WILLIAM H. CRANDELL, a resident of Peoria, and at present in the employ of the Government as United States Storekeeper, a position to which he was appointed in November, 1889, has long been identified with the agricultural element of this county, and represents the brave citizen soldier of the late war, who, since those trying times has quietly done his duty in whatever position he has been placed. In the exciting and raomentuous days that followed the breaking out of the rebellion, our subject early responded to his country's call, and with noble self sacrifice went forth to aid in fighting its battles and to brave the hardships of a soldier's life, and the privations he suffered uncomplainingly during his long and almost constant service throughout the entire war testify to his loyalty and devotion to the Union.
Mr. Crandell is a native of this county, born in Hollis Township, November 26, 1840, and is a son of one of its pioneer families. His parents, William Zanes and Mary (Johnson) Crandell, were natives of Ohio and came to this State in the early days of its settlement. The father died in Mississippi in 1863, the mother having died when our subject was about three years old.
William Crandell began life as a farmer, having received a very good education in the public schools. He was conducting agricultural pursuits when the war broke out, and as soon as he could arrange it he volunteered to defend his country's honor, enlisting on the 15th of May, 1861, at Peoria, becoming a member of Company A, Second Illinois Light Artillery, better known as the Peoria Battery A. He went with his regiment to Alton, whence he and his comrades were sent to St. Charles, Mo., where they were prepared for the army, and were then sent up the Mississippi River. The first campaign in which our subject took part was that in which Fremont chased Mc-CuHough and Price. He returned immediately to Springfield, Mo., after the battle of Pea Ridge, and some months later took an active part in a battle at Prairie Grove. He was found to be admirably fitted for the arduous and dangerous work of scouting and was thus engaged in Missouri.
Mr. Crandell subsequently accompanied Gen. Grant to Black River Bridge and fought bravely in the battle at that place, and again was in the encounter with the enemy at Jackson and also was in the battle of Champion Hills. After that engagement he was sent to New Orleans, and took part in the defense of that city. He remained there till he went to Mobile, and was active in the capture of Fts. Morgan, Fisher and Gaines.
Our subject again returned to New Orleans, and there they manned the fort at Burwicks Bay, and kept that position till the expiration of his term of service. He was transferred from there to Springfield, and was mustered out August 27, 1865. He had veteranized January 1, 1864, and was kept in the same battery all the time, with the exception of sixty days furlough, and it is remarkable to note that he was never disabled or in a hospital, was never on detached service and was not away from his command during the war.
After our subject returned from his lengthy experience of life on Southern battlefields, he resumed his former pursuit as a farmer, and in the course of a few years established pleasant domestic relations by his marriage, January 1, 1868 to Miss Mary C. Wallace, a native of New York, and a daughter of Robert C. and Margaret (Gaily) Wallace. Her father is still living. Three children have blessed the wedded life of our subject and his wife, of whom the eldest, a son, Charles Franklin, is deceased; the names of the living are Cora Isabelle and Mary Margaret, who live in this county. Cora Isabelle married William Givens, a miner by occupation.
Our subject is a quiet, unobtrusive man and is
universally esteemed. He possesses a clear, intelligent mind, and, of a natural religious temperament, is liberal in his views and has a preference for the Universalistic faith, as have his wife and children also. His career in the army is held in remembrance by his connection with the Joe Hanna Post, No. 117, G. A. R, in Pekin.

[Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, pg.788 Transcribed by Candi Horton, 2007]
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JOSEPH COLLIER. The attention of the reader will be claimed by the portrait and biography of this gentleman who is a widely known and greatly respected citizen of Peoria County. He has for many years been prominently connected with its mining interests, and is now the owner of a valuable mine in Bartonville, which he leases to a company and derives from it a substantial income. He has a beautiful home in Limestone, located about five miles south of the court-house on the brow of the bluff, overlooking the whole city of Peoria, with a fine view of Pekin in another direction.
Mr. Collier was born in Somersetshire, England, August 16, 1817, receiving his early education in the schools of that shire. He followed the business of a mason which he had learned when young, and going to Wales, did mason work in the mines, and from that developed into a miner or an operator of the mines, doing a large business. While in that line he did some of the finest and most scientific work in the Welsh and English mines, as each rock for the shafts was cut and numbered and had its place in the wall, which when completed was a specimen of much better work than is seen in the mines of this county. Mr. Collier says that work was done for all time, the mines being put into proper shape before they were formally opened and it would take years to get them ready. During, his stay in Wales Mr. Collier met and married Miss Ann Kear, who was of English descent. After ten years of married life they came to America and cast in their fortunes with the pioneers of Peoria County, having first sojourned two years in Mercer County, Pa., where Mr. Collier was engaged in the management of some coal mines. After he came here he commenced to operate a coal mine for T. C. Moore, which was one of the first opened in the settlement of Bartonville, before the village was started, that being in the year 1850. He has been very prosperous and acquired valuable property by his operations. He first built a home on his farm in 1853, about four miles south of the courthouse and there he and his wife Ylwelt for twenty years and reared their family of eight children, four now living. Their daughter Jane is the wife of Otis Wilder, of Limestone, now of Lexington, Johnson County, Neb., and they have eight children. Ann is the wife of Griffith Hopkins, of Ohio, now a resident of Maquon, Knox County, and they have five children. Sarah, at the age of nineteen, met her death by a stroke of lightning while standing in her father's door yard. Emma is the wife of Jacob Strasser, a native of Limestone Township, where they now reside, and they have four children. Franklin Joseph is the manager of the company operating the coal bank at Bartonville, leased from his father. This company is one of the most successful in the State. It was first started about six years ago by Mr. Collier, who interested in the venture thirty-five men, who were bound by an article of agreement to keep the bank running, and pay him half a cent a bushel for the coal and one-fourth of a cent a bushel for the improvements until the machinery, which cost $6,600 was paid for, and this year will find them all out of debt, with their franchise greatly improved in value. Franklin J. Collier's wife, whose maiden name was Kate Strassers, is a native of Altona, Pa., where her parents now live. She and her husband have six children-Ernest, Edith Jane, Joseph, Chester, Ethel, and Annie M. Our subject gave all of his children fine educational advantages and educated his girls as teachers, giving them a course in the Normal School of Peoria, from which they were graduated, and his house has always been a home for teachers.
Mr. Collier was for a long time a conspicuous figure in the public life of township and county. He has served as Road Commissioner and as School Director, and in the latter office has been very influential in the establishment of one of the best schools in the county in his district. For ten years he represented Limestone on the County Board of Supervisors, and was one of the foremost in bringing about any enterprise that was calculated to benefit the county, and he will long be held in grateful respect for his active work in securing the building of the court-house. He cast the deciding vote when the resolution for building the new court-house was under discussion before the Board, while many of the others voted against it. He fought hard for it and finally won the day, and justly feels more proud of that than an}' other act of his life. It is greatly due to his personal efforts that the building stands to day a monument of strength and durability, and is an ornament to the city. He looked vigilantly after the work of the contractors, and often got out injunctions and stopped work until the builders would proceed according to the contract. On his return home from the Centennial he found that they had put in concrete pillars instead of solid as had been agreed, and in other ways had slighted the work. He at once took steps to have their blunder corrected and did so after a long fight. When they were putting up the dome he told the contractors it would not stand, and it had to be taken down and rebuilt.
In the fall of 1888, Mr. Collier, accompanied by his wife, went back to visit their Welsh and English friends in Pennsylvania, and while there eel-brated their golden wedding, having an enjoyable time on that memorable occasion and receiving many appropriate and elegant gifts. Mr. Collier has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over fifty years, and his children are nearly all connected with it, his daughters have been active workers in the Sunday school. This fine old English gentleman respects the Lord's Day, and believes that all the good the world knows comes from the fact that England with her manufacturers has pushed the Bible into all lands, and where the people would not accept it as a gift, has forced it upon them at the cannon's mouth, and also from the fact that England, having always kept Sunday and made others keep it, has been blessed for its observance

[Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, pg.793-794 Transcribed by Candi Horton, 2007]
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ELIOT CALLENDER, This name is familiarly known to the citizens of Peoria as having been from the start connected with the Dime Savings Bank, which was organized in January, 1887, by O. J. Bailey, H. P. Ayers, Frank Myers and Mr. Callender. The latter and Mr. Ayers took an active part in its establishment. Mr. Callender was elected the first President, and still holds the office.  This bank occupied during the year 1887 the old A. P. Bartlett residence, adjoining its present quarters to which it was removed in January, 1888. The building is 30x70 feet in dimensions, four stories in height and was erected at a cost of $30,000. The plans were furnished by Burnham & Root, the celebrated architects of Chicago, who had been concerned in the erection of sixty different bank buildings, and who gave to this their best efforts. The material employed is compressed brown stone and brick, with tile floors and Italian marble stairs, the wainscoting of Tennessee marble and the woodwork of polished oak. It forms a beautiful structure, as substantial as it is shapely. The bank building is burglar and fire proof, the safety deposit vaults being equal to any in the State in point of security and strength. In the construction of the vaults over fifty thousand pounds of drill-proof steel were employed. The door, weighing five thousand seven hundred pounds, has a double time-lock, this alone costing $400. By aid of an electric alarm attachment it cannot be even touched without ringing out its signal to the police station. The vault contains numerous safety deposit boxes besides the private safes of the bank, and is in all points as secure as mechanical skill and money can make it.
 The first floor of the bank building, which is ten feet above the sidewalk, is occupied by the bank, and its architectural design is such that light is admitted both at the back and front of the counters. There are four coupon rooms for the accommodation of the patrons of the safety deposit vault, these being also equipped with every convenience for rapid and correct transaction of business. In point of architecture the building is an ornament to the city, and is excelled by few in the State. The bank accepts deposits of from ten cents to $5,000, the latter being the limit. It now has over seven thousand accounts open, all accomplished within the space of three years.
 This bank, as its name implies, was instituted in order to accommodate the class of citizens for whom no banking advantages had hitherto been furnished. Anyone may borrow money upon real-estate security, and as soon as his deposits amount to $100 it can be applied on the loan, and the interest cease. Interest of four per cent, is allowed on savings, the regular rate being seven per cent. Thus, to an honest and industrious individual a mortgage may be robbed of its terrors. The bank accepts no mercantile paper, whatever.
 The present Cashier is Rudolph Pfeiffer, the Treasurer, H. P. Ayers, the Vice-President, O. J. Bailey, and the Manager of the Safety Deposit Vaults, Joseph E. Callender. The bank operates upon a capital of $100,000, but the entire assets of each partner are liable for the liabilities of the bank, which makes its assets over half a million of dollars.
 Eliot Callender was born March 22, 1842, in St. Louis, Mo., and is a son of George H. and Elizabeth P. (Melcher) Callender, who were natives of Maine and Massachusetts. The family left St. Louis when the son, Eliot, was about seven years old, going to Boston, where he attended school, remaining there until a lad of fifteen years. The parents then came to Peoria, and the boy returned to St. Louis, becoming a student of Washington University. Upon completing his studies he learned the trade of a tanner and currier of John Howe, the first Republican Mayor of St. Louis, and was there at the outbreak of the Civil War. About this time occurred the Camp Jackson affair, when, the property of Mr. Howe we becoming jeopardized, it was placed on a steamer at night, and under charge of Mr. Callender brought to Peoria, where he finished up the stock in the building now occupied by the wholesale drug house of Colburn, Berks & Co.
 This accomplished, Mr. Callender in November following enlisted in the United States Navy on the gunboat "Benton," at St. Louis, as an ordinary seaman under the command of Commodore Foote and Admirals Porter and Farragut, and engaged in all the battles on the Mississippi. In the meantime he distinguished himself for his courage and fidelity, and was rapidly promoted from an ordinary seaman to Paymaster, Steward, Master's Mate and Ensign. At the close of the war he was in command of the United States steamer u Marmora," plying the waters of the Mississippi and its southern tributaries.
 In the meantime, in 1864, Mr. Callender returned to Peoria, and was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary E. Fryc, on the 5th of May. Mrs. Callender was born November 11, 1845, and is a daughter of Dr. J. C. Frye, one of the most prominent physicians of Central Illinois. After leaving the navy Mr. Callender embarked in the insurance business with William H. Robinson, under the firm name of Robinson & Callender. They conducted this successfully a few years, then began loaning money for Eastern capitalists upon real-estate security. Upon the death of Mr. Robinson, in 1880, Mr. Callender associated himself with Mr. Ayers, who was then Cashier of the Mechanics' National Bank. In 1883 the banking firm of Callender, Ayers & Co. was organized, Mr. Ayers retiring from the insurance business, which has since been continued at No. 124 South Washington Street under the firm name of Callender & Co.
 In this new banking enterprise the firm consisted of Eliot Callender, Henry P. Ayers, C. R. Curamings (of Chicago), G. T. Barker and Walter Barker. It has been a marked success financially, but was deprived of the services of Mr. Ayers in 1885 on account of his failing health.
 January 1, 1885, Mr. Callender organized the Commercial National Bank of Peoria, with a capital of $200,000, this succeeding to the business of Callender, Ayers & Co. Mr. Callender was President of the former for two years and until 1887, when the Dime Saving's Bank was organized, and to this he has since given his entire time and attention. In the meantime, however, he acted as Vice-President of the Commercial one year, having resigned the Presidency, and was a Director until January 1, 1890, when he was re-elected but declined serving. He is also Treasurer and one of the Executive Committee of the Central Railway Company, and also a Director and Treasurer of the building committee of the Young Men's Christian Association. He was also one of the incorporators and directors in building the National Hotel and the Grand Opera-House.
 Although a Republican in a Democratic city, Mr. Callender has been elected to the offices of Township Supervisor and City Collector, which is sufficiently indicative of his popularity among the people. He belongs to the military order of the Loyal Legion, Illinois Commandery, of which Judge Walter Q. Gresham is Commander. He is member and Treasurer of the Second Presbyterian Church, and was one of the building committee during the erection of the church edifice, which is a fine and beautiful piece of architecture.
 To Mr. and Mrs. Callender there have been born three children, all of whom are living: Joseph E., already spoken of; Anna J. and Eliot, Jr. The family residence, one of the most attractive in the city, is pleasantly located on the corner of Monroe and Jackson, while our subject and his estimable wife occupy a position in the front rank among the social circles of Peoria.
 
