History of Tazewell county, Illinois ; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens. History of Illinois ... Digest of state laws online

an immense size.

William Berket, farmer and dairyman, sec. 26 ; P. O., Washing-
ton ; born in Addison Co., Vt., Jan. 21, 1818; his ])arents were
Thomas and Mary (Field) Berket, who came from England and
settled in that State, and to this Co. in 1831, landing at Fort Clark,
now Peoria, in Sej)t. of that year, and alter a short stop, came to
this township and made a claim of 160 acres in sec. 26, where he
erected a cabin and lived until his deatii in 1838. On May 12, 1842,
Mr. B. was married to Miss Mary J. Keys, daughter of Laban Keys,



680 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

a native of N. H., and a veteran of the Revolutionary war, in which
he enlisted when 17 years of age; was the first settler to erect a
habitation on the present site of Kalamazoo, Mich., from which
place he came to this township in 1837 and purchased of John
Lindly 200 acres of land now occupied by the residences of J. R.
Crane and Ben. Nichols. He died at his home in Dec, 1865. Mr.
B. carries on an extensive dairy business, manufacturing an average
of 200 lbs. of butter weekly ; has 130 head of cattle, many of them
being thoroughbred Durhams and Jerseys. Another noticeable
occupant of his farm is a large pear tree, which he planted when a
mere switch, and it has grown until it measures over six feet in cir-
cumference, bearing yearly from 40 to 80 bushels of its fruit — the
popular Berket jiear. Mr. B. is one of the early pioneers of this
township, and has realized all the hardships of pioneer life. The
fine impr(jvements of his farm attest his energy and perseverance.
Of his children, 10 are living. David, eldest son, enlisted, in 1861,
in 86th I. V. I., Co. G; was wounded at Goldsborough, N. C,
and died at Newburn, April 12, 1864; Clara J., Annie E., Charles
L., Lafayette, George, William, Ella, Perry, Hattie and Lester.

William A. Berket, farmer and brick-maker, sec. 27 ; born in
Peoria, 111., in 1836. His parents were John and Mary (Thomas)
Berket, who emigrated from England in 1826, and settled in Peoria,
(at that time Fort Clark, there being but one house there at that
time,) where he remained until 1839, when he removed to this
county and purchased 320 acres land, where he lived until 1849,
when he returned to Peoria, where he died in 1875. Married Sarah
J. Wilson, in 1860. She was born in Drum Lodge, Ireland, in
1836. Returned to this county in 1862, and settled on his present
estate. Martha A., Margaret W., John A., James W., Frank,
Samuel, Edward A., Lewis C, and William W., are their children.

William A. Berket, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Washington; was
born in England Aug. 30, 1796, and is the second son of John and
Ann Berket, who emigrated to America in 1816, and went to Ver-
mont, where he engaged in farming, and in 1821 settled at Fort
Clark, now Peoria, there being but few cabins erected at that time.
He became extensively engaged in the nursery business and farm-
ing, his being the first nursery started in the State north of the
Sangamon ; was also engaged in farming in Greene Co., and spent
one winter in Madison Co., and in 1831 settled in this township
on his present estate. Here he erected a cabin and commenced to
improve the farm. The same year he was married to Miss Mar-
garet Barrick, a native of Ohio, where she was born in 1816; she
died in 1852. Charles, Ann, Margaret, Margy, Eliza, John and
Thomas, are his living children. His youngest son, Thomas, re-
sides on the homestead. He was born in this township in 1847, and
in 1872, married Miss Jennie E. Frances, a native of Ohio ; Albert
H. and Lillie Bell are their children. The life of this aged veteran
of four score years has been one of industry and perseverance. An



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 681

early pilgrim to this townsliip, he lia.s lived to see his sons and
daughters grow up witli their families, settled on the land that was
(in his prime) a dense forest. His locks are silvered with the frosts
of time, but he has been spared to be a living witness of the great
changes which have taken })lacc in this township and county.

