Biographies - Elmira Township

Archibald Vandyke, son of Jacob and Alice (Craven) Vandyke, was born in Bucks County, Pa., January 10,1806. His brother Charles was also born in that county, April 12, 1814. The father, Jacob, was born in Pennsylvania, October 6, 1764, the mother was born in Pennsylvania, May 17, 1773, of which state her parents, William and Alice Craven, were residents, but natives of Holland.

Jacob Vandyke was a stone-mason; Archibald, his son, learned the tailor's trade, and with his brother Charles, are the only representatives of a family of nine children.

Archibald was married in March, 1835, to Martha, a daughter of Abram and Martha Slifer, both natives of Pennsylvania, but of German and Welsh descent. That year, with his brother, he engaged in mercantile business in Bucks County, Pa., but in 1836, he moved to Osceola Grove, located 160 acres, and farmed and worked at his trade here until the lands were placed on the market, when he entered his claim.

Archibald and wife have no children of their own, but raised four, namely: Anne Sweet, deceased; Orsinus Sweet, Carlos Newman, deceased; and Emma Leonard, married and living in Minnesota.

In 1874 he sold his lands at the Grove, moved to Kewanee, established a private boarding house, but on the death of his wife in 1877, sold his Kewanee interests, returned to Elmira, and resides with his brother.

In politics he is Democratic, and for over fifty-four years has been an earnest member of the Baptist church.

Charles Vandyke married Eleanor, his brother's wife's sister in April, 1836, and the same month came to Illinois with his brother. After a stay of a few months at the Grove he returned to Pennsylvania, where he left his newly-wedded wife in April, engaged in agriculture there until 1841, when he revisited Elmira, purchased eighty acres, to which, within a few years, he added 240, and cultivated this tract until 1875, when he sold the farm, and purchased sixty acres a point south, to which he has added 126 acres of choice land. Of their eight children five are living, namely: Abram, of Osceola Township; Theodore, single; Charles H, single; Alice, married, residing at Osceola, and James H., residing here.

Charles Vandyke has always been a farmer. In politics he is Republican like his sons.

Adeline Condelle has been with the family over forty-five years.

Since 1845, Charles has been prominent in the public affairs of the township, and like his brother has always been a leading member of the old Baptist church. Socially, the family hold a high place, and are noted for their hospitality. They have in their possession a Welsh dictionary, a China bowl, center table and clothes chest, brought to America in 1738.