish such a branch of service and were consequently disbanded, Ii a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.

ROGERS GEORGE A. farmer, Sec. 17, T O. Dunlap, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., Oct. S. 1S31. His early education was principally receivetl in the schools of his native county. Came to Peoria county. III., in 1S43, and in 1S57 married Miss Maria, daughter of J. L. Wakefield, of Radnor township. They have five children - -Adolphus J., born Oct. 26, 1S57; Mary J., born Nov. 15, 1S59; Grant S., born Nov. 17, 1863; Olive B., born Oct. 2, 1869; Gratta J., born April I, 1873. Mr. Rogers owns seventy acres of valu.able land, well improved. Politically he is Republican. Holds the office of justice of the peace. Enlisted in 1S63 and served to the close of the war.

ROGERS JAMES H. farmer, Sec. 4, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., Jan. 31, 1839. In 1843 he immigrated with his parents to Jubilee township, this county. On his way out, his father was drowned in the Mississippi river, below St. Louis. His mother lived in Jubilee township up to the time of her death, which occurred March 12, 1879, leaving seven sons and one daughter, of whom James H. is the fifth son. He was educated in the schools of the county. Oct. 10, i860, he married Miss Sarah A. Blake, a native of Peoria city, born May II, 1S41, by whom he has three sons and four daughters. Owns 360 acres of beautiful land on the home place, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Has held several offices of the township. Republican in politics. Rogers Wm. farmer, P. O. Dunlap.

ROGERS "WM. H. farmer, Sec. 9, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Westchester county, N. Y., October 11, 1836. At the age of six years came to Illinois with his parents and the rest of the family and settled in Jubilee township, where he attended school. In 1S61 he married Miss Jennett E., daughter of John L. Wakefield, of Radnor township, born Nov. 22, 1841, who is the mother of six children - Logan A., born Oct. 24, 1867; Charles, born Feb. 11, 1870; Leslie J., born Oct. 3, 1S71; Wilson N., born May 29, 1S73; Wm.,born Feb. i, 1875, and the baby, a son, born May 5, 1879, In i866 Mr. R. purchased and began improving the beautiful farm on which he now resides, on Sec. g, containing 120 acres, well improved. Is Republican in politics. Has been commissioner of public highways in Jubilee township.

SMITH DAVID, lumber and grain dealer, Sec. 6, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Champaign county, O., July 13, 1S30. In the Fall of 1837, with his parents, James and Maria Smith, and five other children, came to Tazewell county. Ills., and after three years residence there, removed to Peoria county, where he has since remained. On May 11, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Chapin, a native of New York. They have had five children, two are living : Alice, born July 14, 1852, and Ann, born March 6, 1854. The greater part of his life has been spent on a farm. In 1872, entered into the grain and stock business, and in 1875 added lumber. Is Republican in politics. Is at present school director, and has been commissioner of public highways in Radnor. He owns about 300 acres of valuable land, and some desirable town property in Dunlap. Smitli James Mrs. P. O. Duulap.

SMITH JOSEPH, farmer. Sec. 8, P. O. Dunlap, was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 14, 1835. In 1839, with his parents, came West and settled in Tazewell county. Ills., and in 1844, removed to this county for three years, then went to Marshall county one year and returned here for permanent settlement. In 1858, married to Miss Hettie Newkirk, a native of Tazewell county. Ills., born November 30, 1839. They have four sons and three daughters. Owns ninety acres of land, the most of which is well improved. Republican in politics. Smith Peter, farmer, P. O. Duulap.

S3IITH WM, farmer. Sec. 6, P. O. PriuceviUe, was born in Champaign county, O., February 10, 1837. While yet an infant, his parents came West and settled in Tazewell county, Ills., for some three years, and removed to Peoria county where he received his early education, and was married in i86o to Miss Martha E. Bush, who died in 1876, leaving three children, all sons. On July 4. 1878, he married his present wife, who was Miss Carrie Taylor, daughter of B. S. Taylor, of this county, born June 4, i860. Mr. S. owns 160 acres of farm land rarely surpassed for fertility of soil and improvements. Republican in politics.

TAYLOR BURTES S. farmer. Sec. 7, P. O. Princeville, was born in New York City, September g, 1828, and was brought up and educated in that city. Married Miss Alice Gregory, of New Jersey, in 1853, who died in 1S67, leaving two sons and five daughters. In 1872, Mr. Taylor married in this county his present wife, Araminta Sawyer, a native of Mercer county, Va., born December 14, 1838. By this marriage there is one child. Mr. T. immigrated to Radnor township, Peoria county, in 1845, where he owns a beautiful farm of 420 acres, under a high state of cultivation. In 1846, enlisted under Col. Ringgold for service during the Mexican war, and served until its close. He is now one of the prosperous and well to do farmers of the county. He started at twenty-five cents per day in a rope walk, and boarded himself. Tallyn EUzahetli. farmer, P. O. Klckapoo.