James Brown, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Washington; was born in
Woodford Co., 111., in 1841, and is the eldest son of Asa and Cath-
erine (Kines) Brown, and grandson of Amos A. and Ruth (Nelson)
Brown, natives of Conn, and Md. His father was born in Switzer-
land Co., Ind., in 180(S, and came to the West in 1834, settling in
Woodford Co., and numbering among the early pioneers of that
county. Came to this county in 1859 and settled on his present es-
tate, consisting of 160 acres; his father still owns 120 acres in
AVoodford county. In 18(32 was married to Miss Mary Noel, a na-
tive of France, where she was born in 1845. Nellie, Nettie, Stella,
Linda, Ida, and George are their living children.

James Cameron, stock dealer, was born in Scotland in 1834.
In 1855 married Plelen Glegg, a native of Scotland, where she was
born in 1824. In the same year emigrated to America and settled
in this city, where he became engaged at blacksmithing for eleven
years, and after two years in the lumber business with F. D. Har-
rington became largely engaged in stock dealing, which business he
has since followed with success. He has served two consecutive
terms on the old Board of Trustees, and was elected to the City
Council at the first election for city officers in 1878. Ann IL,
Belle E., Mary and liouisa L. are their living children. Members
of the Christian Church.

Charles A. Crane, jjostmaster, Washington ; was born in Wash-
ington, March 9, 1839; married Laura L. Parker, March 4, 1864.
She was born in Washington, April 29, 1841 ; have two children
— William T. S. and James C A. He is a descendant of Mathew
and Martha (Rogers) Crane, natives of Pa., from which State tlujy
emigrated to O. and to this county in 1835 ; his father died Sept. 28,
1855. His wife still survives him at the age of 77 years. Mr. C.
engaged in teaching until his ap{)ointment as P. M. in March 1870,
which office he has filled to the present time. He is a member of
the Methodist Church.

James H. Crane, general broker, residence and business. Main
street; was born in Zanesville, O., Sept. 14, 1824; came to this
county in 1835, and settled in this city, where he became engaged in
carpentering and milling; married Leva A. Burton, Sept. 13, 1855.
She was born in Ky. in Oct., 1835. In 1854 he opened a general
brokerage office in which business he has been entirely successful ;
filled the office of School Treasurer for 16 years and is well known
throughout the town and county.

A. G. Danforth, banker, Washington ; was born in AVashington,
111., Dec. 8, 1840, and is eldest son of Asa H. Danforth, who was
born in Norton, Mass., June 4, 1813. His jiarents were Asa and



682 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

Hanniih (Walker) Daufortli, natives of Mass., where they died at
an early day ; and during the years of his boyhood worked on the
farm until seventeen years of age, when he went to Fall River,
where he served an apprentieeship at cabinet making and for four
years after became engaged in the manufacture of furniture at Mil-
ford, Pa. In 1835 he removed to Coshocton, O., where he engaged
in the manufacture of wheat-mills, and in the following year settled
in Peoria and engaged in turning and planing until July, 1836,
when he removed to this city and became extensively engaged in
his profession. In those primitive times machinery was unknown,
and the increasing demand for his goods made it apparent that a
power to turn his" lathe was necessary to meet the requirments of
his trade, and to attain this desired object his inventive faculties
were brought to play, and the problem soon solved. He owned
two large dogs, and these intelligent noble friends were brought to
take an active part in his success. Accordingly, he constructed a
large cylindrical wheel twenty feet in diameter, into which the dogs
were placed for duty. The experiment proved an entire success,
and in this manner he w^as enabled to turn out hundreds of bed-
steads and other articles of furniture which found its way to the
cabins and homes of the pioneers. He erected the mill now occu-
pied by Andrew Brothers, in 1844, and has in various ways added
to the growth and prosperity of the city. He was for four years
Director of the eastern extension of the Peoria & Otpunvka R. R.,
and at an early day established the first banking institution in this
city, and became entirely engaged in the interests and development
of his Western home. Of him we may say he is a self-made man
in every respect. Beginning without capital, but with a determined
will and ready hands. His unquailing purpose and tireless indus-
try, making every opportunity useful, combined wdth scholarly
enthusiasm," with which he acquired wealth. He w^as married in
Feb., 1839, to Miss Catherine Rupert, a native of Mt. Pleasant,
Va., where she was born in 1819 — Almon G., Henry R., Harriet
C, Caroline R., Catherine M., are their living children. Mr. D.
retired from the active pursuits of life in 1872.

