Matthews, Silliman, Bouton, Keedy, Schnebly Family - Peoria, IL Princeville, IL

Description

A group of photos - apparently from the same family/lineage. The Schneebly tie in is unknown but I have found much on
Matthews, Silliman, and Bouton.  Not all are identified but for those that are these include:
Emily Matthews (Class of 1922, Princeville, IL) RPPC
John Matthews (Class of 1928, Princeville, IL) RPPC
Flora Sillerman - Family identified with ties to the Matthews - see below  - Cabinet Card
Maude Bouton
Grandpa Wallace Matthews (reprint group photo)
Margaret K. Matthews with Nell McGinnis
Property of J. K. Schnebly - Peoria - 1896 matted photo; Grandpa/Grandma Keedy, Aunt Elinor (sp?), Elvera Schnebly (youngest in the image)
Norman H. Silliman.
Although this gentleman is still on the sunny side of life, his labors have been so successful as to enable him to retire from active business pursuits and, surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, enjoy the domestic and social pleasures to which his tastes lead him and which his finances make possible. In Dunlap he has erected a residence, which is of pleasing architectural design, substantially built and surrounded by grounds tastefully arranged and neatly kept. Those who cross the threshold of the hospitable home find it well furnished, arranged with a view to the comfort of its occupants, and supplied with an abundance of good cheer for both the physical and mental man. Besides his village property Mr. Silliman owns two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land within the limits of the county.
The birth of Mr. Silliman took place in Hallock Township, this county, October 30, 1842. His boyhood and youth were passed in acquiring a good education and a thorough knowledge of farming, to which he proposed to devote his attention. Until 1870 he continued to reside in Hallock Township, pursuing his chosen calling, then removing to Peoria he made that city his home a year. At the expiration of that time he became a resident of Dunlap, having until 1883 been engaged in the grain business. The success which he has achieved is conclusive evidence of his shrewdness as a business man, and the place which he holds in the esteem of the community is indicative of his worth of character.
The many estimable qualities possessed by Miss Emily Matthews, a native of Peoria, won the regard of Mr. Silliman and aroused his desire to secure her companionship in his home. His wooing proved successful, and on February 1, 1866, their marriage took place, being celebrated in Hallock Township. Mrs. Silliman is the youngest of three children born to Leman and Mabel (Barker) Matthews, who now occupy a farm in Medina Township. The parents were born in Connecticut, there grew to maturity and became man and wife. Soon after their marriage they removed to Henry County, Ill., coming thence to Peoria, where Mr. Matthews was engaged in the sale of clocks about nine years. At the expiration of that time he removed to the farm upon which he is still living. The natal day of Mrs. Silliman was November 14, 1845. She is the mother of two children, but one of whom, a daughter, Flora E., has been spared to the fond parents. The first born, Rollin M., died September 20, 1870, when nearly a year old.
While living in Hallock Township Mr. Silliman filled the office of Justice of the Peace. With this exception he has devoted his attention exclusively to his personal affairs and his duties as a private citizen. His political affiliation is with the Democratic party, in the principles of which he firmly believes. He is liberal in his religious views. His own hospitable spirit, combined with the charming manners of his wife, makes his home one to which the best people of the neighborhood frequently go, finding there every means of social enjoyment which heart can wish. No lady in Dunlap is better qualified to act as hostess than Mrs. Silliman, and her efforts are ably seconded by her winsome daughter.