ISAAC W. DAVIS, was a pioneer of this county, and during his life took an active part in developing its farming interests, and at the same time improved a valuable farm, which is still in possession of his family. He was born in Marshall County, W.Va., November 14, 1834, and was a son of Albert W. and Mary (Ridifer) Davis. His father was a native of the same State, while his mother is thought to have been born in Ohio. He was the eldest son in the family, and was bred to the life of a farmer amid the beautiful scenes of his birth, and received a fair education in the common schools.
In the fall of 1856 our subject came to this county and settled in Millbrook Township, on the southeast quarter of section 28, which his father had previously purchased, and here he was actively engaged in its improvement until death called him from his labors. He located on it permanently in 1859, and in the years that followed placed it under admirable tillage, and erected neat and substantial buildings, transforming it from a tract of wild prairie to one of the best cultivated farms in the entire region.
Mr. Davis was married December 23, 1858, to Miss Amanda V. Reed, who was, like himself, a native of West Virginia, Marshall County the place of her birth, and February 6, 1840, the date thereof. Her parents were John and Louisa (Caldwell) Reed, the former a native of the North of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent, and the latter a native of West Virginia. Her father was brought to A7ner-ica when he was but one year old by his parents, who settled in West Virginia among its early pioneers. They came to this county from there in 1853, and located near Brimfield, where the father died a few months later in the same year. His wife survived him until .July 7, 1861, when she too passed away. They had a large family of children, of whom Mrs. Davis is the youngest child. By her union with our subject she became the mother of seven children, of whom the following is recorded: Albert W. is in Canada; John R. is deceased; Minnie is the wife of C. A. Snyder, of Elmwood; Arthur, Charles C.; Everett W. and Freddie M. are at home with their mother. Mrs. Davis is living in the attractive home that she assisted her husband in making, and here, surrounded by her children, she is passing life quietly and pleasantly, in the enjoyment of an assured income from her well-managed farm. She occupies a prominent place in the social circles of the community, and is actively identified with the Presbyterian Church, and takes a great interest in the church work. Our subject left his heirs comfortably well off, the homestead comprising a valuable estate of one hundred and fifty-eight acres of exceptionally fertile land.
The life of our subject was rounded out May 17, 1876, and he left behind him an unblemished record, of which his friends may well feel proud. He was one of the sterling pioneers of the county, and his memory is cherished in this township, the scene of his labors, as one of the early settlers who had the making of it and have now passed to their final rest. He was earnest and zealous in giving his support to all things that tended in any way to elevate society, and was ever to be found on the side of right in any important issue before the public. Politically, he was a follower of the Republican party, and none had greater faith in it or gave it more active support. A man of high moral character and excellent principles, his was truly a religious nature,' and in him the Presbyterian Church found one of its firmest and most active members.[Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, 775-776 - Transcribed by: Bailey H. for Illinois Genealogy Trails]
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JAMES DEAL
Perhaps no name is better known in Peoria than that which initiates this sketch, and which is held by a general contractor and builder, whose portrait appears on the opposite page,
and who is also a member of the firm of James Deal & Co., builders of grain elevators here. Many of the finest buildings in the city were designed and constructed by Mr. Deal, although his work has been by no means confined to this city, but includes public buildings in various localities. He is a native of Vermont, born in Burlington, Wednesday, October 11, 1848, and is the eldest son of Adam and Elizabeth (Hogan) Deal, natives of Canada and the North of Ireland respectively. The father was a contractor, and he of whom we write inherits mechanical and architectural skill which he has developed by careful training. His parents removed to Vermont, in which State they were living when called to join the silent majority.
The subject of this notice drifted west to Aurora, 111., in boyhood, and there passed his school days. On reaching his sixteenth year he began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years. After completing his time he traveled and worked at his trade as an employee a short time, and then, associating himself with Stephen Parry, began contracting. In 1865 he located in Peoria, where his reputation as a skillful artisan and an able designer has led to his having the contracts for the best buildings here during the last decade.