The subject of this sketch began life in the mercantile business
and became a partner in the banking house of his father, w^here he
has since been actively engaged. In 1872 the firm dissolved, and
Mr. D. assumed control of the institution. Was married in 1861,
to Miss Susan A. Burton, a native of this city. From the marriage
five children are growing up in all the educational advantages of
the present day. They are George C, Jessie M., Cassie A., Asa
H., and Mary. Mr. D. is among those of the present business men
of the city and a social genial gentleman. His residence stands
upon the site of ground historic as the spot where the palatial log
cabin of William Holland Sr., was erected in 1825. Mr. D. takes
a just pride in his blooded stock of horses, prominent among which
is Fairy Gift, a brown stallion of Hambletonian stock, who has a



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 683

record on private trial of 2 :38J after two montlis work including;
breaking;. He will undoubtedly rank among the celebrities of
American trotters. Nellie, grey" marc, Restless, bay mare, Dolly,
bay filly, and a thoroughbred bay mare, all Hambletonian stock,
also bay stallion. Live Oak, bred by Col. Peppers, of Ky., all of
which promise fair records and are valuable stock.

Robert Davis, ticket agent and telegraph operator of T. P. & W.
R. R. ; was l^orn in Laiue, county of Antrim, Ireland, in 1852;
married Martlia Davis in June, 1876. She was born in Laine Co!
in 1858; emigrated to America in 1871, and settled in Peoria,
where he became engaged with the T. P. & W. R. R., and by strict
attention to duties has been promoted to his present position, which
he fills with satisiaction. Are members of Presbyterian Church.

Henvy Iknhurt, merchant and banker, of the firm of Anthony &
Denhart; was born in Hessel Kassen, Dec. 8, 1842, His parents
were Andrew and Mariah (Storner) Denhart, natives of Germany.
They emigrated to America in 1853, and settled in this city. In
June, 1866, the present Partnersliip was formed with Mr. A., which
has been successfully carried on to the present time. In March
1872, he was married to Clara S.Lawson, a native of Somerset Co.,'
Pa., where she was born in 1833. Mr. D. has always taken an ac-
tive part in the interests of the town and countv, and was elected to
t\iG City Council, March, 1877.

John W. Douf/hcHy, attorney at law, was born in New Castle Co.,
Del., in 1824. His parents Avere Dennis and Margaret (Baldwin)
Dougherty, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania. They emigrated
to Dayton, ()., in 1828, thence to Centreville, Ind., where he re-
sided until 1857, when he came to this county and settled in this
city and became engaged in the grocery business. He then com-
menced tlie study of law, relying upon his own efforts and ambi-
tion; he was admitted to the' Bar in Jan., 1874. He now fills the
office of City Attorney, and is successful in his profession. In 1852
he married Caroline E. Hornish, who was born in Wayne Co., Ind.,
in 1834. William J., ]\Iartin D., Forest and Florence, twins, John
B., Robert, Edith A., Martha PI, and Laura C. are their living
children.