 [Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, pg. 777-781  Transcribed by: Candi Horton 2007]
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JOHN L. CLARK. Too great honor cannot be given to those who develop the mind and train the heart of the young, and it affords us pleasure to assist in preserving the record of this gentleman, whose highest claim to future remembrance rests upon his long years of pedagogical labor. Many of his former pupils exchanged his instructions for a place at the head of schools where they, in turn, transmitted the truths of science and morality to the boys and girls in whom the hope of the nation lies, thus giving rise to the familiar name of "Teacher of Teachers" by which our subject is known to many. His present home is on a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 26 and 36, Trivoli Township, although he has retired from hard labor of body and mind, finding great delight in the care of his garden and otherwise enjoying the ease and comfort due after 3^ears well spent.
Mr. Clark was born in Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., April 6, 1815, was three years old when his parents removed to Livingston County, where they lived until 1821, then journeyed by to team to Buffalo, thence by boat to Monroe County, Mich., remaining there until the father was called hence two years Inter. The widow with her family then went to Lenawee County, bought one hundred and ten acres of land in the dense forest, where our subject labored at clearing and other home duties so long as his strength would permit. He had been ill before his father died, and the ague kept a hold upon him until he became too reduced to endure hard work, and developed into serious complaints. The timber on the farm was black walnut of the finest kind and the Raisin River afforded a convenient means of transportation for the logs that-floated down to the sawmills.
Being unable to aid upon the farm, Mr. Clark went to Caledonia, N. Y., to a brother and sister, and attended the village school for a while, then, having heard of an old physician in West Avon from whom it was thought he might derive some benefit, he went there, making his home with the doctor while taking treatment and at the same time pursuing his studies in the academy. His treatment had almost effected a cure, although he never wholly recovered from the effects of his early ill-health. When twenty years old he began teaching, his first school being a winter one at Leroy. At its close he returned to Michigan, and secured a school at Dundee, but in the fall took the position of book-keeper and commissary for his brothers, who had a contract of sixteen miles of the Michigan Southern Railroad, and wished his services.
After working for them two years, Mr. Clark returned to the Empire State, drawn thither by the charms of Miss Rachel Rogers, whom he won for his wife, their wedding taking place in Livingston County,June 3,1840,the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Mr. Fisher, a Covenanter minister. The bride was born in Washington County, her father, David Rogers, being a descendant of the John Rogers who was persecuted and burned at the stake for his principles in the days when Mary, Queen of Scots, upheld Catholicism by force. The mother of the bride was Mary Mills, who bore her husband a large family, most of the male portion of whom moved West and became farmers in Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark came to Michigan, where, not long after, the wife was left while our subject visited Illinois. He crossed the lake to Cleveland, Ohio, went by stage to Columbus, and started on the canal to Sparta, Randolph County, III. The boat traveled so slowly that he and a nephew struck out on foot for Peoria, four hundred and forty miles distant. During the winter he taught in the village of Trivoli. then went after his wife, and also brought with him on his return, a brother, Benjamin, making the trip by wagon. He settled in Smithville, teaching there three years and a half when politics became a source of excitement, and a Democrat was put in charge of the school, our subject being a strong Whig.
Our subject bought forty acres of raw land near the village, built a dwelling and undertook other improvements. The patrons of the school desired him to resume charge after his successor had held the place one term, and he accordingly returned to his former position, and continued his labors until the death of his companion, August 13, 1845. Leaving the place then, Mr. Clark taught in Mercer County, then in Greenfield,Greene County,and after some time went to Michigan, where August 1,1848, he contracted a second matrimonial alliance, wedding Miss Laura M. McManus. This lady was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and receiving an invitation came to the home of a sister in Michigan, filling a position as a teacher in both Lenawee and Monroe Counties; she was also a successful teacher in the neighborhood of her uncle in Ohio. After his second marriage Mr. Clark came back to this county, continuing his pedagogical labors in various districts for divers periods, giving the summers, for a few years, to work upon a farm he had bought, and at last tired of the continual change from farm labor to school turned his entire attention to farming. In 1853, he secured by trade eighty acres of his present farm, afterward buying another tract of one hundred and sixty, but sold half of it, leaving in his possession a quarter section. His wife had charge of this until he abandoned the profession in which he had labored so long and so well. He operated it until the death of his wife, December 22, 1882, when he left it and for some time afterward made his home with his children in Missouri, Iowa and in Livingston County, IL.
