****************************************************************************
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 William Temple TOLER, M.D. 

Pages 325-326, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: CAMPBELL, HOME, HUNTON, KOST, McHUE, MERRILLE, MORROW, O'NEAL, RICE, TOLER] 

    
WILLIAM TEMPLE TOLER, M. D., deceased, was for many years one of the most prominent physicians of Fulton County, and at his death his profession was deprived of one of its noblest representatives, and the citizenship of the community suffered a sad loss. He was a resident of Astoria during nearly the whole of his professional life, and had built up in this village one of its most beautiful and attractive homes. 
    
Dr. Toler was a native of Virginia, born near the city of Richmond, November 27, 1827. For the history of his parents, Thomas and Mary (Hunton) Toler, see biography of Dr. B. C. Toler, which may be found on another page of this volume [page 455]. Our subject laid a solid foundation for his medical education under the tuition of his father, who trained him carefully in the English branches and in the classics. He commenced to study for his profession under the instruction of Dr. O'Neal, of Bath, Ill., and subsequently entered the Louisville, Ky., Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1851. He began his career as a physician at Otto, this county, whence he came three years later to Astoria. For nearly thirty years he actively pursued his high calling here, having a large practice, extending even beyond the limits of the county. He became noted for his rare skill in the treatment of difficult cases, and was considered the finest physician in this section of the country, standing at the head of his profession. 
    
In the month of September, 1882, Dr. Toler's great, warm heart was stilled forever, and his weary brain and over-taxed body found rest in death. He was mourned by many far beyond his sorrowing home circle, as he was the beloved physician and cherished friend in many a household where his presence had brought healing, or had soothed the last hours of the dying. He was rarely adapted to his profession by nature and temperament, possessing, as he did, refined, sympathetic feelings, a high sense of honor, a clear brain, steady nerve, and other essentials of the true physician. His daily intercourse with others was marked by a genial, courteous temper and considerate kindness. Though he was a quiet and unassuming man, he was an influence for much good in the community where so much of his life was passed, as his every deed and act were guided by the highest principles of truth, integrity and morality. He was a Christian man in every sense of the term, and his place in the Christian Church of Astoria, where his name was the synonym of love and charity, can never be filled. He was one of its leading members, was foremost in its every good work, and for years was an Elder of the church. We cannot think that such a life can come to naught, but we reverently believe that he has now entered "upon broader fields of action and duty, where nobler struggles shall task the strength and more precious crowns award the victor, where the hopes and dreams of earth shall be turned to sight, and the broken circles of life be rounded to the prefect orb." 
    
Dr. Toler and Miss Sarah A. Morrow were married in the month of April, 1857. Mrs. Toler was born in North Carolina May 14, 1831. Her father, Arthur Morrow, was a native of either North Carolina or Virginia. He married Jane Campbell, who was born in the former State. They lived in North Carolina until about 1832, and then came to Illinois, making the removal thither with teams, cooking and camping by the way at night. They first settled in Greene County, and subsequently took up their residence in Mason County, of which they were pioneers. In 1851 Mr. Morrow came to Fulton County with his family, and after living a number of years in Waterford Township he came to Astoria and spent the remainder of his life here. His wife died in Mason County. They reared eight children, two sons and six daughters. 
    
Mrs. Toler was very young when her parents brought her to Illinois, and she remained with them until her marriage, receiving a careful training in household duties that eminently fitted her to preside over a home of her own. She is a true, generous-hearted, womanly woman, and holds a warm place in the affections of those about her. She is one of the valued members of the same church with which her husband's name is indissolubly connected. Three of the children born of her marriage with our subject are now living--Temple E., Alice E. and John C. Temple, a merchant of Astoria, married Miss Emma McHue, and they have two children--Mabel and William; Alice married George Rice, a merchant of Astoria, and they have two children--Bessie and Hattie, John C., a druggist at Galesburg, Ill., has been twice married. He was first wedded to Miss Dolla Kost, who died, leaving one child, Mildred. He was subsequently married to Mrs. Eva (Kost) Merrill, a sister of his former wife. 
    
Dr. and Mrs. Toler in the kindness of their hearts adopted their niece, Miss Lizzie Morrow, when she was an infant, and reared her as tenderly as if she were their own daughter. She married Charles Home, a resident of San Diego, Cal. 
    
Dr. Toler was a man of much practical business talent and financial ability, and by the judicious investment of his money acquired a valuable property, and became one of the wealthy men of Astoria. He was prominent in social circles as a member of Astoria Lodge, No. 100, A. F. & A. M.