TUIGEK WILLIAM, farmer. Sec. 34. P. O. Alti, Wis born in Devonshire, England. August 15. 1826. where he was brought up and educated. In June, 1S51. immigrated to this country, and settled in Peoria county, where he married, in 1856, Miss Ellen Stewart, who dietl in October, 1866, leaving one son and two daughters. He afterwards married his present wife, who was Miss Jessie Stewart. 15y this marriage they have one son. Mr. Tri^er owns 400 acres of very productive and well improved land ; is independent in politics, and a member oi the Episcopal Church, and school director.

TUCKElt CYKUS. farmer. Sec. 29, P. O. Kickapoo. was born in I'lyraouth, Mass., July 19, 1809, was educated in the common schools of his native town. In .-Vugust, 1841, married Miss Abigal T. A. Shaw, who died in 1846. leaving two children, one o( which is now living. Clarence S. On September 13, 1S57, married his present wife, Miss Fannie Keim, a native of Somerset county, I'enn., born May 19, 1823. The fruit of this union is two children, one is living, (jeorge W. In October. 1S41. immediately after his first marriage, they removed to Radnor, Peoria county, where he owns 420 acres of superior farming land; is Democratic in politics; has been township supervisor of Radnor for two terms, and held other local ofrice>.

VAX FATTEN' ItOBEBT «., A. M. was born in .Sterling. Cayuga county, N. Y.. March 17, 1825 ; is the son of Dr. Peter Van Patten, and Lydia Van Patten, the daughter of John Bullock, a well known English farmer, of .\lbanycouuty,N. Y. The parents of Mr. Van Patten settled in Stcrlini;. N. Y.,in 1816 and were among the fir»t settlers of that section, then known as Western New York. No schools near - the diKtor fitted up a log cabin and taught in it himself a free school, for the benefit of his own and his neighbors' children ; leaving the school in the care of his daughters-only twelve years of age, when he was called away on professional business. He died in 1829. at the age of fifty-one, leaving ten children to the sole care of their mother; but he had provided by tvilHox a liberal English education of the five younger ones of the ten. Of the five, after leaving a very good common school, - one. Dr. M. H. Van Fatten, deceased, well known in this county, by his own efforts, acquired a medical education ; and the two youngest, K. I), and John U., also by their own efforLs, using teaching as the means, passed through a complete classical college course, at Middletown, Connecticut. Early in life. Robert IS. chose tc.iching as a profession, and qualified himself for the work. Now at the age of fifly-fivc, he is still at the work of teaching for a part of the year, with the same zeal he did thirty-five yean ago, and linds reit and ncuptralioH in out-door lat>or on the farm. He married, in 1851, Miu Sarah A., daughter I of Rev. \Vm. Nipper, of Somersetshire, England. By this marriage there arc four children living, yit, Sarah Theresa, born September 18, 1852 : \Vm. Johnston, born April 6, 1854; Robert M., born November 23, 1861 ; George Milton, born February 14. 1S68. Sarah T. graduated at the Peoria High School, at the age of sixteen, at the Peoria county Normal School at seventeen ; taught six years in Peoria city, four of the six in the County Normal School In 1877 graduated at the State Normal School, at Oswego, N. Y.. and since has been engaged in teaching at Jamestown. New York. William J. has been a teacher in Peoria county for the last seven years. Robert M. and George M. are at home. His first wife died November II, iS6S. Mtrriedhis present wife. Miss Matilda A. Shulti, of .Navarre, Ohio, July 4, 1869. Of this marriage there are three daughters and one son : Minnie A.. Ellen E., Centa Gertrude, and Albert Bullock. Vtxjrhees Josepb. farmer. F. o. Kickapoo.

VAUGHN BENJAMIN C. wagon maker and blacksmith, res. Dunlap. Was born in Ashland Co., Ohio. Feb. 16, 1837. In Feb. 1854. left home and went to Three Rivers, Mich., and in the Fall of the same year removed to Mount Vernon, Indiana, and remained until January 1S5S, when he returned home, and in March, 1S59 again came West and settled in Callaway Co., Mo., and worked at brick making. In May 1S60. went across the line in Boone Co., Ky., and married Miss Mary E. Burnett, the same year, a native of Kentucky. They have three living children. Emily S., Julia A., and Ilattie .M. In April, 1S63 came to Peoria Co.. 111., and in 1867 again removed to Ford jCo., III., where he remained until 1S74. then came to Dunlap where he commenced the wagon making and blacksmith business, and has built up an extensive trade in his line. Enlisted in. Sept. 18G1 in the First Mo. Mounted Infantry, and served until they were disbanded in the Fall of 1862. Rc-enlisted in February 1S63 in the 7th III. Mounted Infantry, and ser%'ed until the close of the war. Is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Republican in politics.