Reuben W. Dunningfon, farmer, sec. 30 ; P. O., Washington ; was
born in Putnam Co., Ind., in 1836. His parents were Joshua and
Mary (Spencer) Dunnington, natives of that State, and who emi-
grated to 111. in 1840, and settled in this townshij) one mile west of
AVashington. From that place he moved to Walnut Grove, now
Eureka, where he lived until his death, in 1844. His mother died
in 1876. Mr. D. settled on his present estate in 1848; was mar-
ried in 1868 to Miss Catherine Bayler, daughter of John Bavler, an
early pilgrim to this county. She was born in this town"ship in
1847. They have six children — Mary M., John C, George E.,
Reuben F., Cora M., and Catherine.

Christian Engel, farmer, sec. 5 ; P. O., Washington, was born in



684 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

Woodford Co., 111., in 1840. His parents were John and Barbara
(Detwilda) Engel, natives of France. They emioratod to America
in 18.'j1 and settled in Woodford county, where his father is still
livinjy; his mother died in 1874. He came to this county in 187.3,
and settled on his present estate, consisting of 160 acres, valued at
$65 per acre. The same year was married to Miss Elizabeth Nof-
singer, who was born in this county in 1848, and was the daughter
of John Nofsinger, an early settler of this county. Ida E., John
A. and Anna M., are their living children. Members of the Ornish
Church.

George Ferner, farmer, sec. 25 ; P. O., Washington ; born in
Somerset Co., Pa., in 1815. His parents were Abraham and Bar-
bara (Smith) Ferner, natives of Pennsylvania. He married Miss
Catherine Weyand, in 1835. She was born in Somerset county, in
]812. They have five children — George W., John W., Sarah,
Mary, and Elvina ; lost one, Barbara. He came to this county, in
1851, without means and rented land until, by frugality and indus-
try, he was enabled to secure 40 acres of land, where he lived until
he purchased his present estate. He is a Deacon in the Evangelical
Church, of which the family are members.

3Iarii A. Field, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Washington. Mrs. F. is
the wadow of Anthony Field, who was born in Franklin Co., Vt.,
Aug. 15, 1808. He was married to Miss Mary A. Hathaway, Aug.
11, 1836, a native of Swanton, Vt., where she was born April 17,
1817. Mr. F. came to this county in 1835, and settled on their
present estate, consisting of 260 acres, where he resided until his
death, which occurred Dec. 19, 1878. He was one of the early pio-
neers to this county, and the first man to lay out the roads through
this section of the township. He died, l)eloved and res})ected by all
who knew him. He was a mcml^er of the Methodist Church.

Peter Fifer, grain broker; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Jan.
21, 1821, and emigrated to this county in the spring of 1842, where
he engaged in farming for some years, when he commenced buying
grain and stock, opening the grain house of Fifer & Co., at Peoria,
in 1866, which is still in successful o})eration. He also has a saw-
mill in operation in this city, where he is extensively engaged in
business. He was married in 1843, to Miss Mary J. Curtis, a
native of Erie Co., Pa., by whom he has four children — Cordelia,
Inez, Charles M., and Ellie. Mr. F. is among the foremost of the
business men of this city, and was the people's choice to fill the
Mayor's chair in March, 1877, at which time the city was incorpo-
rated ; was also elected Supervisor April 15, 1879, and has always
been identified with the interests of the town and county.

John Frederick, farmer, sec. 7 ; P. O., Washington ; was born in
Germany, in 1833, and emigrated to this country in 1855, settling
in Butler Co., where he resided two years, when he removed to this
county and settled in Morton, where he lived two years. He then
came to this township and settled on his present estate ; was married



HISTORY OF TAZEAVELL COUNTY. 685

in 1859 to Miss Nancy Graves, a native of Ohio. AVilson Freder-
ick is their only child. He has a farm of 80 acres, and 10 acres of
timber, valned at ^70 per acre; also owns 100 acres in Fairbnry,
Livingston Co.

