**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890 **************************************************************************** The Biography of Benjamin ALWARD Pages 467-468, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins [Surnames: ALWARD, HOLCOMB, LAWRENCE, PECK, POOLE, RICHMOND] 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.