Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 467-468; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Benjamin Alward. The man who chooses the vocation of a farmer
will in all probability be spared the excitements which belong to some
pursuits and the stirring events which characterize life in the centers
of commerce. He has, however, abundant opportunities for the exercise
of the sterling qualities of manhood and the exhibition of those habits
which are worthy the emulation of mankind. Examples of unremitting
zeal, sincere kindliness and the strictest integrity may be met with in
every agricultural district of our country. It affords us pleasure to
embody in this Album a brief outline of the life of an unassuming
citizen of Canton Township, who is yet well known and highly honored
for his noble character and useful life. Mr. Alward comes of a good
family from the Atlantic Coast. His parents, Stephen and Joanna (Poole)
Alward, were natives of New Jersey, the former having been born in
Somerset County. They removed to Pennsylvania in 1823 and in 1836
journeyed still farther westward, taking up their abode in this county.
They made their home in Canton until 1848, then settled in the township
of the same name, where they subsequently died. They were the parents
of four children, of whom our subject is the third child and only son.
The others are: Sarah, now the widow of John Lawrence; Esther, who
became the wife of Edmund Richmond and died in Knox County; Phebe, who
married Wilson Peck and died in Marshall County.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in Warren County, N. J.,
May 14, 1822. His early life was passed in no unusual manner, the first
prominent event in his career being the journey to this State when he
was fourteen years old. This was in 1836, and in 1847 he was able to
purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 9, Canton
Township, to which his parents removed the following spring. He
continued to successfully prosecute his chosen calling, adding to the
value of his estate by its continual improvement and extended acreage.
It now amounts to three hundred and eighty-five acres which are
carefully and intelligently tilled. So numerous and well-built are the
outbuildings upon it, that at a little distance it presents quite the
appearance of a hamlet. In the spring of 1890 the house, which was
erected in 1856, was destroyed by fire, but during the summer a modern
dwelling was built to supply its place.
At the home of the bride in Peoria County, March 27, 1856, Mr.
Alward was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Holcomb. This lady was
born in Peoria County; January 12, 1838, and is the youngest child of
the late John and Harriet (Richmond) Holcomb. She is a consistent
Christian, and earnest worker in the fields of religion and
benevolence, a sympathizing counselor to her husband and a tender and
wise mother to her children. She has borne twelve sons and daughters,
one of whom died in infancy, and a son, John, when he was just entering
his teens. The survivors are Harriet J., Ida, Elizabeth, Benjamin,
George W., Charles, Henry, Grace, Carrie and Mabel.
Mr. Alward has never been an office-seeker, but manifests an
intelligent interest in political affairs and unfailingly supports the
Democratic ticket. He has been quite deaf since he was twelve years
old, the misfortune having been brought about by an attack of scarlet
fever. He and his wife are active members of the Baptist Church.