C. J. Gibson, of the firm of Gibson & Co., grocers, Main street;
residence, corner Catharine and I^Ilm streets. He Avas born in Lan-
caster Co., Pa., in 1823; his parents were Cyrus J. and Margaret C.
(Canon) Gibson, natives of that State, who emigrated to tiiis county
in November, 1830, and settled in this township, where he purchased
a claim and erected a log cabin, where he died in 1832. His son
remained on the homestead until 1863, and moved to Woodford Co.,
and after a few years returned to Washington, when, after some years,
he embarked in his present business, in w^hich he has been success-
ful. He is one of the early pioneers of this township, and expe-
rienced all the hardships of pioneer life.

George D. Gibson, farmer and dairyman, sec. 34, P. O., Wash-
ington ; born in Fayette Co., Pa., in 1810; parents were John and
Nancy (Mills) Gibson, natives of N. J. and Pa. He worked at
home until he had saved $100, with whi(;h he pui'chased a horse and
equipments and in the fall of 1834 started for the West, and made
his claim on the site of his present estate and commenced work in
Washington at wagon-making with Wm. Spencer ; the same winter
split 5000 rails, enduring much hardship and privation ; has hauled
wheat to mill that weighed 60 lbs. to the bushel and in those j)rim-
itive days portage was paid in produce. Some years later he became
engaged in business at Pekin, where he continued until he was
enabled to purchase a few cows and commenced on a small scale in
the dairy business. Mr. G. has now increased his farm to 360 acres,
which he has gained only by continued perseverence and economy,
and all the privations of pioneer life. He was married in 1836 to
Miss Alice Berket, a native of Vt., where she was born in 1820.
Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Charles, Martha, George, William and
Mary, are their living children. He is an Elder in the Presbyteriau
Church.

U. Z. Gilmer, D.D., pastor Methodist Church, was born in Brown
Co., O., in 1846. His parents were Derrick and Margaret (Strain)
Gilmer, natives of O. and Pa„ respectively, who emigrated to Put-
nam Co., Iowa, in 1850, and after four years' residence there,
moved to Decatur Co., Ind., where they resided three years, and re-
turned to Iowa, where they lived for a short time; thence to
Clinton Co., 111., where his father died in 1860. He commenced
his course of studies at the Monmouth Academy after his removal
to that place, in 1865; entered college, in 1869, at Oquawka, Hen-
derson county, where he graduated in 1872, and immediately en-
tered upon his duties as pastor of the Methodist Church at Milan ;
after which he became engaged as teacher in Abingdon College,
Knox Co., where he continued until three months prior to his
Qoming to this county, which he spent at Chaddock College, Quincy,



686 HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.

111. Came to this county Nov., 1878, and has hckl the pastorate of
the Methodist Church since that time in a commendable manner.
In 1870, he married Mary McCullough, a native of Rush Co., Ind.,
where she was born in 1852. Emma, Nellie L., Nina M., and Carl
R. are their living children.

Jacob Glebe, farmer, sec. 31 ; P. O., Farmdale ; was born in
Germany, in 1815, where he married Catherine Stein in 1844. She
was born in Germany in 1816; emigrated to America in 1848, and
settled on his present estate, consisting of 120 acres, 80 acres of
which he entered. He is one of the early settlers of this township,
and well and favorably known. Henry, John, Caroline, Jacob, Jr.,
Levi and Sebasken are their living children. They are members of
the Evangelical Church.

Andrew Gonglof, farmer, sec. 2 ; P. O., AVashington ; was born in
Tazewell Co., in 1841 ; is son of John B. and Mary (Millei-) Gong-
lofP, natives of France, and who emigrated to America in 1839, and
settled in Woodford county, and after a residence in this county, re-
turned to that county where he still resides. The subject of this
sketch settled on his present estate, in 1863. He was married, in
1871, to Miss Elizabeth Roth, by whom he has four children —
Mary, Julia E., Susannah, and Christena. They are members of
the Catholic Church.