At Peoria, March 4, 1889, Mr. Clark was again married, winning as his wife Mrs. Mary J. (Mc-Clelland) Davis. This lady was born in the North of Ireland, reared there and highly educated. When a young woman she came to America with a sister, becoming matron of an institution for the education of negro children in New York City, in which her sister also taught. For twenty-five years she held her place at the head of this institution, then married her first husband, who had at one time been principal of the institute and whose acquaintance she had made there. He had resigned and moved to Michigan, and losing the companion of his early years, some 3 years after her death married Miss Mc-Clelland. They went to England where he died two years later, when the widow returned to New York and was offered the position she had held prior to her marriage. Illness prevented her assuming its duties and she came West to visit a sister, coming to the home of her nephew, W. A. Huston, in this county, where she met the subject of our sketch when he was looking after his farm property here.
By his first marriage Mr. Clark became the father of three children. Isabella is now living in Adair County, Iowa; she married George Walford, who was drowned. Martha E., formerly a teacher in this State and Missouri, now lives in the latter, * being the wife of I. J. Bitler a farmer. Rachel R. died in infancy in 1845. The second marriage of our subject was productive to him of two children. Sarah C. attended Monmouth College, married Simeon Wright and died in Texas leaving an infant son who still survives. Homer J. lives in Livingston County, being editor and joint proprietor of the Pontiac Sentinel; he also attended Monmouth College, was a teacher and was performing the duties of Principal of Gibson City High School when the editor of the Gibson City Courier desired him to manage the sheet a week while he took a vacation; he did so and sometime after the return of the owner formed a partnership with him in buying out the Pontiac Sentinel and running it under the style of Lowry & Clark.
Our subject joined the Presbyterian Church when fifteen years old and has been Ruling Elder since 1843. He has also been Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is now teaching the Bible Class at Pennsylvania Ridge. In politics he has been a true blue Republican since the disintegration of the old Whig party. His farm is well improved, having two dwellings, adequate outbuildings of various kinds, fences, trees, etc., to mark it as a home of plenty. In manners and conversational powers Mr. Clark is pleasing, intelligent-in fact quite cultured, and cordial, making it a great pleasure to converse with him.
The father of our subject was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, May 10,1764. He came to New York with his parents in 1771, receiving a good education, in common with his brother and sisters, and studied medicine. He graduated from an allopathic school in the Empire State, engaged in the practice of medicine in Argyle, N. Y. Going into speculation he lost all his property, more than once, but after each reverse would resume his profession with successful results. He prospected for gold also, spending much money in that way. After living for some years in Livingston County, he located in Michigan, first spending a year in Monroe and then practicing in Raisinville until his death in 1823. He and his brother Robert were both Presbyterian in religion, and belonged to the Free and Accepted Masons.
The mother of our subject was Isabella Campbell, a native of Argyle, N. Y.; she died in Michigan, near Deerfield. She was the mother of fifteen children, whose record is as follows: Eleanor died in New York July 21, 1820 aged twenty-nine years; Margaret was thrown from a horse, having her neck broken, in Blissfield, Mich.; Robert died in Randolph County, IL, in 1842;
James R. died in Minnesota in 1882, aged eighty-six years; Gatherine in Randolph County, 111., in 1837; Jane in Deerfield, Mich., in 1836, aged thirty-four years; William C January 28, 1849. aged forty-four; Elizabeth in infancy; Benjamin in Michigan in 1869, aged sixty-two years; Daniel in Michigan; Ebene-zer, in Washington County, N. Y., aged two years; Eliza, in Caledonia, N. Y., in 1840; Sally Maria in Missouri in 1879; Martha G. in Caledonia, N. Y., aged twenty-nine years. Robert was in the War of 1812, and Daniel in the Black Hawk War. Robert was a physician, finally becoming quite rich and prominent, and died near Sparta, Randolph County, IL. Robert, brother of our subject's father was elected to Congress about the year 1817, where he as early in the history 'of our country as this, by his fearless utterances on the subject of slavery as the destined curse of our land, proves himself to have been a strong abolitionist. After his term of service in Congress expired he was appointed Government Land Agent, and by his wise trading soon became quite rich and prominent. He died near Monroe, Mich., leaving a large family in opulent circumstances.

[Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, pg 257 Transcribed by: Candi Horton -2007 ]
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James CLARK , whose name introduces this review, was about twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's death.  The same year he took charge of the household and in March, 1842, his mother, whose maiden name was Isabella WALKER, died.  In October of that year Mr. CLARK was united in marriage to Miss Susan BENSON, a sister of the Rev. John BENSON, who for many years was the honored rector of Christ Episcopal church of Limestone Prairie.  Mr. and Mrs. CLARK became the parents of  five children: Susan H. who is now deceased; Ella G., a resident of Peoria; James Benson, who died leaving two children, Ruth Lois and James Benson CLARK , Jr.; John W. W. CLARK, who is living in Louisville, Kentucky and his four children, Douglas C., Lucia L., Lois M. and Susan B.; and Cyril B., of Peoria, who has six children, Grace C., Cyril B., Jr., Margaret, Mary C., John Benson and Catherine P.  Douglas C. CLARK  is married and has two children, Dudley K. and Burton L.
Mr. CLARK gave his political allegiance to the republican  party from the time of its organization and kept well informed on the question and issues of the day but never sought nor desired public office.  He held to the religious faith of his ancestors, both he and his wife being members of the Episcopal church.  His death occurred October 24, 1900, and in his passing the community lost a representative and honored citizen, one who from early pioneer times had taken an active and helpful part in the work of general progress and improvement.  He lived to see this section of the state converted from a wild and undeveloped region into one of rich fertility, while the little town of Peoria grew into one of the great metropolitan cities of the Mississippi valley.  He ever rejoiced in what was accomplished and his labors were an element in the general growth and improvement, especially along agricultural lines.  His life was honorable and upright and those who knew him respected him for his sterling worth.

