John Vale, Peoria

I'm looking for anyone who can point me in the direction of information regarding JOHN VALE. He was my grandfather. He lived in Peoria, Illinois and in Conway, Arkansas. My father's name is David. John had other children: Harriet, Carol, and Barbara. His wife and my grandmother, Cleta Ritchey (sp?), died when my father was about five years old. The only other things I have been told about him are that he was born in London, he and his brothers moved to Canada (not sure where), and that he came to the US from Canada.

I have never known the Vale side of the family and want to. I also want to be able to trace my family back through him and find out more about my heritage.

Thank you in advance.