John G. Gorin, agent T., P. & W. R.R. and U. S. Express Co.,
was born in Vandalia, Fayette Co., Ill, Feb. 28, 1835. His par-
ents were Sanford P. and Jane H. (Gaunt) Gorin, natives of Ky.
His family came to this county in 1839, and settled on a farm near
this city, where they resided until 1844, when they moved to
Eureka, and after a few years returned to this city. In 1854, he
became engaged in the mercantile business. March 8, 1758, he was
married to Miss Julia A. Wood, a native of Washington city, 111.
He followed mercantile business until 1860, when he received his
appointment to his present position, which he has since filled with
ability and satisfaction, and is one of the oldest agents in the State.
Was for three years President of the Board of Trustees and has
always bore an active interest in the welfare of the town and county,
and been prominently identified with its interests. Is also an offi-
cer in the Sunday-school of the Presbyterian Church, of which the
family are members. Josephine, Elizabeth W., Ellen M., and
Harry W. are their living children.

W. T. Griffith, 31. D., residence, Walnut street ; born in Sullivan
Co., Ind., in 1833. There he commenced the study of medicine,
and in 1856 entered upon a course of lectures at Cincinnati, O., and
the folloAving year began practicing at Washburn, Woodford Co.
In 1858 he moved to Shelby Co. where he attained a successful
practice and was married, in 1859, to Miss Lucy A. Applegate, a
native of Orange Co., Ind., where she was born in 1838 ; came to
this county in 1865 and settled in this city, where he has since
made it his home and been successfully engaged. George M., War-



HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY. 687

den T. and Fiinnie are their living children ; lost two — Willie, and
one that died in infancy.

Henry Gulick, physician, east side of the square ; was born in
Northumberland Co., Pa., in 1839; parents were William and
Annie Clark Gulick, natives of the same State ; commenced his
studies at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in

1865, and in the same year was appointed to the charge of a post at
Fortress Monroe and Lynchburgh, where he was engaged until July,

1866. Returning home he began practice at Mt. Carmel, Iowa, and
the following year was married to Miss Lottie Hay, a native of
Warren Co., O. ; came to this Co. in the spring of 1876 and settled
in this city, where he has conducted a successful practice. Anna
M., Charles B., Agnes W. and Frank H. arc their living children ;
a member of the Presbyterian Church.

John Guth, farmer, sec. 21 ; P. O., Washington ; born in Wash-
ington, 111., in 1839, and is the son of Peter Guth, an early pioneer
of this township. He married Mary Cursman in 1861. She was
born in McLean Co., in 1838; settled on his present farm in 1861,
consisting of 315 acres, valued at $60 per acre. Annie, Joseph,
Katie, John, Jr., Barbara, Peter, Christian, Samuel and Mary are
their living children ; a member of the Omish Church.

Valentine Gunthcrt, farmer, sec. 32 ; P. O., Washington ; born in
Bavaria, Germany, in 1828; emigrated to America in 1852, and
settled in Peoria, w^iere he married Miss Anna M. Ucbel, in 1855,
a native of Bavaria, Ger. Anna M., Bonnie, George, William C,
Emma, Valentine, Jr., Adam, Caroline, Josephine and Louis are
their living children. He settled on his present estate in 1863; a
member of the Methodist Church.

Henry Harms, proprietor of meat market. Main street ; born in
Germany, in 1825; and emigrated to America in 1852, settling near
this city, where he engaged in farming two years, when he worked
at milling with M. Andrews until 1859, when he opened his pres-
ent place of business, where he has since carried on a successful
trade ; same year married Catharine Denhard. She was born in
Germany in 1836. Loney W., Lizzie, Katie and Henry D. are
their living children ; are members of the liuthcran Church.

F. D. Harrington, of the firm of Harrington & Bickman, lumber
merchants, contractors, builders and millers. He was born in Ot-
sego Co., N. Y., in 1830. His parents were John J. and Lydia
(Gallop) Harrington ; was married to Mariah Smith Nov. 24, '58.
She was born in Province of Canada in 1832; came to this county