Among the edifices which have been put up by Mr. Deal are the National Hotel, the Watson Block, the Paddock Block, the County Insane Asylum, and all of the costly buildings which have been erected on the State Fair Grounds at Peoria. Many wholesale business houses and elegant residences are monuments to his skill, the most imposing of all being the Woolner Block, now being pushed to completion, which is expected to be the finest in the city. Mr. Deal was also interested in building the State University at Carbondale, the County Poorhouse, and the Insane Asylum at Carthage.
In September, 1869, Mr. Deal was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Benson, of Peoria, who was killed in the Chatsworth disaster in 1887, leaving three children-William, Frank and Belle. He contracted a second matrimonial alliance April 5, 1888, on which occasion his bride was Miss Nellie Harsch, likewise of Peoria. This lady is a favorite in society, and in her own home exhibits the character and skill of the true home-keeper.
It will readily be seen that Mr. Deal possesses a benevolent spirit and social nature, when the fact is stated that he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen, Royal Legion and various Masonic lodges. . .He is enrolled in Temple Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M., and also in the Chapter, Commandery and Consistory. For six years he served as a member of the School Board. He owns and occupies a pleasant residence at No. 400 North Adams Street, where his many friends are cordially welcomed by himself and his charming wife.[Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, 257 - Transcribed by: Bailey H. for Illinois Genealogy Trails]
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AMES DEAL.
Perhaps no name is better known in Peoria than that which initiates this sketch, and which is held by a general contractor and builder, and who is also a member of the firm of James Deal & Co., builders of grain elevators here. Many of the finest buildings in the city were designed and constructed by Mr. Deal, although his work has been by no means confined to this city, but includes public buildings in various localities. He is a native of Vermont, born in Burlington, Wednesday, October 11, 1848, and is the eldest son of Adam and Elizabeth (Hogan) Deal, natives of Canada and the North of Ireland respectively.
The father was a contractor, and he of whom we write inherits mechanical and architectural skill which he has developed by careful training. His parents removed to Vermont, in which State they were living when called to join the silent majority.The subject of this notice drifted west to Aurora, IL., in boyhood, and there passed his school days. On reaching his sixteenth year he began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years. After completing his time he traveled and worked at his trade as an employee a short time, and then, associating himself with Stephen Parry, began contracting. In 1865 he located in Peoria, where his reputation as a skillful artisan and an able designer has led to his having the contracts for the best buildings here during the last decade.
Among the edifices which have been put up by Mr. Deal are the National Hotel, the Watson Block, the Paddock Block, the County Insane Asylum, and all of the costly buildings which have been erected on the State Fair Grounds at Peoria. Many wholesale business houses and elegant residences are monuments to his skill, the most imposing of all being the Woolner Block, now being pushed to completion, which is expected to be the finest in the city. Mr. Deal was also interested in building the State University at Carbondale, the County Poorhouse, and the Insane Asylum at Carthage.
In September, 1869, Mr. Deal was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Benson, of Peoria, who was killed in the Chatsworth disaster in 1887, leaving three children:
William, Frank and Belle. He contracted a second matrimonial alliance April 5, 1888, on which occasion his bride was Miss Nellie Harsch, likewise of Peoria.
This lady is a favorite in society, and in her own home exhibits the character and skill of the true home-keeper.It will readily be seen that Mr. Deal possesses a benevolent spirit and social nature, when the fact is stated that he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen, Royal Legion and various Masonic lodges. . .He is enrolled in Temple Lodge, No. 46, F. & A. M., and also in the Chapter, Commandery and Consistory. For six years he served as a member of the School Board. He owns and occupies a pleasant residence at No. 400 North Adams Street, where his many friends are cordially welcomed by himself and his charming wife.
[Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois; Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1890, pgs257 [Transcribed by Candi Horton, 2007]
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DUBUIS, Oscar F.; Superintendent Glen Oak Park: born in Canton Vaud, Switzerland, June 15, 1849: son of John and Rosalie (LUGRIN) DUBUIS, natives of Vaud. The father was a professor of natural sciences and a teacher in the public school. The mother's people were farmers. Oscar DUBUIS graduated from the common schools and took a two years' course at the Polytechnic Institute at Winterthur, Switzerland. The succeeding four years he spent as apprentice to an architect. In 1870 he came to America and settled in Chicago and took a position as architect and first-class draughtsman with W.L.B. Jenny, Engineer of the West Park, where he remained until after the fire of 1871, when, for want of funds, the city discontinued work on the Park. After a year spent in W.L.B. Jenny's office, he was appointed Engineer and Superintendent of the West Chicago Park system, where he remained until 1893-a term of twenty-one years. In the latter year, in common with many others, he was removed for political reasons, but soon after became Engineer of Lincoln Park, where he remained one year. In 1895 he accepted an invitation to come to Peoria, where, as Engineer and Superintendent of Parks, he has transformed wild hills and glens into beautiful parks.
He was married in Chicago, December 9, 1874, to Fanny GIRARD, daughter of Jason GIRARD, a native of California. They have six children: John O., Ernest G., Frances M., Pearl, Harry F., and George G. Mr. DUBUIS is a member of the Lutheran Church. His family are Episcopalians. He is a Republican, a Mason, and a member of the Elks.
[SOURCE: History of Peoria County, Illinois by Bates Vol. 2, page 585 -Submitted by: Pamela VILLAFUERTE,see source 31]
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DUCE, Charles M.; Locomotive Engineer; born in Tazewell County, Illinois, November 25, 1858: son of Michael and Ann (HEIN) DUIS, as the name was formerly spelled. The father was born December 16, 1827, and the mother , November 10, 1835. The paternal grandfather was Michael DUIS, and the maternal grandparents Oeja and Mary (GERDES) HEIN. All were natives of Oldebolg, Ostfriesland, and were farmers. Michael DUIS came to America in 1852, sailing from Bremerhaven to New Orleans in nine weeks, and from the latter place, by boat to Terre Haute, Indiana. Anne HEIN's father died when she was seven years old, and her mother in 1878. Accompanied by a brother and sister, she left Bremerhaven in 1853, and after a voyage of six weeks, landed at New Orleans, where the brother and sister died of yellow fever. She remained in New Orleans six months, when she ascended the rivers to Evansville, Indiana. In that State she first met Mr. DUIS, who lived three miles from her home in Ostfriesland. Both came west afterward and were married in Tazewell County. Three of the children born to them are now living: Charles, Mary and Sallie. who reside with their mother in Peoria. Michael DUIS was, for many years, a farmer in Tazewell County. Charles m. DUCE lived on the farm with his parents till he was twenty-two years old. He then became a fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad, where he worked three years. Following that he was Engineer at the Coal Shaft at Minonk two or three years, but came to Peoria in 1887, and entered the employ of the Peoria and Pekin Railway Company, serving as a fireman two years. Since then he has been an engineer on that road. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. In politics, he is a Republican. He married Ann PLICE in Peoria, November 17, 1881. They have three children: Minnie, Nellie, and Mabel. Mrs. DUCE was born in Tazewell County, August 26, 1862. Her parents were Fred and Jennie PLICE, natives of Ostfriesland. The father died when Mrs. DUCE was an infant; and the mother now lives in Peoria.
[SOURCE: History of Peoria County, Illinois by Bates Vol. 2, page 585 -Submitted by: Pamela VILLAFUERTE,see source 31]
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DUKE, William B.; Locomotive Engineer; born in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 25, 1851; son of James and Elizabeth (MITCHELL) DUKE. The father was born in Indianapolis in November, 1826, and died March 26, 1899; the mother, a native of Kentucky, died February 22, 1898. James DUKE and wife had seven children, of whom five are living: William B., James S., Flora M., Charles S., and Homer B. William b. DUKE married Mary THORNE, a native of Peoria, in that city, December 19, 1876. She is the daughter of Michael THORNE, born in Prussia in 1821. He came to the United States with his parents when a boy, and, on reaching manhood, married Margaret WINTER, a native of Alsace. Of this marriage seven children were born, three of whom a re living: Martin, Mary, and Michael. Mr. THORNE died in 1865, and Mrs. THORNE, May 15, 1895.