WAKEFIELD JOHN L. f.irmer. Sec. 18. P. O. Dunl.ip. Was born in Chester Co.. Penn., June iS, 1794. In 1821, moved to Warren Co., Ohio, and married the same year .Miss Martha Strickler of Dauphinc Co., Pa., born Oct. 28, 1805, died Feb. 19. 1879. They had fifteen children, of whom nine are now living, Sarah, born March 24, 1825, Joseph, born Feb. aS, 1S30, William, born Jan. 30, 1832, Wilson N., bom March 17, 1837, Maria, born June 15, 1839, Janette, born Nov. 22, 1S41, Henry 1)., born Sept. 9. 1846, Sophia I.., bom Jan. aS, 1849. and Rebecca.born Jan, 27, 1834. Three of this number are now in California and one in Iowa, and the rest in the immediate neighborhood of the old homestead. In the Fall of 1S34, Mr.

\V. came to Peoria Co., and in 1836. removed to Radnor township on Sec. iS, where he still resides. Owns a fine farm of 160 acres elegantly improved, besides fortyeight and a half acres of timber. Politically is an Old Jeffersonian Democrat, and now after an active life of over eighty-6ve years, is hale and hearty. Had two sons John and Henry enlisted during the war of the Rebellion and served with considerable distinction.

WAKEFIELD WM. W. farmer, Sec. iS, P. O. Dunlap. Was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1832. At the age of four years with his pnrents moved West and settled in Peoria Co, 111,, where he received his early education. Married, in Jan. 1, 1857, Miss Elizabeth Wilkinson, a native of this county, born Aug. 2, 1839. They have four children. Geo. Washington, born Oct. 15, 1857, Frank Leslie, born Aug. 13, 1859, Cora Ada, born July 4, 1S66, and Mabel Evaline, born April 7, 1877. Owns 413 acres of very valuable land well improved. Republican in politics. Has been school director for nine years. Is overseer of Salem Grange No. 1483 ; post of honor.

WILL OTHO B. physician and surgeon, res. Dunlap. Was born in Mercerburg, Franklin Co., Penn., June 27, 1846. Emigrated with his parents in 1856 to Fulton Co., 111., where he was educated. Began the reading of medicine in 1866, in the office of Dr. Swisher of Canton, and graduated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, in iS6g. Immediately after can-e to Peoria Co., and settled in Kickapoo. where he was married in 1870 to Miss Elizabeth Grant, a native of French Grove, born July 7, 184S. They have two children, Maud E., born Jan. 26, 1S73, an infant son Otho Grant, born Aug. 24, 1878. In June, 1S75 removed to Dunlap where he has an extensive practice. Politically he is a Republican, and member of the Presbyterian Church, also a member of Peoria Medical Society.

WILSON CHARLES M. butcher and stock dealer, P. O. Dunlap. Was born in Lafayette, Slark Co., I11.S., Jan. g, 1844. Was educated in the school of his native county. In 1865 married, Miss Jennie Lawson of Hamilton Co, Ohio, born June 7, 1844. Tliey have three children, Henry A., born Feb. 26, 1867, Lizzie B., born Dec. 20, 1868, Minnie A., born March, 26, 1876. They removed to Dunlap in the Spring of 1S74, and he entered into his present business. Enlisted in 1864 in Co. E. 139th 111. Vol. Inf., and served some six months. Republicnn in politics, and has held the office of justice of the peace and township assessor.

YATES JOS. J. (deceased), farmer. Sec. 1, P. O. Dunlap. Was born in Ohio Co., W. Va., Sept. 8, 1832, was brought up and educated in his native county, and in May 1847 came to Illinois and settled in Peoria Co.. where he married, Jan. i, 1856, Miss Elizabeth C. Ready, a native of the same county as her husband, born Oct. 29, 1834. They have nine children, five sons and four daughters. He died Dec. 5, 1877. Widow still survives him. She owns 235 acres of land ; the home place is finely improved. Mrs. Yates is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Dunlap, as was also her husband during life.

YATES W3I. L. general merchant, P O. Dunlap. Was born in Akron township, Peoria county, on the nth day of Sept. 1857, and received a liberal education in the schools of his native township. On the 23rd day of May, 1S78, came to Dunlap and embarked, in April of the following year, in general merchandising, and has met with flattering success. Politically Mr. Y. is a Republican, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Is the only child of Wilson Yates, (deceased) of Akron township.