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Elliott Campbell. Radnor Township contains no better example of quiet, efficient pursuit of an agricultural calling than that afforded by our subject. Early in life he determined to become a farmer, and giving all the strength of his mind to becoming proficient in his chosen work, he has succeeded well, having an estate which, although not so large as some, produces abundantly of various crops in their season, and is furnished with such improvements as make it a place of most attractive appearance and a home of great comfort. It consists of two hundred and forty acres on section 36. Campbell is a descendant of two Pennsylvania families of great respectability, his parents being Robert and Catherine (Fasnacht) Campbell, who spent several years after their marriage to their native state. In 1840 they came West, residing in Peoria for a short time, and then removing to Richwoods Township, this county changing their residence to Radnor Township in 1845. Settling on section 36, they continued to reside there until the early part of the 1890's.

When they removed to California, the husband and father dying there April 23, 1890. The widowed mother is still living. Paternal family consisted of eight sons and two daughters, the surviving members being William W., a resident of California; Margaret C., widow of Horace Ferris, of California; Robert E., the subject of this sketch; Hattie R.; Caleb B., residing in Los Angeles, Cal; David F., also living in the Golden State and Charles, C. who likewise resides there. The deceased children died young, with the exception of John F., who gave is life for his country, having been killed in the siege of Vicksburg.

He was a member of Company A. Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry.subject of this notice was born in Richwoods Township, this county, January 5, 1844, but became of age in Radnor Township, where he has spent the greater part of his life. For thirteen years he lived in his native township in the neighborhood where his parents resided. As has been intimated, he is one who has attended to his own affairs not seeking public office or a prominent place among his fellow men. He is sufficiently interested in politics to keep himself well posted regarding the issues of the day, voting the Republican ticket whenever election day comes around. He is a man of decided public spirit, deeply interested in the progress of education, every benevolent work, and all which will increase the material prosperity of this country.

His private character is an upright one, his disposition genial and his manners courteous. He is therefore highly respected by those who know him.the home of the bride in Medina Township, May 3, 1873, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Clara E. Case. This lady is a daughter of Jerome H. and Maria (Howe) Case, both of whom were born in Oswego County. N.Y, but were living the West prior to their marriage. That event was celebrated in Peoria, after which they settled in Medina Township, Mrs. Case dying there in April 1870. Their family consists of five children-Albert, N., Charles N. Clara E., Flora J. and Irving J. The eldest and youngest sons live in this township which was their birthplace, and the second son in Radner Township. The younger daughter is now the wife of E.H. Divelbliss. The birth of Mrs. Campbell took place May 30, 1849. She received an excellent education, and having been carefully reared by her parents, grew to womanhood in the possession of many womanly virtues and accomplishments.
She was formerly identified with the Methodist Church,, but is now a Presbyterian. She has borne her husband five children, whom they are endeavoring to rear in such a manner as to fit them for useful and honorable careers. The interesting group bear the names of Robert J., Walter E., Alice M., Fred C., and Flora M.

[Source: Page 483 Peoria Biographical and Portrait Album - Transcribed by: Londie Benson, source 29]