The family are members of the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church of Peoria. The children of Mr. and Mrs. DUKE are: William E., Walter C., Harry E., Flora M., Clarence M., and Alma M. William is in the United States Mail Transfer service at the Union Depot. Walter is a pressfeeder with Franks & Son. Harry is in the office of Blusch & Company, Insurance Agents. Mr. DUKE has been in railroad service for more than thirty years, having been in the engine department since 1874 and a locomotive engineer since 1876. His term of service with the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railway extends back ten years. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
[SOURCE: History of Peoria County, Illinois by Bates Vol. 2, page 585 -Submitted by: Pamela VILLAFUERTE,see source 31]
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John DIXON
The following sketch of the life of the first Clerk of the Circuit Court of Peoria County is furnished by his great-grandson, Henry S. DIXON, a resident of the city of DIXON, Illinois
which John DIXON founded:John DIXON was born at Rye, Westchester County, New York, October 8, 1784. He was a son of John DIXON, who was an officer in the British army, and came to America with that army during the war of the Revolution and remained here after peace was declared. John DIXON, the younger, moved to New York City at an early age, and kept a clothing store and merchant tailoring establishment there for fifteen years. He was an intimate friend of Robert FULTON and, it is said, that he was present on the occasion of the first public trial of Fulton's steamboat on the Hudson, and, on that occasion, handed to FULTON a silver dollar saying that he wished to be the first man in America to pay for such transportation.
He remained in New York until 1820, when his health failing to a certain extent, he removed West, traveling by ox-teams to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, thence to Shawneetown, Illinois, by flat-boat and then by ox-team to Fancy Creek, about nine miles north of the present city of Springfield, the entire trip taking about seventy-two days.
He remained there until 1824, when he moved to Peoria, where shortly afterwards he was appointed the first Clerk of the Circuit Court and Recorder of Deeds of Peoria County, which was organized in 1825. He was also made Clerk of the Commissioner's Court of Peoria County. As there were no other organized counties north of Peoria at that time, the duty devolved upon him of giving notice of the time and places of elections and the inspectors thereof, at the small settlements in Northern Illinois, north and west of the Illinois river, and
extending as far east as Lake Michigan, including Cook and adjacent counties.Prior to 1830 Mr. DIXON received the Government contract for carrying the mails every two weeks from Peoria to Galena. To facilitate this work a ferry was established across Rock River at the present site of the city of DIXON, which was operated by a half-breed named Ogee. Ogee's management of the ferry was not satisfactory, and DIXON soon bought him out and removed with his family to that place. He was the first white settler in that vicinity, and so managed his affairs in his dealings with the Indians that he secured their confidence and friendship.
This proved to be of great value to the Government and the scattering white settlers when, in 1832, the country was devastated by the Indians in what was known as the Black Hawk War. DIXON's Ferry was the rendezvous for the troops during the war, and DIXON served both in the capacity of guide and in securing the friendship and alliance of many of the Indians who would otherwise have united their fortunes with the partisans of Black Hawk.Many of the men who have since become prominent in American history have testified to their obligations to John DIXON for his hospitality, fidelity and courage during those trying times, among the officers being Zachary TAYLOR, Abraham LINCOLN, Gen. Robert ANDERSON, Jefferson DAVIS, Gen. Winfield SCOTT, Gen. Albert Sidney JOHNSTON, Gen. HARNEY, and many others.
During the time that Northern Illinois was being first settled and the counties and courts were being organized, Mr. DIXON took a prominent part and was active in piloting strangers where he had no trail to follow, guided only by his compass and the recollections of such descriptions as he had obtained from the Indians in that new and uninhabited region.
He was a man of medium height, spare in build, with long hair falling over his shoulders and prematurely gray. His long white hair gave him his Indian name "Nadah-chura-sca" or "Head-hair-white" which by usage was contracted to "Nachusa". He outlived his wife and children by many years, dying at the city of DIXON on July 5, 1876. (Mr. DIXON was a delegate from Lee County to the first Republican State Convention held at Bloomington in May, 1856, and spoke on that occasion from the same stand with Abraham LINCOLN. In 1874 he visited Peoria at the anniversary of the "Old Settler's Union -Ed.)
[Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, Munsell Publishing Co., 1902, p. 448. Transcribed by, Yvonne Takis. Thanks Yvonne!]
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