Peoria County IL

The Conner Family of Prairie du Rocher Illinois

Conner's General Merchandise Store, Prairie du Rocher

William S. Conner, born in 1815 in Randolph County, Illinois, is a descendant of the influential Conner family, originally of Irish descent. His father, Henry Conner, a prominent figure in local politics, served as sheriff for seven years and was active in public affairs. After experimenting with business in St. Louis and mining in Wisconsin, William returned to Randolph County in 1858, settling near his birthplace. He left a legacy through his six children, three of whom are still living.

Biography of W. D. McDonald

W. D. McDonald, born on August 6, 1826, in Ross County, Ohio, was raised by Ex-Governor McArthur after the death of his father. Educated in Chillicothe, he initially worked in cattle trading and later in farming after settling in Peoria County, Illinois. During the Civil War, he served in the Thirty-third Enrolled State Militia, eventually becoming acting adjutant general. He married twice, fathering nine children. McDonald resided in a house built by Mormon leader Lyman Wight, near the historic site of Di-Amon.

Biography of Thomas Page

Thomas Page, a key commercial figure in Kansas for over fifty years, was born in Scotland in 1843 and immigrated to the United States in 1866. He began his milling career in Albany, New York, before moving to Topeka in 1871. There, he played a pivotal role in establishing the city as a milling center, founding several mills, including the Interocean and Mid-Continent Mills. A respected businessman and community leader, Page remains active at over seventy years old, while balancing his family life with his wife Jessie and three children.

Biography of John Gallup

John Gallup, born on December 14, 1844, in Mystic, Connecticut, has deep colonial roots and a background in accounting. After marrying Ellen E. Noyes in 1870, he shifted from lumber to the grain industry before moving to St. Louis in 1887. There, he became auditor and treasurer of a railroad and later joined the Missouri Portland Cement Company, where he has served as assistant treasurer for over 25 years. A committed Republican and Baptist, Gallup has a legacy of military service in his ancestry.

Biography of Charles E. Schaff

Charles E. Schaff, born February 4, 1856, in Licking County, Ohio, became an influential figure in the railroad industry. Starting his career as a water boy at the Pennsylvania Railroad, he progressed to significant roles, including train master, general manager, and eventually president of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Company. Schaff’s career spanned multiple railroad companies, showcasing his expertise and dedication. He married Leila B. White in 1878 and had two sons. Active in politics and fraternal organizations, he holds a prominent reputation in St. Louis.

Kickapoo Indians

The Kickapoo Indians, part of the Algonquian linguistic family, historically occupied regions across states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kansas. Initially settling near the Sauk in Michigan, they later moved southward following conflicts, including the War of 1812. They experienced population fluctuations, estimated at 2,000 in 1650 and 3,000 in 1759, but declined to 706 by 1875. Some Kickapoo migrated to Mexico, forming distinct groups. Their name is now associated with geographic features across several states, reflecting their enduring legacy.

Biography of James P. Gray

James P. Gray, born in Peoria County, Illinois, in 1846, moved to Idaho at eighteen to join the early settlers in Idaho City. His family faced hardships during their journey, including an Indian attack that resulted in the death of his brother. After initially mining, they transitioned to stock-raising. James later acquired his own land and became a successful farmer and stock-raiser in Washington County. Married to Clarissa E. Brassfield, he had eleven children and served as sheriff for four years, earning respect in his community.

Biography of James J. Rogers

James J. Rogers, born July 24, 1862, in Baltimore, Maryland, has led a dynamic life shaped by travel and diverse experiences. After moving to New York, he pursued various professions, including acting and painting, before turning to law in Boise, Idaho, where he became a successful attorney and influential political figure. A founder of Idaho’s Populist party, he served in the state legislature and was known for his exceptional debating skills. Married to Rose Gertrude Garrecht, they have two children and enjoy a prominent standing in Boise’s social circles.

Biography of Matthew B. Van Petten

Matthew B. Van Petten, born in Illinois in 1854, has been a pivotal figure in Kansas’s financial landscape since 1880. Initially a farmer, he found success in the Pioneer Mortgage Company, a venture he helped establish in Topeka. His experience in banking and finance reflects his organizational talent and insight into economic trends. A family man, he contributed to local affairs and was active in the First Methodist Church. His late wife, Mary Jane, was deeply involved in church missions and community welfare.

Biographical Sketch of E. R. Hoag

E. R. Hoag, born December 26, 1844, in Peoria County, Illinois, was a farmer and stock-dealer in Jewell County, Kansas. He settled there in 1871, acquiring 320 acres and managing a herd of 200 cattle. Hoag served in the U.S. Army from July 1861 to October 1864 with the Illinois Second Light Artillery. He married Catherine Anderson on April 22, 1869, in Tazewell County, Illinois, and they had four children: Winter, Emita, Mary, and Clay B.

Biographical Sketch of James Elbert Cutler

James Elbert Cutler, born on January 24, 1876, in Princeville, Illinois, was a prominent university professor. He earned his B.A. from the University of Colorado in 1900 and completed his Ph.D. at Yale in 1903. He held various teaching positions, including at Yale and Wellesley College, before becoming a full professor at Western Reserve University. A noted scholar, Cutler authored “Lynch Law,” exploring the history of lynching in the U.S., and actively contributed to numerous academic and civic organizations. He married Carolena D. Sperry in 1903.

Biography of David Prager

David Prager, born June 7, 1834, in Bavaria, Germany, emigrated to the United States at fifteen and became a prominent jeweler in Fort Scott, Kansas, from 1869 until his death on November 26, 1911. Respected for his integrity and generosity, he was an influential community member and an active participant in local affairs, including the Masonic order. Married to Hattie Briggs, he had eight children, many of whom continued his legacy in business. Prager’s life exemplified selflessness and service over wealth, making him a beloved figure in Fort Scott.

Biography of Le Roy Kershaw

Le Roy Kershaw, born December 6, 1880, in Illinois, became a prominent figure in Oklahoma after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1904. He founded the First National Bank in Morris and later moved to Muskogee, where he established a successful real estate business and gained recognition as a leading breeder of Aberdeen-Angus cattle. With a herd that has won numerous awards, Kershaw’s contributions significantly enhanced cattle quality in the region. Married to Trallia Lott, he remains an influential presence in both business and community organizations.