Robert Stonier

Robert Stonier, son of James and Ziporah (Davis) Stonier, was born in Herefordshire, England, on Foxhall farm, May 2, 1819. His ancestors were of Old English descent. His father died April 10, 1849, in his eighty-third year, and mother in 1851, being about the same age as her husband. At the age of fourteen Robert was apprenticed to a carpenter, receiving for his labor one shilling a week, this being increased as he progressed. His father paid £30 to secure him tis position with Henry Haines, of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. After seven years he began working at his trade, first at Cheltenham a short time, next at Bristol, then at London, where he remained about three years; when he removed to Southampton, and in 1850 came to America. Landing at New Yofk he worked there at his tr#de about a year, when he went to Buffalo and remained a short time. While there he sent to England for Miss Elizabeth Bisco, met her at New York, where they were married in Trinity, church, June 5, 1351.. Returning to Buffalo, they remained a few months, and the same fall removed to Peoria, Ill. Elizabeth Bisco is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Arnold) Bisco, born in Gloucestershire, Eng., June 4, 1820. Her father was proprietor of a large linen manufactory, until his death in 1857 at the age of eighty-three, being preceded by his wife three years, who died in her eighty-first year. After the arrival of the Stoniers in Peoria, Mr. Stonier followed his trade about sixteen years. They then purchased a farm in West Jersey township, where they still reside. At the time of their settlement here Stark county was without a railroad, and the people hauled their produce to Peoria. Seven children have been born to them, only two of whom are living: John J. (deceased), Robert A. (deceased), Arthur F. (deceased), Charles E. (deceased), Harry P., farmer of West Jersey township; Albert R., at home, and Eva E. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Stonier were formerly members of the Presbyterian church. Their two sons are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Stonier was a member of the I. O. O. F., and had taken the fifth degree. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a supporter of the Republican party. While living in Peoria Mr. Stonier was one of the first to sign the first petition for the abolition of slavery. He now owns 240 acres of choice lands, a. little over two miles from the village of West Jersey.