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Washington COCKLE was born in New York City on May 2, 1811. His father was John COCKLE a descendant of an old English family and his mother a direct descendant of John LEVERETT, one of the colonial Governors of Massachusetts in the latter part of the seventeenth century. Mr. Cockle's father was a wealthy merchant and owned several trading vessels. The son was given a thorough education in New York, engaged in teaching for several years while studying law with the Hon. David S. JONES, a famous lawyer of that time, and was admitted to the bar in 1832. Then, after practicing some time, having caught the Western fever, he came to Peoria in 1838, but finally settled on a farm in Millbrook Township, where he remained until 1846, when he removed to Peoria. He became agent of many Eastern parties and banks, handling their real-estate transactions, his business calling him to all parts of the State. On these trips, which were made on horseback, he met DOUGLAS, LINCOLN, LOGAN and many others who then enjoyed, or afterwards gained, a national reputation. He was also interested in wool-growing and hauled all of his wool to Chicago in wagons to find a market for it. While living on his farm in 1840, he met and married Miss Caroline Tracy ROBBINS, daughter of Judge S. W. ROBBINS, formerly of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, and a granddaughter of Gen. Uriah TRACY, a distinguished member of the United States Senate from Connecticut. This estimable lady made him a most loving wife, who aided him with wonderful bravery to carry the burden of many business reverses that came later in life. They had seven children, of whom one daughter and four sons are still living.

Having removed to Peoria in 1846, he built a frame cottage on Jefferson Street where the Arcade building is now located. Soon after this date he formed a partnership with B.L.T. BOURLAND and Mr. PHELPS and continued the real estate business. In this he prospered, and later became identified in the banking business with Nathanial B. CURTISS and others well known. The accumulation of wealth enabled him to start a distillery in partnership with Richard GREGG, under the firm name of Gregg & Cockle, which was continue in operation during the war. With the adoption of the national banking system, Mr. Cockle became one of the leaders in the organization of the First National Bank of Peoria. He was for many years its President, and it was through his careful business management and tact that the bank was placed upon a sure foundation. Other business enterprises with which he was associated included the first bridge across the Illinois River; the old Peoria & Oquawka Railroad, of which he was a director and Secretary; and the Bureau Valley Railroad, with which he was similarly identified. He was also a prominent factor in connection with Peoria schools, libraries, etc.

Up to this time Mr. COCKLE'S business ventures proved very successful, and he was rated as one of the wealthiest residents of the city. Misfortune began to overtake him, however, and his later enterprises wrecked his fortune and left him a comparatively poor man. He formed a partnership with Henry B. DOX and opened a large pork-packing establishment, which, after a few years, they were compelled to abandon. Previous to this
Mr. COCKLE had expended about $80,000 in the erection of the then finest residence in Peoria. It was at the corner of Jefferson and Hamilton Streets. Later it passed into the hands of Col. R.G. INGERSOLL and, when the National Hotel was erected, it was moved 100 feet northward to make room for that building. Upon
disposing of this property Mr. COCKLE purchased a residence at Monroe and Jackson Streets, which he occupied until the time of his death, which occurred July 15, 1886.

Mr. COCKLE'S could have been a life of political preferment, had he so desired. His early education had fitted him to grapple with and unravel the difficult problems of State, while his true politeness and gentleness of spirit made him popular with all who heard or saw him. To converse with him for a moment was to become his ardent friend and admirer. It seemed impossible for him to make an enemy. Although at one time a prominent figure
in State politics, he steadfastly refused to accept office. He was prevailed upon three times to accept the nomination for the State Legislature-twice for the House and once for the Senate-and was elected, serving his first term in the House in 1846-7. His broad views and fair dealings won for him the respect of all. During
his term of service he made a brilliant speech in favor of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill that had just passed the Senate. He was a great admirer and strong follower of Stephen A. DOUGLAS and a consistent Democrat.
When the issue was brought to a question of the abolition of slavery and the disruption of the Union, he joined
the Republican party and became a warm defender of Abraham LINCOLN. His eloquence and high standing in the Legislature caused him to be chosen to present the name of John A. LOGAN for United States Senator.
The speech was one of the best efforts of Mr. COCKLE'S life and was indeed a brilliant one. Soon after General LOGAN secured the appointment of Mr. COCKLE as postmaster of Peoria, which position he held upwards of six years, and until he was succeeded by John WARNER. Mr. COCKLE was also engaged in newspaper work for a short time as proprietor and editor of the "Democratic Press." Which he sold to Enoch EMERY some time in the 'fifties.

[Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Munsell Publishing Co., 1902, p. 446. Transcribed by Yvonne Takis]

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